Leave No Trace, trail edition: stay ON the trail even when it's muddy (going around makes it wider forever), brap less near camps at dawn, and if a gate was closed when you got there, it's closed when you leave. Access is a privilege that gets revoked one jerk at a time.
Cell booster or Starlink? I held out for years with a WeBoost and I'll say it: if you work remote, just get the dish. The booster still wins for quick overnights where you don't want to set anything up. Happy to answer questions on either.
Unpopular opinion maybe: paper maps still ride in my glovebox and they've earned their spot twice. Phones die, canyons eat GPS, and the BLM/USFS paper maps show land boundaries better than most apps anyway. Belt AND suspenders.
Trail comms question: our group standardized on GMRS this year and it's been great — cheap handhelds for spotters, one license covers the family. Anyone still running ham out there, and what's keeping you on it?
Recovery gear priorities for people just getting into trails, in order: traction boards, a proper recovery strap with soft shackles (NOT the tow hook chain from the hardware store), then a winch a distant third. Boards + a shovel get you out of 90% of what a stock-ish rig gets into.
Air down. Seriously. The single biggest ride-quality and traction upgrade on washboard and slickrock costs nothing: drop to ~20psi on dirt (adjust for your tires/load), and get a decent 12V compressor for the way out. Your fillings and your suspension will thank you.
