29 Essentials for Your ATV Ride

 

When you're trail riding your ATV, especially when exploring far out into the back country, you'll need ways to handle whatever pops up so that your jaunt can stay safe and uninterrupted by problems for which you're unprepared.  The trick to being prepared for unexpected problems while trail riding is to be armed with a number of essentials you shouldn't be out riding without.  This includes proper insurance protection.

Whether your off-road adventure is for the day or a week, a well put together kit of off-roading essentials will help in ensuring your trip is safe and enjoyable and that you're prepared for any situation.  This may include anything from a simple mechanical repair, a flat tire or an injury requiring first aid.  All of these situations should be mere bumps in the road if you've come prepared with a comprehensive off-roading ATV essentials kit.

Your Essential ATV Off-Road Kit of Safety Equipment and Supplies

Essential items for your ATV trail ride kit fall into three categories - tools, safety equipment and spare parts.  For longer rides you'll likely need more items, but some of these essentials should be carried at all times when possible.  Here's the list.

Tools

1. Carry your ATV's owner's manual and be familiar with key service items
2. Adjustable wrenches or assorted sizes specific to your model ATV
3. Allen wrenches
4. Flat head and Philips head screw drivers
5. Pliers
6. Spark plug wrench
7. Tire repair kit and air pump, either manual or 12-volt
8. Flashlight
9. Zip ties
10. Roll of baling wire
11. Duct tape

Safety Equipment and Supplies

1. Proper riding gear
2. DOT-certified helmet
3. Cellular phone
4. Maps or GPS
5. Matches or lighter
6. Pocket knife
7. Small fire extinguisher
8. Extra tire tube(s)
9. Tow rope
10. Power snacks such as power bars, trail mix or beef jerky
11. Thermal blankets
12. An experienced rider to help carry the essentials and accompany you on the ride.  You should avoid riding alone.

Spare Parts

1. Extra fuel (in a small container)
2. Spare tire
3. Lug wrench
4. Spare drive belt (depending on ATV model)
5. Jumper cables
6. Spark plugs

Be Prepared

These lists may appear to contain a lot of items but they cover just about everything you might need when something goes wrong on a trail ride.  An old saying tells us that the one thing you forget is probably the one thing you'll need.

Though not essential, you might also consider installing a power wench on your ATV.  They have many uses.