Tested: The Best Roadside Emergency Kits to Keep in Your Vehicle

Road trips have been an American tradition since the completion of the first major highway systems — such as Route 66 — in the mid-1920s. And while there’s no shortage of obvious upsides to touring by car, the method of travel isn’t without its problems, and many of the issues that plagued drivers nearly a century ago are still pestering road-goers today such as flat tires, dead batteries, and getting stuck. Because drivers have been contending with these roadside challenges for just about as long as cars have existed, quite a few individuals have created tools and products specifically to remedy these situations—the latest and greatest of which we’ll be checking out today in this guide to the best emergency roadside kits to keep in your vehicle. 

Selecting & Testing

When first setting out to uncover the best emergency roadside kits currently on the market, we first started our search by dividing this product space into five sub-categories. From there, we scoured each of those sub-spaces, factoring in elements such as the total included items, the quality and materials of those items, and the price and value each kit offers. Also considered were size and weight and how easy it was to organize and repack the contents of each kit. With these factors guiding our search, we then selected several kits from each sub-category.

As helpful and informative as product descriptions, spec sheets, and component lists are, the only way to actually determine how a roadside emergency kit performs is to use it, so that’s exactly what we did. While we spent more than six months testing these kits, everyone at HICONSUMPTION tends to drive pretty reliable vehicles and take pretty good care of them. Consequently, breakdowns and roadside issues are seldom experienced by our team, and the worst it really got was handling a flat tire or jumping a dead battery. 

So, without being able to actually test these kits in real roadside emergencies, we simulated them from the comfort of a home driveway or garage. This allowed us to get actual hands-on experience with each kit, and a much better sense of how they actually perform in the real world. We also spent an extensive amount of time examining each individual component that came in each kit, as well as the vessel each kit came in. Based on our experience with each kit, we then selected one winner from each sub-space—all of which appear below on this list and review of what we consider to be the best roadside emergency kits on the market. 

First Secure Roadside Emergency Kit 

Best Budget Kit: The First Secure Roadside Emergency Kit is a 90-piece setup that comes with everything needed to address common roadside issues, along with some gear for performing impromptu fixes, plus a few extras. There’s nothing particularly fancy, and everything is of the budget variety, but in my experience, all of its components were sturdy and reliable enough to get the job done—and get me back on the road, was I able to actually test these items in a real roadside car-trouble situation. 

What’s Included

For around $100, you get a beefy hook-equipped tow rope rated at up to 10,000lbs, a headlamp, grippy work gloves, a headlamp, a tire plug kit, 10’ jumper cables, a multi-tool, a window breaker and seatbelt cutter, electrical tape, bungee cords, a tire pressure gauge, a reflective triangle, and cable ties. Your money also gets you a 250PSI portable air compressor that plugs into your car’s 12V socket, and a 48-piece first aid kit that comes fitted with a tourniquet, gauze pads, adhesive, PBT, and triangular bandages, medical tape, a pair of scissors, safety pins, and a pack of cotton swabs, just to name a few. The whole FAK comes housed in its own little nylon case, too. 

The Good

It’s pretty clear that the folks over at First Secure assembled this kit to address the most common issues faced by motorists. As such, the 90-piece kit comes with a tire plug kit and a mobile air compressor for fixing then inflating a flat, a set of jumper cables for remedying a dead battery, and a hook-equipped tow rope for getting hauled out of a ditch, snowbank, and the like. Said tow rope is also surprisingly robust. In fact, it may be the most premium—or at least, the least cheap-feeling—item in the entire 90-piece kit, being nearly 12’ long and boasting a weight/tow rating of 10,000lbs. As a point of reference, even massive work trucks like Ford’s F450 only tip the scales at around 7,000 to 9,000lbs, meaning this tow rope can be used to get almost any vehicle unstuck, short of an 18-wheeler. 

The headlamp appears to have around 100 lumens on tap, though isn’t particularly bright. The air compressor is also somewhat underpowered, and the multi-tool feels pretty cheap compared to an actual Leatherman —or even a Gerber or SOG multi-tool. Having said that, I’d much, much rather have cheap, budget roadside fix items like a flashlight and air compressor than no roadside gear at all. And this more or less sums up my experience with this kit and my thoughts on it as a whole. The inclusion of work gloves, a headlamp, and a multi-tool is nice, granted all three have an unmistakably budget feel to them. Even the blue nylon case that the entire kit comes in feels pretty cheap and flimsy—as does the thing’s zipper. 

