Remote Trails™ Radio

Thinking about taking your overlanding adventures all the way to Alaska? Our guests Ann and James have done it, and they've got plenty of stories, surprises, and hard-earned advice to share!

This week, Garrick and Melody welcome Ann back to the show, along with first-time guest James, to talk about their month-long adventure from Seattle through Canada and into Alaska. Traveling in their two 4Runners, they explored Banff and Jasper, tackled the rugged Dalton Highway to Deadhorse, and ventured as far south as Homer.

Along the way, they discovered that planning an Alaska adventure isn't necessarily about having every detail figured out. It's about knowing where to find fuel, having backup camping options, preparing for the unexpected, and knowing which creature comforts you absolutely can't live without.

From enormous potholes and relentless mosquitoes to a close encounter with a bear and a broken shower that changed their entire camping strategy, Ann and James share what worked, what didn't, and what they'd do differently next time.

We also get into free camping along the Alaska Highway, navigating without cell service, the importance of backup gear, and some of their favorite destinations along the way.

Whether Alaska is already on your bucket list or you're just dreaming about the ultimate northern road trip, this episode might be the inspiration you need to start planning.

Links

• Freecampsites.net
• Joolca Hot Shower

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It's Halloween at Remote Trails™ Radio, and things are getting a little spooky! 🎃

This week, Garrick and Melody trade their usual trail talk for a round of Halloween trivia featuring strange-but-true mysteries, eerie places, and some downright terrifying moments in history.

What killed an entire forest along the Washington coast in a single winter? How do enormous rocks move across the desert when nobody's watching? And what dark secrets are hiding beneath the waters of Lake Crescent?

Play along as we put our knowledge to the test, with all the answers revealed at the end of the episode. No Googling!

Of course, we still make time for our usual overlanding adventures. Garrick recaps a mountain biking weekend at Naches Fest, experiments with a few changes to his truck camping setup, and discovers a new way to haul his e-bike. Plus, Melody shares a bargain-hunting treasure trove, Garrick makes the case for haunted houses, and we uncover a surprising feature of the third-gen Toyota 4Runner.

So grab your favorite Halloween treat, turn down the lights, and join us for an episode full of tricks, trivia, and a few unexpected treats.

Happy Halloween from Remote Trails™ Radio! 👻

Links

• Naches Fest
• Helinox Sunset Chair
• Alpine Baldy MTB trail
• Cooler
• Propane stove
• PopUp canopy

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Labor Day weekend sent Garrick and Melody in two very different directions.

Garrick heads into the woods near Lake Wynoochee for a rare night trail run, putting the 4Runner’s lights to work on a forest route that gets a little tighter and darker with every mile. The weekend continues with a run around the Wynoochee area alongside a group of motorcycles, some surprisingly fun technical terrain, and a collection of waterfalls worth getting out of the rig to see.

Meanwhile, Melody heads east to tackle Sections 7 and 6 of the Idaho BDR. She breaks down what the northern Idaho route is actually like in a 4x4, from freshly cleared downed trees and rocky roads to limited camping, shelf roads, and an uncomfortably close encounter between a motorcycle and Zach’s Gladiator. She also compares the experience with the Idaho Traverse and explains which route she’d choose for a 4x4 trip.

Before hitting the trail, Melody also shares her latest 4Runner storage project: turning a Plano rifle case into a low-profile rooftop recovery gear box and figuring out how to securely mount it to a Gobi rack.

Plus, random recommendations bring us a surprisingly great jam-band concert, a podcast about side hustles that actually talks numbers, an unfortunate Owala smell problem, and one very important unanswered question: Does Garrick’s third-gen 4Runner have a crotch fan?

All that and more on Episode 52 of Remote Trails™ Radio.

Links

• Plano All Weather Gun Case
• Roam 83L Rugged Case
• Mending Plates
• U-Bolts
• Abus Lock 75IB/30 KA
• ID BDR
• OTG: The Idaho Traverse
• Goose
• Podcast: The Koerner Office
• Miir All Day Straw Cup
• Owala replacement lid

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Wildfires change the plans, the mods keep multiplying, and apparently owning an awning officially makes you an overlander.

In Episode 51, Garrick takes his new Ford F-150 on its first real off-pavement adventure after wildfire activity forces a last-minute pivot from the Cascades to the Olympic Peninsula. The trails may not have been especially technical, but the full-size truck gets its first taste of four-wheel drive, narrow forest roads, and a little trail pinstriping.

Meanwhile, Melody has been deep in 5th-gen 4Runner mod and maintenance mode. She catches us up on her new awning setup, electrical organization, a surprisingly useful flexible work light, throttle body and MAF sensor cleaning, and the DIY sway-bar-bushing job that quickly turned into a reminder that sometimes the smartest repair is knowing when to hand the tools to someone else.

Garrick also shares a couple of early F-150 upgrades, including a used DiamondBack Switchback truck bed cover and another attempt to solve the saga of his troublesome Midland MXT275 GMRS radio.

