I know we've had a dozen threads about go-bags and such, and over the last few weeks I've been thinking about them a little differently.

As we enter the Fall season, weather changes are on the mind a lot and with that comes the usual series of "what-if" questions.

I figure it's time to change/refresh some of the gear in the "truck bag," and with that I want to prepare a bag for The Lovely Girlfriend's car. This is where the focus changes somewhat. As I think about a bag for her car, I'm thinking less about a SHTF bag and more about a "survive the inconvenience" bag. Not a grab-it-and-run bag, but a "make the situation a bit better" bag... something to help out in a traffic tie-up, rather than a colleciton of "survival" gear.

Background: about a dozen years ago, we had a serious and sudden snowstorm roll in. When I went out to get lunch, it was cold out. An hour after I got back, the snow was falling so much that we elected to stop operations and send people home. By the time I could get out of the building, several inches of snow had accumulated. I ended up taking a coworker home, and on the way got a call from my next door neighbor who had picked up her son from school but couldn't get home. I didn't do anything superhuman or take any stupid chances, but I'll admit that afternoon was the most difficult bad-weather driving I've done.

Along the way, we got held up in traffic on a curvy two-lane road with very narrow shoulders. Traffic was going nowhere, because most of the vehicles ahead weren't suited to the weather at all and it took a good while to get them towed or pushed out of the way. In a similar storm some time later, I spent two hours sitting on a bridge that's no more than 500 yards from the house (as the crow flies), because people just couldn't get their cars up the hill ahead. I watched a young lady simply get out of her car and start walking, with no effort to get it over to the side of the road. These things happen.

This is where my thoughts on preparing a bag for TLG's trunk lean more toward "going to be here a while" than "I've got to ditch it and hike." I'm not looking to stash a week's worth of MRE and a firearm in the bag -- this is more about keep warm, don't starve, and have a few conveniences available.

Here's where I'm starting:
* A batch of the Hot-hands hand and foot warmers. They seem to never go bad, and she's even less a fan of being cold than I am.
* A poncho liner (woobie) from the surplus store. It's a blanket, it's a pillow when rolled up... generally versatile. Heck, with some creativity, it's a cover to provide some modesty should one have to take care of Mother Nature's call while stuck out and about.
* A zip-lock bag stuffed with a few packs of store-bough jerky... it's not luxury food, but it'll keep a person from getting quite so hangry, right?
* I'll ask her to add some of her own socks, gloves, and a hat.
* There's a cheap poncho and a foil-type emergency blanket in there.
* A few glow sticks (not quite Cyalume, but similar) for signaling presence (or even a bit of light).
* Handy-wipes, or something of the sort, plus a couple of small microfiber cloths.
* A small first-aid kit (so far it's just an ouch kit, more so than a full-on IFAK).
* I'd probably put an inexpensive Leatherman knockoff or at least a single-blade knife in there too.

I'd like to toss a few water bottles in there, and I realize those have to be rotated out often as in-car storage isn't the greatest thing for them.

That's pretty much the start of the list -- it's a "practical" bag, rather than a "tactical" bag, I figure.

I'm aiming to put these essentials in a relatively small backpack, so as to be easily moved from trunk to passenger compartment when necessary (and to not be a pack that's bigger than she is, haha). I don't have a problem tossing a cooler or a tool box full of goods into the SUV, but it's far less practical to do that in her sedan.

What else would you guys and ladies recommend stocking in a "practical pack?"

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Edited for a bit of clarity.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: vthoky,

quote:

Originally posted by vthoky:
What else would you guys and ladies recommend stocking in a "practical pack?"

Just off the top of my head, some way (or three) to start a fire and some snow boots/packs. Perhaps a boy scout type mess kit as well.

It all depends on how far one might end up being away from home. A couple of miles? No big deal, you can walk that in sneakers and a T-shirt. 10-20 miles+? Whole 'nother ballgame.

ETA: Entrenching tool. Doesn't take up much room and is good for many things, not the least of which is shoveling snow.

