Overlanding essentials

Discussion in 'Overlanding / Off-Road' started by RedEyedHog, Sep 23, 2017.

  1. RedEyedHog

    RedEyedHog Moderator Staff Member

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    Essential gear for the truck. What do you guys consider essential to pack for a trip? And how do you pack it? Downsizing from a Yukon to a 4Runner has posed a packing problem. Tools/gear that stay in the truck takes up considerable space, adding camp gear for a family of four is gonna be tight. Any suggestions on a solution?
     
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  2. Ravenous12

    Ravenous12 Member

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    I found a small channellock tool set that fits under my 2nd row seat. It's nice because it's always there and I don't need to remember to pack it, ever.
     
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  3. STPNWLF

    STPNWLF Member

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    Good question, how much beer can you fit in a 4runner? And keep it cold:p
     
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  4. RedEyedHog

    RedEyedHog Moderator Staff Member

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    It’s the other gear I’m having trouble making room for. .
     
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  5. STPNWLF

    STPNWLF Member

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    I just had an apiphanie to solve that problem:D
     
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  6. RedEyedHog

    RedEyedHog Moderator Staff Member

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    Yeti 65 full of beer......tarp. Problem solved. Thread closed.
     
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  7. STPNWLF

    STPNWLF Member

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    Product collaboration between yakama and yeti, roof rack beer cooler:D could call it the "Yakeitup" :eek:o_O:rolleyes::confused:
     
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  8. Bushman5

    Bushman5 Member

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    heck yes......
     
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  9. Jim

    Jim Member

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    I plagiarized this from another forum and then pared it down a bit. Based on how new & reliable your vehicle is you can knock off some of the things such as radiator hose repair,JB weld, sandpaper, etc.

    Jumper cables (the heavier and longer, the better!)
    Spare tire (a good one, fully inflated-full size is best)
    Jack (and the knowledge how to use it.)
    Lug wrench (the ones shaped like an “X” are easiest to use)
    Fire extinguisher rated for oil and grease fires, ABC is best
    Small first aid kit
    Flashlight-Spare batteries
    Headlamp, Spare batteries
    1 or 2 gallon gas can (store empty - do not store gas inside vehicle)
    Maps- local, state, and national
    Blanket/Poncho Liner
    Gloves- Work and warmth
    food - MRE, energy bars, hard candy, nuts-change out every season
    1 gallon of potable water-you can fill it ½ for winter freezing
    Shovel (recommend a snow shovel in winter, they work good in sand too)
    Duct tape
    Spare key
    TP/baby wipes/wag bags [​IMG]


    OPTIONAL:

    Tow rope or chain
    Tire chains (if driving in heavy snow and ice or on muddy roads)
    Backpack/BOB

    WINTER:

    Ice scraper
    Road salt: Take an empty liquid detergent container-clean-and use for salt-works great

    SUMMER:

    Extra water (bottles are best since if there is a leak, you only lose one and they're portable)


    REQUIRED MEDICAL: (Keep these items in a small first kit in either the backpack or watertight container. Customize for your family's needs)

    12 Band-Aids
    4 1.5”x2” gauze pads
    5 3”x3” gauze pads
    10yd medical tape (athletic tape - it sticks!)
    2 3” elastic bandage
    1 lg. cling roll, 4.5”x4.1yd
    1 CAT tourniquet
    2 SAM splints
    1 moleskin
    1 small bottle of Betadine
    1 hand sanitizer
    1 tube, triple antibiotic ointment
    1 tweezers
    1 trauma shears (will cut through seat belts, clothes, pennies, etc.)
    1 Bottle of Ibuprofen, 200mg -
    4 antacid (calcium carbonate, 420mg - take as needed. chalk is the same thing and can be used as an expedient)
    4 diphenhydramine aka Benadryl
    2 electrolyte tablets (to replenish electrolytes in case of vomiting, diarrhea or heat exhaustion)
    1 laxative
    1 manual: First Aid manual: Wilderness one is best
    Epi-pen (epinephrine) if you are allergic to bees!


