San Francisco Overland

San Francisco Overland Podcast Episode #6 - Gold Country Broncos

Episode #6: Caleb Patterson of Gold Country Broncos In this episode of the San Francisco Overland Podcast, we we converse with Caleb Patterson, founder of Gold Country Broncos, longtime California off-roader, expedition leader, and pit crew chief for Team 301 running the Baja 1000. From the Rubicon to Reno to Vegas, Baja, Moab, Colorado, and beyond, Caleb has built his reputation around real-world experience, self-reliance, and earning every mile. Caleb shares how growing up on the mission field in Honduras shaped his approach to off-roading from an early age, learning to navigate jungle trails in an old diesel Land Cruiser just to reach remote villages. We also dive into how off-roading became more than just a hobby, evolving into an outlet for challenge, adventure, and escaping the chaos of everyday life. We also cover: * A near-fatal recovery incident that changed the way he approaches safety, recovery gear, and risk management forever * Why “the driver mod” matters more than expensive builds or flashy gear * Lessons learned from snow wheeling in the Sierra during whiteout blizzard conditions * The realities of leading group expeditions and how preparation can make or break a trip * Why airing down properly is one of the most overlooked skills in off-roading * The importance of first aid training, self-reliance, and knowing how to use your gear before you need it * The philosophy behind “earning every mile” and why the struggle is often part of the adventure * How Gold Country Broncos focuses on trail education, responsible recreation, and protecting access for future generations Caleb keeps it honest, practical, and grounded in experience. Whether you’re new to overlanding or have years behind the wheel, this episode is packed with stories, lessons, and reminders that the outdoors demands respect, preparation, and humility. Follow Caleb / Popo_Patty: Instagram: @popo_patty YouTube: Popo_Patty As always, thanks for listening and supporting San Francisco Overland. #EscapeFogCity

San Francisco Overland Podcast Episode #5 - Overland Trail Guides

Episode #5: Ben Easley of Overland Trail Guides In this episode of the San Francisco Overland Podcast, we sit down with Ben Easley, founder of Overland Trail Guides (OTG), to dig into the story behind one of the most useful platforms in the overlanding space today. What started as a personal solution to messy, inconsistent trail data has grown into a go-to resource with over 100+ curated routes across North America. Ben shares how his roots in Marin County and early days exploring the outdoors evolved into a full-time venture, including the moment he walked away from a career at Salesforce to bet on OTG. We get into the realities of building a business in this space, what overlanding means to him today, and how that definition has changed over time. We also cover: * The biggest misconceptions about overlanding and why you don’t need a built-out rig to get started * Smart gear advice (and what not to spend money on early) * Lessons learned from real trail incidents, including when things go sideways in remote terrain * The importance of preparation, from extra blankets to chainsaws * Underrated destinations like the Great Basin and bucket list trips in British Columbia * How overlanding shapes perspective on conservation, climate, and responsible travel Ben keeps it real, practical, and grounded, whether you’re just getting started or deep into the lifestyle. This one is packed with insight, stories, and a reminder of why we all feel that pull to see what’s around the next corner. Check out Overland Trail Guides: https://overlandtrailguides.com As always, thanks for listening and supporting San Francisco Overland. #EscapeFogCity

San Francisco Overland Podcast Episode #4 - Black Beard Fire Starters

From a small apartment side hustle to a fast-growing, American-made outdoor brand, this episode of the San Francisco Overland Podcast sits down with brothers KJ and Kaimahi of Blackbeard Fire Starters. We dive into how a pirate-inspired fire starter “went wild,” the no-compromise philosophy behind building gear that actually works when it matters most, and what it took to leave carpentry jobs and go all-in on their vision. Packed with real stories, hard-earned lessons, and a bold mission to become a household name in fire starting, this is a must-listen for overlanders, adventurers, and anyone who loves products built with purpose.

San Francisco Overland Podcast Episode #3 - InstaPrivy

Out on the trail, there’s a moment every overlander knows all too well. Miles from pavement. No cell service. The sun dropping behind the ridge. And suddenly… you realize comfort matters just as much as capability. That’s exactly where Episode 3 of the San Francisco Overland Podcast begins. In this episode, we sit down with Paul from InstaPrivy, the mind behind one of the most talked-about and quietly essential pieces of modern overland gear. What starts as a conversation about privacy and convenience quickly turns into something deeper. This is a story about solving real problems in the outdoors, listening to the community, and building gear that actually improves the experience of being out there. Paul shares how InstaPrivy was born, the early challenges of bringing an unconventional idea to market, and why practical solutions are often the ones that redefine an entire industry. We talk about real trail use, how overlanders are integrating InstaPrivy into their rigs and trailers, and why comfort, dignity, and thoughtful design deserve a seat at the table alongside suspension, tires, and recovery gear. This episode is honest, funny, and surprisingly eye-opening. It’s for anyone who’s ever camped off-grid, traveled remote, or realized that the little details are what turn a trip into an adventure you want to repeat. Follow, listen, and download the San Francisco Overland Podcast, and discover why the future of overlanding is built just as much around experience as it is around equipment.

San Francisco Overland Podcast Episode #2 - Disco Overlander

Episode 2 of the San Francisco Overland Podcast features @discooverlander, a top contributor for onX Offroad, as he shares his passion for overlanding, mapping, and life on the trail. 🚙 From epic backcountry adventures to the gear and tech that keep him moving forward, this episode dives into what drives him to explore further.