My wife is one of those that rolls her eyes each time a package comes to the door after a TrailRecon episode and says, "what Jeep stuff did you buy now!!? It's your vids and experiences that, in my opinion, have me prepared for most everything that could go wrong. Thanks for the reminder to get a couple of things I don't have, yet. 😉✌

I went with the local Jeep club to hit some trails for the first time. A power steering line from another Jeep popped off and the engine bay quickly caught on fire. I felt self conscious about not having some essentials with me, like recovery gear, BUT I was the only one with a fire extinguisher.

Jump start battery for sure. Also if you’re in a heavily wooded state a chainsaw is a good idea. Nothing like having to double back for miles when you run across downed trees. I carry an electric one that works well. Love the video!

Along with the great ideas, don’t forget a spare key in case you drop/lose the primary key.

Since Texas is HUGE.... for our "normal" daily drivers: Battery jump pack, water, some long term food (granola bars type things, etc.) tow strap, small battery bank for cell phones, jumper cables, quart or two of engine oil, rags, zip ties, duck tape, wipes, reusable shopping bags (lol), and a little bit of cash and change.

Safety, recovery.. completely agree. I also keep a small plastic box with toilet paper. 😂

My wife and I are both Navy vets. We were watching this video today and I remarked... "look, Brad's giving a GMT on things to have in your vehicle". We both laughed long and hard. Seriously, though... well done, Brad.

Always check the winch controls. Make sure you have the remote and make sure it works

I always carry a jump starter. Never used it myself, but I’ve helped friends who’s batteries died due to cold weather

Black 12 inch zip ties , assortment of hose clamps and strong bayling wire is with my repair kit . I've also added some all, thread in 3/8 and miscellaneous washers and lock washers . The ever growing assortment of bolts and nuts changes all the time .

Never get tired of your videos with you and your family. Always look forward to the next

The other SERIOUS issue we faced on that rollover was stopping the fuel leak. The gas cap either popped off, or there wasn’t one to begin with. Initially, we searched for it on the ground near the Jeep then someone pulled one from a JK in the group. But the JK’s wasn’t compatible. So, in a pinch a redwood or rubber cylinder to wedge into the fuel filler would suffice.

Im not the only "crazy" person to carry around a bag full of hardware and spare sensors! Great video Brad!

One thing I regret not having after getting stuck up in the mountains hunting elk is a winch. While I have planned getting a winch for my WJ, I still haven’t pulled the trigger on it and I’ve regretted that a few times. Including sliding off a road in ID chasing elk and self recovering with a come along and a few straps. A winch would’ve made it faster and safer. I was able to shovel myself out and safely get home, but it was sure exhausting! I never go anywhere without a shovel.

A quick note on cutting a seat belt. To avoid binding cut the belt on a 45 degree angle. It'll cut like butter whether you're using trauma sheers or an actual cutter. Great Video!!!

The safety stuff and spares should be in every car, not just Jeeps. Great video. If you have these basics you're set for mild wheeling with friends until you can figure out how you want to build your Jeep. A Jeep on stock suspension is surprisingly capable.

Great list! I like to carry a military style collapsible shove. They can be really helpful if you get stuck in the snow

Good one Brad! I'd add water. Break down or get stranded it's one thing you can't live without. And, in today's world, it's hard not to recommend a satellite communication device (Garmin inReach, Spot, etc.). I found folks stranded in the Borrego on a hot late spring day (at the Jet Engine . . . now gone) years back. They would have been in big trouble if we had not shown up. Thanks for another great video! Cheers, Jeff

Motor oil, gear oil, premixed coolant, spare driveline parts, cans of food, can opener, spare heater and radiator hoses, vacuum lines.

Hey Brad, in addition to what you recommend, 3 things in my recovery kit: Roll of toilet paper (only funny until you need it, I live in the desert so leaves are not a an option :P), a small torch, and a good tire deflator/pressure checker.

9:04 - halo bolt ultimate jump starter with air compressor. those things are the best. we have one in all four of our vehicles and one in our squaredrop.

I gotta say, I love my adverture outdoor tailgate table &brawlee tailgate light. I find myself behind my jeep all the time when camping and it's the most obviously used accessory that I don't regret.

