One of the biggest advantages to owning a side-by-side like a Landmaster, is how easy it becomes to escape the daily grind and unwind off-the-grid. While some may choose to explore more popular routes and destinations where businesses, resorts, and hotels cater to off-road riders, others prefer the path less traveled. For those true adventure seekers, off-road riding and camping creates the ultimate outdoor escape. Sometimes referred to as overlanding, this combination of riding and relaxing is becoming increasingly popular. To try it for yourself and to help get you started, here’s our top-10 UTV camping essential checklist.
1. Shelter
An easy to transport tent is the ideal choice to keep you sheltered from the elements. Keep it simple and avoid the larger, multi-room options that often require more time and space to put-up, take-down, and transport. Some aftermarket companies also offer tent structures that attach directly to the UTV, and simply “flip” open to create an instant overnight retreat.
2. Navigation
Finding your way, even when you have no particular place to go is a lot easier when you have navigation tools at your fingertips. While some may prefer the reliability of a paper map, a GPS or your smart phone opens up a world of off-road opportunities and camping destinations. Applications like OnX Off-Road even give you the ability to create a route in advance.
3. Lighting
If you’re like us, you’ll want to ride all day, which means when it comes time to set-up camp, you’ll need additional light to get the job done. Modern compact rechargeable LED lights are a great option that can be charged while you ride with a simple 12-volt connection. It’s also a good idea to outfit your UTV with accessory lights that give you better visibility down the trail or around the campsite.
4. Fire
What would camping be without a campfire.? Essentials such as matches, or a flint fire starter are must haves. Also, don’t forget a compact ax or collapsible saw to help gather firewood.
5. Cooking
Anyone who has camped, knows eating is often the best part of the experience. Whether you’re making cowboy steaks and baked potatoes or you’re simply roasting hotdogs, packing a few cooking essentials and supplies will comfort your hunger after a long day on the trails.
6. Safety
Most off-road enthusiasts would classify themselves as thrill seekers, and packing a first-aid kit, along with bug spray, sunscreen, and a fire extinguisher ensures you can capture the thrill and stay safe.
7. Shower
As any true off-roader will tell you, getting dirty is half the fun. But staying dirty isn’t, especially if you’re camping in a tent for a few consecutive days. Along with basic toiletries, an easy to pack camp shower is a must have on our list. Most feature a large “bag” that you can hang from a tree. The power of the sun heats the water and with a small bar of soap you can start the next day’s ride clean and refreshed.
8. Recovery
Having the right recovery equipment along for the ride is critically important, especially if you’re traveling alone or in a small group over challenging terrain. While everyone’s recovery kit might differ slightly, here are some essential pieces: a winch, a tow strap, snatch block, and shackles along with the knowledge on how to use it. We often practice recovery methods at home so we’re ready for the real thing.
9. Repairs
Having a trailside repair kit along is a good idea for any UTV ride. Determine what common tools your particular UTV might need, and then compliment those tools with a spare tire, lift jack, X-wrench, tire plug repair kit, 12-volt air compressor, and spare valve stems with accompanying stem installation tool.
10. Vehicle
Perhaps the most important item to have along for an off-road camping adventure is a proven, trusted, and capable side-by-side. Vehicles like an American built Landmaster provide all-terrain capability with 4x4 traction, high-capacity payload for all your gear, and the toughness to get you there and back.
Off-road camping is a great way to discover new trails and new riding areas while sharing the outdoor adventure with friends or family. To help get you started, visit the Landmaster website. There you’ll discover a wide range of vehicles with 2-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive options, and power choices of gas, diesel, and electric. Happy camping.
