Whatever your location, be ready in case anything goes wrong. A snowfall earlier this month delayed motorists along a 50-mile stretch of Virginia roadway. Some people were running out of food and petrol. Others were forced to spend the night in their automobiles. Senator Tim Kaine, for example, was stalled in traffic for more than 20 hours. As less regular weather patterns, driven in part by climate change, make their way throughout the nation, incidents like this are becoming more common. Motorists leave town to visit relatives, go mountain climbing, or even get groceries, only to be trapped in less-than-ideal conditions. With this in mind, we’ve compiled a list of ten items you should have in your vehicle for every winter excursion. A few of these necessities are supplied to increase your comfort, while others are included to save your life. Prepare for everything this winter, from a small mechanical incident to a night on the side of the road, wherever you travel. The items to have in your automobile during winter are listed below.

Coast XP11R Professional Series Flashlight

The flashlight feature on your phone is useful practically every day, but utilizing it in an emergency drains battery life that might be used for calls or messages. Instead, bring Coast’s Professional Series Flashlight, which is very bright and intended to endure for hours. The rechargeable battery lasts up to 37 hours and emits a bright beam that may be used to see under the hood or locate misplaced goods between the seats. It can also operate on three AAA batteries, which you should already have in your emergency bag.

Hydro Flask Wide-Mouth Water Bottle

I suggest bringing an insulated water bottle with you not because you’ll need it in an emergency (although you will), but because the double-wall insulation will keep any liquids from freezing even if you wind up sleeping by the side of the road. Rather than packing a water bottle every time you leave home, try purchasing a second Hydro Flask, filling it with water, and keeping it in your vehicle throughout the winter to ensure you have liquids at all times. When you need to utilize it as a hammer, the bombproof build comes in useful.

Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Hiker Medical Kit

Before it’s used, an emergency medical kit will gather a lot of dust, but there’s no replacement for one when you need it in the middle of winter. This one, from Adventure Medical Kits, includes bandages, tape, stabilizers, hospital-quality instruments, prescriptions, and antiseptic wipes, as well as two days’ worth of supplies for two people. Consider the Mountain Series kit, which can sustain four people for up to seven days and is large enough for the entire family.

Ortovox Badger Shovel

Hand-digging your way out of a snowdrift requires time and energy that you don’t have. That’s why Ortovox built the Badger with a huge 2.5-liter blade and a comfortable handle to let you pull more snow in less time. The shovel’s collapsible construction allows you to use your feet for leverage, and the step grooves on the top of the blade enable you to use your feet for leverage after you’ve successfully released your automobile.

Leatherman Squirt PS4 Multi-Tool

Don’t let the small size mislead you into believing this multi-tool isn’t competent. Regular pliers, needlenose pliers, scissors, three screwdrivers, wire cutters, a wood/metal file, a straight knife, and a bottle opener all fit within Leatherman’s portable design, ensuring you have every essential tool you’ll need whether you’re mending your rig or giving first aid. It also has a keychain attachment so you can have it with you at all times.

The North Face Apex+ Etip Gloves

You’ll forget your trusty pair of gloves at home at some point, which is why it’s a good idea to have an extra pair in your vehicle. These windproof gloves from The North Face include touchscreen-compatible fingers and lightweight insulation for dexterity whether you’re phoning for assistance or just keeping warm. The palms have a textured silicone feel for better grip and are treated with DWR to keep your hands dry.

REI Co-op Trailbreak 20 Sleeping Bag

The Trailbreak 20 sleeping bag from the Co-op isn’t winning any accolades this year, but that shouldn’t dissuade you. It still provides the optimum blend of warmth, packability, weight, and affordability, allowing you to keep it in your vehicle all winter. Even when wet, the synthetic insulation is very durable and capable, and the shell material is coated with a DWR finish for further protection. While it’s doubtful that you’ll need a sleeping bag in the near future, you’ll definitely want one when the weather cools.

NOCO Boost Plus Jump Starter Box

Given that my vehicle just died after spending a night in the freezing weather, I recommend investing in a jump-starting box in case your car dies and no one is around to help. Simply keep this baby charged, and it will bring your rig back to life up to 20 times on a single charge. I suggest leaving it at home, so it doesn’t lose power in your car’s cold glovebox – just remember to take it with you when you leave.

Rubbermaid Action Packer

Rubbermaid creates more than just food storage containers, which may surprise you. For example, this 24-gallon container is large enough to transport everything on this list, guaranteeing that nothing gets misplaced no matter where you travel. The sturdy design will last season after season, ensuring that your winter vehicle kit is always there when you need it.

Quikrete Sandbox Play Sand

While some overlanders like to bring tire traction mats, I suggest bringing a bag of sand since it’s inexpensive in big amounts, fits in your trunk, and is suitable for any vehicle. Even if your vehicle is merely stopped in the driveway, a coating of traction under the tires may help you get unstuck fast and effortlessly. I can’t suggest this stuff enough after rescuing out many automobiles that didn’t have allwheel-drive earlier this year.