Outfitting your truck or 4 x 4 with a lift-kit and oversize tires can get you into remote spots. It also can get you really stuck. Add a Hi-Lift jack to your recovery kit. It costs a fraction of what you'd pay for a winch and you'll marvel at its myriad uses.

Every self-respecting off-roader packs a Hi-Lift jack and a shovel before hitting the trail. For less than $100, these two basic tools can free you from the stickiest situations. The Hi-Lift jack is made of cast and steel components, which makes it as durable as any tool in your truck. These tools are available in various lengths, but the 48" Hi-Lift jack will be the most versatile and capable of raising a truck with a mild lift-kit and large tires.

What makes the Hi-Lift jack so valuable is its simple operation. There are no hydraulics to fail nor cranking of an undersized bottle jack to raise your vehicle. Simply plant the jack under your vehicle, place the foot of the jack under a secure anchor point on your bumper or rock sliders, and then, using the long round lever, start cranking.

Here, Yaqiya demonstrates below the various ways to lift your truck using a Hi-Lift jack:

In addition to lifting your vehicle, the Hi-Lift can be used as a come-along winch, spreader, or clamper. You never know what type of damage your vehicle may sustain on the trail, and traveling with a Hi-Lift jack is like bringing along a couple of very strong friends. Here's a video demonstrating how to winch with your jack.

Worthwhile add-ons include an off-road base so the jack doesn't sink into the sand, and a lift-mate that allows you to lift a vehicle straight from the wheel.