The Ultimate Winter Roadside Emergency Kit Checklist
One of the most crucial things that the majority of people on the highways today don’t do is carry at least a basic roadside emergency kit, or even a basic vehicle EDC kit.
This is especially important for cold weather travel. Whether or not there is snow and ice on the road, cold is cold, and our bodies are only able to withstand so much.
Extreme cold weather can turn some of the simplest things disastrous. How well-prepared you are before you head out on the road could literally mean the difference in whether or not you make it back home to your loved ones. What a shame to lose someone simply due to a lack of basic preparedness.
Also, consider being roadside ready so that you are in the position to help others who may not have prepared. We see it all the time.
You could just as well save another’s life with your own preparedness and by stopping to lend a helping hand.
Now, depending on where you live or where you are traveling to, another consideration is to position yourself to comfortably be able to ride out a multi-day situation if you had to.
Getting stuck and stranded is not out of the question. If you live in a place like we do, you know all too well how long it could be before you get help. So part of your preps should be based on an assessment of your surroundings and conditions with a healthy dose of “what if?”
Have yourself set up so that not only do you survive, but you can actually come out of it feeling like it really wasn’t so bad, as if you sort of thrived your way through the experience.
What Should Be in a Roadside Emergency Kit?
When assessing what should be in a roadside emergency kit, we need to consider two things;
Tools for getting out of a situation
Tools for enduring a situation
In the buyer’s guide below, we will cover both of these tool considerations.
We first want to get ourselves out. However, if we can’t get out, we want to be able to endure the situation with as much comfort and ease as possible. The right tools can help you in both of these situations.
Prevention is the first consideration in winter travel. We want to avoid the trouble to begin with, and that comes with good winter driving practices. You may not have a whole lot of experience driving in winter conditions.
Unfortunately, depending on where you live, different winter storms can produce different road conditions due to the atmosphere and humidity of each storm.
Sometimes roads look terrible and turn out to be not bad at all. Other times, black ice is present and very difficult to see. These are commonly the most dangerous conditions due to the element of surprise.
However, this should not deter you from finding a large abandoned parking lot to practice driving your vehicle around in to gain experience. Now, we’re not talking about just ripping around and doing donuts, but actually getting a feel for how your vehicle handles different winter weather conditions in a safe and controlled area. Just don’t get stuck!
One would be wise to prepare for a breakdown, accident, sliding into a ditch, or getting stuck in the snow, period. Again, we will cover this more below.
Winter Driving Preparedness Checklist
If you are getting ready to embark on cold weather travel, whether a long journey or just a long local winter, it is important to take the time to do all that you can to ensure your vehicle is winterized.
Taking the time to make sure these items are accounted for and these tasks are done will often prevent some of the problems one may encounter in the first place.
Keep your car or truck serviced and maintained. Whether this is you yourself making sure that these things get done, or a trusted mechanic. Here is a list of things to tend to, helping to ensure your winter roadside preparedness.
Battery/Alternator Life (This can be checked for free at most auto stores)
Oil Level/Change Oil
All Fluid Levels
Tire Pressures
Tire Tread Depth (Winter Tires?)
Check Antifreeze Levels
Defroster & Heater System
Brake Life
Brake Fluid Level
Emergency Flashers & All Lighting
Fuel Level (Keep above half full at all times in case you have to run the vehicle longer to keep warm!)
Ok, so now that we have taken some preventative measures before we even hit the highway, it’s time to take a look at the things that we need to take along with us to make us as prepared as possible.
A good solid truck bed tool box of course is always a great place to store these items if you have a truck, but if you’re in a car you may not have a big bulky tool box. In this case, I would suggest a good quality hard plastic tote or two.
With all of this in mind, let’s start checking things off of The Ultimate Winter Roadside Emergency Kit Checklist!
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2022 Winter Roadside Emergency Kit Checklist
TOOLS TO GET YOU OUT OF A SITUATION:
First let’s talk about getting you out of there if you just so happen to slide or drift into there. The following are, in no particular order of importance, a list of tools and materials to help you get unstuck and get out of a hazardous situation.
Some of these tools well help you avoid the trouble in the first place and some will help you get out of whatever you’ve gotten into. Check it out!
WARN 97570 Heavy-Duty Epic Accessory Recovery Kit-Large
Certainly not something that everybody is going to have and not everybody even has the type of vehicle that can take a winch. But, for those that do have one of these bad boys, winter travels are a little less worrisome.
It’s great to think that you have the ability to pull yourself or another out of just about any situation, built right into your vehicle.
USA made, the WARN 97570 Heavy Duty Epic Accessory kit should handle just about any job you wanna throw it.
The series is also available in medium duty WARN 97565 Duty Epic Accessory Recovery Kit-Medium (for winches 12,000 lbs and under).
The Warn 97570 is designed for winches 18,000 lbs. and under. The extremely durable, modular backpack, which also acts as the winch line damper, makes this kit easy to transport. The perfect kit to compliment your Warn Winch.
FEATURES & SPECS:
Two forged 3/4" Epic Shackles with powder coat finish (for 18,000 lb. winches and under)
Epic Tree Trunk Protector, including forged end loops with powder coat finish (4" x 8'; rated to 30,000 lbs.)
Epic Snatch Block with powder coat finish (for winch capacities of up to 18,000 lbs.)
Premium Recovery Strap (3" x 30'; rated to 21,600 lbs.)
Gloves with Kevlar reinforcement and synthetic leather
Backpack made from ballistic material with modular interior that doubles as line damper.
To check out more winch recovery systems, head on over to the TOP 3 WINCH RECOVERY KITS IN 2022!
Originally designed to save sidewall wear on radial tires, Radial Chain was the first real brand name in cable chain winter traction products.
