13 Must-Have Items for Your First Off-Road Experience

Your First Off-Road Experience

Off-roading is one of the more exciting ways to unwind and fill up some spare time. If you’re new to this extreme driving activity, you might not be sure of everything you’ll need to stay safe. Ideally, your first trip shouldn’t be a solo one.

It’s much easier to get the hang of the off-roading experience if you’re starting with a friend. It’s also easier to split the costs of all the necessary items. Crucial items can vary from sleeping bags, maps to more complex items such a winch rope. Let’s look at your future check list.

Crucial Items You Need for a Safe Off-Roading Adventure

Whether you’re going off-roading for a day or a weekend, it’s always better to be safe rather than sorry, as the expression goes. You might consider packing a full load for a day trip around the bush a little excessive. But you wouldn’t be feeling that way when you get stuck on your first day out! Keep reading to see what basic items you’ll need to stay safe!

Start With the Basics

Every off-road vehicle should include a collection of the most basic items. Having this on hand will change the outcome in the case of a potential emergency. Some of the most basic items you should have include the following:

  • Food essentials: Even if you’re just going off-roading for a day, it’s crucial to have water and food in your vehicle. If you get stuck, you’ll be glad you packed the food! On hot days, consider adding extra water.
  • Spare tire: This should be a standard on any vehicle. Your off-road trip should be no different. Be sure to check the tire before heading out. Ensure that you also have the tools required to change a tire such as a jack and a tire iron.
  • Winch rope: It might seem excessive to invest in a winch rope, but it’s the best way to get a stuck vehicle out of a ditch. If it’s not your vehicle that’s stuck, you’ll easily be able to assist someone else. Be sure to add a couple of tow straps.
  • Basic tool kit: Every off-road vehicle should have a tool kit with the basic gear required to do minor repairs.
  • First aid kit: A first aid kit containing the basics will go a long way toward taking care of any minor injuries that you might experience. Some items to include are plasters, small bandages, splints and disinfectants. You can make it simple and buy a ready-prepared kit.

Always Put Safety First

As fun as off-roading can be, it can quickly turn ugly if your vehicle gets stuck or experiences a break-down. Some of the more common safety items to stock up on for this reason are listed below:

  • Flashlights: It’s always a good idea to have flashlights with strong, long lasting batteries. That’ll be very handy if you’re stuck in the dark.
  • Matches/lighter: It’s always handy to have matches incase you need to light a fire for food if you have to stay overnight.
  • Flares: A flare will help rescuers find you in the case of an accident or severe breakdown.
  • Safety glasses and gloves: Gloves will come in handy when you’re using the winch rope to get yourself or someone else out of a ditch.
  • Maps: Always do some research on the area you’re visiting. Know where the roads and trails are. This will help you to know what landmarks to look for if you get lost or stuck.

Personal Essentials

Always pack a small bag with personal items that might come in handy if you find yourself in the middle of an emergency. A few pointers to consider here include:

  • Extra clothes: Even a day trip should include a change of clothes. Getting stuck in the rain will leave you running around in wet clothes. Add a jacket for if you have to spend the night in your vehicle.
  • Sunblock: The Australian sun can be very unforgiving. Always add sunscreen to your first aid kit.
  • Communication devices: Your intention with off-roading might be to escape from your devices. However, you’ll have to take at least one device and a car charger with you. If you break down or get stuck, you’d like to have something to phone for help. You can always research other devices that work in your area such as CB radios.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to pack the whole house to go off-roading. However, you should ensure that you have the essentials. These will come in handy when you need help or get lost. It will also help you assist anyone you meet up with who might need rescuing. A little extra planning will go a long way to ensuring your off-roading experience is both memorable and safe!

Article Submitted By Community Writer

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