Off-road trips take you beyond phone coverage, paved roads and quick help. The right gear lets you find legal routes, stay in touch, see after dark and cope if a trip takes longer than planned. This guide covers navigation, communication, lighting, overlanding basics and safety supplies, using public-land guidance from the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), National Weather Service (NWS) safety information and Tread Lightly! principles. It is research-based; we do not rank brands.
Navigation
Official maps first
On national forests, the Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) is the official map of designated routes for motor vehicles, and the Forest Service states that routes not shown on it are not open to public motor vehicle travel. The MVUM is a reference rather than a navigation map, so pair it with a forest visitor map or topographic map. Georeferenced MVUMs are available for some map apps; check that you have the current year’s edition. On BLM land, follow posted signs and contact the field office.
GPS and apps
- Download maps for offline use before you lose signal.
- Carry a dedicated GPS unit or a second device as backup.
- Bring paper maps and a compass, and know how to use them.
- Remember that apps may show closed or private routes; the official map takes precedence.
See navigation.
Communication
| Option | Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile phone | Calls and messages where coverage exists | Coverage is often absent on remote trails |
| Satellite messenger or satellite-capable phone | Messages and SOS without phone coverage | Needs a clear view of the sky; check subscription and features |
| Personal locator beacon | Emergency SOS only | Register it as required |
| Two-way radios | Vehicle-to-vehicle on the trail | Licensing rules apply to some radio services; check before use |
Agree a check-in plan with someone at home: when you expect to be back and what they should do if they do not hear from you. See communication.
Lighting
- Headlamps for every occupant, with spare batteries.
- A work light for repairs and recoveries after dark.
- Auxiliary vehicle lights: check state laws on use on public roads, and avoid dazzling other trail users.
- Plan to finish driving before dark; trails are much harder to read at night.
See off-road lighting.
Safety and survival supplies
- Water: more than you expect to need, especially in hot areas.
- Food for an extra day.
- Warm layers and rain gear, even in summer at altitude.
- First-aid kit and knowledge of how to use it.
- Fire extinguisher suitable for vehicles.
- Recovery gear: see recovery basics.
- Basic tools, spare fuses, tire repair kit, compressor and gauge.
The NWS warns that 12 inches of rushing water can carry away most cars; carry gear that lets you wait out a flood rather than tempting you to cross. See emergency equipment.
Overlanding basics
Overlanding means multi-day vehicle-based travel, usually camping along the way. Beyond the gear above:
- Sleeping system (tent, rooftop tent or vehicle sleeping platform).
- Cooking kit and secure food storage for wildlife areas.
- Water storage and treatment.
- Power for devices (auxiliary battery or portable power station).
- Waste bags: Tread Lightly! asks travellers to dispose of waste properly and leave places better than they found them.
Keep weight within the vehicle’s payload and secure all cargo so it cannot move in a sudden stop or on rough ground. See overlanding.
Packing checklist
| Category | Items |
|---|---|
| Navigation | Current MVUM or official map, topo map, offline GPS, compass |
| Communication | Phone, satellite messenger or PLB, radios, check-in plan |
| Lighting | Headlamps, work light, spare batteries |
| Recovery | Strap, rated shackles, damper, shovel, traction boards, gloves |
| Vehicle | Spare tire, jack, tools, tire repair, compressor, gauge |
| Safety | Water, food, layers, first aid, fire extinguisher |
Testing your gear before a trip
Gear that has never been used is unreliable in an emergency. Before a remote trip, send a test message with your satellite device, check that offline maps actually load without signal, practise airing up with your compressor, test radios between vehicles and make sure everyone knows where the first-aid kit and fire extinguisher are. Replace expired first-aid items and batteries, and check that water containers do not leak.
Organising the vehicle
Store recovery gear and the first-aid kit where you can reach them without unpacking the whole vehicle. Keep heavy items low and secured, because loose cargo becomes dangerous on rough ground or in a sudden stop. Keep a small daypack with water, a jacket, a headlamp and your communication device ready in case you need to walk away from the vehicle.
Staying with the vehicle
If you break down in a remote area and have a way to call for help, staying with the vehicle is often safer than walking out, especially in heat or cold, because a vehicle is easier to find and provides shelter. Share your exact location using your satellite device or GPS coordinates.
Frequently asked questions
Is a phone enough for navigation?
Only with offline maps downloaded, a way to charge it and a backup. Official land-management maps decide which routes are legal.
Do I need a satellite messenger?
For remote trails without phone coverage, a way to call for help is strongly advisable, especially if travelling alone.
All gear guides are under Off-Road Gear.
What should I carry for a day trip?
Official map and offline navigation, a way to call for help, water and food for longer than planned, warm layers, first aid, a headlamp, basic recovery gear and tire repair supplies.
Do auxiliary lights need to be covered on roads?
Rules vary by state. Check your state’s vehicle lighting laws before fitting or using auxiliary lights on public roads.
How much water should I carry?
More than you expect to need, with extra for hot weather and for the possibility of waiting for help. Many remote breakdowns last longer than planned.
