Photo by uberzombie

This is Part 3 in my self-reliance series.  You can read the first two parts by following these links:

Self-Reliance Series #1:A Personal Survival Kit (PSK)

Self-Reliance Series #2: An Office Survival Kit

In order to get to my office, I need to drive my car (actually, it’s a gas-guzzling SUV).  If your car has ever broken down (I’ve had several in my life), then you know why I’m packing all of this stuff.  There’s no mass transit to take me to and from work.  Those of you in the same boat might find some use in my Automobile Survival Kit.  While some of these items are there more for convenience, most cover the emergency basics.  For all of you fellow gearheads, this list is for you:

In the center console, I have:

• Vise grip pliers - I have another pair in my toolbox.  This is a spare.
• Small crescent wrench - ditto on the spare.
• Can/bottle opener - for the obvious reasons.
• Another PSK in a small Altoid tin - in case I lose my wallet.
• Gerber Infinity flashlight - small with a long run time.  Space is an issue.
• 4 in 1 rescue tool - for cutting through seatbelts and breaking the windshield.
• Tire pressure gauge - keep those tires inflated!  It helps your fuel economy.
• Purell hand sanitizer - in case water is in short supply.  Can also be used as a fire starter.
• Bic lighter - I need to light my Rocky Patels with something.
• Coughlan’s waterproof matches - in case the lighter doesn’t work.
• Tums EX - for an upset stomach.
• Local street map - I don’t own a GPS.  But I can read a map.
• Pencil - for writing things down.
• Earplugs - in case I need to take a nap.
• Small stapler - my car is my office on wheels.
• Small lint brush - gotta try to look sharp.
• Wet Ones wipes - quick cleanups when water isn’t available.

In the glove box, I keep some convenience items, such as:

• Salt, pepper, sugar, and Equal packets
• Ketchup and mustard packets
• Napkins
• 2 packages of peanuts and a couple of Slim Jims
• Tea bags and coffee bags

Stuffed under the seats in the back, I have these items:

• First aid kit
• Leather-palmed work gloves
• Tea candles
• Assorted hose clamps
• 4 disposable ponchos
• 4 mylar emergency blankets
• 4 flashing red markers

I also have an old Jansport backpack, which contains:

• A BIG knife, like this one: Becker Combat Bowie - a big knife makes for easier chopping.
  
• Sierra saw - for cutting small branches to help make a shelter.
  
• Nalgene polycarbonate bottle - for drinking water.
  
• Olicamp space saver cup - can be set up over a camp stove for boiling water.  It nests with the water bottle.
  
• Potable Aqua tablets - water purification.  Don’t use if you have a thyroid problem.
• Esbit folding stove - solid fuel stove which folds flat.
  
• Campsuds - a biodegradable solution that has many uses.
  
• Mil-Spec poncho - in case it’s raining when your car breaks down.
  
• Deerskin work gloves - to protect your hands.
• Jute twine, nylon twine, nylon rope, fishing line - you can never have enough cordage.
• Soda can stove and alcohol - a lightweight DIY project.  Here’s a link to many variations: Soda can alcohol stove links
• Toothbrush and toothpaste - hygiene.
• Small roll toilet paper - when leaves are not an option.

In addition to this backpack, I have one of those drawstring bags that contains my Cody Lundin-inspired emergency kit.  The whole thing fits in the Jansport backpack:

• Leatherman Wave multitool - many tools in a small package.  Everyone needs a multitool.
• Mora Craftsman knife - an inexpensive, easy-to-sharpen, carbon steel knife.  I have many of these all over the house.
• Gerber Infinity flashlight - a small, long-running LED light that uses one AA battery.
• Platypus water container - in case you have to haul water back to the car.  Folds flat for easy storage.
  
• Sportsman’s blanket - a heavier-duty version of the mylar space blanket.
  
• Mylar emergency blanket - small, fits in your pocket.
• 2 contractor garbage bags - can be used to make an expedient sleeping bag.
• 2 Tyvek envelopes - can be filled and used as pillows.
• 3 Reynolds oven bags - extra water carriers.
• Ziploc freezer bags in various sizes - many uses.
• Drinking tube - to get that last drop of water.
• Dental floss - strong, small, many uses.
• Purell hand sanitizer - when water is scarce.
• Band aids - for small cuts.
• Tincture of iodine 2% - an antiseptic.
• Small sewing kit - the kind you get in hotels.
• Signal mirror - to get people’s attention if you’re stuck.  Learn how to use it before disaster strikes.
• Orange surveyor’s tape - for marking a path through the woods, Hansel and Gretel style.  Keeps you from walking in circles.
• Bandanna - a head cover, sling, etc.
• Duct tape - 1,001 uses.
• 100 feet of orange paracord - very versatile, can be used for stringing up your tarp.  The internal strands can be separated for a smaller diameter fastener.
• Coughlan’s waterproof matches - fire.
• Sparklite firestarting kit - fire.
  
• ACR whistle - signaling your position if you’re trapped in the car.  get a pealess whistle that works underwater.
  
• Magnesium firestarter - fire.  Magnesium burns at over 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit.  Shave some off the block onto wet wood, and start a fire.
  
• Mini ferrocerium rod - fire.  This throws off lots of sparks.
• Scripto lighter - adjustable flame height, unlike the Bic.
• Vaseline-soaked cotton balls - great homemade tinder.  Will light up even when wet.
• Charcloth - old pieces of denim jeans turned into a charcoal-like state.  I’ll post a how-to on making charcloth in the future.
• Fatwood shavings - these can be purchased.  Sometimes sold as Maya Dust.  It’s the sap-engorged heartwood from a pinetree stump.
• Silva compass - learn how to use a compass.  It’ll be a lost art.  What do you do when your GPS batteries die?
  
• Wool cap - to keep your head warm.
• Krazy glue - another multiuse item.
• Fresnel lens - for magnification.  Aids in the removal of splinters.

Last but not least, I have the following stuff in the back of the SUV:

• Toolbox - this holds everything I need for a quick repair.
• Jumper cables - everyone should have jumper cables in their car.
• Tire repair kit - coupled with the fix-a-flat, I can patch a leaky tire.
• Fix-a-flat - see above.
• Air pump - you need to be able to inflate the flat after it’s been patched.
• WD-40 - if you want it to move, use WD-40.
• Duct tape - if you don’t want it to move, use duct tape.
  
• 2′ x 3′ piece of plywood - a stable platform for a jack.
• 8′ x 12′ plastic tarp - for wrapping up my victims.  Use the duct tape to muffle their screams.  Just kidding.  Keeps you dry while changing a flat tire in the rain.
• Toilet paper - I’m not keen on using leaves.
• Paper towels - for cleaning up.
• Electrical tape - for small repairs.
• 6 bottles of water - don’t get dehydrated.  Always carry water.
• Mason’s twine - cheap and strong cordage.
• Polyester blanket - to keep you warm if your car gets stranded.
• Ice scraper/snow brush - for the winter.
• Towel - if you read Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, you know you should always bring a towel.
• Motor oil - a car’s lifeblood.
• Antifreeze - for when your car overheats.
• Coveralls - keep you clean when changing a tire.
• Boots - for the snow/rain/mud.
• Sneakers - in case you have to leave your disabled car and walk to your destination.

I also carry a change of clothes appropriate for the weather.  I’d like to add a few things, like road flares and towing straps.  Remember to replace all expired food and medication on a regular basis.  What else have I missed?

You can read Part 4 of the self-reliance series by clicking on the following link:

Self-Reliance Series Part 4: My Every Day Carry (EDC)

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