I used to carry a small entrenching shovel in my car for emergencies. Over many years, I used it perhaps three times. Twice in snow conditions in the mountains and once to begin fighting a small brush fire in the local riverbed. I no longer carry it as there really is no decent place to keep it in a Ford Expedition. Been driving that car since Oct. of 2003 and have not needed it. Certainly I know the time could come when I need it. However that could be true for thousands of pieces of gear that none of us carry.