Winter is on its way (or already here) and many choosing to road trip through snowy terrains in search of adventure need to prepare properly and stay safe while on the road.
Snow storms and blizzards are one of the worst seasons to get stranded, especially in Colorado. And nothing is worse than driving off-roads to a remote area and getting stuck, especially in a snowstorm.
With cell phones, these days, the likelihood of being very stuck and out of service isn’t as great, but it can still happen. So why not prepare for the worst?
Below is general list of essential items to keep in your car survival kit if you get stranded during severe winter weather conditions.
1. A Fully Charged Battery Pack
Let’s say for some reason, you are on the road during winter and you get stranded in a blizzard because your car dies. And let’s say, worst-case scenario, your phone is dying. You can’t turn on your car to charge your device and make a phone call.
Here enters a battery pack. It can get you charged up and so you can call someone to rescue you from your wintery fate. It’s very slim, easy to pack, and holds hours of charge, depending on which power bank you get. This one below is a great option if you don’t want to bring additional cords with.
2. A Sleeping Bag
Probably one of the most crucial pieces of this survival kit is a good sleeping bag.
If your vehicle dies or you slide off the road and get stuck, it could be dangerous to keep your car running. Without a running car, you can’t stay warm, so you’ll need a sleeping bag.
Having one will allow you to stay warm until help arrives, thus reducing your risk to catch pneumonia or freeze to death. If you are looking for affordable quality, Northface sleeping bags are wonderful.
3. Good and Energizing Snacks
You never know just how long you’ll be waiting in your care. Hopefully, it won’t be for days, but just in case, you’ll need sustenance until you’re rescued.
I would suggest packing simple and less perishable snacks like:
- beef jerky
- protein bars
- bottles of water
- dried fruits
- nuts
- Things that will provide you with good proteins and fats.
You’ll need to keep your energy up. Clif Bars are another great option, given then provide a lot of energy and nutrients for your body to feed on..
4. Hand and Feet Warming Packs
If for some reason you don’t pack a sleeping bag, some hand and feet warmers are great items to carry with you on your winter road trips.
They can last up to eight hours and keep your feet and hands warm. If you do happen to pack a sleeping bag, this an added heating feature that may ease the pain of being stranded in a blizzard. I recommend the brand Hot Hands, which you can get on Amazon in bulk.
5. Extra Socks and Clothes
If you have poor circulation like me, then your feet probably get cold no matter where you are in the winter.
My recommendation is to keep a good pair of wool socks with you in your car at all times. If you’re on your way to a destination you may not be wearing the right clothes because you think you’re getting from point A to point B easily. That’s why it’s best to keep an extra set of warm clothes and socks with you just in case.
6. Tire Chains and Road Salt
Sometimes a simple change in your situation is tire chains.
Maybe you’ll get stuck in a patch of snow and can’t get out. If that’s the case, you may be able to strap on some snow chains and get yourself out of a sticky situation. If need be, you can also use some road salt to melt the snow and ice under tires, making it easier for you to drive off to your home or destination.
7. Flashlights and Batteries
God forbid you get stuck in a blizzard overnight. If you do, always make sure to pack an LED lantern, flashlight, or headlamp to help you keep your car lit while waiting.
With a light, you can also use it to signal you are there or stranded in the case someone drives past you.
Some LED lights these days are AMAZING because they come with multiple lighting settings, some of which have the ability to flash. Some of my favorite products are made by BioLite.
8. Something To Do
Nothing is worse than being stuck in a blizzard for hours with nothing to pass the time. You’ll probably spend a great amount of time worrying about when you’ll resolve your sticky situation. However, for those of you who aren’t as worried here are some ideas. it might be a nice idea to
- Bring a book
- Bring crossword puzzles
- Listen to music (if you’re able to charge your phone)
And any other things to keep you busy while you wait to rescued from the winter weather.
Getting Stranded? Don’t Panic!
Getting stranded in the winter doesn’t have to be a scary experience. Just have the proper items packed for your journey. Creating the car survival kit for yourself means you can add any additional items you think you may need. Things that will keep safe if or when you become stranded.
Have you been stuck in winter weather conditions? For more travel essentials, go here!
