15 Off-Road Tips You’ll Actually Use

[@billveder1071]

Just to clarify: All toilet paper is in-fact biodegradable. Normal toilet paper takes about 1-3 years to fully decompose. This is longer than most people would guess, but it does take time for those strong wooden fibers to fully biodegrade. Biodegradable toilet paper, on the other hand, only takes about 1-2 months to fully decompose. Toilet paper is not harmful to the environment. Since it’s designed to break down in water, animals do not care about it, it doesn’t do anything to the soil, and plants are not affected whatsoever. I agree; I would not leave biodegradable toilet paper behind either, that just seems rude however, you can bring a small shovel and bury it, there is no harm in that. In-fact choosing to bury it is actually better than all the wasted (plastic) bags being used and then discarded to haul out biodegradable toilet paper and biological waste out of the woods. I hope this wasn't too intrusive, I treat county water for a living, it's what I do.

[@huntinbob06]

Great video Brad. I would add that when you encounter a hiker or hikers, I always ask them if they need any water and may I take any of your trash for you. I've turned a lot of hikers into being ok with motorsports in the mountains.

[@MassASASoftball]

What a great idea about carrying obvious trash out (except for waste I hope). : )

[@kiltedoverland4551]

what a great idea!

[@jondoe4667]

We ride dirt bikes and I always ask the group to go slow and be courteous when passing hikers. We get a bad rap anyway so dusting people out or hitting them with roost doesn't help. The hiker will almost never think you look cool if you fly by like an ass.

[@NICUofficial]

that's a great idea!!

[@CarsWithClassy]

Wow, that’s such a great idea! I usually pick up trash I see on a trail but that’s next level! I’ll be sure to keep that tidbit in mind next time I go wheeling. Hopefully people aren’t weirded out about me asking them for trash 😅 regardless, LEAVE NO TRACE!

[@Mdozaaa]

Went off-road for the first time and “stop to assist” is genuinely so important and was glad I came across the people I did I wasn’t stuck but I was with someone who was and being my first time well I couldn’t really help but a few others stopped and helped

[@nealjohnson1461]

Brad I cannot thank you enough for taking the time at the Expo yesterday morning to let me record your message to my friend Jeff. Words cannot say how much that meant to Jeff and his wife !!! Thank you so much Chief Neal

[@TrailRecon]

Great meeting you and I hope your friend is well soon.

[@MaximusWilliams]

Great information. Somehow, I came up with sixteen rules 😊 Off-Road Trail Etiquette: 1. Always keep the vehicle trailing you in sight 2. Stop at intersections so trailing vehicle sees where you turned 3. When two vehicles are approaching each other on an incline the vehicle going uphill has the right of way 4. Stay on the trail! 5. Practice good radio communication. No foul language. Don’t “clog” the channel on trivial stuff. Communicate difficult obstacles, broken down vehicle, etc. 6. Give way to larger groups 7. Stop to assist. Don’t leave anyone behind. 8. Bathroom break. Boys to the left and girls to the right. 9. Two attempts and then it’s time to move on 10. Yield to motorcyclists 11. Communicate with hand signals how many people are in your convoy to oncoming traffic 12. Look for a sign at gates. If no sign then leave it how you found it. 13. Maintain safe distance between vehicles. On steep inclines let the vehicle in front of you crest the hill. On steep declines let the vehicle in front of you get to the bottom before you start down. 14. Don’t stop in the middle of the trail. 15. Slow down when you encounter hikers, campgrounds and horses. 16. Leave it better than you found it.

[@TrailRecon]

Your #2 is actually part of our #1. Keeping the rig following you in your sights means making sure they know when you're turning. Rule #1 is about making sure your group stays together. 👍 Regena wrote a blog that makes it more clear. trailrecon.com/15-Tips-for-Good-Manners-Off-Road_b_45.html

[@jerrymyahzcat]

Technically it’s impossible to leave it better than you found it. Driving a vehicle anywhere will do trail wear. Leave it Cleaner than you found it is more appropriate - ie pick up rubbish you see. Mind you, if pigs didn’t litter, we’d not need to be cleaning up after the swine. Everyone needs to be responsible for and take their own, rubbish out. There is no excuse to leave trash.

