We are headed into the time of year when travel reaches its peak level, especially by passenger and/or recreational vehicles. That means it is time to get them in tip-top road ready condition. This includes making certain that we have emergency supplies that are congruent with our travel plans. We don’t want to be the ones in the news that fell prey to an unforeseen incident that left us unprepared and vulnerable. We don’t want to be lost, stuck or disabled without the tools and supplies that will help us prevail in whatever situation we find ourselves. That being said it is untenable to prepare for every situation, but we can prepare for most.
Frequent traveler
As an instructor, I travel year round all around the NW. Often times I find that I am the only vehicle on the road. That is actually my favorite time to travel. I have a keen sense that most times the only thing separating me and the oncoming traffic is a painted line. You are at the mercy of every other driver out there when you travel. You can be doing everything right and pay the price for the mistake or indiscretion of someone else at any time. I often see debris on the roadways from storms, improperly secured loads, and accidents. These hazards can and will cause problems for you, the recreational traveler if you are not careful and prepared.
Unprepared travelers
All too often we hear of someone who was caught unprepared while traveling. Whether it was weather related, mechanical failure, poor planning, or just bad luck the result is the same. They are forced into survival mode trying to improvise for shelter, food, and water occasionally resulting in death or severe injury. Something I say in all my classes is, “It costs us very little to be prepared and safe, but could cost us a great deal if we are not”, it is relevant to almost all aspects of our lives.
How do we prepare?
Skills first
As an instructor, I will always start by developing your skills. The skills that are relevant to this topic are easily attainable. The key is to learn the skills before you need them.
- Learn how to check your tire pressure
- Learn how to change a tire
- Learn how to check your oil
- Learn how to check your coolant level
- Learn how to check your transmission fluid
- Learn how to check and change fuses in your vehicle(s)
- Learn how to use a weather radio
- Learn how to read a paper map (not google maps)
- Learn how to use a compass
- Learn how to properly place flares
- Learn how to use your fire extinguisher
- Learn how to use jumper cables
- Learn how to use a water filter
- Learn how to use a portable stove
Tools and Supplies
Now that we have an idea of what skills we need, lets put together the tools and supplies to compliment those skills.
For your vehicle
- Flashlight/Headlamp
- Ice scraper
- Tire gauge
- Carjack
- Spare tire (preferably full size)
- Tire repair kit with a compressor
- Shop towels
- Quart of oil
- Gallon of coolant
- Quart of transmission fluid
- Long funnel
- Basic toolset (wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, etc…)
- Solar or crank powered weather radio
- Maps and compass
- Flares (preferably electronic to avoid combustion hazard)
- Fire extinguisher (ABC)
- Jumper cables
- Portable Battery Jump Starter
- Small shovel
- Tow Rope
For the people
- Candles
- Lighters
- Matches
- Duct tape (we like Gorilla tape)
- Disposable gloves
- Well-stocked first aid kit (with any prescription meds you may be dependant on, such as an EpiPen, insulin, etc…)
- Solar blankets
- Wool blankets
- Warm socks
- Raincoat or poncho
- Good all-weather coat
- Cash (small bills and coins)
- Stocking cap
- Sun hat
- Umbrella
- Heavy gloves (work gloves)
- Sleeping bag for the current season
- Tent
- Sleeping pads (one for each person)
- Paper and pencils
- Whistle
- List of important phone numbers (on paper)
- Can opener
- Knife
- Scissors
- Garbage bags in various sizes
- Sewing kit
- Baby wipes
- Toilet paper
- Hand soap
- Comb
- Hairbrush
- Toothbrush
- Change of clothes (season appropriate)
- Towels in a waterproof bag
- Water (preferably one gallon per person or more)
- Water filter (such as a Sawyer mini)
- Backpack (small, for carrying supplies during excursions i.e. getting water, etc…)
- Good walking shoes or boots
- Portable camp stove (we like Jetboils)
- Freeze Dried food (preferably 3 days per person)
- 100 feet of Paracord
- 25 feet of 3/8 inch rope
- Pocket survival guide
- A container for all your supplies
Important things to note
- In cold weather, your water containers should have space to allow room for expansion when the contents freeze.
- Always have a backpack for each person. If you are forced by circumstances to leave your vehicle on foot, you will want to be able to carry as much of your gear as possible. Always choose to stay with your vehicle if you can.
- Your kit should change with the seasons, winter gear won’t do you much good in the heat of summer, but extra water will be invaluable.
- When taking a longer trip, add extra food and water to your kit.
- Don’t forget about communications: you can summon help with a cell phone or a two-way radio.
- Depending on the laws where you live and your personal preferences, weapons and ammunition can be a useful addition to your vehicle kit.
Urban vs. Remote
This article is focused on remote travel where you would not be able to depend on services like AAA or other roadside assistance. Although these skills, tools, and supplies will benefit you wherever you travel you may not need to prepare for the extremes that I have. Not everybody needs everything on this list. Pick the items that are relevant to your situation, your environment, and your disaster scenarios. No list can be comprehensive for everyone, but this has done well by me. As I said before,
“It costs us very little to be prepared and safe, but could cost us a great deal if we are not”
As Always,
Stay Vigilant and Be Prepared