Planning a long trip by car always begins with the question of the configuration of the trunk, as this depends not only on the comfort, but also the safety of all participants in the movement. Many drivers make the mistake of relying on the “maybe” and forget to put the basic things that may be needed in an emergency away from civilization. A properly assembled set of things turns a potentially stressful journey into an exciting adventure, allowing you to focus on the road and landscapes rather than on everyday problems.
There are many nuances to consider when picking up, including seasonality, region of destination, and the technical condition of your vehicle. Basic kit It should be complete all year round, whether you are going to the sea or in the mountains. In this article, we will break down all categories of necessary items, based on the experience of avid travelers and the requirements of the law.
A forgotten home item can cost you time, money or even ruin your entire vacation, so the packaging process should be approached with the utmost seriousness. Logistics Location of cargo in the trunk also plays a role: heavy objects should lie at the back of the rear seat, and light ones should lie closer to the lid. Let’s take a closer look at what should be in your car.
Documentation and financial resources
The first thing to check before leaving is the availability of all the required documents, as their absence can lead to serious problems with the law or insurance companies. Driving licence The insurance policy of the CTP (or the “Green Card” for traveling abroad) should be valid for the entire period of the trip. It is recommended to make digital copies of all papers and store them in cloud storage so that they can be accessed even if physical media are lost.
Financial security cushion should be formed from cash in small bills and several bank cards of different payment systems. In remote areas, terminals may not work, and change from local merchants may not be, so cash-currency of the country of destination or rubles They are an essential element of survival in the wilderness. Don’t forget to also write down emergency numbers and insurance company contacts in a paper notebook in case of a phone discharge.
☑️ Checking documents
It is important to keep documents in a waterproof organizer that is easy to reach when checked, but that is protected from spilled coffee or rain. Losing documents in a foreign city is a huge stress that can be easily prevented by the right organization.
Technical serviceability and emergency set
The technical readiness of the car is the foundation of a safe journey, and neglecting this point is unacceptable. In the trunk should always lie a serviceable spare wheel, jack and balloon key, and the driver must be able to use them. Towing cable It should be strong, with hooks at the ends, not just a rope, so that if necessary, you can pull the car out of the dirt or tow it to service.
The toolkit should include multitool, tape, screeds (homoths), pliers and screwdrivers of different types. It often happens that a minor breakdown, such as a broken pipe or a untwisted clamps, can be eliminated in five minutes if the right devices are at hand. WD-40 And radiator sealants are also classified as “must have” because they can temporarily resolve problems with a jammed lock or current pipe.
What to do if a wheel is broken in the dark?
If you punched the wheel at night on the track, first turn on the alarm and put on a reflective vest. Install an emergency stop sign at a distance of 15 meters in the village and 30 meters outside it. Do not try to change the wheel if the roadside is narrow and trucks are moving tightly along it - it is better to call a tow truck or help, since the risk of being hit in the dark is extremely high.
Particular attention should be paid to light sources: a headlamp and a powerful hand lamp with spare batteries are mandatory. At night, picking under the hood with a flashlight phone is uncomfortable and dangerous, as hands should be free to work with mechanisms.
First aid kit and first aid equipment
The first aid kit in the car is not just a formality for passing a technical inspection, but a real life-saving tool. The standard set is often scarce, so it must be supplemented with drugs that you take regularly, and remedies for motion sickness. TournetteBandages, antiseptics (chlorhexidine or peroxide) and patches of different sizes should be easily accessible, rather than buried deep under the carpet.
Do not forget to put activated charcoal or other sorbents, painkillers and antipyretics in the first aid kit. On the road, immunity can weaken due to climate change and nutrition, and a sudden toothache or indigestion can completely unsettle. It is also recommended to have a thermometer and scissors with blunt ends.
| Category | Required items | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Bandages | Sterile bandages, patch, tourniquet | High-pitched |
| Antiseptics | Chlorhexidine, iodine foam | High-pitched |
| Medications. | Painkillers, sorbents, antihistamines | Medium. |
| Tools | Scissors, tweezers, gloves. | Medium. |
If any of the passengers have chronic illnesses or allergies, the medication should be expanded to the appropriate positions. Ideally, one of the adult participants in the trip should have first aid skills.
