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Vehicle Winter Survival Kits - Part One: Personal Gear

by David Graves

Priority #1: Preserving Body Heat

In a cold weather situation, keeping warm is of prime importance. Cold is a stealthy menace to the human body. Without proper clothing, you may not even be able to do simple tasks like fixing a flat tire. Frostbite and hypothermia can creep in quickly and without warning. Good insulation and external heat sources are essential in winter emergency situations. Some common items can be lifesavers, such as:

Wool or fleece blankets. Blankets are versatile, and can be used to cover the entire body.

Wool or fleece hat. The more these cover the better especially the ears. A "ski mask" style knit hat that covers the face is even better

A scarf. A lot of heat escapes from the collar area of coats or jackets. Nothing prevents this better than a versatile scarf.

Insulated mittens or gloves. Mittens are generally warmer than gloves, because the fingers are allowed to stay in contact with each other. Unfortunately, mittens also hamper dexterity. Gloves are better for handling small objects, but may sacrifice warmth. Any hand covering that uses Thinsulate insulation is good. Water- proof gloves or mittens are also valuable when dealing with snow and ice.

Insulated Boots. Ever day routine work shoes are poor in cold weather. A major source of discomfort is cold, wet feet. This can be dangerous as well. A pair of insulated boots should always be kept in a vehicle for emergencies.

Wool or fleece socks. This is an item that always seems to be forgotten. A warm, dry pair of fresh socks is very comforting, especially after one’s feet have already gotten cold and wet. DO NOT USE COTTON. They will keep moisture against your skin (both from the elements and from your perspiration) and will lead to frostbite. A good place to store extra socks is inside of sealed plastic bags that are tucked inside the boots carried in the vehicle.

Disposable Hand Warmers. These are a wonderful invention for cold weather comfort! Most major general retailers carry these in the winter. They are inexpensive and non-toxic. To operate, simply open the package and shake. The length of time these produce heat for depends on their age and how long they were shaken when activated. It is best to replace these annually, using the old ones for fun winter activities.

Rain poncho or suit. This may seem unusual, given that in the north rain is a spring-through-fall event. If one is in heavy snow, a poncho or rain suit can help prevent getting damp due to body heat melting the precipitation. Also, it can act as a very effective wind barrier. A poncho can be used to seal any large opening in a stalled window, such as a broken windshield.

12 Volt heaters. This is probably the most specialized item in a personal gear kit. Also, it may not be usable 100% of the time. These can be found at most auto parts stores or big retailers. They can be plugged directly into the power outlet or cigarette lighter of a vehicle. These put out a surprising amount of heat in a short time. However, they do need a charged battery or a running engine to provide the necessary power, and they can drain a battery in a few hours.

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