Must-Have Safety Items To Bring During Off-Roading

Off-roading can be an adrenaline-pumping, mud-slinging adventure, but it’s no time to throw caution to the Texas wind. While hitting the trails can be pure freedom, there’s always a chance Mother Nature or a mechanical hiccup will stop you in your tracks. That’s why being prepared with these must-have safety items to bring during off-roading is as important as having the proper rig.

Read on for a carefully curated list of essentials to ensure your off-roading adventures are thrilling and safe.

1. Recovery Gear

Getting unstuck is an inevitable part of off-roading, whether you’re wedged in the mud or caught on uneven terrain. A sturdy recovery strap or tow rope can be your ticket to freedom. Plus, don’t forget a pair of durable gloves—Texas clay isn’t exactly gentle on the hands. Winches can also come in clutch, especially when trail buddies aren’t nearby to help.

2. First Aid Kit

Whether a scraped knee from setting up camp or a more serious situation, accidents can happen when you’re off-roading. For that reason, a well-stocked first aid kit is nonnegotiable. Load it with plenty of bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers. And hey, don’t forget to toss in some extra sunscreen! Those long trail ride breaks can sneak an unplanned tan line on you faster than temps rise on a summer’s day in Amarillo.

3. Navigation Tools

Cell service out in the Texas brush? Probably not. A GPS device or even an old-fashioned paper map is a lifesaver when the trail signs are nowhere to be found. Compass skills might feel antiquated, but you’ll appreciate channeling your inner navigator when all else fails.

4. Tire Essentials

Tires are the unsung heroes of every off-roading trip, so don’t leave them high and dry. Be sure to pack a tire emergency kit with items such as a portable air compressor, a tire pressure gauge, and a spare tire. When handling inevitable tire emergencies, having a plug repair kit handy will make a difference. Nothing deflates an off-roading high faster than being stuck with a useless wheel.

5. Emergency Communication Devices

When cell coverage waves goodbye, emergency communication devices step up. Satellite phones or personal locator beacons (PLBs) can alert rescuers if you find yourself in a sticky situation. Combine this tech with sharing your trail route with someone back home to make sure someone else knows your whereabouts.

6. Plenty of Food and Water

Texas heat has a way of creeping up from your boots to your hat, so staying hydrated is critical. Pack more water than you think you’ll need, along with nonperishable snacks like jerky and trail mix. Just in case that quick trip turns into a hunker-down moment, you’ll thank your prepared self for not skipping the extra provisions.

7. Tool Kit

Things happen. Bolts loosen, batteries die, and trails test your rig in unexpected ways. A basic tool kit with wrenches, screwdrivers, and jumper cables can save you from a long, lonely walk back. If you’re heading out before sunrise, planning an after-dark ride, or facing unexpected delays, a powerful flashlight or headlamp is essential. Don’t forget extra batteries—you can never be too prepared.

It’s true what they say: hope for the best, but prepare for the worst. By packing these must-have safety items to bring during off-roading, you’ll be ready for whatever the trails throw at you. Safe adventuring, y’all!