When you actually consider everything that you’re getting for under $100, the First Secure Roadside Emergency Kit actually offers pretty stellar value—plus attempting to purchase the items that comprise it a la carte would almost certainly add up to at least double or triple this kit’s MSRP. Sure, it’s a pretty cheap and budget-friendly kit, but it’s a value-laden one, and one that’s good enough to get the job done in the vast majority of common roadside issues. I never actually got a chance to use the tire plug kit, but it appears to be a standard plug kit, similar to the ones I’ve used before which have all been pretty simple and straightforward. The jumper cables are super long at 10’ and feel surprisingly robust, plus they’re copper-clad aluminum which is nice. I got a chance to use these quite a bit and didn’t have any real issues with them or complaints. The little air compressor gets the job done, but it takes a very long time and is probably better suited to filling bicycle tires or topping off motorcycle tires. 

Supplementary Strengths

Measuring around a foot by a foot by four-and-a-quarter inches, First Secure’s emergency roadside kit is fairly compact, taking up very little trunk space or real estate on the floor of my back seats. Consequently, it’s super easy to always keep in your vehicle for when it may eventually be needed. At around 9.5lbs, it isn’t particularly heavy either—which isn’t something that can be said for some of the other kits I tested like the Preppi The Prepster and Decked x BOXOUSA Tool Bag With Tool Roll, both of which weigh at least twice what this budget-friendly kit does.

Thanks to the included cable ties, bungee cords, electrical tape, and multi-tool, you have the ability to easily MacGyver some fixes if needed, or at least haphazardly remedy them enough to get your vehicle home or to a shop where it can receive more substantial, long-term repairs. Whether you’ve got a loose piece of bodywork, a dragging muffler, or a broken-off mirror, these aforementioned items are perfect for performing jimmy-rigged temporary fixes. The included orange reflective pyramid is another addition that I really appreciated, as it made me feel a bit more secure when performing roadside repairs, knowing passing cars had a much better chance of seeing me—especially in inclement weather. 

The Not So Good

One of this kit’s biggest strengths is also its biggest issue, and that’s the fact that it’s objectively a very affordable, budget-friendly set of items. In order for it to be so accessibly priced, however, First Secure unsurprisingly had to use some pretty bottom-shelf items. Nothing that I used broke or failed, and everything worked as intended, though when comparing components like the jumper cables or air compressor to the units that I personally own, they felt pretty junky. And again, while everything did work as intended, there’s something about the super budget-friendly nature of this kit that bothered me, as when you’re in an emergency situation, the prospect of utilizing super budget gear isn’t very reassuring and afford very little peace of mind, as its failure could leave you in a pretty precarious, if not potentially life-threatening spot. 

Additionally, I mostly tested this kit using a small coupe and an even smaller roadster, so I didn’t have any issues with the air compressor’s cord reaching the 12V port in the dash, though I can see its length being an issue on larger vehicles. At the end of the day, you don’t buy this kit if you want the best, most high-quality gear out there, you purchase it if you want to have the basic essentials to remedy roadside issues, and want those items in a compact and affordable package, as First Secure’s kit almost certainly does this better than any other budget-friendly kit out there right now. 

Verdict: The First Secure Roadside Emergency Kit is a super budget-friendly kit that contains everything needed to handle the most commonly experienced roadside issues. Small enough to easily toss in a trunk or backseat without taking up much space, this kit is fairly cheap and not very high quality, though its contents are sturdy and reliable enough to get the job done and get you back out on the road, earning this kit our pick for best budget option. 

MyMedic MyFAK Large Pro

Best First Aid Kit: The story of how the MyMedic brand began is a tragic one, but also one that’s particularly relevant here. It was founded by individuals who lost a loved one after they were involved in a car wreck and couldn’t receive medical intervention in time to save their life. This would ultimately inspire them to come up with MyMedic and deliver life-saving kits that can be kept in your vehicle and used to save lives—or at least buy injured parties enough time for emergency medical services to arrive on scene. So, when looking for the best roadside emergency first aid kits on the market, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to learn that MyMedic almost certainly makes the best one out there. It’s just in the brand’s DNA. 

