Most Important Gear to Pack When Heading to King of the Hammers (KOH)

Heading to King of the Hammers in Johnson Valley, California? Whether you’re racing, spectating, or camping out for the week, KOH is unlike any other off-road event in the world. Brutal terrain, unpredictable weather, and long days in the desert mean preparation is everything.

From personal essentials to vehicle gear and safety equipment, here’s a complete guide to what to pack for King of the Hammers so you can focus on the racing, the community, and the experience.

Clothing and Personal Gear for King of the Hammers

Dress for the Desert

ohnson Valley weather can swing fast. Expect:

• Hot, sunny days

• Cold desert nights

• Strong winds and heavy dust

Pack lightweight, breathable clothes for daytime and warm layers for nighttime. A hoodie or insulated jacket is a must once the sun goes down.

Pro tip: A bandana or dust mask will save your lungs during windstorms.

SHOP APPAREL BUILD FOR OFF-ROAD

Sun Protection Is Non-Negotiable

The desert sun at King of the Hammers is no joke. Long days, reflective terrain, and zero shade in some areas mean eye and skin protection are critical. Make sure you pack:

• Sunglasses

• A wid hat

• Plenty of sunscreen

• Chapstick

Pro tip: For sunglasses, check out our friends over at Heat Wave Visual. They make some of the best sunglasses for off-roaders, built to handle dust, wind, and long days in the desert while keeping your eyes protected and your vision clear.

Footwear Built for KOH Terrain

Johnson Valley is rocky, uneven, and unforgiving. Leave the casual shoes at home and pack:

• Sturdy hiking boots

• Thick socks

• Closed-toe shoes for camp

Your feet will thank you after long days of walking the rocks.

Setting Up Camp at King of the Hammers

Your Home Away From Home

Whether you’re camping in:

• An RV

• A rooftop tent

• A ground tent

Make sure your setup can handle wind, dust, and cold nights.

Desert Shelter Matters

If you’re tent camping:

• Use heavy-duty stakes

• Anchor everything

• Expect strong gusts at night

Cheap tents don’t last long at KOH.

Sleep Comfortably in the Desert

Pack:

• Cold-rated sleeping bag

• Insulated sleeping pad or air mattress

Desert nights can dip fast, especially after windy days.

Build a Functional Desert Kitchen

Cooking at camp saves time and money. Bring:

• Portable stove or grill

• Fuel

• Utensils

• Lighter or matches

And don’t forget paper towels. Always paper towels.

Camp Comfort Essentials

• Folding chairs

• Small table

• Shade canopy if possible

Perfect for race viewing, relaxing, and late-night camp hangs.

Food, Water, and Hydration at KOH

STAY HYDRATED IN THE DESERT

The golden rule:
One gallon of water per person, per day minimum.

More if you’re walking a lot or spending time near the race courses.

Snacks and Easy Meals

Stock up on:

• Protein bars

• Trail mix

• Jerky

• Canned food

• Easy-to-cook meals

Cooler Is a Must

Keeping food fresh and drinks cold at King of the Hammers is a must. With desert heat and long days, a reliable cooler or powered fridge makes a huge difference in camp comfort.

For keeping things cold in the desert, check out our friends over at ICECO. They make some of the best powered coolers and portable fridges for off-roaders, built to handle extreme heat, rough terrain, and long days at events like KOH.

Safety Gear You Should Never Skip

First Aid Essentials

When you’re miles from pavement at King of the Hammers, being prepared can make all the difference. A basic first aid kit is important, but in remote desert environments, having trauma-level supplies is even more critical.

That’s why we recommend 1 Life Trauma Kits. Their kits are designed for real emergencies and include essentials like:

• Bandages and wound care supplies

• Antiseptic and bleeding control tools

• Trauma-ready components for serious injuries

• Space to add personal medications

In the desert, help isn’t always close. Having a proper trauma kit on hand means you’re ready to respond when seconds matter.

Stay Connected

Cell service can be spotty. Bring:

• Fully charged phone

• Portable battery packs

• Satellite communicator if you’re exploring remote areas

Pro tip: We recommend using Starlink to have service when it’s needed the most!

 

Navigation Is Critical

King of the Hammers covers a massive area, and the desert can get confusing fast, especially with course closures, restricted zones, and heavy traffic during race week.

