What is your LC's permanent loadout?

[DubDub]

I'm not an engagement queen, and I gave my feelings away to the Navy many, many years ago. My threads don't ever take off and that doesn't bother me at all. However, if I could have one gain traction in responses, this would be the one. I think collaboration through experience-based information sharing is an amazing tool. I had a Captain that used to say "There is no substitution for 20 years of experience." I'm hoping to get some of that going here.

I was on the beach this past weekend with the family. After a couple of hours, the tourtards came out in force and we decided to beat feet back to the house. Unfortunately for my family, I am not the kind of guy who can just abandon someone is trouble, even if it's self imposed. So I pulled out 3 unibody, AWD SUVs and had some pretty crazy conversations. How anyone can take their $100k vehicle out on the sand without even knowing what a deflation tool is blows my mind... but should it? I didn't know that at one point. What don't I know now? What little piece of kit or gear do I not know could be the difference maker?

Enough blabbering... If you wouldn't mind, please share your permanent loadout. You can share your full overlanding kit, or just the things that you keep onboard "just in case." I want to know what other people prioritize and maybe see some things I never even thought to have.

I'll start with my permanent items that never leave my LC:
1) ARB E-Z deflator
2) NOCO Boost jumper
3) Ryobi One+ 18V high pressure inflator
4) Ryobi One+ 18V 3 gallon vacuum/blower
5) (2x) 4Ah Ryobi 18V batteries / (2x) 6Ah Ryobi 18V batteries
6) Ryobi 18V 2-battery quick charger
7) Custom First Aid kit (this could be a dedicated thread)
8) Roadside repair kit with flares and hazard signs
9) 50 piece tool kit with metric sockets
10) Hitch ball

In my roofbox I keep:
1) Recovery straps and shackles
2) Powerbuilt bottle jack
3) Various bungees
4) Camping shovel and hatchet
5) Filler blankets and thermals (keeps things from rattling around while also a source of warmth in an emergency, or just because).
6) Small trax style boards

Hoping to see some cool stuff that makes me think...

 

[RideWithYanu]

Great post!

Unfortunately for my family, I am not the kind of guy who can just abandon someone is trouble, even if it's self imposed.

Boy do I relate to this. Last year I was hit by a car while helping to push another car out of the road, and I’d do it again. I mostly dislike my fellow species members, but as a practicing stoic I am internally compelled to do what’s most ethical.

Anyway! I’ll share what I carry when I’m going offroad or into the wilderness. I don’t carry most of these things most of the time because I live in an inner city with street parking, so my vehicle would be broken into if I left these things all the time.

My kit contains most of the usual recovery stuff: traction boards, kinetic rope, static strap, tree saver, soft shackles, snatch blocks. I don’t have an electric winch so I use a come-along (Wyeth-Scott with synthetic line). I used to carry some small pieces of 2x4, but I found I’m never very far from rocks that can be used for the same purpose.

For now I’m using a bottle jack which is excellent for getting over obstacles when high centered, but will be switching to a farm jack once I lift the truck. More weight !

The thing I am an adamant proponent of that might be irregular is a FULL SIZE shovel. Nothing special, just a basic garden shovel from the hardware store. Usually a flat shovel for winter (snow) and pointed the rest of the time. I mount the shovel to my roof rack easily using Yakima TopGrip mounts which mount into the t-slots. I used to carry small folding shovels but my back ain’t up for it anymore.

I also carry a full first aid kit including tourniquets and backcountry 10 essentials (these end up in my hiking bag and continue on foot with me when I leave the truck behind). I also always bring camo netting (and some other items I’ll keep private) to aid in remaining undetected when needed.

For comms, a pair of GMRS radios, an InReach Mini, and a Starlink.

Always a firearm - was a USP45T for ages but lately it’s been a gen 6 Glock 45 - what a great little pistol that conceals easily yet fits in my big ape hands! Rifles when I am training for that purpose.

I’m probably missing a lot that I’m not remembering, but this is my standard kit.

Edit: forgot some critical things! Also carry a Noco battery booster, and for tires, I carry a plug kit that I’ve not used yet (tap wood), and a Morrflate Tensix PSI Pro, with their four tire hose system.

