What's in your off-road kit?

Regarding first aid kits: a little training goes a long way. Many fire departments offer free training as part of their CERT programs (that’s Community Emergency Response Team) as well as valuable training in other subjects . It’s free, and it’s fun!

ETA: I feel it’s always better to build your own first aid kit based on your needs and training rather than buy a pre-made kit. You’ll have better stuff in it, there won’t be stuff in it you don’t need or don’t know how to use, and you’ll know where to get replacement supplies after you use them.

 

I always have a roll of paper towels that can be used as TP and sized appropriately as the situation develops.

 

Good jack that will work off pavement. I have hi-lift and some blocks for factory bottle jack.

I like the safe jack and badlands.

 

My GF and I recently took a road trip in her car, a newer Hyundai Elantra. When she wasn't looking, I threw my air compressor, plug kit, and jump pack in the trunk. Just in case.

 

You beat me to it. I too bring a Glock and more handguns depending how many people are going who knows how to shoot, just in case they forgot theirs.

 

what size RTIC is that?

 

Figuring out what to carry for a particular trip, what to carry permanently, and what to not carry at all, seems to be part of the fun. . I’m still figuring it out, but I’m pretty sure that I still carry more than I need. With more experience, I’ll probably figure out what’s really important, and what isn’t.

For solo trips that will put you more than half-day’s hike from civilization, it’s probably safer to over-pack.

The best advice I can give: where possible, take what you already have that will serve a particular purpose. If you buy every single thing as you’re trying to figure out what to take, you’ll end up going bankrupt lol. For example, a 15 dollar garden shovel that fits inside is probably is fine to get you out of trouble…probably not necessary to immediately buy that 80 dollar “overlandy” shovel. Use 10 dollar costco totes, not 200 dollar aluminum stackable cargo boxes. You can buy the expensive stuff once you figure out what works and what doesn’t.

 

Funny you should mention this. After adding a sleeping platform, tools, and my roof rack and armor this summer, I can officially say that I have a permanent rearward weight bias (before loading up for a trip) that is affecting the ride. The weight seems to make the rear springs compress deeper and rebound more slowly than the fronts.

Currently I have Dobinson IMS shocks with their “stock spring rate” 1.5 in lift springs. I just ordered their 2in lifted springs that have a spring rate designed for 200-400lbs of permanently installed weight. I’ll share my thoughts when I get them!

 

We have a plastic coffee can, that has roll of TP and small bottle of hand sanitizer. The cool thing about the can, keeps the paper dry.

 

I carry a Dewalt air compressor that uses the same batteries as my drill I bring. Shovel, first aid kit, socket set, fire extinguisher, box of bungee cords and a battery jumper.

 

But how much ammo is what I always ask myself. Is 1 backup magazine enough or do I need 3 or 4. I haven't figured this one out yet in case worst case scenario I need it. Glock 17 and others depending on who is going along and where.

I want to be prepared in very remote areas nobody to count on for help.

 

I just go 1 mag. Never going to need it and it's just 1 more thing to keep track of.

 

In my prior job (before retirement), not only was I a Senior Biologist, but I was also Collateral Duty Safety Officer. I had to take a week of OSHA training, numerous safety trainings (in order to teach staff), get FEMA certified, etc. It was an Agency requirement that all staff take annual Advanced First Aid and CPR (Adult, child & infant) and AED training.

BTW: At a minimum, a first aid kit should have Superglue, Duct Tape and Benadryl. Feminine pads can due dual purpose.

 

As I said, my carry is good in multiple states (I have Utah, WA, & OR) = wife has WA & UT. I have either my 357 or 9mm; she has her 9mm. If I have my 9mm, I carry an extra mag and we both have G43s.

 

I carry to avoid or escape from issues, not fight a war. My 12 rounds should be sufficient. My Army pistol instructor (Ranger) said: By the time you fire six, someone is dead!

 

20 QT. It works for me over 3-4 days. If i had more people I would definitely need bigger.

 

100%, making it your self is a great way to make the perfect kit for you and what you need. In my case i got a little carry away and even color coded depending on emergency.

