Gear Checklist/Storage and Required Repair Skills: Off-Roading, Camping, Overlanding

[jerrygcoffey]

Hey everyone. Gearing up for the season and taking inventory after having my storage unit robbed. I'm looking for folk's insights on what gear to bring for various types of trips. Mostly just to compare to what I usually take and how I store it. I enjoy pure offroading, as well as more overland-focused trips.

Also, I'd love to hear how folks are storing their gear during your treks. I used to use a large plastic bin and have switched to a single Plano sports trunk for the camping gear. But I'm not sure the best way to safely transport the other items like tools, my bottle jack (which has been on its side in the cargo area for two too many years.), recovery gear, and the new NOCO jumper I picked up.

Speaking of tools, I'm no mechanic. What tools are you usually bringing with you? What skills do you think I should have to be prepared for equipment failures? I'm comfortable changing tires and filling fluids. Leaks, suspension breaks, electrical issues, cracked hoses, and drivetrain problems (you get the idea) are outside of my current scope of knowledge.

Now, I must admit, I purposely wrote this in a bit more of a beginner tone than my experience and skillset would account for. I've done this because it's been about 2 years since I've gone out on some serious multi-day trips. Trying to get back to basics, dot my "i"s and cross my "t"s so to speak.

Sponsored

 

[GATORB8]

Mine has evolved quite a bit now that we pull the trailer.

Before:
Tools: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001P30BO6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Recovery: https://store.arbusa.com/small-recovery-bag-arb502a/
Tents/Chairs: Loose in their bags
Clothes/other: Plastic Bins.
Dogs: Back Seat

 

[jerrygcoffey]

Mine has evolved quite a bit now that we pull the trailer.

Before:
Tools: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001P30BO6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Recovery: https://store.arbusa.com/small-recovery-bag-arb502a/
Tents/Chairs: Loose in their bags
Clothes/other: Plastic Bins.
Dogs: Back Seat

Thanks for the info! Also, an unrelated addition, I'm stuck with a soft top at the moment so no roof cargo options are going to work at the moment.

Part of me would want to put that tool bag inside another container that is strapped down to avoid heavy flying objects in the event of a catastrophic failure of some sort.

 

[GATORB8]

Thanks for the info! Also, an unrelated addition, I'm stuck with a soft top at the moment so no roof cargo options are going to work at the moment.

Part of me would want to put that tool bag inside another container that is strapped down to avoid heavy flying objects in the event of a catastrophic failure of some sort.

You could do a cargo net hooked to what would be the hard top bolts to keep everything contained.

On our longer trips, the back of the jeep is stacked pretty high even with a ton of crap in the trailer. Our goal is always to basecamp and just have the Jeep tools/recovery in the Jeep with us.

 

[jerrygcoffey]

You could do a cargo net hooked to what would be the hard top bolts to keep everything contained.

On our longer trips, the back of the jeep is stacked pretty high even with a ton of crap in the trailer. Our goal is always to basecamp and just have the Jeep tools/recovery in the Jeep with us.

Thats a good point about the cargo net, and I've always liked the look of the high quality ones.

I'm considering that another same-sized plano trunk might work for the storage of recovery gear and tools and would keep it separated from the strictly camping-oriented gear. Or maybe some roll bar bags for the cargo area.

 

[AcesandEights]

I ended up with Ironman4x4 dual drawers. I like them.

I carry an air compressor, basic mechanics tools, recovery stuff (straps, winch remote, shackles), a couple ways to make fire and a small stainless pan.

 

[Fonzilla85]

I have changed my set up a few times to adapt to my changing needs. Some of the essentials I’d recommend are:

First Aid kit with enough supplies to keep yourself and loved ones alive in the event of an emergency. “First Aid survival training” They offer civilians (SERE) classes, if you are up for it, do it.

Some type of GPS device that will allow you to communicate with civilization.

Firearm/knife, know how to use them. Or a whistle if you’re not into weapons, it won’t help but it will give the person/or animal attacking you a laugh.

Tools: A good mechanic set will do, hammers, pliers, assorted clamps. Water weld etc.
Recover gear, to help others and yourself.

Portable power

? propane tank, firewood. I recommend a hand saw, axe etc Also, learn how to make a firewall, I’ve seen many people sit around freezing near a fire. Coyoteworks on YouTube has some good videos.

Food/Water etc I recommend tossing in some MRE’s I swore I’d never eat them again, but honestly in an emergency it’s a great thing to have.

Clothing for the environment you’ll be in plus a set of opposite weather clothing, you just never know.

I’m sure I’m forgetting other things but just wanted to share a simple list of essentials.
As far as cases go, Pelicans are great but kinda pricey. Roam’s are also great, Planos are made in the USA and I think they are affordable. So many options out there to fit your budget.

 

[ArmyW4]

I carry the usual assortment of recovery gear, tools and a well stocked first aid kit. I also carry a handheld radio, Garmin handheld GPS, toilet paper (you'll thank me at some point), a folding shovel, water, MREs, firestarter and like Fonzilla55, a firearm. I also just bought a satellite message with SOS function.

 

[Wabujitsu]

FYI, the last couple of iPhone models have a 911 emergency GPS text function, when there is no cell signal.

Sponsored