properly working seat belts for all occupants in vehicle
ROLE BAR (properly secured and meets vehicle weight requirements)
fire extinguisher
jumper cables
spare key for vehicle
Hand tools for mechanical failures
first aid kit
tree saver
Tow strap x2
come-a-long 8k + lbs.
snatch block and shackle x2
shovel
spare tire(tools to change tire)
high lift
CB and cell phone
Map & GPS
Volt/Ohm meter
Onboard air or portable air inflater
Tire air pressure Gage
Bow saw or folding sierra style saw
leather man tool
emergency blanket
tarp & twine
Food: fruit, veggies, nuts, seeds, MRE's ect.
Water = Gallon per person minimum
Emergency blanket
Down sleeping bag
Poncho or rain gear
gloves
sun glasses, sun screen
insect repellent
matches, lighter, or other fire starter(stored in a air/water tight container)
camera
tow & lift points on vehicle(ex. bumper, hitch, slider)
6quarts of oil, gallon of gear oil, quart of brake fluid
Recovery: avoid hard or excess pulls using chain, rope, cable
Never walk over or under a winch line period!!
Keep your distance when some one is winching
Place a backpack, coat, or truck floor mat over center of winch line during recovery.
Keep your distance when some one is trying to tow/pull out a detained vehicle due to line or tow point failure, you could loose your head.
Avoid using reverse when towing/recovering a vehicle
My thoughts:
Always let some one know where your going.
Stick to the plan/where your going.
Never go out into the woods alone(unless your absolutely sure you are prepared for anything)
How far can you walk in the current weather conditions if you had to
Does the scene look safe? you come across an abandoned vehicle,striped vehicle, or several vehicles parked in the woods?
In a group of vehicles: Keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle infront of you.
Always make sure you can see the guy behind you in your rearview mirror.
Whose ever trail leader & gunner should have CB's.
Choose who your spotter is carefully.
If you own a jeep consider misc. drivetrain trail spares...