Your one must have item when you go 4wding

Good question. I usually don't leave without a shovel, my toolbox (wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers, zip ties), a 5 litre (minimum) canister of water, a full fuel tank (I did one leave with a half empty tank and it was unsettling driving through unknown terrain for three hours with the fuel light on ) and I have a spare walkie talkie.

Without a doubt a shovel is a must, and i love my VMS super helpful exploring overgrown trails.

What is a VMS, Scoteye?

One of these 1mak https://www.4wdsupacentre.com.au/products/electrical-products/vms-touring-700-hdx.html quite happy with it given the price of the competition.

My first items thrown in, without fail, are the recovery bags (snatches, extensions, winch blocks, shackles etc...) ... If I can't self-recover, or have the equipment to do a recovery, I won't risk going out! :)

My recovery gear & compressor never leave my 4b. You just never know when adventure will call your name. 1st item for me is usually too much food :)

Yeah I have my compressor and set of rope plugs permanently in the 3rd seat well, I forget their there but they always go with me. I keep a proper valve tool for deflating and a bunch of spare cores in case I loose one.

No one mentioned it? Okay I do. CB RADIO!