Essential Overland Gear Checklist for Utah Adventures.
Utah’s backcountry is stunning, but it’s also unforgiving. Whether you’re crossing slickrock, camping in alpine meadows, or pushing deep into desert washes, the right gear can be the difference between a smooth trip and a rescue call. The Utah Overland Community (UOC) pulled together this essential overland gear checklist so you can prep your rig with confidence.
Recovery Gear
Tow straps & shackles — Don’t rely on someone else’s.
Traction boards — Utah sand and snow can swallow rigs fast.
Shovel — Lightweight and always handy.
Hi-Lift jack — A versatile tool for recovery and trail fixes.
Winch (optional but huge upgrade) — Solo runs become a lot safer.
Pro Tip: Store recovery gear where you can grab it without unloading your entire rig.
Navigation & Communication
Offline maps (Gaia GPS, OnX Offroad, paper maps).
GMRS radio — Clearer and more reliable than CB.
Garmin InReach or SPOT device — Utah dead zones are no joke.
Compass — Because batteries die.
Pro Tip: Download maps before leaving cell service — Utah’s no-signal zones can last hours.
Power & Lighting
Dual battery system or power station — Run fridges, lights, and charge gear.
Solar panel (portable or fixed) — Keeps you going off-grid.
LED light bar / fog lights — Utah trails don’t always end at sunset.
Headlamp + lantern — Essential around camp.
Pro Tip: Don’t blind your buddies at camp — amber camp lights are a game changer.
Camping & Comfort
Tent or rooftop tent — Shelter that fits your budget.
Sleeping bag rated for Utah temps — Nights drop fast in the desert and mountains.
Camp stove & cookware — Reliable, easy-pack setup beats trying to cook over the fire.
Camp chairs & table — Makes multi-day trips comfortable.
Cooler or fridge — Keep food fresh in the Utah heat.
Pro Tip: Utah nights can swing 40°F from day to night — layer your sleep system.
Food, Water & Storage
Water storage (5+ gallons minimum) — Absolute non-negotiable in Utah.
Fuel containers — Range anxiety is real; trails can stretch fuel tanks thin.
Dry food & snacks — Trail mix, jerky, tortillas — low prep, high energy.
Drawer system or bins — Stay organized so you’re not digging for gear.
Pro Tip: Keep a separate, easy-grab water jug for quick hydration.
Tools & Spares
Basic tool kit — Wrenches, sockets, pliers, duct tape.
Spare fluids — Oil, coolant, brake fluid.
Tire repair kit & compressor — Flats are guaranteed in Utah.
Spare belts & hoses — Cheap insurance.
Pro Tip: Air down for sand and rocks — but always bring a compressor to air back up.
Wrap Up
This checklist covers the essentials to handle Utah’s wide range of terrain, from desert sand to alpine passes. The more prepared you are, the smoother and safer your adventures will be. At UOC, we don’t just talk gear — we test it on the trails every month.
Want real-world advice, trail-tested recommendations, and group runs where you can see gear in action? Join the Utah Overland Community (UOC) and connect on our private server. Learn what works, avoid what doesn’t, and roll out with the crew on Utah’s best overland adventures.
