Winter survival kit

[CarolAnn]

Saw my first winter car crash this morning on the way to work, and it reminds me how bad stuff can happen no matter how good a driver you are. Some goober who has no sense can take you out faster than you can imagine!

In my winter kit, I keep a pack of therma-care hot pads. They heat up for 8 hours when exposed to oxygen. If I get stranded with no close help, I'll open one, cut it between the heat buttons and have one button for each shoe, each glove, and the rest on my back.

I have 5# of kitty litter for traction, and a collapsible snow shovel. I have a squeegee that also has a telescoping handle that's better than a snow scraper for the windows, and I don't have to roll in the snow to reach the far corners of the glass!

I have extra socks and a sweater, a spare pair of shoes and a blanket in there.

I keep a partial jug of water in the trunk, although in bitter weather I know it'll freeze - a full bottle would break, but a partially full one probably won't. I also keep a small water-filtering pitcher in the trunk.

Finally, a bit of food: a bag of trail mix, some crackers & a chocolate bar.

I haven't put it in the trunk yet, (but I will this weekend!) - the tiny propane grill & tank and a couple of bic lighters. This wouldn't be good for the enclosed car, but you never know when it might be a life saver.

I also have a remnant of hunter-orange day-glow ripstop. If I get caught out in a freak storm, I can always tie it to the telescoping handle of my squeegee and make a "help" flag that will stick up 6 feet!

Any other ideas for a winter BOB?

[longshot]

how about the old stand by of a candle in a can for heat and thawing that frozen water in the jug. i also like the idea of the snap 'n glow sticks for the car kit. hang them up in the car and you get light and a signal for rescuers or other motorists in the dark or storm.

ls

[BrentL]

a wool blanket. a tarp. some twine.
if you dont have a spare set of waterproof shoes. a couple of old bread bags to go under your shoes and over your socks. your feet wont breath much but could be a toe saver if you have to walk out of somewhere.

a small thing of koolaid. great for writing "help" in snow. if writing help in snow isnt whats needed, nice sugar kick, I use the mre ones.

an old set of nylons. if you loose your fan belt you;ll want em, if not you could wear em to keep warm. they will do more for you than you think.

a towel. very few things are as great to have as a towel.

dry is the key in cold. if you can, put your extra stuff in a waterproof container. i like a vacume sealed bag.

flare wouldnt hurt.

an old cell phone is a grand idea. no cell phone tower can refuse a 911 call from any phone, you dont need it to do anything but have a signal.

3k calorie bars. nothing fancy here. you can get 6 of em in a pack cheep nowadays. thats enough to support you "walking out" for about 9 days. (you should be able to last fairly well on 2k a day, depending on how much shivering you do when resting)

skill is still needed with all the above, if you dont practice the skills needed. whats the point of having the tools.

[redflare]

I keep:

small Fire Extinguisher
First Aid Kit
Solar Blanket
Waterproof Poncho
Drinking Water
Wet Naps
Hand Cleaner
Auto Spot Light
Flashlight with Batteries
a few Light Stick
Whistle
Flat Tire Fixer
Jumper Cables
Tow Rope
Swiss Army Knife
Utility Knife
Leather Gloves
Duct Tape
a couple of blankets

[sheen_estevez]

an old cell phone is a grand idea. * no cell phone tower can refuse a 911 call from any phone, you dont need it to do anything but have a signal.
Just remember if you keep an old cell phone in the car make sure you have the power cord for it

Also someone posted using Kool Aid to write a message for help, many local police departments have a blaze orange sign that you can get for free with Send Help printed on it in bold print, good idea to carry all the time.

[edward_4576]

A couple of things to point out. Don't forget the old addage about "cotton kills in the cold" or something like that. Basically it means that if cotton becomes wet it wicks the heat off of your body where a material such as wool even if wet will still insulate. I know they itch like the dickens but stop at a surplus military supply company and get an old army blanket. Get a pair of wool socks for your kit as well. I also have a small citizens band radio for the car as well. I also recently added a Fraday Flashlight.

