This is a list of things for me to remember to pack for off-roading. It’s intended to be fairly comprehensive for longer trips, but I may elect to not bring “everything”, depending on what we’re actually planning to do. But it’s helpful to have a list to go back over to prevent me from forgetting something essential.
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
- Portable GMRS radios with charger cables
- Emergency satellite communicator (Garmin InReach), with charger cable
Tire related
- Spare tire, lug wrench, 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
- 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