That freeze-thaw cycle check is so smart, it's easy to forget how much weather changes the ground under your feet. Beyond a helmet, I never go out without a good whistle on my pack strap and a personal locator beacon for the real backcountry. It feels like overkill until you're in a spot with no cell signal and a twisted ankle. Makes you realize how fast a small slip can turn into a big problem when you're alone.

That exact thing happened to me on a 2004 Silverado rear caliper bracket bolt. Spent three hours with vise grips and a torch before I gave up and drove to the store. Now my tap and die set has a permanent spot on the workbench, right next to my regret for not buying it sooner.

Oh man, my knees are making that popping sound just reading this. I mean, I get the love for the power stretcher on a big empty floor, but trying to force one into a tiny bathroom or a weird angled hallway is a special kind of fight. I've definitely been the guy who thought he could skip the kicker, only to end up crawling back to the truck for it when the stretcher just wouldn't sit right in the corner. That little bit of control with your hands and shoulder just saves the day sometimes.