Off the top of my head: a big knife, deep sockets for lug nuts for the vehicle and whatever trailer I maybe towing, torque wrench, breaker bar, hand cleaner, roll of shop towels, tube of grease, roll of duct tape, package of long heavy duty zip ties, 3/8 ratchet and socket set, 34mm socket, tire plug kit, and an air compressor.

Every single item I’ve listed earned its place based on actual need and use. I should add medkit of some sort though just in case. Stupid auto correct changed “medkit” to Merlot. It’s my truck, not my wife’s.

In Wisconsin winters:

One of those one piece aluminum scoop style snow shovels
Tow strap
80lb bag of salt

I got stuck a lot, but never needed anyones help to get out of it with the above. I didn’t have a cell phone and commuted using rural roads to Whitewater from Hartland for two years.

An empty bottle to pee in.

A candle (a big one) or two and a means to light it.

Off the top ofy head here's what I have iny car and the gf's (keep in mind both are 4 wheel drive and each have wildpeaks on them so for the amount of snow we get in PA both are more than capable).

Mine is split into two, tool box and bag.

Tool box: air compressor, plug kit, flares, chem lights, tarp, lug wrench, bottle jack, jump starter, bag of random fuses and extra tire valve stem plugs, air down tool, tire gauge, first aid kit (mix of ITS kit, splint, extra tq, bandages), duct tape, and tool roll (wrenches, sockets, electrical tape, screw driver, magnetic light, zip ties).

Bag (this is more of a bug out bag and mix): scorpion, extra mags for that and the Glock, stainless water bottle, fire starting, water filter and tablets, some cordage, small emergency bivy, candle, ifak, meds (Imodium, Aleve, Zyrtec, simple ones like that) signal mirror. Basically simple survival essentials in this bag but can always be added to with stuff from the tool box.

Around the car: woobie, another tq, headlamp, batteries, more mags, pen and paper, flashlight, portable phone charger, selt belt cutter, fire extinguisher,
and add in other tools when offroading.

Gf's car (either in a small pack, or in storage area): air compressor, plug kit, ifak, signaling tools (chem lights, mirror), jack and lug nut wrench, portable phone charger, jump starter, small med kit for minor stuff and splint and larger bandages, candle, lighter, blanket, tarp, electrical tape, duct tape, small tool kit, and a few mags for her carry gun. Should add in, she always has a water bottle with her, and usually has some random protein bar or similar in the center console.

I would say the big things to have to most people is way to change a tire, way to keep phone charged, flash light, jump starter, way to stay warm, keep some water or jerky on hand, and way to signal that vehicle is disabled ahead if at a blind turn (I almost hit a car once this way).

This message has been edited. Last edited by: smpsmp,

While you're building out that pack, consider putting a fire extinguisher in your vehicle. My truck has a small chemical extinguisher that rides around behind the rear seat just in case.

Around here I'm mostly concerned when the temps drop and snow is likely so I don't want my vehicle's tank to get below 1/2. Cars are not insulated so if you're stranded in one that doesn't run, it quickly gets very cold inside. In a month or so I'll toss a blanket, hat, gloves, and boots in the trunk as well. I also make sure to bring along a warm coat even if I don't need to use it from house to car, and car to destination, I just toss it on the seat. I keep a phone charger, flash light, tow strap, and jumpers in the vehicles all the time anyway. I always have a small bottle of water or two along but if I was in a desert climate I'd have more than that. I check the spare tire pressure every time I rotate tires. I probably should keep a few power bars in the glovebox as well.

quote:

Originally posted by 229DAK:
An empty bottle to pee in.

A darned good idea!

quote:

Originally posted by bigdeal:
While you're building out that pack, consider putting a fire extinguisher in your vehicle. My truck has a small chemical extinguisher that rides around behind the rear seat just in case.

