Top 10 Off-Road Camping Essentials

5. GPS, Trail Map
A GPS (Global Positioning System) unit can help you find your way around the city, but they can be useful when camping as well.

A GPS can easily point you in the right direction of the nearest gas station, super market, or even hospital in the event of an emergency. Depending upon what part of the country you will be camping, fire and access roads are often on GPS maps, so they can be a great resource and tool for your trip.

At a minimum, a map of the area should be purchased or acquired from the local ranger’s office or visitor’s center. GPS units are great but rely on batteries or a power connection, and if those aren’t available a backup plan is needed. A map won’t lose a satellite connection or run out of power; it will only fail if you lose it.

6. Cell Phone, CB Radio
As is the case with a GPS and map, having multiple options to communicate is ideal. A cell phone can put you in touch with someone but only if you have service and you don’t run out of battery life.

A CB Radio is great to have in off-road vehicles for communicating with other drivers on the trail, but it also can put you in contact with other campers in the event of an emergency. It is also an easy way to communicate with others in your group even if you're not on the trail. CB radios also typically have at least a few weather channels to provide updates on the expected weather or potentially incoming storms. They do offer a limited range, but CBs are an ideal communication tool for off-roaders.

Ham radios are yet another option (and they do offer extended range), but they do require certification and are a little more complicated for the average off-road camper. Just be sure to have multiples ways to communicate with your group and to potential contact others in the area if needed.

Check out our recent Cobra CB Radio Install

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