Whats in your Vehicle "Go-Bag"

gunseller

New member
What’s in your Car/Truck Bag for when the world ends…..

I have run a survival camp here in NJ for the last 8 years.

I should also mention that I drive between 30 and 35,000 miles a year as a salesman.

During the day class and weekend classes we go over supplies a few different times. When we cover a "Bug Out Bag" I discuss what you should have in your car. We have picked up ideas and learned from the recruits over the years, so I thought I would share.

The way I recommend building your Car Go-Bag is to have a 12 month bag in your car all the time. If you live in a seasonal part of the country then you build a second cold weather bag that fits the additional clothing and cold weather supplies and is also large enough to hold the 12 Month bag. This way in the spring you pull the 12 month bag out and store the Winter supplies and bag until next fall. I use a larger duffle bag.

Keep in mind since I am a "Tin Foil Hat" kind of guy i also have my EDC bag (every day carry) with me at all times. Some of this is duplicated supplies and some things are in my EDC and not in this bag. But for the most part this is pretty complete.

I personally have also steered away from the Tactical – Molle/we gear type bag. This bag screams “Prepared Guy”-take his stuff”. I choose to blend in a little more. I carry for my EDC a Vertx Gamut bag. Its very Tacti-Cool but looks like a normal backpack.

Vertx® Official Site | EDC Gamut Plus Limited Edition bag

I have a similar bag as my car bag but a cheaper brand and a duffle bag for the winter additions.

All the cloths in my 12 Month bag and winter bag are ready to slip on and go….This means belt is on the pants and pockets are full of some of the supplies.

Here is what I recommend in the 12 month bag:

Removable container – duffle bag or backpack:
• Water – bottles – 3 to 6 16oz , water tablets..etc
• Folding shovel – works as a Melee Weapons
• Food – a few food bars, MRPs (rotated) Ideally 72 hour
• Blanket Wool and Emergency blankets – several?
• Clothing / Shoes – seasonal clothing in Winter Bag
• Fire Starter – lighter, steel and water proof matches, petroleum jelly ( 3 sources )
• Lighting - flash lights, batteries, glow sticks, small candles ( 3 sources )
• Repair and Maintenance tools - tool kit, duct tape, zip ties
• Personal Hygiene –wipes, toilet paper
• Maps and navigation ( mark the map up ahead of time – safe house)
• Communication – mirror, hand held CB radio, whistle
• First aid kit and Trauma Kit
• Multi tool and Knives
• Necessary medications
• Notebook and pencil
• 6x8 tarp
• Large contractor grade trash bag and a few ziplock freezer bags
• Small bottle of Everclear grain alcohol
• Water container - collapsible
• Money - roll of quarters, cash, trade out items, Silver
• Thumb drive of your important documents, scanned passports, ID, deeds
• Photos – family and friends
• Solar car charger – plugs into cig lighter
• Safety glasses
• 100 ft paracord and rope
• Hand-Crank / Solar emergency radio
• Night vision equipment – goggles ( if you want to spend the money)

I am assuming that if you live in the United States and not in NJ or IL then you are carrying a gun so it’s not included in this bag.

If you are looking for a full Bug out Bag there would be additional items and quantities. This all fits in a relatively small bag and doesn’t take up too much space in the back of your truck.

In the winter back I include:
• Thermal underwear
• Gloves and hats – 2 pair
• A few pair of socks
• 2 sweaters/sweatshirts
• A little extra water, matches and food.
• Hand warmers – disposable

I am sure you can add – but space becomes an issue.

This is what I recommend and would love to know your thoughts.
Be safe
 
Last edited:
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I got tired of lugging all that stuff around...so I have my clone carry it for me.

That way, I also have spare parts readily available.
 
I forgot to mention that I drive 30 to 35,000 miles a year as a salesman. I spend a lot of windshield time a state or 2 away from home.
 
After getting shutdown on the interstate because of a sand storm I started carrying goggles and a shemagh.
 