Good point. That's outside my original question, but I'm happy to add the topic, as I've thought some about that in the past. What type (brand, model, ...) are you carrying?

quote:

An empty bottle to pee in.

seriously? That would be my last thought. And I can't conceive of a single reason to need one.
On fire extinguishers my recommendation is probably a little different.
The normal answer is any Abc extinguisher will be fine for the fire (on the fires you can fix, which aren't many on vehicles) of whatever size you can tolerate. These will normally be dry chem. But the problem with dry chem is that discharging them is condemning the vehicle for any possible use, now or probably in the future. I prefer to carry one of the halon alternatives as there is a good chance that any small fire you extinguish may leave you with an operable vehicle. Amerex B385TS, 2.5lb Halotron I Class B C Fire Extinguisher is an example.
Price way above the dry chem.
FWIW.

quote:

Originally posted by vthoky:

quote:

Originally posted by 229DAK:
An empty bottle to pee in.

A darned good idea!

You two too bashful to pee on a tree or bush if the need arises.

quote:

Originally posted by bigdeal:
You two too bashful to pee on a tree or bush if the need arises.

I'm fine with it, and done plenty of it! Remember, though, the point of this particular thread is preparing a bag for TLG's car!

When I lived up there I kept a pair of muck boots in my car. They were Kamik brand I believe. Not very expensive but if I had to get out in the snow worth their weight in gold. Lots of cold weather “stuff” can be jammed into them for space savings. Socks, gloves, hat, hand warmers, etc. I still keep them in my car in Florida because they work equally well in torrential rain and puddles. These take up space but cold wet feet will make any day much much worse.

I had a very nice pair of winter NF ski gloves. They had a smallish gauntlet. I found some gore Tex surplus British (?) military mitten over gloves. I am describing it horribly but basically a mitten gore Tex shell that goes over your gloves up to past your elbows depending on your height. Your hands aren’t getting wet. Those get stuffed into the boots as well.

If you are noticing a common theme you would be correct. If she has to get out of the car to do anything, dry and warm is way better. Hands and feet are very susceptible to cold and if you protect those two areas you can comfortably handle any weather typically. (I’m assuming she already is wearing a jacket and somewhat suitable clothes).

Tow strap. Both for you and for others if you are feeling benevolent. Show her how to attach it.

In truly awful weather a gas can wouldn’t suck. Those people who got stuck on the interstate last year ran out of gas for the most part. 5 gallons would at least get you home. I never did this but I just bought some Jerry cans so it is on my mind. Lol

Foodstuffs and water. Not always feasible in freezing temps but something is better than nothing.

Flashlight. I like those Felix magnetic rechargeable that you can keep in your car.

Flashlight, i highly recommend a headlight style. That lesson comes from when my wife had to change a flat tire while holding a fenix E10 in her mouth.

A battery pack jump starter. Most of them have usb ports so make sure you store a charging cable for her cell phone with it in case there is an issue with the car's electrical system.

Insread of a bag of jerky put a few energy bars in whatever flavor she likes.

For a lady, there is a funnel of sorts you can get that allows her to slip it into pants discreetly and urinate into a bottle like the guys can do so more conveniently- we issued them to female soldiers on deployment.
Didn’t see it mentioned but a good quality flashlight and spare batteries!
Matches and a couple candles or cans of sterno- if stranded on the side of the road, a couple lit candles in a vehicle cabin can make a big difference in comfort.
A small snow shovel - digging out a car for enough traction to get out is helpful been there myself a few times.

Wool blanket, 150' of rope. A tarp. Good gloves, wool socks and watchman cap. Some flares, some newspaper. Good flashlight and headlamp, matches. A hatchet and knife. A good medical kit.

Remember, she may need to render help to someone else. As a matter of fact that is far more likely.

If she is not capable of handling a real emergency try to teach her. Otherwise some of this might not apply.

A run of the mill Walmart Coleman sleeping bag would be my choice over a woobie.

Hot hands do go bad, check date on pack, they seem to go an extra season but storage in the car all summer might change that.