 

[DubDub]

For comms, a pair of GMRS radios, an InReach Mini, and a Starlink.

THIS is what I am talking about! I have thought of getting some radios, but have just as quickly forgotten about them. Kind of tragic for someone with over 20 years of RF experience... but now it's back on my radar (pun intended)!

 

[RideWithYanu]

THIS is what I am talking about! I have thought of getting some radios, but have just as quickly forgotten about them. Kind of tragic for someone with over 20 years of RF experience... but now it's back on my radar (pun intended)!

I’m a big fan of TIDRADIO, but there’s tons of great options on the market.

Not to derail the thread (but hey a bump is a bump), what was your rating? Sorry if I’ve asked before. I was an IS.

 

[DubDub]

I’m a big fan of TIDRADIO, but there’s tons of great options on the market.

Not to derail the thread (but hey a bump is a bump), what was your rating? Sorry if I’ve asked before. I was an IS.

I was an ET. Retired as a 7181. My coworker buddy was an IS. Small world!

 

[ERROR504]

This is a great topic/thread idea.

My daily load-out isn't as cool but here it is:

• Rumpl blanket
• Spare dog leash
• Spare dog water bowl
• Spare dog balls
• More dog stuff lol
• First aid kit
• Fishing gear (not like im any good )
• Tire deflator
• Microfiber towel
• Bug spray
• Hammock (shockingly has come handy few times already)
• Window socks

 

[DubDub]

Window socks

Thanks! I also have the dog and fishing stuff lol. I am curious what this is?

 

[Mopper]

Great thread! This is kit I'm building up currently so am very interested. (My previous "must haves" assessment is based on backpacking and extremely weight/volume biased.) Couple of thoughts- comms with GMRS is line of sight and can let you down fairly quickly in hillier terrain. In-reach and Starlink are both great options- both being low earth satellite based and both having robust two way communication ability (far superior to simple locator beacons).

And thank both of you for your long service to the country from a civilian.

List from memory of what's there now-

Couple pair of heavier gloves
Couple stocking hats
Microfiber blanket
@EOD Guy 's compact lug wrench
Air up kit (hose, inflator)
on-board compressor

 

[ERROR504]

Thanks! I also have the dog and fishing stuff lol. I am curious what this is?

They are super slick its like these window covers you just put over to keep the bugs out. I use it when i'm camping or parked somewhere with the windows down when the dog is in the car.

Not the ones I got but similar in style.

 

[DubDub]

They are super slick its like these window covers you just put over to keep the bugs out. I use it when i'm camping or parked somewhere with the windows down when the dog is in the car.

Not the ones I got but similar in style.

Oh man, gotta get me some of those!

 

[ERROR504]

Oh man, gotta get me some of those!

I think I got mine on aliexpress for $5. Stepped outside to snap a few pics. Keep the window rolled up a few inches from the bottom to help seal that gap. It was fun learning that when camping one night…

 

[sprnkls]

Rear window molle panels (inside vehicle):
Generic tire repair kit
Small tool roll
GOOLOO jump pack
Silky Bigboy folding saw
Rhino Rescue first aid kit
Tidradio GMRS radios (x2)
Hatchet
Element E50 fire extinguisher
Benchmade knife
Tweezers
Olight Arkpro flashlight

Vehicle cubbies:
Picnic blanket
Small socket/driver set
Ratchet straps (x4)
Assorted zip ties
Window screens

18x11x8 bag in the cargo area:
Soft shackles (x4)
30ft tow strap
100ft 550 cord
Gloves

I have an additional bag with more recovery gear, a shovel, and a tarp and traction boards and whatnot that I take when I'm going off road, but that stuff doesn't live in the vehicle full time.

 

[alkioth]

I didn't know that at one point.

It’s perfectly natural to knee-jerk question their intelligence but like you said… we all start somewhere and sometimes the best teacher is experience.

My first long travel trailer towing experience ended in disaster and I’m thankful it ended early — any later and I would’ve fallen to my death in the Yukon instead of just wrecking a mile from an AST station like I did Experience is a mighty teacher.

Last year I was hit by a car while helping to push another car out of the road, and I’d do it again.

