Vehicle Emergency Kit Essentials [2025]

Everyone likes to compare and brag about their EDC. What $600 knife and miscellaneous tools they’ll never use and how much they can shove inside their $300 5.11 Tactical pants. I obsess, and flex, how self-sufficient my truck is.

As someone who goes off-roading and overlanding as much as I possibly can while still being employed, I learned being able to always make sure you can get home is the most important thing you can prepare for. In this list I’m going to go over what I keep in my truck every day, the list of things I feel are vital to stay not only safe, but secure in whatever you might get stuck in. Whether that be a flat tire, snowstorm, accident, what have you. This list’s primary goal is to make sure you can get home.

First Aid Kit

This is a simple, but underrated tool that everyone should have regardless. I’m not going to shill some $800 over the top first aid kit, but the simple ones you can get at a camping store, or Walmart, what have you. It should include an assortment of bandages, gauze, sterile wipes, latex gloves.

I’m a big fan of having one that’s more assorted to what you do in your personal hobbies. I camp and off-road so mine also includes various bug bite ointments, and the like as well. The only things I would also have for these would be a decent splint in the case of a car accident and broken bones, as well as a tourniquet. Also, most come with guides on how to use them as well as basic first aid, as with all tools I strongly recommend reading and knowing what is in your kit as it’s always helpful to know what you have, and how to use it. [Editor’s Note: Stop the Bleed offers free and inexpensive medical training to help you learn how to use your kit!]

Tire Care and Repair

Tire Repair Kit

This one I hardly see, despite it being able to save you time and money in the long run. You can get a full kit for around 20 bucks, including everything you need. These are a little rough to figure out because of the parts included, but incredibly simple to master. This is especially helpful if you drive a vehicle without a full size spare, as it’s a simple patch to keep you going unless you have a total blowout or something along those lines. Easy to get back on the road and back where you need to be.

Spare Tire Tools

Again simple, and most everyone has these in some nice little compartment in the trunk or behind the seat. Just make sure if and when you need to change a tire, you know with confidence you have everything to do it, and more importantly, know how to. The last thing you want, and one of the biggest causes of frustration is not having everything you need, or not knowing exactly what you’re doing.

Basic Tools and Supplies

So this, in addition to the above supplies, is pretty important and underrated. A small tool set is mandatory. For the little things that might happen, whether it be a loose bolt that is driving you nuts or a faulty ground that needs reconnected. Getting a small basic set from a hardware store is easy and portable. To add to this I would implore a collapsible reflector/flare as well, something that can be seen if you are repairing your vehicle in the dark and don’t want to try your luck with going 1 on 1 with an F350.

Flashlight

I know, simple, but I don’t mean a little EDC flashlight, although those work great, but a dedicated flashlight that stays in your vehicle. Whether it’s a headlamp, a Maglite, or one of those big foot long lights that’s brighter than the sun. Nobody will ever complain about having more light, especially in the middle of the night as the rain is coming in.

Spare Fuses and Clamps

This one is a little more prevalent to off-roading, but I have a little assortment of spare fuses and clamps, in case something blows, like a heater fuse or windows when it’s -10 degrees outside. Clamps as well, I used to drive a clapped out Nissan and would rattle hoses loose or knock something off occasionally, you can get universal kits for cheap and they are easy to apply. If space is a concern you can simply throw a couple in that you know fit your vehicle. Also helpful if you crack a hose and need to patch it to get home.

Jumper Cables and Jump Packs

I adore that jumper packs have gotten more accessible in recent years, you should always have jumper cables in your car but if you can swing a jump pack, and make sure it’s charged, it’s a lifesaver and will probably be your most used tool from this list. Whether you leave a light on, have something running. It’s amazing to know you aren’t stuck from a dead battery, which can cause the biggest headache and tow bill for the easiest issue. Again if you have the space a cheap little multi-meter to properly be able to tell if it’s the battery that’s toast.

Closing Thoughts on Vehicle Emergency Kit Essentials

And that’s it! My list of things that I’ve learned I need to have, and I’ve used everything on this list at least once in the last year to help me get home or wherever I need to be. I know this list sounds like a bunch of bulky things but I have all this stuff organized in a small little 12×12 bag I keep in my truck, that can also easily fit in a trunk. Keeping organized and well versed in what you have and how to use it can save your time, your sanity, and your life.

Did I forget something vital? Have beef with the list, please let me know I’m always looking to add some knowledge to my repertoire.