Getting stranded far away from home or in remote areas is a very real possibility in our vehicular travels today. Getting a ride or even help cannot be counted on either (may even be unwanted help), and there is always a possibility of the lack of cell phone service in many remote areas.

I visit or travel through such areas several times a year and I have become temporarily stranded while there. I do not go unprepared!

So, you're stranded in the backside of nowhere in the scorching heat of summer or the freezing cold of winter. A survival kit of sorts only makes good sense. I personally carry a duffel bag inside my vehicle(s) with an assortment of the necessities to endure such a thing, especially if I am traveling into remote areas or during mid summer/winter.

Included in that duffel bag or along with that duffel bag is:

  Extra insulated clothing, including socks & boots

  Fire starters with matches/lighter

  Hatchet

  Spare flashlight and/or small LED lantern, w/extra batteries for both

  Pillow & small air mattress (especially good for sleeping in rear of SUV)

  Small emergency tent & 2 emergency space blankets (in case the vehicle is in an unsafe or very unlevel area - can also be used for shade if needed)

  Extra water (1-2 gallons)

  Extra food (canned and/or packaged in vacuum packaging), coffee, mixable fruit drink, etc.

  Small portable stove (like the one sold on this site). small pan and/or pot, small coffee pot, stainless steel cup

  Extra knife (camping knife with spoon, fork, etc.)

  Mosquito repellant

  Folding stool and/or chair

Along with all this stuff, I normally also carry a variety of tools & emergency mechanical equipment so I can usually solve any mechanical breakdowns well enough to get back to civilization.

Always be prepared for the unexpected and you can deal with it with relative ease!