My big issue is What to put in my first aid kit? I have some time in the army. They teach massive trauma first aid. I hope nobody in my group gets gunshot or has a leg blown off. Restore the breathing, stop the bleeding, protect the wound and treat for shock.

I always keep a small fire blanket in my jeep, any camp fires started when cooking (with oil/grease) need smothering to be extinguished fully. it's come in handy twice now and there are plenty of ways to fasten them to the ceiling or roll cage.

Brad thank you for sharing your experience. Still not an off roader, but I sure am learning a lot from your channel.

I got a flat driving over a dried up lake bed. My Hi Lift Jack failed and I did not have a socket to break the lugs on after market wheels. Needless to say I was lucky that some quads were running out on the trail and they came to the rescue. They had the bottle Jack and breaker bar to get me back on the trail and back home. Never again!! Repaired my hi lift and check it often. Got a bottle Jack at Harbor Freight as well as the Jeep tire chock for extra space off the ground. I carry all that EVERY TIME I hit the trail now. Flat tires will not have sidelined ever again.

Great video! The first things I got after my very first green trail ride was a winch and recovery gear. I just knew that in time with building up the jeep they would be necessary. 2 years later my winch and kinetic rope have gotten more use than I'd ever care to admit to 🤣

Less than a quarter mile on the first trail with my Gladiator still on stock all weather tires and had a stick puncture the side wall. Fortunately I had a tire repair kit that ended up saving the day. Upgraded to 33” ATs shortly thereafter

Maybe not the most a critical item out west, but a good bow saw for clearing trail of down trees can be invaluable. They can fold down small and light and gets used more twice as much as any other tool in my kit.

Great Video Brad, thank you very much!!! I have everything you mentioned down to the element extinguisher, we even have them on the overland trailer and Beverly's bronco. However the seatbelt cutter is one I have never thought of because I carry a knife with me all the time. I always tell everyone " ITS BETTER TO HAVE AND NOT NEED IT OR NEED IT AND NOT HAVE IT " Thank you for doing this video.... Hope you and Regina and the family are doing well.

Thank you Brad for a great video on a topic that can be overlooked. The weekend warriors will drive out into the bush not thinking any thing will go wrong.......but it does! being prepared needs to be in the mind set and the examples you gave are great!

One of the best videos I’ve seen. To the point , basic , straight-forward . Some I have , but will definitely be adding . Applicable to any vehicular travel. Thank you .

The nuts, bolts, and screws for field repairs are a great idea.

I think a tire repair kit is worth its weight in platinum! That and some extra hardware saved my butt out in Big Bend when I lost a brake caliper bolt and punctured my wheel! Ended up having to zip tie a socket into the bolt hole to hold the brakes in place until I could get to the nearest auto parts 80 miles away in Alpine.

Its pretty cool to have a medic with you. So you guys have a medic and a great cook, all you need is a jeep mechanic.

Brad, you mentioned a tow strap. Instead of a tow strap, or in addition to one, you should have a kinetic recovery rope / strap. It is the easiest way to transfer momentum from a recovery vehicle to a stuck one! Because it it somewhat elastic it reduces the chances of damage to both vehicle's recovery points. Good video, as always. Thanks.

Great video! I regretted having a low quality winch out in the backcountry. A solo easy day trip ended up involving some simple winching, and my cost cutter winch failed. Needless to say, that unit was discarded, and a Warn winch was installed.

My winch saved me from myself yesterday and netted me a bottle of bourbon plus $50 the week before. I am thinking those traction boards are next but the hot heads is looking good. I just ordered my seat belt cutter. So small, why not have it.

A few things to add to your list. - Drinking water (with good storage) - Radio. - map or gps

I've added a book of matches in my glove boxes. I've never used them, but there always there.

If you have the mopar stock locking lug (fancy design on your lug nut) MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE KEY. Definitely got a fun story out of it on Otay Truck Trail.

Great video. I've been watching for a few years now. I must've paid some attention because I have everything you listed except the bag of bolts (I'll fix that). What I've added to my Jeep, since we live in the Pacific Northwest, is two heavy wool blankets. They serve double duty. I've used them on overnights when the heavy sleeping bag wasn't heavy enough. They're black, so I also use them to cover up my gear in the back when we are in town. Between the tinted windows and the black blankets, it's hard for anyone to tell I've got anything at all in back. Keep up the great work!

