The Complete and Only Off-Roading Checklist You’ll Ever Need

Once you purchase a vehicle intended for off-roading, you have to take it out on a regular basis. That’s what the vehicle’s made for, and you won’t get to experience it with any other type of vehicle. Planning a day of off-roading adventures is exciting and thrilling, yet it should be taken seriously.

If you want to plan a safe day that everyone can enjoy, then you need to pack all of the essential items in your off-road vehicle. The last thing you want to happen is to find yourself off the beaten path without the proper tools or equipment for repairing your vehicle. You also don’t want to find yourself forced to head back home early due to hunger or thirst.

Before the journey begins, make sure to read this guide below. Here’s a complete off-roading checklist to ensure you have everything you need for a fun and safe trip!

Required Items For Each Vehicle

There are certain items that each individual off-road vehicle should have inside of it. These are the items that’ll ensure you and every passenger has a great off-roading experience. Unfortunately, having to use these items out of someone else’s vehicle could potentially place them in a bad situation, so be sure to bring your own of the following:

• Tow points on the rear and front of the vehicle
• Tire iron and jack to change tires
• A basic tool kit
• Full-size spare off-road tires (find those here)
• A First Aid Kit
• Personal Essential Items (water, food, and snacks)

Make sure to bring enough supplies for each person traveling in your vehicle. With these required items, everyone can have peace of mind knowing you’re prepared for anything.

Recommended Items and Safety Gear

You want your off-roading experience to be as enjoyable as possible. For that reason, it’s best to consider all recommended items on this next list. Although these items aren’t necessary, they can help create the best experience for everyone.

Use the following items to help you pack your own vehicle:

Safety Items

Here are some non-essential safety items to consider bringing along with you.

• A fire extinguisher (mount this inside your vehicle)
• Leather gloves
• Safety glasses
• Flashlights
• Flares
• Tarp
• Matches/lighter

Think about all possible emergency situations and what items could save you when in need.

Personal Items

Here are some non-essential personal items to consider bringing along with you.

• Extra pair of clothes (your clothes will most likely get wet)
• Toiletries (toilet paper, anti-microbial hand cleaner, lip balm, sunscreen)
• A rain jacket
• Several communication devices (cell phone, CB radio, other radios)
• Chargers for all devices
• Trash bags
• A compass or GPS
• Maps of the trail
• Water purification tablets

When off-roading in the winter, you should be sure to bring headgear, an emergency blanket, and extra warm clothing. When off-roading in the summer, be sure to have sunscreen, bug spray, and sunglasses.

Vehicle Recovery and Tools

You can never be too safe or too prepared when off-roading. You never know what type of situation you might come across. For that reason, it’s best to have the right vehicle recovery items and tools inside your vehicle.

Only one vehicle in the group will need these items to ensure everyone’s best interest, but it’s ideal to have your own just in case.

Recovery Items

The following recovery items aren’t necessary to have but are recommended.

• Recovery/snatch straps
• Hi-lift jack
• Tree saver
• Shovel
• Come-along
• Pull-pal
• D-rings
• Tire chains

These items will help you recover your vehicle if you find yourself in a sticky situation.

Basic Tools

There are a few basic tools you should keep in your vehicle, but these items aren’t necessary.

• Utility knife
• Pry bar
• Crescent wrenches
• Pipe wrenches
• Large hammer
• Pliers, needle nose pliers
• Vice grips
• Philips and standard screwdrivers
• Allen wrenches
• Torx sockets
• A complete socket set

There are also a few specialty tools you should consider packing with you and are as follows:

• Jumper cables
• Snap ring pliers
• A portable air compressor
• An Air pressure gage

Always consider the type of vehicle you own and the type of trails you intend to explore for the day. Think about all possible situations and items you might need to get you out of those situations with ease.

Additional Non-Essential Items

It’s also a good idea to have a few miscellaneous items in your vehicle as well. These items might seem random but can come in handy in various situations.

• Electrical tape
• Duct Tape
• Wood blocks
• Bailing Wire
• Rope lengths
• Bungee cords
• Epoxy
• Superglue
• Rags
• Tire wraps

With all the right tools and personal items, you can ensure you have an excellent off-roading trip. Although you might not need each of these items listed above, do consider bringing them as a way to stay prepared.

Basic Off-Roading Tips

Now that you have everything you need for the perfect off-road adventure, it’s time to look at a few basic off-roading tips. There are some important things to know before you journey out for the day. Here are some things to keep in mind.

• Always let someone know back at home where you’re going and your expected return time
• Always travel in groups (never off-road alone)
• Take, at the very least, a basic list of tools and supplies with you

Use these tips to stay safe and keep your passengers safe as well.

Don’t Go Off-Roading Without These Items

The best off-roading adventure is one that’s well-planned for. Don’t go off-roading without these essential and basic items/tools. When you follow the advice listed in this guide above, you can ensure a fun, safe, and enjoyable experience.

To find more lifestyle topics, continue to check back here on a regular basis!