With a history of performance testing from Alaska to Switzerland and a tire application chart that contains every original equipment tire sold in North America, Radial Chain is an excellent, yet affordable choice in winter traction.
Radial Chain’s plastic package is durable, waterproof and recyclable. Chain tensioners SHOULD NOT be used.
FEATURES & SPECS:
Low-operating space requirements around drive tires
Meets S.A.E. Class “S” clearance requirements
All-steel construction for long service life, featuring Peerless Industrial Group, Inc.’s traction coils instead of traditional steel rollers which flatten easily
What a fantastic invention!!
If you live in some serious back-country or ever run the risk of running off the road very far away from help or cell service, then you know that everything in your vehicle recovery arsenal is most welcomed.
Built for professional use with direct feedback from the world’s most-elite military units, off-road racing champions, certified 4WD trainers, and globe-trotting expedition leaders.
MAXTRAX Xtreme is the most-advanced recovery board ever created, featuring 88 hard coated replaceable aluminum teeth housed in a heavy-duty recovery board with an increased weight capacity.
MAXTRAX Xtreme is manufactured in Australia using signature Australian-made fiber-reinforced engineering-grade nylon.
FEATURES & SPECS:
The world's most-durable recovery board. Period.
Features 88 replaceable mil-spec anodized alloy teeth
Additional reinforcement for extreme usage
Lifetime warranty against faults in materials and workmanship
Made in Australia
A JUMP STARTER, AIR COMPRESSOR, AND CHARGE STATION ALL IN ONE!
Three things that you should have out there on the road at all times, but especially for winter weather, are a way to jump start your vehicle, pump up a tire, and a way to keep your communications charged up.
All three of those things are offered right here below within one unit!
DeWalt DXAEJ14 Digital Portable Power Station
With the DEWALT DXAEJ14 jump starter and power station, you no longer need to dread roadside emergencies when your vehicle won't start and there is no other vehicle around to give you a boost.
The boost is just built in. This day and time, there’s no reason not to have some sort of power station in your vehicle.
This compact, portable device will test your alternator to make sure it is in proper working order and delivers serious jump-starting power with 1400 peak amps and 700 instant starting amps.
That's enough power to jump-start a 12 volt AGM, GEL, and WET battery in your car, truck, SUV, motorcycle, boat, RV, ATV, or tractor; all without the need to use another vehicle for assistance.
Simply connect the clamps to the battery, turn on the switch and start your vehicle. The reverse polarity alarm will alert you when there is an improper connection.
A high-powered LED light and LCD screen readout with real time information helps you work in the dark.
This jump starter is equipped with a digital 120 PSI air compressor with auto stop and Surefit nozzle to help inflate tires that have low pressure.
The built-in USB ports come in handy to charge your phone and electronic devices. For optimal performance, the unit should be charged every 30 days when not in use.
Once used, the unit should be charged immediately overnight. Includes a limited 1 year manufacturer warranty. Metal powder coated clamps for durability.
FEATURES & SPECS:
1400 Peak Amp, 700 instant starting amps; Patented Alternator Check function
120 PSI Digital compressor with auto stop and and a Surefit nozzle
Built-in USB port provides portable power for electronic devices
Charges using standard extension cord: Charger/extension cord not included
Dual USB Charging Ports (up to 3.1A combined) charge up to 2 personal devices on the go
Universal Fit
THE MOST RELIABLE PORTABLE JUMP STARTERS W/ BUILT-IN AIR COMPRESSOR
WINTER ROADSIDE EMERGENCY KITS & ACCESSORIES:
So next are a few pre-made kits followed by a list of things that I think should accompany them.
No pre-fab kit is ever going to stand up to ALL of the standards that I am looking for to be prepared in my vehicle for a winter roadside emergency. However, I think pre-made kits are an excellent one-stop-shop starting point for one to build off of.
These kits usually cover most of the basics all in one affordable kit. I like to have backups of backups, so this comes in handy a lot of times for being that last resort bag that could just get you through.
Besides the pre-fabricated kit, I have added all of the things that I think should accompany it, even if a couple of things might be repetitive. Two is one, one is none!
Lifeline AAA Premium Road Kit
AAA, one of the most recognizable and trusted names in the automotive industry, has been around for more than 100 years and is dedicated to helping travelers with roadside assistance, travel services and more. The Lifeline AAA Premium Road Kit is a basic and solid kit.
All of the components within the AAA line of auto emergency safety kits and accessories undergo strict testing requirements to ensure the safety of the product, as well as the ability to live up to its promises.
AAA has created a wide range of road kits and auto safety accessories to help meet the safety and preparedness needs of travelers across a wide range of price points.
The AAA branded Premium Road Kit contains 42 components to help keep you prepared for those unforeseeable events ranging from finding your car with a dead battery, or needing a flashlight to look in those dark places under the seats to try and find your kids favorite dinosaur toy.
FEATURES & SPECS:
Sting Relief Pad
3 - Antiseptic Towelettes
15 - Bandages
Accident Form and Guide
AAA Membership Brochure
Booster Cables
Aluminum Flashlight
3 - Batteries
Emergency Poncho
Orange Safety Vest
Roll Duct Tape
2-in1 Screwdriver
Shop Cloth
4 Cable Ties
Reusable Zipper-Lock Bag
The 68 Piece AAA Destination Road Kit is a new take on premium AAA road kits. They have applied our unique, hard shell design, to two new premium road emergency kits, giving them a one of a kind look for a road emergency kit.
The AAA Destination Road Kit is one of two kits on our list today that feature a tire inflator/ air compressor. This is a perfect example of something that you should already have a more quality version of and use this as a backup plan if anything ever happened to the other.
