Overland Bonfire

What is stopping you from spending the night in the woods tonight? Hopefully, it isn't the gear getting in your way. In this episode, Matt talks about how he approaches kitting out his gear for whatever trip he is going on. In later episodes, we will go into more detail on each of the 3 trip levels. Level 1 Trip: Basic -Tow Truck Accessible -Limited Tim Off-Grid Level 2 Trip: Intermediate -Tow Truck Accessible -More Time Off-Grid Level 3 Trip: Advanced -Not Tow Truck Accessible -Extended Time Off-Grid

What is the best way to kit your vehicle for a low-key overlanding trip? What's essential and what's extra? For a basic excursion, you might need a lot less 'stuff' than you think!   In this episode, we talk about what you can't fit within reach of the driver, but you still want easily accessible.   Check Out the Whole Series! https://www.blueridgeoverlandgear.com/pages/overland-trip-planning  How we define trip levels: Level 1 Trip: Basic  -Tow Truck Accessible  -Limited Time Off-Grid  Level 2 Trip: Intermediate  -Tow Truck Accessible  -More Time Off-Grid Level 3 Trip: Advanced  -Not Tow Truck Accessible  -Extended Time Off-Grid  #tripplanning #overlanding #kityourvehicle

What is the best way to kit your vehicle for a low-key overlanding trip?  What's essential and what's extra? For a basic excursion, you might need a lot less 'stuff' than you think!  In the basic excursion, we like to focus on the immediate, or Access Point One of your vehicle.  These are areas in the vehicle which are within arms' reach of the driver. We've narrowed this category to include some basic items for safety, navigation, first aid, and comfort.  Check Out the Whole Series!  https://www.blueridgeoverlandgear.com/pages/overland-trip-planning   BROG Gear in this video:   - Velcro Visor Organizer:  https://www.blueridgeoverlandgear.com/products/velcro-visor-organizer-black   - Map Bag:  https://www.blueridgeoverlandgear.com/products/flat-top-messenger-bag   - Velcro Pouch Medium:  https://www.blueridgeoverlandgear.com/products/velcro-pouch-medium-4-x-8-x-1-black   - Headrest First Aid Kit  https://www.blueridgeoverlandgear.com/products/headrest-ifak-kit   - Seat Back Panel Grey:  https://www.blueridgeoverlandgear.com/products/molle-seat-back-panel-14-x-20-grey   - Fire Extinguisher Pouch:  https://www.blueridgeoverlandgear.com/products/fire-extinguisher-molle-pouch-medium   - Medium Molle Pouch:  https://www.blueridgeoverlandgear.com/products/medium-gp-pouch-velcro-front-5-x-8-x-3   - Velcro Pouch Large:  https://www.blueridgeoverlandgear.com/products/velcro-pouch-large-12-x-4-x-2    How we define trip levels:   Level 1 Trip: Basic  -Tow Truck Accessible  -Limited Time Off-Grid   Level 2 Trip: Intermediate  -Tow Truck Accessible  -More Time Off -Grid  Level 3 Trip:Advanced  -Not Tow Truck Accessible  -Extended Time Off-Grid    #tripplanning #overlanding #kityourvehicle

Re-imagined Events Page. We want your submissions! https://www.blueridgeoverlandgear.com/pages/events Garmin Instinct Sale https://www.blueridgeoverlandgear.com/products/garmin-instinct-rugged-gps-watch Dometic Sale https://www.blueridgeoverlandgear.com/pages/search-results-page?q=dometic Tool Pouch Sling Sale https://www.blueridgeoverlandgear.com/products/tool-pouch-sling Follow us in instagram @blueridgeoverlandgear Join our Facebook Group (Requires approval by mod)  https://www.facebook.com/groups/2068150693433159/?source_id=267056973336046

$100 off the Garmin Overlander GPS https://www.blueridgeoverlandgear.com/products/garmin-overlander-gps-tablet Shop Cube Caddy  https://www.blueridgeoverlandgear.com/products/cube-caddy-tote-packing-cube-carrier Shop Glove Dispenser Pouch https://www.blueridgeoverlandgear.com/products/glove-dispenser-pouch Shop Tire Storage Bag XL https://www.blueridgeoverlandgear.com/products/tire-storage-bag-xl BROG Overlander Flea Market Details: https://www.blueridgebuilt.com/recent-posts/2019/9/25/overlander-flea-market-nov-23

