What would you do for survival?

[Mark Heide]

Here's the situation you are faced with. You are going on a road trip in the US during winter. There is the possibility that you will encounter snow storms and icy road conditions. The worst that could possibly happen is that you slip off of an icy road during a snow storm and become injured. What tools, weapons (legal only), clothing, and food would you pack? Consider that the temperatures will average between -10F to +25F.

Good Luck

Mark

[snakehead]

I've lived most of my life in the colorado mountains where those conditions are normal. I would probably have a jacket with me and an ice scraper on the floor behind the seat.

[HDPM]

Shovel, clothing, space blanket, water, some food. I have a bag of stuff like jumper cables, space blanket, etc.... I usually don't have any water, so I don't follow my own advice. My brother in law packs stuff in a metal ammo can. He claims you can light a candle and stick it in the ammo can, which will heat your car and melt snow for water if you have a metal cup. I don't do that and would worry about CO. I think he said cracking a window would do it, but I won't offer any solid advice here. In other words, if you try it and gas yourself out or set stuff on fire you can't sue me. As far as weapons, carry what you normally do if it's legal. Having a weapon is more important than the choice. It's illegal a lot of places tho. One very good thing to have is a cell phone. Think of all the things you can do with a cell phone, cash, credit card, and a pistol. [img]/forums/images/icons/tongue.gif[/img]

[marbles]

In my car every winter:

Cell phone and replacement battery for cell phone (both within reach).
Blanket (trunk).
Metal ice scraper (behind seat).
Gloves (glove compartment, duh).

More important than anything, learn how your car responds to slick conditions and drive defensively. You should be fine.

[Dynasty]

What would I do for survival? Well, I sure hope I never have to do what I saw Robson do on last night's HBO episode of "Oz".

The conditions you describe are typical for the northern U.S. Bring your common sense.

[Ray Zee]

the answer is to carry what you would take for a backpacking trip in the weather you are entering, as thats what you would be doing. plus some extra first aid gear.
on highways a cell phone may be all you need except for warmth.
food is a non issue as you can do fine without it for weeks. water a few days at best. also bring a copy of my book. it will occupy your time and with 300 plus pages you can start many fires to keep warm and will also work for having a clean butt.

[Mark Heide]

HDPM,

We'll I couldn't sue you, because I'd be dead if I followed your advice. But, I do like the space blanket suggestion.

Thanks.

Mark

[Mark Heide]

snakehead,

I think you've been in southern California too long. When was the last time you used an ice scrapper? Thanks for the reply.

Good Luck

Mark

[Michael Davis]

A cell phone.

[Mark Heide]

marbles,

Good advice. I gave up the cell phone when I stopped working. The roads I'll be on will be in rural areas that when they get iced, they're slick. I've seen plenty of drivers go too fast and slide right off. I'm never in a hurry.

Good Luck

Mark