@CharlieS - your initial list is solid.
I'll +1 to soft shackles, and a proper, full-size shovel. Consider additional (or longer) snatch strap - 30ft may not always be enough. I would also add a non-stretching tow rope. Another good idea would be a second hitch receiver/shackle combo. Whatever vehicle you come across needing help, or one that comes across you needing help, may not have a proper recovery point, but pretty much everyone has a hitch.
In addition to a very similar list of recovery gear, I also keep an emergency food bag containing:
- tiny, single burner backpacking stove (about $50 at MEC/REI); takes up about the same volume as a cellphone
- two fuel containers for the above stove
- a ziplock with a few cups of white rice
- salt and pepper packets
- metal cup, a few stacking bowls, utensils
- waterproof matches and a lighter
- four or five 500ML water bottles
- collapsable water bowl for the dog
All this (and there's likely more I'm forgetting) fits into a small (roughly 8" x 12" x 8") bag, and gives me peace of mind that if I have to spend the night somewhere (either on the trail or even on a closed highway), I won't be starving. That amount of rice can sustain a few people for a few days without an issue. The bag also has a shoulder strap should I decide to hike out.
I'll +1 to soft shackles, and a proper, full-size shovel. Consider additional (or longer) snatch strap - 30ft may not always be enough. I would also add a non-stretching tow rope. Another good idea would be a second hitch receiver/shackle combo. Whatever vehicle you come across needing help, or one that comes across you needing help, may not have a proper recovery point, but pretty much everyone has a hitch.
In addition to a very similar list of recovery gear, I also keep an emergency food bag containing:
- tiny, single burner backpacking stove (about $50 at MEC/REI); takes up about the same volume as a cellphone
- two fuel containers for the above stove
- a ziplock with a few cups of white rice
- salt and pepper packets
- metal cup, a few stacking bowls, utensils
- waterproof matches and a lighter
- four or five 500ML water bottles
- collapsable water bowl for the dog
All this (and there's likely more I'm forgetting) fits into a small (roughly 8" x 12" x 8") bag, and gives me peace of mind that if I have to spend the night somewhere (either on the trail or even on a closed highway), I won't be starving. That amount of rice can sustain a few people for a few days without an issue. The bag also has a shoulder strap should I decide to hike out.
