Remote Trails Radio
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.
Remote Trails Radio
Ep. 43: Trials by Fire & At Least They Left the Snatch Block
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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
- Baofeng UV26 Ham Radio
- Window Breakers
- Gaia GPS
- Overland Trail Guides
- Evergreen MTB Alliance Sawyer Program
- NWOR Rally
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
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