Send us a text The secret that nobody talks about in the overlanding world is just how expensive serious vehicle builds actually are. In this candid episode, I pull back the curtain on the true costs behind those Instagram-worthy rigs you see online. My Tacoma represents a $147,000 investment—$36,000 for the truck itself and over $100,000 in modifications, accessories, and equipment built up over years. This isn't unusual in the overlanding community; most YouTube creators you follow likely have...
Jun 30, 2025•38 min
Send us a text After a brief hiatus from behind the microphone, I'm finally back with updates on where I've been and what's ahead. Life got busy juggling college kids, camping trips, the truck build, work, and everything in between – sometimes we all just need a minute to breathe. While daily episodes might not return, this marks the beginning of a more sustainable podcasting rhythm moving forward. The break wasn't idle time. I've been up late nights finalizing my Redarc dual battery system in t...
Jun 27, 2025•14 min
Send us a text Maintaining outdoor gear is often an afterthought, but as our conversation with Heidi from Nikwax reveals, proper care can transform your adventure experience and save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on replacement equipment. With sixteen years at Nikwax under her belt, Heidi brings a wealth of knowledge about keeping technical fabrics performing at their best. The company's commitment to environmental responsibility stands out—they've been PFAS-free since 1977, decades...
Jun 26, 2025•41 min
Send us a text Life slips by in the blink of an eye. Have you ever wondered if you're filling your days with distractions rather than meaning? When listeners messaged about missing the podcast and their workdays becoming more boring without it, it sparked deeper thoughts about how we spend our precious time. Many of us sleepwalk through life, trying to emulate others who themselves are playing characters—creating layers of inauthenticity that separate us from genuine fulfillment. But what if we ...
Jun 17, 2025•6 min
Send us a text The unexpected weight of words. That's what today's raw, unscripted episode confronts as I find myself at a crossroads with Outskirts Overland. What started as a straightforward platform to discuss overlanding without commercial influence has grown into something that carries unanticipated emotional consequences. I've always been direct—when I say something, I mean exactly what I say, nothing more and nothing less. There's no subtext, no veiled criticism of friends or fellow creat...
Jun 10, 2025•21 min
Send us a text Ever found yourself in a muddy mess with no way out? The latest adventure of Outskirts Overland takes you straight into the chaotic heart of a corporate camping trip gone soggy. When relentless rain transformed a lakeside campground into a mud pit, what started as a simple family outing became a master class in preparedness and recovery techniques. As minivans sank to their axles and even professional tow trucks became stranded, Charlie's foresight and equipment made him the unexp...
Jun 09, 2025•47 min
Send us a text What happens when a thriving community begins to lose its soul? In this heartfelt reflection, we journey back to the early days of vehicle-based adventure, before hashtags and affiliate links dominated the landscape. I share the transformative moment when, as a young gym trainer in Lake Tahoe, complete strangers took my stock Dodge Dakota and returned it lifted with new tires—simply because that's what the community did then. This remarkable act of generosity shaped my entire appr...
Jun 06, 2025•46 min
Send us a text No pod today go over to Youtube and watch my video @OutskirtsOverland
Jun 05, 2025•25 sec
Send us a text Ever found yourself caught in a downpour with inadequate gear, watching helplessly as water finds its way into every corner of your camp setup? Today's episode tackles the complete arsenal of strategies for conquering wet weather in the overlanding world. We dive deep into the science of waterproofing with a comprehensive look at NikWax products – that two-part system that not only eliminates mildew smell but dramatically improves your gear's water-repellent properties. You'll lea...
Jun 04, 2025•30 min
Send us a text Something significant is happening in the adventure travel content space. We're witnessing what appears to be the first major transition in overlanding social media since the massive boom of 2020-2021, and it's creating a strange new landscape for both creators and enthusiasts. Remember when overlanding content was created by experienced adventurers simply documenting their existing lifestyle? Those voices that taught us valuable skills and inspired us to explore are becoming incr...
Jun 03, 2025•44 min
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...
