Having a fun free time activity to fill out the days when there is no work or other responsibilities is prevalent for leading a happy and fulfilled life. Finding something you are passionate about is crucial for so many reasons that it would take an article in itself to even mention it. From happiness and enjoyment to fun and recharging, hobbies are what many people live for. Unless you live to work, you work to live and that means taking every moment of your life that is yours and making something with it. For a lot of people, activities are what fills out their leisure time. Whether at home or out of it, activities that serve as interests and hobbies can range from simple and common to unorthodox and unique. If you are an adventurous spirit and in case you like driving, there is a simple solution to all of your troubles surrounding what to do in your down time.
Have you ever thought about going off-roading, and if so, what has it only stayed a wish and not a reality? It is definitely not something that only the luckiest or most situated can afford, so why has prevented you from going to your first off-road trip up until now? If you find yourself in these words, then it is high time you took the world on and went to chase this passion of yours. Off-roading is fun, daring, and challenging, which makes it a great hobby for the adventurous types. Much harder than traditional driving, it adds in elements of extreme sports and elevates this everyday activity to a whole new level. In this article we aim to prepare you for your first such trip by giving you the list of essentials you have to pack. Read on to learn more and make sure to check out Autopro for more.
1. Basic Vehicle Tools and Spare Parts
First and foremost, you have to remember that although similar initially, going off-roading is not the same as going camping. There is a different reason for driving in off-road conditions than there is for spending time in the nature. Since most of your time will be spent in a rugged 4×4, you will need the basic vehicle tools and some spare parts just in case things take a bad turn. These include things that you should always keep in your off-roader anyway because it is all part of the most basic kit you can have. Make sure you have at least one spare tire and the appropriate tire repair kit. There should be a toolkit filled with all the necessary tools you may require, like pliers, wrenches, wire cutters, sockets, screwdrivers, hammers, and of course, assorted nuts and bolts. Regarding the spare parts, it is a good idea to bring spark plugs, fuses, and wiper blades. Engine oil, WD-40, tank sealant putty, and a tow strap should be present in every car anyway, let alone an off-roader about to take on the wild.
2. Survival Tools
When you pack all the essentials that will help you take care of the car, you must also ensure that you yourself are protected and taken care off. There is no saying what could go wrong during your off-roading adventure and when or how you may get stranded. To prevent being left to the care of others and to allow yourself more choices, there should be some survival tools packed in the trunk that you would bring to a camping trip in the wild. This includes a pocket knife, a first aid kit, a small car fire extinguisher, an emergency flare, a compass and a map, and a flashlight with enough batteries. All of these are small enough to fit in a single medium-sized backpack and it is a good idea to keep it together as a survival kit. Whatever happens, you will be far better prepared with these items close by. It is always better to be safe than sorry!
3. Vehicle Related Documents and Personal Belongings
When survival and repair tools are secured in your trunk, and just before you leave, you should make sure that you have all of your documents with you. Apart from the documents, the usual things concerning the vehicle have to be checked. Leaving the house without these could prove costly and it may prevent you from enjoying your trip. Your driver’s license, insurance, and vehicle registration go without saying. Although you will be driving off the beaten path, you must first get to it which means driving in regular traffic. Next up, pack a spare key and keep it in a hidden location that is not your car. You do not want to lock the only key inside or otherwise be unable to access it from the outside. It is best to keep it on your person. Just in case, you should have both some cash nearby and a credit card. You may not plan to spend money on the trip but thing tend to change as trips unravel. To round up personal items, bring along your smartphone or even a spare cell phone.
4. Food and Beverages
Last but not least, you should prevent yourself from ever feeling hungry or thirsty during off-road adventures. You can never know how long it will last exactly despite careful planning. The wild is treacherous, and it is considered wilderness for a reason. Off-roading is not always done solo as there are competitions and events where there will be other people to help you. However, you should always have some snacks and plenty of water in your vehicle. Staying hydrated and not feeling hungry are both crucial for a fun and memorable off-road experience. Focusing on the road ahead, or lack thereof, and taking in the surroundings as you navigate the rough terrain underneath should never be obstructed by everyday things like food and beverages. Apart from water and some actual food like sandwiches or fruit, what many off-road enthusiasts like to bring includes energy bars and energy drinks.
