Before you rev up your quad and hit the open trails, you should carefully consider what gear you’re taking with you. Some items can rescue you from minor inconveniences, while others can save your life in case of emergency.
From first aid gear to back up supplies, there are plenty of items you could choose to bring on your off-road trip. But which ones are the most essential? Keep reading to learn about the most important pieces of equipment for your ATV adventure.
Items, Accessories, and Tools to Bring On Every ATV Ride
First Aid Kit
No matter how confident you are in your survival skills, you always face some risk of medical emergency in the outdoors. For that reason, a fully-stocked first aid kit is the most important item to bring along. Some pre-assembled first aid kits are available on the market, and are packed specifically for off-road use. Otherwise, you may choose to assemble your own first aid kit. If you assemble your own, make sure to include important gear, including but not limited to:
- Bandage roll and a variety of large bandages
- Gauze pads
- Alcohol wipes
- Latex gloves and a mask
- Medical tape
- Infection ointment
Check your kit regularly. When your stock starts to run low, make sure to replenish it. Also, make sure you know how to use each item effectively.
Winch and Tow Straps
These items can be attached to your vehicle for added support in inconvenient situations. A winch is a mechanical component attached to your vehicle that consists of a crank and a spool. Tow straps are made from non-stretch materials and are attached to a hook, which is then wrapped around the winch. As the name suggests, these straps are used to tow vehicles with a swift tug. They can be used in cases where a damaged vehicle needs to be moved off a trail, out of harm’s way.
Note that it is not safe to recover vehicles from environmental hazards with tow straps, as they are typically not strong enough – you will need recovery straps to do this.
READ MORE: A Beginner’s Guide to ATV/UTV Vocabulary
Portable Jump Box
A dead battery can sabotage your entire trip. When this happens, a portable jump-starter can save the day. Just make sure that you regularly check both your batteries and the jump box, as you’ll want the jump box to be charged when you need it.
Extra Gas
It’s never a bad idea to bring along extra fuel, as your trip may tackle more ground than you initially thought. While strapping an extra jug of gas to your machine seems like the most obvious way to bring extra gas, you may instead choose to purchase a fuel pack bracket.
Tire Patch Kit
Just like with a car, an ATV can face a flat tire – and it can be repaired just as easily. While bringing along spare tires may not be convenient, a portable tire patch kit is. These kits usually contain inflation canisters, plugs, and other small tools.
Food and Water
You should always bring food and water on a lengthy outdoor trip. Staying full and hydrated will reduce your risk of losing focus or facing exhaustion, and it can save your life if you get stranded.
READ MORE: ATV Maintenance for Every Season
Toolkit
You never know when you’ll need to repair your ATV’s components on-the-go. A well-stocked toolkit can save you from many tight spots.
Flashlight
A good quality flashlight can help you out of emergencies and assist you in environments with poor lighting. Make sure to choose a durable flashlight with strong brightness levels, and regularly check your flashlight’s battery charge.
For added support, you may choose to attach a lighting fixture, like a light bar, to your ATV.
Maps/GPS
Whether you know your trail by heart, or you’re exploring new territory, it’s good to have resources on hand to help you out. An electronic GPS can provide thorough, accurate information about your trail, while a physical map provides great support when technology fails you.
Tire Pump
Your quad’s wheels work best when they’re full of air. A portable tire pump can transform your ride from bumpy and uncomfortable to smooth and swift.
Steps to Take Before Hitting the Trails
Simply having a collection of good gear isn’t enough. You’ll need to understand how each piece of equipment functions, and what to do when you might need to use it. Don’t forget to check that each piece of stock-based equipment (toolkits and medical kits) are well stocked, and ensure that each component with a battery is fully charged. Also, make sure to wear protective clothing, and prepare for the weather and climate conditions that you are anticipating.
READ MORE: 6 of the Best ATV Accessories Around
An inconvenience or emergency can completely derail an off-road adventure. Stock your four-wheeler with the right equipment, and you’ll be able to handle anything that nature throws your way, from flat tires to injuries.