News

Best Camping First Aid Kit (Buying Guide)

Published

2 years ago

May 26, 2022

When a less-than-dire disaster strikes the campsite, be it in the form of a scrape needing gauze, a splinter needing tweezers, or an allergic reaction needing antihistamines, a first aid kit can save campers annoyance and possibly rescue the entire camping trip from a frustratingly sudden conclusion. Most of the essential medical supplies you’d typically find in a first aid kit are widely known and their proper application a common-sense skill for the majority of campers. Antibiotic ointment and a Band-Aid as treatment for a small cut or scrape is a process we generally learn from watching a parent or teacher complete it when we’re children. Ibuprofen has ended many a mild headache, especially after a long night around the campfire. Antiseptic wipes and sting relief ointment can also be helpful to make aches and pains subside so campers can get back to enjoying nature’s splendor.

It should probably go without saying, but camping first aid kits are only for minor injuries, not for more serious emergency situations that require first responders or EMTs. While more common injuries like allergic reactions, sprains, and blisters are usually a fleeting vexation here in the built world, anything pain-inducing can cause a camper or backpacker to stay behind at the campsite and miss out on a day of hiking or some other fun activity. First aid only goes so far, but the medical supplies in a first aid kit can help give some relief until the affliction subsides, at least enough for campers to be able to fully participate in the camping shenanigans. For more serious emergency situations, first aid kits most often have an emergency blanket to make campers comfortable until first responders or EMTs arrive.

We’ve taken a look at some of the best first aid kits on Amazon and come up with this guide to make it easier for you to choose the one that best suits you. Anyone of them should have enough supplies to prevent your next camping trip from being halted by minor injuries, but there are some additional design features that set some apart from the rest. Read until the end of the guide to see our top pick for the best camping first aid kit.

Photo: yKhAns1tW54

Caption: EMTs and first responders may face difficulties reaching remote places, so it’s always wise to have a first aid kit at the campsite.

Adventure Medical Kits Mountain First Aid Kit

All the basic medical supplies you’d expect to be in an emergency kit are in this Adventure Medical Kits product. Inside their bag, which has been designed with an Easy Care organization system that makes it easy to find what you’re looking for, you’ll find everything you need to treat common injuries. Adhesive bandages for both the knuckle and general scrapes and cuts are included, along with butterfly closure band-aids. Antiseptic wipes, triple antibiotic ointment, and an alcohol swab are in there for cleaning and dressing minor injuries. Tincture of benzoin is also included, which is a solution in alcohol that improves the adhesion of adhesive bandages and works as a local skin antiseptic. For those who might lack a total knowledge of wilderness first aid, there is a first aid guide provided. EMT shears for cutting adhesive bandages or anything else are inside, along with a safety pin and tweezers to remove ticks and splinters.

AfterBite relief wipes, which are towelettes that provide fast relief from insect bites, stings, and other minor skin irritants, are included in this first aid kit as well. The medically inclined or frequently afflicted will recognize the medications included with the Adventure Medical Kits Mountain first aid kit: diamode, aspirin, antihistamine, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen. Trauma pads and a nitrile glove designed to stop bleeding fast are inside. A wound irrigation tool, 10 sterile dressings, an elastic bandage, 11 gauze bandages, 10 yards of medical tape, and a cotton-tip applicator are on offer for wound care, blisters, and burns. Moleskins, a specific type of adhesive bandage designed to stop blisters before they start, are inside the Adventure Medical Kits Mountain first aid kit as well.

Adventure Medical Kits has designed many different first aid kits of varying sizes and pieces of medical equipment, but this Mountain model is the one with just about everything called for to treat minor injuries in an emergency situation. The bag for this first aid kit closes with a zipper and is water-resistant. It’s ideal for backpackers who want to maintain an ultralight pack on the way to their campsite. There are a few important first aid items that aren’t included in this first aid kit though, including an emergency blanket and a CPR mask.

