1x 3"x30' Smittybilt Recovery Strap - I hate Smittybilt, but I've done everything I can to kill this el cheapo strap...but to of no avail. So I've resided myself to loving the fact that it is cheap, and works REALLY well. Also doubles as a tree strap and winch extension. It has basically no elasticity, so great for winch work or for delicate recovery work. I'll retire this strap in another 3 years...and walk right back into 4WPs...and buy another one.
2x recovery ring. 3/4"...whatever brand. I've been running Tractor Supply brand for 15 years. The work great.
1x Southeast Overland 7/8"x30' kinetic recovery rope. I don't understand how I lived without this. It is so magical and lovely. I've recovered and been recovered in snow, sand, and mud with this wonder of modern technology. SO much easier to recover a stuck vehicle in the above mentioned terrains vs. a static strap. Also it looks super cool. You can get a bit of a rolling start, and no "shock" like with a static strap. Also great for recovering a heavier vehicle with a lighter vehicle. Overall, for snow, sand, or mud, you must has.
Snatch block? Meh. I've used it for recovering others when I've needed to change my winch line direction. But have only used it in anger like, 2x in the past 15 years. Everytime to recover another vehicle and needed to change my recovery line angle. Never done a double pull. Waste of time, seems like. Also remember that your winch solenoids will overheat...so spend the least amount of time having them engaged.
5/16"x50' Masterpull synthetic winch line extension. Never used it. Brand new for better part of two decades. Then again, I live on the east coast, plenty of trees everywhere. Still carry it because I'm paranoid. Look at Masterpull's extensions and Southeast Overland extensions. Very compact package.
Gloves...sure. Cheapo ones from Tractor supply are what I use. Wear em for 3 years and toss em when they get holes. Seem to wear them out screwing around with tires or something or accidentally soaking them in oil or whatever. Just toss em and move on.
Tree strap? I guess. I use the 30ft tow strap more often than not. I have one, meh. Sure. Just get a 3" whatever. 6ft or 10ft. Some people say, get one to use as a bridal when recovering. Never done this. Done many hard pulls without the bridal. Its fine. Yeah if you can find a cheap one, grab it.
Soft Shackles. My new favorite toy. I *really* don't need them, but they are great when dealing with stock recovery points. So one big one seems handy since many stock recovery points are a pain to get to. Otherwise, I use it to look cool.
X2 on a good jack. Like a bottle jack...that you can actually use. One of my favorite recovery tools. Just jack up the offending tire, put some rocks under it, good to go. Very safe and easy.
Chains are almost useless unless you are dragging logs. However they are fabulous for dragging logs. Then you get to feel like a logger...then your beard grows a lot more. Its a win-win situation.
The recovery receiver hitch thingie is awesome, assuming you are using your tow hitch as a rear recovery point. Also BOLT makes special hitch pins that lock, and you can program the lock to use your vehicle key...so one less key you gotta carry. Its like, $25 off amazon. Worth it to lock the recovery point to the back of the truck. I live in the big city and stuff seems to sometimes walk away. Great to lock this on the night before because otherwise I'll forget it.
Mattrax...jury is still out. Never used them, but my buddy just bought a set. Hope to play with them in the near future. Some guy made similar looking ones out of two milk crates and some zipties. That might be the better solution if you aren't in sand all the time.
I wheel a lot by myself and the above seems to cover me typically. Obviously I wheel harder with my built rig equipped with a winch. The ultimate "get out of jail free" card. On my stock wheeler, I still carry a strap but the bottle jack is my go-to. Not a fan of hi-lifts. Seems like a lot of precarious screwing around unloading the suspension, etc and jack placement vs. throwing a bottle jack under there, getting the tire off the ground, and get going. Also its always fun when that jack handle flies back at you or the entire thing starts leaning over/acting like its about to fall over.