[@Chris.starfleet]

The world needs more people like Brad and Regina.

[@TrailRecon]

You are too kind!

[@DixieOverland]

Nothing, and I do mean NOTHING upsets me more than people who throw trash on the trail. People who are too lazy to even put the trash into a bag making it someone else's issue to fix....(This post was made without swearing).

[@stevej7139]

Good list ! Most of those things were learned when in the scouts as a kid but it seems like scouting has gone away for the most part these days so learning these things only come from community now . When I'm out alone or with my kids we always take out more than we brought , typically we clean camp when we arrive and again when we are about to pull out plus we don't leave trash out at anytime during the camp , very important . I have a pop up privacy tent and a porta-potti so anything that needs TP is only about a minute away . The only other thing I would add to your list is keep the noise level low , no blasting music .

[@Tornado91204]

Yes! Leave no trace!

[@GATORADDAM]

You guys are great. I knew most of these except the Boys to the left - Girls to the right. Never heard that one before.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you! The boys to the left and girls to the right has been a part of the San Diego Jeep Clubs drivers brief for years and just helps to give folks their privacy.

[@jpsopris5320]

This is great. I’m a big river rafter and we go by “skirts up pants down” meaning girls go up river and boys go down river.

[@TrailRecon]

I hadn't heard that before... love it!

[@GATORADDAM]

@@jpsopris5320 That's great 👍

[@Chardister70]

Great tips! Thanks for putting this out there. Nice seeing you and your wife together more often on the channel. Keep the videos coming!

[@RobertJl9516]

Excellent tips, I watched this awhile back. My wife has recently got into Trailrecon videos and I came in and she was watching this one and taking notes. We have a Jeep trip coming up and are new to leading large groups and your video will help us communicate good off-roading procedures.

[@regenakowitz]

I'm glad your wife is getting involved! We need more women on the trails. 😊

[@everymanoffroadadventures6082]

Great video! Only thing I would add is SLOW DOWN for water crossings. Especially in the mountains. I can't tell you how many Jeeps and sxs I saw blasting through water crossings. Doing this seriously erodes the banks and damages the environment.

[@scottsnyder8691]

Great point! And they are water sources for wildlife.

[@joshua3340]

Great advice. Also a higher probability of sucking water into the intake. Slow and steady gets you home safe.

[@MountainManGuy]

Good point! You also run the risk of damaging your radiator fan or dislodging plastic components in the front of your vehicle, like fender liners

[@milescorp6237]

Great tips. I learned these years ago but this was a good refresher. I am glad you mentioned cleaning up trash. As a former park ranger, it really bothers me when people leave trash in nature. Enjoy the place where you are but don't trash it. Respect nature and preserve it for others to enjoy.

[@enemyfleet7139]

Great video... I'd add one thing about motorcycles. Yes faster and more nimble, but also more vulnerable. Keep up the great videos!

[@markspence3750]

You two are 100% legit. It is nice to see two Navy Corpsmen doing this video.

[@erikbasil2787]

Great list! Hey though, not just "hikers, campgrounds and horses" for the slowdown: also mountain bikes, particularly if they are climbing and breathing hard. It is inappropriate for us to give them dust to huff. Just takes a moment or two to appreciate someone who's working harder than we are, and you can always say hi.

[@FlawedOffroad]

Good tips, the one about 2 tries makes sense in a large group, non optional stuff. But if its optional obstacle or a small group I'm going till I either make it, break it, or give up haha. Also Id like to add one. If you stack rocks to get up something, remove them when done.

[@WesternBlazer]

Bring a fire extinguisher. One of my good off-road buddies took a ride in my truck the other day and asked why I had a fire extinguisher. I was shook. I thought it was common sense for everyone to have a fire extinguisher

[@MassASASoftball]

I totally agree this should be added as a 'mandatory' tip!!!

