Remote Trails Radio

Garrick & Melody
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Monthly

Remote Trails Radio is a laid-back and engaging podcast where two friends share their adventures in overlanding, delve into the rugged beauty and unique lifestyle of the Pacific Northwest, and chat about whatever else comes to mind. Whether you're a seasoned overlander, a PNW local, or just someone who loves a good conversation, this podcast offers a mix of outdoor expertise, local insights, and friendly banter that feels like you're right there with them around the campfire.

  1. 3d ago

    Ep. 46: Overland Expo PNW, Part 2 – What You Should Know Before Going

    If you're thinking about attending Overland Expo, this episode is for you. In Part 2 of our Overland Expo PNW series, we share the biggest lessons we learned after spending the weekend exploring hundreds of exhibitors, attending educational classes, talking with industry experts, and geeking out over some seriously impressive adventure rigs. We cover the products that genuinely stood out, from innovative power solutions and recovery gear to truck campers, camping comfort, and organization systems. We also discuss practical tips that would have made our first expo even better, including camping strategies, raffles, classes worth prioritizing, and how to get the most out of your time. Whether you're planning your first Overland Expo or just enjoy hearing about the latest gear and ideas in the overlanding world, we hope this episode helps you hit the ground running. In this episode:  Our favorite gear and brands from the show  Truck campers, expedition vehicles, and dream builds  Power stations, solar, and off-grid power lessons  Spotting techniques and other educational sessions  Tips for making the most of Overland Expo  What we'd do differently next time Thanks for joining us for our two-part adventure at Overland Expo PNW. We'll see you out on the trail! Links Outdoor Expo PNWIgnikComvolt BatteriesStoryteller OverlandHestDeepsleepTune OutdoorToyotaKitworksGlue TreadRollercamSend us Fan Mail Support the show Remote Trails Radio Instagram @remotetrailsradio Remote Trails Radio YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@RemoteTrailsRadio Opening music is Fun by Vibe Tracks https://goo.gl/Vb19cj

    Ep. 46: Overland Expo PNW, Part 2 – What You Should Know Before Going

  2. Jul 6

    Ep. 45: Outdoor Expo PNW, Part 1 - Send it or forget it?

    Episode 45 takes us on location at Overland Expo PNW! For the first time, we're recording together in person from the expo grounds as we kick off a two-part series covering one of the biggest overlanding events in the Pacific Northwest. Garrick shares why he's planning to move from his trusty 4Runner to a midsize truck camper setup, including what he's learned about payload ratings, lightweight campers, and why the 2026 Ford Ranger has jumped to the top of his list. Along the way, we compare campers from Scout, Kimbo, and AT Overland, talk with owners who actually live with their rigs, and discuss why real-world experience is often more valuable than a sales pitch. Melody shares her favorite moments from the expo, including seminars, premium camping, community events, and practical tips for traveling with pets. We also talk about our favorite classes, useful apps, camping upgrades, and why Overland Expo is just as much about the people as it is the gear. Whether you're dreaming about your next build, planning a trip to Overland Expo, or simply enjoy hearing two friends wander through the world of overlanding, this episode is packed with ideas, laughs, and inspiration. Topics include: • Overland Expo PNW first impressions • Truck camper shopping and payload considerations • Scout, Kimbo, and AT Overland campers • Premium camping experience • Educational classes and gear tips • Traveling with dogs • Apps that made the expo easier to navigate • Community, camping, and meeting fellow adventurers This is Part 1 of our Overland Expo PNW coverage. Stay tuned for Part 2! Links Outdoor Expo PNWDeschutes Pet LodgeKimboFord RangerCampspotter AppSend us Fan Mail Support the show Remote Trails Radio Instagram @remotetrailsradio Remote Trails Radio YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@RemoteTrailsRadio Opening music is Fun by Vibe Tracks https://goo.gl/Vb19cj

    Ep. 45: Outdoor Expo PNW, Part 1 - Send it or forget it?

