The fastest way to ruin a trip is to discover what you forgot once you’re three hours of dirt road from the nearest store. This checklist is organized by system so you can pack methodically, check items off as they go in the rig, and confirm nothing critical is missing before you leave the driveway. Print it, save it, and reuse it every trip — the goal is to stop relying on memory.
It pairs with the rest of the trip planning workflow, so build your route and confirm camp before you pack.
How to use this list
- Scale it to the trip. A close-to-home overnight needs less than a week in the backcountry. Use judgment.
- Pack by system, not by random grab. Group shelter, kitchen, recovery, and power so you know where everything lives.
- Verify, don’t assume. Charge batteries, fill water, and check that recovery gear is actually in the truck — not in the garage.
Shelter & sleep
- Tent — ground tent or rooftop tent (RTT)
- Sleeping bag rated for expected lows
- Sleeping pad or mattress
- Pillow
- Awning or tarp for shade/rain
- Camp chairs
- Folding table
- Headlamp + lantern (plus spare batteries)
Water
- At least one gallon of water per person per day for drinking
- Extra water for cooking and cleaning
- Water storage (jerry cans or tank)
- Water filter or purification tablets (for refills in the field)
- Collapsible wash basin
Kitchen & food
- Camp stove + fuel
- Cooler, or a 12V refrigerator for trips longer than 3–4 days
- Lighter / matches / fire starter
- Cookware (pot, pan, kettle)
- Utensils, plates, mugs, knife, cutting board
- Biodegradable soap + sponge
- Trash bags (pack out everything)
- Meals planned per day, plus one extra day of food
Recovery gear
- Sturdy shovel
- Traction boards (e.g., MaxTrax)
- Kinetic snatch / recovery strap
- Rated bow shackles or soft shackles
- Gloves
- Tow points confirmed on your vehicle
New to recovery? Learn the fundamentals before you need them — a misused strap or shackle is dangerous.
Tires & vehicle
- Portable 12V air compressor (at least 2.5–3.5 CFM)
- Tire deflator
- Tire pressure gauge
- Full-size spare tire (two on very remote routes)
- Tire plug / repair kit
- Jack + lug wrench rated for your vehicle
- Basic tool kit
- Extra engine oil, coolant, and fluids
- Jumper cables or jump pack
- Spare fuses and zip ties / duct tape
Adjusting pressure for terrain is one of the highest-impact skills on the trail — see airing down tire pressure off-road.
Power & electronics
- Portable power station (e.g., Bluetti, Jackery) or dual-battery system
- Charging cables for all devices
- Phone + backup battery
- 12V/USB adapters
- Camp lighting
Running a fridge and electronics off-grid is its own skill — see the power silo to size your setup.
Navigation & safety
- Offline maps downloaded before leaving service (Gaia GPS or onX Offroad)
- Planned route synced to phone
- Paper map / atlas as backup
- Satellite communicator (e.g., Garmin inReach) for areas with no cell signal
- First aid kit
- Fire extinguisher
- Itinerary + check-in time shared with an emergency contact
Pick and learn your app first — see best overland navigation apps.
Sanitation & Leave No Trace
- WAG bags or portable toilet
- Toilet paper + trowel (where burying is permitted)
- Hand sanitizer / wipes
- Greywater container (pack out wash water where required)
- Extra trash bags
Camp responsibly — review Leave No Trace and camping etiquette so access stays open for everyone.
Personal & clothing
- Layers for the full temperature range you’ll see
- Rain jacket
- Sturdy footwear + camp shoes
- Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Personal medications
- Toiletries
- Cash for fuel and small towns with no card service
Before you pull out of the driveway
- Fuel topped off, plus range to your next reliable station
- Tires aired to highway pressure, spare checked
- Fluids and brakes checked (pre-trip inspection)
- Fridge / cooler loaded and cold
- Route and camp confirmed legal and open
- Someone at home knows where you’re going and when you’ll check in
Print this list and keep a copy in the rig. Once you’ve run a couple of trips, mark the items you never used and the gaps you hit — your personalized version will be tighter and faster every time. Build the trip itself with how to plan an overland route.