Off-roading is fun, but it has its risks. One of those is getting stuck in sand or in tight spots where you need extra help getting the 4x4 out so you can get back home. Because many of these tight spots require only a little boost to get the truck out -- and because you're often far from the nearest Auto Club tow truck -- you have to have a recovery kit with you. New off-roaders often concentrate on getting the right gear for this kit, but they forget about a few basics.

Sun Protection, Water, Food, First Aid

You need an emergency kit along with the recovery kit. Recovery can take time, even if the process is simple. You'll need sun protection like a hat (sunscreen can be sweated off), as well as water and food that won't spoil. You'll also need a first-aid kit. Hopefully, you've already got these ready to go and are rolling your eyes at this advice. However, not a lot of people realize how recovery can suddenly take a lot longer than they intended on a day that's a lot hotter than was forecasted.

A List of Who Knows Where You Are

Well, you don't actually need to keep a written list of who knows where you've gone. But you should, routinely, let people know where you've gone off-roading so that if you don't return on time, people know where to look for you. If you're new to off-roading, you might think an established path frequented by other off-roaders would be safe, but if no one knows you're there, then no one can come help you until someone else happens to go off-roading in the same area. And that can take a while.

Gloves, and Spare Gloves

And more gloves. Protect your hands, both from the sun and from potential scrapes, with work gloves. Yes, ads for recover gear show people using the items without the need for safety gear. And in general, the tools themselves aren't going to hurt your skin. But in a rough situation on a hot day, you could easily scrape yourself up. Bring a few pairs of gloves along with you in that recovery kit.

Many recoveries are simple, like getting a truck out of sand with traction pads. Yet you want to be prepared for more serious situations. As cautious as you might be, you can still end up in nasty circumstances. Remember this extra gear and these extra steps as they can help you get through those times. For more help, contact an off road recovery service.