Remote Trails™ Radio

Summer is coming and the rigs are getting ready — whether that means new bump stops, a custom moto seat, or frantically cutting a leash off a choking dog on a cliff. In Episode 44, Garrick is freshly back from a Capitol Reef run with the overland crew (full debrief coming in Episode 45 with guest Demetre), and Melody has been deep in build mode on the 5th Gen 4Runner.

This week: Melody swaps her Duro Bumps for Sumo bump stops, navigates a stripped lug nut situation courtesy of Discount Tire, and shares a white-knuckle moment involving Yuzu, a twisted leash, and a fast-moving friend with a knife. Garrick runs the Beckler River / Skykomish area as an Oregon BDR shakedown on the dual sport, tests the Green Chili Adventure Gear Scrambler Rack setup, and discovers that not all USB-C cables are created equal.

They also get into ORBDR logistics (fuel tanks, backpacking meals, sand anxiety), the ONX Offroad location sharing feature, flood damage along the Beckler River corridor, and the upcoming Northwest Overland Rally volunteer prep run in the Leavenworth Plain area.

This episode is dedicated to Sid Callahan.

Links

• Cagle Cove Hipcamp
• Sumo Bump Stops
• Duro Bumps
• Scramble Rack by Green Chile
• Seat Concepts

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Garrick and Melody are back with a packed episode — and a lot of grievances to air before the good stuff kicks in.

Garrick kicks things off fresh off a new MacBook Air M5, finally ditching the decade-old Windows machine. Meanwhile, Melody's had a rough stretch: her 4Runner got broken into (again), she battled pink eye, and her lucky cat had nothing encouraging to say about any of it. She walks through the aftermath — MOLLE panels, a improvised cargo cover fix, and the unexpected silver lining of finally upgrading her Baofeng radio to a USB-C model.

On the gear front, they dig into portable power: Melody joins the Anker family with a new Solix C1000 gen 2, and they compare notes on right-sizing your power station for your actual use case. The segment spirals into a surprisingly deep comparison of WeatherTech vs. Amazon cargo mats for the 5th Gen 4Runner.

Then there's the navigation software saga. With a Utah Capitol Reef trip on the horizon, Garrick has been deep in Gaia GPS sync hell — juggling a phone, an iPad Mini, and a library of waypoints accumulated over years of exploring. ONX gets a shot at redemption and doesn't exactly shine either. If you've ever wanted to hear someone thoroughly roast both leading adventure mapping platforms, this is your episode.

On the bright side: Garrick did a shakedown run up through Chumstick Mountain toward Section 4 of the WABDR, ending up at Shannon Rock Campground near Lake Wenatchee — a free, accessible gem along the river. Everything on the rig worked perfectly, which is exactly what a shakedown run should deliver.

The episode closes with a three-day highlight from Orcas Island, where Garrick volunteered with Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance on trail maintenance. He shares ferry reservation tips for the San Juans (including a staggered release system most people don't know about), breaks down the must-do Mount Constitution drive, and reports on his first — and somewhat painful — attempt at a black diamond trail.

In this episode:

• 4Runner 5th Gen cargo mat shootout: Amazon vs. WeatherTech
• Gaia GPS and ONX: multi-device sync frustrations for power users
• Anker Solix portable power station comparison
• Baofeng radio upgrade (and GMRS licensing basics)
• WABDR Section 4 shakedown: Chumstick Mountain to Lake Wenatchee
• Capitol Reef overlanding preview via Overland Trail Guides
• Orcas Island deep dive: ferry tips, Moran State Park, Mount Constitution, and mountain biking with Evergreen
• AI-generated music: is it okay to like it?

Links

• 4Runner Amazon cargo mat
• Baofeng UV26 Ham Radio
• Window Breakers
• Gaia GPS
• Overland Trail Guides
• Evergreen MTB Alliance Sawyer Program
• NWOR Rally

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Melody debuts her new Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T tires and breaks down exactly how she saved $425 at Discount Tire — including the one question you should always ask at checkout. Garrick shares his experience at an Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance trail work party and makes the case for giving back to the trails we love.

