Winter Preparedness
Car Emergency Kit Checklist for Winter
Everything to pack for a winter breakdown, organized by the job it needs to do.
1. Stay warm
Emergency blankets and bivys fold small enough to keep one for every passenger.
$24.66 – $115.98
$5.42 – $6.02
Shelters
$53.46 – $55.86
$91.30 – $103.84
2. Light and power
Rechargeable lanterns and lights, including a magnetic lantern and one with a built-in power bank.
$56.24 – $66.17
$21.66 – $28.47
$12.36 – $70.56
3. First aid
A stocked kit to keep in the cabin, within reach of the driver.
First Aid Kits
$69.74
Survival Kits
$93.30 – $100.11
Survival Kits
$89.75
4. Dig out and get moving
A compact shovel for snow and a multitool for small fixes.
Survival Tools
$75.74 – $98.60
Survival Tools
$69.90
Survival Tools
$61.35 – $67.65
5. Water and signaling
Collapsible water storage, a backup filter and a loud whistle.
Fire & Water
$35.85 – $39.78
Fire & Water
$11.61
Survival Tools
$8.31
Survival Tools
$9.11
What to include in a car emergency kit
- Warmth: emergency blankets or a bivy for each person who usually rides with you, plus a hat, gloves and a spare warm layer. If the engine cannot run, a car loses heat quickly.
- Light and power: a rechargeable lantern or flashlight, and a way to charge your phone. A magnetic lantern can stick to the car body to light up a tire change.
- First aid: a stocked first aid kit kept where the driver can reach it. Check it once a year for anything used or expired.
- Digging out: a compact shovel to clear snow from around the tires and the exhaust pipe, and a basic multitool.
- Water and signaling: water in a collapsible container that takes up little room when empty, a filter straw as backup, and a whistle, which carries much farther than a voice.
Also pack these
These belong in every winter car kit too. We do not sell them, but they are easy to find locally:
- Jumper cables or a portable jump starter
- Ice scraper and snow brush
- Phone charging cable
- Bottled water and non-perishable snacks
- Hand warmers
- Sand or cat litter for traction
- Road flares or reflective triangles
- A tow strap
If you get stranded
Winter safety guidance from the National Safety Council recommends staying with your vehicle unless you know exactly where you are and that moving will clearly help. Run the engine and heater for about 10 minutes each hour, adjusting for how much fuel you have, and only after checking that the exhaust pipe is clear of snow. Keep a window cracked slightly while the engine runs, and stay wrapped in blankets and warm layers to guard against frostbite and hypothermia.
Shipping and delivery
Free standard shipping on every US order. Delivery takes 10–20 business days, so build your kit before you need it.
Frequently asked questions
What should be in a car emergency kit?
At minimum: emergency blankets, a flashlight or lantern, a first aid kit, a compact shovel, water, a whistle, jumper cables and a phone charger. In winter, add warm layers, hand warmers and something for traction, like sand or cat litter.
What do you need in a winter car emergency kit?
Everything in a standard kit, with extra focus on staying warm: emergency blankets or a bivy for each passenger, a hat and gloves, hand warmers, an ice scraper and a shovel for digging out.
Where should I keep my car emergency kit?
Most of it can live in the trunk. Keep the first aid kit and a light where you can reach them from the driver’s seat, in case you cannot get out of the car.
How often should I check my kit?
Once a year before winter is a good habit. Charge or replace anything battery-powered, refresh stored water and snacks, and restock anything you used.
Gift guides
A ready-to-go car kit also makes a practical gift for a new driver or anyone with a long winter commute.
Gifts for Hikers & Campers Gifts for Outdoorsmen Survival & Prepper Gifts