I hope you’re healing well! A good friend of mine was killed on I-35 in Oklahoma helping a stranded motorist. He was wearing a reflective vest and it still happened, which is a damn shame… but to this day I still pack some sort of reflective vest or sash in my emergency kit.

 

[Noctilucent]

I like keeping things out of sight so here's my layout

I like being able to set up chairs and a table anywhere I'm at
They fit perfectly in the OEM storage.
2 Helinox Ground chairs
1 Helinox Tactical Table

I keep Mace and a flashlight on the driver door

Rain Jacket
Gloves
long sleeve shirt just in case
Wolfbox Jumper cables
Small air compressor that fits in oem storage
Small Lantern
Headlamp

Behind the seats there's actually more storage you guys could be using.
Gorilla tape
First aid kit

+Small tailgate table

I'll be adding more there's more room left o keep things out of sight, I go for super compact high quality stuff. Just love playing Tetris with this thing.

 

[Bad1975]

For on road, nothing but First aid kit and roadside emergency kit and the original Land Cruiser tool kits. My old Land Cruiser are the same loadout plus a set of long and short ratcheting combo wrenches but they have better factory tool kits too. Nothing on the roofs for me like to COG as low as possible. May add drawer system and sleeping accommodations to the 80 but would like to be able to remove easily as I don't want to haul it around everywhere when not using it. I'm also not keen on a lot of weight ahead of the front axle or behind the rear axle so I steer clear of heavy bumpers and bumper systems.

Offroad I bring all my emergency gear and trail spares for the older cruisers only. 23 years in the Navy taught me to not stray off the path without proper everything for anything, now I've almost never used it for myself excluding the last trip in the 80 with a blown turbo (luckily on road during that event) sure glad I packed an entire Pelican air with additional tools or I would have been paying someone else to change it out!

I have a big recovery gear box 32 Quart I believe too much stuff to list packed to the brim in there, all of my stuff mostly goes in totes of some type to easily pack on switch between what we are riding in

Noco boost (The big one)

Milwaukee M18 inflator and four auto deflators (Awesome because I only need one and can just move it between the four off roaders)

Tire repair kits

Emergency assistance bag (Think flares, Reflective Triangles, blanket, another tow strap and jumper cables)

Full field first aid kit

5lb ABC Fire extinguisher

Tool rolls (Don't bring those in the new LC)

Spare parts if more than a day trip (Don't bring those in the new LC though) Axles, Locking hubs, hoses, belts, spare fuzes, spare bulbs, spare important switches (to turn lockers off in the event of a switch failure) fluids, greases, shop towels and hand cleaner in that big tote and lock wire to tie up things that may break but can't be removed on the trail due to damage and having access to all my tools.

Radios and backup batteries for them 50 Watt GMRS (fixed), two handheld GMRS and 40 Channel CB with SSB and 100 Watt Amp (Got some serious range especially on heavy skip days with this one), can hopefully pass a message to call someone local for help with GPS coordinates.

Chainsaw and fuel and oil for it, have had to cut a return path on the same road we came in on just a few hours later

Various flash lights and work lights

Something to start a fire with

Change of clothes in a dry bag

4x recovery boards

Dry food and water to last a couple days for anyone in the vehicle

All the LCs have a winch as well

Almost also bring a firearm as well.

Pelican air with trail essential tools if more than a day trip

Bluetti power station if more than a day trip in the 80 only as there isn't enough room in the 40 and 250 has the inverter. The 40 is only a day tripper just not enough room without a trailer to tote everything along.

5 gallon Jerry can in all but the 250. Never needed it but if you get stuck bad enough or in a long slog of bog you never know as that eats fuel quick!

8x10 tarp for laying under the vehicle as needed or emergency shelter

I probably bring too much (500-800 pounds, cargo area full to the top of the seats) for multi day trips but I don't think I'd ever need anything else for anything that can feasible be fixed on the trail.

Also important to tie it all down nice and secure with ratchet straps

 

[TrailWhale]

I've got a fully equipped bike shop scattered across those cubbies in the back. And probably more cam straps than I'd ever use at one time.

