Outskirts Overland Podcast

• From Hot Mess to Cool Rest: Overlanding Tent Upgrades

  Send us a textWhen summer hits and temperatures soar, rooftop tent camping can quickly become unbearable. That scorching tent surface and compressed mattress had been making my weekend adventures less comfortable than they should be—until I discovered two surprisingly simple solutions that transformed my experience.The first breakthrough came unexpectedly. After merely mentioning my plan to wrap my tent top in white vinyl, a friend with a wrap shop offered to do it immediately. For just $100, he transformed my black tent top into a heat-reflecting white surface. The difference was immediate and dramatic. Where I previously couldn't even touch the tent surface without burning my hand, I now found it completely comfortable even after hours in direct sunlight. This "cheat code" for summer camping requires no maintenance and doesn't add significant weight—just glorious comfort in hot weather.Perhaps even more satisfying was solving my mattress dilemma. After a year of heavy use, my original tent mattress had compressed beyond comfort. Rather than spending hundreds on a replacement or dealing with problematic air mattresses, I crafted a custom solution combining memory foam with closed-cell camping pads. The entire build cost under $80 using materials from Walmart, fits my tent's exact dimensions, and provides better support than the original ever did. The project required only basic measuring and cutting skills—no special expertise needed.This experience reinforced what I love most about overlanding—the continuous process of creative problem-solving. Whether you're a weekend warrior or full-time traveler, these simple, affordable upgrades can dramatically improve your camping comfort. What modifications have transformed your overlanding experience? Share your insights or ask questions about these tent upgrades—I'm always looking for new ideas to enhance life on the road.

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• What Even Is Normal Weather Anymore?

  Send us a textExtreme weather is reshaping our outdoor experiences in unprecedented ways. Witness firsthand how torrential downpours—three inches in just 90 minutes—have transformed familiar trails into unrecognizable crevices, making weekend adventures both challenging and unpredictably beautiful.Strangely, despite the popularity of overlanding on social media, the trails were remarkably empty throughout the entire weekend. Only three other off-road vehicles appeared across two states and multiple camping locations. This disconnect between perception and reality raises interesting questions about where everyone is going and what's happening in the outdoor community right now.What truly defines an overlander? Is it the destinations they reach, the vehicle they drive, or something else entirely? Perhaps it's simpler than we make it—just camping out of a vehicle you've modified to suit your needs. The essence of the experience isn't found in fancy equipment or specific locations but in the fundamental connection with nature and the satisfaction of self-reliance.The weekend embraced simplicity: sandwich supplies for meals, cooling off in the river, and evenings around a campfire talking into the early hours. This minimalist approach created space for deeper enjoyment without the distractions of complex setups or itineraries. Even a brief side trip to Eureka Springs offered historical perspective on how people have been seeking healing and connection in these same landscapes for generations.Looking ahead to practical modifications, vinyl-wrapping a dark rooftop tent white could significantly reduce interior temperatures—testing shows differences of 20-35 degrees. These simple adaptations may become increasingly important as weather patterns continue to intensify.Check out the exciting partnership with 23Zero, featuring shared content on their Instagram page. Follow along as we navigate this changing outdoor landscape together, finding new ways to adapt while honoring the fundamental spirit of adventure.

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• Freedom, Fireworks, and Public Land Ethics

