Prepare For A Winter Road Trip With THERMARMOUR

Winter adventures are full of Christmas excitement and magic, but before you hit the road, preparation is everything. Cold weather can be unpredictable and may lead to hypothermia, so having the right gear is essential to stay safe and warm on your trip.

Here’s our ultimate winter road trip checklist to stay safe and avoid hypothermia:

In your car🚗

1. THERMARMOUR emergency blanket or poncho
Compact and heat-reflective, this emergency blanket traps body heat, keeping you warm if you get stranded in bad weather or break down. It is also wind and water-resistant, helping to protect against two major factors that can lead to hypothermia.

2. Portable hand warmers
Pack rechargeable or single-use hand warmers to keep your hands warm when the temperature drops.

3. Ice scraper 
A frozen windscreen can delay your schedule. Keep a scraper in your car to prevent delays and avoid being caught out by the early winter darkness.

4. Extra clothing layers
Thermal base layers, gloves, and socks are small but mighty. They really help retain body heat.

5. First-aid & emergency kit
Include essentials such as pain relief, allergy tablets, bandages, plasters, torches, antiseptic wipes, sugar-based foods like sweets, and a multi-tool.

6. Food & water supplies
Non-perishable snacks (energy bars, nuts) and bottled water are a must. As mentioned above, keeping sugary foods on hand can be important for emergencies when your blood sugar dips, which can often happen during hypothermia and cold weather in general. It’s also a good idea to carry a flask of something hot to stay warm.

In your backpack🎒

If you need to vacate your car, such as in the event of a breakdown, or a hike you have planned, here are some essentials we recommend keeping in your backpack so you can be as prepared as possible.

1. THERMARMOUR emergency blanket or poncho
THERMARMOUR helps to mitigate the effects of hypothermia from the moment it’s applied. It’s crucial to have some thermal, water and wind protection in any minor or major injury in the cold to prevent hypothermia.

2. Power bank & phone charger
Cold weather drains batteries fast. Always keep a fully charged power bank with you so you’re never left without a way to contact someone for help.

3. Waterproof clothing
Stay dry and warm with good-quality waterproof clothing such as a raincoat, gloves, trousers and boots. When your body is in direct contact with cold surfaces like wet clothing, heat is transferred away from the body.

4. Navigation tools 
Bring a paper map and a compass in case of low signal areas or battery issues. A torch is an essential too, as it gets darker much quicker in winter. All these things could help you find an emergency phone or a safe place to find/wait for assistance.

5. Snacks & water
Ensuring you have suitable snacks and enough water is essential to maintain your energy and stay properly hydrated. Carrying a flask of a hot drink is also useful for breaks, a little rest and a warm drink helps keep hypothermia at bay.

 

Why you should prepare for hypothermia

In the packing list above, we highly recommend packing a THERMARMOUR emergency blanket or poncho. Hypothermia can develop anywhere, at any time. Rain or sunshine, especially in winter, hypothermia can develop in accidents and trauma situations.

If you are on a hike, there is a risk of accidental injury or intense weather. It is important to remember that the weather can change quickly, and temperatures can plummet. In these cases, hypothermia becomes a more prevalent risk. This is why hypothermia prevention products are carried by adventurers, first responders, as well as search & rescue teams.

Watch the video below to see how hypothermia blankets and ponchos are used in the case of an injured hiker.

 

Layer up smartly

When dressing for the winter, layers are very important:

1. Base Layer: Moisture-wicking thermals, things like long-sleeve tops and leggings.

2. Mid Layer: Fleece or wool to insulate.

3. Outer Layer: Waterproof and windproof protection.

This system keeps you warm without bulk. With the right essentials packed in your car and backpack, you’ll be ready for every winter road trip you plan. Stay safe & happy travels!

 

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