Pros:

Enough supplies to treat common injuries
Water-resistant, zipper-closing carry case
Ultralight and durable
Find-it-fast design and Easy Care organization system

Cons:

No emergency blanket
No CPR mask

M2 Basics 150-piece First Aid Kit

This first aid kit is perfect for backpacking and multi-day hikes over mostly flat, uncomplicated terrain that doesn’t threaten severe emergency situations. It’s chock-full of first aid supplies that will be a big help to have around when you need to treat minor injuries, although there isn’t much inside to treat an allergic reaction. It does come with a carabiner for easy attachment to rucksacks or for storage. The included first aid guide is sent via email, which could be handy because you’ll have a digital copy but may also be inconvenient for campers who don’t like to depend on cell phones at their campsite. Adhesive bandages such as butterfly, fingertip, knuckle, spot, and normal band-aid strips are all included to cover up minor injuries like cuts and small scrapes. Alcohol prep towelettes and sterile alcohol-free wound-cleaning relief wipes are included along with sting relief wipes.

For emergency situations where heat loss is at issue or the injured camper might be in the early stages of shock, this first aid kit comes with an emergency blanket. A CPR facemask is also included, which, although some opine is a waste of space, can be very handy for those not accustomed to giving CPR. Safety pins and medical shears are part of the kit and useful for cutting adhesive bandages Medical tape is also inside. The lightweight carrying case is not ultralight necessarily but it won’t add too much weight to a rucksack. It’s small enough to fit in just about anywhere you have the room, and it can also be hooked to the exterior of a bag with the included carabiner.

The biggest drawback to this first aid kit is that it doesn’t come with waterproof matches or any sort of medication like ibuprofen or antihistamines to treat allergic reactions. There’s also no indication that it’s waterproof or water-resistant, which can be a problem if bad weather sets in or campers are planning to be near a water source.

Pros:

150-piece first aid kit with enough medical supplies to treat common injuries
Carabiner included with zipper-close carry case
Emergency blanket included

Cons:

Not waterproof or water-resistant
No ibuprofen, antihistamines, or other medication

Emergency Trauma Tactical First Aid Kit

The zipper-close carry case for this tactical first aid kit is one of the more stylish available on Amazon if you’re into the field hospital aesthetic over the red cross style. In addition to the usual medical supplies like adhesive bandages, band-aids, surgical tape, medical shears, alcohol towelettes, and tweezers, this first aid kit also comes with some added features. The regular bonuses like an emergency blanket are there, but so are many other medical supplies that you don’t find in many other emergency kits. There’s a tourniquet, for starters, as well as a multi-tool, a compass, a survival whistle, a multi-function pocket knife, a paracord, a fire starter, tinder-cotton, a wire saw, a mini fishing kit, an iron wire side lock, a multi-function card, and an LED light.

With all of the bonus first aid items in this emergency kit, campers are sure to have enough supplies to get them through any emergency situation that calls for treatment of minor injuries. It’s a great addition for peace-of-mind on your next adventure, but make sure you take the time to learn how to use each instrument before you go because this first aid kit does not include any sort of first aid guide.

Pros:

Enough supplies for common injuries
Tons of bonus medical supplies
Stylish zipper-close carry case

Cons:

Not water-resistant or waterproof
No first aid guide
No ointments or medications

Photo: lqT2RukGGJ0

Caption: Band-aids are an integral part of any first aid kit but far from the only first aid item campers should have in their emergency kit.

Be Smart Get Prepared 100-Piece First Aid Kit

Be Smart Get Prepared is one of the most well-known manufacturers of first aid kits in the United States. This 100-piece first aid kit has all the essentials and a few extras thrown in as well. It includes not one but two antiseptic solutions to ensure a wound is clean if it is cleaned properly. It’s both FDA registered and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) compliant, so campers can rest assured everything inside this first aid kit meets the federal standards. The compact carry case has easy-slide latches instead of a zipper, which can come in handy in tight spaces where there isn’t much room to open a normal zipper-close first aid kit.

