Send us a text

Charlie explores the balance between social interactions and seeking solitude in the overland camping world, sharing insights from his 19 years of experience and how his background influences his camping style.

• Discusses his relationship with custom knife maker Michael Pruitt of Pruitt Knives of Valor who'll be at More Expo
• Shares that Nick Wax reached out to provide tent cleaning and waterproofing supplies after recent gear maintenance discussion
• Explores different campsite entertainment options from card games to simply enjoying downtime
• Explains how his background as a personal trainer and current veteran-focused job affects his desire for quiet when camping
• Addresses misconceptions about being standoffish at events when he's actually seeking peaceful moments
• Emphasizes his desire to help newcomers while learning from others' experiences
• Announces he'll be at More Expo at the Midwest Adventure Outfitters booth with stickers and possibly other giveaways

Please rate and review the podcast to help others find this content. Reach out with questions on social media at Outskirts Overland across platforms.

Send us a text

Charlie shares updates about his upcoming adventure camping with a Subaru and basic gear while his truck is in the shop, plus asks for listener feedback on future podcast topics and content direction.

• Heavy rain expected across the Midwest this weekend, requiring extra caution for campers
• Charlie's truck is being repaired, forcing him to camp with his Subaru and tent instead
• Planning to document the transition from truck camping to more minimalist setup
• Considering expanding podcast topics to include EDC, preparedness, and bushcraft
• Will be attending More Expo on April 25-26, hoping to have his truck back by then
• Seeking input on merchandise options beyond just stickers and patches
• The podcast has no sponsors, allowing complete content freedom

Please rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts or your platform of choice - it helps others find the show and gives Charlie guidance on what content resonates with listeners.

Send us a text

Proper gear maintenance is essential for outdoor adventures, especially before stormy weather and bug season hit. I share practical tips for keeping equipment in top condition to prevent failures when you need your gear most.

• Inspect tents for holes and damaged seams, patching with Gear Aid products
• Re-waterproof equipment with Nikwax or silicone treatments
• Prevent mold and mildew by properly cleaning and airing out tents
• Treat clothing and camp furniture with Sawyer Permethrin for bug protection
• Check vehicle components regularly, especially differential fluid and breather clamps
• Verify that rooftop tent hardware and accessories remain securely mounted
• Inspect propane tanks for safety and ensure they're properly serviced
• Replace batteries in essential equipment on a schedule rather than waiting for failure
• Maintain electronic devices and verify subscriptions for emergency communication tools
• Rotate tires and check wheel bearings to prevent vehicle issues

Get your gear ready now - you don't want to realize your equipment has failed when you're already out in the elements.

Send us a text

Charlie shares essential knowledge and budget-friendly tips for newcomers to the off-road and four-wheeling community. He emphasizes practical advice based on personal experience and common mistakes he's observed on the trails.

• Every vehicle needs at least one recovery point front and rear—costs less than window tint but potentially saves your day
• A soft shackle ($40-50) and hard shackle are minimal essential recovery gear that could prevent disaster
• Guided trail difficulty ratings are subjective—"moderate" trails are often significantly harder than beginners expect
• Four-wheel high is designed for on-road snow conditions, not off-road use—using it off-road risks transmission overheating
• Always use four-wheel low and manual gear selection when tackling challenging terrain
• Brake fade is a serious concern—downshift to control speed rather than riding the brakes
• Understand your vehicle's specific limitations and operating procedures before hitting difficult trails
• Electronic parking brakes should never be used off-road—they can fail in extreme conditions
• Check your insurance coverage—many policies don't cover off-road parks but may cover Forest Service roads
• Perform quick pre-trail checks of lug nuts, recovery points, and undercarriage components
• Bring dollars and quarters for car washes to remove mud from wheels and brakes after off-roading

Send us a text

Weekend camping at a unique nature sanctuary featuring telescopes, animals, and creative accommodations proves that not every adventure needs to be epic to be worthwhile.

• Experienced dramatic weather shifts from 80-degree heat to 30-degree cold with heavy rainfall
• Discovered the hard way that when pushing up an awning to release rainwater, you should always face outward
• Discussed the tedious process of breaking in new gears - driving 15-20 miles, letting the vehicle cool completely, and repeating
• Emphasized that camping doesn't always have to be in remote backcountry to be valuable
• Explained how regular camping of any kind helps build skills toward more self-sufficient adventures
• Working on a new project that will be revealed once it's fully tested and operational

Message me on Facebook (Charlie Rasanowski or Outskirts Overland), Instagram (Charlie_Raz or Outskirts_Overland), or email [email protected] with your topic ideas.

Send us a text

We dive deep into the critical importance of truly understanding your overlanding equipment before you need it in an emergency situation, focusing specifically on winches, recovery gear, and first aid supplies.

