In this episode of Remote Trails Radio, Garrick and Melody trade road-trip stories from winter travel across the West, introduce Melody’s new pup Yuzu, and share updates from past episodes - including a deep dive into Bluetti’s new Charger 2 and what it means for vehicle-based power systems.

Garrick walks through his experience with the Starlink Mini, explaining how standby mode makes satellite internet surprisingly practical for overlanders who want connectivity without committing to a full monthly plan. Melody brings a must-listen podcast recommendation on air compressors and duty cycles, adding context to their earlier gear discussions.

The second half of the episode looks forward to 2026, with a packed calendar of events - from Overland Expo SoCal + PNW and the Northwest Overland Rally in Plain, WA, to the Big Thing in Montana and the Panhandle Overland Rally in Idaho.

They wrap with media recommendations, tax-filing tips, and a few predictions about where overlanding is headed - EVs included.

It’s a relaxed, wide-ranging conversation about travel, tech, and community, perfect for anyone planning their next adventure or just dreaming about the season ahead.

• Bluetti Charger 2
• Botches Offroad: Morrflate
• Month of Feb: Dirtfish Rally Ice Driving
• Feb 27-28: FAT Ice Race 2026
• March 14-15: Overland Expo SoCal
• June 18-21: Northwest Overland Rally
• June 26-28: PNW Overland Expo
• July 9-12: The Big Thing at XOverland Ranch
• Sept 18-20: Panhandle Overland Rally
• FreeTaxUsa.com

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Remote Trails Radio YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@RemoteTrailsRadio

Opening music is Fun by Vibe Tracks https://goo.gl/Vb19cj

Welcome to the first Remote Trails Radio episode of 2026—and instead of a highlight reel, we’re doing the anti-wrap. Garrick and Melody unpack a wild, soggy, and often frustrating Pacific Northwest fall, from historic flooding and washed-out highways to snow seasons that never quite showed up.

From there, things turn productive (and optimistic): we celebrate our first-ever fan mail, share practical motivation hacks for actually finishing projects, and dive deep into one of the biggest backcountry updates in years—the release of Washington BDR 2.0, plus a surprise refresh of the Oregon BDR. Garrick breaks down what changed, why it matters, and how these updates make multi-day BDR trips more realistic than ever.

The episode also includes:

• A deep dive into Whidbey Island adventures, including Fort Ebey State Park, glacier-carved kettle terrain, and XC-style MTB trails with big history
• Overlanding logistics with dogs (including a new four-legged passenger joining the crew 🐾)
• Nitro Circus highlights and why it’s worth seeing live
• DIY fire starters, boot dryers, and underrated road-trip snacks in Random Recommendations

It’s a wide-ranging, cozy, information-packed episode—perfect for planning your next adventure while the weather does whatever it wants.

💬 Got something to share?
Use the “Send us a text” link in your podcast app, or email us at RemoteTrailsRadio@gmail.com
—you might hear it on a future episode.

🔗 Links

• Teton Sports Camp Cot with Pivot Arm
• Instagram for “How Long Does It Actually Take”: @christi.newrutzen
• Cook Unity
• Snoozer Dog Console Seats
• Nitro Circus
• Rebel Cheese
• WABDR 2.0 Update
• ridebdr.com, FB WABDR, FB ORBDR, FB IDBDR
• Travel Guide: Fort Ebey State Park
• Bigfoot Bushcraft Fire Starters
• DryGuy Boot Driers

Thanks for sticking with us through 2025. Here’s to better weather, better trails, and even better adventures ahead.

RTR, over and out. 🚙🏍️❄️

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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

🎄 Merry Christmas from Remote Trails Radio!

In this holiday episode, Garrick and Melody kick things off with updates, mishaps, and the ongoing debate over car color—before diving into gear talk, trail stories, and a deep Moab travel breakdown.

We start with real-world vehicle issues, including a cargo-area heat problem in a 3rd-gen 4Runner and a physical muffler swap that had unexpected consequences. From there, the conversation shifts into air compressor systems—why you actually need one, how different setups compare, and what really matters when it comes to CFM, duty cycle, noise, and long-term reliability. Melody shares what inspired her latest build while Garrick weighs in on proven options.

The second half of the episode is a Moab travel guide (Part 2). Building on Episode 6, we recap iconic routes like Potash Road, Shafer Trail, and Long Canyon, then branch out to Gemini Bridges, Four Arches Canyon, Surprise Valley Overlook, and more. Along the way, we share lessons learned—from melted interior gear and intermittent motorcycle failures to getting properly stuck in the mud—and offer practical tips for camping, weather, timing, and route planning.

We wrap things up with trail-resource recommendations and a few random holiday recommendations to send you into the season right.

Whether you’re planning a winter desert trip, dialing in your air-up system, or just escaping family chaos for an hour—this one’s for you.

Links:

• Goose Gear
• Sponsored by Wifey
• Wifey Air System
• VIAIR 400P
• ARB Twin Air Compressor: Use our discount code: REMOTETRAILS10
• Potash Evaporation Ponds
• Shafer Switchbacks
• Long Canyon Road
• Trail route resources
  • Utah BDR
  • Trails Offroad
  • Overland Trail Guides
• Big A** Calendar
• Merrell Moab Mocs

Send us a text

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