No list can all inclusive, and certainly it depends on your trip. This is a good list that will get you started, but don’t be daunted. There is nothing wrong with getting in your truck and going out overnight with basically nothing if the weather is good. Just be safe. You are the final judge of what you will need! Err on the side of caution, and as you go farther longer, redundancy becomes more important! Depending on the duration of your trip, this list may get shorter or longer. If you have this stuff pre-packed – you’ll always know its with you. Here is a list of basic items:
Overland Checklist
Water: The most important thing! Carry plenty of water. Allow enough water for drinking and some extra for your vehicle. Two gallons per person, per day. It is best to plan a trip with water supply and carry a water filter or purification tablets. Carrying all water for your entire trip can be HEAVY. If you are traveling where there is snow, you will have plenty of water, just remember to bring something to melt it in 🙂
Food: for normal eating and high-energy foods for any emergencies. Energy bars, dried fruit, and hard candy store well. Plenty of dry and canned goods that do not require refrigeration
Pots
Plates
Utensils
Stove
Spices
Newspaper
Clothes: Bring extra clothing, especially socks. Wool clothes will keep you warm even when you are wet. Make sure to bring coats, and hats even in summer.
Sleeping bags
Sleeping pads
First Aid Kit: A good first aid kit. A full deluxe kit.
Fire: Candles, matches, magnesium fire starter, and a lighter. Firewood.
Spare Keys. An extra set of keys hidden on the OUTSIDE of your vehicle
TP: Toilet paper, wipes, paper towels, trash bags. Recommend a Trasharoo spare tire trash container “Take it with you”!
Large tarp.
Rope: Rain gear, tent, tarp, nylon cord, rope
Maps: Detailed maps, compass, GPS unit
Watch
Knife
Chairs
Table
Tent
Heavy duty tow strap
Fire extinguisher with easy access
Jumper cables, radiator stop leak, extra fan belts
Replacement fuses
Electrical tape
Flashlight and extra batteries
Flares, signal mirror, police whistle
Extra vehicle oil
Full tank of gas. Extra in approved containers
Good set of tools, gloves, and service manual for vehicle
Bailing wire and duct tap
Hoses, clamps, nuts, bolts, and washers
Full size spare tire
Tire pressure gauge, electric tire pump to plug in cigarette lighter. Tire sealant, and puncture repair kit
A good jack that will lift your vehicle high. A Hi-Lift jack is ideal
Shovel and Axe
Tire chains
CB Radio and or a cellular phone and or satellite phone or HAM radio (the more modes of communication the better)
Portable toilet (though a deep hole works quite well)
If you have a winch, carry a tree strap, clevis, and snatch block
A journal for taking notes of what you would like to have, or what you did not use. This helps to refine your list!
