Outskirts Overland Podcast

• 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.

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• The Quiet Storm Approaching: Gear Prices, Supply Chains, and What You Should Know

  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.

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  13:22
• Your Investment Shouldn't Be Disposable: The Case for Replaceable Parts in Outdoor Gear

  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 [email protected], or connect on social media at Outskirts Overland on Facebook and Instagram.

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  20:31
• Aired-Down Lawnmowers & Grand Canyon Dreams

  Send us a textCharlie shares excitement about his truck's upcoming gear installation and outlines preparation plans while balancing upcoming events and personal responsibilities.• Discussing ARB air lockers and East Coast Gear Supply bushing installation scheduled for next week• Planning potential trips to Kentucky Adventure Trail while seeking community advice on difficulty and camping options• Sharing the unusual practice of airing down lawnmower tires for a smoother mowing experience• Exploring future adventure destinations including ice camping, Grand Canyon, and the Upper Peninsula• Behind-the-scenes look at podcast merchandise production and seeking help with sticker designs• Balancing overlanding aspirations with family responsibilities and weekend commitmentsIf you enjoy the podcast, please consider leaving a review as it helps keep the motivation going to create more content without sponsorships.

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  34:58
• Behind the Scenes: Juggling Family, Work, and Outdoor Passion

  Send us a textCharlie shares his anxieties about his truck being at the shop for gearing work and discusses vehicle tuning with Chris at Tidewater Tuning who now works with MCB Elite to support multiple vehicle platforms beyond just Toyotas.• Current gear upgrade from 3.90 to 5.29 gears in preparation for future tire size increases• The importance of proper tuning for gear changes and AGM batteries• How Charlie supports small businesses owned by friends by paying full price• Balancing family responsibilities like kids' soccer with camping plans• Preparing for More Expo while managing logistics, merchandise, and time constraints• Using a Subaru Wilderness as a temporary overlanding vehicle with 10 inches of clearance• Updates on new NickWack products received for testingHave topics you'd like covered? Use the text feature at the bottom of the podcast to suggest ideas for future episodes!

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  22:15

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