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THE TEMPS ARE DROPPING, THE SAND'S CALLING, AND THAT CAN ONLY MEAN ONE THING,

DESERT SEASON IS HERE

Whether you’re headed to Glamis, Dumont, or Ocotillo, a little prep goes a long way. The dunes are wild, unpredictable, and full of good times but only if you’re ready for them. Before you fire up the rig and drop the tailgate, here are 10 things every off-roader should know before desert season.

1. Hand signals save lives

When dust clouds roll in and radios cut out, hand signals become your best line of communication, not just for your crew, but for other groups passing by out in the dunes.

LEARN them. use them. teach them.

Here’s the breakdown:

  • Point left or right – Indicates your direction of travel.

  • Arm circling overhead – Signals everyone to stop.

  • Patting your head – “I’m okay.”

  • Waving side to side – Danger ahead or slow down.

  • Hold up fingers – Shows how many riders are behind you in your group.

  • Make a closed fist – Used by the last person in the group to signal they’re the end of the line.

Simple, effective, and lifesaving. These old-school signals still matter in modern off-roading. Make sure everyone in your crew knows them before you hit the sand.

2. Pack It In, Pack It Out

There’s nothing worse than rolling up to camp and seeing trash everywhere. Join the movement and support the Clean Dune Project, who lead the charge in keeping our riding areas open and clean.

IF YOU BRING IT, TAKE IT BACK OUT.

A clean desert isn’t just about looks, it’s about keeping access open for everyone who lives for wide-open throttle weekends.

3. rESPECT THE DESERT, AND EVERYONE IN IT

The desert doesn’t belong to anyone, but it’s home to all of us. Be smart, be courteous, and remember:

  • Don’t drive through camps.

  • Watch for kids, dogs, and pedestrians.

  • Slow down near populated areas.

WE ALL SHARE THE SAME PLAYGROUND

So ride with respect and keep the vibes good for everyone.

4. Buckle Up or Don’t Ride

No excuses. Whether it’s a quick rip to Olds or a full send through the dunes,

Always strap in.

PRP’s harnesses are built for comfort and safety, with thick shoulder pads, EZ-adjust hardware, and the reliability you need when things go sideways.

And if you ever do roll, here’s what to remember:


Keep your arms inside the vehicle. Don’t reach out or try to brace the impact. Grip the steering wheel tight (or cross your arms over your chest if you’re a passenger) and let the cage and harness do their job.

You can replace a mirror or a roof, not your arm.

5. DO A PRE-RIDE CHECK

A busted belt or a loose bolt can ruin your weekend. Before you unload:

  • Check tire pressure, fluids, and battery.

  • Make sure your harnesses and seats are tight.

  • Test your lights, whips, and radios.

Five minutes of checking saves hours of trail repairs.

6. BRING THE RIGHT RECOVERY GEAR

Getting stuck happens, It’s part of the desert game. But getting out fast? That’s where SpeedStrap comes in. Recovery straps, kinetic ropes, and tie-downs are built for the worst conditions.


Throw a SpeedStrap Big Daddy 20,000 lb Recovery Strap or a Kinetic Rope in your rig and you’ll always be ready when someone buries it in the bowl.

7. LIGHT UP THE NIGHT

When the sun drops and the dunes go dark, visibility disappears fast, and that’s when lights and whips become essential.

Why?

A bright LED whip, like those from Buggy Whip, helps other riders see you from hundreds of yards away, even through dust or over blind crests. It’s not just for looks, it prevents collisions and keeps everyone aware of where you are.

Pair it with Baja Designs lights to cut through the darkness and spot whoops, drop-offs, and obstacles before they find you. Together, they turn night rides from sketchy to safe, and keep the good times glowing long after sunset.

8. Know Your Flags and Visibility Rules

A whip flag isn’t just decoration it’s mandatory in most riding areas. It helps others see you coming over dunes, especially in blind transitions and bowls.
Make sure your flag is the right height and color for where you’re riding (Glamis, Dumont, and Pismo all have slightly different requirements).

It’s a simple step that keeps everyone safer.

It’s one of the first things rangers look for when they roll through camp.

9. Secure Your Camp Setup

A loose canopy or tent can become a kite in desert winds. Before heading out for a ride, make sure your camp is locked down tight. Tie down awnings, strap coolers and gear, and cover anything that can blow away.

SpeedStrap tie-downs work just as well for camp setups as they do for your trailer, keeping your gear from turning into a midnight cleanup mission.

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10. BE READY FOR EMERGENCIES

The desert can be unpredictable from mechanical failures to minor injuries or getting lost after dark. Always pack a basic first aid kit, a flashlight or headlamp, a portable phone charger, and plenty of water.

PRP’s Roll-Up Tool Bags are designed for off-roaders who like to be ready for anything. With durable material, organized pockets, and a compact design that fits behind your seat or in your storage box, it keeps your tools secure and easy to grab when things go sideways.

RZR Roll Up Tool Bag with 38pc Tool Kit
$293.99
<p>PRP's Polaris RZR Roll-Up Tool Kit provides everything you need to fix your RZR out on the trail. This 38-piece kit includes a selection of high-quality...
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Can-Am Roll Up Tool Bag with 35pc Tool Kit
$261.99
PRP's Can-Am Roll-Up Tool Kit provides everything you need to fix your Can-Am Maverick X3, Sport, or Commander UTV out on the trail. This 35 piece kit...
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Kawasaki KRX Roll Up Tool Bag with 35pc Tool Kit
$282.99
PRP's Kawasaki KRX Roll-Up Tool Kit provides everything you need to fix your Kawasaki Teryx KRX or KRX4 out on the trail. This 35 piece kit includes a...
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FINAL THOUGHTS...

The desert is more than a weekend trip, it’s a lifestyle.


Respect it, prepare for it, and ride it right. With PRP keeping you safe inside and SpeedStrap handling everything outside, you’re ready for whatever the dunes throw your way.

GEAR UP FOR THE SEASON

HAVE QUESTIONS?

If you need any help, or have any questions, feel free to give us a call at 1.800.317.6253 or email us anytime at [email protected]

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