Don't Leave For Your Winter Car Camping Trip Without This Important Piece Of Gear

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Ever got stuck in snow halfway to your campsite? If you've experienced such a winter nightmare during a car camping trip, then you'd surely understand that a shovel shouldn't be an optional item when packing the things you need for a car camping getaway. It can in fact be your way out in a situation like that because, with a good shovel, you'll be able to save yourself by clearing the snow around your tires and carving out escape paths.

Before you know it, you'll be back on the road without having to wait hours for help. With snow-related travel warnings being reeled out across various U.S. counties, the importance of being ready with a tool like a shovel cannot be overemphasized.

The thing is, a shovel can actually be useful in other situations. Imagine a scenario where you need to level the ground around your tent site, or dig a trench to get melting snow away from your sleeping area. In these cases, a shovel stands out as a handy all-rounder, and campers who have spent time in snowy conditions swear by this simple savior. As Redditor AcademicSellout notes, "A shovel is one of those things that you don't need it until you do, and then you REALLY need it." Some campers even use it to scoop fresh snow to be melted for water, and that's a trick worth knowing for anyone staying off-grid.

Many campers tend to get it wrong by thinking they can just grab any old shovel and toss it in their trunk. But that might be a big mistake, as not all shovels are made for winter or outdoor emergencies! So, you'd need a proper snow or camp shovel that's light, strong, portable, and easy to stash.

Ideally, a folding or telescoping shovel made from aluminum or high-carbon steel should be your go-to. Like knife through butter, these kinds of shovels are built to slice through packed snow without bending or experiencing difficulty. And in fact, if you can get one that has a D-shaped handle, it'll give you a better and more comfortable grip; it's equally good to opt for plastic or fiberglass handles as they won't become too cold.

In case you're going through snowy trails or taking long road trips through mountain passes, it's worth going for a shovel with an extendable handle, as it'll help you move snow much faster and with less strain on your back. If trunk space is a problem, however, there are compact and collapsible options that you can opt for such as the Behandy Shovel and the Rhino USA Folding Survival Shovel, which will get the job done just as well. In any case though, it's important to keep your shovel close to your emergency kits, which should ordinarily include things like traction mats, sand, a flashlight, a tow strap, multi tools for minor repairs or quick escapes, warning flares, and more. These days, some winter driving kits even now come with a compact shovel; an example is the VCANENERGY Car Emergency Kit.

A shovel can indeed help dig your way out of snow trouble, but prevention is better. First off, it's important to drive carefully and slowly in wintry conditions; a little reckless speed, and your car starts sliding. It's good to keep a safe distance from other vehicles, be gentle with braking, and don't change lanes suddenly. If your car skids, it's safer to steer in the direction of the slide in order to regain control. Before getting on the road, ensure your windows, mirrors, and headlights are clean of snow or ice. Moreover, keep your headlights on at all times, but ensure they're dimmed to avoid disorienting other drivers.

Now let's say you're trapped in snow. The first thing is to be calm, and avoid hitting the gas pedal because it only pushes your tires further in. Turn off traction control, and ensure the tailpipe isn't blocked (to rule out carbon monoxide buildup). Use your shovel to clear the snow around your tires, creating a path forward and backward. It's good to have something gritty, like sand, dirt, or gravel; sprinkle some under the wheels to facilitate grip. Gently rock your car back and forth until there's enough momentum to get it free again. But if things don't improve, it's advisable to stop forcing it, and just call in a tow truck.

Still, preparing ahead of your car camping trip, such as confirming the weather, remains essential. And as an all-important tip, ensure your gas tank is at least half full so you'll have enough fuel to run the engine and stay warm if you get stuck. Also, always double-check the items that should be in your cold weather survival kit to be sure you're good to go.