ATV Camping Checklist

Slasher Polarized Sunglasses $60.00 Cargo Net, 15" x 30" $8.10 Hubba Solo Tent $249.99 DragonFly Gourmet Stove $129.99 Bighorn Jumbo U-Tube Float Tube $149.99 Polar Bear 24-Can Cooler $44.95 Rino 530HCx GPS/2-Way Radio $535.70 Zip-Off Convertible B.D.U. Pants $34.99 ATV Tire Patching Kit $34.95 Six-In-One Screwdriver $6.99

Using our camping checklists below will help you prepare for your ATV camping adventure because light and compact is the rule for a safe carefree experience. By using the following camping checklists one should end up with approximately 100 pounds of ATV camping gear and supplies (camping gear, food & drink, clothing/personal items, and ATV tools and gear). Always load an ATV effectively within the manufacturers rated load capacity using the front and rear racks. Typically loading 75% of the total weight (ATV camping gear and supplies) on the rear rack and the remaining 25% on the front rack will keep the load balanced. If the ATV has a winch, this extra weight (12 - 20 lbs depending on brand & size plus the weight of the winch accessories) needs to be included when loading an ATV with camping gear and supplies.

Example: ATV camping gear and supplies have a combined weight of 100 lbs and the winch weighs 20 lbs, so the total weight of the load is 120 lbs. Load the rear rack with 75% of the total load, which is 90 lbs of ATV camping gear and supplies and the remaining ATV camping gear and supplies (10 lbs) is loaded on the front rack. The front of the ATV will have 25% of the total load (winch + camping gear & supplies) or 30 lbs and the rear rack has 75% of the total load or 90 lbs for a total load of 30 lbs + 90 lbs = 120 lbs.

If extra fuel and water is required this extra weight (6.2 lbs/gal for gasoline & 8.3 lbs/gal for water) must be taken into account when calculating the total weight of the load. If the ATV has a storage compartment (most do) this is where as much of the ATV tools and gear should go. Make sure your load is secure and tied down well. Using a cargo net and/or bungee cords helps hold things in place. Wrapping items with the ground tarp helps keep items dry and easier to tie down. The use of ATV luggage is highly recommended because your items are kept dry, dust free and organized.

Proper selection should yield a combined weight of no more than 50 pounds of camping gear.

Food & Drink

Food and drink selection for ATV camping is a personal preference, just remember light and compact. Using freeze-dried food or MRE's (Meals Ready to Eat) for entrees is a great way to reduce weight and they don't taste bad either. Take plenty of energy food, trail mix, dried fruit, unsalted nuts, and energy bars. ATV Camping does not mean you can't have gourmet meals at the campsite. With a good camp stove, cooking utensils, and the right recipes you can cook up some delicious meals that will have everyone devouring in minutes. Don't have any good camping recipes? Take a look at this recipe book, it is filled full of easy family camping recipes. Keep all food in seal tight containers (preferred) or zip lock bags.

Tip: Fill 12 oz water bottles with 9 oz (3/4 full) of water and freeze before the trip. Use this instead of loose ice. When the ice begins to melt use for drinking/cooking. Rule of Thumb: Use 1 frozen bottle of water for every 2 pounds of perishable food. Also freeze any perishable food prior to the trip that will be stored for more than 1 day.

Proper selection should yield a combined weight of approximately 10 pounds of food & drink per person per day of camping.

Adjust list for the climate conditions anticipated. Proper selection should yield a combined weight of 5 - 10 pounds per day of clothing/personal items.

Proper selection should yield a combined weight of 10 - 15 pounds (not including winch & extra fuel) of ATV tools and gear.