What should you take with you when travelling in the outback? That’s something almost every Aussie has asked, and there are a million different answers that all seem plausible. Here’s what to keep in mind. Everyone has different ideas about what “roughing it” means and what’s “necessary.” In truth, there are only a handful of things that are actually necessary and many things that are simply nice to have.

Bullbars and ‘Roo Bars

A bulbar is a bar that’s attached to the front of your truck that deflects objects, usually wild animals making a run at your vehicle, and pushes them either off to the side or underneath you. This preserves your windscreen and the engine bay, where a lot of delicate things live.

Having your truck smashed into bits because of a stray animal or something that’s spooked could be the death of you. For this reason, it’s on a “must have” list. Fortunately, preparing your 4WD with one of these bars isn’t too difficult. Most of them are detachable so that you don’t have to ride around town with it on, which would just be ridiculous.

Anti-Roll Bars

Anti-roll bars are reinforced steel beams that run around the cabin and protect you in the event of a rollover event. So, for example, if you’re tipped over onto the roof of your vehicle, there’s a risk that the roof might collapse in on you. The result would obviously be devastating. An anti-roll bar would prevent you from being crushed.

Backup Battery or Duel Battery System

A backup battery is useful in the outback if you’re camping. But, even if you’re not, it can serve an important purpose. Being stranded is no fun, but being stranded without power could be deadly. A backup battery gives you light, heat, and a way to cook food.

Most backup systems are tied into the main battery, but what you really want is a battery system that’s completely sealed and separated from the primary or “cold cranking” battery. These batteries typically come with their own power management system, and may tie (indirectly) into the main power system in your vehicle. However, they do not drain your primary battery and they’re typically deep cycle batteries meant for use with accessories.

They charge off the alternator directly or they tie into your cold-cranking primary battery and charge from that, while the alternator charges the primary battery. If the backup battery charges off the primary battery, a power management system will manage the charging, allowing the secondary battery to be charged without killing the primary battery.

Awesome Driving Skills

You never know what you’ll encounter out there. Learn how to drive in the desert. It can be a bit difficult if you’re not used to it. Sand dunes, and patchy roads, can get you into a lot of trouble very quickly.

For example, don’t drive sideways on a dune or small hill. That’s just asking for a rollover accident. Don’t drive off-road unless you know the terrain. A hidden rock or a soft spot could smash your transmission or rip a fuel line. You could also damage your radiator, rendering your vehicle utterly useless.

Water

It should be obvious that water is a necessity, but some people who are new to this completely forget about the basics. You need water – lots of it. Plan on taking 3 litres of water per person, per day. If it’s especially hot outside, and you’ll be exposed to the elements, plan on an additional litre of water per person, per day, per degree over 25C.

Non-Perishable Food

Like water, you need food. But, you can’t take just anything to the outback with you. You need non-perishable food. Why? Because most food won’t last very long in the searing heat – especially during the summer months. Think nuts, dried fruit, and even canned goods. Bring salty foods to help with dehydration, and don’t forget some type of dried meat for protein.

A Way To Communicate With The Outside World

If you do get stuck 100km away from civilisation, you might be doomed. But, you might be less doomed with an UHF radio or long-range walkie-talkies. Sure, it’s a last-ditch effort, but these go in the “essentials” pile because it might mean the difference between life and death.

Isabelle Morrill is an active outdoors woman who once worked behind the counter of a car parts store. She likes to share her insights with others by posting online. You can read her illuminating articles mainly on sports, recreation and outdoors blogs and websites.