The Ultimate KOH Packing Checklist For Survival And Fun

What You Need to Know About King of the Hammers 2025

Planning your first trip to King of the Hammers? Or maybe you’re a returning fan looking to double-check your packing list? Before diving into our ultimate gear guide, let’s cover some of the most commonly asked questions about this legendary off-road event.

Where is King of the Hammers Held?

KOH takes place in Johnson Valley, California, a vast stretch of land located within the Mojave Desert is known for its rugged terrain and iconic rock trails. The area is mostly open to off-highway vehicle use and is controlled by the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management.

When is King of the Hammers 2025?

The event is scheduled for January 22 to February 3, 2025, with multiple racing competitions happening throughout the designated event schedule. The main event, Race Of Kings will take place on Saturday, February 8.

What is King of the Hammers?

KOH is the Super Bowl of off-road racing, featuring exotic Ultra4 vehicles, UTVs, Bike Enduro Bikes, and other desert racing vehicles all competing in various class-designated competitions. It is a grueling mix of desert racing and rock crawling. The main event Race Of Kings is known as one of the toughest one-day off-road races in the world.

What Gear Should I Pack for King of the Hammers?

You'll need to prepare for extreme temperatures, dusty conditions, and unpredictable weather. Essentials include layered clothing, camp gear, and more. There are some provisions, food, and drink available for purchase within the Hammertown venue.

How Cold Does it Get at King of the Hammers?

In the high desert, Winter low temperatures can drop below freezing with average daytime highs in the 70's. Although rare, it has snowed overnight during the event. Be prepared for extremely dusty and dry conditions. Layered clothing is key to staying comfortable.

Can I Bring my RV to King of the Hammers?

Absolutely! Many attendees camp out in their RVs, trailers, tents, and rooftop tents. KOH has partnered with El Monte RV for rentals, and there are even exclusive VIP packages with trackside viewing available. Remember, this is not a campground, and be ready for dry camping conditions—there's no running water or hookups.

Pro Tip: Set up your campsite as far away as possible from Hammertown and upwind if possible to stay out of the dust. It becomes a detestable issue at times.

Now that you’re familiar with the basics, let’s get into the real essentials—the must-have gear to make your 2025 King of the Hammers experience unforgettable!

Dress Like a Desert Pro: Clothing Essentials for KOH

Let’s talk layers. You might wake up shivering in near-freezing temperatures, only to be sweating in the midday sun a few hours later. That’s the reality of the Mojave Desert. Dressing for KOH requires versatility and durability. Start with a solid base layer—think a heavy-duty RealTruck X 1620 Men's Black Hoodie paired with Dickies Duck Insulated Bib Overalls.

As the day warms up, you’ll want options. A long-sleeve RealTruck X 1620 Men's Black Long Sleeve or t-shirt (like the RealTruck Men’s Olive Green Truck Fade T-Shirt) can keep you comfortable during the day. And don’t forget your head! A RealTruck X 1620 Black Watchman Beanie is perfect for chilly nights, while a trucker hat offers sun protection during the day. You will also need some Heatwave Lazer Face shades and even a pair of Billboard Moto goggles to fight against the choking dust.

And, of course, your hands and feet are your foundation. The terrain at KOH is rough, rocky, and unforgiving, so grab a couple pairs of gloves, leave the sneakers at home, and bring durable boots like Danner’s Bull Run Moc Toe. Trust us, your feet will thank you.

Pro tip: Pack extras of everything. Dust gets everywhere, and your gear will be coated and there’s nothing worse than putting on gritty gear.

Truck Upgrades to Tackle KOH Like a Pro

Your vehicle is your lifeline at King of the Hammers, so make sure it’s ready for the challenge. If you are not sporting a Ford Raptor R or a Bronco Raptor, it is not the end of the world. At KOH you will see all types of vehicles cruising around on the lakebed and most of them are slightly modified. 

Suspension and traction are the key upgrades to get you to the action. When a lift kit just will not handle the business in the desert, consider a performance-oriented suspension system from Icon Vehicle Dynamics to tackle the gnarly terrain. If you are not ready to hit the big bumps perhaps the Timbren Active Off-Road Bump Stops will be your saving grace. They are vehicle-specific, bolt-on easy install off-road suspension enhancements that work. And don’t skimp on tires—extreme terrain tires sit at the top of the food chain for eating the legendary Hammer Trails. At the very least you will need some Hybrid Terrain tires for navigating the rocky trails and sandy washes.

