Just laying this out on the ground has made me add a few things to the list: fuse kit, work gloves, 2 bottles of water for the pack's side pockets. Any other suggestions?




- wheel chocks
- duct tape
- safety wire
- reflector triangle
- cable ties
- basic tool kit, plus vise-grips and extra screwdrivers
- jumper cables



- fleece balaclava
- warm gloves
- Glock knife
- 60' of nylon cord (20 + 40)
- heavy-duty garbage bags (one black, one huge orange one)
- 10'X 16' plastic tarp
- nylon windbreaker
- Gerber folding spade




- 6-hour candle (wrapped in foil)
- Sparklite firestarting kit
- lifeboat matches
- roll of TP
- steel cup
- first aid kit (designed for medium group, hiking)
- 2 Millenium food bars (400 cal. each)
- 2 whistles
- Gerber locking multi-plier
- AM/FM radio (uses 1 AAA) with headphones
- 20 Micro-PUR water purification tablets
- paper, pencil, pen
- compass
- LED headlamp (uses 3 AAA)
- 8 AAA batteries
- 2.5L Platypus water bottle




2 personal kits. The one in the upper right is packed, the other spread out to show contents.
Contents of EACH:
- 12 water packets
- 2 handwarmers
- hygiene kit (3 antiseptic wipes, 3 anti-microbial wipes, 1 antibiotic ointment)
- poncho, plastic
- survival blanket
- 2 snaplights
- 1 2400 calorie emergency ration



Packed size.

This is in addition, of course to the usual car stuff (spare tire, jack, lug wrench) as well as a few everyday things that might prove useful, such as a golf umbrella and a Gazeteer (detailed map book) of my state and the closest bordering state.

Flares or equivalent.

Much water.

Tyvek hooded coveralls or equivlent.

May I suggest an Esbit stove. And some coffee and or tea packets, the sugar and cream packets also. Don't take up much space by will sure make life more enjoyable if you are stranded or stuck in a long backup.

Looks good to me.

You probably plan to purify water 2 L at a shot, but it might help if you marked the 1 L line on your Platypus.

I also carry an inexpensive fleece or woolen blanket to drape over the injured to combat shock and cold in general.

I think Emergency Essentials has a passable cheap wool blend blanket:

http://beprepared.com/search.asp?t=ss&ss=blanket

The ones at Sportsman's Guide are okay too, once you get the mothproofing aired out.

Bear

Some of these suggestions that may or may not apply depending no the age of your vehicle and if you have to venture off the pavement....

I seem to have changed a lot of tires so:
Portable 12V compressor
Tire repair kit and/or tire snot
A length of aluminum pipe or something similar to enhance the leverage of the crappy short lug wrench that comes with the car.
Throw-away gloves for changing tires, a rag or wet-wipes.

Plus:
Some JB Weld (e.g. to fix a radiator or oil pan)
Some insulated electrical wire
Spare fluids such as motor oil and brake fluid
Spare belts, hose clamps
A tow-strap
A fire-extinguisher

A blinky light or two to alert traffic, fleece blanket, old cell phone and charger (can still dial 911)

tro

Good looking Car Kit Jaywalke and I like some of the additions.

I am often in the bush and alone so I carry a couple more recovery type items (drive a big pickup truck so space is not an issue).

- High-lift Jackall
- Come-along or power winch
- Power Box (for boosting battery, has 12 volt and 110 plug-ins and air compressor)
- Axe and Swede saw (sometimes small chainsaw + gear)
- Sandvick Brush Axe (very handy for making a "turn-around" at the dead end of a bush road).
- Road Safety Reflective vest
- Spare Windshied Wiper (I carry my old one as a spare)
- Window Breaker/Seat-belt Cutter Tool
- Spare jug of windshield wash
- Paper Towels/Baby Wipes/Hand Wash/Liquid Soap
- Large Fix-a-Flat can stuff (my DW cannot change a tire)
- Rope/Tie-down straps
- Flagging Tape
- Large aluminum pot (mostly to use as a pail to put out other peoples campfires)
- Bolt-cutter/Hacksaw/Padlocks/Chain
- Deck of Cards
- Rainsuit/Change of Clothes
- Bug Repellent/Sun Screen
- Ice/Snow Scraper

Much of this stuff would be far too large/heavy to carry in a car and alot of it would not be needed on the highway or in town.

