Since a significant percentage of the average family’s waking hours are spent behind the wheel, it’s paramount that we take the necessary steps to ensure that we are prepared and trained to address the most common issues motorists may face during both daily commutes as well as extended road trips. From changing weather conditions, the vulnerability of navigation and our reliance on cellular infrastructure to personal defense and first aid, we can easily and efficiently upgrade the contents of our vehicle to keep us ahead of situations that may arise and commit to responsibly getting ourselves and/or our passengers safety to our destinations. As a woman who spends a lot of both her daily and long distance travels alone with children, I have had to be very thorough and strategic when it comes to loading out my vehicle, not only for the safety of myself and my littles, but for the confidence it lends when I make the choice to place myself and my passengers onto the highway. It’s important to note that this list is thorough, but in no way exhaustive, and you as an individual, or a family must include items that will help in tempering emergent situations that you may face specific to your unique needs. It’s also worth noting that differing climates, terrain, and oftentimes the unpredictable nature of weather patterns should play a key role in helping you choose what items to include in your own vehicle. If you’re interested in a more economical option, invest in the bold items first, and then add on the other items as your budget allows.
All of the items mentioned here are recommended to be kept in addition to what we suggest to be carried in your EDC.
Basic Items For All Travel Separated by Category:
Auto Supplies
I like to use a Fieldcraft Load Out Bag to store the following:
- Basic Mechanics Tool Kit
- Properly inflated spare tire
- Wheel lock key (if your tire requires one)
- Ratchet Straps
- Ice Scraper
- Antifreeze
- Auto Fire Extinguisher
- 2 Quarts Oil
- Jack and 4 way tire iron
- Jumper Cables and/or Jump Box (be sure to get the correct gauge for your vehicle)
Safety + Emergency Supplies
- Hygiene/wet wipes
- Hot Hands
- Ponchos and Umbrella
- Blanket(s)
- 100 + ft of paracord
- Light Source
- Roadside Flares and/or reflective triangles
- Assortment of batteries (include batteries for your light source(s))
- Knife/blade
- Glass breaker/seatbelt cutter
- Duct tape
- Disposable towels
Local and National Maps- Phone charger
- Cell phone power bank
- Lighter
- Quarters (saves you the step of getting change from cashier if you need air for tire from a service station-especially if you have kids in the car)
- Zip ties
- Personal Defense Weapon with spare ammunition (check laws and reciprocity for states that you are traveling through)
- Satellite phone or HAM Radio
- Sanitizer
- Work Gloves
- Beanie, wool socks
- Water (1 gallon per person)
- Emergency food (examples: dried fruit, dried meats, canned meats, fruit purees, peanut butter packets, crackers, nuts, granola bars)
- Glowsticks
Medical Supplies
- Fieldcraft Mobility Go Bag (to hold all medical supplies plus transitions into a Go Bag backpack if you need to separate from the vehicle.)
- First Aid Kit with both wound care + medication
- Fieldcraft Vehicle Trauma Response Kit (includes CAT Tourniquet)
Or
Additional Items for Children or Road Trips
- Bathroom bucket
- garbage bags
- toilet paper (if you are traveling with children a tired child + a bathroom stop-especially in the dark- can be a distraction and a major vulnerability. Access to a bucket of some sort for using the restroom is an option to get you out of a pinch and allow you to remain safely in your vehicle. The trash bags make for easy cleanup. Can also be used as a basin if motion sickness or an upset stomach strikes)
- Multiple options for entertainment (coloring supplies, stickers, handicraft supplies)
- Small containers for dispersing snacks
- Notepads with pens (for children who can write-use for games to help instill situational awareness as you travel)
- Extra change of clothes for each child (warm options are always safe: pants, socks, undergarments, shirt or sweater, jacket)
Traveling, especially with our families is such a gift. Investing time and resources into securing your safety and efficiency within the many circumstances of the roadways will give you both confidence and peace of mind. By optimizing storage through the use of bags that can transition from mobility to a bag used when retreating, you can supply your needs for a large spectrum of contingencies, creating the prime environment for both yourself and your family to step fully into the thriving adventures of life.