To ask what’s in your survival bag?

[50shadesofmagnolia]

I wanted to buy a unique present for my friend. We are in our 40’s both full on jobs what should I put into a little bag that could save your day? Im thinking safety pins, plasters, phone charger? but what else? What would you put in yours? Im
wondering if there is a common list or are we all looking for different things

Im also thinking a bag for the car what would go in there- power pack for phone, blanket.

bonus points for ecological credentials

[mathanxiety]

Bog roll
Trowel
Plasters
Antobiotic ointment
Insect bite ointment
Aspirin/ paracetamol
Sanpro
Magnifying glass
Mirror
Wind up torch and radio
Brandy
Water
Chocolate
Dried fruit
Crisps
UHT milk
Woolly socks
Handwarmers
Fleece
Fleece hat
Ski neck gaiter
Foil blanket
Sleeping bag
Charger for phone
Compass
Knife
Self defense spray
Crowbar
Window breaking tool
Approved container for petrol

[takealettermsjones]

I have a box in my car with first aid kit, snacks, water, coats, couple of high viz vests and a warning triangle. Thanks to PP I'm going to add a petrol container!

[WhoWants2Know]

I just did one for each of my kids with paracetamol, ibuprofen, sanitary towel, lip balm, nail clippers, hair bobble and vicks inhaler.

[Wiglio]

Stojo collapsible coffee cup

[zingally]

The only 2 things I can think of that have genuinely saved my day are painkillers and nail clippers. For me, there's nothing worse than catching the edge of a nail at 11am, and having nothing to cut it off with!

[PeekabooAtTheZoo]

I’m with Clarkson on this. Debit card and car keys. All you need really as you can solve pretty much everything with a debit card. 🤣 Maybe one of those special keychains which makes a noise so you can find the keys?

[takealettermsjones]

@PeekabooAtTheZoo

I’m with Clarkson on this. Debit card and car keys. All you need really as you can solve pretty much everything with a debit card. 🤣 Maybe one of those special keychains which makes a noise so you can find the keys?

I know people like this, but even these types mostly agree you need a phone too. Or else you'll be scuppered when your car breaks down in the middle of nowhere!

[Beancounter1]

@takealettermsjones

I know people like this, but even these types mostly agree you need a phone too. Or else you'll be scuppered when your car breaks down in the middle of nowhere!

I recall on the news some years ago that cars were stuck on a road (either A road or motorway) for hours on end when it unexpectedly snowed heavily. Hours and hours in the freezing cold.
A debit card would not help in those circumstances. You should always have in your car: water, snacks/food, and warm clothes, as a minimum.

[InCheesusWeTrust]

@PeekabooAtTheZoo

I’m with Clarkson on this. Debit card and car keys. All you need really as you can solve pretty much everything with a debit card. 🤣 Maybe one of those special keychains which makes a noise so you can find the keys?

I am glad I am not the only one not carrying anything.
Oh, a pen.

How big are some of the handbags here😳

[InCheesusWeTrust]

@Beancounter1

I recall on the news some years ago that cars were stuck on a road (either A road or motorway) for hours on end when it unexpectedly snowed heavily. Hours and hours in the freezing cold.
A debit card would not help in those circumstances. You should always have in your car: water, snacks/food, and warm clothes, as a minimum.

I live in country with cold winters and unless you go to remote mountains (when it's kind if normal to carry food because shops might be vlosed) I know no one who would carry water and snacks. There is blanket in most cars thought, usually from the time people carried in dogs or dirty kids.

[Boxin]

If my friend bought me a bag filled with matches and safety pins I would be genuinely concerned if they are ok!

[xyzzyx]

Charger. Sunglasses. Tic-tacs. Headphones. Paracetamol. Plasters. Ntiseptic cream. Multivitamins. Cold sore cream. Bonjela. Cup a soup. Water. Protein bar. Protein shake. Torch. Tweezers. Safety pin. Hair bands. Hand Sanitiser spray. Pack of tissues. Baby wipes. Vaseline. Lighter. Sanitary products. Spare underwear.

[Beancounter1]

@InCheesusWeTrust

I live in country with cold winters and unless you go to remote mountains (when it's kind if normal to carry food because shops might be vlosed) I know no one who would carry water and snacks. There is blanket in most cars thought, usually from the time people carried in dogs or dirty kids.

