Essential Gear Loadout
From recovery kits to camp kitchens, this loadout scales with your plan—Day Trip, Weekender, Week Away, or a Full Overland Expedition.
🚨 Must-Have Essentials
Full-Size Spare Tyre
Good condition and correct pressure; match rolling size.
Vehicle Jack & Lug Wrench
Verify compatibility with lift/tyre size; practice once.
First-Aid (Trauma-capable)
Include pressure bandage, antiseptic, meds.
ABC Fire Extinguisher
Mounted within reach of the driver.
Water
4–5 L per person/day + reserve.
Phone + Power Bank
Keep the bank topped up; cable lives with it.
Offline Map
Download area tiles in Google/GAIA/OSM before you go.
Torch / Headlamp
Hands-free headlamp + spare batteries.
Clothing Layers
Rain shell + warm mid-layer even for day trips.
Shovel
Simple and effective recovery tool.
⛓️ Recovery Gear
Rated Recovery Points (F/R)
No tow balls/tie-downs; use rated points only.
Kinetic Recovery Strap
Snatch strap; check rating vs GVM.
Soft Shackles (×2–3)
Safer & lighter than steel bows.
Heavy-Duty Gloves
Protect hands while rigging.
Tyre Deflator & Gauge
Airing down is the #1 traction upgrade.
Portable Air Compressor
Air up before tarmac.
Traction Boards
Self-recovery in mud/sand/snow.
Winch (synthetic rope)
Step-change in self-reliance; service regularly.
Winching Kit
Tree protector, snatch block, extensions, shackles.
Hi-Lift / Exhaust Jack
Only with proper lift points & training.
Winch Damper Blanket
Absorbs energy if a line snaps.
Bow Saw / Axe
Clear fallen trees after storms.
Land Anchor
For treeless terrain (dunes/salt flats).
Extra Straps / Ropes
Extensions & doubles for complex rigs.
🏕️ Camping & Living
Cooler + Snacks
Freeze bottles as ice packs.
Flask (Hot Drink)
Morale boost on cold/wet days.
Rubbish Bags
Leave no trace; wet-gear bags too.
Camp Chair
Light & compact.
Tent/RTT/Swag
Balance setup speed vs comfort.
Sleep System
Bag, pillow, pad—match temp rating.
Stove & Fuel
Single-burner works for weekends.
Cook Kit
Pot, pan, kettle, utensils, knife, board.
Water Container (20–40 L)
Food-grade jug + spigot.
Lighting
Headlamp + lantern (warm white).
Camp Table
Prep & clean surface.
Toiletries & TP
Dry bag; add trowel where required.
12V Fridge/Freezer
Game-changer for a week+ trips.
Dual Battery System
Run fridge/lights off starter.
Awning
Fast shade/rain shelter.
Camp Shower
Solar bag or 12V pump.
Portable Toilet
Bucket or cassette (often required).
Water Purification
Filter + tablets for natural refills.
Robust Chuck Box
Pre-packed kitchen with staples & spices.
🔧 Vehicle Tools & Spares
Basic Toolkit
Metric/imperial sockets, drivers, pliers, spanners you actually need.
Tyre Repair Kit
Plug tread punctures; practice once.
Duct Tape & Zip Ties
Emergency holds & tidy wiring.
Jumper Cables / Jump Pack
Carry heavy-gauge leads or lithium pack.
Multimeter
Electrical diagnostics off-grid.
Basic Fluids
1 L engine oil, brake fluid, coolant.
Fuses
Carry every type/rating your rig uses.
JB Weld / Epoxy
Patch tanks, rads, housings in a pinch.
Spare Belts
Serpentine/alt belts; know routing.
Comprehensive Spares
Filters, bearings, U-joints, hoses, CVs (based on weak points).
Extra Fuel
Jerrycans or long-range tank; secure & ventilate.
Full Fluid Set
Enough for a complete change if needed.
Breaker Bar & Torque Wrench
For stubborn bolts & correct wheel torque.
🧰 Personal & Safety
First-Aid & Meds
Include prescriptions; check expiry dates.
Sunscreen & Insect Repellent
Roll-on sticks keep hands clean.
Advanced Med Kit
Tourniquet, trauma shears, splint, emergency bivvy.
Backup Water Purification
Filter + tablets; separate from main water.
🛠️ Vehicle Modifications (the “always-on” gear)
Tyres
Quality A/T or M/T with strong sidewalls. Best upgrade you can make.
Protection
Skid plates (engine/gearbox/diffs) + rock sliders to save sills.
Storage
Drawer system or boxes + roof rack; keep heavy items low & forward.
Snorkel
Cleaner air in dust; water fording with correct techniques.
Rated Recovery Points
Front & rear as part of bumper/underbody system.
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