Melody also recaps a trip to the North Mountain Fire Lookout near Darrington with Explore PNW — a surprisingly accessible outing that's great for any rig (or no rig at all) — plus it was Yuzu's first time in the snow. Garrick follows up with another mini adventure: camping at Belfair State Park and riding the ORV trails at Tahuya State Forest with friends.

Garrick also digs into his electric camp kitchen build — from the New Wave PIC Flex induction cooktop and Sea to Summit Detour cookware to the importance of a level cooking surface and why extension cords are a must. 

Plus: listener update from Episode 38 on drawer-style fridges, and a revisit of the all-electric cooking conversation from Episode 39.

Links

• Explore PNW Facebook Group
• Discount Tire
• Mickey Thompson’s rebate site
• SumoSprings bump stops
• Evergreen MTB Spring Fling
• Belfair State Park
• Tahuya State Forest

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Adventure season is here, and Garrick and Melody are kicking it off with a packed episode full of gear talk, trip recaps, and insider tips.

First up, Garrick delivers an unfortunate update from Episode 40 — what started as a cracked rim from snow wheeling turned into a full steering rack replacement, officially marking the end of his snow wheeling career. Then the two recap an incredible spring meet-and-greet with Lagalag, a community-driven PNW overlanding group that pulled off an impressively organized event complete with waves of vehicles, a potluck that defied expectations, a raffle sponsored by Open Road 4x4, and a lakeside campsite that became a little too lakeside for one unlucky Sprinter van.

Melody puts Garrick on the spot with an unplanned advice session: she's found the perfect low-profile cargo drawer system for her 5th Gen 4Runner — but the company behind it has some serious red flags in the reviews. Garrick's take? Don't touch it. The conversation expands into a practical discussion about what actually belongs in cargo drawers (hint: not your recovery gear), sleeping platform headroom trade-offs, and ARB's roller drawer system as a solid alternative worth checking out.

Garrick then shares his "Camp & Recreate" strategy for making the most of shoulder season — picking a recreation activity, finding camping nearby, and avoiding the summer crowds entirely. He put it to the test on the Kitsap Peninsula, riding the impressive Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park trail network and camping at Kitsap Memorial State Park, where his Moon Fabrications awning earned its keep on a rainy Saturday.

Melody closes things out with her Toyota dealership insider tips — how service reps and tech teams work, why finding your rep is worth it, how the Costco Auto Repair program can make dealership pricing competitive, and why simply being kind goes a long way. Garrick adds a classic move for testing whether a shop is on the level.

Links

• FB Lagalag Overlanders
• Openroad 4WD
• Goose Gear Fridge Slide
• Moonfab Car Shade Awning
• Costco Auto Program

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Episode 40 is a full-on rollercoaster. Garrick finally tracks down that mysterious rear-end thud, only to discover a much bigger problem lurking under the rig. Meanwhile, a snow wheeling trip goes sideways with hidden obstacles, cracked wheels, and more trail damage than expected.

Melody shares a soggy lesson in winter tent camping after waking up in what can only be described as a lake, plus some insights on how quickly PNW landscapes can change after heavy flooding.

On the gear side, Garrick leans further into electrified overlanding with major upgrades to his power setup, while Melody deals with a failing power station and pivots to a more reliable solution. There’s also a deep dive into swing-out awning setups, budget realities, and why some of the best gear is still frustratingly out of reach in the U.S.

To round it out, the crew swaps recommendations, from road trip planning tools to unexpected perks like free Toyota milestone stickers.

Broken parts, wet camps, new gear, and hard-earned lessons. Just another episode of Remote Trails Radio.

Links

• Ecoflow Delta 2 (Affiliate link)
• Truline Frame & Wheel
• KickAss
• BTech GMRS 50 Pro
• Anker Solix C2000gen2
• Anker Solix C300 DC
• Discount Tire Beats Competitor Prices
• Free 100k 200k 300k mileage sticker
• HipCamp Roadtrip feature

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What does it actually take to move toward an electrified overlanding setup—and is it worth it?