In a country that always has cold winters, there are systems in place to keep the main roads clear of snow and ice.
In the UK, parts of the country can go a whole year or several years with barely a light frost, so the systems and resources are not routinely in place. Then all it takes is for a sudden and unexpected snow fall and the whole motorway can grind to a halt for hours.
Even if snow is forecast days in advance, half the country seems to fall apart. It is a national joke that we just don't cope with snow.

My point stands, because even without snow you could have a breakdown on a cold day and have to wait ages for a road-rescue service. In that time, you may get thirsty, hungry and cold.

[Celeryfavour]

My most used items are a pocket knife and sudocrem. If you get a knife, the tiny keychain ones are too flimsy to be useful. Also you probably won't need all the random things on a Swiss army knife.

[InCheesusWeTrust]

@Beancounter1

In a country that always has cold winters, there are systems in place to keep the main roads clear of snow and ice.
In the UK, parts of the country can go a whole year or several years with barely a light frost, so the systems and resources are not routinely in place. Then all it takes is for a sudden and unexpected snow fall and the whole motorway can grind to a halt for hours.
Even if snow is forecast days in advance, half the country seems to fall apart. It is a national joke that we just don't cope with snow.

My point stands, because even without snow you could have a breakdown on a cold day and have to wait ages for a road-rescue service. In that time, you may get thirsty, hungry and cold.

Eee, that was supposed to be "lived". I am in uk so I know how it is here with 3 snowflakes, but still don't know anyone in general who carries food and snacks here either in case they get stuck. Tbf I can imagine it in places like really rural scotland.

You think that it's snow ready there, but even I got stuck in cottage for 3 extra days due to heavy snow. And road people are always surprised it's snowing! In December...

[ReadySetDontGo]

In a country that always has cold winters, there are systems in place to keep the main roads clear of snow and ice.

This, and we all have proper winter tyres. Even on our bikes (yes, I cycle in the snow like most people). You could get stuck in a queue for hours in your car all seasons, so always a good idea to think things through beforehand.

[50shadesofmagnolia]

@Boxin

If my friend bought me a bag filled with matches and safety pins I would be genuinely concerned if they are ok!

Ha this made me laugh, you’re probably right. I’m thinking more handbag. Might chuck a knife in there mind.

[50shadesofmagnolia]

@Beancounter1

In a country that always has cold winters, there are systems in place to keep the main roads clear of snow and ice.
In the UK, parts of the country can go a whole year or several years with barely a light frost, so the systems and resources are not routinely in place. Then all it takes is for a sudden and unexpected snow fall and the whole motorway can grind to a halt for hours.
Even if snow is forecast days in advance, half the country seems to fall apart. It is a national joke that we just don't cope with snow.

My point stands, because even without snow you could have a breakdown on a cold day and have to wait ages for a road-rescue service. In that time, you may get thirsty, hungry and cold.

I agree I am a planner so I will plan for all eventualities and my friends will forever be borrowing my stuff I over planned for.

[50shadesofmagnolia]

I love all these suggestions. I also love the oh f*ck rucksack!!!

my friend got stuck in a car on the M5 for 8 hours on an overpass. She had to wee in a cool box with curtains fashioned from T-shirts.

I have a she wee in my glove compartment…..

[Nutsabouttopic]

Wind up torch.
I have one beside my bed and onew in my car

[Blowyourowntrumpet]

What are people doing with all these safety pins?

[Bigslippers]

vaseline, screen wipes, small notebook with pencil, post it notes. Dragon balm (think its called that? Small jar of mentholly smell for headache or on wrist to wake you up)

[50shadesofmagnolia]

@Blowyourowntrumpet

What are people doing with all these safety pins?

I have over generous lady bumps and I often find tops giving up staying done up half way through the day. Or to fix a broken zip or to rethread a cord belt if jumper hood tie. Also digging out splinters. 🥴

[EstellaRijnveld]

@InCheesusWeTrust

I am glad I am not the only one not carrying anything.
Oh, a pen.

How big are some of the handbags here😳

You'll need a trolley suitcase to cart all the stuff around

[AffIt]

Good lord - have never come across the concept of the OFRS in this country (by which I mean the UK - I had a 'grab bag' which I kept beside my bed when I lived in Japan for earthquake evacuations).

Planning now!