FEATURES & SPECS:
10ft 8 Gauge Booster Cable
Air Compressor / Tire Inflator
Emergency Warning Triangle
LED Headlamp with 3 Batteries
Essential Tools; Flat Head and Phillips screwdriver, pliers, gloves, duct tape, bungee cord
Essential Safety Accessories; Emergency Poncho, Utility Knife, Whistle, 2 Shop cloth, 10 cable ties
45 Piece First Aid Kit
The AAA Excursion Road Kit contains 76 key components to help keep you prepared for those unforeseeable events.
The Road Excursion Kit is one of the top of the line AAA Road Emergency Safety kits made by Lifeline First Aid.
The kits mix of product consists of the standard first aid and auto safety essentials from other kits, with the inclusion of premium safety and emergency products.
The Lifeline AAA Road Excursion Kit features a premium air compressor, for topping off flat tires, refilling the camping mat, inflatable raft, bicycle tire, etc. This makes the second of two on our list of pre-made kits that also come with a compressor.
FEATURES & SPECS:
Air Compressor / Tire Inflator with Gauge
DOT Emergency Warning Triangle
10ft 8 Gauge Booster Cable
LED Aluminum Flashlight with 3 Batteries
Essential Tools; Flat Head and Phillips screwdriver, pliers, gloves, duct tape, bungee cord
Essential Safety Accessories; Emergency Poncho, Utility Knife, Whistle, 2 Shop cloth, 10 cable ties
45 Piece First Aid Kit
The 66 Piece AAA Premium Winter Safety Kit is just a basic cold weather winter kit. It is something that you would want to add to another road kit, as it does not have jumper cables and a couple of other basics.
It feature a new hard shell foam design. This unique design is a great way to store your kit to help keep you prepared for inclement weather. This kit features essential survival and safety items not found in your run of the mill road kits.
The AAA Winter Safety Kit features a foldable, solid, metal shovel that is ideal for digging out your tires, or clearing space around your tires when you need to prepare to install traction devices.
FEATURES & SPECS:
Folding Shovel
Warmth Accessories: Tea Candles, Fire Starter, Fleece Set, Hand Warmer Packets, Emergency Blanket
Survival Accessories: LED Aluminum Flashlight and Batteries, Emergency Whistle, Ice Scraper
45 Piece First Aid Kit
The AAA Winter Kit features tea candles as well as our custom built fire starter, so you can have the way to start a fire should you find yourself stranded in the snow without heat.
TOOLS TO HELP YOU ENDURE A SITUATION:
Customizing The Ultimate Winter Roadside Emergency Kit
Ok. Now that we’ve seen some pre-fabricated kits, let’s take a look at some items that we’re going to want to have on hand, whether or not they are a part of one of the kits mentioned above. Remember, “two is one and one is none” when it comes to preparedness!
AstroAI 2 Pack 27” Snow Brush and Detachable Deluxe Ice Scraper with Ergonomic Foam
The AstroAI Snow Brush and Ice Scraper is built to last with a high-strength ABS shaft, PVC bristles, and EVA cotton handle that have all been engineered to withstand heavy snowstorms and temperatures as low as -40°F.
Brush off snow and scrape under ice without damaging your windshield! Break up ice with integrated knuckles and easily scrape it away.
Quickly separate the brush and scraper for easier handling or dividing up work; stores easily both while connected and detached.
FEATURES & SPECS:
Layered Bristles
Patented Joint Buckle Design
Anti-Scratch
Conveniently Store
Detachable Ergonomic Design
Push and Scrape
Divide and Conquer
Here’s another classic no-brainer. Serving quite a few purposes, but the main one in this article is about digging yourself out of a stuck situation.
Sometimes it is surprising how little it takes to get your vehicle unstuck. Instead of just sitting there hammering down on the throttle and digging yourself in deeper, perhaps try to dig out around the front of your tires and see if you can’t just stroll your way right out.
This classic folds up in two places, allowing for easy storage while taking up very little space. This is a great item for one of those sturdy plastic totes we were talking about earlier.
FEATURES & SPECS:
50# High-carbon steel
Ideal for camping, hiking, snow removal, self- defense, backpacking, fishing, hunting, gardening outdoor activities.
Handle height: 9.3in/23.5cm
- Unfolded shovel size: 23x6.1in/58.5x15.5cm
- Folded shovel size: 9.8x6.1in/25x15.5cm
- Package size: 10.6x7.5in/27x19cm
- Weight: 3lbs/1.35kg
The Ka-Bar Becker Companion BK2 wins the “all-around” award. Designed for all of those who camp, hunt, or spend time afield.
This knife has earned several nicknames like “The Warlord”, “The Beast”, and “The Tank”.
One satisfied outdoorsman referred to it as a “crowbar of a knife”. He went on to say “the blade is unbelievably thick and I watched my son in law actually try to break the thing....he drove it into a tree and stood on it with all of his 245lb weight........blade not only didnt break but remained perfectly straight!!! Holds an edge like you wouldn’t believe… it will blow your mind!”
Another proud owner boasted, “I have bet my life on this blade numerous times... I have split firewood with it, cracked coconuts, pried open a door, butchered small animals and broke a padlock with it.”
So I think it goes without saying that this knife will cut through bone or just about anything you want it to and can sure take a beating if batoning was so needed to finish the job, all the while holding it’s integrity.
This model is built with a 1095 Cro-Van steel blade in a black finish and a black zytel handle. The Companion offers a versatile design that excels at splitting kindling, skinning and field dressing game, camp cooking prep and just an all around outdoor knife. If you’re looking for a knife that you can beat the living hell out of and sharpen with ease this is the one for you.
