Both have their strenght and weakness. I live in a very rural mountain area where people own 4x4 to use, not as a status symbol. I ran into a guy that uses his hilift all the time to pull out his vehicles. If your going into the wilds be prepared and carry both along with a shovel, chain and possably an axe depending on where you are.You don't need a lot of fancy equiptment, but some basic tools and know how to use them. Practice hooking up your vehicle and pull it a litle from the front, rear and sides before you need to. That way you will know where to hook into your frame from all points. Also you will know if you are missing anything you need like shakels etc.
------------------
John
__________________
John
|