The Solo RVer's Emergency Kit: What to Pack When There's No One to Call

Nobody is coming to save you. Thats not dramatic — its just the reality of solo boondocking. When youre 30 miles from the nearest town on a forest service road with no cell signal, whatever you have in your rig is what you have. Period.

After 18 months of solo travel heres what stays in my van at all times.

Vehicle: Full-size spare tire (not a donut), jack rated for your vehicle weight, jumper cables, tow strap, basic tool set (socket set, screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench), duct tape, zip ties, JB Weld. I also carry a tire plug kit and portable air compressor.

Navigation: Paper maps of every state Im in. Phone dies, GPS fails, satellites lose signal. Paper maps never crash. I also keep a compass. Old school but reliable.

Communication: Satellite communicator (I use a Garmin inReach Mini). This is the one item I consider truly essential. It sends texts and SOS signals via satellite when there is zero cell coverage. $12/month subscription. Worth every cent.

Water: I carry 25 gallons minimum even for day trips. A good water filter (Sawyer Squeeze) can turn creek water into drinking water if things get desperate.

First aid: Beyond the basics — add a tourniquet, splint, and a first aid reference card. Take a Wilderness First Aid class if you can. Best $200 I ever spent.

Fire: Three ways to start one. Lighter, waterproof matches, and a ferro rod. Fire means warmth, signal, and morale.

Food: 3 days of non-perishable food beyond what I plan to eat. Peanut butter, crackers, protein bars, canned soup. Boring but calorie-dense.

Ive needed the tow strap once, the jumper cables twice, the satellite communicator three times. Every single item has justified its space. When youre solo, preparedness isnt optional — its your copilot.