What essentials do you pack for the trail? Winter is here and I've seen way too many posts of people calling for help stuck in the simplest snowy conditions. Most of which could be avoided.
Being prepared for the conditions.
Not traveling alone.
When traveling alone being fully prepared to recover yourself (re:winch).
Carrying recovery gear, repair parts that suit your vehicle.
Being prepared to spend the night warm with no vehicle heater.
Below is part of the gear that is always in my Jeep. Its a complete separate set of tools from what's in my garage so it's always in the vehicle. What should you carry?
What should you carry in your vehicle? Lets start with the essentials in no particular order.
Air compressor - mine is engine drives but a decent plug in electric compressor is by far the minimum. Also with this compressor should have a tire repair kit. Most of you carry a spare but packing a tire repair kit should be in your essential list. They are easy to use take up little space and in many cases easier and safer to repair a tire on your vehicle then change to a spare.
Jack that works with your vehicle. The go to for most off roaders is a Hi-lift brand winch. On many new vehicles that have a lot of plastic on them and also many aftermarket bumpers more designed for style than jack use - using a high lift may not work for you. Make sure whatever jack you use is compatible with your vehicle.
Recovery gear. I'm very big on not wheeling without a winch - but that's a pricy option. At minimum you should have good tow hooks front and back and a good kinetic recover strap - a stretchy one. These can be the flat style of a rope style - a tow rope is not a recovery strap. Tow ropes are designed not to stretch. Keeping in mind you need someone to pull you to use these tools - hence do not wheel alone without a winch. Shackles, shovel, sand boards, a tree saver, something to cut tree limbs - all things you should not leave home without.
Tools that fit your vehicle. I have a clam shell tool kit - everyone should have one, but I also have a couple bags of extra tools I know I need for my vehicle. Flashlights etc as well.
Radio communication. and Know where you are! GPS coordinates are what you need to call out for help. Your cell phone may not always work or be in range. Make sure you have a means to charge it and any other devices you carry at all times, carry a becon or inreach device, always tell someone where you are going, have a ham radio, carry a hand held VHF with local forestry channels and LAD channels programmed in. and Wheel with friends.
Fuel. At minimum always have a full tank of fuel before you enter your favorite trail. And if possible, carry an extra 5 gallons.
Fluids. I recently had some transmission trouble. Thankfully I was traveling in a group and had to rely on a tow for a short portion (re: wheel with friends). However, I was able to keep my transmission topped up as I carry 6 extra liters, also a jug of 50/50 radiator mix, a jug of water, a couple bottle of gear oil, a bottle of steering fluid, a bottle of brake fluid, a few bottles of engine oil...
Spare parts. this can be pretty vehicle specific but from over 20 years of off roading there are a few things I manage to get into my roll out Tuffy toolbox. A fuel pump, a few spark plugs (and wires) an oil filter, a starter, hoses and extra belts, clamps, electrical fittings, a spool of electric wire, a spool of mechanics wire, a small box of bolts, a tarp to cover you from rain and there is sure to be stuff I'm missing.
Spare cloths. Ever gotten wet and not been able to get warm? or super-hot and sweaty on a hot day? I have a go bag I keep in my Jeep a full change of clothes including warm and cool gear, spare shoes, towel, toilet paper and paper town in sealed bags. enough warm cloths to expect to be warm on a very cold night, season dependent. Winter even more so.
Food and water. Water over food, you can go a long time without food - you can't go a long time without water. I always have enough water for a couple days min, and food to be comfortable for a day, more if it's a planned longer trip of course.
Chainsaw, fire starter. I have a small bag that contains ceder scraps, a couple fire starter sticks, sealed matches, lighters, some newspaper in a sealed bag, and extra fuel and chain oil. Also that bucket I have with fluids - trans fluid and a gasoline mix can get a fire going far better than gasoline alone.
This is in no way what I call an overlanding kit or a complete list that will work for you- this is what I pack in my "wheeler" for day trips and off roading. Camping of course adds those things to manage yourself remotely. I have a bin specific to camping and loads in on top of my Tuffy tool box. Not everyone can leave all this stuff in their vehicles all the time. Get a couple rubber maid bins you label and leave full. These make great disaster kits as well for your home. Easy to lead for that last minute go wheeling call!
The big thing is be prepared to take care of yourself, but do not be afraid to reach out for help. If someone does come to your rescue, they will be more apt to come knowing you have taken care of the essentials and were prepared to wait out a rescue. Have a great time outdoors! It's even greater after taking steps to GO PREPPARED!
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