Outskirts Overland Podcast

Send us a textEver 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 mysteriously slowed across platforms. I share my observations on this trend, along with thoughts on the recent merger between overlanding pioneers Scott Brady (Overland Journal/Expedition Portal) and Clay Croft (Expedition Overland). This consolidation marks a significant moment for information resources in our community.Beyond content trends, I open up about my personal journey – balancing full-time work, podcasting, and my new academic pursuit in unmanned aerial technology. I'm studying drone technology to enhance both my overlanding adventures and professional capabilities. I also share practical insights from my mobile hotspot setup that's revolutionizing my connectivity on the road.From hotspot hacks to philosophical discussions on vehicle choices, from trailer considerations to brand authenticity in the creator space – this episode offers something for overlanders at every experience level. Whether you're contemplating your first adventure vehicle or looking to optimize your current setup, you'll find practical takeaways and thoughtful perspectives to inform your journey.Join the conversation by reaching out to me at charlie@outskirtsoverland.com or finding Outskirts Overland on all social platforms. Your overlanding story matters, and I'd love to hear how you're making this lifestyle work for you.

Send us a textUnpacking 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 transitioning between trail and pavement, those minutes saved add up to more adventure time.What separates truly great gear from merely good equipment isn't marketing hype but real-world performance. Having tested numerous systems over the years (Indiflate, Thor's Lightning, and others), I was legitimately blown away by how the Morrflate performed. Taking tires from 12 PSI to 55 PSI in just three minutes is game-changing, especially with the thoughtful engineering that allows you to use their digital hub with existing compressors. This isn't sponsored content - just honest feedback from someone who's tested it all.Beyond gear talk, I'm looking ahead to upcoming events including Overland America in Jay, Oklahoma (featuring unique family amenities alongside trail opportunities) and my personal favorite, Rendezvous in the Ozarks, where I traditionally spend a full week exploring before the event begins. The overlanding community continues to grow, balancing big companies with flashy marketing against smaller businesses focused on providing genuine solutions. I'd love to hear your gear questions or recommendations - reach out on social media @OutskirtsOverland or email charlie@outskirtsoverland.com to continue the conversation!

Send us a textFresh 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 Bentley, whose boundless enthusiasm for overlanding proved contagious to everyone around him. This encounter sparked reflection on how passion for vehicles and outdoor adventure often begins at a young age and carries through generations—much like the host's own journey from childhood racing experiences with his father to his current overlanding lifestyle.Between distributing nearly 200 stickers and fielding questions ranging from basic ("Why do you air down your tires?") to advanced technical inquiries, a clear pattern emerged: the overlanding community encompasses an incredible spectrum of experience levels. For beginners feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of specialized gear at events like More Expo, the advice remains refreshingly straightforward—start with mapping skills and basic camping equipment using whatever vehicle you currently own. The most valuable investment isn't in expensive modifications but in developing the knowledge to safely navigate and enjoy outdoor spaces.The episode also explores the importance of making overlanding trips enjoyable for everyone involved, whether traveling solo, with a partner, or with children. The secret isn't having the most capable vehicle or revolutionary gear, but rather thoughtfully planning trips that incorporate diverse experiences that appeal to different interests—whether that's beautiful scenery, nearby shopping opportunities, or family-friendly activities.Have you found yourself intimidated by the seemingly endless gear requirements when starting your overlanding journey? Share your experiences and connect with us online to join the conversation about building sustainable, enjoyable outdoor adventures that match your personal needs and interests.

Send us a textThe 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 lifestyle.I share my personal awakening about needing a concrete health plan as my overlanding frequency increases. With gas station snacks, energy drinks, and freeze-dried meals becoming dietary staples, how does anyone maintain wellness while embracing the nomadic life? This conversation feels especially crucial as I approach my long-term goal of full-time road living once my children are grown.The discussion extends beyond just exercise routines to holistic considerations: telehealth options, laundry schedules, and minimalism as necessity rather than philosophy. For anyone who dreams of transitioning from weekend warrior to full-time adventurer, these practical concerns deserve as much attention as vehicle builds and gear selections.Whether you're planning your own nomadic future or simply looking to balance weekend adventures with wellness, this episode offers honest reflection on making health as much a priority as the horizon ahead. Share your own strategies for staying healthy on the road—I'd love to brainstorm solutions together!