Here’s what’s inside the Be Smart Get Prepared 100-piece first aid kit:

6 Antiseptic Towelettes
12 Alcohol Relief Wipes
2 Antibiotic Ointment Packets 0.9 g (1/32 oz)
10 Cotton Tip Applicators
1 Instant Cold Pack Compress
1 First Aid Guide
20 Adhesive Bandages – ¾ in x 3 in
30 Adhesive Bandages – 3/8 in x 1 ½ in
1 Adhesive Tape Roll – 0.5 in x 5 yd
5 Butterfly Closures
4 Wooden Finger Splints
4 Small Gauze Pads
2 Large Gauze Pads
2 Examination Gloves

You may have noticed it doesn’t come with many extras. There isn’t an emergency blanket inside nor is there a CPR mask or any medication like ibuprofen or an antihistamine for allergic reactions. The plastic case itself won’t take any damage from water but it isn’t watertight either so the medical supplies risk ruin if the first aid kit gets wet.

Pros:

Plenty of first aid supplies
Cold pack compress included
FDA and OSHA compliant
Two antiseptic solutions

Cons:

No emergency blanket or CPR mask
No antihistamine or ibuprofen
Not watertight

Johnson & Johnson All-Purpose First Aid Kit

This first aid kit is great for treating common injuries that don’t require medical attention. It includes cleansing wipes, gauze pads, assorted bandages, rolled gauze, antibiotic cream, itch stopping cream, acetaminophen caplets, and an instant cold pack. Additionally, it includes Band-Aid adhesive bandages in assorted sizes for minor injuries, as well as Band-Aid gauze pads, non-stick pads and rolled gauze for larger minor injuries. One of the greatest advantages to this first aid kit is the included Neosporin + Pain Relief topical cream to help prevent infection and Extra Strength Benadryl Itch-Stopping topical cream to help soothe itching.

This all-purpose first aid kit also comes with Tylenol Extra Strength acetaminophen caplets and a Bengay Non-Medicated Instant Cold Pack to help ease minor aches and pains, as well as two pairs of gloves and a helpful first aid guide. All of the pertinent medical information for the contents of the kit are listed on the back of the case, which is not purported to be watertight although the case itself won’t take any water damage since it’s made of plastic. Campers who want zipper-free carrying cases and name-brand medication for allergic reactions and bug bites will be satisfied with this kit, but hypochondriacs and worriers might want to spring for a larger kit with extras like an emergency blanket and CPR mask.

Pros:

All essential first aid essentials included
First aid guide provided
Name-brand medication and ointments
Zipper-free

Cons:

Not watertight
No emergency blanket or CPR mask

I GO Compact First Aid Kit

This I GO Compact first aid kit is ultralight and comes with a hardshell case which makes it super easy to transport to and from the campsite, as well along with you on trails. This 85-piece first aid kit has the essential medical tools you’re used to seeing by now, such as sting relief pads, cleansing towelettes, adhesive bandages, band-aid strips, vinyl gloves, a whistle for emergency situations, a super-absorbent pad for blood absorbance, gauze in three different sizes, medical tape, tweezers, medical shears, and a first aid guide. There’s also a bonus CPR mask, which isn’t always the case with first aid kits. The most useful detail of this I GO first aid kit is the hard-shell case, unique on this guide for its shock-proof durability.

It’s really organized and small enough to fit in a rucksack or in a car door pocket. There are some extras missing like an emergency blanket, and there is no medication either. Campers can pack along their own antihistamines and ibuprofen if they want to have some on hand and this kit will handle common injuries just fine otherwise.

Pros:

Hardshell case
Enough tools for minor injuries
CPR mask included

Cons:

No emergency blanket
No medications or antihistamines for allergic reactions

Photo: Hez3-whPnNA

Caption: Antihistamines are common in camping first aid kits to provide relief for allergic reactions to pollen, dust mites, or animals.

