Robert M Posted April 17, 2008 Share Posted April 17, 2008 I've been wandering the Forest Service roads in the Olympics and Cascades since 1972 or so, and along the way I learned some hard lessons about Subies and what to take. I'm sure some of you have your own suggestions, but these are the things I take along when I'm going out into the high country for more than a weekend. (Adjusted list for modern times:cool: ) 1) Cell phone with your 12-volt charger. Sounds simple, I know. But I found that even in the remotest areas, you can usually get a signal these days if you can get up high enough. 2) Shovel - Good for campfire pit cleaning and if you get REALLY stuck, sometimes you can build yourself a bit of extra road under your wheels. 3) Chain Saw - Those downed trees on Forest Service roads are really annoying, and a bow saw just doesn't do the job. You get WAY too tired after just cutting ONE out of your way. Also good for firewood and for cutting stuff to stick under the wheels. 4) Tow Chain - A heavy one. If you get seriously stuck and someone comes along, the first thing they always ask is: "You got a chain?" 5) Come-a-long - Seriously, if you get stuck badly this and a good chain can sometimes be the only reliable way to get yourself out. All you need is a good tree to hook it to. One time, I nearly put a Subie over the side of a mountain, and there were no trees. I pounded a heavy metal pole about three feet long into the road above, hooked up the chain and come-a-long to it, and slowly pulled out the car. 5) Good Map - Yeah. Just TRY telling someone on a cell phone how to find you out in the mountains if you don't have a good map that lists Forest Service road numbers. Not easy. 6) Generator or Portable Power Unit - In case your battery goes dead and you are in a place where you can't push-start. The power unit is the cheaper way to go. 7) Spare Electric Fuel Pump - No electric fuel pump, you aren't going anywhere. I keep one in the right-hand storage box near the hatchback. 8) Tool Kit - Can't fix the problem if you don't have at least the basic tools. Toss in some wire and fuses for good measure. 9) Plug-Type Tire Repair Kit - I learned this lesson after getting TWO flats on the same trip. Throw in a spray-can of Fix-a-Flat and a good hand pump with a METAL end (part that fits on the valve) NOT plastic. 10) Spare hoses, belts, and jacks - Keep all your old hoses and belts, as long as they are not TOTAL junk, and throw them in storage in the back. TWO jacks are better than one when trying to get out of a bad situation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Numbchux Posted April 17, 2008 Share Posted April 17, 2008 not any places in this part of the world to get very far from civilization, so things like the chainsaw and generator are over kill. But other than that, replace that chain with a couple snap straps, and you've got yourself a list. a chain is a great thing if you're pulling with a bulldozer. but if you're stuck enough that you need to throw your weight around a bit, a chain is just going to destroy both cars. need something with some stretch to it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turbone Posted April 17, 2008 Share Posted April 17, 2008 not any places in this part of the world to get very far from civilization, so things like the chainsaw and generator are over kill. But other than that, replace that chain with a couple snap straps, and you've got yourself a list. a chain is a great thing if you're pulling with a bulldozer. but if you're stuck enough that you need to throw your weight around a bit, a chain is just going to destroy both cars. need something with some stretch to it. Tell that to Sasquatch :-p This is the PNW, you can get lost......for a long time. Ditto on the tow straps, they also weigh less. If your going to be out for a week or more, def bring a small chain saw. Portable battery pack for jumpstarts. If your into it, a GPS is nice. Shouldnt get lost using one. They also have units now that friends/family can track you and it has a beacon for 911. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
