What Gear Should I Carry When Four Wheeling?

What Gear Should I Carry When Four Wheeling?

There is a wide range of gear and equipment you can and should carry when hitting the trails. It's important to be prepared for a variety of potential situations based on your vehicle, location, terrain, weather and many more variables. 

While starting a kit from scratch can feel overwhelming, you may already have some of these items at home. Vehicle-specific equipment can be collected over time depending on where you wheel and how far you plan to go.

Basic Outdoor Preparedness Gear:

  • Food and water for each person in your group
  • Extra clothing that matches the weather forecast, including long layers for sun protection in the heat, overnight layers suitable for the cold and rain gear
  • Well stocked first aid kit with bandages, wound care supplies, over-the-counter medication (that isn't expired!) 
  • Tools to make fire: Matches, lighter, flint, etc.
  • Bathroom kit including toiler paper, paper towels, trash bags, wet wipes and hand sanitizer
  • Paper maps of the area you are visiting; cell service can disappear and devices can die without warning
  • Multiple communication devices: Cell phone, CB, HAMM radio, and/or person GPS locator; redundancies are good in the event one device breaks or loses signal 
  • Signal mirror, police whistle
  • Compass
  • Watch
  • Camping knife
  • Tarp 
  • Flashlight (windable, or with extra batteries)

Vehicle and Recovery Gear: 

Invest in quality items, as these tools can make or break your ability to self-recover.

  • TIRE CARE: Jack, spare tire, repair kit, tire pressure gauge, air compressor. Keep your spare tire inflated and in good condition. Make sure you have the correct lug wrench for your wheels.

  • VEHICLE PULLING: Tow Strap. A tow strap should be at approximately 10-15 feet long and rated for at least twice your vehicle’s gross weight. Buy good quality strap with loops on the ends, not hooks.

  • DIGGING OUT: Compact folding shovel/axe/saw. A Forester Tool, Handle-All, or plain old shovel is an invaluable all-purpose tool for getting yourself unstuck in a variety of circumstances, and are also useful for general survival.

  • VEHICLE CARE: Motor oil, transmission fluid, stop leak radiator repair, extra water, spare fuses and electrical tape, variety of hoses, clamps, nuts, bolts and other parts that are specific to your vehicle.

Other Important Equipment:

  • Heavy duty work gloves
  • Jumper cables
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Baling wire, duct tape, zip ties, ratchet straps, bungee cords, equipment tie-downs
  • Basic tools: wrenches, pliers, mallet, ratchet, spark plug socket, vehicle-specific tools

Additional Items to Consider:

The most useful tools are the ones you know how to use. If you choose to carry more technical items, be sure you are very familiar with their function and operation. Be sure to follow all safety precautions.

  • Hi-Lift Jack
  • Full-size Shovel (especially for sand, mud, or snow areas)
  • Full-size Axe, Bow Saw, Chain Saw (in heavily-forested areas)
  • Winch with accessories: tree strap, clevis, snatch block, chain
  • Extra gas

With time and experience, you will learn what you and your vehicle need for the kind of driving you enjoy most. After each trip, ask yourself what you wished you had with you and what items you may not have needed.