In this episode of the Overland Bonfire Podcast, we reconnect with a longtime friend of the Blue Ridge crew—someone you’ve probably seen in past trail tech videos and rig walkarounds. While he’s spent over a decade in the overland scene, this conversation is less about his latest build and more about where that journey has taken him next. Two years ago to the day, he made the call to shut down his trail tech brand. Now, he’s launched Evolution Woodworks, a business that brings his background in ...
Jul 09, 2025•48 min
In this special episode of the Overland Bonfire podcast, we sit down with Brock Stevens—a fellow adventurer we connected with through Instagram. Brock stopped by the shop in his 1971 Land Rover Santana Series II to sit down and talk to us.We talk about how we met Brock, his awesome new rig (a video of that is in the works), along with some other awesome things he is involved in. Brock currently works for Mkii and TornekRayville watches. He also has a background as a Navy Diver and is currently i...
Jun 26, 2025•1 hr
In this episode of The Overland Bonfire , we're joined by elite PRS competitor Keith Baker , who stopped by the shop while in town for a match. With a brand-new truck built for long trips and backcountry travel, it was the perfect time to help him dial in some overlanding storage solutions for his gear-heavy lifestyle. We kick things off with a jerky tasting session , then dive into a wide-ranging conversation covering everything from the precision rifle scene and the camaraderie within the PRS ...
Jun 11, 2025•36 min
Buy vs. Build: Which Overlanding Rig Strategy Is Right for You?In this episode of the Bonfire Podcast by Blue Ridge Overland Gear, we're diving into one of the most debated topics in the overlanding community: Should you buy a turnkey rig or build one yourself from the ground up?Join us as we break down the pros and cons of building your own overland setup versus buying something ready to hit the trail. We talk timelines, budgets, mistakes we’ve made, gear choices, and how your lifestyle, skills...
May 28, 2025•32 min
Get ready for a riveting Ask Us Anything (AUA) episode! We're pulling back the curtain and diving deep into your most burning questions about overlanding, gear, adventures, and everything in between.A huge shoutout to all our incredible listeners and followers who took the time to submit their questions. Time Stamps:00:00 - Intro00:12 - Jerky review04:28 - Any plans for a larger duffle?05:33 - One bag design you haven't made?09:08 - Camp chef bags?10:01 - Why so awesome?10:44 - Biggest surprise ...
May 14, 2025•42 min
The BROG team dives deep into everything you need to know about vehicle power systems for off-grid adventures! Matt, Rick, and Logan share their real-world experience with trail power management, comparing different setups, and essential gear for extended overlanding trips. Whether you're planning your first overland build or upgrading your current rig, this episode covers the critical power solutions you need to stay charged in the backcountry.🔥 EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT: Submit your questions now...
Apr 30, 2025•32 min
In this episode, we dive into the shifting landscape of overlanding gear, U.S. manufacturing, and the ripple effects of new tariffs hitting the outdoor and vehicle accessory industries. Logan and the crew chat about how these changes are impacting small businesses, gear prices, and what it really means to support American-made products right now. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: How new tariffs are affecting overlanding gear The Cost of American-made products Why sourcing and production is getting more compl...
Apr 16, 2025•43 min
Welcome back to another episode of the Overland Bonfire Podcast! Were back with more studio upgrades and furniture finds from the Facebook marketplace, including our epic new coffee table. We also chat about Logan's brand new vehicle project—a 2007 Land Rover LR3. Join us as we discuss the exciting build plans, including potential mods and upgrades, along with some more extreme suggestions (usually from Matt). Also the jerky subscription box strikes again. Whether you’re an overlanding enthusias...
Apr 02, 2025•41 min
Ready to level up your overlanding storage game? In our latest Overland Bonfire episode, we're talking abotu hard storage solutions for your off-road adventures! 🏕️While we love our soft bags, we can't ignore the durability and organization that hard cases bring to the trail. We break down exactly what makes the perfect hard storage system (hello, straight sides and stackability!) and share our real-world experiences with different brands and setups.Plus, we've got some genius DIY organization ...