  3. Jun 22

    Ep. 44: Happy Butts & Shakedown Runs

    Summer is coming and the rigs are getting ready — whether that means new bump stops, a custom moto seat, or frantically cutting a leash off a choking dog on a cliff. In Episode 44, Garrick is freshly back from a Capitol Reef run with the overland crew (full debrief coming in Episode 45 with guest Demetre), and Melody has been deep in build mode on the 5th Gen 4Runner. This week: Melody swaps her Duro Bumps for Sumo bump stops, navigates a stripped lug nut situation courtesy of Discount Tire, and shares a white-knuckle moment involving Yuzu, a twisted leash, and a fast-moving friend with a knife. Garrick runs the Beckler River / Skykomish area as an Oregon BDR shakedown on the dual sport, tests the Green Chili Adventure Gear Scrambler Rack setup, and discovers that not all USB-C cables are created equal. They also get into ORBDR logistics (fuel tanks, backpacking meals, sand anxiety), the ONX Offroad location sharing feature, flood damage along the Beckler River corridor, and the upcoming Northwest Overland Rally volunteer prep run in the Leavenworth Plain area. This episode is dedicated to Sid Callahan. Links Cagle Cove HipcampSumo Bump StopsDuro BumpsScramble Rack by Green ChileSeat ConceptsSend us Fan Mail Support the show Remote Trails Radio Instagram @remotetrailsradio Remote Trails Radio YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@RemoteTrailsRadio Opening music is Fun by Vibe Tracks https://goo.gl/Vb19cj

    Ep. 44: Happy Butts & Shakedown Runs

  4. Jun 8

    Ep. 43: Trials by Fire & At Least They Left the Snatch Block

    Garrick and Melody are back with a packed episode — and a lot of grievances to air before the good stuff kicks in. Garrick kicks things off fresh off a new MacBook Air M5, finally ditching the decade-old Windows machine. Meanwhile, Melody's had a rough stretch: her 4Runner got broken into (again), she battled pink eye, and her lucky cat had nothing encouraging to say about any of it. She walks through the aftermath — MOLLE panels, a improvised cargo cover fix, and the unexpected silver lining of finally upgrading her Baofeng radio to a USB-C model. On the gear front, they dig into portable power: Melody joins the Anker family with a new Solix C1000 gen 2, and they compare notes on right-sizing your power station for your actual use case. The segment spirals into a surprisingly deep comparison of WeatherTech vs. Amazon cargo mats for the 5th Gen 4Runner. Then there's the navigation software saga. With a Utah Capitol Reef trip on the horizon, Garrick has been deep in Gaia GPS sync hell — juggling a phone, an iPad Mini, and a library of waypoints accumulated over years of exploring. ONX gets a shot at redemption and doesn't exactly shine either. If you've ever wanted to hear someone thoroughly roast both leading adventure mapping platforms, this is your episode. On the bright side: Garrick did a shakedown run up through Chumstick Mountain toward Section 4 of the WABDR, ending up at Shannon Rock Campground near Lake Wenatchee — a free, accessible gem along the river. Everything on the rig worked perfectly, which is exactly what a shakedown run should deliver. The episode closes with a three-day highlight from Orcas Island, where Garrick volunteered with Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance on trail maintenance. He shares ferry reservation tips for the San Juans (including a staggered release system most people don't know about), breaks down the must-do Mount Constitution drive, and reports on his first — and somewhat painful — attempt at a black diamond trail. In this episode: 4Runner 5th Gen cargo mat shootout: Amazon vs. WeatherTechGaia GPS and ONX: multi-device sync frustrations for power usersAnker Solix portable power station comparisonBaofeng radio upgrade (and GMRS licensing basics)WABDR Section 4 shakedown: Chumstick Mountain to Lake WenatcheeCapitol Reef overlanding preview via Overland Trail GuidesOrcas Island deep dive: ferry tips, Moran State Park, Mount Constitution, and mountain biking with EvergreenAI-generated music: is it okay to like it?Links 4Runner Amazon cargo matBaofeng UV26 Ham RadioWindow BreakersGaia GPSOverland Trail GuidesEvergreen MTB Alliance Sawyer ProgramNWOR RallySend us Fan Mail Support the show Remote Trails Radio Instagram @remotetrailsradio Remote Trails Radio YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@RemoteTrailsRadio Opening music is Fun by Vibe Tracks https://goo.gl/Vb19cj

