Freek Technique: Practical Tips from the Driver's Seat

By Mark Filonowich
Contributing Writer

One of the biggest secrets to successful trail rides isn't what tires to buy or lift kit to install. It isn't at all related to how big a 'wheeling budget you have. Simple preparation...making sure you brought everything you are going to need...can go miles toward helping you enjoy your time outdoors. I send my customers a detailed checklist that includes things like sunscreen, bug spray, sunglasses and sturdy footwear that really make the difference. If you are not comfortable (both in the Jeep and walking around on trail stops), you will find yourself wishing you brought a few more essential items.

I recommend careful meal planning. Too often, people stop at the gas station on the way to the trail and load up on whatever they can find. I'm not your mother and I'm not going to tell you what you should or should not eat, but I can give you some tips to better eating on the trail. A few minutes of preparation the night before keep you from foolishly rushing around in the morning. Apples are better than squishy bananas when the trail gets rough and things in your food pack or cooler shift around. Tortillas are bread that's already flattened. They make great PBJs for the kids. I bring along a tube of squeeze peanut butter and a bottle of squeeze jelly and make my sandwiches when we stop for lunch. Those same tortillas are used in "manifold meat" burritos. Just make sure you double wrap in foil and remember to flip the pack a few times as it heats up. Chips are fine, but buy them in a tube if you want anything more than crumbs. Trail mix (peanuts and M&Ms and raisins) is easy to pack, easy to grab for a quick snack, and virtually crushproof. A cooler full of cold, non-alcoholic beverages is a must have (keep drinking fluids to avoid dehydration...a common trail malady), but remember to properly secure the cooler (and its lid) in the vehicle. You've heard it before...all those items are potential missiles bouncing around your head if the vehicle tips or rolls over. A simple ratchet strap keeps my things where they belong.

Think about your "must have" items and jot them down. Everyone's list will be different...but write them down (or type it up) and refer to this list each time you go. Ask others what they always bring, and consider adding those things to your own list. Before long, you will have developed a useful tool. Something that ensures you will have what you need, every time you go. You will be comfortable, prepared, and ready to tackle anything the trail (or Mother Nature) throws at you!

Freek Technique

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