Whether it’s dirt paths or roads less traveled, any off-road adventure shouldn’t proceed without the right gear.
Here’s a look into the bare essentials you need for any off-road adventure
First Aid Kit
Never go off-roading without a well-stocked first aid kit (and enough training). While you can get such kits off the shelf, off-roading enthusiasts find it more helpful to assemble their own.
The Red Cross recommends packing at least:
- Compress dressings
- Adhesive bandages and cloth tapes
- Ointments (antibiotic and hydrocortisone)
- Antiseptic wipes
- Aspirin
- Blankets
- Breathing barriers
- Cold compress
- Nonlatex gloves
- Roller bandages
- Sterile gauze pads
- Digital oral thermometer
- Tweezers and scissors
- Instruction manual.(1)
Air Compressor and Tire Deflator
To maximize traction on rugged terrain, drivers “air down” or let some air out of their tires. How much air depends on several factors, including the vehicle’s weight and tire pressure. As a rule of thumb, experts recommend airing down tires ideally inflated at 35 psi to:
- 25 to 30 psi for gravel roads
- 20 to 25 psi for turbulent trails
- 15 to 20 psi for wading through mud
- Below 15 psi for challenging terrain.(2)
To save time, use an automatic tire deflator. These tools can be preset to a specific psi value to deflate tires until they reach that value. They’re also easy to use—just chuck it into the valve for a few seconds.
Of course, you should never return to the pavement with aired-down tires, so reinflate them with an automatic air compressor. A high quality automatic air compressor gives you piece of mind that you will be able to refill your tires with ease.
Recovery Kit
It’s better to go on an off-road adventure as a group. But if you insist on going alone, don’t hit the trail without a recovery kit.
Your recovery kit should contain:
- Snatch strap and block
- Tree trunk saver strap
- Tow strap
- Bow shackle
- Winch Hook
- Recovery board
- Land anchor
Recovery Board
Recovery Boards are a necessary device for your off-road excursion. These are specially designed to get your 4×4 equipment out of trouble when traction is lost in sand, mud, sludge, or snow. Recovery boards are designed to handle intense levels of torque, flex, weight, and impact.
Shovel
A shovel is probably one of the most useful items to keep in your 4x4 vehicle. A good shovel will help you break through dirt, mud, rock, ice, and sand. Digging around your tires can alleviate strain from your winch and can save your recovery. Having your shovel in your vehicle allows you to make room for a traction board, log, rock, or something else allowing you to get under your tire allowing for your tires to establish a grip.
Tire Repair Kit
As resilient as they are, off-road tires can still burst a hole or two while negotiating a challenging trail. A tire repair kit can save you the trouble of being towed to safety.
For the record, a tire repair kit isn’t meant to be a permanent fix. Its adhesive can patch up a hole long enough for more thorough repairs. The kit typically contains:
- T-handle plugger and reamer
- Tube of rubber cement
- Multiple plug strings
Jump Starter
When your battery dies you would hope you are at the comfort of your home, but this isn’t always the case. When you are miles down a deserted road and your battery needs a jumpstart, you need a good jump starter to keep you moving. A jump starter is as important as any recovery device and can save you when your battery dies.
