oh man, congrats on the new Wilderness!! i honestly remember when i first got into Subies a few years back... i was literally so nervous about scratching things up but also sooo pumped to get out there. i still feel like i'm learning every trip i take tbh! For your situation, i would suggest starting exactly where ur head is at—protection! i mean, i learned the hard way on a rocky trail that even with the extra clearance, a stray rock can be scary af.

Basically, the first thing i added was the LP Aventure Front Skid Plate for 2022-2024 Subaru Forester. It gives me sooo much peace of mind when i hear that 'thunk' and know it’s not my oil pan, you know?? Also, if ur thinking about lighting, i highkey recommend the Baja Designs S2 Sport Amber LED Ditch Light Kit. They make such a huge difference for spotting trail edges at night, plus they look amazing!!

One thing i wish i knew earlier tho... get a good way to air down. I use the ARB600 Digital Tire Inflator/Deflator and it makes the ride so much smoother on washboard roads. it actually keeps the car from rattling apart lol. Anyway, r u planning on doing any camping out of it too?? i guess it depends on how deep into the woods ur going... but yeah, protecting the underbody is definitely the best move first!! gl!! 👍

Saw this earlier but just now responding... tbh if youre hitting serious trails, the factory Wilderness plates are basically just splash guards compared to real gear. I've tried many setups and i'd compare the Primitive Racing Rear Differential Skid Plate 3/16 inch Aluminum against the LP Aventure Rock Sliders for 2022-2024 Subaru Forester.

The Primitive plate is a technical must-have cuz it's 3/16 inch 5052 aluminum—super light but protects that vulnerable cast diff housing from sharp points. On the other hand, the LP Sliders are high-strength steel. They're amazing for rocker protection if you high-center, but honestly, they add way more weight. For a daily driver, you gotta watch your sprung weight or you'll feel it in the CVT's low-end torque. I'd start with the diff plate since it's one of the lowest points... i mean, protecting the drivetrain is priority #1. gl!

Works great for me