What We Carry in Our Side by Side: Trail Essentials Every SxS Rider Should Have
If you ride long enough, it’s not a matter of if something will go wrong on the trail — it’s when. At Only Trails Offroad, we believe being prepared is the difference between a great ride and a long, miserable recovery.
Whether you’re exploring local trails or heading deep into places like Tackett Creek, here’s a breakdown of what we carry in our side by side to stay safe, mobile, and ready for whatever the trail throws at us.
Recovery Gear: Don’t Leave Camp Without It
Recovery gear isn’t optional. It’s one of the most important categories of equipment you can carry on your SxS.
Winch & Winch Maintenance
Your winch can be the difference between making it back to camp or spending the night on the trail.
Checklist before every ride:
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Make sure your winch is working properly
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Inspect your winch rope for fraying, cuts, or excessive wear
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Replace any worn rope — a damaged line can snap and cause serious injury
Winch Accessories We Carry:
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Winch extension rope – extra reach when anchor points are limited
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Tow strap / tow rope – essential for pulling another machine
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Soft shackles – lightweight, strong, and safer than metal shackles
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Snatch blocks – double your winch’s pulling power and control line angles
Pro Tip: Make sure your SxS has solid, properly mounted recovery points.
Winch Remote
A winch remote is often overlooked until you need it. When your machine is stuck, being able to control the winch from a safe angle makes recovery faster and safer.
Tools: Be Ready to Fix It on the Trail
On remote trails like Tackett Creek, having the right tools isn’t just convenient — it’s essential. Breakdowns happen, and your survival depends on being able to fix it on-site.
Tool Storage
We keep all our tools in Milwaukee Packout boxes — tough, weather-resistant, and organized for off-road adventures.
Tools We Carry:
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Full set of sockets (deep and shallow)
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Socket sizes up to 36mm (critical for machines like the Kawasaki KRX)
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1/2" impact wrench, ratchets, spline sockets
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Pliers and cutters, snap ring pliers, flathead & Phillips screwdrivers
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Pry bar, axle puller, hammer & dead blow hammer
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Test light
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Angle grinder with metal cut-off wheel — for cutting broken axles or metal fixes
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Steel-it or similar high-heat patching compound — quick fixes like leaky radiators
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Ball joint tool — essential for suspension repairs
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Tie rod saver — protects steering components from damage
Spare Parts: The Backup That Keeps You Rolling
Sometimes tools alone aren’t enough — parts break or wear out in ways only a replacement can fix. Carrying key spare parts can be a lifesaver on long or remote rides.
Spare Parts We Always Pack:
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Axles (front and rear) — a broken axle can end your ride immediately
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Ball joints — spares keep suspension working smoothly
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Tie rod saver repair kit — protects steering and prevents costly damage
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Sidewall slugs — patch sidewall punctures on the trail
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Spare tire or inner tube — especially important for bead lock wheels
Trail Essentials & Comfort: More Than Just Repairs
Riding isn’t just about fixing broken parts — staying safe, comfortable, and fueled is equally important.
Must-Have Trail Gear:
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Compact air compressor – like the Ryobi, perfect for airing up tires after repairs or adjusting for terrain
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Cooler with drinks & snacks – keeps you hydrated and energized
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Extra food – high-energy snacks or meals for longer rides
Why It Matters: Even the best recovery gear won’t help if you’re low on energy or stuck with a flat tire and no way to air up. Smart, compact gear keeps you safe, comfortable, and riding longer.
Closing Thoughts
Being prepared is about more than just having the latest gear — it’s about thinking ahead. Check your winch, pack your tools, carry spare parts, and don’t forget the essentials that keep your ride comfortable and safe.
At Only Trails Offroad, this is the gear mindset we live by — and we carry what we preach. Get ready, stay safe, and keep exploring.