Surviveware Large First Aid Kit

To start with, this Surviveware is top-of-the-line in terms of what’s inside and the quality of the construction. The carry case closes with a zipper and is really durable. It’s not for campers who want to bring along the most ultralight first aid kit they can find, but it has more medical supplies than almost every other model. Everything essential is inside. The complete list of included supplies includes shears, a splint, alcohol wipes, adhesive bandages, a cold pack, a combine dressing, conforming bandages, gauze swabs, CPR bag with instructions, CPR mask, earbuds, an emergency blanket, eye pads, fever strips, first aid guide, gloves, hydrogel, hypo-allergenic tape, non-adhesive dressings, laminate baggies, refuse bag, pressure bandage, safety pins, skin cleaning wipes, splinter probes, sting relief wipes, strip closures, triangular bandages, tweezers, a whistle, and wound dressings. Surviverware has gone above and beyond by including not just the medical supplies you’d expect in a first aid kit, but some tweaks to those instruments that make them all the more convenient for campers who don’t have advanced knowledge of medical treatment.

The only drawbacks to this first aid kit are that it doesn’t have much medication inside and the pack itself is not waterproof or watertight. That being said, since campers can add medication as-needed to this first aid kit and the majority of first aid kits are not waterproof anyway, the versatility of this kit put it in a class of its own. With this kit along on your camping trip you’ll be able to rest assured that you’re prepared for any non-urgent emergency situation where minor injuries have occurred but in-depth medical treatment is not required. That’s why it’s our top pick for the best camping first aid kit.

Pros:

Tons of extras included
Rugged, durable carry case
CPR mask included, with instructions
Emergency blanket included
Cold pack included

Cons:

Not much medication inside
Not waterproof

Photo: KiskZOMfDro

Caption: No first aid kit should be without an emergency blanket to prevent heat loss in an emergency situation.

Top pick:

For its versatility and clear superiority over competing models in the first aid kit market, the Surviveware Large First Aid Kit has earned the title of our pick for the best camping first aid kit. What is missing from this kit can be easily purchased at any drugstore and packed into the carry case. The carry case itself is durable and conveniently-sized considering how much stuff they’ve managed to pack inside.

Overall, every advantage that comes with having a first aid kit along at the campsite with you can be found in the Surviveware first aid kit. There’s nothing in there that goes beyond the call of first aid kits, which after all are only intended to be used in non-emergency situations with minor injuries where serious medical attention is not required. It will add plenty of peace of mind to have one along with you and can nip small annoyances that would otherwise be a detriment to a camping trip in the bud. Now that you have some perspective on the first aid kit market, get out into the backcountry well prepared for every (non-emergency) situation.

Bonus tip: Stock your camping first aid kit with these essential medical supplies.

News

The Best Snacks to Bring on a Hike

Published

12 months ago

April 30, 2023

rokumedia

Hiking is an enjoyable and rewarding activity, but it can also be physically demanding. To ensure you have the energy to make it to the top of your next peak or trail, you need to bring along snacks that will provide you with sustained energy throughout your hike.

But what are the best snacks for a hike? There are many different factors at play when choosing snacks for a hike: nutritional value, ease of packing and storage, convenience when eating on-the-go, etc.

In this article we’ll discuss what types of snacks are best for a hike, how to choose healthy and nutritious ones that provide energy, ideas for easy-to-pack snacks that don’t require refrigeration or heating, how to store food safely while on a hike as well as tips on when and how often should you eat and drink during your trek. So let’s get started!

How to Choose Healthy Snacks for a Hike

When selecting snacks for a hike, it’s to choose ones that are rich in both carbohydrates and proteins. Carbohydrates will give you energy while proteins help your muscles recover after exercise. Aim to pack snacks that have natural sources of carbohydrates like grains, fruits, vegetables and nuts as well as protein-rich options such as meats, dairy products, beans and legumes. Try to stay away from processed foods with added sugars or artificial ingredients.

Easy-to-Pack Snacks That Don’t Require Refrigeration or Heating

Snacking on the trail doesn’t require any elaborate preparation – there are plenty of delicious snacks that don’t require refrigeration or heating. Here are some great snack ideas for your hike:

Whole wheat sandwiches filled with nut butter and sliced fruits or vegetables, such as apples, carrots or cucumbers.
Nuts and seeds like almonds, walnuts, cashews, peanuts and sunflower seeds.
Fruits like bananas, oranges and grapes are easy to pack and carry along the trail.
Energy bars that contain natural ingredients like oats, honey and dried fruits are a great source of energy when you’re on-the-go.
Trail mix – a combination of nuts, dried fruit and other snacks makes an excellent hiking fuel.

