Vehicle Keys, Battery, and other tips.
Consider leaving your vehicle keys with your car while afield. Find a water-safe, well-hidden location near the vehicle and put them there.
I had an extremely painful experience where I had brought my lanyard-toting keys with me, and this was enough. Even if you have a good pack, you can always be sure, if the keys are left behind, your way out will be secure; plus, they are an extra weight, and every ounce counts.
Note that a weak battery, whether in the vehicle or your fob, will have an even harder time working if it's cold.
For the fearless solo in true cold (-30°C or lower), bring an electro booster pack. A better, cheaper option or alternative may be to simply haul along another fully charged car battery (if you have a spare) with booster cables. You can pick up a cheap small one at a pick-your-part or breaker.
For extended outings, I unplug my battery. Cars and trucks still have a small draw on the current when completely turned off; they also draw on the battery when you open and close your door and when the dome lights turn on. The last thing you want is to not be able to start your vehicle when you need to. Unplug the battery (disconnect the ground BLACK wire (-) only—IF YOU REMOVE THE RED AND LEAVE THE BLACK, YOU WILL FRY YOUR ALTERNATOR AND YOU WILL NEED TO BE TOWED), but make sure you have taken all measures to be able to get back into the vehicle without the power source—mechanical key. NOTE: if it is very cold, make sure the mechanical lock won't seize (the best way to do this is not heating the key, as this won't work in very cold conditions, and not using WD40 in the keyhole, as this will gum up with dirt over time, but DO use a strong solution of alcohol in the keyhole).
If you own a cabin and will not be using a vehicle or it will get very cold, remove the battery and bring it in; this spares the battery from freeze damage and maintains a strong charge. The battery is arguably the most important component in a cold start success. ALWAYS REMOVE THE BLACK (-) FIRST AND CONNECT IT LAST—IF YOU MESS UP THIS ORDER, YOU WILL FRY YOUR ALTERNATOR.
Also, if I am disconnecting the battery, leave the hood closed but not fully so I don’t wear out the pulley, or if it's cold, it freezes closed—and hope no one steals the battery.
On that note, pulling a battery from a car is one of the best things you can do for your car if you leave it, without driving, for extended periods (more than three days) in a warm climate (you only need to disconnect the negative terminal after locking the car in this case), but especially when it's cold; when the battery is then stored in a warm place, this gives your vehicle the best chance at a start; keeping a battery at above 0°C will also extend the working life of the unit.
Consider putting some cheap dry pants on the car or some other indication you may be near the vehicle to deter potential vandalism and theft.
If you sleep in your car often or it gets otherwise moist or damp, you need an airing protocol. Bring a mosquito netting—chemical-free (they are said to saturate these with the worst chemicals to provide additional deterrence)—or bedspread, and cover the open door while you eat breakfast or are otherwise near your car. If this is not done, molds can and will quickly become an issue. Cover the door so the bugs don't fly in while it is airing out.
If it's below freezing, the condensation that accumulates will melt again if the temperature rises, and this is your chance to wipe down your windows and interior with a good vegetable rag like a cotton towel. Lay the towel over your leg and knee at your next fire to dry. The reduced moisture will also reduce the chance of molds in your car.
Plant a stick in the snow, a little away from your vehicle, which you can see from inside, especially if you sleep in your car. Know that if the snow falls beyond a certain level, which should never exceed the ground clearance height if the snow is wet and heavy, then you need to relocate.
Direct your car back to the exit when you park. You don't want to have to turn the car around after the heavy snowfall on narrow snow-covered roads. Also, remove built-up snow where the vehicle will sit.
If you sleep in a car or a tent, not only does a rag over the face keep your face and body warm, but also the moisture will collect on the rag to some extent, as opposed to the inside windows.
On the topic of moving snow, bring an 18 L pail instead of a shovel; a bucket is far more versatile and can move way more snow than any folding shovel on the market. You can store trash, food, and tools; sit on it; and cover your boots at night to prevent snow or rain from filling them. If you need to move snow from under the vehicle, use a found log.
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