In this episode, Garrick walks through the thinking behind his shift away from propane and toward battery-powered camp systems, while Melody helps unpack where that strategy shines and where it still falls short. They talk about the real advantages of electric cooking, charging flexibility on the trail, and reducing fuel logistics, along with the tradeoffs like cost, complexity, and the limits of solar in the Pacific Northwest.

They also explore how electrification overlaps with preparedness planning, what gear currently makes up Garrick’s setup (from fridge to kettle to heated sleep system), and where traditional fuels like propane or diesel heaters still make the most sense.

If you’ve ever wondered whether induction cooking at camp is practical—or how big a battery you actually need—this episode breaks down the decisions behind building a modern camp power system one piece at a time.

Plus: trail-friendly dog food options, the search for the perfect in-rig water bottle, and the mysterious suspension “thud” that refuses to reveal itself.

Links

• Garrick’s film he couldn’t remember - Leave the World Behind
• Garrick's Ecoflow River 2 Pro
• BTech GMRS 50Pro 50W Radio
• Rawternative at All the Best Pet
• Ziwi Complete Meal - Chicken
• Owala FreeSip Sway

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Melody just got back from Overland Expo SoCal 2026, and she’s bringing stories from the show floor, vendor booths, and even an unexpected moment on stage at the Women Who Wander meetup. From suspension conversations with 74Weld to recovery gear troubleshooting with Maxtrax, this episode is a look at what makes expos worth the trip beyond just the shopping. 🚙

We also talk about community connections, show strategies, and what it’s like navigating a massive event in a single day.

Then Garrick shares field impressions of the Ignik Flipside Heated Bed Cover, part of his growing electrified camping setup and a surprisingly efficient way to pre-warm your sleeping system on cold nights.

Plus:

•  Tips for getting the most out of Overland Expo events 
•  Gear discoveries and booth highlights 
•  Why Sunday might be the best day for deals 
•  Northwest Overland Rally preview 
•  A new everyday audio upgrade in random recommendations 🎧 

If you’ve ever wondered whether an overland expo is worth attending—or how to stay warmer at camp without boiling water bottles—this episode’s for you.

RTR over and out.

Links

• Overland Expo SoCal Instagram: @overlandexpo
• Maxtrax
• ARB
• 74 Weld UCAs
• Garrick’s SPC Upper Control Arms
• Anker Auto
• Ironman Tilting Fridge Slide
• KIMBO
• Diode Dynamics
• Evotrex
• Livewire Honcho EV Bike
• Ignik Flipside Heated Bed Cover
• NWOR 2026
• Apple Airpods Pro 3
• Garrick's Ecoflow River 2 Pro

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Remote Trails Radio Instagram @remotetrailsradio

Remote Trails Radio YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@RemoteTrailsRadio

Opening music is Fun by Vibe Tracks https://goo.gl/Vb19cj

Garrick and Melody are back with a mix of adventure updates and practical trail wisdom. Garrick shares his experience attending the Montana Backcountry Discovery Route (MTBDR) unveiling in Seattle, including what the new 900-mile route looks like, the film screening, and why Montana might be the next big BDR destination for riders and overlanders. 

From there, the conversation shifts to one of the most important (and sometimes controversial) topics in off-road travel: trail etiquette. Garrick and Melody break down the unwritten rules of the trail—from group size and yielding properly, to camp spacing, recovery etiquette, radio use, and minimizing impact on public lands. They share real stories from the trail (including a few ranger encounters and recovery lessons learned the hard way) and discuss how good communication and a positive attitude can make everyone’s experience better. 

They also cover:

• Why smaller groups often work better on tight trails
• Who should yield when two groups meet
• Letting faster traffic pass (and why blocking them is a bad idea)
• Camp etiquette and sharing dispersed sites respectfully
• Recovery best practices and avoiding dangerous situations
• How to be a good ambassador for the overlanding community

Plus, Garrick recommends a quirky sci-fi comedy series on Netflix, and Melody shares a unique sauna experience near Lake Sammamish for post-adventure relaxation. 