[@katherinefrost5808]

Thanks, Brad and Regina… great tips. I really love having Regina in these videos and learning from her perspective.

[@bradshutler9356]

Good common sense tips to all that drive the trails need to know. Thank you both.

[@andysolorzano4126]

Awesome video Brad and Regena. This should be mandatory viewing for every person driving an off road vehicle before they hit the trail. Even within our small group of off roaders, we have weekenders that we have to remind before each ride of these trail etiquette rules. Always look forward to your vids. Entertaining, informative and always a bit of humor. Hope to see you out on the trails.

[@manologocho]

Love this channel one of my favorites, thanks for the tips and great human being you and your wife and don't leave behind and give help to others that are in need love that cheers from Mérida Venezuela always taking note of the info you share and admiring the views and sites you go.

[@scottnelson1713]

Thanks for remembering the motorcycles. You don't have to pull over very far to let one by. And thanks for the tip about not parking in the middle of the road. Way too many people seem to think they're the only one out there. And concerning your last tip, I think I'll start hauling an extra garbage bag in my Bronco to clean up some of the stuff that others leave out there.

[@RandomStuffGarage619]

I used to wave like a dummy until I realized what it really means haha Great vid! Everyone needs to know these things!

[@k5kdd]

Watch 8:12 again , you missed how to differentiate the "wave" and the " number of fingers ( plural fingers )"

[@RandomStuffGarage619]

@@k5kdd ok I should have been more clear. I used to "chuck the duces" "peace" or "2 behind me" Like a dummy. I have since learned that actually means something on the trail. Education has occurred!

[@chazmic]

Most dad vibes ever. Love it! Thanks for taking the time to make this useful video. See you out there!

[@BestEngineOil]

Maybe the best basic off road tips info. Probably every off road forum should link to this perfect video. Great job guys!

[@steve337]

I love that you and your wife are now a Team on a some of the videos! You two are great together!

[@m.t.mobile]

Great list of tips! I've grown up on the trails and that is the first I've ever heard "boys to the left, girls to the right". You betcha I'll remember it next time!! Most I knew of, some were definitely new!

[@CraigSimons]

Good advice. I'll be shareing this video with all my new wheelers and seasoned veterans.

[@vdub5818]

An add on to the hiker tip. Ask the hiker if they have any trash that you can take for them. Much easier for us to haul it out with our vehicles than for them to carry it. We also usually ask if they could use a cold drink as we always have our fridge with us.

[@mikechandler3791]

Thank you two for posting this. As simple and sensical as these tips may seem there is so many new adventurers and some of us old ones that can use these helpful reminders, education, and information of these simple respectful tips on trail etiquette.

[@harveycrump8663]

Lol

[@four_low_adventures]

Great video! Very informative. Lots of people need to see this video.

[@christopherpike8269]

The tip on yielding to uphill traffic makes soo much sense, but so often overlooked. I can’t say how many times someone going down hill never even slows down. They certainly have the momentum in the wrong direction.

[@TrailRecon]

I frequently run into folks that don't know about the right of way rule on hills, so hopefully this helps spread the word a bit.

[@moriseyusa]

As a jeeper who drives a manual transmission, my uphill momentum is everything. I think the uphill right of way has gotten lost in drivers ed now that most vehicles are automatics but it's still true even on city streets.

[@rex5880]

Another reason is that if you need to back up to let the other pass, it’s easier and safer (due to visibility) to back up hill.

[@OverlandAZ]

Great topic and awesome for you to share. Your channel is a go-to for many new off-roaders. Well done! 👏

[@stevenforrest2378]

Terrific job. Thanks. I've been waiting for this one. Some things are intuitive if you've got a courteous bone in your body, but some are not, like "boys to the left, girls to the right."

[@alexanderweaver7066]

As Regina stated your trail tips are really just common sense. They should apply to all drivers driving narrow mountain roads, logging roads and other back country thoroughfares. So good to see and hear this information on a video. That was surprising information regarding the men to the left and women to the right...good to know. My pet peeve is LNT or Leave No Trace and to many "weekend warriors" irresponsibly leaving beautiful campsites trashed. I've picked up two 55 gallon bags full of disgusting garbage at a couple sites before I even set up my camp. Thank you for sharing this video.

