Most people’s glove boxes look way too much like a combination of the family mail sorting table and the junk drawer. This makes it hard to find things, keep things organized and take advantage of the valuable storage space available. Keeping the right things in your glove box can go a long way to making Jeeping better. So here are the top 15 Things Every Jeep Owner Needs In Their Glove Box.
1. Glove Box Document Organizer: Keeping your registration, insurance card, warranty information, and other important documents safe. When you need them, you need them and this organizer will keep them clean, safe, and easy to access.
2. Tire Deflator and Tire Pressure Gauge: Keep your tire pressure right where it needs to be whether you are on the pavement or hitting the trail. Some people like simple analog gauges. You can pick one up for just a few dollars. If you are looking for something a little high-tech we have been using this digital gauge and love it.
3. Multi-Tool: These guys are handy for just about everything. Plyers, knife, saw screwdriver and more.
4. LED Flashlight or Headlamp: Whether you are headed on a hike, or working on the Jeep late at night having a quality LED light headlamp is will come in more handy than you could ever imagine. This Black Diamond Headlamp is considered by many to be the best lamp under $50.
5. Mini First Aid Kit: Accidents happen, having a simple but complete first aid kit is just the smart thing to do.
6. GPS Spot Device: If you are like us and like to get deep into the backcountry having a way to communicate with the outside world and even send an SOS message when you are well beyond traditional cellular coverage is a good idea. We have been using the Spot X for over two years now and love it. It allows you to simply communicate via text with anyone no matter where you are. It does require a subscription plan.
7. Notebook: A Field notes handbook is perfect for keeping track of mileage, tracking service intervals, and documenting places visited, along with plants and animals you see along the trail.
8. Throwup Bag: Disgusting we get it, but if anyone gets carsick or comes down with an illness you will be very happy you have one on board. It has saved our bacon more than once on a trip.
9. Gloves: It’s called a glove box for a reason. Put a durable pair of gloves in your Jeep. They are essential safety equipment for recovery situations and can come in really handy when things get cold and you are changing a tire or working on the Jeep.
10. Matches & Lighter: You never know when you are going to want or need a fire. Having both matches and a lighter can make that happen. Put a small sleeve of matches and a lighter or two into a zip lock bag or small hard case for safekeeping and where appropriate spend some time around a nice campfire.
11. Hand Sanitizer: Keep clean, ward off germs and more with a simple bottle of hand sanitizer.
12. Wet Wipes: A Shower Pouch or some dude wipes can help you freshen up after a long day out on the trail. Good hygiene is an important part of staying healthy and having a few of these in the glove box is a must.
13. Contraceptive: It’s simple a night out in the Jeep under the stars or looking over a beautiful mountain range… it just makes sense.
14. Emergency Poncho: The single-use emergency ponchos take up very little space and could save your life if you get stranded in wet weather. Cold and wet can be a very deadly combination. For around a dollar you can have one of these in your glove box.
If you have the space throw a few spares in along with an emergency blanket.
15. Food + Water Tablets: If you are ever stranded in your vehicle having a little food and some water purification tablets are essential. The food needs to store well, long term in all conditions. Hot and Cold weather. Even a few simple protein bars can be a good option. They have a long shelf life and can be a good source of calories in a pinch. If you have something to store water in like a Nalgene or cup and access to water via a stream, lake or puddle some water purification tablets can kill off any harmful bacteria and keep you hydrated in an emergency.
Be Prepared
Taking a few minutes to organize and stock your glove box could end up saving your life. Even if you never find yourself in an emergency situation you can have the confidence knowing that you are prepared and the items listed above can be handy in a lot of non-emergency settings. Have an item you feel is a must-have to keep in your glove box? Let us know about it in the comments.