Essential Trail Recovery Kit List: Everything You Need for Off-Road

These are the items that should be in every Jeep that leaves pavement, regardless of how mild the trail. They address the most common stuck situations and can be used without specialized skill or a second vehicle.

A quality recovery strap (20 to 30 feet, rated at 30,000 pounds minimum breaking strength) is the foundation of any kit. Even if you have a winch, you'll use a recovery strap more often because it's faster to deploy and works with a buddy vehicle. Pair it with two 3/4-inch rated D-ring shackles (4.75-ton WLL) for secure attachment. Include at least one tree saver strap (8 feet, 3-inch width, 30,000 pounds rated) for winch anchor or strap attachment to trees.

A folding shovel or compact spade is indispensable. Before any recovery, you need to clear material from around the tires and assess how deep you're buried. A shovel turns a 30-minute winch struggle into a 5-minute drive-out in many situations. Pair the shovel with a pair of heavy leather work gloves. You'll be handling dirty straps, potentially sharp cable, and digging in gritty terrain.

A tire deflator and portable air compressor complete the basics. Airing down to 12 to 15 psi is the single most effective traction improvement for sand, mud, and snow. You need a reliable way to air back up for the drive home. A 12-volt compressor that runs off the battery or cigarette lighter is adequate. Faster compressors mounted under the hood or in the engine bay are a worthwhile upgrade for frequent off-road use.

These items expand your recovery capabilities for more challenging terrain and self-recovery situations. If you're running trails rated moderate to difficult, these should be in your kit.

Traction boards are the fastest recovery tool for surface-traction problems. A pair of MaxTrax, ARB TRED, or quality budget boards handles sand, snow, and moderate mud. They store on the roof rack, rear bumper, or inside the cargo area. Four boards are ideal for covering all tires, but two boards solve most situations.

A snatch block rated for your winch capacity enables double-line pulls and direction changes. It effectively doubles your winch's pulling power and enables recovery paths around obstacles. Carry one snatch block for most situations; competition or expedition rigs may carry two for complex rigging.

A hi-lift jack (48-inch or 60-inch) with a base plate provides lifting capability on uneven terrain where bottle jacks fail. The hi-lift can also function as a manual winch with the proper attachment kit. Include the base plate (reduces sinking on soft ground) and a handle keeper strap that prevents the handle from dropping during operation.

Additional shackles and soft shackles ensure you have enough connection points. Carry at least four total shackles (mix of steel D-rings and Dyneema soft shackles). You'll need two at the stuck vehicle and two at the anchor for a snatch block setup.

For extended backcountry trips, trails with no cell service, or expedition-level wheeling where professional recovery is not an option, these items provide additional capability and safety margin.

A second winch line (spare synthetic rope pre-cut to your drum length) ensures a damaged line doesn't end your trip. Synthetic rope can be spliced in the field to repair minor damage, so carry a splicing kit (fid, needle, and instructions). A length of rated chain (10 to 15 feet, 3/8-inch Grade 70) provides a durable connection option for situations where straps can't reach or would be damaged by sharp edges.

A satellite communicator (Garmin inReach, SPOT, or similar) is non-negotiable for remote trailing. When you're 50 miles from pavement with no cell service, the ability to call for help or send your GPS coordinates to rescue services can be lifesaving. These devices also allow two-way text messaging, so someone always knows your status.

A comprehensive first aid kit rated for backcountry use (not a drugstore kit) addresses the injury risk inherent in recovery operations. Hi-lift jacks, winches under load, and heavy vehicles on uneven terrain create real potential for crushing injuries, cuts, and sprains. Include a SAM splint, tourniquet, trauma bandages, and an emergency blanket.

Recovery gear is useless if it takes 20 minutes to unpack and find the right piece. Organize your kit so that frequently used items are accessible without unpacking everything else. A dedicated recovery bag or duffel keeps straps, shackles, and gloves together and ready to deploy. Many off-road brands make purpose-built recovery bags with internal pockets and dividers.

Store the recovery bag where you can reach it without moving other cargo. For Wranglers, the rear cargo area behind the back seat is common. Some owners mount a MOLLE panel on the tailgate or rear wheel well and attach individual items with MOLLE pouches. For Gladiators, a bed-mounted toolbox or cargo management system keeps gear organized and weatherproof.

Traction boards, the hi-lift jack, and the shovel are too large for most bags and need their own mounting solutions. Roof rack mounts, spare tire carrier brackets, and bed racks are popular options. Keep these items secured firmly enough to survive rough trails but accessible enough to deploy in under a minute.

Do a gear audit before every trail trip. Check strap condition, shackle pins, winch line integrity, and tire compressor function. Replace any worn or damaged items. A recovery tool that fails during use is worse than no tool at all because you've built your plan around equipment that isn't performing.