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 trucks
If 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/3cn3peve
Virginia 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:
As 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:
If 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:
QUESTION 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.
⏱️ Timestamps
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Blue Ridge Overland Gear - Reclaim Your Journey
SHOP NOW: https://www.blueridgeoverlandgear.com/
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2TInbINexaZME_0mhW_bnw
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/blueridgeoverlandgear/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/blueridgeoverlandgear
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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.
Welcome to the Overland Bonfire Podcast, presented by Blue Ridge Overland Gear! In this episode, we're tackling a common overlanding challenge—wasted space in your vehicle. Whether you're packing for a weekend getaway or a months-long expedition, smart organization can make all the difference. We’ll share practical tips and creative solutions to help you maximize storage, streamline your setup, and keep your rig adventure-ready.But that’s not all! We’re also diving back into our infamous jerky reviews, sampling bold new flavors and putting our taste buds to the test. Will we discover a new favorite, or will we regret our choices?Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated on our latest adventures. Let us know in the comments how you optimize space in your rig and if you have a go-to overland snack we should try next! Happy overlanding, and enjoy the bonfire!---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------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---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sick of wasting money on gear that falls apart? In this episode, we break down how to invest in high-quality gear that stands the test of time. From spotting well-built products to choosing brands that back their gear, we’re sharing practical tips to help you make smart buying decisions for overlanding, adventure, and everyday use.
✔️ How to inspect product craftsmanship before you buy 🧐
✔️ Why buying from trusted makers matters 💪
✔️ The benefits of modular gear systems 🔄
✔️ How proper maintenance extends gear life 🛠️
Upgrade your camping game with these must-haves! Whether you’re heading out for a weekend getaway or a long-term overlanding adventure, the right gear can make all the difference. In this episode, we’re sharing game-changing upgrades to enhance your outdoor experience.
We’ll talk about:
🔥 Why a refrigerator is a next-level addition for your setup
☕ How to upgrade your coffee game for the perfect trail brew
💤 The importance of a quality sleeping pad for a better night’s rest
Tune in for practical tips and inspiration to make your camping trips more comfortable and enjoyable.
Have a favorite upgrade that changed the way you camp? We’d love to hear your thoughts—drop us a message or connect with us on social media!
If you’re diving into a new overland rig or upgrading your current one, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Maybe you’re not sure where to begin, or you already have a list of epic upgrades in mind. In this episode, we share 5 essential tips to help you set up your rig perfectly. These tips cover everything from the early stages of your build to fine-tuning organization for your adventures. We hope our conversation provides valuable insights to guide you as you work on your rig. We’d love to hear from you—comment below with your tips for nailing the perfect overland rig! --------------------------------------------------------------------- Blue Ridge Overland Gear - Reclaim Your Journey SHOP NOW: https://www.blueridgeoverlandgear.com/ YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2TInbINexaZME_0mhW_bnw INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/blueridgeoverlandgear/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/blueridgeoverlandgear ---------------------------------------------------------------------
This week on the Blue Ridge Bonfire Podcast we’re chatting with Eric and Rachel from Mountain State Overland. In 2024 they took on the challenge of building their own Toyota Tundra overland rig—right in their driveway! No fancy garage, just a lot of determination and a little bit of space. They walk us through some of the ups and downs of the project and explain how they landed on the Tundra as their platform. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Blue Ridge Overland Gear - Reclaim Your Journey SHOP NOW: https://www.blueridgeoverlandgear.com/ YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2TInbINexaZME_0mhW_bnw INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/blueridgeoverlandgear/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/blueridgeoverlandgear ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Obviously, we here at Blue Ridge Overland have a personal interest in American-made products... they’re how we pay the bills. But beyond that, there are plenty of reasons we choose to shop American-made when possible.In this episode, we discuss the reasons we love using American-made products and where to find them. The conversation covers some of our favorite brands and even tips on where to find good deals on used American-made products.Make sure to tell us about some of your favorite USA-made products in the comments!---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------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---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As we approach the end of the fall event season we are asking ourselves, "What makes a great overlanding event?" Is it the people? The gear? The activities? The camping?
Our first OAR was just a couple weeks back and it felt to us like a big win, but we we would love to hear from you all, what would you like to see next year. What makes you get excited about an event?
Make sure to leave some comments or send us a message to let us know!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Blue Ridge Overland Gear - Reclaim Your Journey SHOP NOW: https://www.blueridgeoverlandgear.com/ YOUTUBE: / @blueridgeoverlandgear INSTAGRAM: / blueridgeoverlandgear FACEBOOK: / blueridgeoverlandgear ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
