ATV Trail Riding Survival Kit

Serious ATV and UTV riders know that there's a lot more to hitting the trails than just filling the tank up with gas. If you plan on traveling the trails, it's important to consider packing some ATV/UTV trail riding essentials.

A Complete Guide to ATV Trail Riding Survival Kits

Image via Flickr by Skakerman (Archive)

The contents of an ATV/UTV trail riding survival kit will vary depending on the trip you have planned, the amount of distance you plan to cover, the area you are riding, and how long you plan on being gone. Items on your ATV trip checklist should cover basic first aid, tools to repair your ATV and get you back on the trail, and even survival gear.

What Is an ATV/UTV First Aid Kit?

You can purchase a pre-made first aid kit at many stores or online; however, you may want to consider putting the time into packing your own to make sure you have the items you require.  When selecting items, you need to think about accidents that can happen on the trail and the tools you would want to have with you to take care of them. Basic first-aid items include:

• Gloves: You will want to have gloves with you to avoid touching any body fluids, such as blood, of a fellow rider if you need to help them care for a wound. Gloves will also come in handy if you need to pick up garbage on the trail and don't want to get dirty.
• Band-aids: It's important to have a variety of band-aids in assorted sizes and shapes to cover possible cuts and scrapes.
• Medical tape, gauze pads, and a gauze roll: These items will come in handy if you have more significant cuts and scrapes that need to be protected from the elements.
• Antiseptic wipes: You'll want to clean any scrapes and cuts to kill any germs and reduce the chance of infection.
• Butterfly closure strips: In case of deep cuts, you'll want to have a few butterfly closure strips on hand to help hold the wound together until you can seek medical attention.
• Antibiotic cream: Another way to help reduce the chance of infection is to apply some antibiotic cream to the wound before bandaging it.
• Pain relievers: Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and aspirin can be used to alleviate pain and reduce fever.
• Burn cream: In case you burn your skin, you'll want to have a burn cream on hand to help prevent infection and treat the burn.
• Tweezers: These could come in handy if you or a fellow rider get a splinter or for anytime you need to reach into a small crevice.
• Scissors: To cut the gauze pad or roll, you'll need to have a pair of scissors in your kit.
• Saline solution: Saline can help flush the eye in case of irritants, but it can also be used to clean wounds as a sterile solution.
• Antihistamine: In case of reaction from contact with allergens, including plant life, you may want to include an antihistamine.
• Ace bandage and splint: These can be used to brace a sprain or possible bone break.
• Anti-diarrheal medicine: If you're out on the trails, you don't want to be stopping along the way for bathroom breaks.

Being prepared will help you enjoy the ride more and not worry about handling an emergency should it occur.

What Is in a Basic Tool Kit?

Another situation you should plan for before hitting the trails is a possible breakdown. You need to be ready to do a quick fix on the trail to get you back out riding again. You can purchase pre-made took kits, but you may want to consider making your own. Essential ATV/UTV tools to consider adding include:

• Duct tape or zip ties.
• Superglue or epoxy.
• Tire plug kit.
• Tire pressure gauge.
• Canister of tire air or small air compressor.
• Allen wrench set.
• Pliers.
• Axle wrench.
• Flashlight or headlamp.
• Tow strap.
• Vise grips.
• Screwdriver for flathead and Phillips head.
• A second flathead for putting the tire back on the rim.
• T-handle socket set.
• Dealer provided make/model tools.

In an ideal situation, your ATV/UTV would be in prime condition prior to the ride and during the ride, but it's best to be prepared for minor repairs along the way because it will get you back on the trail faster. You don't want a flat tire to keep you on the sidelines while your friends ride off into the sunset.

What Is in an ATV/UTV Survival Kit?

Some riders like to go off the beaten path, or in this case, trails, and explore their surroundings more in-depth. This type of riding may mean that you're traveling further from home or deeper into the wilderness, which can pose different emergencies that require preparation. Adding a survival kit, including food and water, will help you focus on staying alive and self-rescue. Items to pack include:

• Firestarter: You may need to build a fire to stay warm or to serve as a beacon to help others locate you.
• Mylar blanket or bag: These are designed to keep you warm by reflecting your body heat back on you.
• Ax: An ax can be used to cut down trees that block the trail and for trees to feed to your fire.
• Large knife: A knife can come in handy if needing to trim or notch limbs if you need to put together a make-shift shelter.
• Nylon tarp: Tarps can help protect you from the elements as part of your emergency shelter and can be used to gather water if needed.
• Trail maps and compass: Both of these will help you determine your location and help you find your way back to civilization.
• Paracord: Paracords can be used as tourniquets as well as help secure an emergency shelter.
• Fish hooks and line: If you're off-roading near a water source, you may want to bring these along to help you secure food to survive.
• Single-wall stainless-steel water bottle: You can boil water in this type of bottle.
• Signal mirror: Mirrors reflect the sun to help others locate you.
• Whistle: You may need to keep some of the wildlife at bay. This can also help others locate you.
• Sunblock: While you may have applied before you left, prolonged exposure demand reapplication.

ATV and UTV trail riding can be a lot of fun with friends and family or even on a solo ride, but it's important to be prepared for anything that the wilderness might throw at you. Along with your ATV/UTV trail riding survival kit, considering adding some unique sound with a Soundbar Cooler from Wet Sounds.