Blade Length: 5-¼ inches
Overall Length: 10-¾ inches
Weight: 15.9 oz
They say dynamite comes in small packages and that certainly applies to the Streamlight ProTac 88052 HL USB Rechargeable Tactical Flashlight. This little beast is amazing and if taken care of, should last for many years to come.
With 850 lumens, I’ve even used the Streamlight ProTac 88052 to look under the fender well of vehicles not only in broad daylight, but on extremely bright sunny days, you can still shine this thing in the shadows and illuminate everything! It’s one of the handiest and important everyday carry items I own.
With Li Ion Rechargeable Battery & USB Cord, this high lumen tactical light is USB rechargeable, so you can charge on-the-go using almost any USB source, and without taking the battery out.
The Streamlight ProTac HL USB Flashlight features a tail cap switch for momentary or constant on operation, three different user selectable programs and a pocket clip for convenience. The aircraft aluminum housing with Type II Military Spec anodizing helps make the light extremely durable and abrasion resistant.
An absolute asset for any preparedness minded individual, the ProTac HL USB is a versatile tactical light that can charge from multiple sources and use three battery types; Streamlight rechargeable lithium ion battery, two CR123A batteries, or commercially available Rechargeable Li Ion cells.
This light will charge from a laptop or most USB wall chargers. Multi battery versatility means you can always use primary disposable cells to power the light when a charging source is not available.
FEATURES & SPECS:
USB Rechargeable
Dual 100,000 hour lifetime high intensity LED solid state bulbs
Run time: 750 continuous hours
3-1/4 Inch long by 1 inch wide
IPX4 water-resistant
1 meter impact resistance tested
Gasket sealed glass lens
Durable aircraft aluminum construction with Type II MIL-Spec anodized finish
For more EDC, everyday preparedness items, and tips on staying prepared in general, check out our extensive article, THE ULTIMATE EDC ESSENTIALS LIST FOR 2021!
I’m delighted by this advancement in the world of paracord utility. I carry at least 35 or 40 ft. or paracord with me everywhere I go, all day, all the time. It has come in handy for quite a wide variety of situations.
Not only do you get all the benefits of paracord, you also get high-end practical survival tools. This paired with the obvious and classic use of shelter building.
With a waxed-jute strand, you can easily start fires with little effort. Use the 10lb fishing line to catch your dinner. Use the 900F heat-resistant cord for campfire rotisserie cooking, friction saws, or suspending a hot broken muffler.
Lastly, you have the almighty Dyna X cord with super strength, ultra low-stretch and perfect for emergency sutures, dental floss or animal snares.
For more EDC, everyday preparedness items, and tips on staying prepared in general, check out our extensive article, THE ULTIMATE EDC ESSENTIALS LIST FOR 2020!
This is possibly the best fire starting material on the market. The folks over at Black Beard have hand crafted a fully dried material that is both waterproof, windproof, and convenient in size and weight!
One of the best features of the Black Beard Fire Starter is that it does not have an expiration date, opened or unopened. Their unique blend will never evaporate, deteriorate or dissipate and is designed to light up every time.
Black Beard Fire Starters are a must have for every backpacker, bug out bag, 72 hour/emergency kit, and emergency car kit. Throw it in your pack or vehicle and don't worry about not having a fire again.
Did you hear that? Don’t worry about not having a fire again!
FEATURES & SPECS:
Waterproof, windproof and extremely reliable
50+ Fires from one stick
100 Year Shelf Life
Non Toxic
Made in the USA
Zippo's All-in-one kit has all the essentials needed to operate your lighter. This kit includes a Zippo Street Chrome lighter, flint dispenser (6 flints), and a 4 ounce can of Zippo lighter fluid.
The ever-satisfying, globally-recognized "Zippo click" is one of the more distinctive sounds you'll hear, and this classic lighter brings it to you in an elegant and refined matte chrome finish. The all-in-one kit also includes four ounces of lighter fluid and six replacement flints with an installation tool. Made in the USA, all Zippo lighters feature sturdy construction and a wind-proof flame.
BIC Classic Lighter
I always carry at least 1 Bic lighter. They’re a great back up flame and durable enough to last me for years. I have had the same Bic lighter in my pocket for going on 3 years now, as I usually only need to use it very sparingly. So you can imagine how long this 50 count tray will last me.
Using a Bic lighter as a back up to a good quality Zippo is a simple, inexpensive EDC prep and insurance plan to guarantee you WILL have flame when you need it, without fail. We all know that energy, in the form of heat, is one of the top cardinal rules for survival, along with water, shelter, and food. What an easy way to make sure you’re always covered!
For more EDC, everyday preparedness items, and tips on staying prepared in general, check out our extensive article, THE ULTIMATE EDC ESSENTIALS LIST FOR 2021!
FIRST AID:
Here’s one aspect of preparedness that gets forgotten about quite often and yet is one of the most important parts of your roadside emergency preps.
The thing about First Aid is that it can be something that hardly ever gets touched (hopefully) and, as a result, a lot of people don’t think about having it around until they need it. Of course, then it is too late.
Here’s a one stop shop, easy decision to cover all of your First Aid needs. Introducing, the MEGA FAK!
The Medic
Carrying The Medic is like carrying a emergency room on your back. it has all supplies you need from a minor to a major incident. What is there to say, really? It's got it all!
This is not the kit for a solo or 2 to 3 person situation, really. However, if you have a large enough family with at least one capable member of that family that could haul this kit, it may prove beneficial.
By dividing up duties of “who’s gonna carry what”, this could easily be done and may make perfect sense. The more people, the more the chance of someone getting hurt, but also, more the backs to carry important supplies.