What’s Included

You get a 20-pack ion 1” x 3” SuperSkin bandages, the Sprain and Fracture Mod that contains various splints, wraps, and bandages, three pairs of disposable surgical gloves, a trio of space blankets, a pair of CPR shields, two bottles of saline Super Wash, two Mini Wound Closure Mods with Liquid Skin and Secure Strips, three Hydration Mods each containing a pair of water purification tablets and two hydration packets, two Blister Mods that each feature three SuperSkin blister strips, two massive Treatment and Relief Mods contains a slew of wipes, towelettes, creams, and ointments, a pair of Clean and Prep Mods, two Medication mods, two Burn Mods, two Gauze Mods, a 30-foot roll of 1-inch cloth medical tape, large EMT shears, a Tool Mod with a whistle, pen light, a thermometer with five disposable sheaths, a pair of tweezers, a pair of small cold packs, two assorted packs of SuperSkin bandages, a 4” x 36” emergency pressure bandage, an NPA 20 Med pack, an NPA 28 Med pack, 2 compressed vacuum-sealed gauze packs, a two-pack of ZZIPS devices, a QuikClot pack, a CAT tourniquet, 25’ of paracord, a glow stick, two chest seals, and a download card for a digital “Stay Alive Guide” that reaches you how to actually use the kit’s contents and provide care for injuries in the field. The whole thing comes in a storage bag. 

The Good

The actual pack the FAK comes in is another major highlight. Available a la carte on the MyMedic site for around $100, this storage bag features what is almost certainly a ballistic-grade nylon (or at least a pretty high-denier nylon) that sports a Hypalon MOLLE panel on the front and a stow-away shoulder strap on the back, allowing it to be carried like a crossbody bag. Unbuckle its hardware and undo its heavy-duty zipper track and the bag reveals pockets on the front and rear of the interior, in between which are organization pages that can easily be flipped through. Each page houses various first aid kit components and allows this massive array of items to all neatly fit in a compact bag, and be ridiculously easy to fit.

There’s also a pretty nifty tear-away panel feature, where a series of straps can be used to mount the bag to a headrest or roll cage, and then easily be ripped away when needed thanks to Velcro on either side. There’s also a MOLLE panel on the front presenting even more mounting options. I really like how well-organized this kit is, and just how many items it contains. Everything from fractures to burns to loss of blood can easily be treated—or at least temporarily helped until medical professionals can arrive. At 14.5” x 9” x 4.25” this FAK is the size of a small backpack, and as such could easily be tossed in the trunk or in my backseat. It’s only 6lbs, too, so it isn’t particularly heavy either. 

Supplementary Strengths

With high school being my last formal education in the medical sciences, I’m pretty useless when it comes to treating injuries, especially severe or life-threatening ones. And I know I’m not alone in this regard—and seemingly so did MyMedic, as this kit comes with a download card for a digital “Stay Alive Guide” that walks you through how to actually use each item in the kit, and does so in a clear and detailed way that’s technical, yet still easy to comprehend. There’s also a free life-saving training course that is included in the price of this FAK. After you make your purchase you get an email with a special code that you can then use to activate the online course.

I thought this was just a brilliant touch, as it massively increases the utility and effectiveness of this huge array of medical supplies—all of which is pretty worthless in an emergency if you don’t know how to use it. Everything is clearly labeled and its instructions are clearly defined. It’s about as idiot-proof as a first-aid kit can get. It’s also not all that different from the medical packs carried on the battlefield, albeit a bit nicer in many regards. I also really like that MyMedic sells its Mods and the other individual components in this kit by themselves, so you can easily replace an element if you use it so you’ll always be ready for your next emergency. HSA and FSA-approved, this kit also comes backed by a lifetime warranty. It’s also plenty versatile and is just as conducive to family camping trips, boating, or off-roading as it is to keep in your trunk for commuting or road trips. 

The Not So Good

There aren’t really any problems with this first aid kit in my eyes, but there are a few expected downsides. For starters, there’s no getting around the fact that this FAK doesn’t come cheap. Having said that, its components and carrying bag make it a lot easier to justify its MSRP, plus it’s difficult to put a price on having the ability to save the life of a friend or family member—or even yourself. Either way, $425 is a lot to spend. The only other downside I could really think of was the fact that you have to invest a decent amount of time into actually learning how to use everything. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, and it was actually kinda fun to learn some basic emergency medical skills, but it’s definitely something to be aware of and something to consider if you’re thinking about buying one. MyMedic does offer a slightly less robust, Standard (i.e. non-Pro) spec of this first aid kit for $270, but I think that peace of mind alone makes it easy to justify the $425 price of the Pro variant. 

Verdict: The MyMedic MyFAK Large Pro is an ultra-robust first aid kit that not only includes over 200 items, but also comes with a free course on how to actually use everything. Whether it’s a fracture, laceration, or burn, this kit has you covered—with its only real downside being its admittedly steep, albeit justifiable price. 

