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

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. WeatherTech * Gaia GPS and ONX: multi-device sync frustrations for power users * Anker Solix portable power station comparison * Baofeng radio upgrade (and GMRS licensing basics) * WABDR Section 4 shakedown: Chumstick Mountain to Lake Wenatchee * Capitol Reef overlanding preview via Overland Trail Guides * Orcas Island deep dive: ferry tips, Moran State Park, Mount Constitution, and mountain biking with Evergreen * AI-generated music: is it okay to like it? Links * 4Runner Amazon cargo mat [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DXPCXGJ5?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_XJSAPR7F553BE44RW453] * Baofeng UV26 Ham Radio [https://a.co/d/09c3NH3M] * Window Breakers [https://a.co/d/0aLoK0cE] * Gaia GPS [https://www.gaiagps.com/] * Overland Trail Guides [https://www.overlandtrailguides.com/] * Evergreen MTB Alliance Sawyer Program [https://www.evergreenmtb.org/trails/sawyer-program] * NWOR Rally [https://www.nwoverlandrally.com/] Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2399554/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://patreon.com/RemoteTrailsRadio] Remote Trails Radio Instagram @remotetrailsradio [https://www.instagram.com/remotetrailsradio/] Remote Trails Radio YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@RemoteTrailsRadio [https://www.youtube.com/@RemoteTrailsRadio] Opening music is Fun by Vibe Tracks https://goo.gl/Vb19cj [https://goo.gl/Vb19cj]

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 [https://www.facebook.com/share/g/14cPGzDCj5o/] Facebook Group * Discount Tire [https://www.discounttire.com/] * Mickey Thompson’s rebate site [https://www.mickeythompsontires.com/offer/spring-rebate-2026] * SumoSprings bump stops [https://superspringsinternational.com/products/sumosprings] * Evergreen MTB Spring Fling [https://www.evergreenmtb.org/index.php?option=com_civicrm&task=civicrm/event/info&Itemid=2252&reset=1&id=2285] * Belfair State Park [https://parks.wa.gov/find-parks/state-parks/belfair-state-park] * Tahuya State Forest [https://dnr.wa.gov/forest-and-trust-lands/green-mountain-and-tahuya-state-forest] Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2399554/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://patreon.com/RemoteTrailsRadio] Remote Trails Radio Instagram @remotetrailsradio [https://www.instagram.com/remotetrailsradio/] Remote Trails Radio YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@RemoteTrailsRadio [https://www.youtube.com/@RemoteTrailsRadio] Opening music is Fun by Vibe Tracks https://goo.gl/Vb19cj [https://goo.gl/Vb19cj]

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 Overlanders [https://www.facebook.com/groups/pnwlagalags/] * Openroad 4WD [https://openroad4wd.com/] * Goose Gear Fridge Slide [https://www.goose-gear.com/collections/solo-fridge-slides] * Moonfab Car Shade Awning [https://moonfab.com/products/moonshade] * Costco Auto Program [https://www.costcoauto.com/parts_and_service/pshome.aspx] Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2399554/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://patreon.com/RemoteTrailsRadio] Remote Trails Radio Instagram @remotetrailsradio [https://www.instagram.com/remotetrailsradio/] Remote Trails Radio YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@RemoteTrailsRadio [https://www.youtube.com/@RemoteTrailsRadio] Opening music is Fun by Vibe Tracks https://goo.gl/Vb19cj [https://goo.gl/Vb19cj]

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  [https://ecoflowtechnologyinc.pxf.io/0GYmyM](Affiliate link) * Truline Frame & Wheel [https://trulineseattle.com/] * KickAss [https://kickassproducts.com.au/collections/camping-shower-awnings] * BTech GMRS 50 Pro [https://a.co/d/0hfpZ94p] * Anker Solix C2000gen2 [https://www.ankersolix.com/products/c2000-gen2] * Anker Solix C300 DC [https://www.ankersolix.com/products/c300-dc] * Discount Tire Beats Competitor Prices [https://www.discounttire.com/customer-service/low-price-guarantee] * Free 100k 200k 300k mileage sticker [https://airtable.com/appJemtc5wT3QKod9/shrlDVU5yF8ooiE2a] * HipCamp Roadtrip feature [https://support.hipcamp.com/hc/en-us/articles/30080245284500-What-is-Hipcamp-s-Roadtrip-feature] Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2399554/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://patreon.com/RemoteTrailsRadio] Remote Trails Radio Instagram @remotetrailsradio [https://www.instagram.com/remotetrailsradio/] Remote Trails Radio YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@RemoteTrailsRadio [https://www.youtube.com/@RemoteTrailsRadio] Opening music is Fun by Vibe Tracks https://goo.gl/Vb19cj [https://goo.gl/Vb19cj]

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 Behind [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12747748/] * Garrick's Ecoflow River 2 Pro [https://ecoflowtechnologyinc.pxf.io/zzjjmG] * BTech GMRS 50Pro 50W Radio [https://a.co/d/03XnK5T4] * Rawternative at All the Best Pet [https://shop.allthebestpetcare.com/products/grandma-maes-country-naturals-rawternative-beef-beef-organs-air-dried-dog-food-5-oz/?case_option=False] * Ziwi Complete Meal - Chicken [https://a.co/d/0fLMBx1m] * Owala FreeSip Sway [https://owalalife.com/products/freesip-sway?Size=40oz&Color=Terracotta+Sunset&Material=Stainless+steel&selectionType=local] Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2399554/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://patreon.com/RemoteTrailsRadio] Remote Trails Radio Instagram @remotetrailsradio [https://www.instagram.com/remotetrailsradio/] Remote Trails Radio YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@RemoteTrailsRadio [https://www.youtube.com/@RemoteTrailsRadio] Opening music is Fun by Vibe Tracks https://goo.gl/Vb19cj [https://goo.gl/Vb19cj]