The Top 10 Must-Have Items For Recovery Kits & Rock Crawling Adventures

There’s nothing quite like the rumble of your Jeep, Tacoma, Bronco, Land Cruiser, or Defender creeping up a gnarly rock face with the tires flexing, suspension twisting, and adrenaline pumping. But before you throw it in 4LO and crawl into the wilderness, you’ve got to be ready. We're talking gear. The kind of stuff that turns a sketchy day into a story-worthy one. At Broken Rock 4x4, we live for this—so here’s our no-fluff list of the Top 10 must-have items before hitting the rocks. Whether you’re a seasoned vet or trail rookie, this list is the gear locker cheat sheet you need.

1. Air Downs – Grip is Everything

You can have the best suspension in the world, but if you’re running full street pressure on the rocks, you’re doing it wrong. Air downs—aka tire deflators—are your first step toward real traction. Lowering your tire pressure (usually down to 12-18 PSI for most rigs) increases your contact patch and lets your tires wrap around obstacles instead of bouncing off them.

There are lots of air down tools out there, from screw-on deflators to rapid valve-core removers. Pick one. Keep it in your rig. Use it before every trail. Your tires (and your kidneys) will thank you.

2. Air Compressor – Don’t Skip This One

Now that you've aired down, you better have a way to get those tires back up before hitting pavement. That’s where an onboard or portable air compressor comes in. You don’t want to drive 30 miles on the highway at 15 PSI. Not unless you enjoy replacing sidewalls.

Get something rated for off-road tires. Bonus points for dual-cylinder compressors or ones that mount permanently under the hood. Either way, airing back up at the end of a trail is essential—so make it easy on yourself.

3. Broken Rock Hitch Roller – Save That Rear End

This one's close to home for us. The Broken Rock 4x4 Hitch Roller is the unsung hero of the trail. It slides into your rear hitch receiver and acts as a bumper protector, hitch slider, or skid roller in one. Instead of grinding your rear bumper (or hitch) into rocks and ledges, the Hitch Roller lets your rig glide off obstacles smoothly.

This is a game-changer for steep descents or when you’re climbing ledges and the backend is hanging low. It’s simple, smart, and tough—just like it should be.

4. Recovery Ropes – For When Your Buddy Gets Spicy

You might not need recovery ropes today, but someone in your group will. And when that happens, it’s way better to be the hero than the one standing around saying “man, I wish we had a rope.”

Kinetic recovery ropes are way better than chains or static tow straps. They stretch under load and give a slingshot-like yank to stuck rigs—way safer and more effective. Look for ropes rated 3-4x your vehicle's weight, and toss them in your recovery bag every trip.

5. Soft Shackles – Smarter, Safer Connections

Forget the old metal D-rings. Soft shackles are the new standard for off-road recovery. They're made from ultra-strong synthetic rope (UHMWPE) and are easier to use, lighter to carry, and way safer if something goes wrong.

They won’t rattle around in your rig, don’t rust, and they float in water. What’s not to love? Keep a couple in your center console or recovery bag—you’ll use them more than you think.

6. Winch – When There’s No One to Pull You

Look, we love a good group ride, but sometimes you’re solo. Or worse, the whole group’s stuck. That’s why a winch is more than a trail accessory—it’s trail insurance.

Pick one that matches your rig’s weight (usually 1.5x your gross vehicle weight), and make sure your battery and charging system can support it. Pair it with a good tree saver strap and some gloves, and now you’re ready to save the day—or yourself.

7. A Friend – For Safety, Spotting, and Stories

We can’t stress this one enough: don’t wheel alone. The trail is unpredictable, and things can go sideways in a hurry. Plus, rock crawling is just better with friends.

Bring someone who can spot your lines, grab a recovery rope, or just laugh with you when things get weird. Two rigs are better than one—and twice the fun.

8. 2-Way Radio – Talk When There’s No Cell Tower

Cell service is unreliable once you’re off the grid. That’s where a solid 2-way radio setup comes in. Whether it’s handheld GMRS units or a dash-mounted rig, quick comms between drivers can prevent a lot of confusion—and damage.

Plus, it's way easier to yell “rock on the driver side!” over the radio than playing charades with your hands out the window.

9. Trail Toiletries – Nature Calls

Let’s be honest: there are no bathrooms on real trails. So pack accordingly. A small shovel, toilet paper, biodegradable bags, hand sanitizer—you know the drill.

Being off-grid doesn’t mean you can’t stay clean, respectful, and comfortable. This one’s not glamorous, but it’s definitely necessary.

10. Weather Prep – Because the Trail Doesn’t Care

You might start your trip under blue skies, but weather in the backcountry changes fast. That’s why we always recommend packing sunscreen, rain gear, extra layers, and plenty of water.

Being prepared means staying out longer, safer, and happier. Pack a dry bag with the essentials and toss it in your rig before every ride. You’ll use it more than you think.

Wrapping It Up

There you have it—the top 10 must-have items for rock crawling off-road. Whether you're climbing through Moab, navigating the Sierra trails, or finding your favorite local lines, these essentials make the difference between a sketchy mess and a trail victory.

At Broken Rock 4x4, we’ve built our gear with real-world trail time in mind—gear like the Hitch Roller that solves actual problems without overcomplicating your setup.

So before you hit the trail, double-check your list, pack the essentials, and make sure your rig (and your buddies) are dialed in. Because when the trail gets rough, the right gear makes all the difference.

Want to gear up? Shop our trail-tested products and follow us on social to see how other wheelers roll with Broken Rock.

Now get out there—and conquer more.