The Medic: First Aid Kit also doubles as the perfect primary house first aid kit for when bugging in or any old day.
The molded comfort back panel provides semi-rigid, custom-fitting support, for maximum performance; adjustable padded shoulder straps, with sternum cinch and adjustable waist belt, ensuring this pack will stay with you and balance the load even in the most rigorous conditions. Side and top straps allow you to compress or expand depending on the load. Multiple inner pockets to organize and separate contents.
The Medic: First Aid Kit is made to rugged military standards with lots of MOLLE straps to add on whatever you need.
For a detailed look into what’s inside, click here on this downloadable PDF to see a complete list!
FEATURES & SPECS:
Full Length Zipper - The extended zipper on this bag allows it to open completely and lay flat. This enables you to quickly view and access the Life-Saving Supplies inside.
Dual Compartments - This is no ordinary backpack. With two main compartments and integrated modular organization, it's almost too easy to find the products you're after. Just be sure to put them back where you got 'em from.
Padded and Ventilated Back Panel - The Medic is basically a small hospital. When you're carrying that around on your back, you want comfort. That's why we included a padded and ventilated back panel, as well as a sternum strap and a waist strap.
Molle Straps and Velcro - We included these high quality molle straps and velcro patches. Just in case you wanted to add more to this kit...but on the outside. So go ahead, attach whatever suits your fancy.
Oversized Zipper - The last thing you want in an emergency situation is a stuck zipper. We thought of that. So we put the largest, highest quality zippers we could find on this kit. Go ahead, try to get it to snag.
Two Upper Handles - Double the hand holds? Why not. This feature gives you peace of mind when one-hand carrying this behemoth of a kit (you show-off). As an added feature, you can hang The Medic from these straps.
Dimensions - 21” X 13” x 13”
Weight - 8165 - 10,886 g
For more First Aid Kits, check out THE BEST FIRST AID KIT FOR A BUG OUT BAG IN 2021!
COMMUNICATIONS DURING AN EMERGENCY ROADSIDE SITUATION:
Communication is key. If you can communicate a roadside situation, you can get assistance and get out of that roadside situation.
There are all kinds of means of doing this. I personally like to have a few different ways I can reach out if I need help, because I like to have back-ups of back-ups.
Your cell phone is the first choice and the most obvious communication tool that pretty much all of us are going to have on us these days. However, you may just simply be out of range and then it’s as good as a paper weight.
You should never just rely on your cell phone. This applies to anywhere and all of the time. Here are a few ideas that would be a great addition to any roadside emergency kit.
Garmin InReach Explorer+
The Garmin InReach Explorer+ is a handheld satellite communicator with GPS navigation, maps, and offers an extra special feature for the ultimate adventurers who want to push their limits while also having the ability to call on help when they need it. Not just, WHENEVER they need it, but WHEREVER they need it.
The InReach Explorer+ is a satellite communicator and GPS navigator that uses 100% global Iridium coverage for 2-way messaging, tracking, and interactive SOS from anywhere in the world!
Going off-grid has never felt quite like this thanks to the Garmin InReach Explorer+. This machine is for the extreme among us who want to give the worriers in our lives peace of mind while simultaneously sailing off the edges of the Earth!
Needless to say, the Garmin InReach Explorer+ is the perfect backup communication device that will absolutely ensure that when all else fails in a winter roadside emergency situation, you can get help!
EXPLORE ANYWHERE, GLOBAL COMMUNICATION
Using the worldwide coverage of the Iridium satellite network, these go-anywhere portable devices let you exchange text messages with any cell phone number or email address, all the while using GPS to track and share your journey’s progress. You can also post to social media or even communicate InReach-to-InReach in the field.
In case of an at-risk situation, you can also use InReach to trigger an SOS to the 24/7 monitoring center, text back and forth about the nature of your emergency, and receive confirmation when help is on the way!
NO CELL TOWER? NO PHONE SERVICE? NO PROBLEM
The InReach Explorer+ gives you all the tools to stay totally connected. You don’t have to worry about being within range of a cell tower or encountering spotty coverage in fringe zones or blackout areas. Your InReach communicator offers two-way messaging via the global Iridium satellite network.
TRACK AND SHARE YOUR WHEREABOUTS
Turn on the tracking function of your InReach Explorer+ communicator, and let family and friends follow your progress on their computers or mobile devices, using the web-based MapShare portal. The InReach device will send waypoints at preselected time intervals, so followers can track your whereabouts online.
You can also invite your crew back home to use MapShare to ping your InReach unit and see your GPS location, track your movements, and exchange messages during your trip. You can even embed your MapShare page on a blog, website or social media!
PAIR WITH YOUR MOBILE DEVICE
For even more capability and convenience, the free Earthmate app syncs your InReach handheld via Bluetooth with your compatible Apple or Android device so you can access unlimited maps, aerial imagery and U.S. NOAA charts.
Plus, Earthmate allows you to conveniently use all of the InReach features on your paired mobile device. For easier messaging, you can also access your phone’s contact list from the Earthmate app to connect with fewer keystrokes.
GET THE WEATHER WHEREVER & WHENEVER
The optional InReach weather forecast service provides detailed updates directly to your InReach device, compatible smartphone or tablet paired with the Earthmate app, so you’ll know what conditions to expect en route.
Basic and premium weather packages are offered. And you can request weather forecasts for your current location or any other waypoint or destination on your itinerary.
WHO WILL ANSWER YOUR SOS? GEOS WILL!
GEOS is the world leader in emergency response solutions and monitoring. They’ve supported rescues in more than 140 countries, saving many lives in the process. And they’re standing by 24/7/365 to respond to your SOS, track your device and notify the proper contacts and emergency responders in your area.
