4WD recovery gear: Make sure you don't find yourself saying "I wish I'd brought that!"
Of course in an ideal world every single off road adventure would go without a hitch, with smiles and beautiful scenery and amazing memories galore. But this is the real world we live in, so when you hit the trails you need to make sure you're well prepared with a well packed recovery kit.
The secret to a great recovery off road, is a great recovery kit.
It's impossible to predict every scenario that might occur on the trail as you drive, particularly on the more adventurous, longer term trips... but you can be incredibly well prepared and protected against most bad things that might happen with a well packed recovery kit.
This list is a great start...
YOUR "MUST-HAVE" RECOVERY KIT FOR THE BEST PREPARED OFF ROAD DRIVE
Shovel
Rated Recovery Points
Snatch Strap
Jack & base plate
Rated bow shackles
Air Compressor
UHF Radio
Duct tape & zip ties
WD40
Winch extension strap
Swiss Army pocket knife
First Aid Kit
Spare tyre (2 recommended)
Tree trunk protector
And one last thing before you head off...
The most crucial thing you can possibly do in advance of heading off on your off road trip is to let someone know where you're going, the route by which you're planning to get there and when you are planning to return. The more information you leave with your friends, your family, the local police or the national park ranger, the safer you'll be and the faster you'll be rescued if you get into any spots of bother.
And remember, if you get stuck you should always stay with your vehicle for as long as you can if at all possible. If you do have to leave the vehicle, don't leave unless you have the right equipment and enough supplies, including of course take plenty of water.... and leave a note on your vehicle saying what's happened, where you've gone and your phone number.
