Hey everyone! I just pulled the trigger on a new Subaru Outback Wilderness and I am absolutely loving it so far. The Geyser Blue looks even better in person! I’m planning on taking it out on some moderate trails and doing some dispersed camping this season, but I want to make sure I’m properly equipped before I head too far into the backcountry.

While the Wilderness trim comes with some great factory upgrades like the increased ground clearance and those basic skid plates, I’m wondering what the community considers "essential" for actual off-roading. I’ve been looking into getting a set of recovery boards (like Maxtrax) and a reliable portable air compressor for airing down, but I’m torn on what else should be a priority. Should I look into beefier aftermarket skid plates for better oil pan protection, or perhaps a dedicated full-size spare setup since the factory one is a bit of a tight fit?

I have a budget of about $1,000 to get started with the basics. I don't want to over-clutter the car, but I definitely don't want to get stuck without the right tools. For those of you who actually take your OBW off the pavement, what are the first 3-4 accessories you’d recommend for a beginner to ensure a safe and fun trip?