I forgot to mention that I drive 30 to 35,000 miles a year as a salesman. I spend a lot of windshield time a state or 2 away from home.

You probably won't get many responses because this exact question you pose is the subject of many threads scattered throughout the forum. If you check you will find "bug out" or "every day" or "go to" bag threads everywhere. Do a google search of "4Runner bug out bags."
 
*Thumb drive of your important documents, scanned passports, ID, deeds

It may go without saying but if you chose to do this please make sure the files are encrypted/protected. Could be pain if that information is ever stolen, which is far more likely then an End of the World Event.
 
To answer your question OP, I carry a 11.5 inch sbr, 3 extra mags, pasta sides enough to feed me for 4 days, 2 flashlights (not including the surefire on my sbr) 2 first aid bags, quick clot, 50ft of paracord, a solar lamp, hand crank weather radio, esbit stove, a few pieces of silver for barter, 4 gallons of water (I really should carry more) extra socks, toilet paper, an esee 3, an esee izula, a spyderco folder, and an emergency blanket. I keep this in a Eberlestock bag.


ETA: just noticed your location is "the Republic of New Jersey"


Hahaha that's about as far from a republic as you could possibly be. Sad really...
 
Last edited:
What’s in your Car/Truck Bag for when the world ends…..

I have run a survival camp here in NJ for the last 8 years.

I should also mention that I drive between 30 and 35,000 miles a year as a salesman.

During the day class and weekend classes we go over supplies a few different times. When we cover a "Bug Out Bag" I discuss what you should have in your car. We have picked up ideas and learned from the recruits over the years, so I thought I would share.

The way I recommend building your Car Go-Bag is to have a 12 month bag in your car all the time. If you live in a seasonal part of the country then you build a second cold weather bag that fits the additional clothing and cold weather supplies and is also large enough to hold the 12 Month bag. This way in the spring you pull the 12 month bag out and store the Winter supplies and bag until next fall. I use a larger duffle bag.

Keep in mind since I am a "Tin Foil Hat" kind of guy i also have my EDC bag (every day carry) with me at all times. Some of this is duplicated supplies and some things are in my EDC and not in this bag. But for the most part this is pretty complete.

I personally have also steered away from the Tactical – Molle/we gear type bag. This bag screams “Prepared Guy”-take his stuff”. I choose to blend in a little more. I carry for my EDC a Vertx Gamut bag. Its very Tacti-Cool but looks like a normal backpack.

Vertx® Official Site | EDC Gamut Plus Limited Edition bag

I have a similar bag as my car bag but a cheaper brand and a duffle bag for the winter additions.

All the cloths in my 12 Month bag and winter bag are ready to slip on and go….This means belt is on the pants and pockets are full of some of the supplies.

Here is what I recommend in the 12 month bag:

Removable container – duffle bag or backpack:
• Water – bottles – 3 to 6 16oz , water tablets..etc
• Folding shovel – works as a Melee Weapons
• Food – a few food bars, MRPs (rotated) Ideally 72 hour
• Blanket Wool and Emergency blankets – several?
• Clothing / Shoes – seasonal clothing in Winter Bag
• Fire Starter – lighter, steel and water proof matches, petroleum jelly ( 3 sources )
• Lighting - flash lights, batteries, glow sticks, small candles ( 3 sources )
• Repair and Maintenance tools - tool kit, duct tape, zip ties
• Personal Hygiene –wipes, toilet paper
• Maps and navigation ( mark the map up ahead of time – safe house)
• Communication – mirror, hand held CB radio, whistle
• First aid kit and Trauma Kit
• Multi tool and Knives
• Necessary medications
• Notebook and pencil
• 6x8 tarp
• Large contractor grade trash bag and a few ziplock freezer bags
• Small bottle of Everclear grain alcohol
• Water container - collapsible
• Money - roll of quarters, cash, trade out items, Silver
• Thumb drive of your important documents, scanned passports, ID, deeds
• Photos – family and friends
• Solar car charger – plugs into cig lighter
• Safety glasses
• 100 ft paracord and rope
• Hand-Crank / Solar emergency radio
• Night vision equipment – goggles ( if you want to spend the money)

I am assuming that if you live in the United States and not in NJ or IL then you are carrying a gun so it’s not included in this bag.