  Send us a textFreedom rings through this pre-Fourth of July episode as I reflect on what makes Independence Day my favorite holiday. Unlike celebrations that come with obligations, the Fourth embodies pure American liberty—everyone gets the day off, families gather outdoors, we grill delicious food, and yes, we legally blow stuff up simply because we can. As both a proud veteran and outdoor enthusiast, I cherish how this holiday brings people together through shared appreciation of freedom rather than guilt or obligation.Speaking of freedom, I'm excited to share that Outskirts apparel is coming soon! Many of you have asked how to support the podcast, and this will be your opportunity to purchase hats, shirts, hoodies, and more featuring various Outskirts designs. Everything will be straightforward—fair prices, no complicated discount codes, just quality gear for those who want it. Consider it my solution to supporting the podcast while getting something tangible in return.The conversation takes a thoughtful turn toward public land ethics and the sometimes complicated dynamics between different users. From the controversy surrounding people selling GPS coordinates through subscriptions to debates about generator usage in campgrounds, we navigate the delicate balance between individual liberty and community respect. My stance remains consistent: public land belongs to everyone, and the responsibility falls on us individually to create the experience we want rather than expecting others to conform to our preferences. If you don't like generators, find spots generators can't reach. If you prefer solitude, seek places off the beaten path. True freedom means respecting others' right to enjoy these spaces in their own way, even when it differs from our preferences.Planning your summer adventures? Remember to use code "outskirts" for 10% off tickets to Overland of America (September 12-14), where I'll be hanging out and hope to meet many of you. However you celebrate this Independence Day—whether camping, grilling, or shooting fireworks until dawn—embrace the liberty that makes this country special. After all, that's what makes America's public lands so extraordinary: they belong to all of us.

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• Survival Tech Showdown: iPhone vs Zoleo

  Send us a textReliable communication in the backcountry can be a lifesaver, but with advancing smartphone technology, many adventurers are wondering if dedicated satellite devices are still necessary. After years of recommending satellite communicators like the Zoleo, I decided to put my iPhone 16's satellite features to the test on a recent camping trip.The results were definitive - and not what many YouTube influencers would have you believe. Despite claims that smartphones have made dedicated satellite communicators obsolete, my real-world experience proved otherwise. The iPhone required awkward positioning to maintain a satellite connection, couldn't share my location easily, and struggled with basic messaging. Meanwhile, my trusty Zoleo connects quickly, maintains a stable connection, and provides seamless two-way communication even in the most remote locations. For serious backcountry explorers, the $199 investment in a dedicated device easily outperforms the limited satellite capabilities of a $1,200 smartphone.Beyond gear discussions, I share thoughts on maintaining the proper mindset during outdoor emergencies. When things go wrong - whether it's a stuck vehicle, mechanical failure, or other unexpected challenge - freaking out only makes matters worse. My philosophy of "control what you can and cope with what you can't" has helped me navigate countless difficult situations. Taking a breath, sleeping on problems when possible, and approaching challenges with a clear head can prevent minor inconveniences from becoming dangerous emergencies. This mindset, coupled with proper preparation and equipment, forms the foundation of backcountry safety. Whether you're dreaming of Alaska adventures (like I am) or tackling challenging terrain closer to home, these principles will serve you well on your journey.Ready to enhance your overlanding experience? Join me at Overland of America and save 10% on day passes with code OUTSKIRTS10. Let's connect and share our adventures under the open sky!

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• What happens when your adventure vehicle becomes your biggest investment?

  Send us a textThe 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 $150,000+ in their builds, but rarely discuss these figures openly.I recently completed a DIY dual battery system housed in a Milwaukee Packout case. Despite doing all the work myself, the components alone cost approximately $1,000. This highlights an important distinction: DIY doesn't mean cheap—it simply means you did the work yourself. Quality components like proper marine-grade wiring, BCDC chargers, and appropriate connectors all add up quickly.My approach to vehicle modification is heavily influenced by contingency planning. I deliberately design systems to be quickly removable if the truck is damaged or totaled. When you have a house's worth of value invested in a vehicle, protecting that investment becomes paramount. That's why I favor modular systems connected through Anderson plugs and housed in removable containers whenever possible.Through extensive trial and error, I've committed to an all-12V electrical system without inverters. Why? Because inverters waste power, reducing your effective battery capacity. Temperature considerations also played a major role in my decision to use AGM deep-cycle batteries rather than lithium, as they perform more reliably in extreme conditions.If you're considering starting your own overland build, approach it with eyes wide open. Understand that creating a truly capable vehicle represents a substantial commitment. Prioritize modifications based on your specific needs, and remember that while the costs are significant, the experiences and self-sufficiency these vehicles provide are what make the investment worthwhile for those committed to the lifestyle.

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