Overlanding-Prep Work Part 4-Recovery Gear-You will get stuck. Maybe you haven't yet, but you will.

Overlanding-Prep Work Part 4-Recovery Gear-You will get stuck.  Maybe you haven't yet, but you will.

I always have recovery gear in the vehicle, always.  Tow straps, do you know how many times I have been out and someone that got stuck didn't have one, well it's been way to many times to count.  I like Hi-Lift jacks they have more than one purpose.  Yes they help you lift a vehicle but they can help you get unstuck.  If you learn to use one correctly you will be able to pull the vehicle out of a bad spot.  I am seeing bottle jacks more and more, and to be honest I feel they are safer for lifting the vehicle.  Gloves have to be in the vehicle and more than one pair, but then I just like gloves.  If you have a winch there are many other items you should have with you.  Bring tools for YOUR vehicle, this is another sore spot for me.  I have tools for my vehicle and they might not work on yours.  Nothing is worst than a broken down vehicle and not being able to help because you don't have the right tools.  If your vehicle requires metric or standard bring the correct tools.  It will save you space if you bring the right tools.  Also if you have worked on your vehicle and discover there are tools you do not need, don't bring them it will save you so much space.  You also don't need several of the same tool, how many wire cutters do you need?  Recovery gear and tools I feel should be in the bottom of your packed gear.  Hopefully you will not need them.  So don't pack them on top and then have to move them each time you want a snack.

Here is a list of some of the items I feel should be taken on a overlanding trip.  This is not a be all end all list and should be added to per the needs of each individual.  These are items to get you started.  Remember safety before anything else.

1. Tools for your vehicle, each vehicle many need different types of tools
2. Hi-Lift Jack
3.  Tow straps - 2 or more, 2 inch width or wider, 20 foot or longer
4. Tree saver
5. Come-along
6. D-Rings
7. Shovel
8. Chainsaw and bar oil, 2 cycle engine oil, spare chain (can be handy in recover situations, as well as for trail clearing on wooded trails)
9. Snatch Block
10. Winch Damper, if you have  a winch
11. Gloves (more than one pair and for different uses)\
12. Extra hoses and belts for your vehicle
13. Common spare parts for your vehicle
14. Whiskey only use at the campsite when the day is over

Get out of a pickle and GO ALL OVER!