 

I have the same cooler in 65 qt. Fits everything I need multiple people at trade off more space used. Anchors nicely snap rings front to back or side to side. Man is it heavy when full though. I load it up after putting in truck empty.

 

I usually have 2 guns and 3 mags for each all in 9mm in case of failure I could swap rounds. I doubt anyone would ever say post event; I wish I didn't have those extra rounds with me.

 

So for those of you taking pistols are you concerned about bad guys on the trail or defending from animals or hunting for sustenance?

 

My vehicle FAK is quite a bit different from my backpacking FAK.

And don't forget to keep things up to date. I refreshed my backpacking FAK this spring, and not only because of long-expired medications. Packaging and adhesives were degraded on old, unused-bandages.

 

Worried about crazy people. Helps me sleep better in a tent.

Only worried about animals when I'm in states that have grizzlies.

 

Never know the whacko you will encounter middle of no where. Plan for the worst and likely never have a problem.

 

My first aid kit. I have had some version of this in my work kit since the mid-80’s when I got my pyrotechnics license. It was modified, when I would accompany a scout troop on outings, to include more “comfort” items. This kit travels. There’s a bigger kit that stays home but it basically just has more of everything this has plus homey stuff like cough syrup and medications in bulk packaging instead of single dose..

Some items are kept on the outside of the bag for immediate access.



Front pocket. More gloves, tweezers, sanitizer, triangular bandage, flashlight,
lighter, magnifier, space blanket, batteries



Top pocket: saline and eyewash. N95 mask. Airway. Eyewash cup. Sterile gauze eye pads.



Right pocket: marked with tourniquet label so anyone can get to it quickly. Tourniquet. Hemostatic gauze. Wide surgical tape. Sports wrap.



Left pocket: Israeli bandages and 1” surgical tape.



Main compartment: Sam splints. Gauze rolls (vacuum packed). Cold pack. Waterproof boxes.



One box has topical medications and bandages, butterfly bandages and moleskin. The other has various OTC oral medications and 72 hrs worth of prescription meds for every member of the family.


Burn dressing, chest seal, large gauze pads, heat packs.


I try to get single doze packaging wherever possible. I avoid medications in capsule or gel cap form. Tablets will last much longer.

 

My list.....a pair of traction boards, shovel, hatchet, zip ties, duct tape, 30ft strap, 10ft strap, 3 ft strap, tool kit(nothing crazy just a small bag with the tools I think I may need) jumper cables, an a good first aid kit. I also have an 2 factory bottle jacks and 2) 12"x12"x3/4" plywood. This stuff is always in my 4r.

Out of everything of my list the most important/most used items would be the traction boards and first aid kit.

 

Lots of great information posted here about what to carry.

I have been places in my 4Runner that had no cell service for miles. I am aware that newer cell phones can place an emergency call via satellite. That is not something that one can "test" to see how it works, and how easy the phone can acquire a satellite.

I carry a personal ELT. It is always in the truck so that I don't forget to take it on one of THOSE trips.

 

Did you say two factory bottle jacks? What’s the thinking there?

 

They are compact, easy to store, and pretty much free. I once had one holding me still, and then used the other to lift the front to get a traction board under one side(muds a bitch). When your stuck sometimes you gotta be creative or you'll be there all night waiting on help.

 

Above plus one to what weapon currently in service. Should not be more than one to two choices based off of my training,

 

This is a very good point. If you need things like cargo boxes, shovels, etc... take a look at places like Midway USA, Sportsmand Guide, etc... - that sells military surplus stuff. This stuff is really inexpensive and it is really good quality. You can get things like folding military shovels, heavy duty ammo boxes (that make good cargo boxes) for very reasonable prices - and this stuff if very well made/rugged. A lot of times they will advertise the Grade 2 stuff as slightly used - but it has been my experience that the Grade 2 stuff usually looks as new as the Grade 1 unused/unissued stuff.