From the “Be Prepared” motto of the Boy Scouts of America to the “Go Prepared” of Warn Industries, the message is clear: backcountry trips require readiness and equipment. But how much is too much, and how much is not enough?
There’s no set formula for what constitutes preparedness and what does not. When prepping for a trip, you need to know the strengths and weaknesses of your vehicle, the duration of your trail trip, the terrain you’ll be encountering, and the number of other people and vehicles also along for the ride. Based on these variables and your own judgment, you can begin to pack your tools and spares.
To illustrate the two ends of the spectrum, we paid a visit to Poison Spyder Customs’ Larry and Cheri McRae, and then took a close look at the payload inside a personal daily driver/trail rig.
Larry and Cheri personify the “light traveler.” Cheri’s new JK is packed with a minimalist-style selection of tools and gear that leaves plenty of room left over inside for passengers. It feels clean and uncluttered.
On the other hand, the equipment found inside the 4Runner bears strong resemblance to a gas. Unlike a solid or liquid, a gas expands to fill its container. While well-equipped for the solo adventures often undertaken, it turns out that there are some definite opportunities to pare down the 4Runner’s payload. Yep, I’m an “over-packer.”
Take a look at what we bring, and then decide how much is right for you.
The Light Traveler
Cheri McRae’s 2012 JK Rubicon Unlimited is built with a smart selection of bolt-on suspension parts and bolt-on Poison Spyder hardware. Since the McRae’s usually ’wheel with groups and quite often have their tow rig waiting in the main camp area they don’t need to load the JK very heavily.
Poison Spyder has just come...
Poison Spyder has just come out with utility bags to make packing for the trail an easier task. This one is designed specifically to fit in the rear well of the JK’s cargo area.
We unpacked the bag and spread...
We unpacked the bag and spread out the contents. It turns out you can fit a lot of stuff inside! The usual suspects are found inside, but there’s almost always a vehicle-specific spare or two that should be included.
This power steering hose end...
This power steering hose end is part of a ram-assist system, and there’s also a pair of block-off plugs in case a hose ultimately can’t be repaired in the field.
This breaker bar is long enough...
This breaker bar is long enough to persuade stubborn lug nuts, and the requisite extension and socket are zip-tied into one neat assembly.
Large-sized end wrenches take...
Large-sized end wrenches take up a lot of real estate, so crowfoot wrenches and a breaker bar make a superior trail combo.
Larry has spent plenty of...
Larry has spent plenty of frigid hours inside a rock buggy, so he brings an Izod packable jacket, a face mask, and chemical warming packs to ward off the chill.
Here’s another Poison Spyder...
Here’s another Poison Spyder gear bag. This one fits perfectly beneath the JK’s second row seats.
Smaller bags inside the larger...
Smaller bags inside the larger subdivide the supplies and keep things better organized. Wire strippers, diagonal cutters, spare fasteners, and a selection of sockets are inside this one.
Rescue Tape (far left) can...
Rescue Tape (far left) can be used for a multitude of repair tasks. Spare rod ends (this bent one came from a trailside rock buggy repair) can get you off the trail under your own power if you bring them along. Spare U-joints (and the tools to change them) are also welcome in the tool bag.
A first-aid kit should be...
A first-aid kit should be one of the first items on your list. Start with a pre-made kit and add prescription drugs and special medical supplies, like a bee-sting kit or asthma inhaler, to make a custom kit that works best for you.
A selection of fuses, electrical...
A selection of fuses, electrical tape, butt connectors, and an electrical tester are easy to find and inexpensive to purchase.
Every vehicle should have...
Every vehicle should have a fire extinguisher. Poison Spyder offers a mounting kit that places the extinguisher within easy reach on the roll bar. Not focused on but along for the ride are a spare tire and a Hi-Lift jack. The ability to change a flat on the trail is a must.