RV Out West

Brooks Smothers
  • 4.9 (46)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Weekly

RV Out West is a Pacific Northwest travel podcast that explores the RV lifestyle, camping adventures, and road trips across Washington, Oregon, Idaho and beyond. Hosted by Brooks Smothers, this show shares insider tips, destination guides and authentic stories from the open road. RV Out West inspires you to explore new destinations, connect with nature, and enjoy the adventure that comes with hitting the open road; one campsite, one story and one unforgettable journey at a time.  🎧 Tune in for travel inspiration, RV tips and stories that celebrate the spirit of adventure in the Pacific Northwest.

  1. 2d ago

    The Soto Family on RV Life, Travel and Finding Freedom

    In this special 200th episode of RV Out West, we sit down with Edwin and Jessely Soto, the couple behind From the Hatch, for a raw and honest conversation about full time RV living, family travel, and building a nomadic lifestyle from the ground up. What makes their story so different is that when they first started RV life, they had absolutely zero experience. In fact, I first met the Sotos over five years ago in a campground in Pennsylvania on their very first night living full time in an RV. Since then, Edwin and Jessely have traveled across the country, navigated major RV breakdowns, worked through health challenges, and learned how to adapt to the ups and downs that come with life on the road. In this episode, they share why they chose the full time RV lifestyle, how their family and friends eventually came to understand their decision, and the ways travel has shaped them not just as individuals, but as a couple and as a family. This episode is filled with heartfelt stories, honest reflections, and practical insight for anyone curious about RV living, van life, family travel, digital nomad life, or long term travel in an RV. If you are already living on the road or still dreaming about taking the leap into full time travel, Edwin and Jessely bring a relatable and inspiring perspective to the conversation. Be sure to follow From the Hatch on Instagram and join us next week for part two, where we talk about their travels throughout the Pacific Northwest, creating music while living on the road, and how they make this lifestyle work for their family. Visit our newest sponsor: Scenic Washington Order your FREE Washington State Scenic Byway guide and map. Send us Fan Mail Sign up for our Newsletter Please follow the show so you never miss an episode. We ask that you also kindly give the show a rating and a review as well. Learn more about RV Out West over on our website at www.rvoutwest.com Join in on the conversation via social media: Instagram Facebook

    38 min

  2. May 25

    Eat Wild on the Road: Foraging Tips from Langdon Cook

    RV travel invites us to explore wide landscapes, open roads, and the freedom of the outdoors, but there’s another layer to that experience waiting just beyond the trail. This conversation explores how foraging, wild foods, and campfire cooking connect RVers to the land in a more personal and rewarding way. It’s about slowing down, looking closer, and discovering what the forest has to offer right around your campsite. For many travelers, the idea of foraging can feel unfamiliar or overwhelming at first. Where do you begin? What is safe to pick? How do you turn wild ingredients into a meal you actually want to eat? This discussion helps take the mystery out of that process and opens the door for beginners who want to try something new on their next RV trip. From wild greens to chanterelles and morels, the outdoors becomes both your destination and your pantry. Guest Langdon Cook is a Seattle-based author known for three books that explore wild food culture: Fat of the Land, The Mushroom Hunters, and Upstream: Searching for Salmon from River to Table. His writing blends storytelling, ecology, and food, offering a deeper look at how wild ingredients shape both people and place. Together we talk about foraging as part of outdoor adventure travel, how it fits into RV living, and why it continues to draw people back into forests and campsites across the Pacific Northwest and beyond. If you’ve ever considered adding foraging to your camping routine, this conversation offers a grounded place to start. Send us Fan Mail Sign up for our Newsletter Please follow the show so you never miss an episode. We ask that you also kindly give the show a rating and a review as well. Learn more about RV Out West over on our website at www.rvoutwest.com Join in on the conversation via social media: Instagram Facebook