Mike

2 out of 3 Car Kits
By Rich “Raspy” Shawver

What is missing? The Bug-Out-Bag is. Although, you may call it a get home bag rather than a BOB. Why? Because you may not have a BOB in every vehicle. In addition you may not carry a BOB at all times. The vehicle, the kits are for, could belong to someone else. You can use the argument for including such gear that Homeland Security is recommending people to acquire and keep 72 Hr. kits. Be this a significant other, someone you hope may become a significant other, relative or just a friend that refuses to carry a BOB. As it is not the PC thing to do.

This is a vehicle emergency pair of kits. They are for personal emergencies rather than for problems that effects the general populous. Whether it is a local or worldwide situation. Because this is repair equipment rather than survival supplies it will be easier to convince someone that is a non-prepper to accept it. You do need this gear in every vehicle. Everyone knows that a problem will happen when you are least prepared. But that is neither here nor there. A BOB is a matter for a different discussion.

These kits are not cheap. Don’t expect to throw $20 or $30 worth of equipment into a bucket and call it good. While something like this may be a first step in the process it is only the start of a good car kit. The overall cost might add up to a quite a bit. This need not be spent all at once. Prioritize the equipment you intend to acquire then purchase a little at a time. While there are many ways to reduce costs. DO NOT CUT QUALITY! The intent of these kits is to save the life of you or someone you care for. At least to get out of a situation that could become dicey if not dealt with. Do you really want to skimp? You can do with less gear but if what you have is cheap junk that fails it was a waste of time, weight, money and most especially expectations.

A number of items are cross over equipment. Much of the survival gear, food and water can be used as a supplement to a BOB. Because of the carrying capacity of a vehicle there are fewer constraints on weight or bulk versus a BOB designed to be packed on your back. Although you might want to consider adding a day pack or two if you need to leave the vehicle primarily for food and water with these kits.

Why 2 kits? You need one in the passenger compartment. Just in case you are trapped in the vehicle the gear has to be within reach of the driver. Regardless of how many are in the car there is someone that starts out in the driver’s seat. This can even be split up into several packages. Some in the glove box, under the seat, door pockets or even one of those organizers that hook to the back of the seat. Depending on other options that have been add there may be even more places available. The other is for the big gear. This can be in the trunk, bed storage box etc. Additionally some of the spare parts could be stored in a container or box mounted in the engine compartment. This is dependent on the type of vehicle and how much room is available.

These kits are an average between the frozen north [or south] and the tropics in between. Of course since this is a generic description tweak it to meet any special needs of your home stomping grounds and specific vehicle. They also will need to be seasonally adjusted. Over the years I have observed that the majority of vehicles contain only one person. For this reason the kit quantities are single person based. If in your case you regularly travel with extra people you may want to increase amounts of certain materials such as clothing and consumables. If the expected extra passengers are children the consumables may need some adjustment. While foods, such as MRE’s or lifeboat rations would be tolerated by adults, children will demand more palatable snacks. This will require a balancing act between storage life and the individual child preferences. While older children will understand the necessities of the situation young children may understand to some extent but still want something they like. The object is to help pacify them. With all the other problems do you really want to add extra the agitation of whining children to the mix?

How to store the equipment.
Rubber Maid, Tupperware and others make plastic containers from small to large and multiple shapes. These protect the car from the content, protect the contents from water leaks and help organize the equipment. Also plastic [to save weight] tool and tackle boxes. You can even make custom stuff sacks or buy commercial ones. For added water resistance gear can be packed into ziploc type bags. There are buckets in ½, 1, 2, 3, 5 and 8 gallon sizes with tight fitting lids. Groups can be packed in small sized containers then tucked in various nooks and crannies or in a larger container. Words of caution about plastic containers and cold weather. When exposed to cold plastic can become brittle. Be careful handling to minimize the chance of damage. Some of these totes even have wheels and extendable handles. While they are more expensive they will allow it to be pulled behind you rather than on your back. This would allow you to transport more than a pack would. There are also foldable luggage carts kind of like a small hand truck.