Then, while help is on the way, GEOS will continue to text back and forth with you, providing updates and critical information until your situation is resolved.
BUILT FOR THE RUGGED BACKCOUNTRY
Tough, durable, impact resistant, and water-rated to IPX7, the InReach Explorer+ handheld is built to keep you up and running, no matter what the elements throw at you. An internal, rechargeable lithium battery comes standard on this unit so you can count on long battery life in every mode of operation, and even up to 3 YEARS when powered off!!
ADDITIONAL AVIATION SERVICES
Your InReach Explorer+ is also a supported device for the Lockheed Martin Flight Services (LMFS) Adverse Condition Alerting Service (ACAS), Surveillance-Enhanced Search and Rescue (SE-SAR) and Enhanced Special Reporting Services (eSRS).
If you register for ACAS information, alerts provided via LMFS prompt you to call for an abbreviated briefing to address any specific adverse condition situation that might affect your flight-planned routing.
Likewise, automatic monitoring provided by the SE-SAR service enables the system to identify potential flight emergency situations and/or signals to promptly initiate search and rescue procedures for your aircraft.
FEATURES & SPECS:
PHYSICAL DIMENSIONS: 2.7" x 6.5" x 1.5" w/ keypad & SOS door bump
DISPLAY SIZE: 1.4"W x 1.9"H; 2.31" diagonal
DISPLAY RESOLUTION: 200 x 265 pixels
DISPLAY TYPE: transflective color TFT
WEIGHT: 7.5 oz
BATTERY: Rechargeable internal lithium-ion
BATTERY LIFE: Up to 100 hours at 10-minute tracking mode (default)
Up to 75 hours at 10-minute tracking with 1-second logging
Up to 30 days at the 30-minute interval power save mode
Up to 3 years when powered offWATER RATING: IPX7
RECEIVER INTERFACE: micro USB
MEMORY/HISTORY: 2 GB (user space varies based on included mapping)
For more ideas on which GPS tracking system may be best for you to carry in your winter roadside emergency kit, check out THE MOST RELIABLE GPS TRACKER DEVICES FOR HIKING IN 2021!
I know this may seem a little over the top, but installing a CB radio has come in handy for me more times than a few just in everyday life.
Obviously, you’re not going to keep a CB radio in some sort of kit, but keeping the car ready and equipped with as many means of communication as possible can only be to your advantage. It is all a part of getting home safely and if you find yourself in a situation where you have to use it, you’ll be glad that you have it.
If you’re simply in a traffic jam, having spent 15 minutes reading the manual and learning how a CB radio works out on the highway, you can found out what’s going on from truckers all around you who are sitting up way higher than everyone else and can see what’s going on. This is great for even when there isn’t a catastrophe or emergency situation.
Also, just being able to listen in to certain channels if the weather is turning and you want to hear what folks on the highway are talking about can be a great source of information.
It’s not that difficult to transform you’re vehicle into a CB radio having machine. Now you just have to enjoy coming up with you radio handle!
Even if you’re not able to use your vehicle to get home safely, you can attempt to communicate using your CB radio before you set out on foot. This may enable you to get help faster, learn what and where to avoid on your journey, or maybe even save you from having to walk at all if you can get help to come to you!
FEATURES & SPECS:
iRADAR APP - Receive and report live police alerts including speed traps, road hazards and red-light cameras based on the nearly 1 million iRadar users out on the road today.
BLUETOOTH - Legally use your smartphone to answer, place and terminate phone calls at the touch of a button while staying focused on the road. With a noise cancelling microphone, you can have quality conversations over the noise of the engine.
REWIND-SAY-AGAIN– Replay the last 10 seconds of a missed message that is automatically recorded with a digital voice recorder so you never have to miss valuable information and you can also record a 10 second memo to replay at anytime.
NOAA WEATHER CHANNELS - Be the first to know of incoming hazards or changing weather with instant access to NOAA weather channels 24 hours a day and an audible tone warning from the station.
NIGHTWATCH - Fully illuminated customizable LCD colored display in blue, red, green and amber for easy viewing in day or nighttime conditions so you can stay focused on the road without distracting bright lights.
Having a hand cranked radio means that you have one of the last means to tune in and try to make sense of bad situation.
A lot of modern systems could go down and you still may be able to utilize the AM/FM/NOAA Weather channel to get information and make important decisions.
This sidekick also features a 1000 mAh battery for charging your phone in case those systems have not been hit and are still live. It also has a bright and long lasting LED flashlight to add another light source in case power outage.
FEATURES & SPECS:
New Design: 1000 mAh power bank for charging your iPhone & cellphone via Micro-USB cable directly, no need of adapter anymore;
A Must For Emergency: Keep this AM/FM & NOAA weather radio with your family, get up to date with the latest weather and all hazard information for your area;
More Than A Radio: Compact sized flashlight radio with 1W longer lasting powerful LED can be with you in camping, backpacking, hiking or any other outdoor activities;
3 Rechargeable Ways: Micro USB charging, Solar charging, Manual hand crank to wind up the internal battery;
What You Get: RunningSnail emergency radio, Micro USB cable, instruction, appreciation card, our worry-free 12-month warranty and friendly customer service.
For more tools to help you get home safely from a variety of situations, take a look at ESSENTIAL CONTENTS FOR A GET HOME BAG: A COMPLETE 2021 CHECKLIST!
SHELTER & WARMTH:
Shelter in a winter roadside emergency situation is ideally your vehicle. However, there are some factors that could make your vehicle not the best decision for shelter.
Check your surroundings and thoroughly assess the situation before choosing to make your vehicle the shelter you hunker down inside.
