Off-Road Gear Checklist: What You Need for a Safe and Fun UTV Ride

Look, if you’re going to hit the trails, you better be ready for whatever the great outdoors throws at you. And I’m not just talking about having a badass UTV—though, let’s be real, that’s a given. You need to be prepped, head to toe, with the right gear if you want to have a good time and not end up wishing you stayed home. So here’s the deal: I’ve put together this off-road gear checklist that’ll make sure you’re covered for a safe (and fun) ride.

Protective Gear

First thing’s first: safety gear. You might think you're invincible, but trust me, even the toughest SOBs need protection out there.

• Helmets: Look, I’ll be straight with you—I’m not always the guy who throws on a helmet every time I hit the trails. Most of the time, I’m out there cruising without one, and depending on the state you’re in, you might not even be required to wear one. But here’s the deal: there are situations where it’s not just about the law—it’s about common sense.

For starters, some states do require helmets, so make sure you know the rules before you hit the road. But even more important than that, I highly recommend wearing a helmet when you’re out duning. The dunes can be unpredictable as hell, and one bad roll can leave you in a world of hurt.

Take Sterling, one of our owners, as an example. He rolled our Pro R at Dumont, and let me tell you—if he hadn’t been wearing a helmet, we might be talking about him being a half-wit right now, or worse. Helmets save lives, man. Simple as that.

So, when you’re gearing up, get yourself a DOT-approved or Snell-certified helmet. Full-face helmets offer the best protection, and if you’re riding hard like we do, make sure it’s got some decent ventilation—otherwise, you’ll be sweating buckets, and that’s no fun for anyone.

• Goggles: Dirt, bugs, mud—your eyes need protection. Trust me, no one wants to be the idiot pulling a branch or a chunk of mud out of their eyeball mid-ride. And if you’re the type that prefers to ride without a windshield, then you better think long and hard about grabbing a nice pair of goggles. That windscreen’s not there to save you, and your eyes are gonna take the hit for it.

Get yourself a solid pair of goggles with UV protection, anti-fog, and scratch resistance. Especially if you plan on keeping these suckers for more than one season, it’s worth investing in something decent. You’ll thank yourself when the dust is flying, and you can still see where the hell you’re going.

• Gloves: You’re gripping that steering wheel all day, right? Good gloves are essential to keep your hands from getting chewed up. Leather’s durable, but synthetic gloves offer good breathability if you're riding in hotter weather.
  
  
• Protective Clothing: You don’t want to get shredded out there, so stick with long sleeves, pants, and maybe even a riding jacket. Trust me, that extra layer of protection goes a long way when you’re blasting through brush or hitting the rough stuff. Go for abrasion-resistant materials—something that’ll actually hold up. And if you know you’re gonna get wet, don’t forget waterproof gear. Riding around in soggy clothes is miserable and nobody’s idea of a good time.

Now, if you’re in the desert, I get it—wearing long sleeves and pants can feel like a personal hell. In that case, just make sure you’re layering on the sunscreen. You might think you’re tough, but nobody likes peeling off sunburned skin after a long ride. So cover up or slather up—it’s your choice.

• Footwear: Look, this isn’t a walk in the park—and that means you don’t just throw on any old footwear. While I think regular shoes are fine when you’re confined to the cab of your UTV, there’s a line. Flip-flops? Hard pass. You don’t want your feet slipping around or worse, smashing a toe if things get rough.

That said, if you’re planning to get out and explore the terrain a bit—whether it’s rocky trails or uneven ground—consider a good pair of hiking boots or shoes. You’ll appreciate the extra grip and support when you’re climbing around or walking on tough surfaces. So, sneakers might work for casual rides, but be smart about the terrain you’re headed into.

Safety and Emergency Gear

Shit happens. Here’s how you can make sure you're not screwed when it does.

• First-Aid Kit: You’re gonna want a solid first-aid kit for when things go south. I’m talking bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers—the works. You never know when you might need to patch up a nasty cut or scrape.
• Fire Extinguisher: Let’s just say UTVs and fires don’t mix. A small fire extinguisher is a no-brainer. Mount it somewhere easy to reach in your rig, and don’t forget to check it every so often.
• Communication Devices: If you’re in the middle of nowhere and something goes wrong, you’ll want more than just a "good luck" prayer. Two-way radios are a good start, but if you’re heading into no-man’s land, grab a satellite phone or a personal locator beacon. Better safe than stuck in the middle of nowhere.

Recovery Tools and Equipment

Getting stuck isn’t fun, but it’s even worse if you’re unprepared. Here’s what you need to get out of a jam.

• Winch: A good winch is worth every penny. Mud, rocks, steep inclines—it’ll save your bacon when you’re in a bind. Make sure it’s strong enough to handle your UTV’s weight, and don’t cheap out on this one.
• Tow Straps and D-Rings: These are your best friends when you (or a buddy) get stuck. Look for heavy-duty straps and durable D-rings that’ll handle the load when you need to pull someone out.
• Tire Repair Kit: Ever had a flat in the middle of nowhere? Yeah, not fun. A tire repair kit is a must. Grab one with plugs and an inflator—you’ll be back on the trail in no time.
• Shovel and Traction Boards: Don’t underestimate a good ol’ shovel. Whether you’re stuck in mud or snow, a small foldable shovel can dig you out. Traction boards are also worth throwing in the back—they’ll help you get unstuck without a winch, even though you will look like one of those silly “overlander” people.

Navigation and Survival Gear

Getting lost isn’t part of the plan, but it happens. Here’s how to stay on track and survive if things go sideways.

• GPS or Trail Map: Yeah, your phone has GPS, but what happens when you lose signal? Invest in a proper off-road GPS system or app that allows you to download the maps, or at the very least, carry a physical map of the trail. 
• Toolkit: You never know when you’ll need to make a quick fix. A good multi-tool or knife can be a lifesaver for minor repairs or cutting through something that’s blocking your path. Or even better, get yourself a good toolkit to always carry in your UTV.
• Extra Water and Food: Do I even need to say this? Bring extra water. Dehydration is no joke, especially if you’re out riding hard all day. Toss in some non-perishable snacks, too. Energy bars, jerky—whatever keeps you going.
• Survival Gear: In case of an emergency, having a few basic survival items like an emergency blanket, matches, or a whistle can make all the difference if you end up spending the night out in the wild.

Comfort and Convenience Items

Not everything’s about survival. Sometimes, you just want to make the ride a bit more comfortable.

• Riding Backpack or Storage Bag: You’ll need something to carry all this stuff. Grab a tough riding backpack or a UTV storage bag that fits on your rig. Make sure it’s water-resistant and big enough for all your gear.
• Spare Clothing: Bring an extra set of clothes. Riding gear gets dirty and wet, and there’s nothing worse than sitting in soggy clothes for hours.
• Sun Protection: Don’t forget about sunscreen and lip balm. You’ll be in the sun all day, and nothing kills a good ride like a nasty sunburn or cracked lips.

Bonus Tips: Prepping for the Weather

Weather can be a real pain if you’re not prepared. If it’s cold, bring extra layers and a windproof jacket. If it’s hot, go for breathable fabrics and keep the hydration flowing. You want gear that adapts, ‘cause the weather can change in an instant.

Conclusion

There you have it—a solid list of the gear you’ll need to keep your UTV adventures safe, fun, and hassle-free. Get your stuff organized, check it regularly, and you’ll be ready for whatever the trails throw at you. Remember, off-roading’s supposed to be a blast, but only if you’re prepared for the bumps along the way.