Emergency Preparedness Overlanding Gear List (2025) | TravlSync by TravlFi
by Amanda Capritto
Jul 7, 2025
5 min read
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Cover photo courtesy Colt Fetters
Deep in the backcountry, being unprepared isn’t an option. Here’s what overlanders say you really need.
Overlanding offers unmatched freedom, but it also demands serious preparation. One mechanical failure or wrong turn can leave you stranded, and help might not be close. That’s why emergency preparedness for overlanding isn’t optional: It’s your first layer of defense when things go sideways.
From comms gear to fire starters, we spoke with overlanding experts and survivalists about the gear they always pack. Whether you’re just starting out or planning a remote expedition, use this emergency gear checklist to ensure you’re never caught unprepared.
Colt Fetters, overlander based in Durango, CO and Jeremy Gocke, CEO of Entropy Survival
Emergency Preparedness Basics for Overlanders
Many overlanders keep an “essentials kit” in their vehicle at all times. Photo courtesy of Jeremy Gocke.
Establishing your emergency kit starts with covering the basics: things every vehicle-based traveler needs. An overlanding emergency kit differs from a hiking emergency kit or a basic first aid kit.
When overlanding, it’s assumed that you’ll be far off the beaten path, potentially hours from the nearest person or even the nearest paved road. That means you’ll need far more gear than someone road-tripping to campgrounds along well-traveled routes.
Jeremy Gocke recommends a three-day water supply, a trauma-equipped medical kit, reliable off-grid communication tools, vehicle recovery gear, fire-starting equipment, and emergency shelter as non-negotiables.
“These are mission-critical for hydration, injury response, rescue communication, vehicle extraction, and surviving exposure, regardless of season or terrain,” he says.
Survival Gear Checklist from the Pros
This is a complete, field-tested gear checklist from survival experts and experienced overlanders. Some redundancy is built in, as many tools serve multiple purposes. For example, a satellite messenger may also function as a GPS
Tip: Customize this list based on your area travel region, health needs, and planned activities.
Shelter and Warmth
Compact tarp or poncho to stay dry
Emergency blanket or bivy (life-saving temperature regulation)
Wool blanket or shemagh (versatile for warmth, shelter, filtering, signaling)
Extra set of dry clothes: underwear, socks, gloves
Hand warmers
Sun and Wind Protection
Hat with brim
Sunscreen
Balaclava/ski mask
Sunglasses
Food and Water
72-hour water supply per person (bring more if it is hot)
Water purification tools (mechanical or gravity filter, germicidal tablets)
72-hour supply of calorie-dense food per person, e.g., peanut butter, freeze-dried meals, dried fruit, jerky
Electrolyte tablets or powder
72-hour supply of pet food per pet, if traveling with pets
There’s a common saying in the overlanding world: If you don’t have it, you’ll need it, and if you have it, you won’t need it.
Live by that expression and you’ll likely never find yourself in a bad situation without a critical piece of gear. But this popular adage also lends itself to over-preparation, which, yes, can be a thing. It’s important to balance space, vehicle load capabilities, and proper preparation.
“Redundancy doesn’t mean overpacking; it’s about packing smarter,” Fetters says. All gear needs to be worth its room by fulfilling several functions or being essential.
According to Gocke, “smart packing and vehicle load ratings should guide volume.” Balance is mission-dependent, he says—customize your packing list based on where you're going, how long you’ll be out, and what you plan to do.
“For the gear you truly can’t live without, think: two is one, one is none,” he says. Better to double up than come up short in an emergency.
Emergencies aren’t predictable, but with the right gear, many of them turn into mere inconveniences.
Vehicle Getting Stuck or Disabled
Getting stuck is bound to happen, and is a matter of “when,” not “if.” A flat tire, muddy trail, or broken part can halt your trip instantly.
Gocke recalls: “A friend in Utah blew a tire 30 miles from cell range. He had no spare, no patch kit, and no sat comms. It took him two days on foot to find help. Compare that to a Baja [Mexico] trip where my brother blew a radiator hose. He carried a spare, tools, and water, and fixed it trail-side in 30 minutes.”
Losing Your Starter Battery
One of the most frustrating (and realistic) emergencies is getting stuck in the middle of nowhere with a dead starter battery, says Fetters. “And it doesn’t matter how many traction boards or winches you’re carrying,” he points out. “If your engine won’t turn over, you’re not going anywhere.”
That’s why power management is critical. For overlanders who rely on their rig to keep devices charged, Fetters recommends a dual-battery system that protects your starter battery and lets you jump-start from your auxiliary battery in an emergency, like the REDARC dual-battery kits. A DC-DC charger with solar input is one of the most underrated pieces of gear you can install, he says.
“Power is often the first thing to go, and it’s the hardest to replace when you’re off-grid,” he says. “A good system gives you independence and peace of mind.”
Injury
If you’re days away from medical help, a trauma-equipped first aid kit is a must—and you must know how to use it. Get CPR and first aid certified, and consider wilderness-specific training if you plan to hike or explore on foot.
Weather in the backcountry can turn deadly fast, particularly in high-altitude environments and in desert areas prone to flash flooding. Be prepared for worst-case scenarios wherever you’re going.
Depending on how far out you’re going, it is completely possible that a weather event prevents you from returning to civilization for longer than you planned. Having a stash of extra food and water, water purification tools, and body temperature regulation can be life-saving in these instances.
What emergency supplies should I carry for overlanding?
You should carry survival gear, first aid, fire-starting tools, extra food and water, navigation tools, and vehicle recovery equipment. Your list will vary based on season, road conditions, and remoteness.
How do I make an overlanding emergency kit?
Start with the basics: first aid, shelter, water, and navigation. Then add gear for communication, power, and vehicle recovery. Customize based on your travel region, road conditions, weather forecast, and duration.
Is a satellite communicator necessary for overlanding?
Yes, especially in remote areas. Devices like Garmin inReach allow two-way SOS messaging and location tracking when cell service is unavailable.
What’s the difference between overlanding and car camping gear?
Overlanding gear emphasizes self-sufficiency in remote environments, often with more rugged tools, recovery equipment, and backup comms. Car camping gear is typically more casual and comfort-focused, because car campers are typically within reach of help.
How much emergency food and water should I pack?
Plan for at least three extra days beyond your trip length. Carry both stored water and a filtration method, along with high-calorie, shelf-stable food options.
Our top tip for staying safe while you travel? Staying connected so you can call for help. Learn more about mobile connectivity solutions for life on the road.
Article By: Amanda Capritto
Amanda Capritto is a fitness and outdoors journalist who travels full-time in a Winnebago camper van. Her work has appeared in national and global outlets like Lonely Planet, Reader's Digest, CleverHiker, CNET, and more.
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