We're giving away a one-off prototype. Check out our recent videos: 1978 Jeep J20 https://youtu.be/Y-6tQUwZBpY 2019 Chevy Colorado Bison https://youtu.be/Kj1UN0Pf3qU

We’re switching things up this week on the Blue Ridge Bonfire! Matt’s out of town, so Logan and Rick decided to sit down and talk about our trip down to Georgia Bushcraft — what we saw, who we talked to, and what made the event stand out this year.Instead of doing a traditional recap, we wanted to give you more of a behind-the-scenes look — the drive down, the vendors we met, the gear that caught our attention, and some of the ideas we took away for the next big trip or project.If you’re into overlanding, camping, or just hanging out around the fire with good conversation, this one’s for you.🔥 Tune in, drop a comment with your favorite part of Georgia Bushcraft, and let us know if you like this kind of “off-format” episode — we might do more like it in the future!

After disappearing for a few weeks (October was CRAZY), we're back with a massive update episode!We're recapping Outdoor Adventure Rendezvous 2024, doing an epic jerky taste test with Yellowstone Natural bison and elk jerky, and talking about the wildest builds we saw at Overland Expo. Plus, the READY Pack backpack pre-order is LIVE right now - link below!We also spill the details on an absolutely insane custom VW Vanagon hybrid build running on portals with a BMW motor. This thing is going to be legendary.We're retiring some products to make room for new gear, and we're heading to Georgia Bushcraft next week.Drop a comment if you were at OAR or Expo, and let us know what you want to see on the podcast going forward!🎒 READY Pack Pre-Order: https://www.blueridgeoverlandgear.com/products/ready-pack🧑‍🍳 Dialed Camp Kitchen Kickstarter:https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/dialedkitchen/dialed-camp-kitchen🔔 Subscribe for weekly overland gear reviews, trip reports, and adventure content

This week, our friend The Overland Medic stopped by the studio for a catch-up. We recap an awesome weekend at Adventure X Fest with the Mountain State Overland crew—sharing stories from the trail, rigs we checked out, and the overall vibe of one of the East Coast’s premier overland events.We also dive into some gear we’ve been testing and loving lately. Plus, Matt gives a quick shop update on what’s happening behind the scenes here at Blue Ridge Overland Gear.And for those in the Made it to the end Club, stick around until the very end for a special update you won’t want to miss!*Please bear with the roomy audio. Our recorder malfunctioned.

Welcome back to the Blue Ridge Bonfire Podcast! 🔥 This week’s episode is packed with everything from wild rigs and new gear finds to taste-testing local spirits and gearing up for fall events.We kick things off discussing a six-wheel Jeep Gladiator, dive into some new outdoor gear like the Nestout waterproof battery, and share updates from the BROG shop—including progress on our new backpack and EDC upgrades.Then it’s time for something a little different: a tasting featuring Sutlers Gin and Virginia Distillery’s American Single Malt. We talk bottles, branding, and why these spirits might just belong on your next camping trip. 🍸🥃Other Topics:🚴 Adventures with Mission Miles and Project Recover🦌 Rick’s Rant 🚲 New bike shop shoutout in Lynchburg/Bedford🛠 Shop updates: backpacks, chest rigs, and EDC XL tweaks📅 Outdoor Adventure Rendezvous coming October 24–26 – with gear swap, 5K, gravel ride & food trucksIf you enjoy this episode, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and drop a comment below. Full-length episodes are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen. On YouTube, watch for segment videos rolling out between episodes.👉 Made It To The End Club - https://tinyurl.com/3cn3peveVirginia Distillery - https://www.vadistillery.com/Sutler's Spirit Co. - https://www.sutlersspiritco.com/

In this episode of the Blue Ridge Overland Gear Bonfire Podcast, we’re mixing trail talk, gear reviews, and a little snack-time science—because who says overlanding can’t be delicious?We start with the Titan Terrain Depth Gauge—a weighted, buoyant pole with depth markings and a hand-lined reel designed to make water crossings safer (and way more fun). Then we head to Georgetown, DC, for a look inside the brand-new Huckberry store, stocked with everything from and Tender t-shirts to Astraflex shoes—and maybe even a future coffee bar in the works.Other highlights this week:The latest Overland news (including Stellantis vehicle updates)Why Columbia’s new ad campaign is getting our thumbs-upA few fresh mechanical headaches from Logan’s Land Rover LR3Responding to your comments from last week’s episodeAs always, we’d love to hear from you—drop a comment and tell us what topics or gear you want us to cover next.