• Proper winch installation requires accessibility to controls and free spool functions without obstruction
• Many overlanders prioritize aesthetics over functionality when installing gear
• Radio channels above 16 provide higher power and better range for trail communication
• Never run compressors through cigarette lighters—they'll blow the fuse
• Understanding water storage in freezing conditions requires proper techniques
• Recovery equipment like soft shackles must be configured correctly for safety
• Testing your gear at home before trail use is essential for building competence
• First aid equipment requires proper training—tourniquets, splints, and trauma gear can cause harm if used incorrectly
• Professional training resources include Ozark 4x4 (Jason) and Switchback Outdoor Safety (Aaron Paris)
• Practical winch knowledge includes managing vehicle position and brake tension during recovery

Send us a text

Outskirts Overland shares exciting updates about recent gear changes and vehicle modifications aimed at improving cold-weather reliability and off-road capability.

• Switching from lithium-iron-phosphate to AGM battery for better cold-weather performance
• Installing a Redarc BCDC1225D DC-to-DC charger with 25 amps of power
• Upgrading to an iCamper Disco Scottle cooking system for more versatile meal preparation
• Adding 5.29 Yukon gears with front and rear air lockers to improve off-road performance
• Finding solutions for trash management with a tailgate-specific trash bag
• Discussing vehicle security concerns with push-button start systems
• Using Hip Camp as an alternative to public lands when camping near cities
• Emphasizing that extensive modifications aren't necessary for successful overlanding

Listen to my podcast with Newfound Overland going live tomorrow - it's two hours long and definitely worth checking out!

Send us a text

Medical emergencies don't care how far you've ventured from civilization. When overlanding takes you deep into remote areas, your preparation for health concerns becomes as crucial as your recovery gear and spare parts.

Charlie explores a topic that rarely gets attention in overlanding circles but could save lives: how to prepare for adventures when you or your companions have medical limitations. This eye-opening discussion was inspired by a message from a listener named Corey, highlighting concerns that many overlanders simply never consider until faced with an emergency.

From severe allergies that require EpiPens to managing insulin that needs refrigeration, the conversation covers practical strategies for keeping everyone safe when help isn't just a phone call away. Charlie shares a startling personal experience where poison ivy in campfire smoke caused a serious reaction in a companion, demonstrating how even knowledgeable outdoors people can be caught unprepared.

The episode delves into important considerations like medication storage (keeping vital medications where they won't be accidentally dropped or left behind), redundancy planning (ensuring someone else can administer your emergency medication if you're unable), and communication (making sure your group knows about relevant medical needs before setting out).

These conversations aren't about limiting who can participate in adventures—they're about expanding our preparation to ensure everyone can explore safely. As Charlie puts it, "It would be so dumb to cause a catastrophe over something preventable." Whether you have medical considerations or travel with those who do, this episode provides valuable perspective that could prevent a wonderful adventure from turning into a nightmare scenario.

Have you thought about the medical needs of your overlanding companions? Share your own preparation strategies or experiences, and subscribe for more practical overlanding insights delivered daily.

Send us a text

Are expensive trailers killing the spirit of overlanding? I dive deep into my honest thoughts about the growing trend of off-road trailers in the overlanding community. After 15+ years of vehicle-based adventure, I struggle to understand why so many enthusiasts are gravitating toward setups that fundamentally limit where they can explore.

True overlanding, in my experience, has always been about the journey - setting up camp, sleeping, breaking camp, and moving forward to discover new terrain. The beauty lies in the freedom to navigate challenging trails without being tied to a base camp. When you're pulling a $30,000 trailer that requires backtracking to the same location each day, are you still overlanding or just participating in a fancier version of traditional car camping?

The evolution of gear in our community fascinates me. We've watched the progression from simple ground tents to rooftop tents (which dominated from 2017-2021), then to quick-setup options like Gazelle tents, and now trailers represent the latest trend. Each iteration seems to prioritize increasing comfort, often at the expense of mobility and simplicity. But when these expensive rigs sit unused in driveways for most of the year, becoming what one listener aptly called "giant paperweights," we should question their practical value.

For those considering a trailer purchase, I share critical considerations about trail access limitations, additional costs (insurance, registration, maintenance), and the fundamental change to your adventure style. While I acknowledge trailers might make sense for families needing extra comfort or those using their vehicles as daily drivers, I challenge listeners to honestly assess whether the benefits outweigh the compromises.

What's your take on the great trailer debate? Do you prefer the freedom of a single-vehicle setup or the comforts of trailer camping? Join the conversation and let me know your experiences!

Send us a text

Charlie shares the events where you can meet him this year including the More Expo in April and Overland of America in September, both with Midwest Adventure Outfitters.

• Top three vehicle mods for car camping: storage space, charging capabilities, and organization systems
• Must-have mods for overlanding: high-ply all-terrain tires, window tint, and reliable navigation
• Essential modifications for off-roading: quality tires, frame sliders, and strategic skid plates
• Charlie's favorite camping gear includes his 23Zero Kabari rooftop tent, refrigerator, 270-degree awning, and GCI Rocker camp chair
• Pull Start Fire earns high praise for eliminating traditional fire-starting hassles
• Practical considerations like headlamps and trash management solutions are often overlooked but essential
• Charlie recommends Husky waterproof storage boxes for their versatility, including using them for washing clothes while camping

Send your topic suggestions to Charlie for future episodes through social media at Outskirts Overland on all platforms.