Vehicle EDC/ Emergency Kits!

U

Ubiquitous Akimbo

Joined
Oct 7, 2013
Messages
25
Hello, my gear junkie brethren! Today while driving home from work, (a quick 30 minute commute on crappy Canadian roads) I got to thinking about my complete and blatant lack of a vehicle- based EDC/ Emergency kit! It would be nice to be adequately prepared in the case of a breakdown, happening upon fallen trees on roadways, possible accident assistance, Zombie apocalypse, etc especially in the dead of winter. So I need your guys' expertise and advice so I can pit together a full kit for the car, as it were.

So, what do you guys have in your kits? Any suggestions? Feel free to discuss!
At the moment all I have is a socket set and a Buck 110 in the glovebox. Dismal! :barf:
 
I always stock the car for winter driving living up in Northern Alberta. Wool blanket is a must! Also I try to leave my -100c boots, spare hat and gloves in the trunk. If you breakdown in the cold hypothermia / frostbite is your #1 problem.
 
i keep my impact gun in my car in case i get a flat. and a small jack.

in my bag in the trunk i have
a 1st aid kit
emergency
fire stuff
safety blanket
a medium sized fixed blade
gloves
iodine
550 cord
some 1" climbing webbing
compass
a hat
duct tape
dry bag with a change of cloths
garbage bag
microfiber towels
small candle
water bladder
1l of distilled water
couple led lights and batteries
i have a decent amount more it all fits in a small laptop backpack. kinda just a small emergency kit in case i got stuck and had to wait for a tow or a buddy. or if i needed to walk home. im not a prepper but i like being prepared. im probably forgetting some things because i havent really used it much since i put it in my car
 
The winter clothes and blanket are definitely a must in Alberta, I hear ya. Excellent list jwblack911, lots of great ideas there, appreciate the replies!
 
I keep a socket set. Mace, teo flashlights,Mini grip. Combo edge, rain jacket, sweater,flares, water, energy bars and a Geico emergency tow number that comes with my car insurance. Being in the suburbs of NJ I don't expect much to happen.
 
I know I could be more prepared but I am lazy (and busy with work), but I keep an old camera bag in the trunk with water, granola bars, small med kit, flashlight and extra batteries, and soon to add leatherman ps4 to the bag.

already have paper towel rolls, tissue, and poop bags because I have a puppy, the paper towels are so handy.
 
I'm thinking of keeping my kit in one of those large blue plastic storage containers. Any other ideas for a method of containment for my kit?
 
I learned my lesson on this little hobby a few years ago.

At that time, I had a 1995 extended cab Ford F-150 4X4, and it was completely loaded down with everything you could think of. First aid kits, water, food, winter gear, chains, jacks, guns, and what ever else has ever been mentioned in this or any other EDC or emergency equipment thread in the entire internet.

Until that one day when the light freezing drizzle came while I was tucked warmly away at my workplace. At quitting time, I walked smugly to my truck knowing I had all my bases covered. Until I realized that I couldn't see through the windshield.

If only I had one of those fancy plastic ice removal from your windshield thingys......
 
Flares are a good item and an electronic one of good quality will be as good as the standard one. A Benchmade window breaker .Knife ,BK-7, army folding shovel, blankets .Other things depending on season etc.
 
Among all the items listed I make sure I have zip ties and duct tape. With those two items I can make numerous one time use repairs.
 
Northern climates being very different from southern climates, your needs will differ from mine, but, I have a Pelican 1400 case with most of the above mentioned stuff.
In Africa, we cant rely on someone else seeing a flare, so I am ready to DIY.
First aid- mostly trauma stuff, bandages etc. Re hydration salts, antihistamines, pain killers, diarrhea tablets, water purification tablets, lifestraw.
Energy bars, and 3 litres of water + a dry bag rolled up to either keep stuff dry if needed or to collect water as a "bucket".
Victorinox Hunter XT, Kabar Impact Tanto if needed.
Garbage bags, zip ties, duct tape, glow sticks, whistle, mirror, mag glass, Bic lighter, ferro rod and fly fishing line (good for all sorts- its strong stuff)
Machete, basha, hi viz vest, mini compressor + plugs and tools for punctures, waterproof parka and a shemagh.

All this stays in boot all the time, along with toilet paper, wet wipes and a camelback loaded with spare socks and other goodies for longer road trips.
Have a spare waterproof cell phone with charger, kinetic tug strap and some Wiley X goggles as well.
Hope this helps some.
 
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What nobody has mentioned duct tape and baling wire;) But seriously a couple things not mentioned that I have found useful are a shovel and tow straps. Have had to use both several times especially in the winter. I have a truck with a camper shell so I carry my stuff in in a lg action packer storage box. Most everything else listed by others is also kept in the back of my truck at all times. Cheers, Chad
 
jwblack911 said:
i keep my impact gun in my car in case i get a flat. and a small jack.
Click to expand...

Me too ! Nothing like busting a flat tyre off in 15 seconds with a rattle gun, and having the new one on and done up 30 seconds later !

Takes me longer to get the spare and jack out than it does to actually change the tyre.

I keep a pretty basic tool kit in the car (cheap sockets and spanners to fit the car plus a cheap multimeter, screwdrivers and a cordless rattlegun) and add a second more advanced tool kit (or expansion pack) for long trips.
5x 600ml water bottles live under the drivers seat with some snacks, and towrope/led flare/jumper leads/reflective vest live under the passengers seat.
 
My night-shift RN wife, now retired, had a flashlight, .357 and cellphone in her F150 truck.

The real police, me or EMT in that priority order.

I thank God everyday for her ...and all our emergency responders.

Best.
 
On a normal day the stuff in the car is geared towards keeping me and my vehicle running for a few days. If my car breaks down my plan is to shelter in place with my vehicle and gear until the cavalry shows up. I am also equipped to hoof it if the situation dictates but I'd rather not. There is an empty gas canister there in case I need to go get more (I always try to keep the tank over half full anyway so there isn't much chance of that), and basic auto service gear.

Always
- A year round clothing layer system (heavy thermal underwear + light thermal underwear + gloves + hats).
- First aid kit/trauma kit.
- Booster cables, Car battery charger (mains power)
- Spare tire + accessories for changing a tire
- Spare phone, fully charged
- Phone charger + 12v to USB charger
- Ice scraper + brush
- Windshield wiper fluid
- Motor-oil
- Empty gas canister
- Food and water
- Heavy duty straps
- Matches, lighter + tinder, knife, flashlight
- Battery powered emergency car booster that doubles as a very large battery for charging electronics in a pinch
- Work gloves
- Sun hats
- Safety glasses

Winter
- Heavy boots, windproof insulated pants, balaclava, layered of gloves + mittens, and a heavy parka.
- Sleeping bag + mat
- Snowshovel
- Fluid for de-icing a lock

In the boonies
- Axe/saw/extra long prybar (1.5 meters or so)'
- Hiking kit
- More food and water

probably other stuff too
 
I forgot to mention.

Always
Warning triangle (set it up a way back behind your car if you have to change a tire. Gives other cars time to see you and react.)
High visibility vest
 
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