How to Store Food Safely While on a Hike

When you’re out in the wilderness, it’s important to take steps to properly store your food. This will keep animals away and help to prevent contamination. Here are some tips for storing food safely while on a hike:

Pack snacks into sealable plastic bags or containers that can be securely closed.
Hang the bags or containers from a tree branch at least 10 feet above ground.
Keep food away from your sleeping area by at least 200 feet.
When returning home, dispose of any remnants of food in trash receptacles only – never leave them along hiking trails!

When to Eat and Drink During a Hike

In order to stay hydrated and energized on your hike, it’s important to plan ahead. Eating small snacks throughout the day will help keep your energy levels up, so it’s a good idea to pack more than you think you need.

It’s also important to drink plenty of water when out in the wilderness – dehydration can lead to fatigue and impair physical performance. Drink water every 15 minutes while hiking and take regular breaks during the day in order to refuel with food and fluids.

See also: How to Pack for a Day Hike

Benefits of Bringing Good Snacks on a Hike

Having nutritious snacks along your hike has many benefits:

It helps maintain your energy levels by providing sustained fuel throughout the day.
Nourishing snacks can help to prevent fatigue, muscle cramps and headaches caused by dehydration.
Eating regularly helps your body recover quickly after exercise.
It’s a great way to stay motivated and focused while on the trail.

Great Snack Options for Hikers

To recap, some of the best snacks to bring on a hike are ones that are nutritionally balanced and easy to pack and store. Some great snack options include: whole wheat sandwiches, nuts and seeds, fruits, energy bars and trail mix. Remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day in order to stay hydrated!

Conclusion

When it comes to packing snacks for a hike, it’s important to choose ones that provide both carbohydrates and proteins. Aim for snacks that are easy to pack and store, such as sandwiches, nuts and seeds, fruits, energy bars or trail mix. Don’t forget to stay hydrated with plenty of water throughout the day!

FAQs

Q: What types of snacks should I bring on a hike?

A: The best snacks to bring on a hike are ones that have both carbohydrates and proteins. Try packing whole wheat sandwiches, nuts and seeds, fruits, energy bars or trail mix.

Q: How often should I drink while hiking?

A: It’s important to stay hydrated while out in the wilderness – aim to drink water every 15 minutes while hiking. Take regular breaks during the day in order to refuel with food and fluids.

Q: What are some benefits of bringing good snacks on a hike?

A: Eating nutritious snacks while hiking can help maintain your energy levels, prevent fatigue and muscle cramps, and aid in recovery after exercise. It’s also a great way to stay motivated and focused!

Q: How should I store food while on a hike?

A: Pack snacks into sealable plastic bags or containers that can be securely closed. Hang the bags or containers from a tree branch at least 10 feet above ground, and keep food away from your sleeping area by at least 200 feet. When returning home, dispose of any remnants of food in trash receptacles only – never leave them along hiking trails!

Q: What are some easy-to-pack snacks that don’t require refrigeration or heating?

A: Some great snack options for a hike include sandwiches, nuts and seeds, fruits, energy bars or trail mix – all of which can be easily packed without the need for refrigeration or heating.

Q: Are there any special considerations when choosing snacks for a hike?

A: Yes – aim to choose snacks that are nutritionally balanced and easy to pack and store. Try to avoid sugary or processed snacks, as these can cause energy crashes. Also, if you’re planning on eating during the hike, make sure that you have plenty of water available in order to stay hydrated!

Q: When should I eat and drink during a hike?

A: Drink water every 15 minutes while hiking and take regular breaks during the day in order to refuel with food and fluids. Eating regularly helps your body recover quickly after exercise, so try to have snacks available throughout the day.

Q: What are some great snack options for hikers?

A: Some great snack options include: whole wheat sandwiches, nuts and seeds, fruits, energy bars and trail mix. Remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day in order to stay hydrated!

Q: What are the benefits of bringing good snacks on a hike?

Q: What snacks should I avoid packing for a hike?