Send us a textMother Nature doesn't care about your overlanding plans. That's the harsh reality facing many attendees heading to More Expo 2023 this weekend in Springfield, Missouri, as tornadoes and severe storms have just swept through the region, toppling trees and flooding trails days before one of the Midwest's premier overlanding gatherings.With winds reaching 70 mph and rainfall totaling four inches in some areas, the aftermath presents real challenges for those traveling to the event. Entire ash trees now lie in parking lots, rural roads have become obstacle courses, and the ground promises to remain soggy through the weekend. For overlanders driving in on trails, a chainsaw has suddenly become essential equipment alongside the standard recovery gear. This scenario perfectly illustrates what many experienced adventurers call "the ultimate equalizer" - no matter how well-equipped or prepared you might be, severe weather changes everything.Despite these challenges, excitement remains high for More Expo. You'll find me at Booth 264 with Midwest Adventure Outfitters, armed with stickers, high fives, and readiness to discuss everything from vehicle builds to gear innovations. Between picking up my freshly serviced truck, attending a Blues playoff game, and preparing for a live podcast and afterparty, it's shaping up to be an intensely busy week - which is why I've decided to camp on-site rather than commute from elsewhere.For those in the overlanding community, especially across the Midwest where we don't have an official Overland Expo event, More represents our best opportunity to connect, explore new gear, and separate innovative products from mere knockoffs. Content creators, vendors, and enthusiasts pour tremendous effort into making this gathering valuable for everyone involved. If you're attending, pack accordingly for the conditions, stay alert for weather changes, and remember that safety trumps adventure every time. Stop by to share your storm stories or discuss what you're most excited to see at the event!

Send us a textThe countdown to the Midwest Adventure Expo has begun, and Charlie from Outskirts Overland is buzzing with anticipation. With just one week until the big event, overlanders across the country are packing their rigs and plotting their journeys. For Charlie, next week looks particularly hectic – retrieving his truck from Gray Industries Cruisers with fresh gear sets and ARB lockers on Wednesday, attending a Blues playoff game Thursday, before hitting the expo on Friday.Throughout this episode, Charlie reflects on a curious aspect of the overlanding community: how we often recognize each other's vehicles before we recognize each other's faces. This realization has spurred his encouragement for everyone to join "United by Overland" and post photos of themselves alongside their rigs. This simple act helps transform online connections into real-world friendships, especially valuable as event season kicks into high gear.For those planning to attend the Midwest Adventure Expo, don't miss the daily live Q&A sessions and after-parties at the Midwest Adventure Outfitters booth at 5 pm on Friday and Saturday. These gatherings promise giveaways, beverages, and the chance to connect with fellow adventurers in person. Charlie also shares a surprising statistic – only 10% of all podcasts survive beyond their first year – and offers practical summer overlanding advice about maintaining air filters as dust season approaches. Whether you're a seasoned overlander or just starting your journey, this episode bridges the gap between vehicles and the people who drive them. Join the community, share your stories, and let's put faces to the rigs we've come to know!

Send us a textDive deep into the world of off-road performance upgrades as we explore the crucial differences between air lockers and electronic lockers. Far from just a technical breakdown, this episode unpacks the real-world considerations that drive decision-making for serious overlanders and weekend warriors alike.I share my personal journey installing ARB air lockers in my Toyota SR5, explaining why pneumatic systems won out over electronic alternatives for my specific build. You'll discover how engagement mechanisms differ—magnetic solenoids versus air pressure—and why this matters on the trail. We explore the freedom of being able to engage lockers in any drive mode versus the limitations of factory systems that only function in 4-low.Beyond the technical aspects, we tackle the financial reality of these upgrades. At around $7,000 for lockers and gears, aftermarket modifications represent a significant investment that might make factory-equipped vehicles like Jeep Rubicons or Colorado ZR2s more appealing despite their higher sticker price. The conversation extends to reliability considerations, brand recommendations, and the trade-offs between factory warranties and customization freedom.Whether you're building an overlanding rig, enhancing your weekend wheeler, or simply curious about differential technology, this episode delivers practical insights without the technical overwhelm. Join our overlanding community conversation and share your own experiences—what modifications have you made that were worth every penny?

