Having several survival items in your car at all times can be a life-saver in the right situation. If your car breaks down or you get stranded, you’ll have some basic tools to help yourself survive.

If you don’t have any gear with you on hand, you may end up in a bad situation without anything. If that is the case, I wrote this article that’s a guide to surviving in the wilderness without supplies.

#1: Road Flares

I know it’s not a very interesting item, but this can save your life. Any survival situation is about escape, and the best way to do this is by getting found. A bright road flare is a great way to get the attention of possible rescuers. Used at the right time, a road flare might save your life.

#2: Stainless Steel Water Bottle (Single Wall)

Water is the most important necessity in any survival situation. I single wall, stainless steel water bottle allows you to purify water by boiling it. Another great item you can add to this water bottle is water purification tablets. If sufficient wood is not available to start a fire, then you may need a different method of purifying your water.

Metal water bottles are especially useful since they can be help directly over a fire. While it isn’t ideal, they can also be used for cooking if absolutely necessary. One of the things we believe in at QR Survival is finding multiple uses for anything.

#3: Paracord

Paracord is great for all sorts of tasks from building a shelter, to rigging snares. Having this ready at any given moment can help you build and create things in a possible survival situation. If need be, you can even cut open the cord to reveal several strands of strong cord that can be broken down and used in small pieces.

#4: First Aid Kit

Having a first aid kit in your car at all times is a must. You can choose to make your own or buy a ready to use kit. Things will go wrong in a survival situation, and you may find yourself needing medical attention. Whether it is a sprained ankle or open wound, having a first aid kit may just keep you alive. Additionally, you may come across someone else who needs immediate medical attention.

The last backpacking trip we went on , I found myself holding a nasty gash from an accident with my knife. While the wound wasn’t serious, having a first aid kit may have stopped an infection. It is essential to always have one of these in your car to be prepared.

#5: Blade of Your Choice

Probably the most obvious is a knife, but this can be a tricky decision. I said blade because there are several different tools you can keep in your car. If you want, you can even store multiple blades.

A must have blade would be a basic fixed blade knife. These are the most useful all around because they can slice, chop, and carve to some degree. Choosing a fixed blade knife with a thick spine is a great choice because it will be more rugged.

In addition to a basic knife, and axe or machete is a great tool to have. These can present many uses in different survival situations. They are both extremely strong and useful for all types of tasks.

Lastly, a multitool is a great addition to your survival gear. The main reason why is the tools included such as screw driver heads, can openers, and leather punches. These can be handy in very specific situations and might just give you the edge you need when surviving.

#6: Lighter

Having a lighter at all times is very important because it can keep you warm, signal rescue, cook food, and keep away predators. Fire is important in any environment and should be considered a priority for stashing in your car. If you want tips on how long disposable lighters last and which one is the best click here.

A more reliable and longterm tool is a ferro rod. This is a striking rod that throws a very hot spark when scrapped with steel. The big advantage to these is their longevity, you can start many more fires than with a lighter.

#7: Compass

This doesn’t sound very useful, but I promise you it is very important. With some basic navigation knowledge, a compass can be a lifesaving tool. Use it to travel in a straight line, navigate to a known area, or orientate a map. These are all skills that can help get you out of a survival situation. To make sure you get the full use out of your compass, check out this video.

How to use a compass

#8: Flashlight (Backup Batteries)

You may have every other survival tool known to man kind, but if you can’t see then they’re useless. It is very important to make sure you keep a flashlight and extra batteries with you at all times.

Along with helping you see your surroundings, a flashlight can help you be seen by rescuers. Rescue is the end goal of any survival situation and should be a top priority.

Keeping the batteries in a dry place out of the sun is crucial if you want your batteries to work when you need them. Try storing them in a ziplock bag or some sort of container. Keep the contained in a place hidden from direct sunlight to help preserve the batteries.

#9: Food Rations

If you want to be in the right mindset for survival, your body needs food. Without it, your brain function and physical strength can deteriorate rapidly. We recommend a three day supply of non-perishable food.

Protein Bars

Rice

MREs

Crackers

Foods like these high in carbohydrates and some protein are essential for your body. If you are in an area that has limited resources, you’ll be really glad you brought food rations. Also, make sure you treat them like rations because you never know how long you will be stranded.

#10: Wool Blanket

Having a warm blanket can save your life in certain conditions. In a cold environment, breaking down without anyone nearby can be scary. Your car will get cold fast and you’ll want something to keep warm with and survive.

The advantage of a wool is it stays warm when wet as compared with cotton. Additionally, wool is a much better insulator and will overall be better in a survival situation.

Multi-functionality is a very important part of survival which is also why we recommend wool blankets. They can be used to make shelter if absolutely necessary. Lastly, wool is naturally fire resistant which means it can smother any fire that might get out of control.