Depending on the terrain and amount of time planned out on the trails, there are a few items and tools we’ll need to be safe and responsible. I did a bit of research and put together a checklist that will help us. I’ve also included product-links for some of the more technical tools, as well as educational-links on how to properly operate a few of them. If anyone has anything to add, please use the comments link to share your thoughts with the group.

- CB

GEAR TO CONSIDER.

Plenty of Drinking Water. Stay hydrated.
Snacks. If you’ve seen the movie Alive, you’ll understand.
Gloves. Protect hands while working with equipment.
Spare Clothes. It could get messy - nice to drive home in comfort.
First Aid Kit. Self-explanatory.
Fire Extinguisher. A fire is unlikely, but if it happens - better safe than sorry.
Basic Toolbox. Should include socket set, wrenches, LED flashlight, tire gauge, volt tester, screwdriver w/assorted bits, and pocket knife.
CB Radio. Only needed if there’s shoddy cellular coverage. Should check with the venue before heading out.
Duct Tape & Heavy Duty Zip Ties. If something breaks, this can generally hold stuff together for the short-term until we get home.
Shovel. Might be a lot of work, but we can dig ourselves out of most situations if needed.
Pre-Trail Fluid Check. Make sure oil, coolant, and transmission levels are all full.
D-Rings. These sound attachment points located at the front and rear are ideal for pulling yourself or someone else out of the mud. There are many brands to choose from in the link below. Quality matters and the ones that cost a few extra bucks will be the least likely to break:
https://www.quadratec.com/categories/winches-recovery/d-rings-snatch-blocks
Ground Anchor. If we get stuck, there may not be a tree or another Jeep on stable ground nearby to tie off to - this will help solve that. The Smittybilt 2727 WASP Winch Anchor Support Platform is a solid option:
https://www.quadratec.com/products/92144_8000_07.htm
Portable Air Compressor w/Built-In Jumper Cables. Letting a little air out of the tires is standard practice when tackling most terrain, but we need to fill them back up for the trek home. The best value I found was the Q Industries MV90:
https://www.quadratec.com/products/92044_0008_07.htm
Back-Up Gas Container. Probably not a necessity for the majority of outings we’ll do, but worth mentioning. There are many different kinds, so see which one fits your Jeep’s setup. You can check them out here:
https://www.quadratec.com/search/gas%20can
Winching Accessory Kit. If you have a winch, it’s imperative that you have the proper accessories to go along with it. This kit has everything you’ll need to utilize your winch safely and effectively:
https://www.quadratec.com/products/95115_0000_07.htm
Winch w/Synthetic Rope or Steel Cable. It’s a must that a couple of our Jeeps are outfitted with a winch. The best overall value that still gets the job done is the Smittybilt 97485 XRC Gen2:
https://www.quadratec.com/p/smittybilt/xrc-9.5-gen2-winch-97495

Get Educated - There’s a ton of different types of winches, ropes, and cables out there. This link will help teach us everything there is to know about winches, all the accessory options, and the pros/cons of each:

https://www.extremeterrain.com/jeep-wrangler-winches-explained.html

Get Educated - This link is a great source for teaching us how to safely use a winch in various situations:

http://www.fourwheeler.com/how-to/body-chassis/1611-winching-dos-and-donts-tips-tricks-for-safe-4x4-recovery/

Recovery Strap. The straps that have loops at either end instead of hooks are the best option. Loops are safer because if the strap breaks and we’re using hooks, it could fly back and cause an injury. A great option is the ARB Snatch Strap, which has the recommended elasticity and proper load-rating for most Jeeps:

https://www.quadratec.com/products/92144_410X_A_PG.htm

Get Educated - This link shares some first-hand tips on how to safely use a Recovery Strap:

https://www.wranglerforum.com/f274/tow-recovery-straps-189918.html

High-Lift Tire Jack w/Spare Tire. Some of us have larger after-market tires with a matching spare and we’re not always going to be on flat terrain. The extra reach is essential. This Hi-Lift X-Treme Jack looked to be the best all-around value:
https://www.quadratec.com/products/92200_003X_PG.htm

Get Educated - High-Lift Jacks are dangerous if not used properly. This video shares critical instruction for safe operation:

WHAT TO AVOID.

Don’t Explore Alone. Whether it’s getting stuck, hurt, or lost - unforeseeable problems can happen. Travelling in groups, or at least with another adult passenger in the Jeep is smart.
Don’t Wing It. Always analyze tricky situations on the trails and work together to figure out the best way to tackle tough obstacles. By brainstorming together, we’re less likely to get stuck, cause damage to our Jeep, or even worse… get hurt.
Avoid Suspect Water. Use common sense. Driving through chartered water is sometimes required, but choose an alternative path if one exists, and don’t go through restricted waterways as they’re likely to cause bigger problems.