Essential items you should pack for any off-road trip

One of the great things about 4x4'ing in Australia is the change in terrains you can experience— from sand, red dirt and rock, right through to snow. Aussies are spoiled for choice. That does, though, come with its own unique set of challenges. If you're setting off for a decent trip, you may be presented with all of those terrains as you travel, so it pays to be prepared. In this edition of the campfire blog, we’re going to talk through everything an Aussie 4x4'er should pack to keep them out of trouble and on the tracks!

1. Basic Tool Kit

You don’t need an entire workshop on wheels, but a solid tool kit is non-negotiable. You can make these yourself or purchase a ready-made set at any good auto parts store. At the very least you should be packing a kit that includes:

Spanners and a full socket set (metric or imperial, depending on your vehicle)
Pliers, vice grips, and adjustable spanners
A hammer (because sometimes things just need a good smack)
Screwdrivers (flat and Phillips heads)
Multimeter (handy for diagnosing electrical issues)
Allen keys and or torque bits if required for your vehicle
Breaker bar
Socket that fits your vehicles hub nut
Wheel brace

2. Tyre Repair Kit and Air Compressor

Flat tyres are one of the most common issues on any 4X4 adventure. A decent tyre repair kit, complete with plugs, is essential. If you’re on rocky terrain, sharp stones can easily puncture your tyres, and being stranded without a fix is not an option. Equally important is an air compressor. After airing down your tyres, you’ll need to pump them back up when you hit the smooth stuff again. Plus, it’s a lifesaver if you need to inflate after fixing a puncture.

tyre repair kit

Speaking of tyres, make sure you’re carrying at least one full size spare. If you’re headed way out in the sticks and expect to be a long way from anywhere, consider carrying two full size spares.

A sturdy jack (not the flimsy one that comes with most vehicles) is essential, too. Unless you’re carrying a breaker bar and the correct size deep socket, pack a wheel brace and check that it fits your 4X4’s wheel nuts. I know that sounds like a no-brainer, but just yesterday along the Gibb River Road I came across a pair of blokes who were stuck with a flat. They were carrying two full size spares, but no wheel brace. With no way to get the old tyre off and a new one on they were going nowhere fast until we lent a hand.

You’ll also want to pack a tyre deflator and accurate tyre pressure gauge.

4. Fluids and Belts

Mechanical breakdowns aren’t always due to some complex issue. Most of the time they’re a simple fix. Make sure to bring along:

Engine oil (enough for a top-up or small refill)
Coolant (make sure it’s the correct type for your vehicle)
Brake fluid and power steering fluid
A fuel stabiliser capable of treating poor quality diesel or petrol
A jerry-can of spare petrol or diesel (depending on the size of your tank and intended distance to travel).

Additionally, pack a few spare belts and hoses specific to your 4X4. A snapped fan belt or busted radiator hose can stop you in your tracks, but having a spare means you can fix it on the spot and keep moving.

5. Recovery Gear

4X4’ing often means getting stuck. It’s all part of the fun, right? But when it happens, you'll want to have recovery gear handy. A basic kit should include:

Snatch straps
D-shackles or soft shackles
A shovel (a folding one is a space-saver… but more effort when the inevitable happens)
Recovery tracks/traction boards

If you're heading into seriously remote areas, consider a winch. It’s an investment, but when you're stuck in deep mud or sand with no one around to give you a hand, it’s can be lifesaver.

6. Electrical Supplies

Modern 4X4’s have plenty of electronics that can go haywire, so having a few basic electrical supplies is a must. Include:

Spare fuses (carry various sizes)
Electrical tape
Cable ties (these little beauties have a million uses)
A portable battery jumper pack (especially if you drive an auto) and or jump leads

7. Spare Parts

When you're heading into remote areas, it’s wise to bring along a few key spare parts. These will depend on your vehicle, but common must-have spares include:

A spare air filter
A fuel filter (especially if you're using questionable diesel from remote service stations)
Spare light bulbs for your headlights and indicators
A spare serpentine belt
Superglue
Loctite
A packet of soap (to seal punctured fuel tanks)
A bag of assorted nuts, bolts and washers. I hardly ever throw away a nut or bolt, they come in bloody handy out on the tracks!

It might seem like overkill, but the peace of mind knowing you’ve got these tucked away is worth the extra space they take up. A helpful bit of advice, when you’re travelling the Outback, you’ll come across a bunch of wrecked and obviously abandoned 4X4s, in a pinch don’t rule out liberating some parts from them if they suit your vehicle and can get you to safety.

8. Miscellaneous Gear

A few extra bits and bobs can really save your bacon in a pinch. Here are some essentials:

Duct tape (for temporary fixes on just about anything)
WD-40 (or your preferred lubricant for stubborn parts)
A multi-tool (I carry a Leatherman OHT and have for the past six or so years)
A tarp (perfect for working under your vehicle, or as an emergency shelter)
Torch and spare batteries

9. First Aid Kit and Personal Safety Gear

A well-stocked first aid kit is a no-brainer, but a snake bite kit is often overlooked, make sure you’re carrying both. Additionally, ensure the first aid kit includes in-date bandages, antiseptic, painkillers, and an additional week's worth of any personal medications. Additionally, pack:

A pair of gloves (for handling hot or sharp parts)
Sunscreen and a hat (this is Australia after all)
Plenty of drinking water
A fire extinguisher. If you have a lithium battery setup in your vehicle, ensure your fire extinguisher is the correct type for use in the event of a battery/electrical fire.

spare fuel ford ranger australia

Even with all the gear in the world, things can still go wrong. That’s why it’s crucial to have a backup plan. Let someone know your route and estimated return time. Carry a satellite capable device or personal locator beacon (PLB) in case you need to call for help in an emergency and make sure you’ve done your research and aren’t heading out unprepared. Personally, I carry a PLB and Starlink. Starlink is now cheaper than most sat phone services and gives me the ability to make calls as well as research fixes if we run into any issues. It also makes getting accurate weather forecasts and maps easy.