Thinking about the worst case scenario isn’t something most of us like spending our free time engaging in, but there is some benefit to thinking through the worst that can happen — and packing gear in your rig to help mitigate the negative effects of emergencies. Disaster can strike at any time, especially while overlanding off-grid, so maintaining a realistic level of preparedness can go a long way. Here are 10 pieces of overlanding survival gear our editors keep in their rigs at all times — so when things go sideways, you can keep your head on straight.
Editor’s Note: Please keep in mind that this list is not exhaustive, and what supplies you bring with you is determined by where you are going, how long you will be out, and how many people are traveling with you. Consult this list, and do your research before heading out into the backcountry.
First Aid Kit
There are few items more indispensable in an emergency situation than the first aid kit. We like Uncharted Supply Co.’s new Basecamp – 30L thanks to its rugged design and its ability to provide care for a family of four without taking up a ton of room. At almost $800 it’s pricey, but we’d pay this much for peace of mind. If the Basecamp isn’t your bag, Uncharted has a ton of excellent first aid options.
GPS
Yes you have your cellphone’s maps, but in remote areas where cell signal is spotty at best, you’re going to need a Global Positioning System (GPS). Download maps, access reliable navigation and mark specific points of interest (like campsites) that you’ll want to find your way back to later. If you’re going to invest in a GPS (which we really recommend) our editors swear by Garmin: it’s one of the most trusted names in the space, and has built its reputation on being reliable and trustworthy, two attributes highly valued when purchasing a GPS. The Garmin Tread 2 is a solid choice and has recently been updated to better suit the needs of overlanders.
Emergency Comms
One of the most critical tools in your survival kit is undoubtedly some sort of emergency communication device. When cell service is unavailable, satellite communication devices, radios, or other means of communicating that don’t rely on cell service are crucial for communicating with the outside world, whether that’s to request medical aid, coordinate during incidents and just increase overall safety. Our editors like SPOT, which specializes in satellite communication devices that allow users to track assets, send and receive messages, send GPS position and status, mark waypoints, track their progress on SPOT Mapping and notify search and rescue officials in the event of an emergency.
Water and Food Storage
A good rule of thumb when it comes to overlanding is to bring at least 1-2 gallons of water per person, per day. In an emergency, food and water storage should be able to hold three days’ worth of provisions and hydration for each member of your crew. Hydrapak makes portable, lightweight water storage options that can be stored in your rig for emergencies, brought out for day hikes and explorations, or emptied and stored without taking up too much storage space. The brand’s Car Camp Bundle includes a 10-liter water reservoir, a 2-liter lightweight water reservoir that can be frozen in a pinch, plus a water bottle and splash guard.
Spare Fuel Can
One of the most important aspects of safely exploring the backcountry is having enough spare fuel to get you back to civilization in case of emergency. Fuel should be stored in cans specifically made for the purpose. We like Rotopax for its size range, easy mounting design and durabilty. If you’re interested in other brands, check out our guide to the best fuel cans for overlanding.
Sharp Knife
The use cases for a sharp knife are pretty much endless, but we like having an option like a Benchmade Bugout in our glove compartment for situations like: shelter building; preparing fire supplies; food prep; making prepares; preparing wound care supplies; self defense.
READ MORE: Don’t Forget to Pack these 9 Items for Overland Expo Mountain West in August
Basic Mechanic Tools
If something happens to your rig and you don’t have the basic tools on board to fix it or mend it temporarily — or don’t have a better-prepared friend traveling with you — you are officially SOL, and you’d better hope you packed those emergency comms and food and water storage. For basic tools, we like the ShopRoll from Adventure Tool Company: it keeps everything contained and organized, has what you need for basic repairs and won’t break the bank.
Headlamp
Bringing a headlamp into the backcountry may seem fairly obvious, but in our experience, this is one piece of gear that is easily forgotten, and makes an outsized impact on how your trip goes. Headlamps can be used for navigating unfamiliar terrain, making your way around camp safely, and for nighttime repairs. They’re worth their weight in gold. We like the Biolite Dash 325 thanks to its simple design, long-lasting battery life and ultra-lightweight feel.
Fire Starting Supplies
One of the benefits of overlanding is the ample storage space most rigs have, unlike backpacking or even traditional camping. Thanks to that extra storage space, you can afford to bring multiple types of fire starters — all with a specific purpose. For nightly campfires, you can opt for something a little bulkier like a literal torch — our top picks are the Bernzomatic Trigger Start Torch and the Snow Peak Folding Torch. For emergencies, we’d recommend keeping something small and storable like the Wolf and Grizzly Fire Starter Set on hand — it won’t take up much room, but it could literally be a lifesaver depending on the conditions you find yourself in.
Winch
A winch won’t just save your ass if you get stuck — it will also help others out, as well. If you’ve come up on someone that’s gotten themselves stuck and didn’t have a winch, you know exactly what we’re talking about. We like Warn for their premium quality and excellent customer service.
Keep yourself and your family safe and have fun doing it with these great products. All these brands will be showcasing at Overland Expo Mountain West, this August 22-24 in Loveland, Colorado. Check out these brands and hundreds more to help you get out there! Click the link below to learn more and buy your tickets now to join us at Mountain West and get in on the fun. In addition to 350+ brands, we also have parties, a raffle, classes, RC courses, and so much more!