Uncharted Supply Co. The Overlander

Best Off-Road Emergency Kit: The Uncharted Supply Co The Overlander is an emergency roadside kit, though rather than being pieced together for your average commuter or road-tripper, the kit’s been designed to cater to overlanders, off-roaders, and adventurers. The entire kit is comprised of 9 items that have been handpicked from Uncharted’s inventory before all being neatly assembled in an included crushproof YETI case. 

What’s Included

All housed inside a weatherproof, shockproof 15-liter YETI Loadout GoBox storage case, Uncharted Supply Co’s The Overlander is made up of a folding shovel, a tow rope with a 17,600-pound rating, a trio of glow sticks, a windbreaker, a multi-tool, a flashlight, a pair of gloves, a first aid kit, and Uncharted’s Zeus power bank and jumpstarter. 

The Good

The Overlander kit is a bit less serious than some of the other kits I tested, though, for the most part, its tools and components are still pretty solid. I also really liked how everything neatly stowed away inside the YETI case, and how easy it was to reinsert everything back into the case without having to carefully Tetris each item. The case itself is another blatant highlight as it keeps everything organized and protected, plus it makes it super easy to grab the thing and toss it in your trunk or the back of your truck. 

While the assortment of items included was a bit random, I was generally pretty happy with them. The windbreaker that comes in the kit is surprisingly nice, plus the garment is packable and breaks down to around the size of a baseball. The tow rope is insanely robust and is good for unstucking even the largest trucks or rigs. It doesn’t have any hooks attached to it, but its ends do come pre-looped. The gloves are pretty warm and grippy, and they don’t overly limit dexterity, plus the Uncharted logos admittedly look pretty good on them. The folding shovel is another item that took me by surprise as it’s super heavy-duty. One side is also serrated on one face and sharpened with a flat edge on another, allowing it to be used as a light-duty axe. 

Supplementary Strengths

I also didn’t expect the first aid kit to be as large, or to include so many medical essentials. I also really appreciated how it comes in its own heavy-duty carrying case so it can be removed from the YETI case and carried separately—or left in your house or tossed in a backpack for outings or camping trips. There’s also a bit of extra space in the FAK to customize it with your own meds, mods, or additions. Either way, this is easily one of the most practical additions to this entire kit, as well as one of its most versatile. 

My favorite aspect of the entire kit is unquestionably the Zeus Pro portable power bank and jumpstarter. Equipped with a 20,000-mAh battery, this power bank delivers up to 10,000 peak amps, giving it the juice needed to turn the engine over on gas and diesel engines of up to eight liters. It has a built-in LED flashlight, has USB ports for charging devices, and comes with a set of included clamps for jumping dead batteries. It also has built-in short-circuit protection, and it comes in a semi-rigid storage case for the power bank and its included peripherals. It’s super easy to use, charges quickly, and its 20,000-mAh was big enough to jump-start my motorcycle several times and still have juice leftover to jumpstart a car. It would have been cool to see Uncharted opt for the Zeus Air, as it includes an onboard compressor, but I’m still a fan of the Zeus Pro. I also got more use out of the power bank than I did any other component in the kit. 

The Not So Good

While I do think it’s a fantastic kit, there is an aspect to it that stems from it being marketed and sold as more of an aspirational adventure kit or post-apocalyptic survival kit than it is a genuine emergency essential supplies kit. Elements like the folding shovel, glow sticks, and windbreaker aren’t really that practical in most situations. In terms of value, we’d classify this kit is as more middle-of-the-road. It’s priced at $499 and every item in the kit (minus the YETI case) is available on the Uncharted Supply Co. site, If you add up the price of each item—plus the $125 for the YETI case’s MSRP—it comes out to $521.

Both the flashlight and the multi-tool were the most underwhelming parts of the kit, and felt a bit overpriced for what you’re getting . Uncharted opted for a cheaper, generic solution with these two tools – which is clearly a cost savings choice. They both work just fine, though the tool is a bit stiff, but at least its tools are locking. Likewise, the flashlight is pretty dim, and the ability to adjust the brightness could use improvement. I’d rather have these items than no flashlight or multi-tool, but I would have preferred to see Uncharted charge a bit more and include a nicer light and multi-tool. Having said that, if I were to use this as the emergency roadside kit that I left in my vehicle, I would almost certainly swap out the flashlight for a more powerful torch from NITECORE or Olight, and jettison the multi-tool in favor of an actual Leatherman. 

Verdict: The Uncharted Supply Co The Overlander is a rugged kit that aims to meet the needs of adventurers, off-roaders, and overlanders with 9 handpicked items—including a jump-starter and tow rope—that all come neatly housed in a crushproof YETI case. 

