Author Topic: Survival gear for the vehicle in the winter. (Read 763 times)

Daveinthebush · « **on:** November 29, 2003, 06:15:20 PM »

I thought of this yesterday as I headed to Anchorage at 4:30 am by myself. As I hit Keystone Caynon the winds buffeted the truck and I plowed through drifts all the way. Heading up the hill wasn't too bad - that is a 70 foot to 2,600 foot climb to the unknowing. Then I hit the pass with blinding blowing snow. I could only see the road markers, 18 foot posts that overhang the road. The winds were probably 50 mph, calmed down from the 75 mph the night before. I eventually pulled out of it in the next 20 miles.

Then about Sheep Mountian it snowed again and by the time I got to Palmer I saw where 12-25 vehicles had went off the road and saw three stuck.

That said: What do you guys carry for emergency gear in the winter where you might be onver 50 miles for the nearest phone, could hit -40 degrees (easily) without windchill. No cell phone coverage (well at least not here).

akpls · « **Reply #1 on:** November 30, 2003, 11:42:18 AM »

Things I carry for ordinary winter travel locally include sleeping bag, a pair of bunny boots, a set of Carhatt arctic coveralls, arctic mittens, a bunch of hand warmer packets, fleece face mask, my usual beaver hat, snow shovel, jumper cables, tow rope/chain, things to start a fire. When I'm going long distance I add extra stuff like a portable Coleman stove and heater, chains, extra vehicle fluids, a bit of food, etc. Multiply some of that stuff by 5 to account for the wife and 3 kids. There might just be enough room for them after all that. My wife thinks I overpack sometimes, but I'd rather be safe than sorry. Before last hunting season I picked up a portable aviation VHF radio that might be handy to have in the car/truck if you get out of cell coverage. I've also started looking at satellite phones since I've started to take my young sons to remote hunting sites with me. That would apear to be the ultimate emergency communication tool to have if you got stranded anywhere, road system included.

Winter Hawk · « **Reply #2 on:** December 03, 2003, 02:38:50 PM »

When I was up where it gets cold I carried an Edie Bauer down sleeping bag, tire chains, 20' of logging chain, come-along, hi-lift jack and aluminum grain scoop. If I were going anywhere far I might throw in a 5 gallon can of gas and some candy bars, Gorp etc. which freezing wouldn't hurt. When I was living without power I kept the engine warm with a small huricane lamp in a cardboard box under the engine and that would end up in the car also. And I almost forgot the jumper cables.

Now that I am in the banana belt I have the tire chains, come-along, jack, jumper cables and grain scoop in the car, along with a couple of 25' lengths of 1/2" nylon rope. The logging chain has disappeared or it would be in there also. I generally have my pack along and that has rain gear, survival balnket and other items (see the thread on day packs). And my wife asked me to throw in a wool blanket.

So who else carries what?

-Kees-

ghostZ · « **Reply #3 on:** December 04, 2003, 05:01:40 AM »

I have recovery equipment(tow straps, shackles, gloves,...), multiple lights including a rechargeable spot, usually a pair of bibs, atleast one blanket, MRE's, usually a CB, and always a cell phone.. I am seldom that far away from a town to carry much more.

Daveinthebush · « **Reply #4 on:** December 04, 2003, 07:01:34 PM »

It sounds like we pretty much carry the same basic equipment. By bag is a military artic goose down in a waterproof bag. I know that a single seat cab is not enough truck up here to carry even the survival gear up here sometimes. When I feel I really need more I throw in the camping gear tote.

No one mentioned a firearm. I usually have the .44 mag. but since I have been going to LosAnchorage a bit I have opted for the .45 1911 with six clips. Been some good gun battles over the lately and I hate comming out on bottom.

akpls · « **Reply #5 on:** December 05, 2003, 05:34:12 AM »

Daveinthebush said "No one mentioned a firearm."

Forgot to mention that, but it's pretty much standard gear all year-round.

Winter Hawk · « **Reply #6 on:** December 05, 2003, 09:18:45 AM »

Shucks AkPLS, your armed whenever you walk out the dor! Now me, I have to carry my daypack where the .357 resides. I guess that's legal now without a concealed carry permit. I'd hate to think that I'm breaking the law...

-Kees-