THE 5 BEST OVERLAND ROOFTOP TENTS OF 2022
Crua Cocoon 2 Person Insulated Inner Tent
Do you know what sucks about most tents? While they do provide a cover over your head, they can't really protect you from the elements, until now!
The Crua Cocoon's patented insulation can provide temperature regulation in the tent, block out the light for a longer night's sleep and dampen the sounds of the outside world.
And it can do all of this from inside any tent (that's big enough)! Turn any tent into an insulated tent for the best night's sleep you can have outdoors.
FEATURES & SPECS:
Breathable; polyester; water-resistant; outer layer HH5000mm
CRUA COCOON: Temperature, noise, & light insulated. - Air frame beams - 60 second set up. - Comfort Guaranteed.
BREATHABLE POLYESTER: with 450g/ M2 Insulation: (not waterproof)
WARMTH AND COMFORT: The Cocoon is the best insulation technology on the market, ensuring protection and comfort. Our patented material keeps you warm in winter and cool in summer.
ALL THE SPECS: Crua Cocoon Weight: 6.8 kg/15 lbs | Footprint: 6.8ft long x 4.4ft wide x 4ft tall | Total floor space: 29.9 sq. ft | Sleeps 2 persons
WARRANTY: All of our products also carry a full two-year warranty against any defects in materials or workmanship.
PERFECT FOR MANY USES: This tent is ideal for hiking, hunting, fishing, base camp, festivals, beach camping, safari, and glamping.
Having a couple of tarps in the vehicle should be a year round practice, but especially in the winter. The Aqua Quest Defender Tarp is a special tarp designed to double as a shelter with some built in features that make it especially easy to use for cover.
However, if you’re looking to save a little money on this end, a couple of old fashioned sturdy tarps will do the trick just fine.
Tarps are great for keeping things dry and covered. They are also quite a blessing if you have to be on your knees working or underneath your vehicle in cold slushy weather. They take up very little space and are a wonderful item to have ready.
FEATURES & SPECS:
100% WATERPROOF - The Aqua Quest Defender Tarp will keep you completely dry, even in extreme weather. With a hydrostatic resistance of 20,000 mm, you can be absolutely certain that not a single drop of water will get through your tarp.
EXTREMELY DURABLE - 70D Nylon + Heavy TPU & DWR Coating + Reinforced stitching + Heat taped seams = 3.3 lbs of superb defense against mother nature.
COMPACT - With its own convenient stuff-sack, and a small packed size, the Defender is an incredibly tough tarp that still packs up small.
VERSATILE - With 19 reinforced webbing tie loops in and around the perimeter, 4 corner pockets, 2 lantern loops, with a total coverage of 92 sq ft you’ve got all angles covered.
A no-brainer, at least one of these should be in the trunk of your car. Your first aid kit should have a few emergency blankets to aid in keeping you warm under one of these amazing wool blankets.
Born in the Pacific Northwest, Arcturus is an outdoor company from Washington State. So they very well know a few things about cold, wet weather, and that's why they developed their top of the line of wool blankets.
Whether skiing Mt. Hood, crabbing off the Alaskan shoreline, or just hanging by the campfire, grab one of these wool blankets for warm and refined snuggling.
Weighing over 4 lbs, Arcturus Military Wool Blankets are designed for years of use. These blankets are loom-woven to ensure even texture and thickness. A solid lock-stitch prevents the edges from fraying.
And they're machine-washable, which means you don't have to worry about getting it dirty (or dry cleaning bills).
Extra Large 64" X 88" Comfort
Grab a friend or two and get cozy. At over 5 feet by 7 feet, the Arcturus Essential Wool Blanket is just the right size to have with you nearly everywhere without being too bulky and cumbersome. It's the sweet spot in size.
When folded, these blankets measure about 16" x 11" x 4".
Warm. Even When Wet.
Wool has an incredible property of being able to keep you warm, even when it's wet. We bring this with us in nearly every environment: ski trips, hunting, ice fishing, and even backyard BBQs. It's at home where you are.
At Home, Indoors and Out.
Keep cozy whenever your adventures take you, even if that's just in front of your fireplace.
Throw one in your trunk for emergencies or throw one on the end of your bed for those extra-cold nights. The wool blankets are just at home indoors as they are outdoors.
When it comes to preparedness, less than a few institutions rival a well-trained and well-provisioned military unit. It only follows that when preparing for the possibility of some of the coldest climates on earth while also needing range for milder temperatures, the United States military has developed one of the best sleeping bag systems you can own.
Other sleeping bags on this list are excellent, but to stay with the vehicle analogies, the US Military Genuine Issue Complete 4-Piece Modular Sleeping Bag System is the Mad-Max dune buggy of this list.
It can be assembled or disassembled to fit a range from 50 degrees to -40 degrees. That in and of itself makes this sleeping bag one of the most versatile to keep in your vehicle.
If you are going to the snowy and wet mountains, you absolutely cannot go wrong with this sleeping bag. It is a tad bulky at 10-12lbs, but keep in mind you are basically getting three sleeping bags and a bivy in one bag.
I recommend the Military Genuine Issue Complete 4-Piece Modular Sleeping Bag System for any prepper or survivalist who is looking through this list. It has all of the capabilities of most all other sleeping bags, with more warm weather versatility and a rain repelling bivy, which includes a gore-tex cover.
If you are an avid hunter and trek regularly into the wet mountains, you may want to take on the extra weight of this bag for it’s incredible effectiveness; because though it deploys to 76” X 35” X 23” it can be packed down to 17” X 13” X 13” with the attached stuff sack.
The Military Genuine Issue Complete 4-Piece Modular Sleeping Bag System is sold as new and as surplus, so check out your purchase prior to finalizing so that you are selecting the desired condition. If you are looking for which sleeping bag John J. Rambo would get, this is the one.