    40 min

  3. May 18

    Our RV Camp Kitchen That Changed Everything

    If you think your RV camp kitchen setup is dialed in, this episode might make you rethink everything. We break down the real-world RV cooking gear, camp kitchen essentials, and outdoor cooking setups that have actually survived years of camping, road trips, and campground meals with our family of four. From the truth about built-in RV outdoor kitchens to our experience with Blackstone griddles, cast iron cookware, hibachi charcoal cooking, and the surprisingly effective $20 electric griddle that completely changed our camping routine, this episode is packed with practical RV kitchen tips and honest gear insights for campers, RVers, and outdoor cooking enthusiasts alike. We talk about what camp kitchen gear is truly worth packing, what ended up collecting dust, and how simplifying our setup made cooking at camp easier, lighter, and far more enjoyable. From travel trailers and fifth wheels to camper vans and motorhomes, this conversation will help you build a smarter, more functional RV outdoor kitchen setup for the way you camp. If you love RV life, campground cooking, this episode is for you. Subscribe to our podcast for more Pacific Northwest RV lifestyle, camping, travel, and outdoor adventure conversations every Monday. Send us Fan Mail Sign up for our Newsletter Please follow the show so you never miss an episode. We ask that you also kindly give the show a rating and a review as well. Learn more about RV Out West over on our website at www.rvoutwest.com Join in on the conversation via social media: Instagram Facebook

    21 min

  4. May 11

    The Dirty Truth About RV Tanks

    RV black tank problems, grey tank odors, and dump station mistakes are all part of RV life, but they do not have to ruin your camping experience. In this episode of RV Out West, Mark from Kleen Tanks joins the show to talk about one of the most important parts of RV maintenance and ownership, caring for your grey and black tanks properly. Mark shares years of experience working on RV waste systems and explains the simple habits that can help prevent clogs, odors, sensor issues, and expensive repairs. We talk about common mistakes RV owners make, the myths surrounding tank chemicals and treatments, and what really works when it comes to keeping your RV tanks clean and functioning correctly. This conversation also includes some unbelievable stories from the dirty side of RVing. From major tank disasters to avoidable dump station mishaps, these stories are entertaining, educational, and a reminder that proper tank maintenance matters more than most RVers realize. If you own a travel trailer, fifth wheel, motorhome, or camper van, this episode is packed with practical RV maintenance tips that can save you money, reduce frustration, and help you avoid nasty situations on the road. You will walk away with a better understanding of RV holding tank care, proper dumping techniques, and the best ways to maintain a cleaner and healthier RV waste system. Send us Fan Mail Sign up for our Newsletter Please follow the show so you never miss an episode. We ask that you also kindly give the show a rating and a review as well. Learn more about RV Out West over on our website at www.rvoutwest.com Join in on the conversation via social media: Instagram Facebook

    32 min

  5. May 4

    The PNW Bike Trails Worth Your Time

    Celebrate National Bike Month with this episode focused on exploring the Pacific Northwest by bike while RVing. After recent time spent paddling and hiking, we shift into cycling and highlight some of the best bike trails and multi-use paths across Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. From scenic rail trails and river paths to long-distance routes, we share standout places to ride and how bikes can expand your travel experience at every stop. This episode also includes a full, honest review of our Lectric eBikes after two years of real-world use. We cover what we like, where we have had challenges, and how these e-bikes have fit into our everyday rides and camping trips. In addition, we share practical tips for riding and caring for an eBike, including battery habits, basic maintenance, and things to keep in mind when planning your rides. National Bike Month, led by the League of American Bicyclists, encourages more people to get out and ride while supporting safer streets and better infrastructure. If you are looking for inspiration, trail ideas, and real-life insight into using bikes on the road, this episode is a great place to start planning your next ride. Send us Fan Mail Sign up for our Newsletter Please follow the show so you never miss an episode. We ask that you also kindly give the show a rating and a review as well. Learn more about RV Out West over on our website at www.rvoutwest.com Join in on the conversation via social media: Instagram Facebook

    34 min

  6. Apr 27

    Hiking the PNW with Craig Romano

    What turns a simple walk in the woods into a lifelong obsession with the trail? In this episode, we sit down with Craig Romano, one of the most trusted voices in Pacific Northwest hiking, to uncover the stories, miles, and moments that have shaped his journey. From hidden alpine lakes to rugged coastal paths, Craig shares how he got started exploring Washington’s vast trail systems and what continues to inspire him to keep going. We dive into the best hiking trails in Washington State, tips for discovering lesser-known routes, and how to safely plan your next outdoor adventure. Whether you’re new to hiking or a seasoned trail runner, there’s something here for anyone looking to get outside and explore more. If you’re traveling by RV, this episode is packed with practical advice on combining RV travel and hiking, including how to find trailheads near campgrounds, plan multi-day outdoor trips, and make the most of your time in the Pacific Northwest. Craig also shares insights from his guidebooks and experience as a podcaster, offering a deeper look into the region’s hiking culture. This conversation is all about adventure, exploration, and reconnecting with the outdoors. If you’re searching for hiking inspiration, Washington hiking guides, RV travel tips, or Pacific Northwest outdoor adventures, this episode delivers. Hit play and get ready to discover your next favorite trail. Send us Fan Mail Sign up for our Newsletter Please follow the show so you never miss an episode. We ask that you also kindly give the show a rating and a review as well. Learn more about RV Out West over on our website at www.rvoutwest.com Join in on the conversation via social media: Instagram Facebook