Preppi The Prepster | Two-Person | 3-Day Emergency Kit Bag

Best Luxury Pick: If a billionaire were to task a company with coming up with an ultra-luxe, spare-no-expense, two-person bugout bag that contained everything needed to survive for 72 hours, the end result would almost certainly look a lot like the Preppi The Prepster | Two-Person | 3-Day Emergency Kit Bag. 

What’s Included

In terms of tools and basic supplies, you get a multi-tool, two emergency ponchos and space blankets, hand warmers, floating signal whistles, Kusmi Tea, duct tape, a tube tent quick shelter, a pair of air respirator masks, stormproof matches, Preppi candles, canvas PVC-dotted work gloves, utility bags, 550 paracord, a Field Notes waterproof expedition notebook, a Preppi pencil, an LED signal flare and flashlight, an LED headlamp, playing cards, and a stainless steel hip flask. There’s also a 50-piece first-aid kit, two Marvis toothbrushes and Marvis toothpaste, a six-bottle Malin+Goetz hygiene essentials kit, a 3-day food supply for two people, a space ice cream bar, a chocolate bar, 3 days of water, and a Preppi Solar & hand-crank Emergency NOAA Radio, LED Flashlight and  2000 mAh power bank. The entire kit comes neatly housed and organized in a canvas and leather carrying case that’s modeled after old-school doctor’s bags. Preppi also gives you the option of supplementing its already premium kit with an available Spot X 2-way satellite messenger or Biotite solar panel for $250 and $100, respectively. The canvas and leather carrying case that the entire kit comes in can also be optioned with a custom monogram. 

The Good

The hand-crank-operated flashlight, radio, and power bank is another great touch, as its crank means you can charge your phone with the energy you’ve generated yourself. This one item also allows you to monitor emergency radio broadcasts which is obviously a valuable asset in an emergency. Other included elements such as duct tape and paracord don’t have one specific intended use but are generally just extremely handy to have on hand in emergency situations, as they can be used to fix or MacGyver repairs on everything from structures and tents to garments and gear. The water supply is divided into a bunch of little packets that are easy to open and pore from. The food rations come vacuum-sealed in little cubes that feel like half-bricks, but the shortbread rations were surprisingly tasty. 

The flask and playing cards might seem like a small deal, but they really do have the ability to massively improve morale—and cure boredom in the event of a power outage or other emergencies. Whether you’re hunkering down or bugging out, the Prepster has pretty much everything you need to not only stay alive but also remain comfortable. The first aid kit is far more than a mere afterthought and is of the premium variety, containing more than 50 medical essentials. The headlamp also has at least 200 lumens on tap and is another generally handy addition to the larger kit. The Malin+Goetz hygiene essentials kit was a really unexpected surprise, as you’d expect this set to be found in a luxury hotel sooner than you would a bugout bag. 

Supplementary Strengths

It can be difficult to even imagine what a premium bugout bag would look like, as there isn’t really an existing blueprint for this kind of product, but Preppi has absolutely nailed it with the Prepster. It features everything needed to keep two people alive for three days, but puts a decidedly luxurious spin on regular bugout bags by adding a slew of high-end products that no doubt elevate the kit and bag as a whole. The bag itself is also offered in a variety of color options, plus the thing is made by hand in Los Angeles, where each bag is loaded by hand, too. 

Whether you keep it in the car or stash it in a closet, the Prepster is just a great way to stay prepared for natural disasters and emergencies—with the recent wildfires sweeping through Southern California just serving as a reminder of this. The bag itself is also elegant enough to be left out in open view, which is something that really can’t be said for the vast majority of military-style bugout bags. 

The Not So Good

When viewed as a roadside emergency kit, the fact it’s devoid of jumper cables and a tire repair kit is for sure a strike against it, though it wasn’t designed for this use so it’s hard to really fault Preppi for this. The only real issue I have with this kit is its price. When you take into account everything that you’re getting and the premium nature of many of these products, I actually think the price is entirely justifiable. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option then I’d say keep on looking, but if you can afford to splurge a bit and want a fantastic bugout bag, the Prepster is damn-near impossible to beat. 

Verdict: The Preppi The Prepster | Two-Person | 3-Day Emergency Kit Bag is an ultra-premium bugout bag containing everything needed to keep two people alive for 72 hours. While it doesn’t come cheap, the items that make up this kit truly are top-shelf, and in many cases sourced from leaders in particular product spaces. 