Mar 12, 2025•33 min
Welcome to the Overland Bonfire Podcast, presented by Blue Ridge Overland Gear! In this episode, we're tackling a common overlanding challenge—wasted space in your vehicle. Whether you're packing for a weekend getaway or a months-long expedition, smart organization can make all the difference. We’ll share practical tips and creative solutions to help you maximize storage, streamline your setup, and keep your rig adventure-ready.But that’s not all! We’re also diving back into our infamous jerky r...
Mar 05, 2025•35 min
Sick of wasting money on gear that falls apart? In this episode, we break down how to invest in high-quality gear that stands the test of time. From spotting well-built products to choosing brands that back their gear , we’re sharing practical tips to help you make smart buying decisions for overlanding, adventure, and everyday use. ✔️ How to inspect product craftsmanship before you buy 🧐 ✔️ Why buying from trusted makers matters 💪 ✔️ The benefits of modular gear systems 🔄 ✔️ How proper maint...
Feb 19, 2025•41 min
Upgrade your camping game with these must-haves! Whether you’re heading out for a weekend getaway or a long-term overlanding adventure, the right gear can make all the difference. In this episode, we’re sharing game-changing upgrades to enhance your outdoor experience. We’ll talk about: 🔥 Why a refrigerator is a next-level addition for your setup ☕ How to upgrade your coffee game for the perfect trail brew 💤 The importance of a quality sleeping pad for a better night’s rest Tune in for practic...
Feb 05, 2025•39 min
If you’re diving into a new overland rig or upgrading your current one, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Maybe you’re not sure where to begin, or you already have a list of epic upgrades in mind. In this episode, we share 5 essential tips to help you set up your rig perfectly. These tips cover everything from the early stages of your build to fine-tuning organization for your adventures. We hope our conversation provides valuable insights to guide you as you work on your rig. We’d love to hear fro...
Jan 22, 2025•30 min
This week on the Blue Ridge Bonfire Podcast we’re chatting with Eric and Rachel from Mountain State Overland. In 2024 they took on the challenge of building their own Toyota Tundra overland rig—right in their driveway! No fancy garage, just a lot of determination and a little bit of space. They walk us through some of the ups and downs of the project and explain how they landed on the Tundra as their platform. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------...
Jan 08, 2025•54 min
Obviously, we here at Blue Ridge Overland have a personal interest in American-made products... they’re how we pay the bills. But beyond that, there are plenty of reasons we choose to shop American-made when possible.In this episode, we discuss the reasons we love using American-made products and where to find them. The conversation covers some of our favorite brands and even tips on where to find good deals on used American-made products.Make sure to tell us about some of your favorite USA-made...
Dec 18, 2024•41 min
As we approach the end of the fall event season we are asking ourselves, "What makes a great overlanding event?" Is it the people? The gear? The activities? The camping? Our first OAR was just a couple weeks back and it felt to us like a big win, but we we would love to hear from you all, what would you like to see next year. What makes you get excited about an event? Make sure to leave some comments or send us a message to let us know! -----------------------------------------------------------...
Nov 27, 2024•33 min
Join us in this episode as we dive into the latest happenings at Blue Ridge Overland Gear! We’ll explore exciting new product releases and notable events from the past few months, highlighting some of the products we are personally most excited about. From new gear to updates on community events, there's plenty to discuss. Plus, we’ll look ahead to what’s on the horizon between now and the end of the year. What new gear should you be keeping an eye on? What events are worth marking on your calen...
Oct 30, 2024•39 min
This week we have Chad from drawersystems.com with us. He builds some of the slickest drawer systems we’ve seen and we were excited to sit down and hear about how he got started. He also shares some great tips for anyone who is looking to DIY a set of drawers themselves. Make sure to check out his work at www.drawersystems.com
Oct 16, 2024•44 min
There are so many ways to stay on track during your adventures! From classic physical maps to modern GPS applications like Gaia GPS and OnX GPS, this episode covers some of our favorite navigation methods and the reasons for using each in different situations. While we all prefer slightly different methods of navigation, it’s valuable to explore how we can expand our toolkit. Let us know your favorite ways to stay on route in the comments! ArcGIS Living Atlas - https://livingatlas.arcgis.com/en/...
