
Long miles between towns mean help can be a while away. Here is what we carry on every drive down the highway.
The basics in one bag
A roadside kit with jumper cables, basic tools, a reflective triangle and first-aid supplies covers the most common problems. Keep it in the trunk year-round, not just in winter.
Check tire pressure when it gets cold
Tire pressure drops as the temperature falls, and low tires grip less on wet or icy roads. A cordless inflator that stops at the pressure you set takes the guesswork out of a top-up at the trailhead or in the driveway.
Protect your eyes
Snow glare in spring and the low sun in late summer can be blinding. Keep a pair of UV400 sunglasses in the car so you are never caught without them.
Before you leave
Tell someone your route and when you expect to arrive, carry water and snacks, a warm layer for every passenger and a phone charger. In winter, add a blanket, a small shovel and traction aids.