[scoutinlife]

I keep in my Truck Winter Time:
Cell Phone and car charger

In the Tool Box In the Bed I Keep!
Tow Chain
Small Shovel
Jumper Cables
Small Bag Tool
Deicer
2 bottles of water
2 MRE's
Knapsack
Sleeping Bag

Under Back seat of Truck I keep:
Fixed Blade knife and stone
Some type of Firearm and ammo
Boots, wool polly blend long underwear
Flannel Shirt
Wool Jacket & Pants
Wool Socks and a Hat/with gloves
A Pelican WaterProof Box Contains
First Aid KIt I modified
Swiss Army Ranger Knife
Duct Tape
Grannola Bars
Surfire Flashligh/4 spare batteries
Meds for 2 days
100.00 Bill & 5.00 change
GPS/ 2 spare batteries
Compass
Lighter / Strike anywhere matches/ 2 small candles

Get home KIt as well in a sholder bag! ;D

Then I change stuff out clothing wise per season! I had to go do a inventory in the truck didn't realize what all I carried ;)!

[Old_Dog]

How about a few things to keep you from getting stuck in the first place, or to get you out if you are? I carry tire chains and tighteners for all 4 wheels (4wd). Tow chain, ax, shovel, and high lift jack. A pair of light bear paw snow shoes in case I have to walk out.

[JakeLeg]

A couple of things to point out. Don't forget the old addage about "cotton kills in the cold" or something like that. Basically it means that if cotton becomes wet it wicks the heat off of your body where a material such as wool even if wet will still insulate. I know they itch like the dickens but stop at a surplus military supply company and get an old army blanket. Get a pair of wool socks for your kit as well. I also have a small citizens band radio for the car as well. I also recently added a Fraday Flashlight.

True about wool. Polypropelene has the same properties. I used polypro long underwear while in the caving club in college. Even in summertime, the caves in southern virginia are 53-degrees, a long 10-12 hour cave trip especially when you are wet can become uncomfortable if not dangerous due to heat loss while you are wet. My polypro longjohns were a godsend.

Back to the topic. We keep sleeping bags in the car. Great for warmth.

Furthermore, keep in mind that if you are stuck in a remote place, but your engine still runs, that you can start your engine for 5 minutes every 30 minutes to use the heat. Keep in mind that the exhaust pipe will need to be completely clear of snow or you run the risk of CO poisoning.

I like the CB idea and we keep a handheld in each car. Actually used it last week when i came upon an accident on a rural road, since i don't use a cellphone.

On the note of cellphones. I seem to remember reading or hearing somewhere that only phones manufactured after a certain date carry the code for the all-tower non-customer 911 call. not sure since i don't carry one and don't pay much attention to them.

[edward_4576]

Has anyone seen the story about the family lost in Oregon. A terrible tragedy to be sure, but also a warning. It can happen anytime anywhere to anyone.

It seems to me that a lot of what being prepared is all about is being able to accept that. I have often times gotten strange looks from people when I talk about survival kits and being prepared. Tonight an arctic front is coming through the area and with wind-chills in -22 range. I'm setting here looking a my co-workers, neither have a heave jacket and both live about 22 miles from here. NO plans and only one of them with a rudimentary kit. It just boggles the mind sometimes.

[RangerRick]

Yes, that was truly a tragidy. I lived in Port Angeles, WA for a few years skiing and hiking much of that general area. It can be very dangerous, especially in winter so being prepared for the unexpected is the norm. Lots of dirt/gravel timber roads that will lead you miles and miles into nowhere. Not a good place for tourist in the winter season.

Rick

[disleksic]

About that Oregon family do you think that if they were using a gps devise they would have been fine I ask because I think it would have but I havent ever used one. I would like to get one for trips if they are easy to use otherwise I might as well have a map Ive seen the brand Tom Tom are those anygood

[edward_4576]

I think the biggest rule that they broke and one that every competent camper or hiker knows is to tell someone. These folks were stranded for 7 days. Didn't they tell anyone they were leaving or where they were going? Truly sad.

