If you are anything like me, you have probably gotten back to your car after an epic run on the trails only to realize you forgot *enter random thing here* and now have the uncomfortable drive back home, probably sitting in your own juices, too gross to even walk into a petrol station for a bottle of water.

Have definitely been there, a few too many times than I would like to admit.

Over the years, I’ve been collected bits and bobs which have formed part of my car kit, that I keep in my boot (that’s the trunk if you are American) so I don’t forget the little things when I head out in the morning for a run or to a race.

This kit stays in my car at all times, the only thing I add is hot water in my thermos, a spare change of clothes and my running vest and I’m good to go. Insert that annoying meme “Running is such a simple sport, all you need is a pair of shoes!” 🙄

Disclaimer: Absolutely none of this stuff is sponsored and the links are not affiliated (but maybe they should be)

The bag

The first thing is the bag. This is a car organiser from Kmart and cost $10. I like it because it has all the sections for different items and it velcros to my boot so it doesn’t slide around. It also has clips for the same purpose if you have a plastic tub style storage compartment.

The Matt

Also from Kmart is the rubber backed bath mat. This is a new edition to my kit after I constantly complained about changing my socks and shoes after a run or getting the bottom of my oversized tracksuit pants in the dirt. This one is also from Kmart but any will do.

The towels

Getting changed in public is a bit of a pain in the bottom of you are a lady or just a little shy.

Enter the hooded towel! Yes those things you see little kids wearing as actual clothing at the beach.

Mine is a few years old from Volcom but most surf brands make them and since it’s winter in Australia as I write this, a lot of them are on sale so invest now!

I also have a second regular size towel and gym towel just in case I’m wet or dirty.

There is also a towel for my car, the Knobby Car seat towel. This is more for shorter trips when I’m just jumping in the car and aren’t getting changed and don’t want my sweaty, dirty trail bum on my car seats.

Hygiene

Of course there are wipes, toilet paper, sanitary items and deodorant.

Don’t ever underestimate the power of a “wet one shower”. Salt causes chafe, don’t leave it there for your drive home!

And wipes for the car too!

I also have a basic first aid kit. Mine is a Trafalgar one that I got from Aldi for about $15.

Clean up

I then put all my dirty wet clothes in the insulated supermarket bag. You could probably use regular plastic rubbish bags for something but I’d prefer to use less plastic and just wipe out and reuse this one.

It’s super easy because I can just grab this out when I get home and put the contents straight in the washing machine.

I’ve also recently added the plastic shoe box (yep from Kmart). The intention is to put my shoes in there rather than in the insulated bag.

Aid station?!

If you are also using your car as an aid station (good for you if you are, the urge to just get in your car and go home is real!), then I would include an extra insulated supermarket bag for your snacks.

These are perfect as they are insulated and water proof so you can pop some ice blocks in there and know that it’s not going to get everything in your kit wet. They can condensate a little bit on the bottom so just don’t put anything under it.

Seems like a lot of stuff, but it’s a system that really works for me and since I’m a suburban flat lander, if I want specific training stimulus or just a basic hill, I have to travel.

I usually just throw in my change of clothes (bra with a glasp at the front, undies, thongs, fluffy socks and oversized tracksuit pants!) and my running bag that is an old farmers direct bag with my pack, bottles, hat, headphones and sunnies.

What do you have in your car kit? A jetboil? Let me know in the comments.