s'ko Posted April 17, 2008 Share Posted April 17, 2008 It also doesn't hurt to have some extra axle parts, DOJ cups, axles cages and balls. rear diff stub axles would also be nice. I luckily had my c-clip plier in my tool box when I broke down in the Mojave. This will probably be a permanent part of my off-road tool kit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robert M Posted April 17, 2008 Author Share Posted April 17, 2008 Originally Posted by Numbchuxnot any places in this part of the world to get very far from civilization, so things like the chainsaw and generator are over kill. But other than that, replace that chain with a couple snap straps, and you've got yourself a list. a chain is a great thing if you're pulling with a bulldozer. but if you're stuck enough that you need to throw your weight around a bit, a chain is just going to destroy both cars. need something with some stretch to it. Well, you could be right about the generator. The portable power is smaller and lighter. I got a nice chain free one time, so I carry that, but it is a hassle, a strap would be better. But the chain saw up here, especially in spring, is a good thing. When the roads first open up, sometimes there are lots of downed trees on the road. I didn't even think of the GPS. Good idea. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
backwoodsboy Posted April 17, 2008 Share Posted April 17, 2008 Nobody mentioned a good medical kit/snakebite kit and first aid manual yet. ESPECIALLY if youre out there for a long time, it may save someone's life. Funny how fast the "focus" changes when somebodys hurt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ezapar Posted April 17, 2008 Share Posted April 17, 2008 Nice list. But I'd ammend the chain part to say straps and add a tree strap. Chaining up to a tree is a NONO! Here's the list I added to the FAQ I let drop for a while so new conversation like this can be generated. http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=50958 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turbone Posted April 17, 2008 Share Posted April 17, 2008 Nobody mentioned a good medical kit/snakebite kit and first aid manual yet. ESPECIALLY if youre out there for a long time, it may save someone's life. Funny how fast the "focus" changes when somebodys hurt. I carry a very good kit when ever I do a trip....on or offroad. Had it with me last Sunday when we did a RallyX Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rooinater Posted April 17, 2008 Share Posted April 17, 2008 chainsaw is something nice to have with you after a good windstorm, or the high mountain roads and trails just open. who do you think keeps the majority of the trees removed from secondary forest roads and trails... the users... i generally carry a couple straps, a come-a-long, enough tools to disasseble the car/ repair, some random spare parts, small wire repair kit, a gps, fullsize spare, a map... down the line... i still need to buy a tree strap, i just use one of my tow straps around the trees... just means i have to wrap it around a lot. and since the new rig has a winch i'll want the tree strap. chain is heavy, and damages things... i don't carry it, and never wrap a cable or chain around a tree. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nipper Posted April 17, 2008 Share Posted April 17, 2008 Relying on a cell phone is not the greates thing to do, you should have a CB in the car. I have been many places where the cell phone is useless. If your car is running whats the need for the generator, that just adds alot of wight. A first aid kit as well. I have a floding tree saw in the car, flares, a hand help crank up flashilight, battery flash light and a tow strap. I need a new first aid kit. I go wheeling with a paper map as well as the GPS on the lap top. nipper Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeamCF Posted April 17, 2008 Share Posted April 17, 2008 My list: Maps folding Army shovel bag of really big (I mean huge) zip ties roll of duct tape roll of electrical tape survival style knife, along with the multi tool I always have on me Sometimes bow saw sometimes not, depends on if I remember it after using it at home bailing wire (electrical wire to be added as it was needed once before to get a fan jumped) some large stainless hose clamps 3 tow straps 4000lb come along a couple flashlights and one of those LED headlights CB in the car, handheld CB, and two way radio if I remember it two of the stock style jacks (hi lift soon to be purchased) foot long peice of 2x6 for under a jack if it's soft out oil water (need to carry more of though) GPS compass (gotta do it the old fashioned way sometimes) tool box (fixed a sheriff's quad last time out, he was all broken down) couple garbage bags. shipping pad for laying under the car on blanket rain coat gloves kleenex TP first aid kit whatever food/liquids I'm consuming, cooler couple bungee cords Backpack that some of it lives in in case I have to hoof it And a full size spare. (added after it was pointed out I forgot to list it) Aaand a fire extinguisher. Think thats about it. Might be forgetting something but I'm not going to go rummage in the Soob see what it is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nipper Posted April 17, 