8 THINGS YOU SHOULD NEVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT
There are significant risks associated with remote travel, such as breakdowns, medical emergencies, getting lost, wildlife encounters, limited fuel stations, insufficient water, and more. However, if you approach remote tracks with the right gear, these risks become minor inconveniences, enabling you to continue your journey swiftly. Here are our top eight essential items you should never leave home without when embarking on a remote adventure in your vehicle.
1. Roof Rack
Short-wheelbase vehicles like the Defender 90 and Suzuki Jimny are recognized for their limited packing and storage space. Furthermore, you’ll require more supplies when traveling to remote areas for extended periods than during a typical weekend trip with friends.
A Front Runner Dometic roof rack provides a convenient way to create ample storage space outside your vehicle. These racks wide range of accessories enables you to customize and personalize them for any adventure. You can transport extra water, fuel, storage boxes, bicycles, recovery tracks, a canoe, or a roof top tent on your rack. One of the most significant advantages of a rack is that its gear is easily accessible.
2. Medical Kit
A well-stocked medical kit is crucial because it can truly save lives. You never know when you might get bitten by a malaria-carrying mosquito or burn yourself while cooking over a fire. The key is having a dependable medical kit so you don’t have to drive 500 miles back to civilization for proper treatment.
3. Spares/Tools
It doesn’t matter whether you drive a regularly serviced and well-maintained Jeep, Land Rover, Toyota, Ford, or any other vehicle brand. At some point, you, someone in your group, or even a stranger you meet along the way will encounter a breakdown or some vehicle or equipment issue. The correct spare parts and tools will help you get back on track quickly.
Before a trip, consult with experienced overlanders to learn what tools and spare parts they carry. Ask your mechanic for recommendations if you plan to venture into remote areas or on extended adventures. Since spare parts and tools can be pretty heavy, keep them as low as possible, such as in a drawer system or a Wolf Pack Pro in the back of your vehicle.
4. Recovery Gear
This is particularly crucial for those traveling alone in remote areas, as you’ll need to self-recover, utilizing tools like a winch or ground anchor. While having all this recovery gear in or on your vehicle is beneficial, ensure you can use it effectively.
5. Navigation
Sometimes, getting lost can be fun because you find things that aren’t on the itinerary, however, it can also waste valuable fuel and time. It's essential to have strong navigation skills, especially when driving through featureless and poorly signposted areas. If you expect a phone signal while traveling through these regions, you can use your phone with Google Maps or other mapping software, however, there may be no phone signal in many remote areas, so a GPS will suffice. Always keep a reliable map accessible and ensure you know how to read and navigate with it.
6. Communication
If you’re in a convoy, it’s helpful to communicate with the other vehicles, particularly the lead. They can relay information about road conditions, potential hazards, and nearby officials. A compact CB radio is an effective tool for this purpose.
Additionally, staying in touch with your loved ones back home is essential. Ensure they have your route and let them know when you plan to reach out at prearranged times. This way, if they don’t hear from you, they will at least know where to begin looking. If a regular mobile phone isn’t working, a satellite phone or Starlink system can be excellent options for staying connected.
7. Camping
Take all the necessary steps to ensure you and your companions have a comfortable night’s rest. Invest in a high-quality mattress for your tent or camper because you don’t want to wake up feeling worse than when you went to bed. Make sure that rain, wind, snow, and other factors don’t disrupt your ability to get a good night’s sleep. A diesel heater is a great and cost-effective way to warm your camper in the winter. We spend so much time sleeping, so having the right gear for a warm and comfortable night’s rest is vital.
8. Cooking
They say an army marches on its stomach, and the same is true for those embarking on a remote adventure. No one appreciates the discomfort of hunger pangs or a dry mouth. To avoid this, it's essential to have a meal plan, the right cooking equipment, and a Dometic fridge, which is perfect for storing perishable items like cheese and milk. Be sure to bring enough food and water to last the entire trip, plus a few extra days, just in case. A Dometic Cadac gas cooker is vital for any remote journey, as a warm meal lifts the spirits.
Embarking on remote adventures requires a profound respect for the unpredictable nature of wilderness areas, and that respect translates directly into meticulous gear preparation. This not only enhances your physical safety but also allows you to approach the unknown with confidence.