When packing things like clothes and sleeping bags there are plastic bags with a one way valve you hook up to a vacuum cleaner and suck out the air. This protects the clothes from dampness and keeps them fresh. This can also be done with the seal a meal vacuum packing machines. It also reduces the bulk so you can pack more in the same space. Plus there are a few make do with what is available methods. [See Home Vacuum Packing.]

Organizing the equipment: Lists, lists and even more lists. For containers with multiple items print up and laminate a packing list. Another option is there are brush on products used to waterproof maps without the extra weight or much of the stiffness of lamination. Tape it to the outside. To be on the safe side, include a duplicate list inside the kit. Used in conjunction with a grease pencil items that have been removed can be marked. This makes it easier to know what needs replaced. The lists would also contain sections of what to change on a seasonal basis and dated items such as meds or food. If the list is done on a computer the size can be increased to make it more readable or smaller to contain more per sheet. Individual item packages can be labeled using light colored tape [masking, first aid, freezer, etc] and a permanent black marker. The labels and lists also make it quicker to find what you need with minimal searching. It ends the, I know it is in one of these boxes but which one. As Murphy says it will be in the bottom of the last box you search. Another option is to store items or groups of items can be packed in color-coded sacks and boxes. The lists would then also include the appropriate color. A good schedule for checking when items need changed out is the spring and fall time change for daylight savings time. As it is repeatedly announced everywhere.

Trunk Kit
This will be the outside the passenger compartment gear. Trunk is just a generic term used for convenience. The kit includes fluids, tools and some spare parts. The heavy gear the stuff that takes up space. Wait-a-minute, I or the person that the kit is being made for can barely put in gas let alone fix something. Well you or they can learn. Then again maybe someone may stop to help. Without tools, parts or fluids even if they know how fix the problem there will be nothing they can do to help. If you do get to a shop it is Friday afternoon. The mechanic doesn’t stock that fan belt. The part store closed 5 minutes ago it is a long weekend so you’re out of luck until Tuesday morning.

A reasonably complete First Aid Kit. Again maybe more gear than usable by the driver but may be useful if others become available. It can’t be used if you don’t have it.

Vehicle Fluids and Tubes of Goo
These can be scattered around or packed in a single container. These should be somewhat isolated to prevent damage or contamination to other gear in case of leakage.

Antifreeze: Usually comes in 1-gallon jugs. This is needed during the summer as well as winter. A few come premixed but most come in a form that for best results need to be mixed 50/50 with water. You have a choice store as is and hope for a source of water or use your drinking water to dilute. Then you have to mess with mixing. The other option, get an empty antifreeze jug, split evenly between jugs then top off with water.
Motor Oil: 5 Quarts and a filter. Your problem may have been a rock through the filter. Put on a new one and refill the system.
Transmission fluid: 1 Quart. Can also be used in power steering system in an emergency.
Break fluid: 1 Quart
Windshield washer: 1 Gallon.
Radiator stop leak: Bars leak or aluminum flake sealer.
Form-a-Thread: Form-A-Gasket: Loctite: Their names pretty much explain the function. Permatex and Loctite are 2 companies that make these type products. Both have good reputations for quality. There are others. Use the brand you like.
Epoxy: Quick set Epoxy: You want to get on the move as soon as possible.
Putty Epoxy: Two strips that kneed together to form an epoxy compound. Better to fill gaps and holes.
Super Glue:
RTV:
Waterless Hand Cleaner: GoJo or D&L. After you fix it you will want to clean up.
A roll of Shop Towels: Things will need cleaned or wiped down. These are rolls like a very heavy-duty paper towel. There may be other brands But I know these work. You may opt for rags that are reusable.
Tire Repair Kit: Plugs punctures.
Tire Slime: It is supposed to seal tire punctures so that you can re-inflate a flat tire.
OR
Fix-A-Flat: An aerosol can that inflates a tire and incorporates a puncture sealant. WARNING: Some of these products are flammable. If you take the tire to a shop please have the courtesy to inform them. It could dangerous to the repairman’s well being.
WD-40, Blaster or other similar type penetrating oils. Loosens up stuck nuts and bolts. It also displaces water in things like the distributor and plug wires.
Gasline Deicer: 1 Bottle. More if the vehicle has these problems.
Window Deicer:
The last 2 are for cold weather use but can be carried all year if it is more convenient.

