Trail Prep Checklist

[TipsE-Z]

So! I've been looking around, trying to figure out what all would be good to keep in the Jeep for trail runs, especially those long ones. I found a pretty good list on another forum that I copied most of. I made a few changes from my past experiences and training. I know that this might be a bit overkill, but I thought I'd start getting some feedback on the list. I plan to slowly add to my gear anything I don't have and want to make sure that when the time comes I'll be as prepared as I could hope to be.

PRE TRIP PLAN
Check Weather Report
Weatherunderground.com has a great resource for this; Directions+WX
Check Vehicle
Zerk Fittings, Oil, Coolant, Washer Fluid & Wipers, Brakes & Fluid, Lights, Battery Holds & Contacts, Suspension
Send Trip Plan to Friends
Including destination, scheduled return, planned route, how many folks/rigs
SUGGESTED ITEMS
Cell Phone
2 Way Radio
GPS & Local Maps
Compass
Duck Paper & Pen
Snacks (Jerky, etc)
Dry Food
Pet Food (if animals)
Drinking Water (1gal/person/day)
Sunblock
Bug Spray
Chapstick
Sun Glasses
Ice Scrapper
SUGGESTED ITEMS
Blankets
Cold/Wet Weather Gear
Boots & Socks
Leather Gloves
Safety Glasses
Hat
Compression Bag (clothes, blankets, etc)
RECOVERY GEAR
Winch
Hi-Lift
Bottle Jack
E-Tool
Chunk of 4x4
Air Compressor
Tire Deflator
Tire Gauge
Tire Repair Kit
Tow Strap
D-Rings
Chain Saw
Chain
Come-A-Long
Snatch Block
Fire Extinguisher
Hatchet/Axe
TOOLS
½ Drive Cordless Impact
Cordless Drill
Ratchet
Metric Sockets (15 -21)
Ratchet Extensions
35mm Socket
Multi Screwdriver
Jewelers Screwdrivers
Torx Bits (T8, T10, T15, T20, T25, T30, T40, T50)
Allen Keys
Metric Wrenches (8-21)
Razor Blade/Scraper
Pliers
Snap Ring Pliers
Needle Nose Pliers
Wire Strippers/Crimpers
Multimeter
Test Light
Hammer (BFH)
Prybar
Solder Sleeves
Hack Saw
Magnet
Drill Bits
JB Weld
Loctite
Welding Rod
Wire Brush/Wheel
Extra Fluids
Radiator Stop Leak
Hose Repair Tape
Hose
Serpentine Belt
Electrical Tape
Electrical Connectors
Wire (Braided Copper)
Gasket Sealer
WD-40
Zip Ties
Cotter Pins
Grease Gun & Grease
Hose Clamps
Jumper Cables
Spare Fuses
Duct Tape
Oil Pan/Spill Kit
Work Mat/Tarp
Fast Orange
SURVIVAL GEAR
First Aid Kit
Saline Solution
Water Purifier (Good Water bottles do this now)
Flares
Strobe Light
Whistle
Trash Bags
Knife
Advil
580 Cord
Flash Light (w/batteries)
9v Battery & Steel Wool (starts fires even if completely soaked)
Waterproof Containter
Wax Block & Wood Chips
Cooking Gear
Salt/Sugar
Coffee
Drink Powder (w/electrolytes)
Sporks
Foil
Bucket
Sewing Kit (for clothes and people)
Firearm (I like to hunt critters)
Fishing Gear (Mmmmmm.... Catfish)
Tent
Sleeping Gear
Whiskey (if all else falls get hammered)

[Zoobi]

The tools are a bit much and a bit light. I know its something someone else posted and some of the items I would categorize as "specialty" like the chain saw would be needed for heavy wooded area's that like to drop trees bigger than you can winch, cord less drill I carry on long trips like Dusy or Rubicon but not an impact. I wouldn't have a use for jewelers screwdrivers. I would however have sockets smaller than 15 mm and not sure why on the solder sleeves but carry some splices and a crimper.

I see these lists pop up pretty regular and I always add this to it, when doing minor repairs, services and tires, use your jeep tool bag not the tool box in your garage (within reason). That way you know if what you carry can cover basic repairs and most importantly you practiced with them. On the survival gear do things like try to start a fire with a battery and steel wool a few times.
I carry most of whats on that list and have used all of it at home and out wheeling.

One thing I added yesterday to my gear is a filtering straw. Have heard good things about them and it takes up less room than my backpacking water filter I carry.

[dirtman13]

Where are your spare parts? i.e. axle shafts, u-joints, etc.

Also, how do plan on starting a fire? No fire starter in your survival list.

[Russ Chung]

RECOVERY GEAR
Chunk of 4x4

What's that???

Trail spares: Based on what has broken on runs that I've been on, I carry spare axle shafts, u-joints, tie rod and drag link. Also an assortment of bolts and nuts up to 9/16".
Survival Gear: Consider the weather/environment where you are going. In the desert in the summer, you need plenty of water; in the mountains in the wintertime, you need plenty of warm clothing and shelter.

[Roger]

That is pretty complete list Russ. Anyone who off roads a lot should have a list similar to this. I carry a survival pack in my Jeep and I am always adding and deleting items. This pack is in case I'm stranded or have to hike out.

[HookandLadder]

Nice list

Survival blanket?
Ratcheting tie down straps?

[TipsE-Z]

Where are your spare parts? i.e. axle shafts, u-joints, etc.

Also, how do plan on starting a fire? No fire starter in your survival list.

I did indeed forget to list out spare parts. Those I guess are trail dependent. If I'm just running the local trails that aren't too rough I typically won't bring much, but on longer trips I take plenty of spares; though U Joints are a new addition to that. Far as fire starter, that's what the Steel Wool and 9V are for; they can start a fire in any condition, even if soaking wet.

Nice list

Survival blanket?
Ratcheting tie down straps?

I did forget to put in there my blankets, pillow, and hoodie I keep in the Jeep at all times. I'm hoping to get a good list of items to append to this list so that I'll be ready for some of the more intense longer trips this year. I also keep 4 ties downs, though they are the smaller ones for a motorcycle and usually end up holding gear in the Jeep. I need to add some of the larger ones.

[6spdYJ]

Along with leaving a trip plan, how about leaving contact information of at least two others who you know have the equipment and skills to get you out if you don't show up on time? It helps to have others familiar with your particular trails and evn better if they know your capabilities and driving style.