What do you put in your trunk?

[PNW Judy]

I have re-written that original post because I have changed a few things, I think, since that time. Thanks for the "amazing" compliment. Not sure if I'm amazing or a bit paranoid. LOL

Here are the things that I typically carry all the time, not just for roadtrips:

Glovebox and door pockets: GPS, 2 FRS radios, flashlight, battery charger that plugs into cigarette lighters with extra rechargeable batteries, small repair kit with thread/scissors/needles, individual packets of Shout for clothing stains (I'm a slob), individual handi-wipe packets for hand cleaning, multi-function knife, small first-aid kit, tape, paper pad/pens, and a few other miscellaneous things for personal care like dental floos, toothbrush, toothpaste, nail clippers, etc.

I have a little unit that plugs into the cigarette lighter with 4 extra plugs so I can plug my cellphone, my battery charger, and a little rechargeable flashlight that is always plugged in and ready to go, all at the same time with an extra space if I need it for something else.

I plan on investing in a CB with NOAA warning capabilities or, at least, just a NOAA radio as well.

In tote bag behind driver's seat (I rarely have passengers in the back except the dog): atlas, any extra maps I need (I add more for longer trips), one of those street-atlas maps for my state, sun shades, a battery-operated fan if I need to leave my dog in the car when it's a tad warmer for her, rainhat, warmer hat, gloves, raincoat that folds down into it's own pocket, teeny umbrella, dog leash, small pillow that crunches down small into it's own little tote bag, fleece blanket, and another rubber-backed type of blanket that the dog sits on in the car (and great for sitting on the ground, especially if it's a bit damp out).

My back seat is covered with a big beach towel that matches my car's colors. Mainly for the dog to sit on but it has been handy if I've needed a towel for some reason when out and about.

Trunk: I have a hatchback. The decklid that hides contents from view has 3 pockets underneath it. These carry my car's manual, a plastic tupperware-style container with extra fuses and bulbs, a kite that goes in it's own little totebag and doesn't need a frame for days at the beach, thin nylon backpack that folds into the small outer pocket just in case I need it to carry things. Oh, and a radio that operates on batteries

On the right side of my trunk I have one of those vinyl multi-pocket things that has a larger flashlight that can also be like a table-lamp and extra batteries, bungie cords, duct tape, flares, a couple of 24-hour emergency candles, a Sierra-style cup/bowl, some packets of cocoa and dried soup, protein bars, tuna packets, can opener, compass, 1 water-bottle filled with water, collapsible cloth water bowl for dog, a fanny-pack with 2 water bottles filled with water for day hikes. A few simple tools. A pair of hiking boots and socks.

Underneath the trunk space area, in the spare-tire well: full-size spare, tire-changing tools, more tools, and emergency cash.

Lying flat on the floor of the trunk is a neat cooler I found that is shaped like a large tote bag. It folds flat and takes up virtually no space when not being used. It's very handy. You never know when you might need it. I've used it if I've been out-and-about and we've decided to stop somewhere to put together an impromptu picnic. And for trips to Costco (an hour away) for frozen items.

Because I live in tsunami-country and, if the tsunami is caused by an earthquake from the Cascadia Fault, the earthquake will be major (they are predicting a 9.0), and the roads will probably not be driveable, I also have a fanny pack with emergency supplies. I started with a backpack with tons of supplies but realized if I need to run to safety over ruined roads that it would be too heavy to carry and run with.

Anyway, I've pared it down to this: It has two outside pockets for water bottles. One is a plain water bottle filled with water and the other is a water bottle with a built-in filter that will filter out things like giardia (a major problem where I live). It's filled with water and then, when that clean water runs out, I can fill it with dirty water and drink it with reasonable chance that it will filter out anything unsafe to drink. Within the fanny pack: 1st aid kit, collapsible dog bowl and a few packets of dog food, small leash, protein bars, flashlight that doesn't need batteries (shake it for light), signal mirror, 2 foil-type emergency blankets, small duct tape, poncho, Sierra cup/bowl, two 24-hour emergency candles, protein bars, soup-packets, tuna packets, paper/pencil, small backpacker's style can opener, gloves. And a whistle that has a compass on the lid, and the lid screws off to store matches. I have wind/water-proof matches inside.

BTW, my husband and two kids have the tsunami-ready fanny packs in their vehicles as well.

I think that's it. The major stuff anyway.

ETA: Oh, and XM Radio Roady2 and case with CDs. Gotta have the right tunes for a roadtrip. Even a short one, you know! LOL