Hiya guys,
In an ideal world, it would be nice to get all of these at once. But rule #1 is "don't spend more than you make" so I want to spread these out and not be in debt.

The type of trails I would like to do: Southern California, so lots of dirt roads, fire roads, that type of thing. I'll be doing easy to moderate trails. I will not be doing any rocks, or big ol ditches or anything like that. So mostly overlanding type trails.

What would you get in order of importance:
Hi-LIft
Recovery bag (straps, chains, etc)
maxtrax or equivalent
extra gas (not even sure, I mean, I can top it off at the closest gas station near any trail)

I have ARB air tire deflator and an nice pump that will clamp onto my batteries.

taaaaaag. i need to do this and have been slacking hard.

if someone has recommendations for snow stuff too, i am all ears (not to derail from the OP, but hopefully to add to the conversation).

Sounds like I off-road where you off-road, and do a lot of similar type of driving. I also own everything you mentioned.

In the order of important from my personal experience.

1. Recovery Bag
2. Hi-lift
3. Traction pads (only if you go in deep sand)
4. Gas

I have yet to use my Hi-Lift jack, its really a last resort tool, because its sketchy as hell and dangerous to use. I much rather get a nice bottle jack first. For a Hi-Lift you need good armor, preferably with areas to lift from to better accommodate the hi-lift.

I also find traction pads to be pretty limited in their use. I still take them to the desert when I drive in deep sand, but after spending years of learning how to drive in those conditions and getting good tires, I have yet to actually need them and I actually get into the dunes.

I put gas last because I am familiar with my areas and generally have a full tank before I get going off-road. I do carry a can if I go to places unknown, but not always. I did a long overland road trip where I ran out of gas in Oregon, a 5 gallon jug was a blessing when you get there at night and can’t find a single open gas station, plus that state require an attendant to jump.

Self-recovery is important, but the tool that provides the most peace of mind is a HAM radio and or a Satellite coms device like a Garmin InReach. Being immobilized with no communication is a pretty lonely and scary feeling.

This is AWESOME!!! I am studying right now for the HAM test. And looking this year into a Gaia and a new Tablet. Probably a CB as well, they don't cost much these days.

For recovery bag, I have this in my amazon list.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00042KQ58...v_ov_lig_dp_it

Do you have a recommendation on what needs to go in and not go in one of those?

If you spend a lot of time in snow… tires, because the right ones make a massive difference.

I can’t justify a set of snow tires, so I went with quality chains… I have nice set for all 4 wheels that are super easy to install.

Alpine Sport Truck & SUV Chains - Laclede Chain

Been working on mine since i got my 4R in July. I started with recovery stuff like high quality ARB recovery strap, tree saver and Crosby shackles, No way i am going cheap on these.

Already have a tool kit and emergency stuff. Just looking to fill out my sockets and other specialty tools.

I'm really thinking maxtrax or equivalent is a must next. Thinking the ActionTrax may be better then maxtrax. They can help in snow, mud, sand and who knows whet else.

The stock bottle jack should be fine for now.

Maybe the ARB one instead?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073RRZFQG...v_ov_lig_dp_it

Always nice to see someone working towards getting their license. It’s totally worth it, but it also takes some training and planning to use effectively in a emergency. Take the time to plan your trips, repeaters, and test. I don’t care to own a CB, I don’t know anyone that still uses one. VHF radio is so much better and there is always MURS for your car to car coms for people who don’t care to get a license.

I feel its worth mentioning that the last two major overland trips, HAM radio was not enough. Its very difficult to maintain reliable coms when on/off the road doing a 3000 mile trip across states for the first time. Sometimes the terrain does not allow, and sometimes its so damn remote (Yellowstone National Forest) that you just don’t have anything. I love HAM, but when it comes to my life/safety, satellite communication is a lot faster and more reliable.

That Hi-lift kit looks like its setup to winch with their jack. I would build up my own instead unless you need that specific capability.

Just start with some a couple tow straps in different lengths, D-rings, and a D ring hitch adapter. I also have tire patch/plug kit, tire slime, breaker bar, $20 torque wrench from harbor freight. Build it up yourself over time.

Some practical awesome advice here! Yes, was looking also eventually getting a Garmin InReach.

i have wildpeaks. they do awesome in the snow.

i will have to find a set of chains that is easy on/off for me. i absolutely hate installing chains.

Just my $0.02
What is your goal for this - just weekend trips, overlanding, rock crawling?
Deciding that and your budget will help determine some what of your order. Self safety should always come first. Once you have a first aid and extinguisher then work on recovery.

weekend warrior:
jumper cables (or jumper battery back)
snatch strap
tow strap
recovery boards
winch extension
winch
tree saver
fuel
hi-lift/farm jack would be on of the last items

Overlanding:
jumper cable (or jumper battery pack)
fuel
water
snatch strap
winch
recovery boards
tree saver
hi-lift jack

Rock crawler:
same as weekend warrior, but move the hi-lift jack up as the tendency to brake things increases greatly.

Check local forums and FB groups. You might be able to find some of that gear a little cheaper, and the mighty amazon has all kinds of things available. Like other have stated before, practice using your equipment, so you are so comfortable with it, that when an emergency occurs, you are prepared.

Comms: You need to work in with what ever your group you are running with first. I currently run CB and GMRS. I will be adding HAM soon, just because some groups have one and not the other.

This right here. Primarily weekend warrior. Out in the morning or very very early morning and the have breakfast while dark, and then get to a trail early morning hours.

I would probably do a camping trip a couple of times a year and would like to dip my feet into that. I'll need everything with me I guess but that's another topic. But your list is great!

A winch may be out of my budget and really don't want to modify the 4runner that much to get a winch in front.

its awesome you have a goal and know what you want. Weekend trips you can fuel up when you get closer to camp and stuff. so that is not as big of a concern. They have hidden winch mounts for the 4runner so very little modifications are needed.

air compressor
straps and hardware
winch
hi-lift.


in order of my most common use.


I have never once used, or felt the need for any type of traction boards.


I know a lot of people on here don't like the hi-lift, or say they are dangerous. but, it get used often enough, it doesn't stay home.

REally?
Go go googling skills!