Oct 02, 2024•33 min
In this episode of The Overland Bonfire Podcast , we have Matt Wilson from Ray Allen Manufacturing joining us in the studio. If you’re not familiar with Ray Allen, they specialize in high-quality equipment for working dogs. With Matt here, we thought it would be the perfect chance to discuss traveling with our canine friends. We’ll cover topics such as crating dogs on the road, the importance of dog first aid, and training for emergencies in advance. And, of course, it wouldn’t be The Overland B...
Sep 18, 2024•34 min
This week we discuss some of the best overlanding trips we have taken, and then we dream about the trips still on our bucket list. (Matt needs at least a month)
Sep 04, 2024•36 min
It’s time for the final installment of our three-part series on overlanding organization. This time, we’ll tackle how to organize all of the little things you want to have handy—your Truck EDC. While we have some overlapping items (such as a backup multitool), it turns out this can vary quite a bit from person to person. After listening, we hope you’ll take some time to consider what you might add to your Truck EDC to make your next adventure even more enjoyable. Sign up for our give-away using ...
Aug 21, 2024•26 min
Welcome to part two of our three-part series on overlanding organization. This time we tackle how to organize gear for emergency situations. This involves everything from medical supplies to recovery gear. An emergency is not the time that you want to be scrambling to find what you need. Hopefully you can learn from our insights, along with our mistakes and be prepared the next time you run into an emergencty on the road. Sign up for our give-away using the code word - https://blueridgeoverlandg...
Aug 07, 2024•33 min
Welcome to our three-part series on overlanding organization. In this episode, we discuss how to keep tools organized in your overlanding rig. Whether you use a tool bag, toolbox, or tool roll, having a system to keep things organized is essential. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or just getting started, having the right tools at your fingertips can make or break your adventure. Let us know how you like to store your tools in the comments! Enter to win the giveaway! https://blueridgeoverlandg...
Jul 24, 2024•28 min
Summer is upon us. For those of us in the Southeast, that means oppressive heat and humidity are here to ruin your outdoor adventures. Fortunately, we have learned from our experiences and have some tips that we hope will make your summer more enjoyable. Blue Ridge Overland Gear - Reclaim Your JourneySHOP NOW: https://www.blueridgeoverlandgear.com/YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2TInbINexaZME_0mhW_bnwINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/blueridgeoverlandgear/FACEBOOK: https://www.face...
Jul 10, 2024•31 min
This week, Matt and Rick discuss what they see in store for the future of overlanding. They delve into truck manufacturers' updated factory offerings, overlap with other hobbies, and more. As usual, you will also hear some unrelated anecdotes — some unfortunate events occurred involving a Toyota Pro Ace in Norway, and the guys are finally ready to talk about it.
Jul 01, 2024•41 min
The guys are still in Norway, and they have more thoughts about their time there. The conversation, as usual, touches on many topics, but the highlight is clear. Rick tastes some unusual Norwegian foods, including potted meat with questionable branding and dried fish flakes. He may never be the same again. Matt doesn't join the taste test, but he has plenty of thoughts about the aromas. www.blueridgeoverlandgear.com
Jun 12, 2024•26 min
This week's podcast finds our intrepid hosts adrift in Norway. The episode is short but mighty - with discussions of boats, food, and the Norwegian love of tunnels. Don't tell anyone, but there also might be a sneak-peak at a new piece of gear that we have in the works. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Blue Ridge Overland Gear - Reclaim Your Journey SHOP NOW: https://www.blueridgeoverlandgear.com/ Youtube: https...
May 29, 2024•12 min
Time for the next installment of Overland Bonfire From the Road. On the drive home the guys debrief about their time at Moore. Blue Ridge Overland Gear - Reclaim Your Journey SHOP NOW: https://www.blueridgeoverlandgear.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2TI... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blueridgeoverlandgear/reels/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueridgeoverlandgear
May 14, 2024•24 min
Come along for the ride! In this episode Rick and Matt head to Moore Overlanding and Off-Roading Expo. With plenty of time to kill they decide fired up the GoPro, and give us all a glimpse of what a roadtrip is really like for them. Blue Ridge Overland Gear - Reclaim Your Journey SHOP NOW: https://www.blueridgeoverlandgear.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2TI... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blueridgeoverlandgear/reels/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueridgeove...
May 01, 2024•22 min
