Amazing solo camping trip ends in hour long self recovery and damage.

Set out for a shakedown run with the Super Pacific X1 at a local spot. The night was incredible—made lamb chops, relaxed by the fire, and just as the tent was about to be closed up, snow started falling.

Decided to move to a hill with a clear view of Mt. Rainier against a snow-covered landscape. On the way out, the trail was wet and muddy. An off-camber section caused the rear end to slide into a ditch. At first, it didn’t seem like a big issue, but while trying to get out, it became clear something was wrong. The back left tire had slipped off an old log, likely placed to reinforce the path. Rocking back and forth helped, but the front tires couldn’t gain enough traction to pull forward.

Grabbed the traction boards and placed them under the front tires, thinking they had the best chance of gripping something. Still no luck. That’s when the size of the log became obvious—easily 12 inches thick. The best move was to keep rocking the truck and attempt a turnaround. If it could be repositioned, the path would lead back to level ground. After what felt like a 30-point turn, traction finally kicked in, and the truck pulled free. Throughout the process, the back left tire barely moved while the others worked to rotate the vehicle.

Somewhere in all that, a large stick must have popped up and caused damage. No big trees behind, so it must have happened during the struggle.

By then, exhaustion had set in—wet, muddy, and just over it. What started as an amazing night of camping nearly turned into a disaster.

In the military, Self-Aid Buddy Care was drilled in, and that same mindset applies to off-roading. Self-recovery skills are essential when adventuring solo. A front winch would have made things a lot easier.

Damage report—busted side tail light, damaged tailgate, and some body dents. No rush to fix the dents; they’re purely cosmetic, and more will come. The tail light, though, is tricky. Replacing it requires removing the bed cap, meaning the Super Pacific has to come off. Might even need a new gasket.

On the bright side, the flashlight was the MVP of the night. Absolute lifesaver.