“Having a four wheel drive doesn’t mean you can go anywhere. It just means you can get stuck in worse places.” – John Gierach
I’m not a prepper by any measure. Sure, I tend to think ahead and have what I need, when I need it. But compared with the TV kind of prepper, I’ll be a lost puppy when the apocalypse hits. But that’s alright. Frankly, I’m more concerned about going camping and not being able to start a fire than I am with doomsday hitting.
This post isn’t about the emergency necessities to keep in your car. Items like a well-stocked first aid kit, a knife, a lighter, a flashlight, and jumper cables are essentials. If you don’t have these items already, please stop reading and go put them in your vehicle.
These are the things that you might not already have, but will definitely want tucked away just in case an unexpected opportunity to have a good time or do “truck stuff” presents itself.
- Small camping hatchet: If you find yourself in the woods and desperately need to enjoy a campfire, even the smallest hatchet will help.
- Mini fishing rod: This could be as simple as a hand line. Any type of compact fishing setup will be good. Just don’t forget some flies and/or lures.
- $50 in cash: Good for emergency gas money, paying camping fees (they never take cards, obviously), and general bartering. The more the merrier. I keep it in my first aid kit.
- 375 ML of whiskey: A six-pack works too. This one is self-explanatory. Not intended for consumption while driving.
- Tarp: Very compact and infinitely versatile. 8×8′ checks most of the boxes.
- Beach towel: For impromptu swims. Microfibre will take up the least space.
- Toolkit: A screwdriver (with interchangeable bits), simple ratchet set, crescent wrench, and pliers will cover most of what you’ll need. These items should fit under your seat.
- Deck of cards: Nobody ever has a deck of cards when they need them. Except for you. This item pairs especially well with #3.
- Garbage bags: Without labouring the concept of “packing it out”, these can be really handy and don’t take up much space. I’ve used them for game and for garbage.
- Work gloves: Helpful for anything from changing tires, loading brush, or when your hands simply get cold. Just don’t take them out of the truck for too long – these tend to go missing fast.
Bonus points if you keep at least a ⅓ tank of gas in the car most of the time, and have a glass breaker accessible from the driver’s seat. You know, in case you get into a police chase, drive off into a lake, and need to escape.
For convenience purposes, I keep my car camping stove and the ends of used propane tanks in my cargo box. Having a truck box is a must-have. It’s secure, waterproof, and keeps the cab clear of crap. Just do yourself a favour and get a second key made for the box. If you’re not sure, just go on Craigslist and search for truck toolbox to see why.
If this made you think of something else you insist on keeping in your truck, let us know! It’s always better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.