DECKED x BoxoUSA Tool Bag With Tool Roll

Best Hand Tool Set: While most day-to-day commuting with a modern vehicle won’t require much roadside wrenching, touring in an older vehicle or off-roading miles and miles away from civilization (and the nearest mechanic or help) should invite you to bring along your own tools. And while you always have the option of hand-picking your hand tools, a much more streamlined move is to opt for this preassembled, CORDURA-constructed tool roll born out of a collaboration between DECKED and BoxoUSA—the latter of which is a Southern California-based outfit established in 2017. 

What’s Included

As far as wrenches, ratchets, and sockets, the kit includes ten 12-point combo wrenches in 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19mm sizes, 1/2″ Drive 6-point standard impact sockets in 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 33, and 35mm sizes, 3/8”  and 1/2” ratchets, a 9-Piece metric hex wrench set, a 9-Piece Torx key wrench set, a 1/2” Breaker bar, a 6″ 3/8-Drive medium extension, and a 5” 1/2-Drive impact extension. In terms of drivers, you get a 100mm flathead screwdriver, a 1/4” drive spinner handle, another 1/4” Spinner handle drive with 1/4” drive and 5/16” sockets, an adjustable wrench, a single 8mm pin punch, and a #2 Phillips head. Also included in the kit is a myriad of different pliers, ranging from a set of flush cut pliers, a pair of groove joint water pump pliers, a set of long nose pliers, combination pliers, a set of curved jaw locking pliers, and a wire cutter, stripper, and crimper tool. In addition to a 12-Volt and 42-Volt compatible circuit tester, there’s also a ball peen hammer, a dead blow hammer, and extendable pry bar, and a heavy-duty diagonal side cutter. The whole kit comes organized and housed in a heavy-duty tool roll-style carrying case cut from ultra-rugged ballistic-grade CORDURA nylon. All told, the kit features 61 different hand tools. 

The Good

The first thing that really jumped out at me when first unrolling this kit was its craftsmanship, materials, and build quality—which overall, is simply stellar. So much so, in fact, that I honestly wasn’t surprised to learn that this kit is backed by a no-hassle lifetime warranty, as you’d really have to go out of your way to try and damage or destroy most of these tools. It can be hard to put into words, but overall these hand tools just feel great.

There’s a black, Cerakote-esque finish that fortifies the underlying steel while adding a bit of extra grip. Everything feels robust and well-made. The lever the controls the direction the ratchet head is spinning functions with a pronounced “click” to it, making it very clear of the pawl is engaged. The overall tolerances are also pretty top notch. And, though BoxoUSA and DECKED haven’t actually cited a number, I’m extremely confident that the ratchets in this set boast a very high tooth count, allowing for more precise and fine-tuned movement. They also rotate and click extremely smoothly as well. 

Unlike some tool rolls that are notoriously difficult to get everything to neatly fit back in its slot, this kit’s tool roll is a bit oversized, making it a breeze to get everything squared away and back in its place. The oversized nature of the CORDURA tool roll was also a deliberate choice that allows you to supplement the already robust kit with your own specialty tools—just in the months I spent testing it I added a flashlight, a headlamp, a set of work gloves, a spark plug tool, and a little bottle of Orange hand cleaner. The neatly organized layout of the tool roll also makes it perfect for busting out for roadside repairs, as everything is easy to find and easy to access. 

The tool roll is also setup in such a way that it organizes and carries all of the tools it contains, making it highly mobile—so long as you don’t mind lugging around its substantial weight. It also allows you to easily remove individual organizers in order to carry just that specific tool set. This way you can take out whatever components you need without having to bring the entire thing with you. The fact it includes so many tools that are all extremely rugged, makes BoxoUSA’s tool kits particularly popular with off-roaders and overlanders—an area only furthered by the organization and accessibility offered by their tool cases and tool rolls. 

Supplementary Strengths

These aren’t the most premium tools out there, but they’re shockingly high-quality for a preassembled kit, especially at this price point. All in all, I’d also say their overall feel is much more Snap-on than Harbor Freight. Sure, $600 is a lot to spend on a roadside emergency kit, but the reality here is that the DECKED x BoxoUSA Tool Bag With Tool Roll actually affords pretty terrific bang-for-your-buck. If you already own a decent set of tools and simply want a small kit to keep in your vehicle, than the DECKED x Boxo USA Tool Bag With Tool Roll might not be for you, however, if you don’t yet own a robust set of tools, this is a fantastic option. 