The ToolBox: Small hand tools.
Although, if funds permit, you could carry a tool kit that would make the average auto mechanic green with envy. The purpose of these tools is not full-scale auto repair and maintenance. The idea is to be able to perform quick fixes to allow you to get to where things can be properly repaired. Get you home safe to worry about it at a better time instead of being stuck in the middle of the boonies.

Ways to minimize the size and weight of the tool kit.
A full size and a stubby magnetic screwdriver handle. These use interchangeable tips. The tips come in Phillips, Standard, Torx, Tamper Torx, [these can replace the regular Torx.], Allen Wrenches, among other type fasteners. There are also some small handles that accept these bits that function like a ratchet wrench. While these are not as good as full sized dedicated tools they will reduce the weight and bulk of the kit.
A couple of 6 or 8-inch crescent wrenches: Sure crescent wrenches are not the best choice. They tend to round of the nuts. For normal work proper wrenches are the best things to use but we are talking a way to minimize the tool kit size for emergency repairs. Two because there are times one is needed to hold and one to turn.
You may or my not wish to include a small socket set.
1 or 2 Vicegrip pliers: Not only to turn things but they can clamp things together to hold things in place to get out.
Since things will always need to be cut at least some form of knife of your choice. Better more than one.
Wire cutters
Needle Nose Pliers: These could be the vise grip style also.
Hack saw: You may need to cut some metal. Sawzall makes a manual handle that accepts reciprocating saw blades. These blades come in an assortment of both metal and wood. Ranging in size from 3 to 12 inches long. This would be another option to reduce size yet increase versatility.
Magnetic pick up and or finger pick up tool: It would be a real shame to have the problem almost fixed and the drop a part where you can’t reach it. These may just save the day.
Hammer. Sometimes you need to bang things back into place.
A 24 to 36 inch crowbar. Prying a bent fender from a tire. Maybe just a little leverage is needed.
An electrical meter to track down shorted or opened wires.
Either a pair or two disposable gloves or those slightly heavier rubber dishwashing gloves to keep the hands clean. There are also products that come in a tube that can be spread over the hands that act like gloves.
Work Gloves: To protect your hands. It depends on the task. All leather, leather palmed or mechanic type gloves are best.
Tyvek coveralls: These keep your cloths clean. The can also be used as an extra layer for cold times.

This should cover the basics but feel free to add your favorite tool to the mix. Everyone is going to say I carry thus and such specialty tool because. That is neither here nor there. These are the minimums.

Heavier tools:
Tire Chains: The V-bar style is one of the best. Those in the north during winter will see the need. But they are not just for snow and ice. They also add traction in things like mud. Meaning they are a year round item.
Cat Litter: This is a winter item. It is an excellent traction aid if you forgot the chains.
A pair of traction mats: Yes 2, one for each side. These are easy to acquire. A welcome mat sized piece of carpet. Call it 18 inches to 2 feet wide by 3 feet long. These can often be gotten at a carpet store cheaply as remnants or outdated samples. Simply stuff one end under the tire to drive out. These mats can also double a mat to lay upon when working under the car.
Jumper Cables: Forget those el-cheapo 6-foot thin wired ones. They are about worthless. Get ones that are at least 12 feet long with heavy-duty clamps and wiring.
Jack: The minimum is the jack that comes with the car. You can not even change a tire without one. This item can be upgraded as the user sees fit. My opinion is that the Hi-Lift jack is the best. Along with jacking it can perform a whole host of tasks.
Tire iron: Actually a misnomer what most people call a tire iron is a lug wrench. There will always be a need to remove the lug nuts to change a tire. The one that comes with the car will do the job but the star style wrench works so much better. So should be considered as an upgrade.
If you have those lug nuts that incorporate a lock to prevent tire theft. Make darn sure you include at least one of the unlocking devices that act as keys. Better yet a couple in different locations to be safe.
A full sized spare tire: Forget that space saving temporary donuts. And depending on expected conditions that are expected to be encountered a second spare might be a wise move.
A slab of wood: This is to be used as base plate for the jack in soft soil conditions. This makes the car go up rather that the jack sinking. From 1 foot by 1 foot up to 2 feet by 2 feet ¾ inch plywood will work very well. One idea is that if a tub is used for storage cut the wooden slab to fit just under the lid.
A Come-A-Long: This gives you a means to pull a stuck vehicle a short distance or farther with several pulls. This may be just enough to get things going again. It is a good tool even if you have an installed winch.
Ax and Brush Saw: It could be a tree across the road. A compact folding saw could fill the bill for a saw.
Shovel: The most effective for a compact size is the old style military entrenching tool. The kind that can be locked straight as a shovel or 90 degrees as a mattock with a pick.
Rope: It can come in handy.
Tow chain and/or tow strap. Used with another vehicle, a Come-A-Long or Hi-Lift jack can get you unstuck and moving again.
Air Compressor or Tire Pump: To re-inflate that flat.
Fuel Can and Siphon: You can’t siphon tank to tank because of height. The can allows fuel to be bought in from a distant source. That can’t happen to me, I keep at least a half a tank. Well you ran over some junk on the road you didn’t see or could not avoid in time and punched a hole in the tank. The hole can be patched but you then need to refill it. The big debate is safety concerns. Do you carry it full or empty? Your choice.

