Preparation

This is a list of things to remember to-do and to-pack for off-roading. It’s intended to be fairly comprehensive for longer trips, but we may elect to not do or bring “everything” mentioned here, depending on the anticipated ride(s). But it’s helpful to have a list to go back over to prevent us from forgetting something essential.

To-pack

Basics

  • Full tank of gas / extra gas can
  • Extra water (at least 1 gal per person per day), food/snacks
  • Appropriate hike-out kit (if solo vehicle) – warm clothes, charged flashlights, sleeping bag(s), tent
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Tool kit – socket set (including Torx), screwdrivers, wrenches, hammer, etc.
  • Duct tape, electric tape, wire nuts, cable ties, bailing wire, shielded electric wire, twine, ratchet straps
  • Work gloves
  • Trash bags
  • Jumper cables, charged jump starter
  • First aid kit / trauma kit, Ibuprofen, aspirin, antihistamine (Benadryl), antacid (Tums), Imodium
  • Spare fuses, fluids (oil, coolant)
  • Knife, scissors

Communication

  • Phone with charger cable, and downloaded app-based maps
    • Phone capable of satellite comms OR satellite communicator with charger cable
  • Portable GMRS radios with charger cables
  • Off-grid position/chat radios (LoRa/Meshtastic) for group rides

Tire related

  • Spare tire, lug wrench, lug key, bottle jack / jack stand combo
  • Air compressor, Tire pressure gauge
  • Adjustable tire deflators
  • Valve stem remover, Extra valve stems
  • Tire repair kit (plugs, sidewall, valve stems)

Recovery related

  • Winch/controller (electric/integrated or manual/come-along)
  • Soft shackles, D-rings
  • Tree saver strap (for winching), snatch block and/or recovery ring, winch damper, winch rope extension
  • Kinetic rope
  • Traction boards
  • Hi-lift jack and baseplate
  • Hitch hook/D-ring adapter

Paper

  • In-vehicle: registration, insurance card, vehicle manual
  • On-person: License, Cash, credit cards, ICE (In Case of Emergency) card or contact info on paper
  • Land use passes
  • Paper trail map(s) / trail book(s)

Miscellaneous

  • Sunscreen, lip balm, hat, sunglasses, umbrella(s), bug spray
  • Extra clothes and hiking boots (including warm gear)
  • Shovel, folding saw and/or bow saw and/or chainsaw, Pulaski, Helmet
  • Binoculars
  • Rags / towels
  • Toilet paper
  • Bolt cutters, crow bar
  • Electric multimeter, ODB2 Scanner
  • Tarp
  • Tailgate bag
  • Cameras and accessories – Insta360, camcorder, etc. + plus extra charged batteries
  • Drone

To-do

  • Communicate plan to someone staying on-grid — trail location, expected check-in dates/times
  • Fill tank
  • Check fluids
    • Engine oil
    • Transmission
    • Radiator
    • Brakes
    • Power steering
    • Windshield washer
  • Check air filter
  • Check tire pressure, including spare
  • Check wheel lug torque
  • Charge
    • GMRS radios
    • Phones
    • Cameras
    • Jump starter
    • Flash lights
    • LoRa radios
    • Drone