    Ep. 43: Trials by Fire & At Least They Left the Snatch Block

  5. May 25

    Ep. 42: New Shoes, Electric Kitchens & Giving Back on the Trail

    Melody debuts her new Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T tires and breaks down exactly how she saved $425 at Discount Tire — including the one question you should always ask at checkout. Garrick shares his experience at an Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance trail work party and makes the case for giving back to the trails we love. Melody also recaps a trip to the North Mountain Fire Lookout near Darrington with Explore PNW — a surprisingly accessible outing that's great for any rig (or no rig at all) — plus it was Yuzu's first time in the snow. Garrick follows up with another mini adventure: camping at Belfair State Park and riding the ORV trails at Tahuya State Forest with friends. Garrick also digs into his electric camp kitchen build — from the New Wave PIC Flex induction cooktop and Sea to Summit Detour cookware to the importance of a level cooking surface and why extension cords are a must.  Plus: listener update from Episode 38 on drawer-style fridges, and a revisit of the all-electric cooking conversation from Episode 39. Links Explore PNW Facebook GroupDiscount TireMickey Thompson’s rebate siteSumoSprings bump stopsEvergreen MTB Spring FlingBelfair State ParkTahuya State ForestSend us Fan Mail Support the show Remote Trails Radio Instagram @remotetrailsradio Remote Trails Radio YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@RemoteTrailsRadio Opening music is Fun by Vibe Tracks https://goo.gl/Vb19cj

    Ep. 42: New Shoes, Electric Kitchens & Giving Back on the Trail

  6. May 12

    Ep. 41: Camp & Recreate, No More Snow Wheeling, and Getting the Most from Your Toyota Service

    Adventure season is here, and Garrick and Melody are kicking it off with a packed episode full of gear talk, trip recaps, and insider tips. First up, Garrick delivers an unfortunate update from Episode 40 — what started as a cracked rim from snow wheeling turned into a full steering rack replacement, officially marking the end of his snow wheeling career. Then the two recap an incredible spring meet-and-greet with Lagalag, a community-driven PNW overlanding group that pulled off an impressively organized event complete with waves of vehicles, a potluck that defied expectations, a raffle sponsored by Open Road 4x4, and a lakeside campsite that became a little too lakeside for one unlucky Sprinter van. Melody puts Garrick on the spot with an unplanned advice session: she's found the perfect low-profile cargo drawer system for her 5th Gen 4Runner — but the company behind it has some serious red flags in the reviews. Garrick's take? Don't touch it. The conversation expands into a practical discussion about what actually belongs in cargo drawers (hint: not your recovery gear), sleeping platform headroom trade-offs, and ARB's roller drawer system as a solid alternative worth checking out. Garrick then shares his "Camp & Recreate" strategy for making the most of shoulder season — picking a recreation activity, finding camping nearby, and avoiding the summer crowds entirely. He put it to the test on the Kitsap Peninsula, riding the impressive Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park trail network and camping at Kitsap Memorial State Park, where his Moon Fabrications awning earned its keep on a rainy Saturday. Melody closes things out with her Toyota dealership insider tips — how service reps and tech teams work, why finding your rep is worth it, how the Costco Auto Repair program can make dealership pricing competitive, and why simply being kind goes a long way. Garrick adds a classic move for testing whether a shop is on the level. Links FB Lagalag OverlandersOpenroad 4WDGoose Gear Fridge SlideMoonfab Car Shade AwningCostco Auto ProgramSend us Fan Mail Support the show Remote Trails Radio Instagram @remotetrailsradio Remote Trails Radio YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@RemoteTrailsRadio Opening music is Fun by Vibe Tracks https://goo.gl/Vb19cj