Slip on over shoe type boots or just boots. Along the same lines, a set of coveralls. Women in dresses are going to suffer mightily walking 1/2 mile to a warm safe spot in heels and a skirt. Insulated coverall could easily replace a blanket or sleeping bag inside a vehicle.

I’m in MN, so my idea of winter may differ.

I keep the following in my company fleet vehicle that I put around 40K miles a year on. It a Chevy Traverse and it has a nice size under rear floor compartment where I keep the following:

Ridgid 18 volt tire inflator-- Have an 18 volt battery mounted plus a spare 18 volt battery.

Ridgid 18 Volt Impact gun with a few impact sockets, just in case I need to change a tire.

Noco 2000a Jump Pack, can jump cars/trucks, has USB ports to charge phones, etc...

Large first aid kit. I've been an EMT for 30 years and it has band aids to trauma dressings and a good quality tourniquet.

Fire Extinguisher. 2.5lb BC rated

Survival Stuff like matches/firestick to start a fire, Top's Knives brand BOB fixed blade knife, a Kershaw folding knife, Leatherman tool, flashlight (with spare batteries), Glow sticks, some small tealight candles in a bag, a couple trash bags, gallon zip lock bags, an overnight duffel with a set of clothes, 3 days worth of my meds, some basic toiletries (this is mainly for work and gets rotated out monthly), high visibility highway safety vest, spool of mini paracord, 3 flares, couple pair of utility/work gloves. Winter time I keep and extra winter hat and winter gloves, blanket and an old work hoodie too. Also keep a messenger bag here that just comes in handy from time to time.

In the cab of my vehicle (between the 2nd row captains chairs) I keep a small soft side cooler with ten or so bottles of water (the cooler keeps them from freezing in the winter and getting super warm in the summer), always have some beef jerky/sausages, or flavored fig bars for snacks. Medium size umbrella.

I always have my work tools (I do a job similar to a biomed, fixing medical equipment) in my rear cargo area so I'm good in the tool department.

I have a Duluth Trading cab commander 2.0 bag that hangs on my front passenger seat, or I can flip it around the back of the front passenger seat when the wife is sitting there. I keep my pens, notepads, small binoculars, small bottle of lysol wipes, some baby wipes, hand sanitizer, etc... in it. Also have a hook I made on the back of the front passenger seat to hang 2 baseball style hats. I also keep and extra dog leash that I can loop over its self for an animal with no collar on.

In my glove box I keep extra charging cables, wired earbuds, Ka-bar Tactical Spork, small baggie of dog biscuits, some Orbitz Spearmint gum, pack of dental floss, an old altoids tin with some toothpicks in it, bottle of Excedrin Migraine.

If you want additional keep-warm-or-heat-fluids options, I keep a small "spirit burner" like this in the three-day bag. I also have a Nalgene bottle of fuel to burn. By "fuel," I mean 190-proof Everclear which in addition to stove fuel can also be used as a mild antiseptic and I suppose could also be consumed. Pretty much any other fuel can be used in these little wonders. Titanium cup and Spork round off the "now I can heat things" collection. The whole collection adds very little bulk.

Paracord, duct tape, and some zip-ties should be in the car anyway, IMHO.

Lifestraw puts out some decent, small on-the-go water filters. If she's caught somewhere that has water-- but not necessarily proven potable water-- this can really come in handy.

I've been stuck overnight in the boonies before in a "not worth the risk of trying to drive out before the roads are plowed, which might be tomorrow" situation. I was not happy, but at least fairly comfortable, sleeping it out in he vehicle with most of what you've listed. I do have a wool Army blanket in the pack, which in conjunction with the poncho liner was pretty darn cozy in the "company car" (at the time, a Dodge Grand Caravan, with a mostly-full tank of gas... pretty roomy with the seats folded.)

quote:

on the mind a lot and with that comes the usual series of "what-if" questions.

along with the various supplies/tools/clothing items listed, does anyone have comment on the old school notion of 'hidden key' somewhere accessible
if you really need it. Perhaps we're out of the old hidden spare era. Or speak up, it's one of those things that seem as necessary as a spork at least.