If you are going into the backcountry to explore in you rig, you always need to be prepared for an emergency situation. Your car could die, and you could end up stranded. You could hurt yourself bad, and need medical attention. A fire could start, and you may need to try and stop it before it turns into a wildfire.
Whatever the situation, make sure that you are prepared with the proper emergency gear.
Jump Starter
In certain situations, you may end up with a dead battery, and in that case, you will need a way to get your car running again. A jump starter is an easy piece of gear that you can pack that could save you in one of these situations.
For a compact option you should check out the NOCO Boost 1000 Amp 12-Volt UltraSafe Jump Starter.
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For a more heavy-duty option that has even more power and extra capabilities, such as an air compressor and power station, check out the DEWALT Power Station Jump Starter.
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Emergency Food and Water
In the unfortunate event of your car dying and not being able to be jump started, you could end up stuck for an extended period of time. If you are stranded for a while, you will need food and water to keep yourself alive and functioning. Always pack more water than you need in case of emergency. I recommend at least 2-3 days’ worth beyond your planned stay.
Also be sure to pack plenty of dried food in your vehicle. You can pack a couple boxes of granola bars for safe measure.
First Aid Kit
When you are exploring nature and exposed to the elements, you could fall and hurt yourself, get cut on a rock or tree, or get attacked by an animal. Not to mention when cutting firewood or food you could end up cutting yourself and need medical attention. Always bring a good quality first aid kit to ensure that you can tend to yourself in emergency situations.
For a good quality first aid kit, check out the 80 Piece First Aid Kit from the Ready Project.
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If you are looking for a more complete first aid kit, which is recommended in case of extreme situations, I suggest the Professional First Aid Kit from the Ready Project.
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Fire Extinguisher
While driving a mechanized vehicle that runs on gas, there is always the possibility that something could combust. Additionally, when you have a campfire there is always the possibility that the fire could get out of control. For these reasons it is extremely important to always bring a fire extinguisher while overlanding.
I recommend the Kidde FA110 Multi Purpose Fire Extinguisher.
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Bear Spray
If you like camping in the mountains, it is possible that you could come across a bear. Bear spray is something every overlander or camper should carry with them as a defense against one of mother nature’s most powerful animals. Additionally, it can defend you against other types of animals.
I recommend the SABRE Frontiersman Bear Spray.
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Full Sized Spare Tire
Always bring a full-sized spare tire when off-roading. This as been discussed in our previous articles, but I always want to reiterate it’s importance. If you end up with a flat tire out in the backcountry, you will need a full-sized spare to ensure that you can get back home safely and without major car damage. A smaller sized donut will cause serious damage to your driveshaft and suspension components and will likely not get you through many off-road obstacles. Make sure to invest in a full-sized spare tire.
Also make sure that you have the right gear to change your tire. Invest in a good jack such as the Pro Lift Bottle Jack.
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HAM or CB Radio
If you are travelling to somewhere with no cell service, it is important to have some means of communication in an emergency situation. A CB Radio or HAM Radio is an important piece of gear to ensure that you can reach out for help if you end up stuck out on the trail or in the backcountry.
For a solid HAM Radio, check out the Icom IC-2730A Dual Band Radio.
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For a solid CB Radio, check out the Uniden PRO505XL 40-Channel CB Radio.
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