How much equipment do you really need?

Do you have to have all the latest gadgets?

The answer to the first is "it depends" and to the second is "definitely not".

So, as to essential equipment, it depends on what you do with your 4WD.

Most newer 4WD are very capable as they come out of the showroom. You will be able to drive to many destinations without any problems whatsoever. 

But, with a bit of driving experience (on dirt, gravel or forest roads), you will be tempted to venture further away from easy help and possibly out of mobile phone range. When this happens, you should then consider either doing these adventures in a group, or buying some additional equipment that will make you more self sufficient. 

So, the question becomes one of what do I need, what would I like, what can I afford and possibly how can I justify it to your partner?

This article could be very long - but it won't be because I cannot cover every possibility!

Many magazines are a good source of information and reviews on vehicles and equipment. Suggest that a one year subscription would give you some good ideas and cover most of the major players through their ads.

The modern vehicles now have all sorts of features that were unheard of decades ago before electronic controls became the norm.

Most people will have some criteria for selecting a vehicle - be it work related, just used for touring/camping, competition work (which is not our interest), used for carting kids to school etc. Prior experience with a make (Toyota, Nissan, Land Rover etc) will influence choices.