Winter Survival for Motorists
By David Cronenwett © 2006
Something I try to impart to people is that survival kits, whether for car or backpack, must be designed BY and FOR the people who intend to use them. I absolutely do not recommend commercially designed, over-the-counter kits. Different people have different needs, thresholds of discomfort and visit diverse places. The survival kit must be thought of as almost a living animal that needs lots of attention; if the user does not inspect it, replace faulty/worn out components and PRACTICE with it occasionally, that person is at a great disadvantage. Remember, many pieces of equipment in a kit could cause serious injury, particularly under the stress of a true emergency. Being inexperienced in using a simple knife to create kindling for example, could make a marginal situation much worse.
Winter in the Western mountains, as we see from mishaps every year, can be hazardous, especially for those who do not take adequate precautions. The reliance on cell phones in particular should be understood to be a dangerous state of affairs because of the "somebody will come and rescue me"-Syndrome. For one thing, the technology frequently does not work in many locations, is susceptible to breakage, loss of power and occasionally fails for no reason whatsoever. Carrying one is fine but, NEVER RELY ON A CELL PHONE. Always have survival equipment when traveling off the main travel ways in wintertime. You must expect to depend only on yourself.
Before we list some gear, it is very important to think about what happens before an off-the-beaten path winter auto tour in our mountains. Travelers should honestly ask themselves the following:
"Have I left a detailed itinerary with a responsible person, with instructions of what to do if I am overdue?"
"Do I know the country?"
"Will I be traveling with young children?"
"Have I listened to up-to-date weather, snowpack and road reports?"
"Am I adequately outfitted in case of emergency?"
"Am I experienced driving in snow?"
"Is my vehicle capable of handling such a trip?"
Should you become irretrievably snowbound, you will likely be found by a search and rescue (SAR) team within a few days at the most, if you have left word with a reliable person. The Kim-family case was a bit on the outside of this average.
(For background on this tragic story, click here)
Had the family been better prepared, there might have been a radically different outcome. If you have left no instructions, you may as well be in the most remote part of the far north. You are now completely on your own.
There are two basic courses of action in any survival situation: staying put or seeking help. Generally, it is by far better to stay with your vehicle, hunker down and wait for rescue. If you are well prepared, this may hardly be uncomfortable, given the amount of gear one can carry in an auto survival kit. However, there are psychological and other factors that come into play that can cause people to do drastic things. The emotional and physical stress of a backcountry emergency is often overwhelming. The Kim-family incident is an example of how bad things can get. They were completely unprepared, did not leave detailed instructions, were inexperienced snow drivers/wilderness travelers and had two young children with them. This last point is likely what lead James Kim to make his heroic, but ill-fated walk out for help.
Panic is what often leads to death in the backcountry, regardless of the situation. It is critical to think clearly and to rationally plan your actions. It is equally important to remain flexible and not blame yourself for mistakes made in such a situation. Survivors are almost always adaptable people with a strong spiritual grounding. If you are alone, you should sing, pray and talk aloud to loved-ones. If with others, it is important to do the same, make future plans and stay positive. Create meaningful tasks that will improve your comfort and keep busy with them. A selection of good books and games is important to keep the mind out of the abyss of desperation.
There are lots of things motorists can bring to help with a winter emergency. These are general suggestions of what works for me personally: if you have different needs, you must adapt this information to what works for you. Some may find this kit overkill, some may think it is too minimalist.
-Good winter clothing: Simply your most important piece of equipment, hands down. Be sure to include extra wool socks, mitts, cold weather hats and other layers in your kit in addition to what you are already wearing.
-Blankets and/or Sleeping bags: Hypothermia will almost always kill you first in winter. Include adequate sleeping gear for all travelers.
-Metal pot: A very under-rated piece of gear. It is important to have a large (at least 10 cup) pot for melting snow and cooking. Also include some basic utensils for eating & drinking.
-Fire: I recommend carrying at least two methods of fire ignition, just in case. For winter-auto survival, carrying a lot (one box or more) of strike-anywhere matches in a waterproof case and a couple of flares is not a bad idea. Be sure and practice your firemaking skills regularly.
-Knife/Axe/Saw: These are the tools of the woodstraveler and invaluable for fire lighting, gathering firewood and constructing shelter of one kind or another. Stay away from large "Rambo" knives as well as folding knives if possible. Go for a fixed-blade with about a 4-inch cutting edge. Metal framed "buck saws" are excellent and relatively safe to use. Axes are the most dangerous objects in the woods. They are durable and incredibly useful in the hands of an experienced person, but can be extremely dangerous. A larger axe is safer than a smaller one. All tools require regular maintenance and practice.