    43 min

  7. Apr 20

    On the Edge: A Whitewater Kayaker’s tale

    We sit down with whitewater kayaker Dave Fusilli, who shares the powerful story of how he discovered his passion for whitewater kayaking and transformed it into a lifelong pursuit of adventure on the river. Dave takes us back to the moment that first sparked his connection to moving water and how that curiosity evolved into a career spent chasing rapids, waterfalls, and some of the most demanding rivers in the Pacific Northwest as well as across the United States. Along the way, he opens up about the lessons he’s learned in high-pressure environments, the mindset required to stay calm when conditions become unpredictable, and the near-death experiences that have shaped his deep respect for risk on the river. His stories give a raw, honest look at what it truly takes to paddle at an elite level in extreme whitewater kayaking. We also explore the Columbia River Gorge, where Dave highlights some of his favorite places to camp, explore, and paddle. This iconic Pacific Northwest destination is a must-visit for RV travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone planning a river adventure in Oregon or Washington. Dave also shares valuable paddling safety tips, technique insights, and guidance that applies to paddlers of all levels, including those enjoying recreational kayaking or stand up paddle boarding on flatwater lakes and calm rivers. This episode also highlights how your RV can serve as the perfect basecamp for outdoor adventure travel. If you’re interested in whitewater kayaking, RV road trips, Columbia River Gorge camping, or stories of adventure, risk, and discovery, this episode is for you. Send us Fan Mail Sign up for our Newsletter Please follow the show so you never miss an episode. We ask that you also kindly give the show a rating and a review as well. Learn more about RV Out West over on our website at www.rvoutwest.com Join in on the conversation via social media: Instagram Facebook

    38 min

  8. Apr 13

    RV Route Planning That Saves Time, Money, and Headaches

    Planning an RV trip is where the adventure truly begins, long before the engine turns over. We dive into the art and strategy of RV route planning, campground reservations, and travel day logistics to help you create a smoother, stress-free journey. From mapping out highways at the table with a cup of coffee to imagining your next destination, we explore how thoughtful planning shapes your RV travel experience. We break down the essential steps of planning an RV trip, including how to choose the right campgrounds, plan fuel stops, and prepare for road conditions based on your rig size. You will learn why campgrounds fill up fast, how to plan for dumping tanks and provisioning groceries, and what it takes to handle long travel days efficiently. We also cover the importance of flexibility, backup plans, and preparing for unexpected challenges like weather changes or mechanical issues. If you are a weekend RVer or planning a cross-country road trip, this episode is packed with practical RV travel tips to help you stay organized and confident on the road. If RV trip planning has ever felt overwhelming, this episode will help you turn that stress into freedom so you can spend less time worrying and more time enjoying the journey. Please share your story or route planning tips with us today. Send us Fan Mail Sign up for our Newsletter Please follow the show so you never miss an episode. We ask that you also kindly give the show a rating and a review as well. Learn more about RV Out West over on our website at www.rvoutwest.com Join in on the conversation via social media: Instagram Facebook

    21 min
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Trailer

4.9
out of 5
46 Ratings

About

RV Out West is a Pacific Northwest travel podcast that explores the RV lifestyle, camping adventures, and road trips across Washington, Oregon, Idaho and beyond. Hosted by Brooks Smothers, this show shares insider tips, destination guides and authentic stories from the open road. RV Out West inspires you to explore new destinations, connect with nature, and enjoy the adventure that comes with hitting the open road; one campsite, one story and one unforgettable journey at a time.  🎧 Tune in for travel inspiration, RV tips and stories that celebrate the spirit of adventure in the Pacific Northwest.

Information

  • Creator
    Brooks Smothers
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    201
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 RV Out West
  • Show Website
    RV Out West

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