3 Winter Survival Gadgets Everyone Should Have in Their Vehicle

Indeed, the temperature has dropped. We’ve noticed.

This means now would be a good time to reevaluate your winter preparedness – specifically, what’s currently stashed in your vehicle to break out in case of a blizzard?

Have you stocked and loaded your favorite emergency duffle? Well, if you haven’t, then here are a few interesting ideas that might turn some gear to keep you warm. Now I won’t be discussing general winter survival or gear in this post, simply because those are some rather inexhaustible topics in themselves, but we will cover a few items that really make sense to carry during the coldest months of the year.

1. Heated blanket/portable charger

From my own personal experience, as heated blanket has actually kept me from a potentially life-threatening situation (ie., when my hatchback plowed into a snowbank just outside Bedford, Va). I had to get quite comfortable with the idea that help would not arrive soon, and my heating options were limited.

With a portable heated blanket and a portable charger, you can stay warm until you’re safe. (Plus, your car battery – or even the sun — can recharge this type of portable charger.)

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Just make sure that your car is NOT enveloped in snow when it’s idling, because carbon-monoxide poisoning becomes a huge concern. Also, time your gas to battery intervals so you don’t drain your only way of starting the car again.

2. Zippo hand warmer

In my mind, carrying along a Zippo Hand Warmer makes quite a bit of sense. However, it’s not just the dexterity-enabling heat capsule that I’m after. It’s the fact that you should also be carrying lighter fluid in the same duffle. If you just so happen also to carry a Zippo Lighter, well then, you’ve got a hand warmer and a complete fire kit.

3. The right signaling gear

Speaking of fire, snow is white.

And if you’re pressed into a situation where you have to build a fire in the snow, chances are, you’ve probably had a bad day. That’s why, if you’re going to bring along duct tape, you should make sure that your sticky wonder ribbon is in the most obnoxious neon orange color possible to pop against the whiteness of the snow. With that being said, fire is always a great way to keep warm in such situations — but oddly enough, it’s not really that great of a signaling device in snow-clad broad daylight. You’ll need a way to offer additional contrast for responders, and wouldn’t you know it? Duct tape burns with black smoke.

Be smart out there this winter. Stay safe. Stay warm.

What devices would you add to our list? Share your tips in the section below:

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