For those of you who are either new to the desert area or new to exploration in the desert there are many things you must know and have to be able to ensure a safe return home.

First is to be sure that the vehicle you are using is ready, full tank of gas, good tires, and generally in good shape.

The second thing you need is water, lots of water. At least a gallon of water per person for each day. Water is something you just don’t find easily out there and you do not want to drink from a cattle water hole because they have all kinds of nasty bugs in them. It can take weeks for your gastro system to return to normal even with the help of doctors and drugs. Trust me on this one. It is no fun at all but it sure beats a possible date with the grim reaper.

Third is a good first aid kit to treat any injuries. I have been exploring the desert for eleven years and have never even had a close call. There can be mishaps so it is best to be prepared.

The fourth item is a good shovel. You would be amazed at how useful this is to help get you out of a sand wash. Believe me I have been stuck a time or two, especially when I first got here and had to learn how to drive in this environment by getting stuck in just about every way you can think of!

Fifth would be a good long tow strap in case someone comes by to pull you out. In a pinch you can use it to help aid traction by placing it under the drive tire.

The sixth item would be a high lift hack. This jack will lift most vehicles front or back end up off the ground usually two feet or more and is an almost indispensable item for the back country traveler. You can also use it as a winch or come-along to pull you out of a predicament. Don’t forget a 1’ x 1’ sturdy base made of a couple layers of plywood or 2’ x 4’ to keep it from pushing into soft soil.

Seventh thing I would pack is a couple pairs of gloves. We don’t want to mess up our nice hands doing hard work now would we? The gloves must fit you and the weather.

The eighth item would be extra fluids for the vehicle such as engine oil, transmission fluid, gear lube, and radiator fluid should the unfortunate puncture or damage cause you to lose any of these vital fluids.

Ninth item would be a basic tool set that will enable you to do minor to major trailside repairs. Make sure your tools are SAE or metric so they fit your vehicle.

The tenth item would be maps of the area you will be in. Don’t forget to tell someone when you will be home and where you will be so they know where to send a search party!

Eleventh would be good commonsense!

The twelfth and final item would be a healthy zest for adventure and fun.

All of these are basic things you should have. They in no way are everything you could have, that depends on the size of your vehicle. In future articles we will go over and expand on just about everything and add quite a bit more. I would like to hear about your trail adventures and mishaps and maybe even tell you about mine.

Have fun and keep the rubber side down!

Ted Scholl
AZOD Off Road Staff Writer