Rain fly covers for when you’re cruising topless and don’t have time to find cover for quick pop up showers!

A solid flashlight/headlamp and gloves

Great Video! I have everything you listed in this video in my FJ all the time. However, I carry a few more items which I think are vital for Off-Road Travel. The serpentine belt (fan belt) is a must, it can be the old one you replaced, but the proper size belt for the vehicle is crucial for the vehicle to run. Another item would be Duct Tape and Bailing Wire. Those can be stored anywhere and the bailing wire can fix many broken parts under the rig or near the exhaust. Keep up the great videos and I am glade you have settled on the current stable of vehicles! Thanks, Mike H.

After cleaning my jeep, my wife wanted to go for a ride. As I was crossing a creek that was higher than normal, I realized my recovery bag was in the garage. There I was in the center of a swollen creek without winch controls. We made it. Now my recovery gear have a new location in the jeep. I never leave without it.

Hey Brad, love your site... always great useful info. I have a 2008 JKU Rubicon that's not garaged... in the sun 365. It didn't take long to notice the necessity for something to insulate the hardtop's crazy heat transfer! You can get burned by placing your hand on the underside of the bare top. I purchased a set of 1/2 inch thick foam upholstered headliners. I achieved a 5 to 7 degree drop in interior air temperature. I checked the temp in July at 2:00 pm after the window-closed Jeep sat in the sun all day. Of course, the contact-burn issue was no longer, but the temp drop was insufficient. I painted the top white (a la the FJ) using vinyl patio furniture paint. I achieved an additional 12 to 15 degree drop. Now at 2 pm upon opening the closed-up Jeep door I am greeted by air that is cooler than the outside air! Paint it, you won't regret it!

That dang winch... I'd ordered my steel bumper and was waiting for it to come in, but had gone to Lake City, CO and was exploring some easy trails. Drove around a corner and sank into what was an incredibly unexpectedly soft road section and my passenger side sunk. Even with lockers and all the offroad tech in my 4runner it was hopelessly stuck and I spent $750 for a tow out.

I know this may sound strange, but one of my best purchases was a padded center console cover. Bartact makes a good one, I'm sure there are others out there. For taller folks, it's a lifesaver on longer drives - gives me a much more comfortable driving position. Total game changer for $50-$60. Thanks for all your great work!

Master Chief, great video!! Excellent information! I really love your videos and, fun fact #12, it was your video on various overland setups that got me hooked on Trail Recon as well as over-landing in general. I spent many years at 29 and seeing you and your family trekking through the SoCal parks and wilds is phenomenal! Thank you, Chief! Love your channel and hope to see you on the trail some day!

Rubber floor mats especially the oem ones that came on my 392 are life savers. Seems unimportant but they have saved my last 2 wranglers interiors. Another great, informative video!

Great video! very useful, some things I had never thought about but can be life saving, like the seatbelt cutter, and the jack stand base is one of those things one just doesn't think about until you can't change your tire because it is too tall for the jack...

Devil Doc, another great video man. Something worth adding to your kit if you have a K9 is a working dog trauma kit. Good ones usually have some items specific to dogs that will go beyond a normal IFAK. Also, in addition to belt cutter is knowing what to do in a vehicle rollover, they happen quick and rehearsals are key to make sure you don’t lose an arm or worse.

I’ve always had a first aid kit within reach since I had my first vehicle. I do need a better jack, air compressor and fire extinguisher. Will get the lift then worry about skid plates and rock rails. Thanks for another very information video.

Thanks Brad, you are a great story teller. With these newer vehicles if you ever plan to turn your motor off in the back and beyond, off grid…be sure to have a battery jump box, not just jumper cables. You never know when something in all of those electronics will cause a total battery draw leaving you, literally powerless

Another great must watch video. I have every one of those accessories… and for the same reason, I made a trip and needed it and didn’t have it with me- never again

One of my personal favorites and I've used probably the most is my shovel. I have a MurderSpork and now I have a full length one. The full length is super worth the storage hassle for those of us with bad backs needing a little easier leverage.

in WV here a chain saw is a must. Wind blows trees over here all the time. You can go down a trail and in a hour come back the same way and there will be multiple trees down. Chain saw would be a big one here and I would imagine on the west coast as well. I was in Oregon and had to navigate around some fallen trees as I was in a rental vehicle..lol. Electric saws are awesome and a great alternative.