Ways of holding things together.
Duct tape: The list of uses is endless. The only limitation is the imagination.
Electrical tape: If you fix something electrical it will be beneficial to insulate it.
Wire: Most comes in rolls. It is not necessary to carry the entire roll. Just wrap up some for the kit. A roll can then supply several kits.
Bailing Wire: To city folks it is sometimes called mechanics wire. To tie things together. Slightly smaller than coat hanger wire. Especially items that are to hot for duct tape. It use to be said a long time ago that some older cars were held together with bubble gum and bailing wire. Well duct tape has supplanted the bubble gum. Bailing wire is still effective.
Lock Wire: This is finer gauge than bailing wire. More flexible but serves the same functions.
Electrical Wire: To repair or replace parts of a damaged wiring harness to get power flowing again. You can use heavier gauge wire to replace light gauge but not the other way around. Stripped of insulation it can substitute for the bailing wire.
A few crimp style wire terminals and splices.
Zip Ties: They come in sizes from a couple of inches to feet long. 8 or 9 inch long would seem to be about the optimum length. One or more can be connected together for greater length is needed or several around the object for more strength. Their only problem is being plastic they will melt if exposed to a high heat source.
A jar of various nuts and bolt.
Assorted Hose Clamps: Need more be said?

Spare parts:
This list could be nigh unto endless. Some people carry enough that they could practically build a new vehicle. Again the idea is to include things that the average person can deal with and are the most likely things that go wrong.
Fuses If you replace a fuse and it blows again break out your meter and find the short and fix it.
Fan belt or belts if your car uses more than one.
Radiator hoses: Sure they can be patched with duct tape if you have nothing else.
Sections of fuel and break lines and some couplings.
Spare light bulbs. Tail and side lights. Maybe a single headlight?

Lighting up the night
Odds are stuff happens at inconvenient times like O’ dark thirty.
To warn others of trouble ahead.
Flares and those triangular emergency reflectors. Yes both. Reflectors last but flares are more effective. Flares are also very effective for starting a fire in an emergency.
Work light: They come in incandescent and florescent bulbs. They either plug into the cigarette lighter or have jumper cable like clamps to clip directly to the battery. For the DIY’er you can make your own. Normally when a headlight burns out one element remains. Normally the high beam. Wire can be soldered to the terminals with a plug or clips at the other end. A scrap container that fits the bulb can be fashioned to hold the assembly. For round lights a Clorox bottle is ideal. The bottom of the bottle is cut off leaving the funnel shaped top with handle. The bulb is taped or RTV’ed into the mouth. The cable is then stored through the cap behind the bulb. For square bulb you can adapt a similar container that fits. Just make sure whatever kind used has a long enough wire to reach where it is needed.
Portable light: This would typically be a multi-cell Maglight flashlight. Although this could be almost anything from a sealed beam lantern to various bulb or LED head lamp.

