Ever had that moment when your favorite camping gear starts to let you down? After a year with my rooftop tent, the once-comfortable mattress began causing back pain by day three of every trip. Rather than shell out thousands for a completely new setup, I found myself hunting for that elusive middle-ground solution that wouldn't empty my bank account.
This search led me down a rabbit hole of product availability issues, questionable online shopping practices, and eventually to a surprisingly perfect solution from a company I wasn't initially considering. The adventure perfectly captures what overlanding is really about—solving problems creatively when you're caught between making do and starting over.
But comfort is only part of the story. Drawing from military experiences, I share why water purification might be the most underrated aspect of camping safety. The Lifesaver Jerry Can has become my solution for avoiding what I call the "worst-case scenario" of backcountry travel (hint: it involves uncontrollable bodily functions in remote locations). This isn't the glamorous side of overlanding that makes it to Instagram, but it's the practical knowledge that can save your trip—and your dignity.
We also dive into the current state of overland content creation, the importance of protecting public lands, and some exciting details about the upcoming Overland of America event. Use code OUTSKIRTS10 for 10% off if you're planning to attend.
Whether you're a seasoned overlander or just starting out, this episode cuts through the marketing hype to address the real challenges we face in the backcountry. Subscribe, leave a review, or drop a comment to join the conversation about authentic overlanding experiences.