1:41 I have a first aid kit that I bought at a drugstore that I fortify with my own items that hangs from my headrest so it is always easy to access. Any time I use something I replace it. 13:25 The one that has got me in trouble more than once is the short "I am not going to get stuck" run that ends up biting me in the butt. There are a few trails close to home that I like to go for a "short" trail ride on and more than once I have not loaded all the recovery gear and the simple solution to self rescue is sitting on the garage floor.

Man all those things you mentioned really comes in handy! I carry most of what you mentioned! Some I don’t have and need to purchase for future trailing’s, like the air compressor, seatbelt cutter and tire repair kit. But really the one thing I really now that you mentioned regret! Is being alone in all of my off roading adventures. You see I moved from Chicago to Tucson Arizona a few years ago, and being new here and not having friends or knowing anyone! Say like friends! I usually do all my trails alone. And thank god I’ve been pretty lucky so far! Sometimes all you need to know is and most importantly! Is your LIMIT’S!! That way you don’t run into hazardous problems that can either get you stranded or in some cases killed!! Thanks for sharing this valuable video!

Thanks. The bag of nuts and bolts is a great idea. Heading to the garage to make mine now……

Thanks for the video Brad one thing I could think of caring especially in off-road vehicle has bear spray and bug spray you never know when you need either one . Thanks Don

A little surprised that you omitted jumper cables and/or jump pack...pretty handy when battery starts to fail or another's fails. Great episode to get people thinking.

Excellent list. I agree with content and priority. You reminded me that I haven’t yet put a first aid kit or an extinguisher in my wife’s JLU 4xe.

My wife cut the ends of bandaids then made them into strips to use as butterfly stitches. Stupid me was showing my boys why you never stay on the same side of the down tree your limping and slipped and stuck the ax in my shin. Her quick thinking saved me a lot of grief!!!

Great video, always good to have all those things, it may take some time to get for your vehicle but I think pretty much everything on that list is a must have for serious overlanding or day trips.

A true locking differential should be one of those at top of the list!

I REALLY appreciate you putting the whole list of items in the description. Another thing I appreciate is that the volume was high enough for me to hear the audio. I’m taking medication to try to improve my hearing. Thanks. Of the things for which you listed sources, can you tell us which are made in the U.S.A? In over forty years of marriage, my wife and I have only purchased three new 4WD vehicles and drove them a total of 21 years BUT we lived in Utah and all three vehicles had 4-cylinder engines so we were able to go on more than 200 camping and picnic trips to more than 100 different places FAR from the nearest paved roads. (Takeaway: Don’t spend so much on the vehicle that you can’t afford fuel to explore primitive (unimproved) roads.) One of those three vehicles didn’t have recovery hooks on it so we asked the dealer to install them before we took delivery. That same vehicle had 215/75R15 tires. Without consulting me, my wife took it to a tire store the day after we took delivery of the vehicle and she traded the 215 tires for 235/75R 15s. When driving off pavement: We always carried at least a gallon of water per person per day. We always carried a fire extinguisher and first aid kit. We always carried a tow strap. We always carried a full-size spare with at least half the tread left on it. We never thought we could afford a refrigerator so we put ice in the bottom of coolers and made do with that. My wife decided how much food to take along but it seemed that she always packed twice as much as we needed. I don’t know exactly when we bought grab handles to attach to the roll bars over the front side windows but they were a worthwhile investment. It didn’t take us long to decide we needed a roof rack for camping gear. The one we installed was by Smittybilt. After nine years, it was beginning to show some rust but the quality seemed worth the price. I think maybe the next thing I did was to create a part that allowed me to disconnect the rear sway bar and reattach it more quickly than was possible without that part. It still required crawling under the vehicle so, sometimes, if we were not too far from Moab when we got back to pavement, we left it disconnected to drive back to town but we never drove over the posted speed with it disconnected. That same vehicle was the first one in which we lowered the tire pressure when off pavement to 10 pounds. We never got anything more sophisticated than a 12-volt tire pump but we could see the advantage of something like a CO2 Power Tank. Our son gave us a set of polyurethane bushings to replace the stock rubber bushings. It didn’t take me long to decide I needed to have them professionally installed. One of the last upgrades we made was also the most expensive. I had read about “adjustable” shock absorbers and several people had written about the advantage of being able to use a firmer setting off pavement. That made no sense to me. I couldn’t imagine why anyone would want a “soft” setting on pavement and a “firm” setting off pavement. So when I read about Edelbrock IAS shocks that were not only automatic but did the opposite of that, I was sure they would be the best choice. We had a set of four Edelbrock IAS shock absorbers installed and WOW what a difference! Without airing the tires down from the factory recommendation for on-highway use the Edlebrocks improved the ride as much as airing down had done! For quite a while after that, I was under the impression that Edelbrock IAS shocks were out of production. Today, however, there are several websites showing them. Does anyone know which (if any) of those sites - or prices - are current? People on a strict budget may take a while to save up for them but, if they are currently available, they may be the best investment anyone ever made for serious off-pavement use.

