Since when did we all turn into ninnies and be deathly afraid of the highlift jack? They are a staple in industry and off road and since the advent of the internet everybody is afraid of them.
Or is it just a sales pitch for all the goofy crap they sell to try and replace it? Blow up doll exhaust jacks and stuff?
Who's afraid?
There are simply much more packable (very important if camping off road; I will avoid the over lander/expedition debate) and useful options.
Having been through it, and seen many others grow from noob to experienced wheeler/offroad camper; Hi lifts have simply not been all that useful or used by me. (Sounding like a broken record; mine lives n the garage after being carried for years without need).
In order of usefulness;
Frame mounted tow points front and rear.
snatch strap (quicker easier than the winch)
Winch with accessories (for a longer reach or complex rigging)
hydraulic jack (for changing tires)...
onboard welder (for gluing together metal failure, mostly on others' vehicles)
I realize that the marginally equipped with out lockers and with all terrain tires often have a hard time and for folks just starting out Hi-lifts seem like an off road badge but I think I last saw one in use like 15 years ago. When they saw my winch the people working at getting their street SUV unstuck started jumping up and down and waving their arms (used the snatch strap for a quickie recovery).
My standard advise; if a recovery device is needed (especially if needed regularly) upgrades in equipment or driving technique should be strongly considered...
Enjoy!