If you are looking for a full Bug out Bag there would be additional items and quantities. This all fits in a relatively small bag and doesn’t take up too much space in the back of your truck.

In the winter back I include:
• Thermal underwear
• Gloves and hats – 2 pair
• A few pair of socks
• 2 sweaters/sweatshirts
• A little extra water, matches and food.
• Hand warmers – disposable

I am sure you can add – but space becomes an issue.

This is what I recommend and would love to know your thoughts.
Be safe

My bag is a lot like yours. Couple of refinements.

Recommend:

- carry less water and replace with a water filter (way less weight)
- carry more food. 72 hours of food wont get you very far on foot. I carry 1-2 weeks worth
- carry at least three pairs of socks and some spare undies. if you find your self hoofing it, you will thank me.
- carry less metal currency and stick to bills. Cash is king if money is an issue. If silver becomes the thing, you are SOL anyway. a barter society would not spring up over night. Silver wouldn't be worth anything for months. Save the weight for a weapon and ammo.
- I carry a compressed sleeping bag, a personal hammock, and a military grade Marine Combat tent. The bag and the hammock is a great light camp for the night, the tent is perfect for two people or one person and all his gear in bad weather.
 
*Thumb drive of your important documents, scanned passports, ID, deeds

It may go without saying but if you chose to do this please make sure the files are encrypted/protected. Could be pain if that information is ever stolen, which is far more likely then an End of the World Event.

You know that is a awesome point and I will make sure I make that point.
Thank you
 
You probably won't get many responses because this exact question you pose is the subject of many threads scattered throughout the forum. If you check you will find "bug out" or "every day" or "go to" bag threads everywhere. Do a google search of "4Runner bug out bags."

Sorry I should have looked around a little more. I get reading and some of these threads keep you hooked. Very addictive site...
 
I'm more prepared for an emergency than a bugout situation, but I have quite a bit of stuff regularly in my 4Runner.

- 3D Cell Maglite
- Full size half serrated Ka-bar
- Complete 1/4" and 3/8" Dewalt Ratchet Set
- Toolbag with random assortment of tools, screwdrivers, hammer, pliers, cutters, utility knives, etc.
- Pretty complete electrical repair kit
- Ammo box full of ratchet straps
- 5 Lb fire extinguisher permanently mounted
- Probably 1000 zipties in random sizes
- Cordless Impact, drill and sawzall and the pieces associated with them
- Some misc hardware I may need in a breakdown
- Small tarp
- Sweatshirt and jacket in winter time
- Small amount of rope
- Bungee Cords
- Bungee Net
- 1 gallon of water (mainly for overheating, not drinking)
- Small amount of extra fluids, (ATF and engine oil)
- CB on board
- Extra CB antenna
- A couple pairs of gloves
- Safety glasses
- Air Chuck and gauge (will be more useful once I have onboard air installed)
- A "The Club", not useful for it's original purpose since I have a detachable wheel, but still have it
- A couple throw away lighters and a Zippo

Working on a recovery toolbox now, and also need some first aid stuff on board, then I should be all set for any emergency I may come across.
 
Lighting - have several head lamps and flashlights stashed everywhere.
Water - Around here anyway, need to carry actual water, in addition to filtration as there is often no water source to filter
Folding shovel - works marginally as a shovel, the random rifles and pistols bouncing around at any given time in my vehicle are much more effective weapons
Comms - HAM and Satellite are pretty much the only useful methods around here

Contractor trash bags, zip lock bags, bottles of everclear, axe, and my plastic parka come in handy wherever I go
Patrick-Bateman-Axe.jpg
 

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