Great list! I have most things on it. I don't have the headliners or seatbelt cutting. Will need to think about that. I'd add on the list a rear bumper (or something else) to mount a Jerry Can. I think having extra gas on hand is a safety item especially on remote trails. I also carry an axe in case I need to chop a downed tree in an emergency. I have a Silky Saw as well that has been invaluable. The other thing, that I know you have but didn't mention, is a satellite communicator for emergencies. The more we think about these things, there is always something else to buy😂

Never thought about the seat belt cutter. Great info as always and I’ll be adding a couple of these to my rig.

I've owned and used a high-lift jack for decades. Of course you can use it to change a tire, but you can also use it to pull yourself or others out of a sticky situation. Sometimes just a few feet is all you need. I also carry 2 plastic 5-gal jerry cans with water.

what a comprehensive list of absolute minimum sot carry with you on the trail Brad. And thanks for the Portland Gerber plug ;-) I have a window hammer/cutter installed in easy reach in middle console as well as a cutter on the seat belt (courtesy CRKT another Portland knife company) . Used the extinguisher assisting a tent fire, definitely needed 24/7. ATGATT (all the gear all the time). A rear cargo drawer system to keep the gear contained yet easily accessible seems to be a future upgrade I need.

I’m doing a check list of what to bring to the Rubicon trail. I got most of the things you said but couple, I didn’t even think about. Thank you!! I 100% agree with the spare nuts and bolts, never thought of that.

Love all your videos Brad. Only missing 2 items of the 15 from your list, but watching it reminds me to buy the other items. Thanks again for all your videos

What a great Dad! Your boys are lucky to have you! Really great content as always😎

It's time this subject was brought up, a real Unity 6" Cop Spotlight, not a bolt-on temporary light. A real-deal movable Unity Spotlight is very handy, it's legal, and can light up wherever you need it. Yes you need to drill a hole, tuff! It's worth it. The Unity LED has boo-koo candlepower and very handy on a Jeep. Please do a future feature on these wonderful lights. Really, they're not that scary !!

Brad, great video bro! Jim from Temecula! I’m actually just returning from a camping trip in Anza Borrego. One thing that I’ve learned to pack but I’ve actually never needed myself was a jumpstart pack. There’s always somebody in the group who leaves on an accessory and wakes up the next morning with a dead battery lol. The other thing I bring is a self priming fuel siphon in case of emergencies people can go rig to rig if need be. Hope all is well bro!

All great stuff and I have just about everything you mentioned but instead of the factory Jack and a bottle Jack I have a high lift which also acts like a winch. Slow but usually all you need is a little pull or a ratchet strap around the suspension and then Jack up from a bumper or side rail to change a tire.

What we learn is what we know ? This video was very helpful. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks for this video Brad. We are headed down to Joshua Tree and Anza Borrego next weekend. I’m getting all the gear and check list marked off. I’m going to add the seatbelt/glass break tool to my packing list.