To help get through the soft stuff and sandy wash beds, consider airing down with these RealTruck Rampage Recovery Tire Deflators and adding an Up Down Air Gen2 Universal ADS System. This onboard air system makes it easy to adjust your tire pressure on the fly.

One thing about Hammers is that the fun does not stop when the Sun goes down. The off-road activities rage through the night and into the early morning and it is a sight not to be missed.  A proper off-road light setup ensures you won’t miss a moment of the nighttime action.

Camp Like a King: Essentials for Desert Living

Setting up camp at King of the Hammers isn’t your typical weekend getaway. You’re in the middle of a dry lakebed with hardly any available amenities. So, think beyond the basics.

No matter how much you like sleeping under the stars, it is not recommended during KOH, depending on where you camp, because you would likely be wearing a thick coat of dust when you wake up. If you are like us, then car camping and overlanding is the way to go. A rooftop tent like the Thule Approach Small Fennel Tan Roof Top Tent offers elevated sleeping quarters, keeping you away from the dust and rocks. A small step down from that would be the Napier Outdoors Backroadz Truck Tent paired with an Airbedz Original Truck Bed Air Mattress and an Ignik Topside Heated Blanket would make a great combo.

When it comes to cooking, the Hitchfire F-20 Grill is a crowd favorite. Mounted directly to your hitch, it’s perfect for grilling burgers while watching the action on the trails. Save the ice or go iceless with the Raptor OffGrid 45L Electric Cooler. Pair it all with the SeaSucker Kitchen Station 2.0 and Drip EZ Prep Tub Bundle to keep your cooking area clean and organized. Don’t forget the utensils and this Gerber All Around Camp Kit makes it easy.

Water is critical. The WaterPORT Day Tank holds nearly four gallons of water and can be mounted on your rig for easy access. Use it for washing hands, cleaning gear, or even a quick shower if you’re feeling fancy.

Lastly, to complete the KOH overland experience, every car camping setup would need an Overland Vehicle Systems HD Nomadic 270 LTE Awning and the Overland Vehicle Systems Solar Power UFO LED Light. It’s solar-powered, so you’ll never run out of batteries, and it adds a cool, futuristic vibe to your setup.

Fuel Your Adventure: Food and Beverages for the Desert

You can’t enjoy KOH on an empty stomach. While burgers and hot dogs are classics, elevate your menu with some Jones Dairy Farm Canadian Bacon as the perfect breakfast companion in the desert. For lunch and on-the-go snacks, you can never go wrong with StarWalker Organic Farms Carne Asada Beef Jerky.

For after-hours, a cold brew from Redhook Ale Brewery Big Ballard Imperial IPA is a favorite for its bold flavor and crisp profile. Prefer something lighter? 10 Barrel’s Anytime Hoppy Brew is a great non-alcoholic option that still delivers the hoppy taste you love.

And don’t forget hydration. Bring plenty of water and electrolyte drinks. Dehydration is a real risk, especially if you’re spending hours under the sun.

Must-Have Gear and Gadgets: Be Ready for Anything

One of the unspoken rules of KOH is that something will break, get lost, or go wrong. That’s part of the adventure. But with the right gear, you can tackle just about anything the desert throws your way.

First aid is non-negotiable. The My Medic Recon First Aid Kit is a solid choice—it’s compact, comprehensive, and built for rugged conditions. For hygiene, wet wipes are your best friend. When there’s no running water, a quick wipe-down can be a game-changer.

You’ll also want a reliable power source. The Biolite Charge 100 Max Fast Charger can keep your devices powered, while the Outdoor Tech Bolt Magnetic Bluetooth Speaker ensures you have tunes around the campfire.

And don’t forget an off-road jack, multi-tool, tool roll and a gear bag full of tow ropes and assorted vehicle recovery equipment. It’s a lifesaver when you're stuck in the sand or rocks. KOH isn’t the place to take chances with recovery gear—come prepared.

Are You Ready to Conquer KOH?

King of the Hammers isn’t just an off-road race; it’s an experience that sticks with you long after the dust has settled. With the right gear and a bit of preparation, you’ll be ready to tackle whatever the desert throws your way—whether it’s bone-chilling nights, blazing days, or unexpected breakdowns.

Pack smart, dress right, and come ready for adventure. And if you have any packing tips or must-have items, drop a comment below. We’d love to hear how you gear up for KOH!