Recovery · Best gear
Best ATV recovery gear: winches, straps & shackles
The recovery items we would carry on an ATV trip: winch, tree saver, soft shackles, damper, snatch block, shovel and gloves.
Quick answer
Most mid- and large-bore ATVs run a 2,500 to 3,500-lb winch with synthetic rope. Add a tree saver, two soft shackles, a damper, a snatch block, gloves and a folding shovel. Use only gear with a rating you can read.
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How to choose
- Winch size: a common rule is a rated line pull of at least about 1.5 times the loaded weight of the machine; see the winch guide. Winches need a model-specific mount, so confirm fitment.
- Synthetic rope is lighter and stores less energy than steel cable if it breaks.
- Rated gear only. Read the working load or breaking strength on the listing. Several listings below are from smaller brands; check ratings before relying on them.
- Important: Winching can seriously injure people. Keep everyone out of the line and read your winch manual before use.
We have not tested these products. We list items that exist on a retailer page we opened on the research date and say what the maker publishes. Prices change, so use the button to check the current price, size and fit. Links are affiliate links (disclosure).
Winches
3,500-lb class winches sold for ATVs.
- Check price on Amazon
WARN VRX 35-S powersports winch (3,500 lb, synthetic rope)
WARN
Common 3,500-lb ATV winch class; synthetic rope is lighter and stores less energy than wire if it breaks.
WARN publishes the specs on warn.com.
- Check price on Amazon
KFI SE35 Stealth 3,500-lb winch kit
KFI Products
Alternative 3,500-lb class ATV winch kit (check rope type on the listing).
- Check price on Amazon
Superwinch Terra 35SR 3,500-lb winch
Superwinch
3,500-lb class ATV winch option (check rope type on the listing).
- Check price on Amazon
Tusk 3,500-lb winch with synthetic rope
Tusk
3,500-lb ATV winch with synthetic rope per the listing title, from a powersports house brand.
- Check price on the maker
SuperATV ATV winch category (2,500 to 12,000 lb range)
SuperATV
Winches with mount kits for many models.
Tree savers & soft shackles
Rigging that protects trees and avoids steel hooks.
- Check price on Amazon
Rhino USA tree saver strap, 3 in x 8 ft
Rhino USA
Protects trees when you winch around them; required etiquette on most public land.
- Check price on Amazon
Nilight 3 in x 8 ft tree saver strap
Nilight
Second tree-saver option.
- Check price on Amazon
Tusk tree saver strap
Tusk
Powersports-brand tree saver.
- Check price on Amazon
Astra Depot soft shackle 2-pack (1/2 in)
Astra Depot
Soft shackles are light and safe to carry compared with steel.
- Check price on Amazon
ANYPOWK 7/16 in soft shackle 2-pack
ANYPOWK
Second soft-shackle option.
Dampers & snatch blocks
Safety and mechanical advantage.
- Check price on Amazon
WARN 91575 winch line damper
WARN
A weighted damper on a loaded line lowers snap-back risk.
- Check price on Amazon
ARB ARB220 recovery damper
ARB
Alternative recovery damper.
- Check price on Amazon
WARN 15640 heavy-duty snatch block
WARN
Snatch block from the winch maker.
- Check price on Amazon
GearAmerica 9-ton snatch block (2-pack)
GearAmerica
Doubles line pull or redirects a pull.
Digging, lifting & traction
Shovel, jack, boards and gloves.
- Check price on Amazon
Gerber Gorge folding shovel
Gerber
Folding shovel for digging out a stuck quad.
- Check price on Amazon
Rugged Ridge tri-fold shovel (15104.42)
Rugged Ridge
Compact tri-fold shovel.
- Check price on Amazon
MAXTRAX MKII recovery boards
MAXTRAX
Traction boards for sand and mud; usually shared across a group.
- Check price on Amazon
Mechanix Wear M-Pact leather work gloves
Mechanix Wear
Gloves for winching and wrenching.
Related
- ATV winch & recovery basics
- Building an ATV recovery kit
- Trailside recovery and repairs for ATVs in Utah
- Checklist: Recovery checklist
Sources
- WARN VRX 35-S (official)
- Gerber Gorge folding shovel (official)
- Product existence and names checked on retailer pages, Oct 27, 2026.
Researched Oct 27, 2026. We list part types and example products, not prices or reviews. Confirm fitment and ratings before you buy.