What do you need to bring when you go UTV riding? Well… there’s really no such thing as being “too prepared” when it comes to riding. When you hit the trail, you just want to have a good time! Even though there can be a lot to bring, forgetting one crucial part can be the difference between a great day and getting stuck before it even gets started.
Although you probably won’t be able to bring everything on this list to your next ride, it’s important to make sure you have everything you need so you can have uninterrupted fun on the trail knowing you’re covered no matter what happens!
The Essentials
- Food/Water
Always carry more than you expect you’ll need! This should be right at the top of your things to bring when you go UTV riding. No one likes riding on an empty stomach!
Here’s some quick and easy snack suggestions:
- Trail mix
- Granola/Protein bars
- Carrots
- Beef jerky
- Sandwiches
- Sunflower seeds (bring a bag to spit the shells into)
- Muffins
- Cold pizza
- And my personal favourite – a simple sausage and bun!
- Helmet
Always make sure your helmet is approved for the trail!
Whether it’s a visor or goggles, it’s important to have eye protection as well to protect the softest part of your body from flying debris.
- Mobile phone/Radio
A couple things here…
A cell phone is a must-have on any ride, they can provide you with navigation, maps and ultimately a contact if you get in trouble.
This is all great, in theory. As many know, cell service in the middle of nowhere can be spotty at best.
One recommendation is to pick up long range radios to have contact with someone back at camp.
- A Map/GPS
You might have this on your phone, once again it comes down to cell phone reception.
Newer models of UTV’s have a built in GPS, they’re a good investment to make sure you never get lost!
- A friend
Out of everything, this might be the most important.
One of UTV Canada’s core values is to “never ride alone.”
While this rule has some symbolic meaning behind it, the saying also very literally means NEVER ride alone.
Getting stuck, breaking down, getting hurt, etc. all sucks on the trail. Having any of this happen while you’re on your own is just plain out dangerous.
- Someone who knows your plan
This isn’t something you bring ON the trail, however it’s just as important as anything to let someone know your ride plan. When you’ll be leaving, where you’ll be going, and your expected return.
It’s an insurance plan that takes minimal effort to prevent a worst case scenario.
- Weather appropriate clothing
Make sure to check the weather before you go out!
Fire resistant coveralls are always a viable option, but you don’t want to be stuck without rubber boots, gloves or a rain coat when you need them most!
- First Aid Kit
Having someone that knows first aid is also important on the trail.
We always hope for a comfortable ride, but riding can become a physical sport and you always want to be prepared in case the ride takes a turn for the worse. It can happen.
A good first aid kit includes bandages, dressings, medical scissors, gloves, tape, and so more.
In the event someone has an allergic reaction, an epipen isn’t a bad idea either.
- Sunscreen/Bug spray
Keep the sun burns away and the pesky mosquitoes off! You can also bring afterbite sting relief in case the bugs just didn’t lay off.
- Bear spray/Bear Bell
Whenever you venture into the wilderness, you ride into someone else’s home. You need to be prepared to react differently to encounters with various animals. It’s a good idea to bring a bear bell to protect yourself safe without harming the bear.
- Fire extinguisher
In the unlikely event something on your UTV sets on fire, an extinguisher might save more than just your UTV, it might save plenty of the forest around it as well.
The Parts
- Winch/Tow Strap
It’s not just the mud you have to worry about…
A winch or tow strap can help drag a broken down machine off the trail, or get over a hill.
- Axle
Everyone is going to break a couple of these eventually…
The best part about bringing a spare axle, is that it won’t take up a ton of space. There’s no mount needed, just chuck it in your cargo box and forget about it… until you need it.
- Extra fuel
All it takes is a fuel pack and a mount! Gas might be expensive but getting stuck on the trail is even worse.
- Tire plug kit
This ones pretty self explanatory. With all of the sticks and stones on the trail, there’s always a risk of blowing out a tire
Tire Plugger kits are worth their weight in gold. At under $100, they can save any given day on the trail.
- Jumper cables
Imagine stopping for a snack, then you get ready to start your UTV and the key doesn’t turn over… You can use the same ones that you’d use for your truck, so just take the ones you already have!
Anytime you put loads of stress onto your machine, your drive belt becomes more likely to blow as it continues to heat up.
Another good way to prevent any belt-related issues is to get an RBO belt temp gauge, which can help you know when your belt is nearing a breaking point.
Stick and stones may break your bones… and your tires…
The Tools
If you’re a handyman, a small tool kit is exactly what you need to bring when you go UTV riding! It doesn’t take long to put together and you likely have most of the tools anyways!
A tool kit should include these essentials to start:
- Swiss army knife/pocket knife
- Wrenches
- Screwdrivers
- Pliers
- Duct tape
- Zip ties
- Flashlight
The Overnight Supplies
Whenever you go UTV riding, it’s never a bad idea to bring what you need to stay overnight. You can fit a lot in your UTV if you utilize your storage space well enough.
One great way to increase you storage space is to pick up a storage bag or cargo box. You can get storage bags that fit inside your doors, between your seats and on your roof.
- Tarp
There is definitely more comfortable solutions, like a small tent, but unless you’re planning to camp you just need something to keep you out of the rain.
- Fire making basics
For cooking, or just staying warm in case you have an unexpected overnight stay!
- Socks
Because there’s nothing worse than wet socks and itchy feet.
- Toilet paper
You never know when nature will call…
A Backup Plan
We know you can’t bring everything on the trail, but what’s most important is that you go riding with a backup plan.
As long as you’re in the wilderness, you never know what’s going to happen. Make sure that no matter what happens, you can make it home safely that night!
We can’t understate the importance of riding with a group. Even if there’s a breakdown on the trail, you can go back to get your machine later! Your safety is always the primary focus.
Did we miss anything? Let us know on our Facebook or Instagram @UTVCanada
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