“It’s better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.” Anyone who’s adventured off the beaten path knows this way of thinking, whether it applies to the winch you’ve only used once, the extra batteries you have charged up and ready to roll, or even an extra first aid kit. Much like the other necessary items that take up room in our rigs, roadside emergency kits are one of those pieces of gear it would be unwise to leave behind — even if it does end up sitting unopened in the back of your SUV for years on end.
Lucky for the space-conscious amongst us, today’s roadside emergency kits are more compact yet featured-filled than ever before; even if you’re working with a limited amount of space, it’s a no-brainer to bring one of these handy kits along. Below, we’ve picked out the best roadside emergency kits to keep in your rig, from budget-friendly options to the most prepared picks on the market.
Uncharted Supply Co. The Overlander
As the name suggests, this roadside kit was developed with the overlanding community in mind, and comes well-equipped for just about everything you’d need in a roadside emergency situation. Built to fit inside the tough-as-nails Yeti GoBox 15, the Overlander is weather-proof, designed for space optimization and includes a number of high-quality products stored in resealable packaging designed for long-term use.
The Overlander includes: a convertible shovel/pickaxe, gloves, a flashlight, three chem Lights, Uncharted’s First Aid Pro first aid kit, The Zeus Pro (the brand’s recently upgraded jump start kit), The Hideaway (Uncharted’s weather-resistant windbreaker), The Extractor tow strap and a multi-tool.
If you’re interested in The Overlander, it’s currently on preorder, with units expected to start shipping February 17, 2025.
MSRP: $499
Decked x BoxoUSA Tool Bag With Tool Roll
You may be familiar with Decked in regards to its truck bed tool boxes and cargo van storage systems, but did you know the brand also sells one of the most robust roadside emergency kits around? The Decked x BoxoUSA Tool Bag With Tool Roll is one of the most well-equipped tool bags built for the road, and includes a full tool roll stuffed to the brim with BoxoUSA tools (all of which come with a limited lifetime warranty, by the way).
The roll includes an array of wrenches, ratchets, sockets, hammers, a pry bar, a heavy-duty diagonal side cutter, over seven pliers and related tools, and a variety of drivers, including Phillips and flat options. The tool bag and roll are constructed with heavy-duty Cordura nylon, with robust zippers and external mole webbing system for extra storage. The entire system is compact and designed to fit within a Decked tool box, or the back of your sedan, SUV or any other vehicle you plan on taking into the wild.
MSRP: $595
Preppi The Prepster Two-Person | 3-Day Emergency Kit Bag
For aesthetically-driven overlanders that also like to be prepared for any emergency on the road, let me introduce you to the sleekest, coolest roadside first-aid kit I’ve yet to come across: The Prepster by Preppi. Preppi’s signature first aid kit comes chock-full of the supplies you’ll need on-hand in the event of an emergency, including but not limited to food rations, a tent, space blanket, water and air respirators. The supplies are all housed in the brand’s signature heavy-duty metal framed bags, which are made in Los Angeles from water resistant canvas and leather. The entire kit comes with a lifetime guarantee, and is designed to keep two people supplied for three days.
The Prepster can be upgraded with additional add-ons, including a satellite messenger for $250, a Biolite solar panel for $99.95, or a monogram for $75.
MSRP: $485
READ MORE: Gear Essentials: Camping Gear and Emergency Preparedness
MyMedic MyFAK
With over 1200 five-star reviews, it’s easy to see why the MyFAK continues to be one of the most popular options for roadside emergency kits, whether you’re driving your daily commute or heading out in the backcountry for a few weeks. MyMedic’s most popular first-aid kit is as robust as it is eye-catching, and comes in two versions: Standard and Pro. The Pro option includes over 115 first aid supplies, as well as a folding page for extra organization, extra space built in so that you can organize as you wish, and versatile straps for mounting and storing.
As a bonus, right now MyMedic is offering free life-saving Training Course upon purchase; the course provides information on how customers can use their kit in any emergency situation.
MSRP: $169.95
Ranallto Car Emergency Roadside Tool Kit
Being prepared in the event of an emergency doesn’t have to be expensive, and the Ranallto Car Emergency Roadside Tool Kit proves that point. Featuring jumper cables, a small car repair kit, a multi-functional shovel, medical supply kit and warning triangle for roadside emergencies, this budget-conscious kit has everything you need, all for less than fifty bucks.
MSRP: $44.99
