What I carry in my truck at all times.
Since the day I got my license I’ve carried a fishing kit of some sort in my vehicle at all times, you never know when you’re going to drive by that pristine trickle of trout heaven. Over the years I’d like to think I’ve built the ideal fishing kit for the truck. Whether I’m headed out on an unexpected hike near water, a planned trip and I forgot a piece of gear, or just driving past something intriguing, I’m prepared for it! Below is a list of everything I keep in my truck at all times, and I keep most of it in my trusty, and very old REI Flash pack.
Orvis Clearwater 2wt
Orvis CFO reel
Daiwa Soyokaze Tanago rod
1 extra leader
5x and 7x tippet
2-4 tenkara level lines #2.5 and #3.5 in 8’ and 12’ sections
3 fly boxes, my go-to 4 patterns, a “big bug” box, and a midge box
Hemostat scissors
Fly floatant(sometimes)
Merrel barefoot trail runners for wet wading/hiking in
An extra pair of shorts
Snacks
Tiny Tabasco sauce
Gerber Dime multi tool
Not pictured is my go-to 4 patterns box, that will be left for a post of its own.
Being the gear junkie I am, this list is always changing, but these are the staples I don’t leave home without. I also keep some random camping gear in the truck and other “worst case scenario” type stuff but that rather lengthy list is for another time. Suffice it to say I’ve forgotten just about every possible thing for a trip and now make sure I’m ready for anything, be it camping, fishing, hiking, vehicle recovery/repair, whatever it is.
If you’re like me and don’t get much time away from work, having a vehicle already loaded up with most of the gear you want is super handy, no time wasted packing for the trip! I love being able to hop in and go at a moments notice and not have to worry if I forgot anything important while rushing to get out of town. I carry everything from blankets and a pillow to a small stove and dehydrated meals, which is also handy if you happen to get stuck somewhere unexpectedly. A shovel, axe or hand saw of some kind, and traction boards would also be in my top things to carry at all times. Those three items have saved my butt more times than I can count, it’s easy to sleep in a car without blankets or food, but there’s no good substitute for these things if you’re stuck. The list below outlines some of the basic things I try to have in my truck at all times.
First aid kit
Folding shovel
Small folding saw
Small hatchet
¾ full nalgene water bottle
Stove with fuel(climate permitting of course)
Dehydrated meals and instant coffee
Extra charging cables and a battery pack
Tools(I’ll do a detailed list of that eventually)
Recovery gear(straps, shackles, etc.)
Headlamp and a handheld flashlight
I don’t want to get too thorough but that’s some stuff I always have no matter what. I know carrying a stove and food and stuff seems a bit much, and admittedly it probably is, but it’s peace of mind, takes up very little space, and it’s all extra gear I don’t use anyway so why not keep it somewhere handy. Everything in my truck has been used multiple times, if it hasn’t been touched in months it’s gone. I’m always looking for ways to refine my gear and so far I’m very happy with what I carry. Stay tuned, eventually I’ll do a very detailed list of what’s all in there and why, I love to geek out on gear and tools.