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ATV Equipment ChecklistJune 11/03 Updated November 8/08 Written by Greg When you're out exploring the back-country, you're frequently on your own, relying on yourself or your group, with no help close at hand. In an emergency, carrying the right equipment can make the difference between a quick trail repair or long hike out, or even life and death. Equipment can be carried in a permanently-mounted "quad trunk", a sports bag bungee-corded to a rack, a backpack, or whatever you find convenient. Some of the equipment and tools can be distributed throughout your group to minimize weight penalties. It never hurts to be prepared. Hopefully this list will get you thinking. Required EquipmentThe following equipment includes basic safety items, and equipment required to repair common trail breakdowns. • ABC-rated fire extinguisher • First-aid kit (see list in next column) • Gloves • Helmet (Motocross style, DOT, SNELL, or better rating) • Phone list (see note 1) • Spare fuses • Spare spark plug • Tire air pump • Tire air pressure gauge • Tire puncture repair kit (including lots of extra plugs and needlenose pliers) • Tool kit (see list in next column) Recommended EquipmentYou can generally "get by" without these items, but they can really make your life easier if you have the space available. • Aerial flare kit • Axe • Bow saw (or chain saw) • Chest protector • Compass • Duct tape • Engine oil • Flagging tape (for marking trails) • Flashlight (SureFire, Streamlight, Maglight) • FRS/GMRS 2-way radio (see note 2) • GPS (most of us use Garmin; make sure the model you get is waterproof) • Large garbage bags • LED light (high-intensity white) • Maps • Mosquitoe repellent • Multi-tool (Leatherman, Gerber, etc.) • Owner's manual in Zip-Loc (TM) bag • Rain gear • Ratchet straps • Short-handled (quad-wide) spade shovel • Spare valve stem and valve core • Swiss Army knife • Spare key • Toilet paper in Zip-Loc (TM) bag • Tug strap (with loops, not hooks) • US Military Folding shovel, aka USMET (not a cheap knockoff) • White LED light (for when your flashlight dies) • Winch • Winch accessory kit / Recovery kit • D-shackles (2 or more; 4 recommended) • Leather gloves with thick palms • Recovery strap, 15'x1" (2 recommended) • Recovery strap, 30'x2" • Snatch block (pulley) • Tree saver strap • Winch extension cable (50' or more; synthetic packs easily) • Wind-proof lighter or torch NotesNote 1: Many of you have cell phones with all of your friends' phone numbers stored in memory, but consider that your phone might get lost or damaged in an accident. You can print a small business-card-sized phone list with your computer, and laminate it at your local office-supply store. You should also keep a few quarters or a calling card handy. Note 2: FRS/GMRS radios are handy for communicating between riders because they are small and inexpensive. Motorola has the best audio quality of the various consumer-grade FRS radios I've tested. Garmin Rino GPS/FRS/GMRS radios are waterproof, and you can use them to beam your position to your friends' Rinos. |
ToolsThe tools you'll want to carry depends on your make and model of ATV. Check it over, and note what size and style of sockets and wrenches you'll require for repairs. Always pack good tools; cheap tools tend to break when you really need them. • Allen/Hex wrench set • Adjustable wrench • Combination open-end and box wrenches • Fencing pliers • Needlenose pliers • Ratchet • Screwdrivers (check clearances to see if you'll need any stubbies) • Shop towels or rags • Snap-ring pliers • Socket extensions (short and long) • Sockets • Spark-plug wrench • Torx wrench set • Wire cutters/strippers/crimpers First-Aid KitIt's usually better to create your own first-aid kit, rather than purchasing an off-the-shelf kit. Make sure the kit is stored in a waterproof container. Carrying a first-aid kit is great, but you'll also need to know how to use it. Due to the nature of our hobby, I recommend that you take a first-aid course, and that there's a trained first-aid attendant in your group. Always know the medical history of the person that you are treating before administering medication; it's a good idea to ask if anyone has any medical conditions or allergies before the ride, or to let somebody know if you have any conditions. Standard Kit• Adhesive tape • Antiseptic • Burn dressings (ie. Water-Jel (TM)) • Cotton swabs • Gauze bandages • Latex gloves • Matches • Medication as needed (ie. insulin) • Needle and thread • Pain relievers (ie. Tylenol, Aspirin) • Q-Tips (TM) • Safety pins • Small adhesive bandages: • Fingertip • Knuckle • Standard (various sizes) • Snake-bite kit • Space blanket (foil reflective) • Safety super-scissors • Teflon tape • Tensor bandage • Triangular bandages • Tweezers Advanced Kit• Cold packs • CPR pocket mask • Extrication collars • Heat packs • Sam splints • Tourniquet • Trauma dressings I realize that there are numerous additional items that can be included in an "advanced" kit, but such items also require certain expertise, and if you have that expertise, you already know about those items. |
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