I carry a snow shovel (it's this one: http://www.voile.com/voile-avalanche-shovels/voile-telepro-avalanche-shovel.html). It's paid off for me several times (especially during http://forums.equipped.org/ubbthreads.ph...true#Post214082, where I had an older model shovel). Only when I was stuck at the bottom of a hill covered in a sheet of ice did I wish for a traction aid instead.

That's a super nice shovel, ChaosMagnet!

Teslinhiker -- Good tip. Thanks.


Here's another question: What sort of blanket(s) do you all keep in your car kit? I currently have an inexpensive polyester fleece number, but always wonder if a wool one would be better.

Also, do you think the color could be helpful? (Darker = warmer, bright yellow/orange = better visibility)

I keep a wool and a synthetic fleece blanket in the truck at all times. For out of town winter travel, a sleeping bag rated to -10C is added.

As for color, to me it makes no real difference as the blankets and bags would most likely only be used in the truck interior. It would be easier to carry a large orange plastic contractors bag if you ever needed something for maximum exterior visibility.

I go black fleece + a HD winter sleeping bag for each rider

On out of town trips, I carry a wool blanket, winter sleeping bag, fleece or wool sweater, thinsulate hat and mitts for every passenger. My regular commuting load is a wool blanket, winter sleeping bag, thermarest and my personal GHB/BOB, which includes extra clothes, hat and mitts.

Heatsheets two-person (one in my commuter kit and a couple in my car kit), plus spare clothes and spare outerwear, plus a sleeping bag if traveling out of town.

I'd like to get a good wool blanket to leave in the car but I haven't found one that I liked at the right price yet.

It's allowed me to get my rear out of a few difficult situations. I highly recommend getting a model like mine that can extend to full size, it has made a huge difference with my bad back.

*nod to the bad back issue*


Have any of you who pack wool blankets have any suggestions for keeping them clean/pest free? I'm thinking of putting it in a heavy plastic bag and duct taping it, but wonder if there are better options...

Oh, and another question.

I've often wondered about storing water in one's car when it's below freezing. I usually take out the water bottles for a couple of months each winter (unless heading out for an extended trip in the mountains) due to concerns that they will eventually burst/crack with the temperature extremes, but I really really don't like the idea of being without some extra water, even in town. A couple winters ago temps dipped below -19F/-28C for a few days; and it can get colder than that some years.


Any thoughts on this would be much appreciated.

I keep mine stuffed in a canoeing dry bag.