[FN64]

disleksic:

A GPS will tell you where you are.. which is fine, however, if you're needing help you'll still need to communicate your position to others.

I have a cell phone but dead areas abound in eastern ME. I also have a 60 watt 2 meter ham rig that will get to a repeater anywhere in my area.

On another note..
Although I feel sad for the Kim family, the decisions they made were wrong on several counts.
>No one knew where they were going or when they expected to return.
>They took a "back road" in the mountains, in the winter. (most are posted).
>No supplies & very few survival skills.
..the list goes on but the combination of ignorance & lack of preps led to a tragic situation.
At least the mother had the wearwithall to nurse the kids & thought to burn the tires for some heat.. she should be credited for thinking outside the box. And I must say I find this surprising since they come from San Fran & this kind of thinking is rather scarce in that area.
So let us all learn from this & not get in one of these situations.

..best defense... don't be there!!!

FN

[TNDadx4]

Well, I'll see what I can remember what I have. I carry a backpack with stuff for me (since it's my car and I'm mostly the only one using it) and some other minor "essentials" for the family.

Jumper Cables
Multi Tool
2 bottles of water
Pop tarts
Sleeping Bag
Heavy blanket (That saved us during one of my son's footbal games :) )
Spare Shirt
Wool socks
Hat
Mini maglight
Playing cards
Dice
Pen & paper
Bible
Change of underwear
Small first aid kit
50' of camping twine
lighter
Film canister filled with quarters
Spare sneakers
Ladies neccessities :)
Pull-up diapers and wipes
1 roll of toilet paper
Bottle of car chalk to write on windows (if not covered with snow)

I think that's it. All but the jumper cables and sleeping bag are in a backpack that I can carry. The rest are in the trunk.

[MYellowRose]

A note about the panty hose and cavers. My brother, another caver, said that even the guys would wear pantyhose under their wetsuit when they knew they were going to be in a wet/muddy cave, or one where they had to go through an interior stream or the like. He always snitched mine when I wasn't looking and finally confessed. He said that not only did they keep them warm they weren't as bulky as wearing longjohns under their wet suits. I used to read the annual NNS journal issue on caving accidents and the majority of them were caused by carelessness by cavers, both those experienced and even more so by those without experience.
Pantyhose worked under my wool long johns and socks when I was in the army. When they , the long johns, were brand new though it took two pair of hose one atop the other and a pair of socks under the wool socks for me to be able to wear them. For some reason the sleeves didn't seem to bother my arms though I did wear a tee shirt under the top.

[hunter63]

I carry most of this stuff in the truck all the time, but thanks for bringing up the "MRE's"

Threw a couple in a daypack and they when in today.
Thanks again.

[JAK]

Here are some additional ideas people might add to their lists:
1. Candle lantern. Candle stove.
2. 48oz can of apple juice (less likely to freeze and easier to thaw and can be reused to melt snow)
3. 1 kg jar of honey. (Excellent carbs per volume and shelf life.)
4. wool long underwear (pack a good punch for their volume)
5. Blue foam pads for if you need to make shelter outside of vehicle. These might also be cut to size to cover windshield and windows to reduce heat loss.

[DaNgEr_KiTtY]

for any winter survival situation i always recommend candles. here is one survival tip for heat....take a regular army issue poncho with liner if you have it. sit on a small bucket or rock & spread out your poncho. light a candle inside at your feet. as long as that candle burns you will be comfortable & warm.

i could list my daily survival pack for my truck but it would be extensive. i think it all amounts to knowledge & experience. i also think that at this day & age its smart to have some survival kits in your homes too.

another weird thing some people think i do is save bleach bottles. every time i finish a bottle of laundry bleach then i fill it with water & set it aside. if needed for drinking all i have to do is remove the top of the bottle. the residue chlorine bleach will have kept the water sterile & will just need a lil time to evaporate for drinking clean water. this water will also flush toilets keeping the whole area clean.

[Dont-tread-on-me]

i could list my daily survival pack for my truck but it would be extensive.
I'm sure you could. Extensive is a relative term. Oh, please! Humor us!