Plus, Random Recommendations returns with a strange little Japanese robot companion and a TV series that definitely lives up to its attention-grabbing name.

Come for the overlanding. Stay for the sheared bolts, questionable parking-lot repairs, and floppy lightsaber.

Links

• Mirumi
• Kammok Crosswing Awning
• Gzila Awning Mount
• SDHQ Battery Terminals
• Amazon flexible light
• Olsa Tools FlexPro LED Flashlight Stick
• Clean your throttle body - 5th Gen 4Runner
• Skagit Powder Coating in Mt Vernon, WA
• Diamondback Switchback
• Midland Radio MXT275

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For Episode 50, Motorcycle Zack is back to join Garrick and Melody for a deep dive into Garrick and Zack's weeklong ride of the newly revised Oregon Backcountry Discovery Route.

The adventure nearly ended before it began when Zack dropped his motorcycle on his foot in a Lakeview hotel parking lot. Fortunately, some ice, a very purple foot, and a pair of very stiff motorcycle boots were enough to get the trip underway.

From there, Garrick and Zack headed north through nearly 700 miles of Oregon backcountry, experiencing everything from fast gravel and volcanic landscapes to The Luge, relentless rock gardens, long technical climbs, wildfire smoke, and a dramatic escape from Sisters as ash, rain, thunder, and lightning rolled into town.

Along the way, they talk about what worked and what didn't with their bikes and luggage, their favorite sections of the revised route, which sections they might skip next time, and how the ORBDR experience differs on two wheels versus four.

And because no good backcountry trip is just about the route, there are plenty of unexpected characters and diversions along the way: caves, lava flows, food trucks, a suspicious encounter at a gravel quarry, and Detlef, a Summer Lake local who may just have photographic evidence of Sasquatch.

Most importantly, we tackle the question that started the whole conversation: Why do a BDR at all? Is it about the riding, the scenery, the challenge, the preparation, the small towns along the way, or simply the satisfaction of riding hundreds of miles home the long way?

Grab a drink and join us for Episode 50 of Remote Trails Radio.

Links

• Stromanthe Triostar
• Oregon BDR
• ORBDR paper maps by Butler Motorcycle Maps
• Green Chile Adventure Gear Scramble Rack
• Kreiga Motorcycle Luggage
• Iceco Backpack
• The Barn in Sisters

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Summer has been busy, and we're finally catching up on everything that's been happening behind the scenes.

Garrick kicks things off with a pretty major surprise: after months of talking about buying a Ford Ranger, he somehow ended up with a 2024 F-150 instead. We dig into what changed his mind, why the unusual SuperCab/6.5-foot-bed configuration caught his attention, and what nearly 2,100 pounds of payload could mean for his future camper plans. He also manages to introduce the new truck to his 4Runner a little more literally than intended.

Meanwhile, Melody reports back on the mods and gear she put together for the Northwest Overland Rally. Some worked great. Others... definitely didn't. We talk drawer-system headaches, shower setups, alternator charging, solar panels, Starlink, and several attempts at surviving hot-weather camping.

Then we get down to the numbers: what does a nine-day overlanding trip from Seattle to Utah actually cost? Garrick breaks down every dollar from the Capitol Reef trip, including fuel, food, camping, park fees, restaurants, souvenirs, and even a bottle of whiskey. The final total might be lower than you'd expect.

Plus, Melody shares her experience volunteering with Rigs & Adventures at the Northwest Overland Rally, and Garrick closes things out with a simple trick for keeping ice at camp without running a freezer.

In this episode:

• Why Garrick bought an F-150 instead of a Ranger
• Planning a full-size truck around a future slide-in camper
• Melody's Northwest Overland Rally gear wins and fails
• Alternator charging, solar, Starlink, and staying cool at camp
• What it's like volunteering on trail runs at NWOR
• The real cost of a nine-day Seattle-to-Utah overlanding trip
• The hidden costs that aren't included in a trip budget
• A cheap way to keep ice around camp without a freezer

Links

• NWOR
• Blower Motor (A/C)
• Shower and pump
• Military water jug
• Luno upcycle program ReRoam
• Alternator Charger (Bluetti Charger 1)
• 200w Solar Panels
• The Solar Lab - Youtube Channel
• Ice Wraptor neck ice packs
• Swamp cooler at Costco
• Rigs and Adventures
• Adventure Rider Radio Podcast

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Join us as we're joined by our friend Demetre to look back on our unforgettable overland journey through Capitol Reef National Park and the surrounding Utah backcountry.

From colorful desert landscapes and remote campsites to river crossings, fuel planning, and unexpected trail obstacles, we break down what made this one of our favorite adventures yet. Along the way we share stories about helping stranded rental cars, exploring hidden overlooks, surviving the desert heat, packing for a week in the backcountry, and why Capitol Reef might be one of the most underrated national parks for overlanders.

We also dive into Demetre's solo extension into Moab, where he tackled the famous Top of the World trail, plus lessons learned about vehicle setup, water management, camp cooking, showers (or the lack thereof), and what we'd pack differently next time.