[@classicrocker81]

Great tips! Not only a good refresher for some used to being on trails, as well as the newbies.

[@outlaw9232]

Great video Brad and really nice to see Regina more. Awesome advice to all.

[@Montanaoffroad1]

Great video as always! Let’s keep our trails safe and clean for everyone! Thank you for making this.

[@gilbertferguson1685]

Great advice. Have been watching and enjoying your videos. I have a Bronco on order, but if I don’t get it soon, I will be looking for a Jeep. Thanks.

[@TrailRecon]

Right on! Hope you order comes through soon.

[@onetruebob_tj]

Excellent tips! Thank you both for sharing your knowledge and experience.

[@sandralutz-rodriguez2864]

Thank you guys for sharing these tips! Most seem common sense but having a reminder is always good. Treading Lightly and pack in pack out seem to be broken left and right. Never ceases to amaze me with how much trash we come home from a quick drive in the woods.

[@minitrucker007]

This is an excellent video!! I have only had a jeep for a year and only been on the trail twice. This was all perfect info for me. I will watch this video 15 time!! :) trailrecon always coming through for me with great info.

[@ruckus5391]

Best trail video ever! I would add ATV’s to the list to move over for. They are much faster and it’s not fun to eat dust from Jeeps and trucks.

[@peteraltman6374]

It's amazing how those rules mirror that of ATVING there all the same, I'm also a jeeper ,love your videos thank you very much

[@ron343]

You two make a great team well done.

[@MikeUtah]

Hope to see you both at the expo today! Cool editing on this videos also!

[@TrailRecon]

I'll be out and about with the camera today, home to be able to say hello and shake your hand!

[@sonandsanford4963]

Great knowledgeable video, should be mandatory for all trail adventurers, thanks.

[@markybarretts]

Awesome video, I learnt so much from this and reminded me of things I had forgotten

[@kiltedoverland4551]

All good stuff. Thanks for the reminders! Great manner of presenting.

[@tyberlong]

love you guys. thanks for making the world a better place

[@peteacevedo3411]

Brad all great points I want say since you have Regina on the channel my wife watches the channel more than I do. This video was really well done.

[@jondoe4667]

In some situations I'd say give way to the smaller group. It will take 10 trucks a lot longer to get through obstacles than 2 trucks and that way you aren't holding anybody up.

[@Wklambert]

Amen on #2. Almost had someone take me out in TN this way, around a switchback. It was suuuuper sketch, but we made it through. All of these are super helpful. Thanks for the tips!

[@brunnie]

Great tips! Recently I picked up 7 (yes seven) empty shoe boxes that had been left beside a trail in the Badlands.

[@ebo2421]

Lovely video. I’m a new Jeep owner who’s looking forward to getting to know the off-roading community and culture! 🙌🏼

[@TrailRecon]

Right on!

[@justinreed4632]

Great reminders here! And Brad, thanks for taking time outta some shade catching to say hi and get a pic with ya at the Expo. Hope I gave ya enough space. Dig yer vids man👍🏼

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you and glad we got to meet!

[@-a-bomb]

Do people get confused if you hold up two fingers when hinting how many people are behind you for throwing up a friendly peace sign?

[@bikeama]

Because you showed a picture of my favorite areas. Slick Rock Road between Utica/Union Reservoirs and Lake Alpine. I have been camping off that road since 1965, yes I am old. If you have a rock crawler, I would add that DO NOT move large rocks into the road. Several areas on that road have this problem and others are making new roads around the large rocks. The ladder is enough of a challenge with out the crawler made rock garden at the bottom. Rant over.

[@nicktuttle6777]

Great video and really helpful for us newbies

[@kristinvogt6980]

Great tips! Horse safety is very important! Thank you for sharing!

[@Aaron-ge1hy]

Thank you! Well thought out, AWESOME video! 👍🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@aaronshagar]

GREAT and necessary stuff! Thank you as always for the wonderful information!

