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Vehicle Bags: IFAK/Bug Out/Essentials?

.dC0m

.dC0m

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I've always been an advocate of keeping an IFAK and "Bug Out" bag in my vehicles for the moments you least expect it. Recently, I was going through my annual inspection of my bags and questioned if I am missing anything or if there is anything new I can add.

Primary Vehicle/Family hauler:
  • 2 IFAKs - one "red" bag for boo-boos/scrapes. One "black" trauma bag for major Stop bleed/Airway issues.
  • Light Bug-Out Bag
    • Portable camping blanket
    • Spare set of clothes (in case of need to change out when clothing on your person is soaked wet after water incident)
    • Leatherman Multi-tool
    • Light Toiletries kit
    • Handheld flash light
    • Gerber Fire starter with whistle (Bear Grylls branded?)
Secondary Vehicle/Off-roader:
  • 1 all-encompassing IFAK; boo-boos, trauma, etc.
  • 3x small fire extinguishers (for potential sparks in BLMs), Fire Blanket
  • 1 Tool Roll bag with basic hand tools, zip ties, wrenches, etc. (less so for vehicle break-downs, more so for when I'm doing small handyman projects)
  • 1 Harbor Freight Hard Case with:
    • Bottle Jack
    • Extendable Breaker Bar
    • Ryobi Battery Powered Air Compressor
    • Tire Patch Kit
    • Mechanix Gloves
    • Tie-down Ratcheting Straps

What's in your vehicle bags? What bags/cases do you keep in your vehicle(s)?
 
I have to work some more on my vehicle bag. You listed some items I've been lagging on adding.

I keep a pack of Lifeboat ration crackers and a couple bottles of emergency water designed for long term storage.

I recommend getting one of those small battery pack car jumpers. Especially if you're offroading and no one else is near. Ideally it's always charging when the car is running. I've actually used that once (although I could've called aaa).

Do you have a tow strap for the offroader? I've had to use that before when offroading in the dunes.
 
shermanatortank said:
I recommend getting one of those small battery pack car jumpers. Especially if you're offroading and no one else is near. Ideally it's always charging when the car is running. I've actually used that once (although I could've called aaa).

Do you have a tow strap for the offroader? I've had to use that before when offroading in the dunes.
Click to expand...

I have a few portable NOCO car jumpers - they usually don't sit in my vehicles, but I do bring them along if I'm going distance/long road trip. Might consider leaving one in the offroader as I've encountered numerous vehicles stranded that needed a jump (and no one carries jump cables anymore - plus; they're not as safe as the portable car jumpers).

I do need to get a tow strap for the offroader, however, I do need to reinforce some towing points (outside of the OE towing points which are extremely weak and may be questionably rusted) with some aftermarket tow points first.

jarhead714 said:
A Sharpie since everyone has 3 tourniquets on their person now. Lots of foreheads to scribble on.
Click to expand...

Valid point! I have TQs every where (vehicles, backpacks, etc.) but I have no/few sharpies/writing utensils to note time of application.
 
Rescue Essentials: Executive Vehicle Protection Kit I have this vehicle IFAK. Conveniently velcros onto a seat headrest. Has boo-boo and trauma. Thankfully I haven’t had to use it for more than boo-boos.

A costco pack of water bottles and AAA roadside assistance is the rest of my get home plan. My mission is just surviving my daily commute lol.
 
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I keep a good amount of tools, wrenches, sockets, breaker bar, screw drivers, lots of hand tools, M12 drill and impact, etc. mostly for work where I might need something, but also for emergency repairs

I have a yellow PVC rain suit along with a jacket and sometimes a large blanket.

Then of course my get home bag with it's ifak, small snacks, a few hand tools like a mini pry bar, 6-1 screwdriver, channel loc pliers, hose bib key. Lighters, heavy duty emergency blanket, etc
 
Cash and spare ID, spare change of clothes, rain jacket, spare boots, pistol and rifle and spare ammo and mags, food and water. Winter a spare blanket since single digits are common here. Notepad, triple antibiotic and the spray type, benadryl, tool kit, cheap compact bottle jack from HF, lighters, flashlights and luci lights. I could divert from a drive to the parts store to a week in the mountains and be moderately comfortable at any given time without making any stops.
 
Headlamp, hands free light is hands down the thing I use most in my kits.
 
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