Off-Road Recovery Gear Checklist

Don’t Hit the Trail Without These Essentials

Be Trail-Ready, Not Trail-Stuck!

When adventure takes an unexpected turn, the right recovery gear can make all the difference. Here’s a must-have checklist to help you get unstuck, stay safe, and recover with confidence.

✅ Core Recovery Gear

• ▢ Recovery strap (20–30 ft, rated for at least twice your vehicle’s weight)

• ▢ D-ring shackles or soft shackles (2+ recommended)

• ▢ Snatch block / pulley (for angled or double-line pulls)

• ▢ Tow rope or kinetic rope (adds stretch for dynamic pulls)

• ▢ Tree saver strap (to protect anchor trees during winching)

✅ Winch Essentials

• ▢ Winch with synthetic line or steel cable (properly rated for your rig)

• ▢ Winch remote/controller (wired or wireless)

• ▢ Winch line damper (adds weight to line in case of failure)

• ▢ Gloves (heavy-duty, for handling rope, winch line, etc.)

✅ Traction & Lifting Aids

• ▢ Traction boards / recovery tracks (sand, mud, snow recovery)

• ▢ Hi-Lift jack or bottle jack

• ▢ Jack base plate (for soft or uneven ground)

• ▢ Shovel (collapsible or compact)

✅ Air Management

• ▢ Portable air compressor (for reinflating after airing down)

• ▢ Tire deflators (quick and even deflation)

• ▢ Tire pressure gauge

✅ Safety & Visibility

• ▢ Flashlight or headlamp (plus extra batteries)

• ▢ Reflective triangles or flares

• ▢ First-aid kit (see your First Aid Checklist)

• ▢ Fire extinguisher (trail-rated and mounted securely)

✅ Optional But Recommended

• ▢ SOG-style entrenching tool or axe

• ▢ Zip ties & duct tape (for temporary fixes)

• ▢ Multi-tool or basic tool kit

• ▢ Extra fluids (oil, coolant, brake fluid)

• ▢ Blanket or emergency bivvy

• ▢ CB radio, GMRS, or satellite communicator (for areas without cell service)

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🚨 Pro Tip:

Before every trip, inspect your gear for wear, fraying, or rust—and practice using it in a safe, controlled environment!