Vehicle Essentials You’ll Actually Use (VEDC Checklist)
As comes up frequently here, I’m really into gear and gadgets and finding the best. A big piece of “the best” for me though is realism. There’s a lot of high quality gear out there that I’ll (and I think most people if we’re really being honest with ourselves) will basically never use.
Especially when you start getting into the Everyday Carry (EDC) and Prepper communities, you find a lot of talk about buying expensive gear and make plans for problems that aren’t likely to arise. I find this especially vexing because most people aren’t even prepared for the problems they’re likely to encounter.
So here we are, after years of testing I think I’ve settled on a pretty solid checklist of items every person should keep in their vehicle. Pick out the items that work for you, make a checklist, check it quarterly and restock/recharge as needed. I’ll make a product recommendation, tell you why it’s here, and if another brand will do or if you should stick with the one I’m recommending. None of the links are affiliate so feel free to buy wherever you want, all I ask is you avoid Amazon and Walmart where possible. Nothing personal, it’s just I think they’re a stain on our society ok let’s gooooo.
Essentials Checklist for Everyone
In no particular order…
4lb Wool Blanket
Right out of the gate I’m subverting the prepper communities. They all want you to grab mylar survival blankets. “Super lightweight!” “NASA uses them!” I am not a spaceman, and I am not so pressed for space that I need my blanket to be the size of my wallet. Get you a wool blanket like this one. It’ll keep you warm in an emergency AND you can use it as a picnic blanket or soft barrier without looking like a crazy person. It’s a blanket, I don’t have to tell you things you can use it for. Get one. Any brand will do.550 Paracord
Ah yeah, the prepper guys love this stuff. Use it for bootlaces! Make a bracelet out of it! Replace your tendons with paracord! They’re right though, it’s good stuff. It’ll do you better for most things than a rope you grab from Home Depot. Door won’t latch? Tie some cord. Need to stop stuff banging up against each other in your trunk? Tie some cord. Bumper falling off? Tie some cord. Again, it’s rope, I don’t have to tell you the things you can use it for. Get at least 10ft, I’d recommend 50. It’s just nice to have. Any brand will do.Cartman 4 Gauge 20ft Booster Cables
Especially necessary if you live in cold climates, a set of booster cables can get you out of a battery jam quick - or even better - you can get someone else out of a jam. I like these cables because the 4 gauge wire can handle pretty much anything you can throw at it and the rigid circular bag makes getting these things in and out of their casing way easier. It also comes with a little chart about how to hook them up if you’re nervous about that sort of thing. Could probably go with any brand that meets these criteria, but this one’s good.
Lighter
Literally any lighter will do. I have a small butane torch I like - get whatever you like. If you don’t know, just get a Bic. It costs a dollar and will be plenty reliable. If you cut your paracord you’re probably going to want the lighter to seal the ends so it doesn’t start unraveling on you. Again we’re here: it’s fire, I don’t need to tell you what you can do with fire. You probably don’t need fire very much, but a lighter is so cheap and takes up so little space there’s no reason to not have one.Minimalist Wallet, $200 Cash, Insurance, Loyalty Cards
Minimalist Wallet here means one that doesn’t fold or anything. Just slots for cards and cash. I like Capsule but they’ve gotten more expensive so I can’t whole-heartedly recommend them. Load it up with a couple hundred bucks in cash just for emergencies. Then toss your car insurance, health insurance and your loyalty cards in there. Get that nonsense out of your pockets and purse. When you need them, you’ll probably be in your car.Polarized Sunglasses
Sunlight in your eyes is a problem while driving - controversial and brave of me to say I know. Polarized sunglasses in particular are great at not only protecting your eyes from UV, but also reducing glare which is the major safety concern while driving. They’re slightly more expensive than non-polarized versions, but entirely worth it. Get a pair that stays in your vehicle at all times.Touchland Spray Hand Sanitizer
When you’re on the road you often end up with your hands in questionable places. Knowing that there’s a sanitizing solution available at hand at all times is really calming for me. I like this version from Touchland because it smells good and it flat which is great for vehicle storage. You can use whatever kind you like, but I highly recommend getting a spray as opposed to a gel. I have yet to find a gel that doesn’t leak all over the place no matter how careful you are.Element e50 Fire Extinguisher and Seat Mount
Almost always it is better to get as far away from a car fire as possible than it is to try to extinguish one. However. If you find yourself or someone else trapped in a burning vehicle or in the vicinty of a less-dangerous fire you’d still like to put out, having the option to do so is ideal. The Element extinguisher has a very long shelf life, no maintenance, stands up well to harsh conditions, and is easy to use. With the seat mount it can be hidden entirely out of view, but still in reach. Excellent way to get the functionality without people asking if you have NOS every time they get in the car.Leatherman Skeletool RX
