Looking to go off the beaten path? Tired of just living your modern life like society wants you to? Then, you’ve made the right choice. Going off-road can alleviate stress and make you feel more connected to nature. With that said, there are certain risks involved when off-roading, and you don’t want to be caught off-guard.
We’ll be focusing on equipment that can come in handy if you’re going off-roading with an ATV, UTV, SUV, dirt bike, or any other similar off-roading vehicle. Read till the end so you’re not left out of the loop.
Rearview Mirrors
While your SUV or dirt bike already have rearview mirrors installed, these things are not so common on ATVs or UTVs. However, you can’t deny the safety aspect of having rearview mirrors, especially if you’re out through the wild with a party of a few fellow travelers. If one gets left behind, you’ll be able to spot him or her more easily.
Moreover, having rearview mirrors means you’ll be able to determine some obstacles much better than without them. Plus some of them look rugged. All in all, you got a wide selection, and you can see more UTV brand accessories by Rad Parts.
A Winch
As basic as it is, a winch will serve you well when going off-road. You can use the winch to get out of a tough spot or tow your ATV or UTV whenever you need more help. Similarly, you can also use the winch to help out whichever party member is stuck in the mud.
Not only that, you can also use a winch to attach other objects to your UTV, such as a snow plow for instance. And yes, you might rarely need a winch, but you’ll regret if you don’t have one when needed.
Repair Kits
Just like with a winch, you won’t always need to use a repair kit. However, get caught without one at the worst possible moment, and you’ll regret not carrying it with you. This goes especially double for those times when you venture way too far out in the wild to have good cell phone reception.
Driving Gear
Your clothes. You’ll need them. Now, if you’re riding an ATV, a UTV, or a dirt bike, you’ll have most of your body exposed. As such, you’re going to want to be fully protected in case of a crash landing. Some of the items to consider are:
- Off-road helmet
- Riding gloves
- Windproof and scratch-resistant goggles
- Waterproof jacket, pants, and boots
- Ideal insulation for the current temperature
- Camping gear and supplies if you plan on staying overnight
A Cargo Net
This item drapes over your gear and other precious items that you keep in your UTV so that they don’t go flying all over the place when you’re driving at high speeds or bumpy terrain. It’s practically obligatory to have this if you’re going on a serious off-road adventure where you’ll need to carry a multitude of supplies.
Dedicated Off-Road GPS
You won’t be using Waze or Google Maps off-road. You know that, right? Well, you do now. Don’t use standard GPS systems or apps when traveling through unpaved areas. They’ll just flip up with errors or point you towards a cliff. Instead, buy a dedicated off-road GPS system or purchase such an app for your smartphone.
The Bottom Line
Knowing what things to take with you on an off-road adventure is highly important. Preparing properly will help you achieve all your goals and stay safe in the meantime. Of course, you should also take at least a couple of off-road driving lessons from a certified instructor if you want to get the best experience.
Do you have any thoughts about this? Is there a piece of equipment that we’ve missed? Make sure to let us know in the comment section down below. Also, we would appreciate a share if you found the info helpful.