At around 35lbs, this set is pretty heavy, though not to the point where you need help from a second person to carry it—plus its tremendous heft is no doubt directly owed to just how many hand tools are included in it. I only spent around six months testing this kit, so my ability to field-test its long-term durability was somewhat limited, though in my experience not a single tool in the kit showed any signs of wear and tear whatsoever—pointing to the fact this set will probably last for decades if not more. 

Its versatility is also pretty off-the-charts, as its utility extends far beyond merely being kept in your vehicle for possible roadside fixes. It’s a massive set of tools that can be used for all manner of repair, from wrenching on cars, trucks, or motorcycles, to performing maintenance and fixes around the house. Whether you’re taking on an oil change or a top-end rebuild, the kit genuinely does contain everything needed to perform basic maintenance on your car, truck, and possibly even motorcycle depending on the make. 

The Not So Good

While I do think that this kit offers fantastic value, it’s still a pretty significant amount of money to drop. When testing this kit, there were a few times that I needed some extra leverage when working in tight spaces. I was ultimately able to use the kit’s included mallets to wack the bottom of a wrench in order to break stubborn bolts free, though I’d really have preferred if the kit came with a cheater bar or some extension tool to more easily get leverage. 

Above and beyond that, my only other issue with this kit is the fact that it actually requires some basic mechanical knowledge to be able to fully utilize it. Unlike a set of jumper cables or an air compressor, your average motorist probably doesn’t possess the know-how required to put this toolset to use. This could be a limiting factor depending on your personal knowledge and skills when it comes to spinning a spanner, but it’s also hard to fault DECKED or BoxoUSA for this. 

Verdict: The DECKED x BoxoUSA Tool Bag With Tool Roll is a massive assortment of well-crafted, built-to-last hand tools that all come neatly organized in a super rugged tool roll. Comprised of the most commonly needed and commonly used hand tools, this set does come at a steep price, but it’s a great investment that offers stellar value, especially for those who don’t already have a decent set of tools. It does, however, require that you have some basic mechanical knowledge in order to actually use. The only other real downside to this kit is its immense weight, though this obviously stems from just how many rugged hand tools are included in it. 

Roadside Emergency Kit Comparison Chart

The Importance Of Emergency Roadside Kits

Roadside kits can be an absolute blessing, whether off-roading in the backcountry, traveling cross country, or simply when getting a flat during rush hour on your daily commute to work. These kits not only contain pretty much everything needed to remedy the vast majority of basic roadside jams but also often contain additional, potentially life-saving equipment such as rations and MREs, lighting and power banks, medical supplies, and other survival gear. These bundled packages also typically come with an included carry bag or case that houses the array of tools and gear that constitute each kit.

Like motorcycle helmets, spare tires, or home defense weapons, emergency roadside kits are very much items that are exponentially better to have and not need than they are to need and not have. The reality is that in today’s age of smartphones and GPS systems, we’re seldom without the ability to reach out to AAA or a tow truck for help, though there are nonetheless still plenty of occasions in which a roadside kit can be a literal lifesaver. This can mean being in a remote era, where help is hours away, or being somewhere without phone reception at all where self-reliance is the only option.

The Main Elements That Should Be Included In An Emergency Roadside Kit

Roadside kits can contain a myriad of different elements, though some of the most commonly found items include jumper cables, tire patch kits, and headlamps, though some companies also supplement these staples with items such as windshield ice scrapers, air compressors, spare fuses, road flares, shovels, tow ropes, survival gear, medical supplies, knives, hand-tools, multi-tools, gloves, and flashlights. Keeping some non-perishable food on hand is also highly recommended, with a good rule of thumb being to carry at least 72 hours’ worth of rations for each passenger. When traveling deep into remote territories with limited cell service and help that’s at best hours if not days away, it’s also advised to purchase an emergency beacon or satellite phone — whether these items are included in a kit or purchased supplementary to an existing kit. 

What To Look For When Buying An Emergency Roadside Kit

Though they’re all created to serve the same basic function, emergency roadside kits can vary in a number of key areas. Below, we’ll be delving into five of the most crucial areas to consider when shopping for an emergency roadside kit for your car or truck.

Kit Type: Emergency roadside kits come in many different forms, all aimed to address different roadside scenarios, from breakdowns to flat tires to dead batteries to collisions and wrecks. You’ll want to consider the locale in which you’ll be using the kit, and what potential hazards and emergencies are most common in that region. There are also more robust, generalized kits made to take on a wide variety of different scenarios. There are also particularly specialized kits that focus on specific areas, such as off-road tire change and repair kits. What’s more, there are also some kits that better lend themselves to situations in which drivers wait for a tow truck or AAA, while others are more conducive to having the user turn a wrench and fix the roadside problem or problems themselves. 