Send us a textThe overlanding community stands at a crossroads. After experiencing explosive growth during 2020, we're now witnessing what appears to be a plateau rather than continued expansion. Though the passionate core remains committed, the influx of newcomers seems to be balancing with those exiting the hobby.Perhaps most concerning is the uncertainty surrounding public land access. For many of us, myself included, overlanding isn't just recreation—it's essential mental health maintenance. The ability to disconnect from technology, escape crowded environments, and immerse ourselves in nature provides therapeutic benefits that can't be replicated elsewhere. If public lands become less accessible, where will we find that crucial solace?Economic pressures add another layer of complexity. Impending tariffs threaten to increase parts pricing, while the already expensive nature of the hobby creates barriers for newcomers. I've been stockpiling maintenance essentials like filters and fluids ahead of potential price hikes. Even American-made products aren't immune, as their components often come from international sources. The marketplace reflects these pressures—I've noticed significantly fewer used components circulating compared to previous years.Vehicle modification regulations present additional concerns. With discussions about bumper height restrictions and other limitations, we may face new hurdles to creating our ideal adventure vehicles. These factors combine to create an atmosphere of uncertainty that could be deterring new participants from committing to the lifestyle.Despite these challenges, the community remains vibrant. The connections formed at events like More Expo demonstrate the enduring appeal of adventure travel. While the explosive growth phase may be behind us, the core values of exploration, self-reliance, and connection with nature continue to resonate deeply with outdoor enthusiasts.What changes are you noticing in the overlanding community? Join the conversation by texting the podcast—link in the description. And if you're heading to More Expo, come find me starting Friday morning. I'll have stickers and would love to connect with fellow adventurers who understand why these wild places matter so much.

Send us a textGear maintenance might not be the sexiest topic in overlanding, but it's often what separates a great adventure from a disaster. Charlie dives into zipper maintenance after a listener pointed out this overlooked aspect of gear care. Beyond the expected recommendation of Gear Aid's specialized products, Charlie shares an ingenious field hack that could save your trip—using a heated crayon as emergency zipper lubricant. Who knew those Crayolas could pull double duty in your pack?Quality matters tremendously in the backcountry, and Charlie doesn't mince words about zippers: "There's no other zipper that you want to be messing with than YKK." This Japanese standard-bearer represents the difference between reliability and frustration when you're miles from nowhere. Similarly, his strong recommendation for E-rated (10-ply) tires highlights the importance of durability over weight savings for serious overlanders.A conversation with a tire industry friend led to a pragmatic warning about potential price increases starting May 1st, particularly affecting imported overlanding equipment. Without venturing into political territory, Charlie simply advises that if you're planning purchases in the near future, accelerating your timeline might save significant money. This applies especially to tires and specialized gear sourced internationally—from Australian snorkels to Japanese vehicle components.The episode concludes with a fascinating observation about overlanding culture: we recognize each other's vehicles far more readily than faces. This creates an odd community dynamic where your rig becomes your identity. Charlie encourages more personal visibility, reminding us that beyond the impressive builds and gear collections, it's the human connections that make this community special. Want to put a face to the voice? Check out the Outskirts Overland YouTube channel and get to know the person behind the podcast.

Send us a textCharlie from Outskirts Overland shares his weekend activities and dives deep into the importance of finding outdoor equipment with replaceable components, particularly focusing on rooftop tents.• National Gardening Day and National Dolphin Day on April 14th• Spent weekend at soccer game and practicing drone flying for unmanned aerial systems pilot certification• Truck repairs should be completed this week with shirts and stickers arriving today• Currently researching rooftop tents with replaceable components after using his 23 Zero tent for over 100 nights• Investigating Intrepid and iCamper models that offer zip-in/zip-out fabrics and serviceable parts• Importance of opening wet tents to dry completely to prevent mold and fabric breakdown• Planning to check out serviceable equipment options at the upcoming More Expo event• Considerations for cost-effectiveness when comparing expensive serviceable equipment versus replacing cheaper gearText the podcast, send emails to charlie@outskirtsoverland.com, or connect on social media at Outskirts Overland on Facebook and Instagram.