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So...ok... first post... let´s try it out!

This post is reflecting about having a mini survival-kit in my own car. What my current (read: first) thoughts is about it and what it will contain and why... there should always be a why ("Y").
Well, this time it is if you travel or end up with a stranded car where few/no people might encounter you for some time or just to use for taking down a road-hit. Please note that this kit is meant to be a complimentary to your first-aid kit that handles injuries and trauma.


Due to the size of my car and the fact that I like stowing things like this in compartments - I have chosen to make a smaller version (for now). So I picked up a few things that I thought would be nice to have without making the package too big. In addition - try and keep your kit in some kind of bag/storage (color coordinated?) so you fast and easily can pull it out if you are in a hurry. It contains:

1x Flashlight
Y? More or less self-explanitory. Try and go for a LED, since most of those models can last long on a single set of batteries. There are even some really good ones with generator and wind-up functionalities (IKEA in Sweden sell those for about €4)

1x Knife
Y? A crucial tool in a survival situation - but for me also a tool to help to take down a still breathing road-hit (if you know how). This is where the speedy accessibility of the kit comes in handy - you can grab the bag and take the knife out on your way to the deer, rabbit etc. Preferably with a slip-protection so you don´t cut yourself. Even a small wound can cause infection and hamper you if the cut is in your palm.

1x Compass
Y? Especially for us northerners that might get trapped in a snow-blizzard. A compass is crucial to prevent you from walking in circles if you have the general direction on where the closest people might be. For me, "Silva" as a brand is a safe card! Note: learn how to use a compass!

1x Emergency whistle
Y? Also a good thing to have in a dense forest or downpour of rain/snow to enrich your chances of being found. Not only does the signal carry longer ranges than you can shout - you will save your voice and energy in the long run. Many whistles have two tones - one to travel far and one for closer schrills. Keep it in shock-resistant plastic, since metal might damage your lips in cold weather. Some even work underwater! Try and have it in a string or fastened with a carbine - so you don´t loose it. Read: don´t trust a built in clip. My whistle has a comfortable size and good sound - just need a carbine to complete it.

2x vinyl gloves - large
Y? To use when handling a road-hit - to avoid bacteria or diseases that the animal might have. I choose vinyl before latex, since those are said to be found environmental degradable (comment anyone) as well as avoiding people with latex allergies. In addition it is easier for someone with S-hands to use L-size gloves than the other way around!

1x Small, home-rolled roll of toilet-paper (environmental degradable)
Y? Handy in many cases, but only to be used in true "no. 2 emergencies" - where no other paper is available. Keep in a zip-lock or plastic bag so it remains dry.

1x Waterproof matches
Y? To make that fire going = heat, cleanse/heat water and the comfort it brings in many aspects. Should be kept in a watersafe compartment.

2x Energy bars/chocolate
Y? Maybe the first day extra energy - especially if you are on the move. Easy and compact energy to carry. Remember that energy-bars often requires EXTRA water after being consumed - so wait until you have that secured or brought along some extra.

2x Dried food
Y? If you by any chance don´t get to people within 24hrs - you have an extra day of food for two people. Try and get package-containers that you can use directly for serving (just pour hot water directly into package). Remember that eating dried food that have been "thawed" with cold water can give you diarrhea!

There are many brands to choose from. But I have tried and enjoyed Reitex travellunch (called "Wildlife Vildmarksmat" in Sweden) and REAL fieldmeal ("REAL turmat" in Sweden). REAL is actually the supplier for the Swedish Armed Forces field rations - although the bag is then dark green. Hence the phrase "Eating a green bag dinner in the field".

If living and driving further distances than that - you need to have a larger car-kit in general!

If you can - you should have a water container as well. If tapped at home - let the water run as cold as it gets before filling up. That way there are lesser bacteria, spores and algae than there are in the general hot-water faucet.

Added on expense of size and making it more of an general emergency kit:
- Extra batteries
- Water purification tablets/iodine
- Paracord and waterproof tarp (or equivalent)
- Foldable water container

Those with really long distances might consider radio-equipment and/or solar/wind-up chargers for cellphone recharging.

Please comment with constructive feedback in this topic - this kit is far from optimal.

Thank you for your time!