Quality: Alongside the items that comprise each car kit, the other main element that distinguishes some kits from others is quality. Because your life can literally depend on your kit properly functioning when you need it to, we’d argue that it’s worth opting to spend a bit more for the added peace of mind that comes with buying a more high-end kit.

Case or Vessel: Rather than bouncing around in your trunk or making a mess of your glove compartment, the items that constitute emergency car kits almost always come sold in some type of carrying bag or a hard case that can accommodate the entire kit and be neatly stowed away when not being used. Just like with the tools and other items that make up the kits themselves, the bags or cases they come in can wildly vary in quality, with the more high-end offerings typically employing markedly more premium materials and construction techniques.

Value: Because many of the items included in them are often crafted from steel — which is a fairly inexpensive construction to use — basic emergency roadside kits can be purchased for relatively little money. With that said, this is a space in which spending more will undeniably get you more, as the pricier kits tend to boast far more additional bells and whistles than their more affordable alternatives.

Optional Add-Ons: Most emergency roadside kits are created by individuals who have thought long and hard about the types of hazards that can occur on the road and which items to include to help overcome these open road obstacles. However, in an effort to allow for a more customized kit, some companies offer optional upgrades and add-ons to supplement existing kits. These obviously come at a premium, though they undeniably add utility to each kit.

Are Roadside Emergency Car Kits Worth It?

One of the most common questions asked about modern roadside emergency kits is whether or not they’re worth the investment and price. While the reality is that one could in theory buy all the individual components needed to make a kit, chances are you’ll not only spend more money, but you’ll also lose out on the convenience and time saved by purchasing a preassembled emergency kit.

It can also be tempting to opt for the cheaper kits on the market, however, it’s worth noting that these kits are intended to be used in emergency situations — i.e., the last place you want a piece of emergency gear to break or fail. For this reason, we recommend spending a little extra to get a better quality kit, as this will ensure better performance when it comes time to use the kit, plus will afford better peace of mind. This is especially true when it comes to items like battery jump boxes or mobile air compressors that often sit for extended periods without being used. 

Honorable Mentions

HAIPHAIK’s emergency roadside kit is a pretty incredible value at just under $50. Sold in a carrying case, this 124-piece kit includes a tow rope with gated steel hooks at both ends, a wallet multi-tool, a hand-crank flashlight, a tire patch kit, a set of spare fuses, a keychain flashlight, a pair of gloves, a folding shovel, an 11-piece tool set housed in a crush-resistant PE case, and an 11.8’ set of jumper cables. Though it offers great value, we feel it’s worth spending the extra money to get the better kit from First Secure, as it includes everything the HAIPHAIK one does, plus an air compressor. 

Made by a popular YouTuber, the Calculated Survival Basic Survival Pack is intended more for outdoor use, though is a great candidate for keeping in your glove compartment or trunk for emergencies—especially when traveling in remote or rural areas. Tipping the scales at just 1lb, 6oz, this kit contains a small zippered pouch, a water filtration straw and a 36-ounce bladder, a Mylar poncho, a penlight, a whistle with a built-in compass, a signaling mirror, a Ferro rod, a lighter, 20 grams of BleedStop, a Cold Steel Kudu Lite Folding knife, fishing hooks, and 50’ of paracord. 

Alongside a 45-piece first aid kit, this 76-item Excursion Road Kit ensemble from the American Automobile Association packs a digital air compressor with an integrated gauge, 10’ eight-gauge jumper cables, a collapsible emergency warning triangle, an LED flashlight with an aluminum housing (with batteries), a utility knife, cable ties, a poncho, a pair of shop clothes, pliers, gloves, duct tape, and both flat head and Phillips head screwdrivers.

For just $10 more than the HAIPHAIK kit, we have this 2-in-1 Roadside Kit offering from Swiss Safe that bundles a fairly robust emergency roadside tool kit — which includes an ice scraper, a plethora of sockets and screwdriver bits, gloves, several drivers, a rain poncho, PVC electrical tape, a pair of glow-sticks, a tire pressure gauge, 12’ jumper cables — with a 348-piece first aid kit that comes housed in a weatherproof heavy-duty plastic case.

Overland Vehicle Systems make rugged gear that can be trusted and depended on when far off the beaten path, and the overlanding outfit’s tire repair combo kit is far from an exception. Compatible with any vehicle with a 12V battery, their Air Compressor System kit includes a 0.33HP, 120V, 120PSI compressor making 5.6CFM and the brand’s hardwearing tire patch/plug kit.

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