Recovery 101 – Safe Overland Recovery Fundamentals
Learn safer overland recovery – how to plan, rig and execute vehicle recoveries using modern gear and calm, methodical thinking. Recovery 101 is your foundation before kinetic pulls, winching or serious solo travel.
Is Recovery 101 the right course for you?
This course is designed for overlanders who want to stop “winging it” when things get boggy, sandy or sketchy – and start approaching overland recovery as a calm, systematic process.
You’re new to recoveries
- You’ve bought recovery gear but aren’t confident using it yet.
- You’re unsure what’s safe vs “that sketchy thing from YouTube”.
- You want simple, repeatable workflows you can practice.
You travel with family or friends
- You’re responsible for more than just your own vehicle.
- You want to reduce risk when kids or passengers are nearby.
- You’d like clear roles and communication on recoveries.
You’re building a capable tourer
- You’re investing in boards, soft shackles, ropes and jacks.
- You want to buy the right gear once, not twice.
- You want your setup to match your real-world trips.
What you’ll be able to do after Recovery 101
By the end of this overland recovery course you’ll have a solid foundation to build on – whether you’re doing beach runs, muddy lanes, alpine tracks or long distance tours.
Understand forces & risk
- Explain static vs dynamic loads in plain language.
- Spot sketchy anchor points and weak links in a system.
- Recognise when a recovery is escalating into “nope”.
Use modern recovery gear properly
- Set up soft shackles, kinetic ropes and dampers safely.
- Make traction boards your first, not last, option.
- Lay out gear in a calm, predictable workflow.
Run safer recoveries on the trail
- Pick a plan A, B and safe abort options before pulling.
- Brief passengers and bystanders clearly.
- Debrief what went well and what you’ll change next time.
Course structure & lessons
Recovery 101 is split into short, focused lessons you can complete in one sitting – then practice in a safe environment before heading somewhere remote.
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Lesson 1
Understanding load, forces & risk
We define what a “recovery” really is, where forces go, and why small setup mistakes can multiply risk. You’ll learn how to look at a stuck vehicle and think in terms of loads and options, not panic.
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Lesson 2
Core gear & smart rigging
A clear tour of modern recovery gear: soft shackles, tree protectors, kinetic ropes, boards, jacks and more. We cover what each piece does, how it fails, and how to combine them safely.
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Lesson 3
Self-recovery fundamentals
Before you call in another vehicle, you’ll learn how to dig, use traction boards, adjust tyre pressures and reposition your rig to give yourself the best chance of driving out under your own power.
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Lesson 4
Kinetic recovery basics
We walk through safer kinetic pulls: anchor choices, connection points, dampers, communication and where everyone should stand. Includes simple diagrams and “never do this” examples.
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Lesson 5
Planning recoveries on real trips
We pull it all together: pre-trip planning, risk assessment, packing lists and how to think about recovery when you’re days from help. This lesson ties directly into the Expedition Planner.
How this course works
Recovery 101 isn’t just a long article. It’s a small overland recovery training loop you can repeat and build on, with Rusty helping you along the way.
Short lessons + quick quizzes
- Each lesson focuses on one key idea or workflow.
- At the end, you’ll answer a few multiple-choice questions.
- We’ll track your score and show a simple skill level badge.
- You can revisit lessons anytime if something doesn’t click.
Course PDF & rewards
- Download a branded Recovery 101 course PDF once it’s live.
- Includes checklists, diagrams and space for your notes.
- Complete the course to unlock bonus overlanding resources.
- Perfect to print and stash in the vehicle for offline use.
Use Rusty as your Overland Recovery Coach
Ask Rusty questions as you work through the lessons
Rusty is trained on overlanding fundamentals, modern recovery techniques and Overland Gear Guide content. Treat him as your calm co-driver: ask him to re-explain a concept, sanity-check a plan or build a checklist.
- Tell Rusty which lesson you’re on and what’s confusing.
- Share your vehicle, tyre size, terrain and load for tailored tips.
- Ask for “safe starting points” rather than extreme solutions.
- Explaining load paths, anchor choices and weak links.
- Comparing recovery techniques for different terrain.
- Suggesting safer alternatives when a plan feels sketchy.
- Creating simple pre-pull and debrief checklists.
Rusty is a coach and planning companion – not a replacement for on-scene judgment, professional training or local laws. Always stay within your limits.
Tools that support your overland recovery training
Recovery 101 is designed to work alongside Overland Gear Guide’s interactive tools so you can move from theory to practical planning on real overland recovery scenarios.
Tyre Pressure Calculator
Experiment with different loads, terrains and tyre sizes to see how your pressures might change before you hit the track.
Overland Expedition Planner
Plan trips with realistic distances, surface changes and risk points so you’re less likely to attempt desperate recoveries when tired.
Overland Gear List Builder
Build a recovery-ready packing list that matches your vehicle, routes and group – not just a random social media checklist.
Recovery 101 – Overland Recovery Course FAQ
Do I need any recovery gear before starting this course?
No. Recovery 101 is designed to help you understand overland recovery concepts first, then choose gear that actually fits your trips and budget. We’ll talk through priorities so you can build a sensible kit over time.
Is this course only for people with heavily modified rigs?
Not at all. The principles apply to stock 4x4s, modestly upgraded tourers and fully built rigs. Where something is vehicle-specific, we’ll call it out and Rusty can help tailor suggestions.
Will this course make me “recovery certified”?
Recovery 101 will give you a strong foundation and a completion badge within the OGG Skills Center, but it doesn’t replace formal training or official qualifications. Think of it as a structured head start.
Can I redo the quizzes or lessons?
Yes. You can revisit any lesson, retake the quizzes and use Rusty to dig deeper into areas you’re unsure about. The goal is confidence and safety, not just ticking a box once.