This list documents supplies and equipment I’ve assembled (and some other things I plan to later add) in a kit stored in my vehicle for emergency preparedness. Fortunately, it’s used more often out of convenience, like when I forget something on vacation.
I’ve added to the list over time whenever I need something I don’t have. Another important habit is making sure things get replaced when they’re used, and the contents also need to be checked periodically for leakage or otherwise spoiling. Various batteries also require charging, so I’ve set up periodic calendar events with reminders to help me keep up with that.
First Aid/Trauma
See First-Aid Kit page.
Toiletries/Hygiene
- Sunscreen (part of FAK)
- Insect repellent (part of FAK)
- Softcups and tampons
- Hair bands
- Anti-bacterial soap
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Mouthwash
- Deodorant
- Contact-lens case
- Spare glasses and contacts
- Antibacterial hand wipes
- Napkins, toilet paper
- Tissues
- Face mask
- Barf bag (hospital style – collapsible plastic)
Clothing
- Pants
- Shirt
- Underwear
- Socks
- Leggings
- Shoes
- Hat that covers ears and neck (blocking sun)
- Rain poncho
- Sunglasses
- Sewing kit
- Jacket, hoodie
- Warm gloves
- Warm hat
Shelter
- Wool blanket
- Mylar blanket (Adventure Medical)
- Mylar bivy sack (Adventure Medical)
- Tarp
- Paracord
Fire
- Bic lighter x3
- Backup fire starter (ferrocerium rod and steel washer)
- Fire-starting substance (Strike-a-Fire sticks)
- Bag of lint to use as tinder
Food, Water, Cooking
- Nonperishable(-ish) food – Clif bars, emergency ration bars
- Water
- Metal canteen and cup (Stanley)
- Water filter (Sawyer mini)
- Water-purification tablets (Aqua Mira tablets)
- Spork
Navigation
- Map (Rand McNally + local one from interstate rest stop)
- Compass (Suunto A-10)
Communication
- Emergency weather radio (Midland HH54VP)
- Ham radio (Baofeng UV5RA)
- Spare cell phone (T-Mobile $3/mo plan)
- Contact cards (paper with important phone numbers in case cell phone dead/broken/lost)
- USB battery for electronic devices w/ charging cable
- Car (12V) USB adapter
- AA Batteries
- AAA Batteries
- Headphones
- Emergency whistle
- Flash drive with important docs
- Cash, credit card, checks
- Small pad of paper
- Pens, pencils, sharpie
Tools/Misc.
- Carabiners
- Flashlight
- Headlamp
- Knife
- Multi-tool
- Small adjustable wrench
- Recipricating-saw blade
- Collapsible hand saw
- Wire saw
- Paper clips
- Safety pins
- Wire coat hanger
- Zip ties
- Duct tape (rolled around credit card for compactness)
- Aluminum foil
- Super glue (small, single-use tubes)
- Plastic zip-lock bags
- Thick trash bags
- Grocery bags
- Survival guide
- Emergency plans (where to go/what to do in various scenarios)
- Floating keychain (something I’ve added after realizing too late how valuable it is…)