Every off-roading adventure comes with the risk of getting stuck out in the wild, no matter how small.
To ensure you’re ready for these situations, it’s always best to imagine and prepare for the worst-case scenario.
A vehicle accident at the end of a full day of riding can leave you stranded several hours from civilization, with no cell service or way of immediately getting help…
And if you haven’t packed the right emergency items, a minor mishap can quickly become a life-threatening emergency.
Don’t set out unprepared. Follow this simple guide to building your off road survival kit to ensure you and your riding partners are ready for anything.
Vehicle Repair Tools
Unfortunately, some off-roading accidents are simply too severe and require the help of a tow truck (or a good old-fashioned push back to safety).
But many times — as long as you have the right tools — you can make temporary repairs that will get you back home safely.
When gearing up for your next ride, make sure your off road survival kit includes these essential repair tools:
- Jumper cables
- Toolkit
- High-lift jack and straps
- Hand winch
- Duct tape
- Rope
- Fix-a-flat
- Hose repair tape
Some off-roading vehicles have limited storage space, so it may be best to stow smaller repair items in a compact duffle bag or another carrying case that you can safely strap down.
Food & Water
Water and food should always be on your list of supplies…
But if you know you’ll be riding far into nature, make sure to pack enough in your off road survival kit to last at least a day — if not two or more.
It’s also crucial to bring a mix of perishable and non-perishable food in case you have to survive in the wild for more than a day.
Fruits and vegetables are great for staying well-nourished, but things like nuts, jerky, and energy bars will last much longer if your situation demands it.
First-Aid Supplies
Like food and water, first-aid supplies should be a staple in your off road survival kit.
We may not be able to prepare for every possible injury that can occur while off-roading…
But having a first-aid kit allows us to patch up minor injuries and mitigate the damage caused by major ones until we get the emergency medical attention we need.
It’s also crucial to include any necessary medications you or your riding partners may need (i.e., insulin, blood pressure medication, allergy medication, etc.). This can help prevent an already bad situation from becoming worse if you get stranded.
Survival Gear
Now that we have our repair tools, food, water, and first-aid essentials, it’s time to plan for the worst-case scenario.
If, for whatever reason, you’re forced to rough it in the wilderness, the right survival gear will make your life much easier, boost your chances of making it out alive, and help you get emergency assistance much faster!
Here’s a list of survival equipment you won’t want to go off-roading without:
- Flashlight (or two) and batteries
- Sleeping bag
- Tarp for protection from rain and snow (or, if space allows, a lightweight tent)
- Multitool
- Hunting knife
- Lighter or waterproof matches
- Waterproof jacket for colder weather
- Emergency flares
- Foldable utility shovel (can help with digging vehicles out or creating a makeshift bathroom)
- Satellite phone
With this gear in your off road survival kit, you can adventure with confidence and peace of mind.
The App Every Off-Roader Needs
In remote areas without cell service, a GPS-based satellite phone is the best option for getting emergency assistance.
But if your phone still has service, the last thing you want to do after an off-roading emergency is talk on the phone with a 911 dispatcher, trying to explain what happened and where you are.
Not only will it be difficult to describe your location in the middle of nowhere, but answering their questions will also take up time that could be spent tending to injuries or setting up camp for the night.
Fast emergency response is critical when you’re out in nature, and every second that help isn’t on its way can reduce the risk of survival.
That’s why the Rescu app is the perfect solution for off-roaders in the US.
With Rescu, two taps on your smartphone is all it takes to send emergency police, fire, or medical services to your exact location. When you send an alert, the app instantly notifies and dispatches the nearest first response team — without the need for a phone call.
After your alert goes through, you’ll have the opportunity to enter a two-way chat or call with a dispatcher to provide more details about your emergency, but you’ll never be required to.
The “send help” part comes first. The “ask questions” part comes second — and only if you want it to.
This process works because when you download Rescu, you can add any personal or medical information you want emergency personnel to know when responding to your alert. For example, the fact that you’re a frequent off-roader.
The app automatically sends this info directly to responders as soon as you send for help, so you can spend less time explaining your situation on the phone and more time handling it.
Add the Rescu app to your off road survival kit, and you’ll have the fastest way to get help in an emergency on your side — no matter how treacherous the terrain gets.
Click or tap below to download today!