 

[DubDub]

Bluetti power station if more than a day trip in the 80 only as there isn't enough room in the 40 and 250 has the inverter. The 40 is only a day tripper just not enough room without a trailer to tote everything along.

I appreciate the detail... and that you're fellow Navy. If you're comfortable sharing, what did you do? I've been considering a dedicated power station too, but I have to keep at least 75% of my cargo area empty for the doggo, and I refuse to obstruct his air vents back there.

 

[DubDub]

I've got a fully equipped bike shop scattered across those cubbies in the back. And probably more cam straps than I'd ever use at one time.

I've got a similar problem in the cubbies. That and skateboard part/tools.

 

[GR8Santini]

Dub - Very cool post. Thank for putting it out there & letting the best of the forum come out! I’m learning lots from what different folks priorities are w/ their LC.

I agree the LC should get challenging marks for driver storage, but doesn’t really bother me (does the wife) after being trained to have a sterile cockpit - just a phone & sunglasses. I’m not big on bringing every cup we own into the vehicle. Do keep a windshield hammer/seat belt cutter Velcro’d in a cup holder in the drivers door. On the other hand she brings everything - purse, bags, & all sorts that has to sit in the front seats for her. So we agree front row is challenging for storage of the little stuff. I do think the LC does have a good amount of storage compartments in 2nd & 3rd rows. Gotta wonder how many LC drivers even know about the storage behind 2nd row?

Our LC is a primary driver for my wife who has to be a bit self sufficient when I’m out of town. Her work takes her into rural areas, & weekend 200mile driving to the lake/ranch. She’ll never use any of my prepared stuff, but looking back it’s amazing how many people over the years we’ve been able to help from being ‘slightly prepared’.

Have one of my old helmet bags stored in 2nd row cargo area w/ survival vest (SRU21P) w/ space blankets, water, wraps/tapes/gauze, bandaids, clotting dust, ammo, uhf radio, etc, all packed tight in the pockets & rolled up in the bag tight. Also have a folding shovel, survival knife, break down tire iron, several rechargeable flashlight/e-flares, as well as small bag with (2) soft shackles, zip ties, speed tape, 15’ tow strap, kinetic rope, & greasy old flight gloves. Takes up most of that hidden space.

In the rear cargo storage is umbrella, rain jacket, microfiber towels, & folding dog bowl. Also been known to hold a 14” SBR truck gun. Above the battery/jack storage area is a bag w/ couple 4” 2x4 ends for stacking under bottle jack, qt of oil & coolant. Hanging on the 2nd row headrest in the cargo area is a pretty complete combat-style folding first aid kit system - Israeli bandages, hydrogen peroxide, gauze, tapes, scissors, bandaids etc., all sorts of whatever for when the whatever happens. Have one of those med bags in all our vehicles. Somehow once a year we are using one of them, thankfully usually on someone else. Our LC came w/ 3-bin storage that sits in the cargo area w/ wife’s stuff & has a built in cooler for grocery runs. We also have the cargo mat w/ traction strips back there.

From outside our LC looks pretty normal. Some of what yall have described make me think your rigging a Panzer for the Africa Corp! We’re really never going to be putting the LC in deep off-road mode that many others will, but it can safely handle a fair amount of Houston flash high water if necessary w/ Westcott & 275 tires. Kinda funny to me, but just a few years ago I’d have an extra serpentine belt, hoses & tool repair bag, & don’t even consider carrying it in our LC w/ quality Toyota has shown us over the years.

After fessing up here on gear I have no business complaining about MPG!

 

[katekebo]

Here is my list:

• Tow strap with a set of shackles
• Tire inflator
• Tire pressure gauge
• Tire repair kit (tools + plugs)
• Basic tools (screwdrivers, a few common size wrenches, pliers)
• 2m ham transcevier + antenna
• 20m / 70cm handheld ham radio + magnet mount antenna
• CB handheld radio + magnet mount antenna
• A couple of blankets
• 2" trailer hitch ball + anti-rattle clamp
• Portable jump starter
• Flashlight
• Folding hunting knife
• Pocket multitool
• 12V utility light with magnet mount
• A pair of spare glasses (just in case I break or loose my primary ones)
• Basic OBS2 scanner