[@johnwahl7460]

Brad you know I must now break every rule but only in my dreams and never on the trail.

[@johnpooley3]

Great concise video. I just had to add it to my playlist “Awesome Learning Videos”

[@carolinakayakadventures270]

Thanks for sharing this!!!! Videos like this are why I really enjoy your channel!!!

[@hughess005]

Excellent tips video!

[@wetzelalbery7570]

Just recently purchased a 2019 Jeep Wrangler rubicon 4 door with the 4 cylinder

[@StanSheram]

This should be mandatory to watch at least once a year for every off-road driver.

[@Aaron-ge1hy]

@Mr. Nishimoto lol. True, but common sense isn't very common anymore. Therefore, why it is important for some folks to see this video. 😉👍🏼

[@davidkaplan2745]

I discovered (the hard way) another reason that the vehicle going uphill should have the right-of-way. If you are backing up downhill and a wheel drops of the road, it's really hard to get yourself back up onto the road. It's much easier if you're backing up uphill.

[@timothybuchholz9225]

Excellent information 👌. Thanks for sharing.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you!

[@ahmednesbitte4906]

Hi Brad and Regina, very nice video. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@notmadhur]

I’m just starting and thank god I came across this video.

[@johngales8467]

Thank you for the reminder to all!

[@SamoyedMoms]

Civility and etiquette -- seemingly lost arts in so many spheres of society these days. Great video, excellent advice!

[@Family4Wheelin]

Great info, thanks for putting this together!

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you and you're very welcome!

[@midnite8791]

Very similar to hiking etiquette! Good to know, sad how many people don't know hiking etiquette when it comes to uphill/downhill especially

[@jorgemontano1770]

Something that we like to do in California highways when we are in a caravan .When the leader is going to change line turns on the singal light and then all the caravan starts to change line starting from the back to the front. I don't know if is a good tip or not but we like it. Sadly because the people is forgetting how to be cordial.

[@kb6lcw99]

The Doc is up and posting well before most! Great day to you CMC.

[@TrailRecon]

Good morning!

[@kb6lcw99]

@@TrailRecon and how was the chiefs mess this glorious Morning!

[@TrailRecon]

I'm in Flagstaff Arizona, chugging down some coffee and getting ready to head over the Overland Expo. I miss the Chiefs Mess, but such is retired life.

[@kb6lcw99]

@@TrailRecon I joined in 1977 and retired in 2010. I too miss starting my day with a beach run and a meal with many brothers and sisters. I am in Santa Monica, ca. When you get back and we both can find time. I would like to have a meal together. I have a 1990 YJ 4cyl stick and a 1989 YJ 6cyl automatic. I thank you for all you share. MasterGuns sends..

[@yiy3429]

A great list of trail etiquettes. Thank you.

[@RunaStrong]

I just got my first 4WD this past week! Love this video! Hope to see y’all out on a trail soon!

[@SamO45]

5. Practice good radio communication. No foul language. Don’t “clog” the channel on trivial stuff. Communicate important stuff. 5a. when using radio: Key microphone, WAIT A SECOND, then start talking...talk slow/deliberate and understandable. the point is communication- you want to be understood, and you want to understand what the other person is saying. Don't get excited, even in an emergency- your voice will get garbled and wont be understood. The microphone is changing your voice (a bunch of vibrations) into electronic pulses, the radio changes that to a radio signal to go through the air. The other radios are getting that airwave signal, changing it to pulses, the speaker in their radio is changing the pulses to vibrations...that ears can hear.

[@fretless05]

Good list. As a guy waiting his Bronco to start off-roading and enjoying the great outdoors, I try to soak in as much as I can about this stuff so will get maximum enjoyment form the trails when I finally get on them. BTW, I like that you got a shot of Dirt Lifestyle with his son out on the trails!

[@matthewhatton3637]

And always drive at a sensible speed on a narrow windy dirt road especially in the mountains I don't know how many times I almost get hit by somebody that is just blazing down the dirt road for no reason.