Something you should NOT buy are the “survival” tools you see at Harbor Freight and the like, with the hammer, “cutter”, and whatnot. Buy this instead. This has everything useful about those tools in a more compact and more broadly useful package. There’s a glassbreaker in the unlikely event you ever need that, a serrated knife that can easily cut seatbelts (but also just be used as a knife), a screwdriver, a set of pliers/wirecutters, and a bottle opener. Very compact, very versatile, and meets the unlikely emergency escape needs.Plush Microfiber Cleaning Cloths
Hopefully I’m not the first to tell you, microfiber is the go-to towel these days. Cleans without scratching, picks up dust, absorbs liquids will enough, cheap as can be. If you have kids or animals this is a must, but they’re good for everyone. Any brand will do as long as it’s reasonably plush on both sides.Humble Co. Floss Picks
BBQ appreciators know having floss in your vehicle can come in clutch. Floss picks are a lot more shareable and a little less graphic to use in public than a roll. The big problem with them is they’re usually a source of single use plastic which sucks. This version from Humble Co. has less plastic and is plant-based making them a nicer alternative. Still on the lookout for something better though.Performance Tool 38-piece Toolset
I looked a long time and this is the closest I’ve found to a perfect automotive toolset. Unfortunately, the quality is pretty bad so I’m going to recommend you replace the pliers and crescent wrench with similarly-sized models from your local hardware store and definitely replace that jank flashlight with a Thrunite T1 (don’t forget to charge it during your quarterly check-in). This set has everything that’s likely to be actually useful to you on the roadside: bits and standard/metric sockets, electrical tester and tape, some hand tools, a wire brush, and a tire gauge. It’s really only built to get you off the roadside and to somewhere with better tools and I think that’s perfect.Pilot G2 Pens, a Sharpie, a Field Notes Notebook
You can’t consider yourself prepared on the road if you don’t have anything to write with and on. For my money it doesn’t get any more reliable and convenient than a Pilot G2 in red, blue, and black, a Sharpie, and a graph Field Notes.Cleaning Wipes
Another must-have for children and pets, but good for everyone. There are a LOT of options out there and personally I’ve found form factor to be most important. Baby wipes are great, but generally the pack is too large to fit in the center console. Some of my favorites include Honey Pot, Honest, and Burt’s Bees. Take your pick.Repel Windproof Umbrella
Best umbrella I’ve ever used, no question. Super durable, super reliable, easy to deploy and collapse. It won’t cover more than 2 people, but that’s the price you pay for being able to stow it in the door of your car. I have one in each door. Telling people “there’s an umbrella in your door” when they go to get out when it’s raining is instant “I have my shit together” status.Shout Stain Remover Wipes
The far more reliable version of the Tide pen, these wipes actually remove stains if you get to them soon enough and because they’re in a foil pack they’ll last much longer in a vehicle. Toss a few in your glove box.Michelin Wagan LED Flares
Unfortunately it looks like the 3-pack yellow version of this product is being phased out and Amazon is the only place I can find it. That said, it is just a reskinned version of the Wagan FRED PRO which is more widely available. There are 1000 LED flares on the market and I’ve tried half a dozen of them. These ones are the best by a mile (of course you pay for it). Super bright, easy-to-change batteries, long shelf life, magnetic, hook, very durable. I recommend putting Eneloop rechargeable batteries in there and swapping them out every quarter when you go through the checklist. Could also throw some conventional batteries in the pack for some extra assurance.ThruNite T12 Flashlight
This slightly larger flashlight will come in handy for when the phone light just won’t cut it. ThruNite is a great brand, honestly choose any light you like.Granola Bars & Spring Water
This is another one where the preppers will have you getting ready for surviving 2 weeks trapped in your car or out in the wilderness. That’s cool I guess, but I only have so much space and I really don’t feel like using some of it for 7 gallon water bricks. DO, however, try to keep at least one bottle of spring water (because only chumps pay for bottled tap water, honestly) per passenger space, like you’re an Uber from 2012. Granola bars are also good. I use Clif Bars, use whatever you like. Something decently high in calories that’ll get someone out of hangry mode, quiet a bubbling stomach, or to be eaten with medication.Spray Sunscreen & Ranger Ready Repellent
Spray sunscreen is definitely less effective than a lotion, but they’re a lot less likely to leak all over your car. Coppertone Complete 50 works well I find, but get what works for you. Ranger Ready Repellent is one of the best on the market and maybe the only one I’ve found that actually smells good. Highly recommend. It’s nice having these in the car for when you forget to apply before leaving the house or when you just need a quick touch-up while out.First Aid Kit
I’ll update this with a link to my first aid kit recommendations soon, blog post coming.Travel Advil, Dramamine Chews, Lotion, Lip Balm, Travel Tissue, Feminine Hygiene Products
