Whether it's an easy run down a forestry road or a rock crawl to a summit, you need to have the right equipment in your rig to make sure you get home safely.
Basics - for 2wd capable dirt roads where help is not far away:
- Spare tire and tire iron
- Jack capable of lifting your vehicle (if you have a lift or larger tires make sure the jack is tall enough)
- First aid kit
- Survival blankets
- Extra food (protein bars are good) and water
- Flashlight
- Fire extinguisher
- Whistle
- Recovery strap (you do have tow points, right?)
- Compact tree saw or axe
- Gloves
- Folding military style shovel
- Trash bags
- Spare key
- Basic tools
- Spare fuses
- Jumper Cables
- Rags
- Blanket
- Toilet paper (biodegradable)
- Maps
- Compass or GPS (with spare batteries)
- Hand held VHF/HAM radio
- Duct tape, Rubber-weld tape (for radiator hoses), Metal repair putty (eg: Quik Steel), Radiator stop-leak, Gas tank repair putty, Zip ties, baling wire
Tougher trails - where 4wd is needed but walking to help is an option add:
- Spare tire cannot be a "compact" style
- Tire repair kit
- Air compressor (or at least a tire pump)
- All fluids for your vehicle
- Tarp
- Food & water for 24 hours
- Waterproof matches, candles, fire starter kit, dry wood or presto log
- At least one vehicle in your group needs a winch or at least a come-along.
Difficult or Remote trails - when your group could be on their own add:
- Spare tire must match the size and tread of your other tires
- Chainsaw or a very good hand saw
- Food and water for 3 days for each person (consider a small camp stove)
- Tent or other shelter
- Hi-Lift Jack (learn to use it - they can be deadly if mishandled)
- Extra gas
- All engine belts
- Full set of tools
- Common repair parts like drive shaft U-joints
- Repair manual for your vehicle
- At least one vehicle in your group needs a winch and winch kit including straps, snatch block (pulley), shackles, and tree saver
- Extra dry wood or presto logs
If you are going to a particularly remote area or if you are wheeling alone then you should strongly consider having a Rescue Beacon such as the Delorme InReach or ACR ResQlink.