[@erichmeyer8213]

Good advise. Pack it in and pack it out. And like you said, stay on trail. BLM and national forest lands in Colorado over last 20 years are becoming more sketchy with people living there in vans/RVs and just general trash being left behind. Then people go off road making their own campsites so now they are closing off more trails. Always amazes me how a few will ruin it for all of us by leaving trash.

[@genebalinski645]

Great video Brad and Regina. Very instructive. Love the hand signals for number of Jeeps in the convoy. I always learn something new when watching your videos. Hope you can make it to the New England area this year.

[@grandperspective1167]

I’m so excited to start off roading now!

[@TrailRecon]

Awesome! This is a great way to spend your time and being outside is good for you. Safe travels and tread lightly!

[@nativetexson]

Good reminder! Thanks so much.

[@GladiatorUp]

Shared this with our new Off Road & Overland club. Solid! First event it this Fall.

[@CarsWithClassy]

What part of the states is your club located?

[@TrailRecon]

Awesome, glad it was helpful.

[@jondoe4667]

I ride dirt bikes on long trails in AZ. Any time we have a group the main rule is no one left behind, no matter the skill level. Number 2 is if one person has bike trouble, we all have bike trouble. If a guy breaks down and somebody decides to keep on moving instead of doing what they can to help, that person will not be invited back. Treat people the way you would want to be treated if it was you hurt, or broke.

[@JonathanAllain]

Great video for us new folks!

[@lawrencek9748]

What an excellent video, thank you for making this.

[@dancergal5068]

Excellent tips!

[@TrailRecon]

Glad you like them!

[@Rob_P80]

Thanks for the convoy brief, Brad! Awesome tips!

[@TrailRecon]

Happy to help!

[@daviddyogi8279]

Off the subject, my question is air compressor. What do you use to air up your tires? Onboard type or portable? New here and wanna knw what you would recommend,..also budget friendly pls. Thanks!

[@RacingFlatts30]

I ride dirt bikes usually solo and I always try to be courteous to anyone else on the trail. My biggest gripe is when other off roaders don’t use hand signals. The last thing I want is to have a head on collision because someone didn’t tell me there were more people in their convoy. And sometimes I have to take a line that might get closer to a larger vehicle than I want to but it’s usually the safer route for myself. I would much rather get a little closer than to crash. I do my best to keep it safe and have a good time in the process. This was one of my favorite videos that you have put out recently Brad! :)

[@Dave-Cruz]

Maybe keeping speed in check could prevent this issue?

[@RacingFlatts30]

@@Dave-Cruz that is sometimes an option but certain terrain demands different riding techniques. If you’re on more of a smooth hard-pack trail, slowing down isn’t an issue. If you’re on sand you must keep a pretty high speed to stay on top of the sand. Going downhill is easier to go slow that going uphill. Most bikes require clutch modulation and/or momentum going up steep inclines. A lot of the southwest desert states have a lot of sandy washes and trails like out here in Arizona where I live.

[@davewilson8308]

Lot of these tips pertain to mountain biking as well.

[@jerrymyahzcat]

As for widening the trail - no one likes a skinny trail so if it’s a little bit wider, great. And yes stay on the trail but sometimes you have to go around say a fallen log. A bypass is always good to avoid unnecessary clambering over stuff. Not everyone on the trail has 37” or 40” tyres. When on the trails, it’s best to carry 2 radios. One you can use on a private channel for your group (and feel free to discus what you’re eating at camp later) and use the other on a general public channel for communicating with others that may be out and about on the same trail and that you might meet. In Australia I don’t believe we have any Boys or Girls sides - we would typically just use a toilet 🚽. When not available though I’d think people tend to just go off the side near their own vehicle in their own group (family stays together) - maybe I’m wrong. Never heard of a Boys/Girls side. As for gates it’s leave them as you found them. Even if the sign says keep closed. The farmer may have opened it to move stock through & doesn’t want to come along to find it’s been closed by someone.

[@johnfulater2945]

Thank you - a great video and reminders....

[@ndafarachaitezvi1139]

Great content as always.Thanks for sharing