    Ep. 41: Camp & Recreate, No More Snow Wheeling, and Getting the Most from Your Toyota Service

  7. Apr 27

    Ep. 40: Slow Wheeling or Snow Wheeling, Anker Gear, How-To Discount Tire

    Episode 40 is a full-on rollercoaster. Garrick finally tracks down that mysterious rear-end thud, only to discover a much bigger problem lurking under the rig. Meanwhile, a snow wheeling trip goes sideways with hidden obstacles, cracked wheels, and more trail damage than expected. Melody shares a soggy lesson in winter tent camping after waking up in what can only be described as a lake, plus some insights on how quickly PNW landscapes can change after heavy flooding. On the gear side, Garrick leans further into electrified overlanding with major upgrades to his power setup, while Melody deals with a failing power station and pivots to a more reliable solution. There’s also a deep dive into swing-out awning setups, budget realities, and why some of the best gear is still frustratingly out of reach in the U.S. To round it out, the crew swaps recommendations, from road trip planning tools to unexpected perks like free Toyota milestone stickers. Broken parts, wet camps, new gear, and hard-earned lessons. Just another episode of Remote Trails Radio. Links Ecoflow Delta 2 (Affiliate link)Truline Frame & WheelKickAssBTech GMRS 50 ProAnker Solix C2000gen2Anker Solix C300 DCDiscount Tire Beats Competitor PricesFree 100k 200k 300k mileage stickerHipCamp Roadtrip featureSend us Fan Mail Support the show Remote Trails Radio Instagram @remotetrailsradio Remote Trails Radio YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@RemoteTrailsRadio Opening music is Fun by Vibe Tracks https://goo.gl/Vb19cj

    Ep. 40: Slow Wheeling or Snow Wheeling, Anker Gear, How-To Discount Tire

  8. Apr 14

    Ep. 39: From Propane to Kilowatts - The Electrified Overlanding Strategy You Need

    What does it actually take to move toward an electrified overlanding setup—and is it worth it? In this episode, Garrick walks through the thinking behind his shift away from propane and toward battery-powered camp systems, while Melody helps unpack where that strategy shines and where it still falls short. They talk about the real advantages of electric cooking, charging flexibility on the trail, and reducing fuel logistics, along with the tradeoffs like cost, complexity, and the limits of solar in the Pacific Northwest. They also explore how electrification overlaps with preparedness planning, what gear currently makes up Garrick’s setup (from fridge to kettle to heated sleep system), and where traditional fuels like propane or diesel heaters still make the most sense. If you’ve ever wondered whether induction cooking at camp is practical—or how big a battery you actually need—this episode breaks down the decisions behind building a modern camp power system one piece at a time. Plus: trail-friendly dog food options, the search for the perfect in-rig water bottle, and the mysterious suspension “thud” that refuses to reveal itself. Links Garrick’s film he couldn’t remember - Leave the World BehindGarrick's Ecoflow River 2 ProBTech GMRS 50Pro 50W RadioRawternative at All the Best PetZiwi Complete Meal - ChickenOwala FreeSip SwaySend us Fan Mail Support the show Remote Trails Radio Instagram @remotetrailsradio Remote Trails Radio YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@RemoteTrailsRadio Opening music is Fun by Vibe Tracks https://goo.gl/Vb19cj

    Ep. 39: From Propane to Kilowatts - The Electrified Overlanding Strategy You Need
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Remote Trails Radio is a laid-back and engaging podcast where two friends share their adventures in overlanding, delve into the rugged beauty and unique lifestyle of the Pacific Northwest, and chat about whatever else comes to mind. Whether you're a seasoned overlander, a PNW local, or just someone who loves a good conversation, this podcast offers a mix of outdoor expertise, local insights, and friendly banter that feels like you're right there with them around the campfire.

Information

  • Creator
    Garrick & Melody
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    46
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Remote Trails Radio
  • Show Website
    Remote Trails Radio