Winter Vehicle EDC

Being stranded in your vehicle for whatever reason is no fun, but stranded in the winter can be a life or death situation if not prepared.

Here is a list of items to consider when putting your winter vehicle EDC together.

• [easyazon_link keywords=”cell phone” locale=”US” tag=”prdtprep01-20″]cell phone[/easyazon_link] (or any other type of communication device)
• [easyazon_link identifier=”B01CK6AR7M” locale=”US” tag=”prdtprep01-20″]list of emergency numbers[/easyazon_link] (good if you don’t have them all memorized, but also good in case your phone auto locks and you’re unconscious allowing emergency personnel to get in contact with the right people)
• [easyazon_link identifier=”B01CU1EC6Y” locale=”US” tag=”prdtprep01-20″]small battery bank[/easyazon_link] to charge phone (in case you can’t start your car to charge your phone)
• [easyazon_link keywords=”flashlights” locale=”US” tag=”prdtprep01-20″]flashlights[/easyazon_link] (yes, it’s plural, more than one flashlight is ideal)
• [easyazon_link identifier=”B017THMP04″ locale=”US” tag=”prdtprep01-20″]food[/easyazon_link] (granola bars etc because you don’t know how long you will be stranded)
• [easyazon_link keywords=”water” locale=”US” tag=”prdtprep01-20″]water[/easyazon_link] (might be difficult if you don’t bring fresh water every time, as it could freeze depending on your climate, rotate often)
• [easyazon_link identifier=”B00F7YMUWU” locale=”US” tag=”prdtprep01-20″]seat belt cutter, glass breaker[/easyazon_link] (I put these two together because they can work together to help you escape if you became physically stuck in your vehicle)
• [easyazon_link keywords=”flares” locale=”US” tag=”prdtprep01-20″]flares[/easyazon_link] (for visibility or for fire to keep warm)
• [easyazon_link identifier=”B004NNVHUW” locale=”US” tag=”prdtprep01-20″]glow sticks[/easyazon_link] (for visibility, being seen)
• [easyazon_link identifier=”B004R7G02Y” locale=”US” tag=”prdtprep01-20″]lighter[/easyazon_link]/[easyazon_link identifier=”B00773VVHO” locale=”US” tag=”prdtprep01-20″]matches[/easyazon_link] (for fire to keep warm, thaw frozen water)
• [easyazon_link identifier=”B00005A1JN” locale=”US” tag=”prdtprep01-20″]saw[/easyazon_link] (for fire wood or if a tree/ branches fell over the road)
• [easyazon_link identifier=”B00002X1XS” locale=”US” tag=”prdtprep01-20″]pry bar[/easyazon_link] (never know when a handy tool like this is needed)
• [easyazon_link identifier=”B011ARI3FK” locale=”US” tag=”prdtprep01-20″]tow rope[/easyazon_link] (in case you just need a tow out of a ditch or similar)
• [easyazon_link keywords=”jumper cables” locale=”US” tag=”prdtprep01-20″]jumper cables[/easyazon_link] or better yet, a [easyazon_link identifier=”B015TKUPIC” locale=”US” tag=”prdtprep01-20″]battery bank that self boosts[/easyazon_link] because it is good not having to rely on someone else if out in the middle of nowhere
• [easyazon_link keywords=”first aid kit” locale=”US” tag=”prdtprep01-20″]first aid kit[/easyazon_link] (this is a given for obvious reasons)
• [easyazon_link identifier=”B00K7W1QAO” locale=”US” tag=”prdtprep01-20″]garbage bags[/easyazon_link]/[easyazon_link identifier=”B003WH7N7Q” locale=”US” tag=”prdtprep01-20″]tarp[/easyazon_link] etc (to keep yourself or other items from getting wet, wet + cold = very bad)
• [easyazon_link identifier=”B0058I16DO” locale=”US” tag=”prdtprep01-20″]shovel[/easyazon_link] (full size is best but a [easyazon_link identifier=”B0038A05X6″ locale=”US” tag=”prdtprep01-20″]compact shovel[/easyazon_link] is better than nothing)
• [easyazon_link identifier=”B008JSK0AK” locale=”US” tag=”prdtprep01-20″]sand[/easyazon_link]/[easyazon_link identifier=”B000GLOFTU” locale=”US” tag=”prdtprep01-20″]cat litter[/easyazon_link]/[easyazon_link identifier=”B0046CZKIA” locale=”US” tag=”prdtprep01-20″]traction devices[/easyazon_link] (to help get you unstuck in snow or ice)
• [easyazon_link identifier=”B00J7B8T5Q” locale=”US” tag=”prdtprep01-20″]blanket[/easyazon_link] ([easyazon_link identifier=”B00DZ1NFSK” locale=”US” tag=”prdtprep01-20″]mylar[/easyazon_link] to reflect heat back to you, or [easyazon_link identifier=”B00D1AJVHY” locale=”US” tag=”prdtprep01-20″]wool[/easyazon_link] or synthetic, not cotton as it retains water, more blankets the better)
• [easyazon_link keywords=”winter gloves” locale=”US” tag=”prdtprep01-20″]gloves[/easyazon_link] and [easyazon_link keywords=”winter hat” locale=”US” tag=”prdtprep01-20″]hat[/easyazon_link], [easyazon_link keywords=”winter boots” locale=”US” tag=”prdtprep01-20″]winter boots[/easyazon_link] (extra winter clothes in general because depending on where you’re going, you might be wearing something unsuitable for winter like work clothes, gym clothes etc. Also good to have if the clothes you’re wearing get wet)

Remember, redundancy is not bad with anything in your winter vehicle EDC. Also, be conscious of how many people can be in your vehicle at any given time, this will determine the number of items you will carry.

Whether you’ve never thought about putting a winter vehicle EDC together before, or you’ve been putting one together for years, I hope this list has made you think of things you might not have before.

If there is something I missed, please share in comments! I’d love to hear.

Safe driving everyone. Until next time.