For many of us who love exploring Southern California’s diverse landscapes, our cars are more than just transportation – they’re our adventure wagons, our mobile basecamps, and our ticket to remote trailheads. Having your vehicle well-organized and equipped for common roadside issues or off-the-beaten-path scenarios isn’t just about convenience; it’s about safety, self-reliance, and peace of mind.
Over the years, we’ve kitted out our car with a few key items that have proven invaluable for everything from keeping gear tidy to handling unexpected bumps in the road (sometimes literally!). Here’s a look at what we keep in our car to make our SoCal adventures smoother and more secure.
(Just a friendly heads-up: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means if you decide to make a purchase through them, we might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support our trail-sharing efforts – thank you!)
Roadside Emergency Preparedness: Don’t Get Stranded!
Flat tires, dead batteries, or unexpected weather can happen to anyone. Being prepared can turn a potential disaster into a manageable inconvenience.
- Telescoping Lug Wrench: Factory-supplied lug wrenches can be flimsy. We always carry the DURATECH Telescoping Lug Wrench. It extends for better leverage, comes with common socket sizes (17/19mm and 21/23mm), and includes an organizer pouch. A must-have for any car emergency kit.
- Car Jack: Don’t rely solely on the often-minimalist jack that comes with your car, especially if you have a slightly larger vehicle or might be on uneven ground. The IMAYCC 3 Ton (6609 lbs) Car Jack is a bi-directional scissor jack suitable for sedans, coupes, SUVs, and MPVs.
- Car Jump Starter with Air Compressor: This is a multi-functional lifesaver. The Car Jump Starter with Air Compressor (150PSI 7000A Peak 24000mAh) can jump-start all gas or up to 8.0L diesel engines multiple times. It also functions as an air compressor for tires and includes a 160W DC out and QC 3.0 USB ports. It’s an important part of our car emergency kit.
- Tire Repair Plug Kit: For punctures, a T Handle Tire Repair Plugs Kit can be a quick fix to get you back on the road or to a repair shop. This heavy-duty professional kit is great for cars, ATVs, tractors, and bikes.
- Snow Chains: If your SoCal adventures take you into the mountains during winter (think Big Bear, Mount Laguna, or parts of the Angeles National Forest), snow chains are often required and sometimes a literal lifesaver. We keep a set of Universal Emergency Tire Chains for Car, SUV, and Pickup on hand for those snowy conditions. Always check conditions and requirements before you go!
Keeping Your Ride Organized: Tactical & Practical Storage
A cluttered car can be a pain, especially when you’re trying to find specific gear. We’ve found these organizers to be game-changers:
- Car Seat Back Organizers:
- The IronSeals Car Seat Back Organizer is a tactical Molle panel style that’s great for attaching various pouches and keeping smaller items accessible and off the floor. We’ve found it quite useful for organizing a lot of our small-sized gears.
- We also have the WYNEX Tactical Car Seat Back Organizer with Sling Rack. Personally, I like this one a bit more because of its big “universal” pockets, which offer a lot of flexibility for stowing different items.
- Molle Pouches & Attachments: To really make the most of tactical seat organizers, you’ll likely want a good set of pouches. This Molle Pouches Tactical Compact Water-Resistant Pouch Bags set comes with a kit of 24 attachments for 1″ webbing, perfect for customizing your setup on Molle bags, tactical backpacks, vests, or your car seat organizers.
Vehicle Utility & Recovery Tools: For Tricky Spots
Sometimes the road to the trailhead (or the campsite) isn’t perfectly paved.
- Heavy-Duty Tactical Shovel (for Car): We always have this in our car, and it’s irreplaceable for tasks like flattening or leveling a sandy road patch before the car, or for other heavy-duty digging needs where a small hiking trowel won’t do. The Sahara Sailor Unbreakable Tactical Shovel is a 23-in-1 survival tool that’s built tough for camping, hiking, and emergency situations. This shovel is not an example of robustness and toughness for all possible situations, but it does not cost a lot though making it’s job and being surprisingly compact in a trunk/boot.
Bonus Car Kit Convenience: The Little Things That Help
It’s not always about emergencies; sometimes it’s just about making life on the road easier.
- Manual Can Opener: We always keep the Beneno Can Opener in the car. Forget about those classic, often frustrating can openers! This manual side-safe cut opener gives a smooth edge, has a durable sharp blade, an effort-saving knob, and a comfortable non-slip handle. Perfect for impromptu picnics or car camping meals.
Having a well-thought-out car kit means you’re better prepared for the unexpected and can focus more on the adventure ahead. Whether it’s keeping your gear organized, being ready for a flat tire, or ensuring you can navigate a tricky patch of road, these items have helped us explore Southern California with greater confidence and ease.
Drive safe and happy trails!