;D

[Tuckahoe]

I would want another means of communications besides a cell phone. A ham radio(with license) or even a CB could reach out to someone along with a cell phone could give you many more options.

[tufhelp]

I wish emergency locator beacons were cheaper and within the budget of most folks. Those lads on the mountain or the family lost in the storm might have had a better resolution...

[Nickathome]

I would want another means of communications besides a cell phone. A ham radio(with license) or even a CB could reach out to someone along with a cell phone could give you many more options. *

With the relative inexpensive nature of the family type walkie talkies these days, it behooves us all to toss one in the trunk(with batteries of course). Many of these are able to broadcast up to five miles. This could mean the difference between staying stranded or getting help.

Right now, I do not have enough of what I am comfortable with regarding a winter survival kit. I do keep a wool blanket, flashlilght, tools, cheap snow shovel, tire cable chains, etc in my car. It would definitely assist me if I kept some water, a candle and maybe some beef jerky and candy as well.

Where I live, even though I have a 33 mile trek to and from work, I don't think I have to go more than a mile before running into a house, convenience store, or gas station. Although in a blizzard, I could see where even this could be a long distance. I am going to make up a goody bag with some foodstuffs and add this to my other items for just in case.

[Uncle_Alvah]

Fruitcake. Seriously.
Jokes about people hating it aside(I love the stuff) it's LOADED with calories and other good stuff to keep ya from starving, lasts a long time too.

Plus you can use it to threaten the kids in everyday life, ie "If you guys don't settle down back there, I'm going to pull over and make you eat fruitcake!" ;)

[wy0mn]

Those lil FRS radios aren't practical out here. Population to thin. In 9mo time I've never heard another person on any of the channels, except my wife who was asked to monitor a specific channel.

2m amateur radio repeaters are too distant to ping without an extensive & elevated antenna system.

On the other hand, CB's are commonplace. Most folks here are wonderful, but I've always had the nagging fear of calling in Jack the Ripper if I ever needed to yell for help. Guess ya'd just have to weigh the pro vs: con against the merits of the situation.

[VillageIdjit]

I keep in my Truck Winter Time:

100.00 Bill & 5.00 change



Scout,
All looks for your kit. One suggestion might be several small bills instead of one larger one. I'd hate to spend 100 for a gallon or so of gas and then still be in a jam before getting home or where-ever. Hope this is worth two cents.

Bob

[Bad_Omen]

another weird thing some people think i do is save bleach bottles. *every time i finish a bottle of laundry bleach then i fill it with water & set it aside. if needed for drinking all i have to do is remove the top of the bottle. *the residue chlorine bleach will have kept the water sterile & will just need a lil time to evaporate for drinking clean water. *this water will also flush toilets keeping the whole area clean. *

Are you sure thats safe? What if you leave to much bleach in the bottle? Or is that just one of those 'experience' things.

Gotta say mate it sounds dodgy to me.

[JAK]

Does everyone have their kits in their car yet? Is the kit still in the car? Only asking because I rarely get my shit together myself, and rarely keep it that way once I do. *Most accidents happen close to home they say. I got as far as the sleeping bad and small items, but then the small items ended up in the garage somehow. So now I am stuffing some extra wool hats and gloves and socks and snacks and plastic bags in with the sleeping bag also. I'm thinking more and more it should be separate stuff from our usual stuff, preferably really ugly stuff, but functional and compact. Then it might stay in the car.

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20070110/storm_weather_070110?s_name=&no_ads=

"Two people died in Saskatchewan as a result of a nasty blizzard that stretched from northeast B.C. down to Regina. The 18-year-old man and 38-year-old woman were found dead by the roadside near Onion Lake, north of Lloydminster, the RCMP said Wednesday. They were 200 metres from their home and were found without their jackets or some of their clothes -- evidence they were suffering from hypothermia."

[lost1]

:) :) What a great bunch of really useful information. Posts like these are what makes this such a great forum.
I seldom get far from home, but I picked up a coupla darn good tips. With the weather we are having now, just a mile or so could be a killer.
Thanks all,
lost1