2008 Share Posted April 17, 2008 My list: Maps folding Army shovel bag of really big (I mean huge) zip ties roll of duct tape roll of electrical tape survival style knife, along with the multi tool I always have on me Sometimes bow saw sometimes not, depends on if I remember it after using it at home bailing wire (electrical wire to be added as it was needed once before to get a fan jumped) some large stainless hose clamps 3 tow straps 4000lb come along a couple flashlights and one of those LED headlights CB in the car, handheld CB, and two way radio if I remember it two of the stock style jacks (hi lift soon to be purchased) foot long peice of 2x6 for under a jack if it's soft out oil water (need to carry more of though) GPS compass (gotta do it the old fashioned way sometimes) tool box (fixed a sheriff's quad last time out, he was all broken down) couple garbage bags. shipping pad for laying under the car on blanket rain coat gloves kleenex TP first aid kit whatever food/liquids I'm consuming, cooler couple bungee cords Think thats about it. Might be forgetting something but I'm not going to go rummage in the Soob see what it is. Is that for a day or for invaiding poland? nipper Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rooinater Posted April 17, 2008 Share Posted April 17, 2008 My list: Maps folding Army shovel bag of really big (I mean huge) zip ties roll of duct tape roll of electrical tape survival style knife, along with the multi tool I always have on me Sometimes bow saw sometimes not, depends on if I remember it after using it at home bailing wire (electrical wire to be added as it was needed once before to get a fan jumped) some large stainless hose clamps 3 tow straps 4000lb come along a couple flashlights and one of those LED headlights CB in the car, handheld CB, and two way radio if I remember it two of the stock style jacks (hi lift soon to be purchased) foot long peice of 2x6 for under a jack if it's soft out oil water (need to carry more of though) GPS compass (gotta do it the old fashioned way sometimes) tool box (fixed a sheriff's quad last time out, he was all broken down) couple garbage bags. shipping pad for laying under the car on blanket rain coat gloves kleenex TP first aid kit whatever food/liquids I'm consuming, cooler couple bungee cords Backpack that some of it lives in in case I have to hoof it Think thats about it. Might be forgetting something but I'm not going to go rummage in the Soob see what it is. now you just need to start packing parts! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeamCF Posted April 18, 2008 Share Posted April 18, 2008 Is that for a day or for invaiding poland? nipper hehe For a day. I guess I just go prepared to stay the night if I have to or hike it back to cell range. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeamCF Posted April 18, 2008 Share Posted April 18, 2008 now you just need to start packing parts! Yeah I have to get a collection of them that are still usable first. Not very Subaru owner of me... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nipper Posted April 18, 2008 Share Posted April 18, 2008 No full size spare tire? nipper Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeamCF Posted April 18, 2008 Share Posted April 18, 2008 No full size spare tire? nipper Yup I got one of those! My second jack is living in the spare spot under the hood. The full size is strapped down behind the rear seat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Beast I Drive Posted April 18, 2008 Share Posted April 18, 2008 My list: Maps folding Army shovel bag of really big (I mean huge) zip ties roll of duct tape roll of electrical tape survival style knife, along with the multi tool I always have on me Sometimes bow saw sometimes not, depends on if I remember it after using it at home bailing wire (electrical wire to be added as it was needed once before to get a fan jumped) some large stainless hose clamps 3 tow straps 4000lb come along a couple flashlights and one of those LED headlights CB in the car, handheld CB, and two way radio if I remember it two of the stock style jacks (hi lift soon to be purchased) foot long peice of 2x6 for under a jack if it's soft out oil water (need to carry more of though) GPS compass (gotta do it the old fashioned way sometimes) tool box (fixed a sheriff's quad last time out, he was all broken down) couple garbage bags. shipping pad for laying under the car on blanket rain coat gloves kleenex TP first aid kit whatever food/liquids I'm consuming, cooler couple bungee cords Backpack that some of it lives in in case I have to hoof it And a full size spare. (added after it was pointed out I forgot to list it) Think thats about it. Might be forgetting something but I'm not going to go rummage in the Soob see what it is. you dont need to take electrical wire, you have Bailing wire and elecrical tape! