Having some car trouble in the Fisher Towers parking lot. Luckily, we were prepared!
We climbers travel to some pretty funky places. If our cars crap out on us at inopportune times, we could be in real trouble. Here are some things that every climber should have in his car before heading out into the great unknown.
1. A full tank of gas
Famous last words: “Dude, relax. I just want to see what’s in that next canyon over there…”. Before you go on any trip, have a full tank of gas. There’s no reason not to. This way, you’ll find that hidden boulder field AND be able to make it back to tell the tale.
2. Paper towels
For cleaning stuff and for toilet paper. ‘Nuff said.
3. Water
Dying of thirst would be a pretty lousy way to go. Make sure it doesn’t happen to you by having AT LEAST a liter of water in your car per person at all times, in addition to whatever you need for climbing. In summer, take more. It can also be used for supplementing the coolant if the engine overheats. (I think. Is that right, car people?)
4. Warm clothing
You’re not alpine climbing here. You can afford the weight of an 8-ounce down jacket. Throw in a wool blanket, too, and you’re good to go.
5. Flashlight or headlamp
As a climber, you’ll probably already have a headlamp around, but it’s not a bad idea to have one (or a flashlight) in your glove compartment at all times. Spare batteries are a good idea, too.
6. Money
Hide a Grant or Benjamin under the floor mats in case you leave you lose your wallet somewhere and need food or gas.
7. Jumper cables (battery jumper pack?)
Jumper cables alone are OK if there will be other people where you’re climbing. But they won’t do you much good when your battery has died halfway between Moab and Hades, now will they? You can buy batter jumper packs that are essentially smaller batteries with jumper cables on them. If you do get one of these, make sure it’s charged!
8. Spare tire and jack
First, know how to change a tire. Second, have a spare tire. Third, make sure the spare tire has air in it. Maybe keep a pump or air compressor in the car just in case.
9. Maps
Get a good state atlas or print off good Google maps.
10. First aid kit
It doesn’t have to be super comprehensive; some band-aids, moist towelettes, Tylenol, tape, gauze, scissors, and Neosporin are good for a start.
11. Spare key
I was in Dinosaur National Monument checking out some rock and locked my keys in the car. I started looking around for a rock to break a window and then I realized that I had a spare key hidden on my car! Crisis averted!
Bonus:
What else… maybe a AAA membership card? Food? Matches? Music? Got any other ideas?
6. Money
Hide a Grant or Benjamin under the floor mats in case you leave you lose your wallet somewhere and need food or gas.
7. Jumper cables (battery jumper pack)
Jumper cables alone are OK if there will be other people where you’re climbing. But they won’t do you much good when your battery has died halfway between Moab and Hades, now will they? You can buy batter jumper packs that are essentially smaller batteries with jumper cables on them. If you do get one of these, make sure it’s charged!
8. Spare tire and jack
First, know how to change a tire. Second, have a spare tire. Third, make sure the spare tire has air in it. Keep a pump or air compressor in the car just in case.
9. Maps
10. First aid kit
(AAA membership card, spare key, food)
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
rubbish
Skip AAA and use Better World Club. They do support self-powered activities even though they are clearly a “car club”. They’ve done as well for me as triple A ever did.
A small camp stove always comes in handy. and some extra vittles. in case you end up unexpectedly spending the night.
I just thought of another one that I think is ESSENTIAL. I always keep a couple of those Fix-a-Flat cans in my trunk. They’re filled with this goo stuff and when you attach a can to your tire valve, the tire inflates and is filled with the goo. The goo seals any holes. Each can costs $4 or $5.
I was in JTree last spring with a guy, climbing at Echo Rock. We came out just at dusk and both noticed at the same time – one of his tires was really low on air. I was like “yuck, we’re going to have to walk back to camp, get my car, come back and take the tire into town 20 miles away…
This guy WAS prepared! He opened the trunk and had this air pump that plugs into the car’s electric outlet(lighter, for the old school types). Sure it took a bit of time to fill up, but was sure a lot easier than changing out the spare. I think that is probably a luxury item, but if I ever get a car, I think I will have it in my trunk. I’ve tried to loosen old lug nuts – just not strong enough if they’re really welded on.
I would agree with the stove and a few packs of Ramen. But…you forgot the whiskey!
Sunscreen, too. I mean, you should have a first aid kit, and sunscreen is an easily forgettable necessity, so make sure it’s in the kit!
Who has an extra hundred bucks lying around to keep in the car? Not me. But that’s a good idea, in principle. Another good idea: if you keep water in your trunk in the summer, swap it out every once in a while so it doesn’t get completely disgusting. I know you’ll drink anything when you’re desperate, but reversing dehydration is much more pleasant when the water doesn’t have weird algae in it . Also, if you don’t have the cash for an extra camp stove to keep in your car, maybe store a box of Nature Valley granola bars or something in the trunk instead. Or some other delicious, imperishable snack. Lastly, I would recommend a car i-pod charger. Because the radio sucks.
Cell phone for safety!
Pillow to cuddle with
-Stephanie
ClimbingBeta.org
{ 1 trackback }