Comfort, hygiene and nutrition
Being in a car for a long time requires maintaining personal hygiene to make you feel human, not a “robot passenger.” Wet wipes (antibacterial and conventional), paper towels and hand antiseptic should be in the cabin, not in the back of the trunk. Toilet paper And small garbage bags are the little things that are so bad in the field.
Food on the road is a separate science. Thermos with hot tea or coffee will warm up on a cold night, and a supply of drinking water at the rate of 2-3 liters per person per day is mandatory. For food, it is better to use containers with ready-made food (chopped vegetables, meat, sandwiches), as they are less dirty and easier to eat than shopping at gas stations.
Do not forget about changing clothes and shoes. Even if you are travelling to a hot country, the evening on the track can be cold, so a fleece jacket or windbreaker should be on hand. Replaceable comfortable shoes (sneakers or sneakers) are necessary to stretch your legs during stops, as driving in flip-flops or hard shoes tires the foot.
⚠️ Never store food that spoils quickly (meat, dairy products) in your car without using cold bags or a car refrigerator. Poisoning away from the pharmacy can turn a trip into a nightmare.
Electronics and navigation
In the modern world, car travel is unthinkable without gadgets that require constant recharging. Power bank (external battery) of large capacity should be fully charged before leaving, as it will allow you to maintain communication even with the engine shut down. Cables for charging phones and navigators are better to have in double copy, as they often break down at the most inopportune moment.
Navigation should be provided both online and offline. Download maps of the regions your route passes through in advance, as remote areas may not have mobile communications for hours. Paper atlas or printed circuit of large interchanges will also not be superfluous, especially if the electronics fail.
Recommended set of cables:1. USB-C (for Android/new gadgets)
2. Lightning (for iPhone)
3. Micro-USB (for older navigation/radio)
For entertainment and work, you should take a tablet or laptop, if the route allows, but the main emphasis is on the autonomy of devices. A portable column for music by the campfire will add to the atmosphere, but don’t forget about camping neighbors.
Seasonal features and winter kit
If your trip falls on the cold season or you plan to go to mountainous regions, the composition of things changes dramatically. Warm clothes. should be available: down jackets, hats, gloves and thermoses. In the winter kit must be present shovel (better folding, but durable) and means for defrosting locks.
To start the engine in the cold, you may need "lighting" wires (start wires). They must be thick, with powerful “crocodiles” capable of withstanding the start current. Also, it will not be superfluous to have sand or special rugs under the wheels to get out of the snow drift.
- 🌨️ Warm blanket or sleeping bag (in case of breakage in the cold)
- ❄️ Non-freezing liquid for the washing glass (stock in the canister)
- 🧤 Replaceable warm gloves for working with metal
- 🔋 Starter device (booster) for the battery
⚠️ Warning: In winter, never leave the engine running in an enclosed space (garage, snow drift around the exhaust pipe) to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Check the exhaust system for snow before starting.
In summer, the emphasis shifts to sun protection: sunglasses, sunscreen and headgear are mandatory. On the windows of the car should install curtains or use special reflective screens so that the cabin does not heat up to the state of the furnace while you make a stop.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to bring a fire extinguisher if it is in the car?
Yes, be sure to check its availability and expiration date before traveling. The fire extinguisher should be fixed in an accessible place, and not lie loose in the trunk, where it can be filled with things. For a car with a volume of up to 1000 cubic meters. enough powder fire extinguisher volume of 2 liters, for larger ones - 5 liters.
What is the best water supply for a family of three people per day?
The minimum calculation is 1.5-2 liters of drinking water per person per day only for drinking. Plus technical water for washing hands or dishes. For a family of three people, it is worth taking at least 10 liters of water with a reserve per day, since on the road fluid consumption increases due to dry air in the cabin.
Can I bring gas canisters for tourist stoves?
It is possible to carry gas cylinders in a personal car, but they must be hermetically closed and be in a well-ventilated place, preferably in an upright position. Do not leave cylinders under direct sunlight on the dashboard or in the trunk without ventilation in hot weather, as this can lead to an explosion.
What if the money is out and the cards are not working?
In such a situation, a pre-prepared “sanctuary stock” of cash, hidden separately from the main wallet, will help. You can also use apps to transfer money between people if you have access to the Internet, or ask for help at the nearest major gas station or the police.