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeamCF Posted April 18, 2008 Share Posted April 18, 2008 you dont need to take electrical wire, you have Bailing wire and elecrical tape! Thats true. I can save a half a pound that way! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3eyedwagon Posted April 18, 2008 Share Posted April 18, 2008 I think everyone has a good list going. I would definitely change the chain to a strap though. I know I'm going to get for this one, but I could really care less. I've found this super handy for both vehicle excursions, and more importantly hiking excursions. I always carry a rifle, or pistol of some sort. This may be protested by some, but where I live, and have grown up; it is a tool that can be compared to a shovel or an axe. There are some things that a firearm can do that nothing else can. My brother, and I once got lost south east of our home for 17 days. Luckily, against my mothers advice; I had packed my Ruger 10/22 bullpup, and ample ammunition. That little bit of insurance kept me, and my bro from spending two very hungry weeks wandering the Cascades. That rifle was nothing fancy by any means, just a $250 chunk of steel, and plastic. But the jobs that a firearm can perform are often worth their weight to lug along. I also carry a small carbine in my vehicles, as deer/elk are ALWAYS getting hit on my stretch of highway. As sad as it was, I once had to put down a horse after it had been hit by a Mustang. As much as it sucked; I was glad I happened by so that horse didn't have to spend 30 painful minutes thrashing around in broken glass. I tend to not like to let things suffer, if I don't have to. Also, once while in Search & Rescue, my group located an injured hunter after he used the international 3 shot call of distress. Whatever your opinion on them may be, firearms, while they must be respected, are INCREDIBLY useful tools. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeamCF Posted April 18, 2008 Share Posted April 18, 2008 Ya know I never even thought of really buying one until I started wheeling. And I know exactly what you mean. May not be right for some but can really come in handy. Just still have not afforded one personaly. Went and looked, but no buy yet. Just wish the target shooters out there would take thier trash back out with them. Most proly do, but enough don't. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
s'ko Posted April 18, 2008 Share Posted April 18, 2008 I would love to get my hands on a marlin camp 9 or camp 45 but those are pretty hard to find. I do have a marlin papoose. It's a take apart .22 The barrel unscrews at the end of the receiver and then it all goes into this nice carrying case about 18 inches long. I have yet to take it out camping with me, but mainly b/c I live in SoCal. BW Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3eyedwagon Posted April 18, 2008 Share Posted April 18, 2008 Sounds like you two have the right idea. A .22 is a good idea for most any situation, unless you plan on encountering "The Griz" . I have a Walther p22 in my wheeling kit. The kit is easily transported from vehicle to vehicle, so the pistol never leaves the kit. It's a REALLY handy little pistol, comes in a blow molded case, and the case holds extra mags/about 250 spare rounds, and a lithium ion powered led flashlight (just for a nice backup light, in case others run out of batteries). It has proved handy a few times, not to mention all the fun that has been had just pulling it out and plinking with it when the opportunity arose. Anyways, the reason for this is I remembered another one. I usually carry about half to a full quart of USED motor oil. Anyone who has ever wheeled much in Western Washington weather already knows what I am speaking of. It works great for touching off a good fire in those "damp" situations. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonas Posted April 18, 2008 Share Posted April 18, 2008 a flask of your favorite hooch. will make sitting around the fire of a forced camp out a little more enjoyable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cd45 Posted April 22, 2008 Share Posted April 22, 2008 I keep a tool full size spare get home pack small work light extra fluids and when I am not going to work: pistol and rifle because you never know. Pistol: either a .357Mag or a .45 Auto. Rifle: usually an SKS, sometimes just a .22 semi-auto. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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