Top 6 Must Haves in Your Winter Survival Kit

With winter around the corner, most families living in areas of snow fall are beginning to get their winter survival kits ready. No matter if you will be hiking, skiing or simply everyday traveling, like a good knife, a winter survival kit is a must have. Those who live in cold climates know how fast weather can turn and put you and your family in a rough spot on the side of the road. Below are some winter survival necessities every survival kit needs to have.

Food that won't spoil and water

We have been blessed to live in a country where food is abundant. It is so abundant that Americans throw away more than 146 million of tons of food a year. Most people take food for granted running from place to place "knowing" that food will be available. But winter survivalists know and understand that food supplies are only dependable if the supply chain actually makes it to you. A winter survival kit should have some food that won't spoil such as energy bars, granola, etc. There should be enough food for at least a day's worth of calories for the maximum occupancy of the car. Most survival food can be bought in bulk like the like the PROBAR variety pack.

Blankets

A good blanket is essential in a survival kit. Not only will it help keep you warm, but a good blanket can be something to kneel or lay on when working on a flat tire. Survival blankets are relatively cheap and easy to store. Having more than one survival blanket in you kit is always a good idea. The Swiss Safe Emergency Mylar Thermal Blanket is an excellent, budget friendly choice for your kit.

Extra clothing, shoes and socks

We experience all 4 seasons in a day here in Utah. Living in a rural area, I am 3 hours from the "big city". I've been on winter road trips where my co travelers are wearing flip flops and Crocs. I always ask the same question, "How are you going to change a tire in the 3 feet of snow outside?" I usually just get an eye roll. Even if you don't wear flip flops when you travel, having a spare set of shoes or boots can be life saving if your feet get wet. Similarly, the one thing I could never have enough of in the military was socks. Dry feet means you can think clearer in your situation. Socks should be wool. Carhartt's Artic Heavy Weight Wool Socks are an excellent and durable choice for the kit.

First Aid Kit

A first aid kit should be in every survival kit not matter the season. I know that there are some dads out there that think they need a Green Beret 18 series medic pack, but all you need is a first aid kit with the basics. A first aid kit with adhesive fabric and plastic bandages, antibiotic ointments, BZK antiseptic towelettes, burn cream packets, aspirin, ibuprofen, gauze roll and pads, wound closures, cold pack, and other multi-use items for any potential emergency is all you need. While that may sound like a lot, but all of the items in the above fit in a 9 x 7 inch FAO-442 first aid kit.

Matches

Fire has been key to survival for humans from the beginning of time. Having been a boy scout, starting a fire without matches is not like in the movies. It takes a lot of time and you have to have the right conditions and tools paired with a certain amount of skill and luck. Having dry matches in your kit will solve so many potential problems.

Flashlight

Having light can bring comfort and safety. Having all the above is great, but if you can't see in the kit, your decision making abilities significantly impacted in a negative direction. Don't just rely on your cell phone. Most cell phones are inclined to be charge at around 20% when you need it. If you have a battery powered light, have extra batteries. If you have a crank or shake powered, test it annually. A great gadget is the FosPower 2000mAh NOAA. The FosPower is a portable power bank with solar charging, hand crank and battery operated SOS alarm, AM/FM and LED flashlight. It's a one stop shop for light and power.

Having a winter survival kit is a must for families and individuals no matter what their planned activities are. I hope you never have to you use one. What other items would you have in your winter survival kit?