The trails I take are empty and hot. The Mojave is no place to take chances - just like the trails you ride. Like any 4-wheeler, I want to be prepared for any emergency. I keep my emergency stores in a plastic carton in the garage, ready to be loaded first when I'm getting ready to hit the trail. In that carton are these supplies:

1. First aid kit - includes a snakebite kit (be sure to replace the rubber suction cups each spring), insect bite spray, burn ointment, ace bandage, iodine, bandages, and bandaids.

2. Heat tablets - There's not much wood on the desert.

3. MRE's - they really aren't too bad if you're hungry enough. Army surplus stores have them.

4. Flashlight (check the batteries before you go), Matches, Pocket knife, Spare blanket - one of those tiny aluminum emergency blankets you'll find in the sporting good section. Who knows if they are any good, but they seem like a good idea.

7. A gold pan (might get lucky) and a rock hammer.

8. A small shovel, and two 2-foot long boards in case I get stuck.

9. Spare compass.

10. I carry lots of fluids - usually a gallon of water per person, plus an ice chest with Gatorade.

And, of all things, a cell phone. They work in most of the areas I've been in. I also take along maps - usually two or three of the same area, as they don't always agree - and a fire extinguisher. These items remain up front with me, close at hand.

- Spare tire

- Jack and handle (stock jack is fine)

- Lug wrench that FITS. (been there, done that, didn't like it.)

- Blanket.

- Fire extinguisher (1A/5BC or other approved for auto).

- Tire irons and an inner tube or an extra spare.

- Compressor or manual tire pump.

- 2 Gallons of water for the radiator, or a filter to strain groundwater if its available.

- 1 Gallon of engine oil.

- 5 Gallons of spare gas/diesel in a jerry can.

- Appropriate manuals for the vehicle to aid in trail-side repairs.

- A CLEAR understanding of where you're going, or at least how to get back.

- Navigation gear (map & compass, GPS, local guide, whatever).

- Replace regular jack with a Hi-Lift jack (or Jack-all) 48" min.

- Jack pad sufficient for the vehicle's size and terrain traveled.

- If using a Hi-Lift as a winch, you need blocks to keep the truck from rolling backwards during the 'taking in the slack' phases.

- A tow-rope is still a good idea, even alone.

What do you take? Can you add to this list?

Email: travels@off-road.com