In this episode of the Overland Bonfire Podcast, we reconnect with a longtime friend of the Blue Ridge crew—someone you’ve probably seen in past trail tech videos and rig walkarounds. While he’s spent over a decade in the overland scene, this conversation is less about his latest build and more about where that journey has taken him next.Two years ago to the day, he made the call to shut down his trail tech brand. Now, he’s launched Evolution Woodworks, a business that brings his background in craftsmanship and design into a new chapter. We dig into what it took to make that leap, and some of the interesting things he is doing in this new chapter.We also swap stories from past overlanding trips, reflect on the value of doing things by hand, and talk about finding balance between utility and beauty in the things we build.If you’re into craftsmanship, small business journeys, and gear that tells a story, this one’s for you.Check out Evolution Woodworks → https://www.evowoodworks.com/

In this special episode of the Overland Bonfire podcast, we sit down with Brock Stevens—a fellow adventurer we connected with through Instagram. Brock stopped by the shop in his 1971 Land Rover Santana Series II to sit down and talk to us.We talk about how we met Brock, his awesome new rig (a video of that is in the works), along with some other awesome things he is involved in. Brock currently works for Mkii and TornekRayville watches. He also has a background as a Navy Diver and is currently involved witha great organization called project recover. Project Recover - https://www.projectrecover.org/Mkii - https://mkiiwatches.com/Tonrek Rayville - https://tornek-rayville.us/Follow Brock - @deepsea.edc on instagram

In this episode of The Overland Bonfire, we're joined by elite PRS competitor Keith Baker, who stopped by the shop while in town for a match. With a brand-new truck built for long trips and backcountry travel, it was the perfect time to help him dial in some overlanding storage solutions for his gear-heavy lifestyle.We kick things off with a jerky tasting session, then dive into a wide-ranging conversation covering everything from the precision rifle scene and the camaraderie within the PRS community, to hunting stories and Keith’s favorite vehicles over the years. If you're into overland truck setups, shooting sports, or just love hearing shop talk between seasoned outdoorsmen, this one’s for you.🎯 Whether you're planning your next overland rig or looking for gear tips for your next match, you’ll find plenty of insight in this episode.🚙 Be sure to watch the full truck organization video featuring Keith’s rig—coming soon!

Buy vs. Build: Which Overlanding Rig Strategy Is Right for You?In this episode of the Bonfire Podcast by Blue Ridge Overland Gear, we're diving into one of the most debated topics in the overlanding community: Should you buy a turnkey rig or build one yourself from the ground up?Join us as we break down the pros and cons of building your own overland setup versus buying something ready to hit the trail. We talk timelines, budgets, mistakes we’ve made, gear choices, and how your lifestyle, skills, and goals should guide your decision.Whether you're gearing up for weekend adventures or planning a cross-country expedition, this episode will help you make smarter decisions about your rig.🔧 Topics Covered:Time and money trade-offs between buying and buildingCommon pitfalls in DIY buildsWhen a turnkey solution makes more senseReal-world experiences from the BROG crewTips for getting started without getting overwhelmedIf you’ve ever stood in the garage staring at a pile of gear wondering where to start—or dreamed of rolling off the lot ready to roll—this one’s for you.👇 Got questions or want to share your rig story? Drop it in the comments!