Jun 02, 2025•24 min
Send us a text Ever wondered what would happen if someone combined a serious overland event with a family resort vacation? That's exactly what we're exploring today as I share my excitement about Overland of America – a revolutionary approach to overlanding events that considers the whole family, not just the driver. Unlike traditional overland gatherings that often mean dust, heat, and limited amenities, this event offers something unique: technical trails and gear shopping alongside pools, spl...
May 30, 2025•18 min
Send us a text Maintenance isn't just a recommendation—it's a survival strategy when you're miles from civilization with no backup plan. Today we dive deep into the often-overlooked but absolutely critical world of proper vehicle and equipment care for those who push their gear to the limits. Approaching 100,000 miles on my 2020 Toyota Tacoma has me reflecting on what it takes to keep a vehicle running strong through extreme conditions. From winch maintenance rituals that prevent catastrophic fa...
May 29, 2025•27 min
Send us a text Ever had that moment when your favorite camping gear starts to let you down? After a year with my rooftop tent, the once-comfortable mattress began causing back pain by day three of every trip. Rather than shell out thousands for a completely new setup, I found myself hunting for that elusive middle-ground solution that wouldn't empty my bank account. This search led me down a rabbit hole of product availability issues, questionable online shopping practices, and eventually to a s...
May 29, 2025•50 min
Send us a text Ever wonder what it takes to run a daily overland podcast? In this candid episode, Charlie pulls back the curtain on the journey of building Outskirts Overland while juggling family life, education, and career commitments. Breaking exciting news, Charlie announces his acceptance as an official creator for Overland of America in Jay, Oklahoma. This milestone represents a significant step forward for the podcast, offering listeners a special 10% discount with code OUTSKIRTS10. Mark ...
May 23, 2025•22 min
Send us a text Ever had that frustrating moment when you're miles from nowhere and your call drops right as your kid is sharing their exciting news? That's exactly why connectivity solutions like WeBoost have become game-changers for the modern overlander. In this deeply practical episode, we dive into how signal boosters are revolutionizing remote travel without the ongoing costs of satellite systems. Unlike subscription services, these one-time purchases work seamlessly to amplify existing sig...
May 22, 2025•35 min
Send us a text The overlanding landscape is shifting beneath our feet. After years of explosive growth, vehicle-based adventure travel appears to be evolving into something different - but what exactly? I've noticed Instagram becoming the primary platform for overlanders, with polished photos replacing in-depth travel videos. Meanwhile, trailer builds gain popularity as traditional vehicle-based overlanding seems to recede. Most concerning is seeing countless pristine builds with all the latest ...
May 20, 2025•14 min
Send us a text Ever faced the frustrating discovery of completely frozen food in your camping fridge? That's exactly what happened to a friend recently—and it's a common problem with an easy solution. In this rambling road chat, I share the essential practice of pre-cooling your camping cooler or fridge before trips, especially during hot weather. This simple step prevents thermostat malfunctions that can freeze everything solid while draining your battery. The conversation meanders through pers...
May 19, 2025•13 min
Send us a text Have you ever wondered why so many people exit the overlanding community after just a couple of years? Despite the explosion of overlanding content on social media and the apparent accessibility of the hobby, most enthusiasts quietly disappear before they've truly established themselves in the lifestyle. Drawing from two decades of overlanding experience, I dive deep into this fascinating phenomenon. The harsh reality is that building competence in this hobby takes significantly m...
May 15, 2025•35 min
Send us a text Have you ever considered that cleaning your overlanding rig after an adventure might be just as important as checking your oil or tire pressure? After returning from a muddy trail run with multiple water crossings, I noticed my truck giving me some trouble starting – and it got me thinking about how vehicle cleaning is one of the most undervalued forms of maintenance in the overlanding community. In this candid discussion, I take you through my complete post-adventure cleaning pro...
May 14, 2025•22 min
Send us a text Have you ever considered how much more value you could squeeze from your overland investment? In this enlightening episode, Charlie from Outskirts Overland breaks down the unexpected ways your adventure gear can transform everyday life, making those expensive purchases easier to justify to both yourself and skeptical family members. Charlie takes us beyond obvious uses of overland equipment, revealing how fridges aren't just for camping but perfect for keeping groceries cold durin...