-Stove: A standard backpacking-style stove can make life much easier should you be stranded. Be sure to carry adequate fuel in safe, well-sealed containers. Do not use this inside of your vehicle! Not only could you asphyxiate yourself, you may start a fire inside your car.
-Water: In winter, a stranded motorist should rely largely on melting snow for drinking water. Still, it is a good idea to carry a gallon or so. Keep in mind that water can quickly freeze in plastic containers, rendering them useless.
-Food: Keep this simple. Include foods that are easily prepared and consumed like dried fruits, mixed nuts, "gorp", soups, just-add-water-dishes, etc. Hot cocoa and teas are good to have. Quantities for food are up to you. If you are traveling in a remote area, 5-days worth (or more) for each passenger might not be unreasonable. Do not eat any of these stores unless in an actual emergency. Be sure you include foods that can be dealt with if they freeze. Package and label them well. Lastly, remember food is a very low priority so far as survival is concerned: the average person can live for 40 days on nothing but water.
-50 feet of Parachute Cord: 550-parachute cord has innumerable uses. Get the real thing with the seven inner strands.
-Wind up radio: There are new "emergency radios" on the market that are ingeniously designed and relatively inexpensive. They operate on a wind up mechanism, can charge cell phones, receive AM/FM and weather stations, have a built-in LED flashlight and other features. LL Bean carries two models.
-Tarp: Useful for shelter construction, gathering/transporting natural materials and many other tasks. Go for 10 x 10 or larger.
-Shelter: Not necessary if you plan to stay inside your vehicle. However, spending a few days inside a cramped car is not very appealing to me personally. I sometimes include a small canvas wall tent, complete with a woodstove for a truly luxurious option. Compact nylon tents are fine of course. If you plan on camping outside your vehicle, you may want to include ground pads for sleeping.
-Candle Lantern(s): This provides natural light and heat for a surprisingly long time. I recommend two with backup candles. Always open a window an inch or so when burning candles inside your vehicle.
-First Aid Kit: Purchase or assemble your own kit and know how to use it. Include adequate wound-management supplies and any prescription medications you may require.
-Flashlight: The newer LED flashlights/headlamps are excellent and relatively cheap. Include extra batteries as the cold adversely affects them.
-Extra Sunglasses: Eye protection is very important for any winter traveler. Always include a pair in a winter kit.
-Signals: You should be able to signal rescuers by signal fire, smoke, flare, car horn, whistle and signal mirror if necessary. Spreading gear over a large area will help helicopter teams locate you.
-Books & Games: Important for psychological comfort, which is what many survival situations come down to in the end.
-Auto: The following should be considered essential for serious winter travel: chains, snow shovel, tow rope/tow chain, duct tape, ice scraper, jumper cables, multi-tool, vice grips, deicer, fix-a-flat, engine oil, antifreeze, ether. The prudent winter motorist may include extra gasoline (in safe containers) to keep an engine and heater running should the need arise.
-Map/Road Atlas/Compass: Many states now have very detailed road atlases available. It is completely irresponsible to travel in the winter without one. You should have a functional compass and the knowledge of how to use it. Do not rely on GPS units or any other high-tech gadget for your well-being.
-Good gear or duffle bag to contain the entire kit.
-Other considerations:
Your general cardiovascular health is an important survival factor. Your survival time will be extended significantly if you are in reasonable shape and have a positive (non-depressive or panicky) mindset.
Many people overestimate both their own winter driving ability and the limitations of their vehicles. A 4x4 rig is no guarantee that you won’t get stuck. You should practice winter driving in a safe, popular area and try extricating yourself from a snowbank occasionally. Of course, your vehicle should be in top working condition and well maintained before you head out on any journey.
I have tried to emphasize the need for careful planning as well as ongoing practice with regard to a winter-auto survival kit. As my teacher in Canada says, "It is a little late to be learning to swim while your boat is sinking in the middle of the lake." Trying to make sense and get a handle on the variables of an emergency situation is incredibly taxing. You will fare much better if you put in a little practice time now and then, and inspect your kit regularly.
For more information about the many aspects of outdoor living and survival, please visit our website: Wilderness Arts Institute, www.wilderness-arts.com.
David Cronenwett has studied primitive living and wilderness skills as student and staff at Boulder Outdoor Survival School (BOSS) in Boulder, Utah and with master woodsman Mors Kochanski in north-central Alberta. David has taught outdoor survival and bushcraft seminars for the University of Montana and other organizations throughout the region. He is proprietor of Wilderness Arts Institute (www.wilderness-arts.com) and currently lives in Choteau, Montana. He can be reached at dcronenwett@wilderness-arts.com or 406-590-8070.