Discover the must-have recovery gear for safe off-road travel. From traction boards to shackles — be ready for any 4×4 adventure.
Over my years of overlanding through the UAE, Oman, and Saudi Arabia, I’ve learned exactly which tools are truly essential. This is my must-have recovery gear list — items I never leave home without.
1. SHOVEL: The First Tool You’ll Reach For
A shovel is one of the simplest but most important recovery tools. It’s perfect for digging out tires stuck in sand or mud, clearing rocks, or even leveling your campsite. A foldable, lightweight design makes it easy to store in your 4×4.
2. RECOVERY TRACKS: Your Escape Plan in Sand or Mud
When your tires start spinning with no grip, traction boards can get you moving again in minutes. Place them under the tires to give your vehicle the traction it needs to drive out of soft terrain.
3. RECOVERY STRAPS: Quick & Safe Vehicle Pulls
If you’re traveling with other vehicles, a strong recovery strap is essential. It allows for safe towing or pulling when one 4×4 gets stuck.
4. TYRE DEFLATOR: Instant Tire Pressure Control
Lowering tire pressure helps you float over sand or handle rocky tracks better. A tyre deflator lets you do this quickly and accurately, avoiding guesswork and wasted time.
5. SHACKLES: Secure Your Recovery Points
Shackles are small but vital in any recovery situation. They connect your recovery straps or winch line to your vehicle’s recovery points. Soft shackles are lightweight and safe, while steel shackles are incredibly strong and durable — ideally, carry both.
6. AIR COMPRESSOR: Inflate Anywhere, Anytime
After deflating for soft terrain, you’ll need to bring your tires back to the correct pressure before hitting the road again. A portable air compressor is an absolute must-have recovery tool, especially for solo travelers.
Whether you’re exploring remote deserts, muddy trails, or rocky mountain tracks, having the right recovery gear can mean the difference between a quick rescue and a long, stressful wait. In this guide, we cover the essential 4×4 recovery gear every off-road enthusiast should carry — from traction boards and recovery straps to air compressors, deflators, and shackles. Be prepared, stay safe, and make every off-road adventure worry-free.
UAE OFF-ROADER GUIDE
If you are looking for more off-road trails to discover around the United Arab Emirates, I can recommend this ultimate guide that is packed with many routes, giving very detailed information and answering all the questions you could have about off-roading in the UAE.
You can get it from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3eQMBbr
FIELD GUIDE TO EMIRATES
To learn more about UAE’s natural & archaeological treasures, check: https://amzn.to/3JmqzNc
MY EBOOK ABOUT SALALAH
REMEMBER!
- Do not leave any garbage behind, including food. Even organic waste can take months to biodegrade and meanwhile, it will attract animals. It may make them stop eating their natural food and rely on what humans leave behind and make them sick.
- Have a bag ready to collect trash left behind by other inconsiderate people. In the end, you are saving nature.
- Hike or camp over gravel and rocks. In some areas, the vegetation can take years to grow back.
- Leave natural and historical items where you find them.
- Minimize cooking over a campfire, and use the stove instead–it has less impact on the wilderness.