Clothing and such.
The minimums:
Hat: Top choices are Watch Caps, Ski Masks and Balaclava.
Poncho and Liner: To keep you dry and if cold warmer.
A change of heavy duty clothing shirt, pants and socks. In case the ones you have on at the time are damaged, soaking wet or inappropriate for the occasion.
Hiking Boots: Or at least good walking shoes. You may not have good ones on when the problem occurs.
Improvements and additions:
Insulated coveralls are an excellent product.
A couple of blankets and/or sleeping bag. Wool is the best choice for blankets. Although the newer space aged pile blankets are becoming a close second choice. Space blankets either the heavy-duty kind or the ultra-light emergency ones are also a good idea.
Hand warmers: A nice source of portable heat in colder climes.
Does it seem I’m obsessed with the cold? There is not much you can do regarding heat except try to minimize the effect [shade and minimum exertion] and keep hydrated. In case of cold without a heat source or insulation you can be in grave jeopardy of hypothermia. Which can lead quickly to death. The need of including extra clothing is especially important during the in between seasons of spring and fall. In the deep of winter a person is likely to be dressed for the worst conditions. But because of the potential of radical weather changes at these times clothing that is appropriate one day can be totally inadequate the next. 70 degrees with shorts and T-shirts today, rain and freezing tomorrow and up to your who-haw’s in snow drifts the next.

Finally 2 or 3-day supply of food and water sized for the area the driver normally operates in.
Water, obviously persons living in desert areas would require a larger supply due to conditions.
Food should require little or no preparations. If canned food is included don’t forget a can opener. Nothing is more frustrating than to have it and the only way to get into it is bashing it with a rock or prying with a bumper. Could be very wasteful. The choice should be based on 2 factors. Individual taste being for most. Why make the situation worse by having food you can barely tolerate. Second it needs to tolerate the temperature extremes it can be expected to encounter in a vehicle. While many items would taste better heated most canned products are precooked so can be eaten cold straight from the can. You may want to include in your kit a pot to heat water or food. If used to only boil water you don’t have the problem of washing the pot. Food can be heated in the can just remember to open the can first. To supply the heat, there are many commercial stoves. One of the most compact is the Esbit or Trioxane folding stoves. They fold to about the size of a deck of cards. There are additionally numerous designs on the web for making homemade stoves. Like the buddy burner and the tuna candle two or three should do nicely.

Both of these burners are based on the tuna can. These cans are used because they are large enough to be useful but compact enough for practicality. Additionally their height to diameter ratio is such that they are very stable. Making them hard to tip over. A nice safety benefit. They are also used unlike other cans of this general size they are heavier duty and robust enough to withstand the heat they will be exposed to. To construct the candle version one or more wicks are placed in the can and it is filled with paraffin. While producing adequate heat they are the better method for generating light. The buddy burner on the other hand is more adapted for heat production. To construct newspaper [although most any paper will work] or corrugated cardboard is cut into strips the width of which is the height of the can. The strips are then rolled and placed into and filling the can. Melted paraffin is then poured in saturating the material. Pour until it will hold no more. The paper or cardboard then acts like a very large wick. Both of these can be refueled while in use. In both cases take chunks of paraffin chopped from a bar. For the candle place them in the pool of melted wax and the burner just place them on top. The additions will simply melt and be incorporated. As these will get hot during use if you intend to use them in the interior of the car [and that ’s reason they're there] you will need something to set them on to prevent burning or melting a hole in your seats. P. S. Don't forget something or better yet several some things and methods to ignite them. Even more important anything that burns uses air. Crack a window without ventilation you could run out and die.