Whether you’re new to overlanding or a seasoned trail veteran, this episode is packed with tips to help you travel responsibly, safely, and with good trail karma.

Links

• Starlink (referral link)
• Cabin Creek Sno-Park
• MTBDR
• The Shop
• Panhandle Rally ID
• Resident Alien TV series
• Vihta Sauna
• Garrick's Ecoflow River 2 Pro

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Opening music is Fun by Vibe Tracks https://goo.gl/Vb19cj

This one’s a mix of heavy hearts and winter wins.

We start by honoring Cameron — better known as Roo — Beth’s loyal trail companion and a beloved member of our overlanding crew. If you’ve ever driven behind “Roo Tube,” you know what we’re talking about. He’ll be deeply missed.

From there, we shift into a Presidents’ Day weekend done right: winter camping near the Wynoochee River with blue skies, frosty mornings, diesel heaters humming, a Gazelle gazebo saving frozen fingers, and yes… multiple Starlinks in the woods. Garrick finally conquers a long-awaited Olympic gravel loop, hikes up to Dusk Point, and revisits Spoon Creek Falls in full winter flow. Vindication tastes even better at 3,300 feet.

We also talk winter setups — what works, what doesn’t, and how to test your gear before committing to a full cold-weather weekend. Garrick debuts his new electric kettle system as part of his ongoing camp electrification strategy, and we discuss the realities of battery management when temperatures drop.

Meanwhile, back in civilization, Melody deals with a smashed 4Runner window (glass everywhere), shares an insurance pro tip for PNW drivers, and somehow still finds time to discover one of the most underrated parks near Tacoma.

Plus:
 • Snow wheeling without airing down
 • The heartbreak of unmaintained MTB trails
 • Why pausing your Starlink at the wrong time is a bad idea
 • Waterproof knit gloves that actually work
 • A sunset-worthy beach recommendation

Winter camping doesn’t have to be miserable. Sometimes it’s sunny, sometimes it’s snowing, and sometimes it’s both in the same morning.

RTR — over and out.

Links

• Gazelle 5-Sided Gazebo
• Stoke Voltaics Kettle Pot
• Mastic Tape
• Waterfalls in Wynoochee GPX on Patreon
• SafeCo Insurance - Free Glass
• Safelite Glass Repair - Repair at Your Place
• DexShell Gloves
• Garrick's Ecoflow River 2 Pro

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Opening music is Fun by Vibe Tracks https://goo.gl/Vb19cj

What do Goose Gear, used mud terrains, cross-country skiing in the Methow Valley (yes, that’s MET-HOW), and a futuristic Honda camper trailer have in common? Apparently… this episode.

Garrick breaks down his recent Goose Gear cargo plate and fridge slide install in the 3rd gen 4Runner—what went smoothly, what didn’t (missing hardware, no instructions), and whether it’s actually worth the money. He also shares thoughts on Titan Straps and why the cargo plate might be the real MVP.

Melody dives into the surprisingly competitive world of selling used mud-terrain tires on Facebook Marketplace—how to price them, when to sell, and why ATs might finally be calling her name.

We also cover:

• Cross-country skiing in the Methow Valley and how the trail pass system works
• Gravel riding in 60° January weather
• The pros and cons of used gear buying (and selling)
• Honda’s new “Base Station” prototype camper trailer
• Monitoring vehicle temps when your dog is in the car (peace of mind matters)

Plus, random recommendations featuring a next-gen climbing gym and the humble but mighty Swedish dish sponge.

Winter might be weird this year, but that doesn’t mean the adventures stop. Plan the trip. Make the lemonade. Get outside.

RTR — Over and out.

Links

• Goose Gear
• xOverland’s 3rd gen build series Zero to Hero
• Titan Straps
• FB Group Overlanding USA
• Honda’s prototype Base Station
• Necto Environment Monitor
• Govee Thermo-hygrometer
• Garrick's Ecoflow River 2 Pro

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Remote Trails Radio Instagram @remotetrailsradio

Remote Trails Radio YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@RemoteTrailsRadio

Opening music is Fun by Vibe Tracks https://goo.gl/Vb19cj