Without getting too in Depth here, I’d like to brush on the topic of some things I carry with me when I go exploring off road, or on a road trip in the Dodge. The list given in this article contains some of what I consider my “basic platform” for any trip. Most of it usually stays loaded in the truck.

The main purpose of this article is to stimulate some thought on whether you think you go well prepared when you go on a road trip or exploring, or could use a couple extra things.
Volumes can be written on JUST the items needed to make up a Tool Bag, or a Bug Out Bag, Etc. I will not be covering these things as they are highly subjective to you and the conditions you expose yourself to.

There is also some information on the process I use to determine what else I want to bring along and what I don’t want to bring along.

Those of you that want to just skip to the list, feel free to do so!
For the rest of you interested in this topic, read on!

In order to help you decide where you want to be in the scope of this subject, you first must ask yourself this question:

To what degree do I want or need to rely on myself to be self sufficient, and at what point do I want or need to rely on outside assistance with my problem, should one occur?

For some people, it may not be necessary or practical to have an extensive amount of equipment. For their basic platform, they may need little more than a Cell Phone, and a number to call for help.
Hopefully, these people will not wander too far out of the reach of civilization, or reliable cell phone service…

Most people should try to prepare as much as possible for the “little things” that can go wrong on a trip. Usually, these things just delay your trip. These occurrences may or may not take some of the enjoyment out of your trip; depending on how prepared you are to deal with the situation. Heaven forbid they end your trip, and if they do, hopefully, you will be better prepared for the predicament you’ll be in when your trip unexpectedly comes to an end.
By educating yourself on your vehicle and equipment, you can improve your personal skill set and your self sufficiency. Sometimes, it’s not being able to fix or repair something, but just being able to get yourself into a position to receive the help you need. This can be a temporary fix, to get you going again and hopefully to help, or home, for a more permanent solution.

Enough on that for now, let’s go on to how to make a list, and decide what to take.

The first step for me is to define the trip.
Some of this happens automatically for me, but I’ll try to break it down.

There are several factors that dictate to me what equipment I might load up for any particular trip.
As a secondary thought, I also keep in mind that it might not be ME that needs what I have; it might be someone else who is stranded, and I might be able to help someone less prepared.

First, I define the CONDITIONS of the trip:

Type of activity: (Camping? Highway road trip? Off Road Expedition?)

Length: (Affects shelter, food, fuel requirements, hygiene, etc)

Weather: (Affects clothing, shelter, equipment, level of preparation)

Terrain/Geographical area: (Affects equipment, and level of preparation)

Distance from Civilization: (affects clothing, food, shelter, fuel, hygiene, level of preparation)

Now that I have defined the conditions, the next thing to do is start formulating a list.

I begin my list with Safety items. I List all items I think I will need to cover me from a safety standpoint for the conditions of my trip. Do NOT underestimate Safety. For example, foreign debris in your eyes takes on a whole new level of pain and discomfort away from home, where you may be used to dealing with it.

Next, I list the equipment and other things I think I will need for the Conditions, starting from the obvious things that come to mind easily. If it comes to mind, I write it down. I can always go back later and cross it off if I determine it is not needed.

Once I have a list of Items, I weigh the item’s necessity by asking myself these questions:

Is there room for the item?
Is it practical?
What do I believe I can do without?
What is the impact of not having this item?

The conscious act of NOT taking something that occurred to me to take, represents risk.
In order for me to assume that risk, the odds have to be in my favor that a situation isn’t likely to arise where I would need the item. In other words, just use good judgment. This applies to everything EXCEPT Safety equipment. Anything that falls into the “Personal and Family Safety” items arena, I do not do without. These things may be different for you, but some of the things will be the same, such as a First Aid Kit or a Cell Phone.

A handgun is an example of an Item I consider important for every trip, some may deem it unnecessary, and some may deem it a Safety item.

The Items below are some of the things I consider my basic platform. From this point, I’ll add in Condition specific equipment and supplies, using the above thought process.


1). TRUCK CAB

A). SEAT POCKET STORAGE
Maps
Trail information
Guide books
.

.
B). CAMERA BAG (hanging from Seat)
GPS
Digital Camera
Small Binoculars
Spare Batteries
.

.
C). CENTER CONSOLE TOP
iPod and 12 Volt FM adapter
Spare Reading glasses
2 sets of tinted safety Glasses
Towel
Sunflower Seeds
Toilet Paper
Change in holder (Fully loaded)
.

.
D). CENTER CONSOLE BOTTOM
Large Spotlight and power cord 12VDC
Smarty and Cord
2 Ponchos
Hand warmers
Mag Light Flashlight
Cell phone Charger (Usually plugged into dash)
.


.
E). GLOVE BOX:
Truck owner’s manual and case
Insurance / registration
Roadside Assistance information
Spare lighter and 3 small boxes of matches
Tire PSI Gauge
Small Multi pliers tool
.

.
F). REAR SEAT
Bug Out Bag (Survival Stuff)
.

.
G). REAR UNDER SEAT
Currently, nothing Stored.

H). DOOR POCKET DRIVER’S SIDE
Cell Phone
Paper and Pen

2). TRUCK BED

A). BED MOUNTED TOOL BOX
First Aid Kits (2)
Gallon Water Jug
Fuel additive
Gallon of Oil
Gallon Antifreeze
Low Profile roll away Jack
2 Quarts ATF+4
Tool Bag
Spare parts kit
Tire Chains (2 Sets)
Complete Tool Kits (2)
Air Mattress
Fire Extinguisher
Bottle Jack
12VDC Impact Wrench
2 tow straps (1- 3” and 1- 4”)
Digital Multimeter
E-tool (Small Military Shovel)
.


.
B). Full Size Spare Tire
.

.
3). PERSONAL ITEMS
A). Cash
B). At least 1 credit card with an available balance
C). Proper clothing and footwear.
D). Identification

If you end up with allot of equipment, you might find listing it by where it is stored helpful in locating it when you need it. If you use Bins for your equipment, it’s helpful to have a contents list on the outside of the bin.

Any questions or comments, feel free to discuss!

 

Damn...........you are prepared man, good job

 

Thanks, Kevin!

My Dad is the one who got me into the back country exploring, He used to do it with little more than a small tool box, shovel, spare tire, matches, and a set of points...

It just occurred to me there are probably people here who dont know what points are...

 

Nice topic. this seems to be very overlooked by the younger crowd. They havent had the expierence to be broken down and/or stranded somewhere yet. Even daily commutes should have plenty of "survival" equipment in my opinion.

Great writeup Bill

 

Fishin pole?

 

Wildcat, that's an awesome list. Thanks for posting that.
A couple other things I normally carry are jumper cables, windshield washer fluid, 2-way radios if travelling in groups/camping/atv'ing etc, blanket. That's all I can think of right now, but yeah, right on!!

 

i just about always have a 3 ton floor jack on my truck, tow straps, hooks, bat, and sometimes a basketball and/or football.

ooh rags in a box are so nice to have, and i keep one of them 99 cent ponchos in my door storage compartments for them un-expected downpours

 

Poncho and sombrero also come in handy when you come across a particularly nice taco stand.

 

Wow.

YOU know what a Taco is?

And, I AGREE with you... ESPECIALLY if it is raining...

I got 2 Ponchos in my kit, you bring a couple Sombreros and the Tacos are on me!

 

hahaha! Deal dude. Maybe some Dos Equis or Corona too. We don't all live in igloos you know