A: Try to avoid sugary or processed snacks, as these can cause energy crashes. Also, anything that requires refrigeration or heating is best left at home – aim to choose snacks that are easy-to-pack and store, such as sandwiches, nuts and seeds, fruits, energy bars or trail mix.

Q: How do I choose healthy snacks for a hike?

A: Aim to choose snacks that are nutritionally balanced and easy to pack and store. Try to avoid sugary or processed snacks, as these can cause energy crashes. Choose snacks that provide both carbohydrates and proteins, such as sandwiches, nuts and seeds, fruits, energy bars or trail mix – all of which are easy-to-pack and don’t require refrigeration or heating.

Q: What else should I consider when packing snacks for a hike?

A: Make sure that you have plenty of water available in order to stay hydrated. Also, store your food securely while on the trail by hanging it 10 feet above ground and keeping it away from your sleeping area. Finally, dispose of any remnants of food in trash receptacles only – never leave them along hiking trails!

News

What to Consider While Choosing the Right Women’s Motocross Gear?

Published

1 year ago

December 20, 2022

Jonas Muthoni

Buying the right women’s motocross gear is not a cakewalk!

One of the most important aspects of getting the appropriate gear is knowing what to look for and what to shun when buying dirt bike gear.

It can be helpful to choose the correct equipment for you if you are new to motocross or other dirt-biking activities.

So how can you pick the greatest motocross equipment? You can choose the appropriate women’s motocross gear for your trip using the guidelines and recommendations in this post.

Choose the Right Fit

Neither your clothing nor your accessories should ever be excessively tight or too loose. The equipment should be just snug enough to stay on your body and do its job of protecting you in the event of an accident. Look for adjustable items like pants with an adjustable waist so you can get a better fit.

You should sit down and pretend to be riding the bike as you try the gear on. This is important since it guarantees that the equipment is not uncomfortable or restricts your motions. When you sit down in a riding position, the gear may not appear to be too big on you even though it may first appear that way. You don’t want your clothing, such as your sleeves or your jeans, to ride up, exposing your flesh and raising your chance of getting hurt.

Water Resistance

Your ride will be more convenient if your gear has water-resistance qualities. You can buy separate rain gear or purchase waterproof clothing.

Even with removable waterproof linings, external textiles continue to absorb water, and you will still get wet. They may also heat up, feel uncomfortable, and add weight.

Don’t Overlook its Durability

Women’s motocross pants are often constructed from denier, nylon, or polyester fabric. Both nylon and polyester are incredibly comfortable to wear and dry extremely rapidly. This kind of fabric is durable and retains its quality even after multiple washing. High-denier material is designed to make your possible motocross pants more robust.

Price

When selecting the appropriate equipment for you, the cost is yet another important factor. Most people don’t have an endless supply of money to spend on dirt bike equipment. Some items are worth a little bit more money than others, but you can get away with buying some items on a budget. When purchasing crucial items like helmets, for instance, you get what you pay for, therefore spending more on these items can result in safer products.

Consider how much you can afford to spend, then begin looking at the equipment that is within your spending limit. You can get things that suit your demands and budget range.

Ventilation

Ventilation is a factor that is frequently disregarded when purchasing dirt bike equipment. It might be uncomfortable to ride in something that doesn’t have good ventilation and breathability. This is especially true if you ride during the sweltering summer. Air can flow freely through your gear and be wicked away from your body by materials with good ventilation and breathability. By doing so, you’ll be able to be more comfortable even when the outside temperature is higher.

Conclusion

Considering these factors will help you choose the right motocross gear for women that may not only offer maximum protection but perfectly cater to your needs and budget. Always remember to be safe!

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News

Off-Season ATV Maintenance

Published

1 year ago

November 19, 2022

Jonas Muthoni

When dealing with vehicles, proper maintenance goes a long way toward preventing unnecessary expenses and ensuring the vehicle’s longevity; an ATV is no different in this regard. However, knowing how to take care of your ATV is arguably more important for many reasons, including safety. ATV maintenance during “riding” season is relatively easy. Still, things usually take a different turn once the riding season is over.