GPS devices, maps, and route awareness are critical when moving around Johnson Valley.

Pro tip: We highly recommend using onX Offroad to navigate KOH. onX provides detailed off-road maps, trails, land boundaries, and offline navigation, which is incredibly helpful during large-scale events like King of the Hammers. Knowing where you can legally travel, where race courses are, and how to get back to camp safely makes onX an essential tool for both spectators and drivers.

Lighting for Nighttime

Flashlights or headlamps are essential, plus extra batteries. Desert nights are dark.

Vehicle Gear to Bring to King of the Hammers

Tires and Repair Supplies

The rocks don’t play nice. Bring:

• Spare tire

• Tire plugs

• Air compressor

Extra Fuel Is Smart

An extra fuel jug can be the difference between getting home or getting stranded.

Tools for the Unexpected

Even the most dialed rigs can run into issues at King of the Hammers. The combination of rocks, dust, and long days means having the right tools on hand can save your trip.

Basic hand tools are a must, but keeping them organized and easy to access is just as important.

PRP Tool Kits are a great option for KOH. They’re designed specifically for off-road use, making it easy to keep essential tools organized, secure, and ready when you need them whether you’re making quick trail repairs or wrenching back at camp.

SHOP PRP TOOL KITS

Always Bring Proper Rescue and Recovery Gear

The terrain at King of the Hammers is unforgiving. Between deep sand, sharp rocks, steep climbs, and crowded trails, recovery situations are inevitable, whether you’re helping yourself or pulling someone else out.

Out here, quality recovery gear isn’t optional. It’s essential.

When it comes to recovery, SpeedStrap does it like no other. Our recovery gear is built for real off-road abuse and trusted by racers, desert runners, and weekend warriors alike. From kinetic recovery ropes and soft shackles to tow straps, SpeedStrap gear is designed to perform when things get sketchy, because in places like Johnson Valley, failure isn’t an option.

weaveable tow straps

SpeedStrap’s Weavable Recovery Tow Straps deliver strength and convenience for any recovery situation. Designed to be easily woven through itself—no shackles needed—they create a secure and hassle-free connection. Built tough to handle demanding conditions wherever you go.

1" SUPERSTRAP WEAVEABLE RECOVERY STRAP

AVAILABLE IN 20' , 30' & 50'

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2" BIG DADDY WEAVABLE RECOVERY STRAP

AVAILABLE IN 20', 30', & 50'

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kinetic tow rope

SpeedStrap’s Kinetic Tow Rope is designed to deliver smooth, powerful recoveries with less shock and strain. Its dynamic stretch helps transfer energy for a more controlled pull, reducing stress on both vehicles. Strong, durable, and ready for any recovery challenge.

LIL MAMA 5/8" KINETIC RECOVERY ROPE

AVAILABLE IN 30'

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7/8″ Big Mama Kinetic Recovery Rope

AVAILABLE IN 30'

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SHOP ALL RECOVERY

What to Bring if You’re Spectating at KOH

Get a Better View

Binoculars are great for watching racers from a distance, especially on rock sections.

Capture the Action

Bring:

• GoPro

• 360 camera

• Extra memory cards

You’ll want footage. Trust us.

Protect Your Hearing

Race vehicles are loud. Bring ear protection, especially for kids.

Respect the Desert Environment

Leave No Trace

Always pack out what you pack in. Bring trash bags and keep your camp clean.

Stay Clean in the Desert

After long days in the dust, silt, and rocks at King of the Hammers, staying clean isn’t just about comfort, it’s about feeling human again. Whether you’re at camp, at the truck, or bouncing between race locations, having a quick way to clean up makes a huge difference.

Pro Tip: our friends over at KleanFreak for making it easy to clean up in the desert. Their products are perfect for off-road events like KOH, helping you wipe off dust, grease, and grime when showers aren’t an option. Simple, effective, and clutch after long days in Johnson Valley.

Stay Eco-Friendly

Recycle when possible and minimize your impact so we can all enjoy Johnson Valley for years to come.

We’ll See You at King of the Hammers

King of the Hammers is more than a race, it’s an experience. With the right gear, preparation, and mindset, you’ll be set up for an unforgettable trip.

Safe travels, enjoy every moment, and we’ll see you in the desert.

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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