One of the most exciting ways to explore new terrain is to go off-roading. However, this activity can be dangerous if you don’t have the right tools. So much can go wrong on the road, so make sure you’ve prepared for anything that comes your way. Explore this list of essential equipment for your off-roading adventure to keep yourself safe.

Lighting

Lighting is vital to your off-roading journey since emergencies can happen at any time of day. While you might not have planned to be out after dark, all-terrain travel can be unpredictable. So having a steady source of light is a must.

Invest in a hands-free work light that you can wear just in case you need to make nighttime repairs. It’s also wise to have a floodlight or other attachable light sources to help illuminate your general area. Additionally, you should bring a battery jumpstarter to use if your light sources drain your battery.

Tool Set

Ideally, you’ll have completed any work on your vehicle before you hit the road. However, it’s easy for things to come loose or break off on rough terrain. Having a toolset on hand will allow you to fix various issues that might arise.

At the very least, you should have socket wrenches, screwdrivers, and a jack. If you can get your hands on a mechanic tool kit with supplies specific to automobiles, you’ll be in even better shape to tackle the toughest of paths and trails.

Recovery Kit

No matter how much experience you have on rough land, there will come a time when you find yourself stuck. Sometimes, your 4runner can’t get a good enough grip on the ground because of mud, water, or inclines. However, keeping a recovery kit on hand will help you pull yourself out of any sticky situation.

If your vehicle has a winch, recovery straps will help extend its range of movement. If not, you’ll need to include heavy-duty rope, shackles, and snatch straps in your kit. Additionally, you should have traction boards to help your tires on slippery surfaces.

Crossbars

Your vehicle is your primary source of transportation and storage while traveling off-road. You need enough space to comfortably sit while holding all your necessary items in a convenient location. This remains true whether you have a Ford F-150, a Toyota 4Runner, or another vehicle. For example, you can take some time to enhance your 4Runner with accessories like a crossbar to optimize your experience.

None of these essential pieces of off-roading equipment will help your adventure if you don’t have space to store them. Adding a crossbar to the top of your vehicle will help you secure all of your supplies in one easy-to-access area. This will allow you to find your tools quickly in an emergency.

Your vehicle is the core of your off-roading experience, but it isn’t the only thing you need. Carrying supplies vital to your backcountry exploration will ensure that you return safe and are ready for your next adventure.