Minimalist vehicle survival/get home kit

[gsh341]

To cover 6 miles you need almost nothing. Some water, a small pistol with a spare mag, a knife or multi-tool, some sort of light source and a jacket, gloves and hat if appropriate for the time of year should do it. Toss in a standard vehicle emergency kit and a small backpack or pouch to carry things in and you're all set.

To cover more distance I would include some sort of food items such as protein bars and maybe a change of clothes with some comfortable shoes if you're the suit and tie type.

If you think you need some sort of shelter and a blanket, an army issue poncho and poncho liner take up little space and are pretty light. use a little 550 cord and you can make a small tent or lean-to or you can combine the two and make a lightweight sleeping bag. I'd also add a bit more food and water and maybe a magnesium fire starting block for an emergency fire if you're stuck in the desert somewhere.

The big thing is to keep it light. It's hard to move fast or far if you're lugging around a lot of stuff. Not to mention, if you're in town, a big pack is rather conspicuous while a small pack is pretty common. Not to mention it's hard to store a large pack in a small car.

[bigjack7440]

[QUOTE=Ironman8;2213749]Any good compact/light bolt cutters anyone can recommend?[/
Klein makes a small pair and that you will not break the jaws out on the 1st cut . 21yrs as a lineman I've used bolt cutters 1/2 my life . They also make fiberglass handles witch is of cours what I had to use on 13,200kv .

[ScottsBad]

1. Large knife or small machete
2. Lighter, flint, cotton balls soaked with Vaseline
3. Spare Jacket water proof
4. Blanket
5. Cord (550)
6. Day pack
7. Multi-tool
8. Compass
9. Water purifier/water
10. Flashlight extra batteries
11. 2 Large trash bags
12. First aid kit
13. Duct tape
14. Large mouth stainless water bottle
15. TP
15. Food bars, other food.

[Ironman8]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. Good thread, and I definitely need to step my game up in this area.

[backpacker]

Satellite phone, bottle of wine, and a playboy.
#1 rule: don't leave your shelter. (especially in the sierras)

[ScottsBad]

Satellite phone, bottle of wine, and a playboy.
#1 rule: don't leave your shelter. (especially in the sierras)

Lots of people die in their shelter/car waiting to be rescued. If you wait too long you won't be strong enough to walk out. Never mind the fact that a snow storm might come it at any time and make it impossible. Better to walk out as soon as possible.

[backpacker]

Lots of people die in their shelter/car waiting to be rescued. If you wait too long you won't be strong enough to walk out. Never mind the fact that a snow storm might come it at any time and make it impossible. Better to walk out as soon as possible.

post was more of a joke, but...
As long as you know where you are and where you're going and its in reasonable walking distance. More people die walking then they do waiting. Sat phone and wait for rescue. everyone in the continental US is in rescue distance. As long as you can call, you can get help.

I think outlander systems post is probably pretty close to what you'd need. basic tire care, maybe a tow strap, cliff bars, headlamp.

[backpacker]

The Sierras are a scary place too, I've spent over 100 nights backpacking in the sierras and the weather can be unpredictable and crazy. I've had days where you would think a 8 mile hike is no big deal, its sunny and 50 degrees, then by 10am its raining, and by noon its hailing and then snow. it can be a dangerous place to hike let alone survive. if you have ANY doubt about making it to your destination on foot, stay with your vehicle. At least in northern nevada and california. The world is not ending and help will eventually come.

[gsh341]

post was more of a joke, but...
As long as you know where you are and where you're going and its in reasonable walking distance. More people die walking then they do waiting. Sat phone and wait for rescue. everyone in the continental US is in rescue distance. As long as you can call, you can get help.

I live in South Dakota and during the winter, unless you slid into a ditch on a warm 32° sunny day with no wind and can see a farmhouse within easy walking distance of 1 mile, you just don't leave your car. Winds here can be very strong come up in just mninutes and blowing snow can completely disorient you.

It's relatively flat here and many people see a farmhouse and think it's nothing to walk there. What they don't think about is that when it's 0°F and there is a 15-20 mph wind, it's about -20°F windchill. That means you can get frost bite in about 30 minutes without proper cold weather clothing. It can get even colder here and actual temps are often down to -20° F and it's been known to get down to -50°F. With that same 15-20 mph wind the windchill would be -46°F or -72°F respectively. That gives you just 10 minutes of exposure before severe frostbite and about 30 minutes even in proper winter clothing before hypothermia starts taking it's toll. You could literally walk right past a house 30' away in blizzard conditions and never know it.

In extreme cold weather it's far better to stay in your car and wait for help. With a proper survival kit you can last for a week and your car will be a lot easier for rescuers to spot than your dead frozen body.

[Caduceus]

To cover 6 miles you need almost nothing. Some water, a small pistol with a spare mag, a knife or multi-tool, some sort of light source and a jacket, gloves and hat if appropriate for the time of year should do it. Toss in a standard vehicle emergency kit and a small backpack or pouch to carry things in and you're all set.

To cover more distance I would include some sort of food items such as protein bars and maybe a change of clothes with some comfortable shoes if you're the suit and tie type.

If you think you need some sort of shelter and a blanket, an army issue poncho and poncho liner take up little space and are pretty light. use a little 550 cord and you can make a small tent or lean-to or you can combine the two and make a lightweight sleeping bag. I'd also add a bit more food and water and maybe a magnesium fire starting block for an emergency fire if you're stuck in the desert somewhere.

The big thing is to keep it light. It's hard to move fast or far if you're lugging around a lot of stuff. Not to mention, if you're in town, a big pack is rather conspicuous while a small pack is pretty common. Not to mention it's hard to store a large pack in a small car.

Agree. 6 miles is an hour jog if you're in any decent shape. My commute is about 15 miles and my plan, if I really abandon work and my car, is just job back.

I have a kit, similar to this post, if I actually have a decent walk.