Car bag List

[Therealmetherealme]

So, we've always had what we know as 'the car bag' for as long as I can remember. A bag with minimal overnight supplies that stays in the car, nappies, wipes, drinks bottles, snacks, the usual. It's saved us when stuck in traffic for hours, the kids are sick when away, or we forgot to pack something. As the kids have got older needs change and I need to level up. After a disastrous Airb&b stay, we realised we could do with a few more items. Popping to the shops when away isn't always an option for us.

Does anyone do this and what items am I probably missing? We like to keep it to one rucksack.

Bin liners, duct tape, a few zip ties and paracord which cover a multitude of repairs. A first aid kit (including the usual things, plus dioralyte, bite and sting cream, tweezers, the sachets for cystitis if you suffer), a torch or head torch or both and spare batteries or have a way of charging re-chargables eg a power bank (plus leads). Some instant drink sachets, hot chocolate or the coffee with milk powder as you can usually get hot water from somewhere. Foldable cups and some sporks, emergency waterproof ponchos, cereal bars or other similar snacks, UHT milk sachets and teabags in a plastic tub are good to have on hand. A few £ of change and an emergency £10/£20 note. Antibac wipes for hands and surfaces, travel toothbrushes and small toothpaste, packs of tissues, plastic ziplock bags, bottles of water, hand warmers, sanitary items to last 24 hours, a couple of those dehydrated "magic" flannels, a penknife make sure its a legal to carry one, soap leaves are very compact and good to have too. think about what would have been useful at the Airbnb and go from there. If you have the ability to store items in the car consider a small stove, a warm blanket and perhaps a folding shovel.

This is an alternative to pantry porn sometimes https://www.reddit.com/r/VEDC/

@Diversion great list, but at first I thought you were messing with me and describing a murder kit!

Hats gloves in winter. Sun hat sun cream in summer
Hand warmers and emergency blankets. I have a snow shovel in winter. (Halfords)

Loads of other stuff. But I'm not awake enough to remember...

Love this idea – our car bag has saved us more than once too, especially with kids in the mix. As they’ve grown, I’ve added a small power bank, foldable water filter, and compact first aid kit. A lightweight torch and a couple of ready-to-eat meals from an outdoor store really came in handy during a surprise power cut at a rental. It’s amazing how a few small extras can turn a stressful moment into a non-event. One rucksack’s totally doable with the right gear.

@WinniLoy Yes, I’ve added some mugshots since I last posted, an easy option when food choices are limited.

That’s a smart addition! Simple, lightweight snacks like that really help when options are tight.

The "car bag" idea is great — it really saves the day when plans go sideways. Besides what you already have, I’d suggest adding a small first aid kit with basics, a power bank for phone charging, a lightweight emergency blanket, a couple of dry clothing items for changes, and some quick snacks like energy bars. Also, a reliable flashlight or headlamp is a must. The bag should stay practical but not too heavy, so it’s easy to keep handy...

Totally agree – keeping it light but useful is key. I’ve been meaning to swap our regular torch for a headlamp actually – hands-free makes such a difference when you’re juggling kids or digging through the boot in the dark. Dry clothes are a great shout too, especially socks. Do you rotate anything seasonally or just keep it packed year-round?

I regularly pack and unpack mine, adapting for what the kids may need, seasons, use by dates, that kind of thing. Recently I needed it whilst away, for some kids paracetamol and found out my son wouldn’t take the brand so I’ve swapped that out with what I know he’ll take. I’ve also added a couple of bin bags.

Totally get it - we keep a “car bag” too and it’s been a lifesaver more than once. As the kids got older, we added things like a compact first aid kit, power bank, foldable blankets, a few shelf-stable meals, and a small pack of cards or games. A travel-size laundry kit and basic toiletries also came in handy after a few surprise overnights. One rucksack can still cover a lot with smart packing!

I have a couple of heavy wool blankets, first aid kit, hi vis for all the family, rain ponchos, those hand and foot warmers that work by breaking the pellets inside (I also have them in my power cut box - you can get them very cheaply in home bargains). I tend to collect takeaway cutlery and sauces/salt and put them in a pouch in the glove box. They’ve saved a sub standard bag of chips on many a holiday!