In West Michigan we received an early taste of winter around the Thanksgiving Holiday in late November of 2024. This got me thinking about a quality winter survival kit for my F150. This kit is designed to be placed in your vehicle (hopefully a truck or SUV) and is per family member.
Water-Minimum of 1 gallon. Bring a drink mix like Gatorade. Powder is easiest to transport.
Food-Preferably non-perishable such as freeze dried food, energy bars, dehydrated fruit, hard candy, etc. Think about calories to stay warm.
Blankets-You want wool, emergency space blankets are helpful as well in a winter emergency.
Sleeping Bag-You get what you pay for! The colder the rating the better for winter and for surviving in your car overnight, if necessary.
Clothes-Thermal underwear, winter coat, wool clothes, snow pants, thermal socks, gloves, winter hat, scarf, insulated boots (LL Bean has a solid insulated boot for a good price; either buy or make felt lining for the inside of these boots). You want as many wool items as you can get your hands on.
Sleeping Pad-Remember, conduction sucks the heat right out of you when you are laying against a cold surface. Put a layer beneath you to prevent this issue.
Tarp/Tent-Have available if you are unable to use your vehicle as cover/shelter.
Hand Warmers-Prevents hands from getting frost bite.
First Aid Kit-For minor cuts and injuries.
Flashlight-Have extra batteries, I swear by Surefire flashlights
Cell Phone-Have it fully charged before you leave and have a charger in your vehicle.
Road Flares-If you slide off road you want to be able to signal for help.
Reflective Triangles-Lets emergency services and others know your location and where you went off the road.
Jumper Cables-For dead batteries (yours and others).
Portable Jump starter-This is a good alternative if you cannot find someone to give you a jump from their own vehicles battery.
Bag of Sand or Cat Litter-Place under your tire to gain traction.
Shovel-Helps you dig yourself out.
Extendable Ice Scraper and Brush-Clear your windshield.
Mini Stove-Small propane or similar gas stove, or just a candle lit in a metal can (like a coffee can) will make a world of difference.
Notepad/Pen-Allows you to take down information. For example, you can write down the mile marker you are closest to and call 911 with the information.
Multitool-endless uses.
Is there anything you would add to this list?