Offroad Equipment

Before you hit the circuit you are going to have to invest in some serious riding time.   The ATV is an all terrain vehicle, which means you can ride one just about anywhere from dirt roads to environments which are completely off the trails.

You should always ride with a team or partner.  Atv riding accidents can and do happen, having someone around to help you through trouble can make a huge difference.    Whether your ATV is stuck or got involved in a rollover, damaged by an unexpected encounter with rocks or brush, you will want to have the situation covered.   

Safety Equipment

Riding safety is the first order of business.  If you use your head when riding and have the proper safety accessories, you are going to be a step ahead of the game, no matter what happens.  Always wear a helmet and leathers, these can save wear and tear on your noggin and skin.  If your helmet is open faced you will need eye protection, ATV’s kick up a lot of dust and debris, and a navigational mishap can place your face somewhere where you’ll be glad you have eye protection.  Riding gloves and good boots are also very useful items.    Check your manufacturer’s guide for other safety suggestions.

Basic Equipment

When riding, things may or may not go smoothly.   You should have some things in your arsenal to be prepared for mechanical and navigational issues.   These are described below.

Vehicle Recovery

An atv can get stuck, lodged or otherwise disabled.   Hauling a disabled vehicle is difficult, so you will need to have equipment on hand.

Winches

At least one and preferably two riders should have vehicles equipped with winches.   A disabled vehicle may not have access to its own winch, so a backup is helpful.   

Towing Straps

A set of tow straps can be useful if you need to use a vehicle or other Atv’s to dislodge a stuck vehicle.    They can also be useful for securing a vehicle in transit.
Tire Chains

Tire chains can keep your rig from getting stuck in heavy mud, snow or other slippery environments.  The added traction should be available anywhere that riding conditions are likely to change or where whether such as rain is a factor.

Securing Cargo

Ratchet style tie downs are also good to have, both for securing the vehicle and for securing any cargo, when you are barreling over rough terrain, things bounce.    A roll of paracord or other compact strong rope is also a great asset.

Field Repairs

If a tire gets punctured you will need a tire repair kit.   Tire plugs and rubber cement are good to have.   For severe tire damage, a few cans of fix a flat are a good idea, although this will force you to replace the tire in short order, it can get you out of a jam.  A couple dozen tire plugs are generally enough for most situations.

Clamps

U-clamps can be useful for reinforcing or repairing a winch cable which is damaged.  It is an important thing to have in your bag of tricks while offroading

Metal Repairs

Frames can get damaged, as can small parts.  JB Weld or Quick Steel epoxy can temporarily repair broken pieces of metal.

Spare Parts
Extra headlight bulbs, spark plugs, a spare throttle cable, an extra fuel line, siphons, and some electrical wire that matches your vehicles system are good things to have as part of your field kit.
Extra fuses, and a kit which contains matching bolts, nuts and washers are also important to have available.  An adjustable ratchet or wrench is needed as well.

Heating and Cooling

If your ATV is liquid cooled, then at least a gallon of water should be on hand.  Bring along some extra engine oil and fuel as well.

Spare Key

If you take a bounce and lose or break your ignition key, you are screwed, you will have to tow it, hotwire it or abandon the vehicle.  Keep an extra key available so you aren’t forced to damage your ATV by resorting to hotwiring it.  Getting a new ignition can be expensive and may require the services of a locksmith or repair shop.   Plan ahead and have a spare.


Wilderness Supplies

Keep some essentials in your cargo bay if you are traveling anywhere that is even mildly remote.  If you are forced to camp, forage or deal with an injury the following items are recommended.

Compact camp shovel
Hatched or other wood gathering tool
Tarp, or at least a space blanket, visquene, and/or a plastic poncho.  
* These have multiple uses from shelter, to water gathering.
Fire, ideally both a small torch and a sealed container with waterproof matches.
GPS locator (ideally attached to vehicle with proper accessories).  
* If the GPS is powered, bring spare batteries or other charging equipment.
A First Aid Kit
SAS Survival guide or other survival book in a waterproof plastic pouch.  
* Familiarize yourself with the basics of survival before leaving home, for the wilderness.  Knowledge in a good survival guide, such as the SAS book can save your life in a severe emergency.
A few gallon size plastic freezer bags and a couple of large trash bags.  
* These can be useful for liquids, shelter, holding in body heat, disposal of waste and a number of other valuable things.
A survival knife
A few energy bars

Other equipment may be helpful and you will have to make your own choices.  Dry clothes can make a huge difference if you are thrown into a camping or survival situation.   

Familiarize yourself with the basic mechanics of your vehicle.  And make sure you have the tools available to do field repairs, and the spare parts to perform them with.   Getting caught in a wilderness area unprepared is not where you want to be.   Plan first and enjoy your trip with the knowledge that you are properly prepared for whatever contingencies life may throw at you.

Ride safely, ride with a partner and be ready for anything.   Your atv can lead you to a world of excitement and adventure, it can also put you in some unpredictable situations.  Cover your bases and hit the road ready for anything.