    REQUIRED TOOLS:

    1 pliers
    1 channel locks
    1 crescent wrench
    1 vice grips
    1 hack saw blade
    1 wire cutters
    1 screwdriver, standard
    1 screwdriver, Phillips
    1 tire gauge
    1 BFH (a good hammer)

    OPTIONAL TOOLS :

    Full set of recovery gear (gloves, straps, block, chain, shackles, line extension, etc.)
    1 small socket set-add a spark plug sized socket if not in it
    1 spark plug gap gauge
    1 fuse puller
    1 circuit tester
    1 waterproof flashlight
    1 collapsible shovel/pick
    2 spare AA flashlight batteries
    Automotive manual for your make and model of truck

    OPTIONAL ROAD SIDE REPAIR:

    1 emergency fan belt kit
    1 radiator and gas tank repair putty can be replaced with “liquid metal”
    1 radiator hose repair kit
    1 heater hose repair kit
    1 hose bandage tape
    misc. hose clamps
    misc. nuts, bolts and washers
    misc. cotter pins
    2 rolls, bailing wire
    1 fine sandpaper
    12.5’ electrical wire
    4 alligator test clips
    1 roll, electrical tape
    1 set of replacement fuses
    A quality tire repair kit
    1 can, “Fix a Flat”, JIC
    1 siphon pump
    3 road flares
    Thread locker
    JB weld
    2-part epoxy
    Zip ties
    WD-40
    Rags
    Funnel

    "The explorer would do well always to have on his person a compass, a light waterproof bag containing matches, a waterproof box of salt, and a strong, light, linen or silk fish-line with several hooks, a knife, and an automatic at his belt, with several loaded magazines for the latter in his pocket. Thus provided, if accidentally lost for several days in the forest, he will be provided with the possibility of getting game and making himself shelter and fire at night."

    -Theodore Roosevelt

    From "Through the Brazilian Wilderness" 1914
     
    Last edited: Oct 5, 2017
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  10. Jeff Randall

    Jeff Randall ESEE Knives / Randall's Adventure & Training Staff Member

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    Simple problem to solve. Get rid of the kids.
     
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  11. RedEyedHog

    RedEyedHog Moderator Staff Member

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    It’s crossed my mind, but I’ve just got too much time and money invested in them at this point.
     
  12. RedEyedHog

    RedEyedHog Moderator Staff Member

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    Great list. Thanks @Jim.
     
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  13. Strigidae

    Strigidae Administrator Staff Member

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    Red eyed hog survival seasoning should be added to the list.
     
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  14. C99c

    C99c Member

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    I know that tire chains were on Jim's list for snow and ice, but I've also seen them used very successfully on muddy trails.
    If you don't run mud terrains or aggressive all terrains or only have 2WD, they don't take up much space and can mean the difference between driving out or walking out. Just make sure to put them on before it gets too bad and make sure that they are on properly before applying throttle. And don't stand in the tire's line of fire if possible. Unexpected flying projectiles make a bad day worse.
     
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  15. Jim

    Jim Member

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    Great point! I updated the list to say "Tire chains (if driving in heavy snow and ice or on muddy roads)"
     
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  16. Chuy

    Chuy Member

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    Im a big fan of having an off road fridge for any trip. It cuts your cooler space in 1/2, and you can fit a lot more cans.

    [​IMG]
     
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  17. nathan shepherd

    nathan shepherd Member

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    That gets rid of 75% of all problems you will face in life. Kid are a pain in the arse.
     
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  18. Strigidae

    Strigidae Administrator Staff Member

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    In looking at all these essentials im thinking i need another 4 runner to carry it all.
     
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  19. Bruno_GO

    Bruno_GO Member

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    Nice thread and a very complete list from Jim...
     
  20. C99c

    C99c Member

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    Just start with some basics and then add stuff as you see a definite need. Let's face it, most of us on this forum aren't heading into deepest, darkest Africa for six months. What's the most likely issues you'll have while out exploring? Decide and prioritize how you use space from there.
    For me it's:
    - first aid stuff. Vehicle issues aren't going to get solved if you're bleeding, broken or dead.
    - keeping the tires inflated so plug kit, compressor, jack, spare tire.
    -getting the vehicle free if it becomes stuck so jack, strap, shackles, etc.
    - basic hand tools, tape, zip ties.

    With the above I'm likely prepared for the majority of stuff I'll encounter as long as I make (mostly) good decisions.
    And way more prepared than the many times in high school I took off in a '87 Ford Tempo with only what was rolling around in the trunk with no cell phones, Internet and more poor decision making than I'd like to admit, did some cool exploring and made it home safely every time (eventually).
     
    Last edited: Oct 16, 2017
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