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Erik Hogan's avatar

Thanks for sharing your truck load out! I have an emergency kit in mine, too, but it isn’t quite as well set up. This gives me ideas! Two things I do have that may be worth considering are a jump box for when there isn’t another vehicle to use jumper cables with, and a small air compressor to put air in tires.

And, while as a cop I’m almost always carrying a gun, I would never consider leaving a gun in a vehicle at any time. I’ve taken way too many reports for guns stolen in car break ins.

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Jesse C. McEntee's avatar

Erik- I'm going to buy one of those starter/compressor combos at Costco ASAP to keep in there. And thank you for your insight on the gun. It reinforces my sentiment.

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Erik Hogan's avatar

Any time!

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Brave North Outdoors's avatar

Thank you for sharing what’s if your utility box! I have most of those but they’re all shoved under the back seat and drivers seat. I’m finding a box so it’s all organized in one spot! There’s a couple items I’m going to add from your list. I also carry a bottle jack. The amount of times that’s come in handy is surprising. In winter I have traction treads. I think they’re just a Canadian thing. I’ve never been able to find them in the States. They’re metal and can be placed under tires when stuck in snow.

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Jesse C. McEntee's avatar

Kimberly- I’m glad you were able to get something out of this list! And thank you for your suggestions; both the bottle jack and traction treads sound useful. I’ve used a scrap piece of lumber, but the treads sound proper- I’m going to look into it.

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James Freitas's avatar

Appreciate the breakdown of how you stay prepared, Jesse! I keep things in my truck I never want to need, but it's better to have something and not need it than not have it and wish you did.

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Sam Alaimo's avatar

Jesse, you reminded me of one of my favorite tools from the military I complete forgot about: the halligan bar. I just bought one to store in my truck. I hope I never need to use it, but if I do, I'll thank you.

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Jesse C. McEntee's avatar

Awesome! Yes, they seem like a very handy tool. I've recently become acquainted with them from the fire service. After practicing forcible entry with a halligan, I knew I needed one for my truck.

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Stacy Boone's avatar

Love the story, the adapting, the father-son adventure.

I keep a sterno to heat water in a pinch. This past winter I pulled the floor mats out of a gals vehicle to use under her tires for traction - probably one of my favorite tricks. No matter the season I also keep gloves and a hat.

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Jesse C. McEntee's avatar

I’m adding all of those and stealing the floor mat idea!

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Stacy Boone's avatar

It is like a party trick.

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Kyle Shepard's avatar

Haha loved this story in every way. Fatherhood, preparedness, adaptability, all culminating with humor. I’m always interested in what people pack and why, you’ve laid out excellent reasons for all of your gear. Good stuffy buddy

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Jesse C. McEntee's avatar

👊 Appreciate that, Kyle. Such fun times in northern woods. The day this essay posted, I got my truck stuck in the mud, so the tools were a savior.

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