OUTLINE
It is very important to have several items with you on every wheeling trip. Let’s walk through what they are and why they are important. At the end of this blog, there will be a link to a PDF checklist for you to print when packing on every trip, so you never leave anything behind!
SAFETY AND FIRST AID
Let’s start in arguably the most important category: safety and first aid; because a Jeep can be rebuilt, you can’t. At the end of the day, off-roading is a motorsport. Accidents happen, Jeeps roll over, rigs can catch on fire, not to mention we are out in the wild filled with things that want to bite and sting us.
Here are the most important things to have with you before anything else:
- Fire extinguisher
- First aid kit/Trauma kit/Medications
- Proper safety upgrades on your vehicle (Rollcage, proper seats, harnesses, and sometimes a helmet)
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
You never know when or how a fire can start on a vehicle in the trails. We have seen plenty of fires ranging from sparks hitting extremely dried-up grass/shrubs, to flammable liquids landing on exhaust or other hot parts. We recommend keeping a 2.5-lb marine extinguisher on board. At a bare minimum, we recommend an Element fire extinguisher stick. Don’t forget to check the expiration dates!
WILDERNESS GEAR & FIRST AID
As mentioned previously, because we are usually surrounded by mosquitos, ticks, bees, wasps, ants, spiders, and bugs galore it’s always a great idea to pack as you would for a camping trip.
- good bug spray
- sunscreen
- hand/face wipes
- topical Benadryl
- Allergy medications
FIRST AID/TRAUMA KIT
-For the same reason as a fire extinguisher. You never know when you will need it, but will be happy you have it when you do.
PLENTY OF WATER
Especially if you are seriously off the grid, it is critical to have enough water for at least an entire extra day.
VEHICLE SAFTEY
Here’s a very unpopular opinion! We believe with any real off-road vehicle, the first upgrade should be a rollcage, seats, and harnesses. Not only will this protect you in the event of a rollover and keep you safe/comfortable in the event, it’ll also strengthen your vehicles frame to take abuse for several years. A house starts with a strong foundation, and so does your off-road rig!
We also recommend a helmet when doing some of the most extreme trails, especially if a rollover is more likely.
ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION
- GMRS/VHF/UHF Radio (We recommend Rugged Radios as some come with preset channels and make everything easy!)
- CB radio
- battery charger for your phone
Often times are these off-road parks or trails, you are left with zero cell phone service.
TOOLS YOU ABSOLUTELY MUST HAVE
We always recommend carrying a basic ratchet/socket and wrench kit along with some other basic hand tools. It’s also very important to bring along any specialty tools that are specific to your build like wheel lock keys, special torx/allen keys, larger sockets, and picks/punches! A tire repair kit is also a MUST. Also having a mechanically inclined friend in your group is a must! In the future, we will do a walk-around video with fellow off-road rig owners and have them show us what they carry!
SPARE PARTS
Part of the adventure is being able to handle issues and be self-sufficient. We recommend finding out what your rig’s weak points are, and bringing spare parts (and the tools necessary) in order to fix in the trails. Here’s a list of common failures we have seen on the trails.
-U Joints
-axle shafts
-brake lines
-electrical connections or air fittings
-locking hubs
-fluid leaks