13 must-have essential recovery gear before going out on the trails

#1 Shovel

Always make sure that your truck has a shovel, even a folding one. You can use the shovel to clear the soft dirt that your wheels get stuck in. In the best-case scenario, the shovel alone will be enough to get you out. Most likely, you’ll use it to clear enough space to get a traction device into place. A shovel can also come in handy when you are using a winch. If you are worried about space, there are plenty of folding shovels available.

#2 Ax

While a shovel is standard in a recovery kit, you may also want to consider an ax. It is better at moving different materials out of the way, such as rocks or fallen tree branches. As a bonus, it can help you chop firewood at your campsite.

#3 Recovery Boards

Speaking of traction devices, you should make sure that you have a set of recovery boards in your 4WD before hitting the trail. When you successfully position them underneath your tires, they might be enough to get your truck free from the mud, dirt, sand, or any other material.

#4 Snatch Straps

You may choose between snatch straps and winch ropes, or you may include both in your recovery gear. Snatch straps are the more appropriate choice if you are not using a winch. Nylon is the best choice for material, as it gives the right amount of stretch and kinetic energy. Their flexibility also reduces the pressure on your vehicle’s mount points. Just remember to get straps rated for your vehicle’s weight.

#5 Recovery Points

You should make sure to have recovery points on your truck or SUV as well. Hopefully, your vehicle already has some, but if it doesn’t, make it a point to install them. Ideally, you want recovery points both in the rear and the front. That gives you the versatility to get out of any situation, no matter which direction you are facing.

#6 Hooks or Shackles

You will also want to make sure that your recovery kit includes hooks, shackles, or something similar to latch onto. You may need them to use your recovery points. Or maybe you will need them to use your winch. This type of gear is also highly versatile, as you can use hooks or shackles to arrange your ropes or straps with or without a winch.

#7 Winch

A winch should always be at the top of your priorities when it comes to recovery gear. Your winch is arguably the most important part of your recovery kit as it will give you the extra strength and maneuverability you need to get out of a tight or sticky spot.

#8 Winch Accessories, Including Hooks and Rope

Your winch is useless without the right accessories, specifically rope and hooks. Synthetic rope is a popular option as it does not develop sharp burs, is lighter, and is less likely to snap and injure you. That said, some people prefer other materials, such as steel.

#9 Tree Savers

Consider bringing along a tree saver to go with your winch. This will give the ability to use a tree along with the winch without worrying about damaging the tree. Remember that in addition to damaging the tree, using a winch cable on a tree without a tree saver can damage your winch.

#10 Work Light

While it would be great if you need to use your recovery gear only in well-lit areas, that is not always the case. You cannot control where you will get stuck or what time of day it will be when that happens. Keeping at least one work light on hand ensures that you can always see what you are doing as you get your truck out of a tough situation. Remember, even if you get stuck in broad daylight, you may need the work light to see under your 4WD and assess the problem.

#11 Jack With Base Plates

You want to take a jack with you for several reasons. The most obvious use is to let you change your tire if you need to while on your adventure. Your jack can also do wonders for recovery. Depending on the situation, you may be able to position the jack and use it to lift your 4WD a few inches. You only need to raise it enough to pack something into the hole you sunk into and prevent your truck from falling back in as soon as you release it.

#12 Tire Gauge

While it may not quite be recovery gear, a tire gauge can prove to be useful while you recover your truck or afterward. Having a tire gauge on hand can also reduce the risk that you need to use the other recovery tools on this list. After all, you will be able to easily adjust your tire pressure to the appropriate level for the surface on the trail.

#13 Radio

While the radio will not directly get you out of a tough spot, it ensures that you can communicate with others if you happen to get into a situation you cannot resolve. If your recovery gear is not enough or you need another pair of hands, you will be glad you have the radio handy to summon help. After all, cellphone reception tends to be poor on the best trails because of their remoteness.