A noco jump starter is something I have in every vehicle now. Jumper cables are great but your vehicle isn’t always positioned in a way that makes them easy to use, and if my wife is ever in a situation where her vehicle needs a jump I don’t have to worry about her flagging down some stranger to give her a hand.

We carry a good size Mymedic kit. But our last trip Moab we found we were missing a full size splint. We came across a couple on dirt bikes and she had crashed and possibly broke her elbow. So we used bandage and sticks and gave them a ride down. Mymedic makes a bigger sprain and fracture mod that we have since added.

One of your best videos for both the new guy and the old-hat.

I carry a small Rinse Kit. It’s a little less than 2 gallons but is pressurized so it lasts a while. The primary purpose was to rinse off dishes when camping, but now I carry it everytime I wheel after coming across a smoldering campfire in Colorado left unattended. Being able to put some water it without using a fire extinguisher was worth it in my opinion.

I never go out on the trails without a chain saw.. I learned that the hard way!

Been a long time subscriber. Also took my time to select a jeep. I been looking for 6 years. I am impressed with myself for taking the time to follow this channel and taking my time getting what I wanted. So as of today. I have had my Rubicon since 12-22-23. It is so awesome to have taken the time to get what you want. And not regret the decision. So now after all this.... Brad you owe me money for buying this JLU Rubicon 😂😊 However, I think I will settle with you releasing another video 😅

If you go out where cellphone reception is poor or nonexistent, PLEASE carry an Emergency Locator Transmitter/Beacon! They are not too expensive compared to other off-road items and can be real life savers!

Awesome video, as always, Master Chief!

I have a good quality Gerber knife that has a hook blade (small fold out on the opposite side) and a glass breaker, besides the main good quality Gerber blade; the blade has a cut point that is the same width as a standard flathead screwdriver. I was worried I'd miss the point on my knife, but I will tell you with a lot of enthusiasm, I have used that small flat end more than I would ever need a knife point. It is not only a pry tool to open containers like paint and chemical can tops, but a tool to turn screws when going to grab a screwdriver isn't necessary. I carry it everywhere and all day. Plus as an added bonus, the glass breaker is on the butt end, and adds a very painful striking end to the knife if the blade end isn't conveniently aligned when in a fight.

I have a power wagon and took it to my local off road park. I have tube step bars but they bent coming over a hill. I really need a pair of good rock sliders for my power wagon. Probably a suspension lift as well. Thanks for your videos

Very informative Brad. Thanks for sharing your Off-road knowledge and experience.

I own a 2013 3.6 v6 with over 200k miles. Kept mine stock other than cold air & cat back duel exhaust. Still running strong!

Great video! I am sure some people will say you are trying to sell things, if they do I hope you do t let those comments deter you from making videos like these, which are very useful to many people like myself.

One of the reasons I love your channel - always learning something new about off-roading or camping I never knew before… definitely will pick up an element fire extinguisher as a second backup, its light and compact. One thing you did not share was having a portable battery charger. Anyone off-roading alone, it is a MUST have. If you are off grid, no cell service, it could be a life saver. Literally.

snatch block to add options to recoveries and added pulling power

I really enjoy and learn from your videos. Thank you for the effort 👍

Portable 4K amp jump starter (I use Gooloo); Kinetic Recovery rope, tree straps & soft shackles (that fit into whatever holes or connections on your vehicle (metal bumpers) & on other units. Water carriers (2.5 gal) & gas carriers if needed, I have 4 gal rotopack that connect behind the tire of X vehicle, and 12 gal container that sits behind another vehicle. Thanks for the update and report. Info re Element Fire Extinguisher was new to me.

Brad, would you consider doing a video on what to pack, at a minimum, in a first aid kit? I’m never sure what is essential and what is not.

In regards to fire extinguishers. I would highly recommend not running just an element extinguisher. At a minimum carry a 2.5lb abc extinguisher alongside the element one. Or a 5lb extinguisher if you can. There’s a video of a couple fire fighters running tests on all different types of extinguishers including the element one. If I can find it I’ll send it to you Brad

Good video, thanks for posting!