Collaborative Post
Off-road travel is becoming more and more popular with people looking to escape the hectic roads and pressures of city life. Going on an off-road trip can be fun to see more of your home country or even try some new countries. You don’t need any special equipment, just some common sense and a good plan.
Preparation is Key
An off-road trip is not a drive through the suburbs on a Saturday afternoon; there are more dangers and problems to be aware of. You will need to make sure you have a reliable vehicle or a buddy with a reliable vehicle that can tow you out if something goes wrong. Make sure you have enough fuel, food, water and supplies to last your entire trip no matter how long it takes. Consider carrying extra red diesel in convenient containers. Knowing where the nearest town is if you have car trouble will help prevent panic, so plan your trip accordingly.
Also, be aware of how far it is to the nearest hospital or doctor. Getting stuck out in the desert for a day isn’t dangerous unless you are at risk for heatstroke or other heat-related problems. Getting stuck for days because you didn’t bring water or couldn’t get to a doctor for an infected leg is dangerous.
Prepare for the Unexpected
The most important lesson to learn before going on an off-road trip is that anything can happen, so prepare accordingly by bringing tools and vehicle parts that are either easy to find or can be improvised. You will also need to pack an emergency kit with first aid materials; anyone who has watched a disaster movie knows how important this is.
Photo by Robson Hatsukami Morgan on Unsplash
Maps You Can Trust
It is very easy to get lost when travelling off-road, so good maps are crucial for any successful trip. There are many options available, but absolute best to choose paper maps over digital. Paper maps are not limited by the number of batteries you have, while no matter how detailed your GPS is, it can still run out of power or break.
Connect with the Community
One of the most valuable tools in any person’s arsenal is communication. It makes sense that if something goes wrong on an off-road trip, fewer people will be around to help than on a regular road trip. The more preparation you put into contacting people in the area, the less likely you will have problems getting help.
Keep track of your trip.
It may seem like common sense, but you should always keep track of where you have been during your travels, so it’s easy to follow your path back to civilization. Most people use maps and GPS, but you can also try taking pictures of all the landmarks or writing down coordinates if that’s easier for you.
You can always go home at any time.
Even when you have gotten yourself into a dangerous situation, if you can drive away from the area you are in, do so. If you are in the middle of the desert and your car breaks down, you can always call for help. If something goes wrong, you might have to wait for hours, even days, but that is better than getting stuck out there.
If this happens, stay calm and try the old Boy Scout motto: “Be prepared”. It may take a lot of time and effort, but it’s better than wandering around hopelessly lost.