How to Make The Ultimate Minnesota Winter Driving Survival Kit

Get our free mobile app

We've had a pretty mild winter thus far, but let's be real, Mother Nature is about to wreak havoc on us.

In fact, there's a snow storm heading this way real soon. If you missed the details, click here to read the updated snow projections. 

Even when there's no snow on the ground, it's smart to have a winter survival kit. You just never know when your battery is going to puts out, a deer is going to play a game of Frogger with you, or you hit a patch a black ice and get stranded.

Here are the best things to pack in your car for Minnesota winters.

A Shovel. Any shovel will do, but these fantastic folding shovels will take up less space in your car. They're perfect for camping too.

A windshield scraper with a broom. These are always super handy to have in the car in general.

A flashlight with extra batteries. This flashlight has 5 different light modes including an SOS, plus it's waterproof.

Battery powered radio. OR you can get one of these emergency weather radios with a flashlight AND cell charger to combine a few things on this list.

Protein bars, energy bars, raisins, whatever you like that will hold up well in the car. Quest bars are my personal fave. You should also have some water handy. I always bring a water bottle everywhere with me, but having an extra gallon jug in the back is not a bad idea.

Hand/feet warmers. If it's super cold, you'll be grateful you have these. Especially if you're car won't start.

Speaking of staying warm. Always pack extra hats, socks, and mittens. I even throw snow pants in my survival kit. Here's a set that's sold on Amazon that is reflective.

Blankets or sleeping bag. They also sell these emergency thermal blankets that won't eat up space.

Tow chain or rope.

First Aid Kit. Perks if there's a pocket knife in there. This kit actually has a few of the things recommended for your winter survival kit.

Road salt, sand, or cat litter for traction.

It's always a good idea to have booster cables in your car year round.

Emergency flares and reflectors. Especially in a winter storm, these will come in handy so you can be seen.

Extra cell phone battery, an adaptor, or a portable charger.

Plus, it's always a good idea to tell someone where you're going and the route you plan to take. They also make excellent location apps like Life360.

Also see: The 10 Commandments of Winter Driving. 

For more information about safe driving and winter survival kits, contact the American Red Cross, the Minnesota Safety Council, or the Minnesota Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.