Gearing Up for Glamis: The Best Off-Roading Gear Reviewed
As a mom of two little adventurers under the age of five, our trips to Glamis Sand Dunes are as much about ensuring safety as they are about having fun. Proper gear is absolutely crucial to make sure every family outing remains a joyous and safe experience. Here, I’ll share some of the best off-roading gear and accessories that have worked for our Glamis crew, keeping us all safe and comfortable during our dune adventures.
Choosing the Right Vehicle
The vehicle is your most important piece of gear when you're heading to the dunes. It needs to be tough enough to handle the sand, but safe enough to protect its precious cargo—your family. We are a 'first generation' Glamis family and have been lucky enough to have been adopted into a Glamis crew that have had enough room to take us along with them. We pay for gas, make a few extra meals & pick-up the beer tab, and they take us out on their toys. That being said, we have had great experiences with Polaris RZRs; they are reliable and well-suited for sandy terrains. If you are renting one for the first time, make sure to choose a model that fits your family's size. Please know the dunes are dangerous, and make sure you are with a group of people who can show you the ropes & get you out of trouble if you get stuck.
Safety Gear for the Little Ones
Safety gear is non-negotiable, especially for the kids. Here are a few items that we don't go without:
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Helmets: It’s crucial that helmets fit properly. One of the top that I've seen are the Youth Off-Road Helmets from Typhoon Helmets, which are DOT-certified and come in various kid-friendly designs.
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Goggles: Sand can be a nuisance and a hazard. Biltwell Moto 2.0 Goggles are excellent; they’re comfortable and keep the sand out, with clear visibility. Some people prefer colored lenses when riding in the day & clear or yellow at night.
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Boosterr Seats: The family that we ride with uses APEX Junior Universal UTV Seats for our kiddos, and we've found that they work great!
Navigational Tools
Getting lost is not an option when you have young children with you. Make sure you have a rugged, all-terrain GPS navigator like the Garmin Overlander that’s perfect for off-road environments like Glamis. It’s easy to use and comes with preloaded topography maps, ensuring we you always find our way back to camp or to specific points of interest. The dunes are notable for having ZERO service.
Recovery Kits
Even with the best preparation, getting stuck is a possibility. Our recovery kit includes:
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Glamis Recovery Inc (Glamis 911): Save this phone number to your phone (760) 970-4099 ! Glamis911.com is a UTV shop located in Glamis, California. They provide UTV services like vehicle recovery. They service UTV models Can-Am, CFMoto, Honda, Kawasaki, Polaris, and Yamaha.
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Tow Straps: Carry Tow Straps like the Rhino USA Recovery Tow Straps, which are heavy-duty and can tow up to 10,000 lbs. They’re durable and come with a storage bag to keep them tidy.
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Shovel: A compact, durable shovel like the DMOS Stealth Shovel is perfect for digging out tires or building up sand ramps. It’s lightweight yet sturdy, making it easy to handle for quick jobs. This was added to the list after my friend and I tried to go in reverse with sand tires on... IYKYK.
Bringing the right gear can make all the difference in the quality and safety of your off-roading adventure in Glamis. I hope these recommendations help other parents plan a safe and fun trip that their little ones will remember for years to come. Remember, the key to a successful family adventure in the dunes is preparation and ensuring you have the right equipment to tackle any situation that comes your way.
