Article from: Pat Callinan’s 4X4 Adventures
Looking through an old issue of Unsealed 4X4, I came across this Oh Sh!t Kit article and having recently picked up an old ammo box from the local tip shop for $5, I decided to build my own. Rather than a totally ‘do not open unless dying’ kit, mine is a kit of utility items, to be used whenever I forget something. Useful and mostly inexpensive stuff that should come in handy be it tackling the Victorian High Country or down at the park trying to light a barbecue without a mate that smokes.
There’s a thousand and one ideas for post-apocalypse style emergency kits around the internet for inspiration. I also carry a very good first aid kit as well, so there was no need for this box to cover that role.
I store my kit under the back seat so it’s easy to access and never gets in the way. This box is particularly sturdy but a strong plastic container from the grocery store would work just as well.
An ever-evolving project, most of this stuff used to live in my centre console-until my wife wished to share that space!
Current Kit Contents
- Ponchos
- Hi-viz vest
- multi-tool (or pocket knife)
- cable ties
- rescue tape
- muesli bar and chocolate
- breakfast drink
- metho (for lighting fires and cleaning gunk from the windscreen)
- matches
- small torch + long life battery
- flashing red (bicycle) light-the black skull shaped thing!
- windscreen patches
- toilet paper in a zip lock plastic bag
- reusable shopping bag
- space blanket
- Note pad + pencil/pen
- Frisbee (heck, it folds up small and is a lot of fun!)
- hand sanitiser
- wet wipes
- tap keys (available from plumbing stores, so you can use tap water in public parks. Be mindful of recycled water though)
- metal epoxy
- shifting spanner
The next thing to add to my box is a knife, fork and spoon.
Apart from the Leatherman multi-tool, every other item was under $15!
When packing, use the various soft items to keep the rattly metal items separate.
Do you have any suggestions on what else to add? Leave a comment with your ideas please!
