7 Essential Off-Road Recovery Gear You Will Need

If you are an off-road enthusiast, you know it will happen. You’re going to get stuck, hung up, or discover the creek ford was deeper than you thought. In any case, you are going to need a rescue. Hopefully, you are traveling with a buddy who is knowledgeable and equipped for off-road recovery. With the right gear, the two of you can get your ride unstuck, and you can chalk up the whole experience to an off-road adventure.

Of course, the key to a happy ending to a rescue effort is having the right equipment. Essential recovery gear will vary depending on terrain and climate but there are items that are useful regardless of what kind of off-roading you do. Before you take off on your next weekend adventure, you might want to inventory the gear you have on board and reevaluate your ability to get out of trouble.

7. Preplanning

When you are deep in the weeds, you can’t always count on cell coverage so you may find yourself out of touch with the rest of the world. So before you get out on the road try to familiarize yourself with the route and the local landmarks. Most state-owned parks will have trail guides you can download online, and you may even be able to pick up an old fashion paper map from the visitor center. If your heading out for a solo adventure make sure to let a buddy or family member know your route and when you’re expected to return.

6. Axe

When a rescue involves removing a fallen tree short of a chain saw, nothing gets the job done better than an axe. The axe is a low-tech solution that can get the job done. Be sure to get one with a weather-resistant finish to prevent rusting.

5. Lighting

4. Traction Pads

These molded pads can be used in mud, snow, sand, gravel, or any terrain preventing your tires from getting a grip. Place them in front of your tires in the desired direction of travel and step on the gas.

2. Rescue Strap

.An inexpensive alternative to a winch is a rescue strap or tow strap for one vehicle pulling another out of a fix. These high-strength nylon straps are lightweight, take up very little space, and are life savers for vehicles without winches. They are pull-rated like winch cables, and you’ll want one that exceeds your vehicle weight by 5 times

1. Winch

The Number 1 rescue tool, an adequately rated winch, can provide the oomph needed to get you (or a trail buddy) out, over, or through most any recovery scenario. Selecting a winch starts with deciding how much pull power you will need. To calculate that, take the gross curb weight of your ride plus the extra weight added by any modifications (oversized tires, extra fuel, custom bumper, etc.) and multiply times 1.5. So, if you have a total weight of 5500 lbs. you will be looking for a winch that can pull 8.250 lbs. (rounded down to the standard rating of 8,000 lbs.). Manufacturers assign their pull ratings based on optimal conditions that never exist on the trail. That’s why you need a rating that exceeds your total weight.

There’s more to it than just getting the right pull power, and we are happy to help you with winch selection and accessories like a snatch block, D-shackles, recovery points, and more. We like Rough Country because of its competitive pricing, ease of installation, and the fact it is made-in-the-USA. That said, Warn has been making winches forever, is almost indestructible, and has a fast line speed. Lastly, the Westin Tigershark line has units capable of pulling 17,500 lb. loads, is made of stainless steel, and has an IP68 rating for water resistance is a popular pick too.