Send us a text

Dive into the refreshingly honest reality of balancing outdoor adventures with family life in this candid episode that captures the beautiful chaos behind the Instagram-perfect overlanding photos.

Ever tried to negotiate sleeping arrangements between three kids who all want the prime spot in your rooftop tent? That's just one of the diplomatic challenges I'm navigating as I prepare for a family camping weekend. The rooftop tent versus ground tent debate has already sparked sibling rivalry a week before departure, highlighting how overlanding with children requires an entirely different planning approach than solo adventures.

Between studying for surprisingly complex drone certification exams (who knew flying a small remote-controlled device legally required understanding aviation maps and regulations rivaling pilot training?), dealing with a half-shaved Aussiedoodle after my clippers broke mid-grooming, and researching child-sized camping cots, this episode captures the behind-the-scenes reality of family adventure planning. I share insights on transitioning camping setups as children grow, adapting to unexpected challenges, and finding moments of joy amidst exhaustion.

What makes this conversation especially valuable is the reminder to frame our challenges as "good problems" - signs of a life rich with opportunities and relationships. Even on four hours of sleep with an overwhelming to-do list, there's profound gratitude for the privilege of sharing outdoor experiences with family. As outdoor enthusiasts, we sometimes need this reminder that the messy, imperfect adventures often create the most authentic memories and strongest family bonds.

Ready to join the overlanding community in person? Use code OUSKIRSTEN to save 10% on your Overland of America tickets, and share your own family adventure challenges in the comments. What unexpected problems have turned into your favorite adventure memories?