Off-roading is an incredible adventure that everyone should experience. It tests your driving skills while bringing a refreshing dose of freedom. To ensure an enjoyable trip, here are 10 things that should always be packed.
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1. GPS
Even if you purchased the best used suvs, there will be one missing element; the GPS system. Most modern vehicles have a base GPS system for normal trips in and out of the city. But for off-roading purposes, you need a specialized off-road GPS system.
This makes navigation reliable while providing the most up to date trail information in real time. In an emergency, this is the system that you want to deal with to quickly find your way back to civilization.
2. Portable Air Compressor
A bad tire can ruin any trip, and in some cases can cause expensive damage to your vehicle. Although tire pressure should be checked before leaving, there are plenty of scenarios where the pressure will still fall below its intended value.
This is especially troublesome if you need to raise (or lower) the pressure for better traction. A portable air compressor handles this by automatically putting your tires to the correct PSI. As a bonus, modern air compressor can also function as an emergency battery for all of your peripherals.
3. Recovery Kit
A recovery kit is the perfect companion for an emergency that leaves you stranded in the middle of nowhere. The kit usually includes everything needed to recover your vehicle without external help. If you don’t want to purchase a full kit, you can make one on your own.
All of the parts can be purchased separately, and you can even add or remove items based on preference. Before leaving on an off-roading adventure, this is one of the things you should add to the precheck list.
4. Off-Road Lighting
To improve your visibility in unknown areas, off-road lighting is a must. You can customize the beam patterns, and it is easy to install as a DIY option. At night time during heavy traffic, off-road lighting can prevent a lot of accidents.
It’s all beneficial, but there are some drawbacks based on your location. There are some laws that limit the placement and brightness of off-road lighting. Before making a purchase, check with local regulations to remain in compliance.
5. Portable Fridge
A portable fridge is one of those quality-of-life things you won’t want to live without. It prevents hasty gas station purchases and introduces a better option for food while traveling. The days of packing all of the snacks in an ice chest are long gone.
Portable fridges can be powered by USB, and are much better at handling different temperatures compared to an ice chest. As a bonus, you don’t have to top up and buy a bag of ice when the old ice begins to melt.
6. Portable Jump Starter
Just like the portable air compressor, you can depend on this tool to also function as an emergency outlet and battery. Sometimes a vehicle battery will malfunction and need a little bit of a boost to begin the recharging process.
The portable jump starter comes to the rescue, and it can be used multiple times. Jump starters come in various sizes, with some models even extending their functionalities as a tire compressor.
If you want to cut down on the gadgets in your vehicle, an AIO jump starter can save a lot of space.
7. Multi-Tool
Do you remember the cool factor of seeing a Swiss army knife for the first time? That same wow factor is what most people get when they see a multi-tool for the first time. It is versatile, durable and incredibly convenient.
A good multi-tool will have a base of at least screwdrivers, pliers and knives. Everything after that is a bonus, and will be more than enough to handle whatever you throw at it.
It’s important to not go the cheap route with a multi-tool, so splurge a bit to ensure it lasts a lifetime.
8. First Aid Kit
First aid kits are the no brainer inclusion to any outdoor adventure. But there are many people that never do a checkup on their actual kit, which is often several years old and missing important supplies.
Update your first aid kit yearly, or buy a new one and retire the old one. New first aid kits have a lot of modern tools and medicine that can save lives. For off-roading, look at the themed kits that come with a waterproof casing or bag.
9. Portable Solar Panels
Power your adventures with the help of solar panels. It is an eco-friendly power source that provides additional power in any location that has sunlight. This takes a ton of pressure off of your vehicle battery when done correctly.
Instead of plugging in a portable fridge to the vehicle, you can run it entirely off of the solar panel. Depending on the package you get, solar energy can be saved into a power bank to be used as necessary.
This creates another win for the AIO jump starter, as there are variants with solar panels as an option. The flexibility is too good to pass up whether you choose a solar mount for the vehicle or a solar capable jump starter.
10. Roof Rack
The best way to maximize storage space is with a roof rack. Some off-road vehicles have limited space, so every little bit counts on an adventure. Roof racks are a better option than stuffing important equipment into a tight space.
The racks are durable, weather resistant and made to handle heavy loads. By utilizing this setup correctly, you can prevent wear and tear on the vehicle. For vehicles that don’t have a roof rack as a standard or add-on, the purchase of an optional model will do the trick.
Off-Roading Adventure – Take The World With You
Once you get a taste of the outdoor life, it becomes a mandatory annual vacation. By having the necessary tools and gadgets ready, the entire off-roading experience will be enhanced. Stay safe, and enjoy everything life has to offer on the road.
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