Ditto on the shovel. It can be the only thing that gets you home
in snow or mud season.

This is just off the top of my head, but presumably your parents are older people with set ways. Buying them a bunch of stuff that they've never seen before just means when they need it, they won't think to use it.

The best thing you can add to your list is sitting down with them for a half-hour to an hour, and going over the kit, talking about when they might need it, letting them put their hands on, and getting feedback from them. OK, so it won't be a surprise, but it will be more useful for them.

It's a bit pricey, but I recommend throwing in a JetBoil for a stove, if you walk them through using it first. Dead easy to use and they might find themselves using it in non-emergency situations too.

In that case, I'd get him a small folding knife for his keys as well. Either a sak or a small locking blade (like a Benchmade Benchmite or simple lockback). Maybe a little ferrocium rod and squeeze-light too. Better than nothing.

Add a couple cans of Fix-A-Flat. That is something simple that has got me out of changing flats on the side of the road many times. It's a big job for older people to change a tire. Many do not have the strength to do it. Not being stranded is the best way to be safe.

Also, I have added a safety vest to each of my vehicles. If I have to change a tire, or walk out, it will help me to be seen.

David Enoch

That isn't a horrible idea. A small SAK or multi.

I added a Vic Mini Champ to my keyring. It's okay for survival(relative to its size) but excels for everyday tasks. I especially like the pen, it seems that gets more use than anything else. The whole thing is not much thicker than the 'classic' model with the same outline.

I prefer the Terralux inserts for mini-mags over the Nite Ize. They cost a lot more, but you get better light.