I just got my brand new Crosstrek Wilderness last week and Im so incredibly excited to actually take it off the pavement but honestly i have no idea what i actually need to buy to keep from getting stuck or breaking something. its my first car that isnt a total beat up sedan so this is all super new to me and i dont want to look like a total idiot out there. i keep seeing people on instagram with all this crazy gear on their roofs and back bumpers but what do i actually need to survive a weekend in the woods without calling a tow truck?

im based out of the denver area so i want to hit some of the easier trails near me by next month once it stops raining so much. i have about 1500 dollars saved up for gear right now which isnt a ton i know but i gotta start somewhere.

here is what im trying to figure out:

• things to help if i get stuck in mud or soft dirt
• stuff to protect the bottom of the car even though it looks high up
• maybe some way to carry more stuff on the roof since the trunk is kinda small
• anything else that is absolutely essential for a total beginner

sorry if these are dumb questions i just dont want to spend money on stuff that is just for show when i should be buying actual tools or safety things. is there like a starter list i should follow so i dont ruin my car the first time i leave the city...