We all have a list of things we bring on rides. It ranges from coolers, drinks, food, tools, GPS, the list goes on. Of course, depending on what type of ride, how long, terrain, etc. you may have different requirements but there are a few things that you want to have on you at all times just in case. I learned my lesson years ago after we were stranded in the woods in the middle of winter with a dead battery, no jumper cables or cell phone reception.
Here are 6 things you don't want to leave home without.
A Jump Pack is at the Top of the List
Jump packs are so small and compact nowadays these little jewels are a must have for your kit. This is the one we use and it's been great. We bought it on Amazon. https://amzn.to/3bMF7lY
Believe it or not, we have started vehicles with this little guy with no effort. It has a flashlight and a port to charge your phone. In a worst case situation you could use it to start a fire by arching the terminals together.
First Aid Kit
A box of band-aids, gauze and duct tape is better than nothing at all but the bigger the kit you can fit the better. You never know when you or someone else will need help and you just might save a life. There are some really nice already put together kits like this one. https://amzn.to/2uf77Oe
Or you can just build your own. We carry one of the military first aid kits with us. Compact yet still has the necessities.
Emergency Food Supply
If s**t really hits the fan and despite your best measures, you still end up stuck in the middle of nowhere, you will want some provisions. If you can get your hands on some military MRE's, that would be a great source. The packages are waterproof and 1 or 2 ought to do you until you can get help. Plus their pretty tasty, you may just decide you want to eat one in a non-emergency situation. A can of beans, rice, or anything you can fit in your survival box would be better than nothing. Don't forget your P-38 canopener. I've had to open a can of chili before with a hammer and screwdriver.... not fun.
Emergency Blanket
I laughed at the idea of this too, but after seeing someone fall chest deep in a mudhole when it's below freezing outside, I realized the value in having one on hand. They take up very little room and can be used for a variety of things, chiefly keeping you warm, but also as an overhead shelter, ground mat, changing out an axle in the sand, the list goes on. You can get a multi pack for less than $10. https://amzn.to/2SINKX7
Mini Air Compressor and Tire Plug Kit
If you've ever had a flat on the trail and had to ride home on the rim, you know how bad that can be. You end up damaging both your tire and wheel. A tire plug kit and a 12v air compressor can be the difference between getting home or not. Our go to is this one, we have had good luck with it. https://amzn.to/2Pak0At Just try to keep them out of moisture, they do not like it.
Basic Tool Kit
You know your fourwheeler or buggy and you know what might or might not break. Do you need to carry a spare wheel? Probably not... Do you need a spare ball joint if you are running 35" bkts and ball joints are prone to break on your machine? I'd say so...
It's a good idea to at least have a basic tool kit.
A few things we have in our kit is a small wrench and socket set with the most common sizes (not need to carry a 3/4 if there are no 3/4" bolt heads on your machine), hammer, screwdriver, pliers, zip ties, electrical tape, spare spark plug, wire strippers, crimp connectors, Harbor Freight multimeter, flashlight, and cigarette lighter.
Again, this is a very basic kit and you can carry as much or as little as you feel comfortable with. We keep our kit dry and serviceable by storing all these items in a small waterproof pelican box.