Unfortunately, most people often forget to undertake proper ATV maintenance during winter, and as you would expect, they mostly end up paying dearly for it once it’s ATV season again, as their quads are usually significantly damaged.

Do you have an ATV? If you do and you’re looking for tips on how to carry out proper off-season ATV maintenance, read on to discover some of the best ways to ensure your ATV remains in perfect condition all season long.

Garages and ATV Covers

The first thing you’ll want to put on your ATV maintenance checklist is shelter and storage location. As you well know, your ATV is as much a vehicle as your car is. Basically, this means that just as your car requires shelter to protect it from weathering, especially during winter, your ATV also requires the same. You could even argue that providing shelter or cover for your ATV is even more important than doing the same for your car. You should also note that shielding your ATV from direct exposure to sunlight during summer is also important because the sun can also damage your ATV when you leave it exposed for too long.

If you have a garage, you should ensure to park your ATV inside it to effectively shield it from weathering damage. However, the fact remains that not everyone has access to a garage, and even if you did, your garage would only protect your ATV from “some” of the effects of weathering, not all. So, if you have an ATV, you should consider getting an ATV cover. ATV covers are designed to effectively shield your ATV from harsh environmental effects, ensuring they’ll remain in excellent condition regardless of the weather.

You may be thinking, “Why can’t I just use a random blanket or cloth from my home to cover my ATV?” The answer is simple; those clothes and blankets are not designed for ATV protection. If you use them, you’ll have water building up under them, eventually leading to mold and mildew growth, causing even more damage. With ATV covers, on the other hand, water under the cover will always evaporate quickly, so you can be sure your quad-wheeler will remain perfectly dry and mold-free. In addition, their unique design means you’ll be able to use ATV covers all year round, indoors and outdoors, to protect your ATV from the effects of weathering effectively.

Check Air Filter

Access to clean air is crucial for your ATV to function properly, and if your ATV’s air system is contaminated, it could lead to ATV engine issues. Therefore, you must ensure to check your ATV air filter system from time to time during your quad maintenance to ensure that no small animals or insects have made nests in your filter system. You’ll also want to ensure no dirt or debris clogs your air filter. To do this, simply locate the air filter cover (you should find it in the back of your ATV, under the bed). Once you’ve seen it, take off the cover and then look inside to be sure it’s clean.

Battery Maintenance

Another ATV maintenance task you’ll want to add to your ATV service checklist is battery evaluation and maintenance. Just like a regular car, ATV batteries become less effective or damaged over time when the ATV isn’t used, especially after exposure to cold or freezing weather. So you should ensure to start your ATV from time to time and just let the battery charge to ensure it doesn’t become dead before spring. In addition, you should know that there are different types of ATV batteries on the market, and some are more suited to cold temperatures than others. So you’ll also want to ensure you get the best cold weather ATV battery you can find if you plan on leaving the battery in the ATV all winter long. On the other hand, you could opt to remove the ATV’s battery and connect it to a trickle charger that will help ensure you don’t end up having a dead battery by spring; which is what will likely happen if you just remove the ATV’s battery and drop it somewhere in your home or garage.

Change Engine Oil

An engine oil change is a regular part of every automobile maintenance and should be part of your ATV maintenance checklist. You should always check your ATV’s engine oil state, especially if you haven’t used the ATV in a long while. This is because debris and dirt might have somehow gotten into your oil filter, and this will make the engine oil sticky and thick. Running your ATV with this oil content will likely result in engine damage, and fixing a damaged ATV engine will undoubtedly cost you a significant amount of money. So instead of dealing with lousy engine problems, simply make sure to swap out the bad oil for quality, fresh engine oil.

Tire Check

If you have a car, you’ll most likely notice that when you leave it parked for an extended period, the tires will tend to lose pressure and go flat. The same applies to an ATV, so proper tire care is essential to proper four-wheeler maintenance. You’ll want to check your tire pressure levels periodically during the off-season. If they’re lower than what they should be, you could opt to use a tire pump to get them back in the proper condition. Also, keep an eye out for damaged or worn-out ATV tires so you can replace them before riding the ATV again.

Other ATV maintenance tips you should add to your ATV maintenance checklist include the following: