Off-Road Recovery Gear Checklist: Where to Start and What to Add

If you spend time off road — whether it’s rock crawling, exploring backcountry, or heading out on an overlanding trip — getting stuck is bound to happen. And when it does, having the right off-road recovery gear can be the difference between a quick fix or a really long day. We’ve seen it all over the years: folks with a fully built rig and no plan, others making do with just the basics, and plenty of trail recoveries that could’ve gone a whole lot smoother with a little more know-how.

In this post, we’ll break down basic, intermediate, and advanced off-road recovery gear, along with the six things that usually matter most when you’re trying to get unstuck — stuff like traction, tools, tire pressure, and not overdriving your vehicle. We’ll cover the gear that’s actually worth throwing in your kit, and what you can probably leave at home. You’ll also get a heads-up on the common mistakes we see all the time (yes, even from seasoned drivers). We’ll cover why a bottle jack is a better fit for most simple off-road setups. This one’s for technical trail riders, overlanders, and beginners who want off-road recovery gear that actually works out there. Let’s get into it.

Start with the Most Important Tool: A Second Vehicle

What’s the most underrated piece of off-road recovery gear? Answer: A buddy in another vehicle. Seriously...

Having a second rig with you turns a major recovery into a manageable situation. Maybe you blew a driveshaft. Maybe your engine gave up or you buried yourself way too deep. Maybe there’s even a medical emergency. Whatever the cause, a second vehicle gives you a tow, a ride to get help, or just another set of hands and eyes for safer, smarter recoveries. 

Yeah, solo wheeling is fun — but don’t underestimate how much easier and safer recoveries become with a partner nearby. Simply put, this is the smart, safe choice.

Must-Have Off-Road Recovery Gear

Here are some of the essentials that should be a part of your off-road recovery gear.

1. A Quality Winch

If you're serious about off-roading, you probably already have a winch. If not, it's time to consider one. A winch lets you self-recover or help others when no second vehicle is around. Sure, it adds weight and cost, but the first time it saves your ass? Worth every penny.

Make sure your bumper is winch-compatible, and invest in quality wiring and remote control functionality. Learn how to use it before you need it. Nothing worse than learning on the fly. 

2. Lockers and Traction Aids

Lockers can turn an otherwise impossible obstacle into a casual crawl. Instead of spinning a single tire in the air, lockers deliver power equally to both wheels — and out you go.

If your vehicle didn’t come with lockers from the factory, consider adding a rear one. Modern traction control helps, but lockers give you an edge, especially when you can engage them before you hit a tough section.

3. Air Down for Better Grip

Before you reach for the winch or straps, check your tire pressure. Airing down increases the tire contact surface and gives you far more traction. In sand or snow, dropping to 10 or even 7 PSI can help you float rather than dig deeper. Just be cautious to not go too low.

Always carry a good deflator and a way to air back up — onboard compressors or portable air tanks are worth the investment.

Building Your Off-Road Recovery Kit

No off-road recovery kit is complete without a solid bag of tools and essentials.

4. Recovery Straps

A high-quality recovery strap (or tow strap) is non-negotiable. A 20–30 foot strap with a proper weight rating and minimal wear can handle 70% of the recoveries you'll face. This is an absolute must-have.

Inspect it regularly for fraying. If it looks sketchy, it’s time to replace it. Keep one in every vehicle, and don’t cheap out — this is your lifeline. You’ve been warned.

5. Soft Shackles and Hitch Links

Soft shackles are versatile, safe, and take up less space than traditional metal D-rings. Keep a handful in different sizes in your kit — they’re essential for linking straps, vehicles, and anchor points.

Also throw in a hitch link. It lets you turn any 2" receiver into a safe, solid recovery point, especially helpful when helping someone else out who isn’t quite as prepared.

6. A Proper Shovel

It’s simple but vital. Digging out tires, creating a flat spot for jacks, or clearing snow, dirt or sand — a full-size or medium-size shovel can be game changing. Avoid the toy-sized folding ones. They’ll frustrate you more than anything.

7. Traction Boards

Traction boards are your best friend when you’re buried deep in the sand, they’re incredibly useful. They are great in snow and mud as well. Just wedge them under your tires and roll out.

They do take up space and can be a mess to store when they’re muddy, but they’re one of the safest recovery options you can carry.

Advanced Off-Road Recovery Gear to Consider

Once your basics are covered, here are some upgrades worth considering:

8. Tree Saver Strap

If you're winching off a tree, don’t just loop your cable around the trunk. Use a proper tree saver strap. It protects both the tree and your gear — plus, it’s the responsible thing to do. Take care of the lands you use.

9. Snatch Block

A snatch block multiplies your winch's pulling power and allows for angled recoveries. It’s one of those tools that seems overkill until you need it — then it's worth its weight in gold.

Do some training or at least watch a detailed tutorial before you use one. Incorrect rigging can get dangerous real quick.

10. Kinetic Rope

Unlike static recovery straps, a kinetic rope is designed to stretch under load. That stretch builds up energy and delivers a smoother, more effective pull, especially when you’re bogged in mud or deep sand. Think of it like a giant rubber band. 

Don't use a kinetic rope for regular towing — doing so ruins the rope’s elasticity. Save it for tough recoveries.

Communication Equals Survival

It’s 2025 — there’s no excuse to head off the grid without a way to call for help. Satellite communication used to be expensive, bulky, and reserved for hardcore explorers. Not anymore.

Today’s options are compact, affordable, and incredibly easy to use. Whether it’s your iPhone 14 or newer with emergency SOS via satellite, a Starlink Mini for full data access, a Garmin inReach for satellite texting and SOS features, or even a basic SAT phone, having a way to reach someone outside of cell range is crucial.

Why? Because cell service is unreliable at best once you're out in the wild, and Murphy’s Law says if something’s going to break, it'll happen far from a signal. You don’t want to find yourself miles from help with a mechanical failure, medical emergency, or a stuck vehicle you can’t recover on your own. This goes back to having a second vehicle we mentioned earlier. Grab a buddy to go along with you! 

Satellite comms are a safety net — not just for you, but for your passengers and anyone you might come across who needs help. Pick a solution that fits your setup and budget, but don’t hit the trail without something. It’s one of the smartest pieces of recovery gear you can bring.

What to Leave Behind

We’ve all bought gear we never end up using. For example — the classic Hi-lift jack.

They have their place, but they’re heavy, bulky, and known to be dangerous in the wrong hands. A bottle jack with the right accessories will get you out of most situations with a lot less drama. And its small size is a lot easier to carry around the trails. 

Only carry a high-lift if you’ve been trained on how to use it and when you KNOW you’ll need it. We’re talking serious off-roaders and rock crawlers that have done this a lot. 

Being Prepared is Key

At RokBlokz, we believe preparation is key to safe and confident off-roading. Your off-road recovery gear is like a first aid kit for your vehicle — it’s not about using it every time, but when you need it, you really need it.

Start simple: a good recovery strap, a couple of shackles, a shovel, and ideally a buddy in a second vehicle. Then expand your off-road gear with tools that match your terrain and trip plans. Practice using your off-road recovery gear before you're out in the middle of nowhere.

And remember — the best recoveries are the ones that happen quickly, safely, and without broken parts (or egos).

Conclusion

If you’re tearing through sand, snow, or rocky trails, your ride is gonna take some hits. That’s where RokBlokz comes in. Our mud flaps, UTV protection, and off-road accessories are built to handle real trail abuse — not just look good in the garage.

Whether you're running a full-size truck, SUV, side-by-side, or daily driver, we’ve got the gear to keep it protected and performing. Check it out HERE.

So pack the tools, prep the rig, and go find the next trail.