Get ready for a riveting Ask Us Anything (AUA) episode! We're pulling back the curtain and diving deep into your most burning questions about overlanding, gear, adventures, and everything in between.A huge shoutout to all our incredible listeners and followers who took the time to submit their questions. Time Stamps:00:00 - Intro00:12 - Jerky review04:28 - Any plans for a larger duffle?05:33 - One bag design you haven't made?09:08 - Camp chef bags?10:01 - Why so awesome?10:44 - Biggest surprise success?16:05 - Customer Ideas21:01 - Bucket list destination29:01 - One thing you learned the hard way on a trip33:48 - What would your CB handle be?---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Blue Ridge Overland Gear - Reclaim Your JourneySHOP NOW: https://www.blueridgeoverlandgear.com/YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2TInbINexaZME_0mhW_bnwINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/blueridgeoverlandgear/FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/blueridgeoverlandgear---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The BROG team dives deep into everything you need to know about vehicle power systems for off-grid adventures! Matt, Rick, and Logan share their real-world experience with trail power management, comparing different setups, and essential gear for extended overlanding trips. Whether you're planning your first overland build or upgrading your current rig, this episode covers the critical power solutions you need to stay charged in the backcountry.🔥 EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT: Submit your questions now for our upcoming Ask Me Anything episode! We want to hear from YOU about overlanding gear, BROG products, or even that infamous coffee table we can't stop talking about! Comment below or message us directly.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Blue Ridge Overland Gear - Reclaim Your JourneySHOP NOW: https://www.blueridgeoverlandgear.com/YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2TInbINexaZME_0mhW_bnwINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/blueridgeoverlandgear/FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/blueridgeoverlandgear---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------👇 TIMESTAMPS:0:00 - Intro & AMA Announcement5:30 - temperature Issues12:45 - Matt's Take on Solar Panels24:18 - Ecoflow Deals35:22 - Pheasant

In this episode, we dive into the shifting landscape of overlanding gear, U.S. manufacturing, and the ripple effects of new tariffs hitting the outdoor and vehicle accessory industries. Logan and the crew chat about how these changes are impacting small businesses, gear prices, and what it really means to support American-made products right now.EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:How new tariffs are affecting overlanding gearThe Cost of American-made productsWhy sourcing and production is getting more complexReal talk on supporting small businesses in a changing marketQUESTION FOR YOU: What gear have you noticed getting more expensive? Are you prioritizing American-made products despite higher costs? Share your experiences below!P.S. The Discount Code that we mention in the episode is all caps.⏱️ Timestamps00:00:00 – Intro banter & setting the stage for the tariff talk00:00:47 – What’s going on with tariffs right now00:01:21 – Shoutout to U.S.-made gear & how it's being affected00:01:52 – How buying patterns are shifting in the overland community00:02:30 – The tension between quality gear and affordability---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Blue Ridge Overland Gear - Reclaim Your JourneySHOP NOW: https://www.blueridgeoverlandgear.com/YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2TInbINexaZME_0mhW_bnwINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/blueridgeoverlandgear/FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/blueridgeoverlandgear---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Welcome back to another episode of the Overland Bonfire Podcast! Were back with more studio upgrades and furniture finds from the Facebook marketplace, including our epic new coffee table. We also chat about Logan's brand new vehicle project—a 2007 Land Rover LR3. Join us as we discuss the exciting build plans, including potential mods and upgrades, along with some more extreme suggestions (usually from Matt). Also the jerky subscription box strikes again. Whether you’re an overlanding enthusiast, a gear nerd, or just here for the banter and laughs, this episode is full of engaging discussions and exploration plans. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon for more updates!0:00 - Podcast Introduction & Studio Updates1:00 - Coffee Table Story & Facebook Marketplace Finds03:28 - Teaser and Jerky Tasting07:00 - Logan's LR3 Purchase14:00 - Upcoming Build Plans & Modifications26:16 - Overlanding Adventures & Plans40:00 - What Budget Platforms are Left---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Blue Ridge Overland Gear - Reclaim Your JourneySHOP NOW: https://www.blueridgeoverlandgear.com/YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2TInbINexaZME_0mhW_bnwINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/blueridgeoverlandgear/FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/blueridgeoverlandgear---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ready to level up your overlanding storage game? In our latest Overland Bonfire episode, we're talking abotu hard storage solutions for your off-road adventures! 🏕️While we love our soft bags, we can't ignore the durability and organization that hard cases bring to the trail. We break down exactly what makes the perfect hard storage system (hello, straight sides and stackability!) and share our real-world experiences with different brands and setups.Plus, we've got some genius DIY organization hacks that'll save you money and keep your gear perfectly arranged. For those of you who stick around to the end we have yet another jerky review for you. Whether you're planning your first overlanding trip or you're a seasoned off-grid explorer looking to optimize your setup, this episode delivers practical advice with our signature campfire banter.