What are some of the food options that are available? Yes, I know the standard military or survivalist answer is the good old MRE. Not to mention freeze-dried meals from the camping store. But what are the options from the local supermarket? In times not so long ago you rather limited. You had the choice of tuna, sardines in sauce or oil and maybe a can of beans. If you haven't looked lately the shelves have exploded with new choices. These products have been produced for the convenience minded, abet at higher prices. In the past year or so we have seen shelf stable fully cooked foods packed in the foil pouches. These are nice for weight savings.
Star-Kist has added tuna.
Recently I have seen hamburger to full dishes so package.
Dinty Moore has always had its beef stew in the can. Couple years ago they started putting it in plastic tubs to heat in the microwave. They have also added pot roast and mashed potatoes and Chicken with stuffing. Uh, Oh, I forgot to pack the microwave! Never fear while they would probably taste better heated, as they are fully cooked they can be eaten cold.
Assorted canned meats chicken, ham, beef, corned beef and yes, good old reliable Spam. I can hear the outraged cry’s even as I type. Spam, Yuck!!! Baloney and I don’t mean the meat. I think it has really become a status symbol to disparage Spam. The same folks that boo and hiss rave about those Danish canned hams. I have eat both and there isn’t that much difference between the two. Spam is the poor man’s canned ham.
The fish line has expanded also tuna, sardines, shrimp, clams and more.
There are various drink mixes to make your water taste better.
Uncounted ready to serve soups, stews, even Chef Boyardee pastas and Spaghetti O’s.
Pasta and rice dishes that you add boiling water some in their own container. Can you say Cup O’ Noodle.
Hot instant cereals like oatmeal and grits.
Power Bars in many styles and flavors.
Cereal Bars some even have milk added.
Single serve coffee for those that can’t live without, hot chocolate milk already included and tea bags for hot drinks.
Bouillon to add flavor.
Boxes of juice for the kids.
Sports drinks with electrolytes added for dehydration.
Some of the old standards.
Nuts mixed or single flavored for protein and fats.
Dried fruit an it ain’t just raisins anymore.
Hard candies and M & M’s for that I’m draggin’ and need a boost now feeling.
There are now many sealed trail mixes on the market or you can mix your own from the above.
If you are really into DIY you can make jerky, dry your own fruits and veggies for individual snacks up to complete dried meals. Add water to hydrate, heat and eat.

You can also take a page from Hollywood disaster scripts. In what I am convinced were product placement ads. Government officials with warning stocking up for long-term disaster were stocking cases of Ensure. This product is meant as a highly nutritious food supplement drink. There is also Pediasure for children. Both are designed in several flavors to appeal to the palate. While these may be more beneficial in the long term it could be considered in this instance because it combines nutrition and fluids.

Well the trunk is stuffed so full its tied down with bungies. Not really, while all this gear seems like a lot of stuff it is surprising how small a bundle it actually is. The liquids requiring the most space and adding the most weight.

Kit(s) number two the driver seat accessible one. The whole works doesn’t go anywhere without a driver. So if you do get trapped inside the gear needs to be reachable by the person that will be there if no one else is. Yes there is much duplication with the trunk kit. The differences are mainly in volume.
Water or some form of liquid to keep you going. On average without fluids to keep you hydrated you have about 3 days give or take. A couple of bottles with those sports cap tops from a half a liter to about a quart will work well. I know it is foolish to buy bottles of water or the like. But you are buying the bottle. It can always be refilled from the tap. Although you can carry sports drinks, sodas or fruit juices. Whatever tickles your fancy.
A small First Aid Kit. [FAK]
One or two fire extinguishers: In spite of the fact that a larger one can be in the trunk the speed at which a fire can spread because of the flammable liquids in a vehicle. At least one small hand held one should be within reach of the driver. You may not have time to get to the trunk.
A tuna candle or buddy burner for heat or light. The ones in the trunk are spares or to increase the output.
Some munches. Sure you don’t “need” food for about 3 weeks but something to gnaw on will keep up your energy and spirits. A positive attitude is of utmost importance. Load the dice in your favor. Go for comfort foods. Hard candies work well for this. If you don’t chew the flavor lasts a long time and gives the allusion of eating. I like lemon drops. Power bars supply more nutrition and fair better than regular candy bars.
Call it a day’s worth of food and water inside the passenger compartment. When combined with the trunk supplies it adds up to a 72 Hr. kit.
A nice stadium blanket won’t look out of place and might come in handy.
An emergency space blanket. Small compact and useful.
Flashlight(s): The LED types are great as they have a long life. Sure most of us are no longer afraid of the dark. But that glow can be a comfort while trapped awaiting a rescue.
One of those cigarette pack sized emergency poncho. To keep you dry for quick fixes or to get to the trunk for your main gear while staying dry.
2 books. Why 2? One, a good survival book of your choice. Keep’s you brushed up if the skills are needed. The other a good reading book. If stranded either will help keep the mind occupied while awaiting help. It helps past the time. Maybe a deck of cards or travel games for the same reason.
A good pocketknife or multi-tool in case you forgot the one that should be in your pocket.
A couple of ways to make fire.
Plus your normal daily pocket carry items.

