Running boards will handle a lot of the climbing in and out issue.
Also, is he looking at 4WD or 2WD? If you aren't going off roading, consider 2WD with a locking rear differential. The 2WD sit lower and the locking rear diff will handle most issues of getting stuck.
If you do go with 1/2ton, make sure to verify the payload. Hitch weight is likely going to be 750-800lb, plus 100lb for the hitch plus what the 2 of you weigh...before loading other gear into the truck. Some of the 1/2 ton trucks only have 1300-1500 payload, so you could easily be at 1200-1300lb before putting anything in the truck bed.