May 13, 2025•23 min
Send us a text Ever had that moment when your fully equipped off-road rig sinks deeper into mud precisely because of those fancy new lockers? Charlie from Outskirts Overland shares his recent adventure through the Ozarks where exactly that happened – water flooding his floorboards as his truck settled into unexpected mud. The weekend trip featured breathtaking scenery around the Buffalo River, with an unusually lush, rainforest-like landscape following recent rainfall. Charlie navigated multiple...
May 12, 2025•23 min
Send us a text Ever wondered how seasoned overlanders approach adventure planning? Charlie from Outskirts Overland takes us on a refreshingly honest journey through his approach to weekend trips: "My girlfriend's like 'where are we going?' I don't know... south." This casual yet prepared mindset perfectly captures what makes overlanding special – the balance between readiness and spontaneity. The conversation shifts to drone photography in the outdoors, where Charlie reveals his formal education...
May 09, 2025•19 min
Send us a text "Thank you, hey guys, and welcome to Outskirts Overland!" Charlie begins this raw, unfiltered episode with an apology about previous audio issues before diving into the reality of overlanding gear durability. Forget carefully sanitized gear reviews - Charlie delivers the unvarnished truth about equipment that's meant to be used, not babied. Drawing from years of hard experience with his own heavily-used overlanding setup, he shares the painful lessons learned after multiple failur...
May 08, 2025•40 min
Send us a text Buckle up for a candid conversation about the evolving landscape of overlanding as we navigate what appears to be a pivotal transition year for the community. After taking a brief mental health break (yes, even podcast hosts need those occasionally), I'm diving into the noticeable shifts happening within the overland world that deserve your attention. Something remarkable is happening across overland content platforms. Many dedicated creators are diversifying beyond pure overlandi...
May 07, 2025•36 min
Send us a text Ever had to winch your lawnmower out of the mud with your overland-equipped truck? That's exactly where today's adventure begins as Charlie shares the hilarious irony of using recovery gear right in his own backyard. The resulting mud stripes across his newly mowed lawn serve as a reminder that overlanding skills have practical applications even on ordinary days. The conversation shifts to an unexpected topic - a workplace step challenge where one participant logged an astonishing...
May 02, 2025•16 min
Send us a text Ever wondered if your everyday Subaru could be an overlanding vehicle? You're not alone. In this authentic conversation, I dive into the surprising absence of compact SUVs at major events like Overland Expo, despite their practical advantages for newcomers to the overlanding world. Your current vehicle might be all you need to start your adventure journey. The overlanding community is experiencing fascinating shifts. While participation continues to grow, content creation has myst...
May 01, 2025•31 min
Send us a text Unpacking the revolutionary gear that's actually worth your hard-earned money! After an intensive weekend at the Moore Expo with Midwest Adventure Outfitters, I discovered a tire inflation system that genuinely changes the overlanding experience. Spending 18 straight hours demonstrating the Morrflate system convinced me it's in a league of its own - reducing inflation times dramatically while offering precision pressure settings for both airing up AND down. When you're constantly ...
Apr 29, 2025•22 min
Send us a text Fresh off a whirlwind weekend at Moore Expo, this episode dives into the fascinating world of overlanding community-building and the stark contrast between experienced enthusiasts and wide-eyed newcomers. The newly re-geared truck performed beautifully as we represented both the podcast and Midwest Adventure Outfitters, creating the perfect conversation starter for countless interactions throughout the event. The highlight of the weekend was undoubtedly meeting six-year-old Bentle...
Apr 28, 2025•26 min
Send us a text The unexpected toll of a nomadic lifestyle isn't always about breakdowns or bad weather—sometimes it's about what happens to your body when adventure becomes your everyday reality. Today we're diving into the overlooked health challenges of overlanding and long-term travel. While we celebrate the freedom of the open road, there's an uncomfortable truth: this "outdoor hobby" keeps many of us sitting for hours on end, from long drives to campfires, creating a surprisingly sedentary ...
Apr 22, 2025•27 min