The next few items are a toss up. Most may be considered wilderness oriented survival gear.

Do you include one or more firearms?
First is the personal concern. Do you want one or not based one personal beliefs.
Next are the legal issues. Check what laws may be applicable.
The reason for carrying it? Is the setting urban where it is for defense against attack by criminals? The choice would tend towards handguns for the ability to conceal it, accessibility and maneuverability in the close confines of a vehicle. Or in a more rural setting where it would be more likely be used for food procurement or animal attack. These would then tend more toward the long arms category. The specific choice would be personal preference based more on the ability to handle. It is better to use a small caliber that you can hit the target with rather than miss with something bigger.
Finally cost. They ain’t cheap and it costs to practice enough to become and stay proficient. If firearms are a yes get the highest quality you can afford not necessarily the most expensive. If your life may depend on it better be reliable.

Foraging gear? Such as nets, snares or fishing gear. Again it is a choice. Most of this gear is more long term or BOB oriented.

Water purification? Either chemical of filter methods maybe both. Again more long term. But should be seriously considered, as water is life.

Shelter needs? Because the car can be considered shelter you may or may not want to include these as they are more BOB related. Although they would range from the simplest form beyond clothing as a contractor grade trash bag. More advanced as in tarps. To even tents. Tents can be a Bivy Sack to a Popup camper.
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Finally cash, money, currency, funds, assets, loot or lucre. Coin of the realm comes in many forms. A prepaid phone card will allow you to contact family or friends to send aid or to let them know what’s up and where. Sure 911 is a free call but what is a personal emergency to you may not be very important to the authorities. They tend to frown on emergency calls that they deem a nuisance. Plastic and checks are convenient. In some situations or dealing with some individuals cash is the only option that will be accepted. That tow truck driver that happens by may be a jerk and demand money up front or you watch him drive off into the sunset. He knows if he over charges you can stop a check or charge but it probably would cost you more than the fee to get cash back. Therefore not worth your effort. While large bills are easier to carry consider that those you are dealing with may be unable or just unwilling to make change. A prime example is some of the things that happened during the blackout in New York. Some venders were charging 5 and 10 dollars for what was normally a 1-dollar bottle of water. Sign says 10 dollars a bottle, cash only, no change, one to a customer. You have a hundred-dollar bill. Either turn it over for one or next. You are not going to be able to fight the couple of hundred people waiting in line behind you. So a selection of bills is needed. While having the cash available is a great temptation to dip into the till for something you happen to want at the time. Try to resist, I know, I know you promise faithfully you will put it back. But an IOU won’t do you much good if you really need it in an emergency.

The purpose of this is not just another list of what is in my car kit but more categories with some ideas of dealing with them. Just to get the thought processes going on what you should carry.

Regardless of the amount or type of gear that is carried it does not guarantee safety. Equipment with out the knowledge to use it is a waste of space, effort and expense. On the other hand with enough skills many of your needs can be fulfilled via improvisation from sources found around you. Critical parts for a vehicle can’t be pulled from thin air. You need a balance. Skills to accomplish required tasks. The tools to perform and to make it easier to do the job. And an open mind to make do with what is available.

Stay tuned for the third kit.

If you are carrying all that, where do you store your luggage?

Thanks everybody. This is my commuter zoom-zoom little car, so it has never been off the pavement and would only be taken there in an emergency. It's only a year old, which is why I have so little in the tools/fix-it area.

Tyvek coveralls are a great idea.
I've already added more water.
Esbit stove added, with tea and bouillon.
Wool blanket added.
Fix-it-Flat and a pipe for leverage are also on the list.
I forgot to mention that I already have a window breaker/belt cutter within reach of the driver's seat.
JB weld added. Wire, I wouldn't know what to do with. The hose clamps are hard to see, but they are in my little kit already.
I also will add a pre-paid phone card, some quarters and cash.

Raspy, that is a very complete kit, but I just can't fit it all. I'm going to stick with my current plan of leaving the BOB at home, and keeping only the bare minimum in my little car. I am within an easy (five-hour) walk of home when I am at work.

Thanks again for the well thought out responses.



jaywalke