Outskirts Overland Podcast

• Finding Balance: Maintaining Wellness While Overlanding

  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!

  --------  

  27:25
• Navigating Tornado Aftermath: Preparing for More Expo 2023

  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!

  --------  

  24:43
• Countdown to More: Preparing for Expo Season and Blues Playoffs

  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!

  --------  

  15:35
• Air vs. Electronic Lockers: A Deep Dive for Overlanding Enthusiasts

  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?

  --------  

  17:02
• Overlanding's Future: Trends, Challenges, and Public Land Access

  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.

  --------  

  27:13

Weitere Freizeit Podcasts

Trending Freizeit Podcasts

Über Outskirts Overland Podcast