Overlanding Basic Tools List
An overlanding basic tools list will heavily depend on the type of overlanding you do, for us we have a selection of tools and gear that would help us get out of any given situation that we might find ourselves in such as punctures, flat batteries, getting bogged down or if something snaps. Not every eventuality can be covered and we can’t haul an entire garage with us but there are some essential tools we like to carry.
Tools:
Tools are a matter of choice, they tend to be heavy so we only carry the minimum that might get us out of a sticky situation, there is also little point in carrying tools you don’t know how to use for a given job on the vehicle. For spanners, Alen keys and sockets be vehicle specific, carry only the sizes you need.
- Hammer
- Philips screwdrivers [long & stubby]
- Flathead screwdrivers [long & stubby]
- Alen keys [set]
- Pry bar
- Wire brush [small]
- 12v tester
- Socket set [1/2 inch]
- Ratchet spanners [8mm – 19mm]
- Torx bits [set]
- Mole grips
- Adjustable wrench
- Pipe wrench
- Breaker bar
- Chisel
Bits:
It’s a good idea to carry some ‘bits’, things like cable ties can be the handiest thing on earth for a multitude of reasons as can good old duct/gaffa tape. Other smaller items like gasket sealant are also worth the minimal extra space and weight as they are the type of thing that can be the difference between getting home or to the nearest garage and not – all for a 25g tube of ‘stuff’.
- Jubilee clips [assorted sizes]
- Assorted nuts & bolts [4 of each]
- Assorted self tapping screws
- Baling wire 10m
- Paracord 10m
- Fuses [assorted x18]
- Electrical tape
- Duct tape
- Superglue
- Gasket sealant
- Batteries x12
- WD40 200ml
- Cable ties [2 sizes]
- Bungee straps x4
- Ratchet straps x4
Vehicle:
Okay, so recovery gear is pretty much essential too, again depending on your overlanding style you may or may not need recovery boards for example, a puncture repair kit though should be top of the recovery gear list and of course spare fuel just in case…
- Recovery strap [5m/8t]
- Puncture repair kit
- Foot pump [twin barrel]
- 5ltr Fuel can
- Jump Starter
- Plywood piece 8 x 8″ [bottle jack base]
- Recovery boards x2
- Entrenching tool
Legal:
The first aid kit is a given plus other items you need by law – in Spain for example the law changes all the time, if travelling to a different country make sure you have the kit you need, the Guardia Civil in Spain do check.
- Warning triangles x2 [or V16 light]
- Spare bulb kit
- First aid kit
- Reflective jackets x3
What’s on your overland tools list? Anything you wished you’d had but didn’t or anything you carry and have never used?
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