Whether you're planning your own Utah adventure or just enjoy hearing stories from the trail, this episode is packed with practical tips, memorable moments, and plenty of laughs.

In this episode:

•  Why Capitol Reef deserves more attention 
•  Planning fuel, water, and supplies for remote travel 
•  River crossings and unexpected trail challenges 
•  The realities of overlanding in the Utah desert 
•  Camping, cooking, and staying clean on extended trips 
•  Demetre's solo adventure to Moab's Top of the World 
•  Drone mishaps, memorable campsites, and the people we met along the way 

Links

• Capitol Reef Backcountry Trail
• ARB Portable Twin Compressor
• Garrick's Anker Solix C2000 Gen2 Power Station

Remote Trails Radio is your podcast about overlanding, the Pacific Northwest, and wherever the next adventure takes us.

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Whether you're curious about XOverland's ranch in Montana or wondering if The Big Thing deserves a spot on your calendar, this episode is for you.

We spent several days at XOverland Collective's annual ranch event near Three Forks, Montana, exploring the property, attending classes, meeting vendors, and talking with fellow overlanders from across the country. From lakeside camping and the Back 400 trail system to hands-on training, gear demos, and late-night camp conversations, we share what the experience was really like.

We also cover:

• What The Big Thing is (and who it's for)
• Our favorite classes, including wilderness first aid, international overlanding, and African expedition travel
• Behind-the-scenes impressions of XOverland's operation and why the event felt so well organized
• Pro tips for future attendees, from shade and hydration to bikes, awnings, and camping strategy
• Gear and product highlights that caught our attention
• The highs, the surprises, and a few things we'd do differently next time

Along the way, we also share stories from the drive to Montana, an unexpected sapphire mining stop, new friendships, and why this event feels different from a traditional overland expo.

If you've been thinking about attending The Big Thing—or just want a look inside XOverland's growing overland community—this episode is for you.

Links

• The Big Thing
• Gem Mountain Shop, Philipsburg
• Kammok Crosswing Awning
• Howl Campfires
• Aether
• Trail Feast
• Flated
• Hest
• Henry
• Overland Under Budget
• Dirt Every Day
• Dan Grec

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If you're thinking about attending Overland Expo, this episode is for you.

In Part 2 of our Overland Expo PNW series, we share the biggest lessons we learned after spending the weekend exploring hundreds of exhibitors, attending educational classes, talking with industry experts, and geeking out over some seriously impressive adventure rigs.

We cover the products that genuinely stood out, from innovative power solutions and recovery gear to truck campers, camping comfort, and organization systems. We also discuss practical tips that would have made our first expo even better, including camping strategies, raffles, classes worth prioritizing, and how to get the most out of your time.

Whether you're planning your first Overland Expo or just enjoy hearing about the latest gear and ideas in the overlanding world, we hope this episode helps you hit the ground running.

In this episode:

•  Our favorite gear and brands from the show 
•  Truck campers, expedition vehicles, and dream builds 
•  Power stations, solar, and off-grid power lessons 
•  Spotting techniques and other educational sessions 
•  Tips for making the most of Overland Expo 
•  What we'd do differently next time 

Thanks for joining us for our two-part adventure at Overland Expo PNW. We'll see you out on the trail!

Links

• Outdoor Expo PNW
• Ignik
• Comvolt Batteries
• Storyteller Overland
• Hest
• Deepsleep
• Tune Outdoor
• Toyota
• Kitworks
• Glue Tread
• Rollercam

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Episode 45 takes us on location at Overland Expo PNW!

For the first time, we're recording together in person from the expo grounds as we kick off a two-part series covering one of the biggest overlanding events in the Pacific Northwest.

Garrick shares why he's planning to move from his trusty 4Runner to a midsize truck camper setup, including what he's learned about payload ratings, lightweight campers, and why the 2026 Ford Ranger has jumped to the top of his list. Along the way, we compare campers from Scout, Kimbo, and AT Overland, talk with owners who actually live with their rigs, and discuss why real-world experience is often more valuable than a sales pitch.

Melody shares her favorite moments from the expo, including seminars, premium camping, community events, and practical tips for traveling with pets. We also talk about our favorite classes, useful apps, camping upgrades, and why Overland Expo is just as much about the people as it is the gear.

Whether you're dreaming about your next build, planning a trip to Overland Expo, or simply enjoy hearing two friends wander through the world of overlanding, this episode is packed with ideas, laughs, and inspiration.

Topics include:
• Overland Expo PNW first impressions
• Truck camper shopping and payload considerations
• Scout, Kimbo, and AT Overland campers
• Premium camping experience
• Educational classes and gear tips
• Traveling with dogs
• Apps that made the expo easier to navigate
• Community, camping, and meeting fellow adventurers

This is Part 1 of our Overland Expo PNW coverage. Stay tuned for Part 2!

Links

• Outdoor Expo PNW
• Deschutes Pet Lodge
• Kimbo
• Ford Ranger
• Campspotter App

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