There are a lot of options and opinions on what you should always pack into your vehicle before hitting the trails or the beach, but with limited cargo space in your Jeep Wrangler, it can be difficult to pack every single item. Here is a list of the top 10 things to most definitely remember and WHY:

1.) Winch https://www.offroadelements.com/winches/
2.) Tree Protector https://www.offroadelements.com/arb-10ft-tree-trun...
3.) Ground Anchor https://www.offroadelements.com/arb-portable-rescu...
4.) Recovery Tow Strap https://www.offroadelements.com/smittybilt-30-ft-t...
5.) Shovel https://www.offroadelements.com/rt-offroad-tri-fol...
6.) Jack https://www.offroadelements.com/jacks/
7.) Air System/Compressor https://www.offroadelements.com/air-systems/
8.) Tire Deflators https://www.offroadelements.com/wheels-accessories...
9.) D-Rings https://www.offroadelements.com/crown-automotive-d...
10.) First Aid Kit https://www.offroadelements.com/rotopax-large-firs...

Why a winch? - Having a winch is an integral part of offroading and if you don't personally have one on your vehicle, be sure someone else in your group does. Whether it's a self-recovery or you're helping out a friend, a winch is unrivaled when it comes to recovery and is designed to free your vehicle from a sticky situation and get you back on the trail in no time!

Why a tree protector? -  It is always important to remember the wheeling 101 rule: Tread Lightly. The tree trunk protectors are designed to do exactly what their name states. They do not stretch under heavy strain and protect your winch line and the tree itself from damage while doing recovery. Keeping trees protected means keeping the trails open and in-use for other offroaders so we can continue to wheel on the land.

Why a ground anchor? - Having a winch is always a good idea, but what if you're wheeling on terrain with trees that are few and far between? What can you anchor on to in order to winch out of a wrong line or small spot? The ground anchor provides a solid anchor point when mother nature is lacking in that department. It can be used in sand, soil and mud making beach, trail or desert recoveries a breeze.

Why a tow strap? - Tow straps come in handy when your winch line isn't long enough or when you just need a little tug to get you out. Common tow straps are 30 feet in length and have a pulling capacity up to 40,000 lbs for easy recovery. 

Why a shovel? - Having a shovel handy while wheeling makes all kinds of recovery missions easier. Whether you need to move a rock to get to your next obstacle or to stack under your tire for additional traction or the inevitable "nature calls" feeling comes and there is no other suitable spot, this shovel is designed to do the trick!

Why a jack? - Even though we don't like to think about it when we wheel, accidents and breaks can happen. In the event of a break, you need something suitable that can lift your vehicle and can maintain its stability on un-leveled terrain. 

Why an air system or compressor? - An air system or compressor can actually come into play more often than you think. Airing up after a trip to the beach or down a bumpy trail can be simple and fast with an air system. Most systems and compressors also allow for the use of simple air tools if there is an occasion where one needs to be used.

Why tire deflators? - Deflating your tires should be one of the first things you do before you hit the trails or the sand. Cruising with a lower PSI means wider tires and better traction and makes for a more comfortable ride.They make preparing for a trail or beach ride a whole lot easier and free up time for you to get other things checked off your list, such as disconnecting sway bar links or checking fluid levels. Tire deflators simply attach to your tires valve stems and let out air to your desired PSI.

Why D-Rings? - D-Rings are an integral part of a recovery mission. They provide the best way to connect your recovery strap to your bumper or receiver and your winch to a tree or other anchor point. These are necessary in order to make the rest of your gear work properly.

Why a first aid kit? - Accidents can and will happen while out on the trail. Whether it's a simple scratch from a branch, an insect sting or a cut from a slip and fall, it's never fun taking care of, but could result in worse situations if not cared for immediately. Carrying a first aid kit with bandaids, antiseptic spray, gauze pads, tweezers and alcohol swabs will keep you protected and cared for, especially if help cannot get to you quickly.