This is the real first aid kit. The FIRST aid. Cracked hands and lips, runny noses, motion sickness, headaches, and surprise periods - these are gonna come up a LOT more than lacerated muscles and broken bones. I like the brands I have here, you get what works for you. If you aren’t the person in your life who has a period, learn the preferred brand and form factor of the person in your life who DOES have periods and stock that. If you’re really in the dark or don’t always have the same person around, I find the non-herbal (this is important) regular Honey Pot pads I linked here are a super safe bet. Obviously choose your painkiller of choice, I know everyone has a favorite, mine is Advil. These Dramamine Chews however, are non-negotiable. Toss these to anyone who even seems motion sick in your car, could save you a couple hundred bucks in cleaning fees.Charging Cables and Adapters
The world of charging cables is a minefield. Getting something that’s the right form factor, decently durable, AND charges at the proper rate is near impossible I find. Anker cables are usually good, but I needed right-angle cables and they don’t make them. I’ve also heard good things about Nomad, but haven’t tried them. The key to true preparedness on this point is the adapters. Something like the Nomad universal I linked or do what I did and buy these cheap sleeves and adapters. No more shunning your differently-platformed brethren.Deck of Playing Cards
Can be a godsend when stuck somewhere unexpectedly. Keeps everyone from wearing down their phone batteries doomscrolling. Could also use Uno or any other small game here. If you do buy playing cards, I highly recommend Tally Ho No. 9. Highly durable, resists dirt, will last a long time in rough conditions. And they just feel good.Quip Metal Gum Dispenser
You can obviously just keep whatever gum you like around (though I recommend Xylitol). This dispenser though is so clutch. It’s what we all wanted a pez dispenser to be. You click the top and this thing LAUNCHES a gum out with considerable force. I love it so much.Bare Metal Replacement Key
Head to your local locksmith and get a replacement key for your vehicle made on bare metal (no transponder). Then, find a place on the exterior of your vehicle to zip-tie it down. Somewhere on the frame is good. The idea here is that the bare metal key won’t start your car, but it will open your doors. If you’re out and your keys go missing, there’s a decent chance they’re in your car. This’ll get you back in. Don’t worry about theft. The key won’t start the car and if someone sees something in your backseat they want, they’re just going to bust out your window, not go on a treasure hunt for a zip-tied key.
Upgrade Gear
So that ends the stuff I think everyone should carry. If you’re really about that life though, keep reading. This is the next level shit.
Fenix NW20 Emergency Whistle
This thing is loud. If you’re out looking for someone who’s lost, they’ll hear you. If you need to get the attention of a large group of people, this’ll get it. And it’s smaller than a stick of gum so you can forget about it until you need it.Ryobi Auto Power Inverter
There are definitely better solutions out there for this that provide cleaner power and are generally more reliable. But this thing is 50 bucks, you can grab it at Home Depot any day and despite its price, I’ve never had a single problem with it. Powered air mattress pumps, laptops, and more. Great little thing to have knocking around in the car.Anvil Homeowner’s Toolkit
If you consider yourself (or possibly more importantly, if others consider you) handy at all, having a decent toolkit ready to go in your vehicle can prove extremely useful. If you find yourself with a friend who is in need of a quick repair, this can save you a run to the hardware store. This particular toolkit is the best one I’ve found with a balance of tools you actually need in a small form factor, but the price has gone up considerably recently so I wouldn’t fault you for looking elsewhere.Carson VP Binoculars
The version I have, the 8x42, appear to be discontinued. Here I’ve linked the 10x42 which I have to imagine is very similar. These come in handy on sightseeing roadtrips or when you don’t have the best seats at sporting events. They’re really durable and come with every strap and case you could want.FiveJoy Survival Shovel
This is one of those “survival” tools that tries to shove 45 useless tools into one useful tool. I say ignore all of that, we’re here for the pivoting head shovel only. The rest you can toss if you want, or if you find a better one, great. Having a shovel can be an invaluable tool in gaining traction in snow, mud, or sand - can help dig you or someone else out of trouble fast. Of course there are also other uses for shovels, but the traction is why I’ve included it in the VEDC.Rand McNally Midsize Road Atlas & Suunto A-10 Compass
A map and something to help you read it. GPS isn’t always reliable, especially in bad weather or in remote locations. The likelihood you’ll actually end up needing this is low, but when you do, you’ll be extremely grateful to have it. Just an excellent analog backup to an electronic system we’ve all come to rely on.NiteIze Flashflight Rechargeable Light Up Flying Disc
A more active, but still space-saving addition to the playing cards. Something everyone can do to kill a little time when needed and this light-up version means you can even keep playing as the sun goes down.Purl Soho Rapid Repair Sewing Kit
Tiny little kit with everything you need to repair tears and rips on the go. Scissors, a few different types of needles and thread, pins - at the very least, it’ll hold whatever is torn together until you can get a more permanent solution, which in my mind, is really the whole philosophy behind the VEDC.
What items do you include in your VEDC that I didn’t list here? What items are specific to your hobbies and climate that require additional consideration? Being just a little more prepared is something I think everyone can benefit from, and having gear that’ll actually help you in situations you’re actually likely to run into on a daily basis is a great step towards that.