What to Keep in the Ranch Truck: Everyday Carry That Earns Its Place
A knife, a multi-tool, good gloves, hot coffee and a light: six things that make a working day on the ranch go smoother.
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Every ranch truck ends up with a collection of odds and ends under the seat. The goal is to make sure the useful things are there when you need them: the knife, the pliers, the gloves and the light. Here's a short list that earns its space.
A simple folding knife
The Opinel No. 08 is a classic French folding knife with a carbon steel blade and a beechwood handle. It's simple, light and easy to sharpen. Carbon steel will darken and can rust if it's put away wet, so wipe it dry after use.
A multi-tool for small repairs
For fence clips, twisted wire and loose screws, a multi-tool saves a trip back to the shop. The Leatherman Wingman has spring-action pliers and scissors, which makes one-handed work easier.
Leather work gloves
Cowhide leather work gloves with an adjustable wrist, like Wells Lamont's, handle barbed wire, hay bales and feed sacks. Keep a spare pair in the truck; you'll always end up needing them.
Hot coffee that lasts
The Stanley Classic vacuum bottle (1.1 quarts, with a handle, a wide mouth and a leakproof cup lid) is the thermos a lot of people picture when they think of coffee in the truck.
A hands-free light
Early chores and late checks are easier with both hands free. A rechargeable LED headlamp lives in the glovebox and saves fumbling with a flashlight.
A warm cap
A knit watch cap like the Carhartt A18 is the kind of thing you stop noticing until the wind picks up. Toss one in the door pocket from fall through spring.