An ATV journey is a great way to get away from it all. A way to see things you would not be able to reach in a car or get to in enough time on foot. All the while still staying close to nature and enjoying the fresh air on your vehicle. Preparation is key to a safe and fun time on an ATV adventure because if anything goes wrong you are left exposed to the elements in backcountry areas that are bound to be hard to reach if you are stranded. If you have the supplies you need an emergency can turn into a simple inconvenience.
Key Items To Bring on Your ATV Journey
Emergency Supplies
A basic first aid kit is the minimum, however many first aid kits are geared for people who already have shelter and necessities such as running water. Make sure you have the ability to make a shelter, a fire, and the ability to make water potable, along with a supply of bottled water in addition to the expected medical supplies. Other items that may not be included in a basic kit but will come in handy are flashlights, flares, candles, and a GPS unit or compass.
Tools To Keep You Going When Things Get Tough
Keep a stocked toolbox with the basics you would need to make small repairs. The trick is to balance what you will need for repairs with the space it will take. The very basics would include a set of screwdrivers, wrenches, fix-a-flat, wire, pliers, nuts and bolts, and perhaps small backups of parts that need to be randomly replaced such as spark plugs, and headlight bulbs. Radiator sealant, putty, and duct tape in a fix-it can temporarily seal a damaged fuel tank, seat, and come in handy in many emergency situations. Whether you are alone or in a small group a wench is imperative for getting out of a tight situation, or in the worst-case scenario righting a flipped ATV.
Food and Drink
Do not forget to pack a lunch if you are going out for more than half a day, and pack plenty of drinks no matter how long you plan on being gone. Extras like high-calorie energy bars, and beef jerky stored wherever you can fit, may just save the day if you decide to camp or become stranded.
Extra’s Just For Fun and Convenience
Binoculars and a good camera to see and record the adventure, and camping gear so you can decide to stay if you want are extras that increase your fun. An extra fuel tank will help you go twice as far. If you have room for these, you will maximize your adventure and be able to make spontaneous decisions such as going just a bit further and filming a grizzly, or setting up camp where the fish are biting.
On most trips, something goes wrong. Sometimes it is an inaccurate weather forecast that leaves you stuck in a rainstorm or washed-out roads. From medical emergencies to human error, to mechanical problems or just wanting to be able to go a little further or stay overnight, being prepared will make anything that happens in the wild easier to handle.
Avoid Drugs and Alcohol
ATVs are not toys; they are motorized vehicles that move at extremely high speeds and require 100 percent of your full attention. Driving an ATV while impaired by drugs or alcohol can have disastrous consequences.
Go Back to School
One of the best ways to ensure the best ATV safety practices is to take a hands-on safety training course. This can help you learn how to control your ATV in both typical and atypical conditions, as well as gain invaluable experience with the comprehensive range of off-road riding situations.
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