FEATURES & SPECS:
76” X 35” X 23” Deployed
Stuffs down to 17” X 13” X 13” in attached stuff sack
4 season rating: 50 degrees F to -40 degrees F (-50 degrees F “with proper clothing”)
Includes: Standard Patrol Sleeping Bag, with Intermediate, a Bivy, and a stuff sack
Genuine U.S. military issue, Made in the U.S.A.
Gore-Tex cover on Bivy
Mummy Style
9-12lbs depending on assembly
FOOD & WATER
So let’s say that you don’t get unstuck very quickly and have to spend a night or three in your vehicle or close by. At this point you should be pretty well equipped to stay warm and stay safe.
However, we have to have food and water. Sure, we can go many days without food and about three days without water, but why? Emergency situations are already stressful enough without adding hunger and thirst.
Also, we want to be able to think clearly and perform to the best of our abilities in a crisis situation. There is no reason to not have a small tote of food and at least one large jug of water in our vehicle at all times, especially in the winter. Prepare yourself.
Reliance Aqua-Tainer 7 Gallon Water Container
I have been using these water containers for many years. I have a system in place with how I use and distribute them.
At all times, there are a full one of these in each vehicle in my household and 4 inside of my house.
Reliance 7 Gallon Aqua-Tainers are BPA free and extremely sturdy.
They all get rotated as they get used. It’s a simple prep that can make the difference between life and death. Or, at least, a bad time versus a better time.
Another no-brainer.
FEATURES & SPECS:
Reliance 7 gal water container is made from rugged materials
Ergonomic contoured handle
Premium screw on vent cap
Comes with a hideaway spout
Stackable when empty for compact storage
Sawyer's lightest and most versatile personal water filtration system, the conveniently compact, high-performance Sawyer MINI Water Filter is perfect for everything from camping with the kids to traveling abroad where tap and bottled water cannot be trusted.
The versatile MINI attaches to the included drinking pouch, standard disposable water bottles, and hydration packs — and you can drink directly from a water source with the included drinking straw.
The ultra-light, easily packable Sawyer MINI Water Filter fits in the palm of your hand and weighs just 2 ounces, making it ideal for ultralight backpacking and camping, as well as emergency preparedness.
The reusable 0.1 absolute micron MINI water filter produces clean water from freshwater lakes, rivers, and streams, as well as faucets in your home or hotel room while traveling (domestic and international).
To start filtering water, simply fill the squeeze pouch with water from your water source, then screw the MINI filter onto the pouch and start drinking right from the MINI or squeeze into a water bottle to share with others.
The MINI also screws onto water or soda bottles with a standard threaded top, and you can attach inline on a hydration pack to filter water from a bladder (sold separately).
FEATURES & SPECS:
Removes 99.99999%* of all bacteria, such as salmonella, cholera, and E.coli
Removes 99.9999%* of all protozoa, such as giardia and cryptosporidium
Removes 100% of microplastics
Filter rated up to 100,000 gallons
You can utilize the fact that the Klean Kanteen is made of steel, which will allow you to boil out bacteria if it came down to it.
This is an optional kind of item in my opinion. However, if you are a water drinker, as most of us are, you need something to transport your water in to drink out of.
I figure having something that allows you to boil and keep hot if you choose to is a good thing. It is well insulated, which means any temperature you choose for your beverage to be should stay that way for quite a while.
If you’re not into the steel, a good classic Nalgene Water Bottle will work just as well. As you can imagine, I choose to carry both.
With your 7 gallon jug full of fresh clean water, water filtration capabilities, and your individual bottle to drink out of, I can’t imagine being much more prepared to hit the road and know you’ll stay hydrated for days to come.
Now that we have water under control, food is not only necessary but also a morale booster and energy giver in times of trouble.
Get yourself a good sturdy tote, a bunch of canned goods or dehydrated food, and some energy bars, and you have yourself covered if you needed to spend a few nights out in the middle of nowhere unexpectedly.
A tote is also good for storing other preparedness items, if you have the space left, to keep down the clutter in your vehicle.
Clif Bars
Five to ten energy bars are a big calories booster and can be stuffed compact into tiny corners of your pack and emergency tote and they weigh nothing.
Just a word of caution. These little suckers are tasty and it’s easy to get carried away especially if you’re really hungry.
So, don’t loose site of the fact that you may need to ration. And, it’s never fun to crash down from sugar!
“Remember, it’s not if, but when.”
—Creek Stewart
In addition to our list today, you should also have a backpack or tote with extra winter clothing. To see some great ideas of what kind of clothing to keep in a backpack in your car for winter preparedness, check out these two articles:
THE BEST COLD WEATHER HUNTING GEAR: A COMPLETE CHECKLIST
COLD WEATHER PREPAREDNESS: CAUGHT OFF GUARD, HUNTING IN THE MOUNTAINS OF THE INLAND NORTHWEST!
You may be thinking of how many things we may have left off of the checklist today. Things like firearms, Fix A Flat, a Basic Tool Set, and a Tire Iron/Lug Wrench for instance, are things that we here at Rugged Man just assume you would have in your car all the time and for any season.
Therefore, for the purposes of this article, The Ultimate Winter Roadside Emergency Kit Checklist, we focused on being prepared for the cold weather season in particular.
The most important preparedness tool that any of us have is right between our ears. If you have the right head on your shoulders you can turn a little bit of resource into a whole lot of thriving.
Adaptation is going to be essential to flow through the coming storms. Ready yourself, so that when the time comes, no matter what season or situation you find yourself in, you are able cut through it remaining calm, stealthy, and stoic.
Until next time, stay Rugged!
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