Dirt Road Tourist

Been a while, but I'm back behind the mic! In this episode I talk about how the purchase of a drawer system cascaded into changing every piece of major gear on the rig, and things to consider before you make a single-item upgrade on yours.

On this episode, I talk with author, actor/producer & adventurer, Wells Jones. He is a veteran of the Navy Antarctic Pararescue service, a dual-sport overland traveler, and has even trekked across the deserts of Saudi Arabia on a camel. Listen in as we talk about everything from overlanding to skydiving to running with the bulls in Pamplona. A number of links are mentioned during our conversation, and you will find them below:

https://a.co/d/ewSYXVQ

https://ridebdr.com/

https://www.seedsofpeace.org/programs/developing-leaders/middle-east/

Have finally gotten the Overland Vehicle Systems Expedition Cap mounted onto the Tacoma, and I talk about how the install went, as well as my first impressions about the quality of the bed cap. If you've been looking for an un-sponsored, unbiased review of the OVS Expedition Cap, tune in; you'll find it here. I also talk more about the Southeast Backcountry Discovery Route, which I want to make one of the first places we test-bed all this new stuff.

Find us here: www.dirtroadtourist.com

Links to all our socials can be found on...

Yeah, I took a bit of a break there. There has been a lot going on around home, lately. There's a lot going on with the rig, this spring too, and I talk about that on this episode. The Southeast Overland Camping Event is in the books, and it was a great time! Listen in to where the podcast is headed, and what our rig, Bonnie has in store! As promised, find the link to the Backcountry Discovery Route page below:

https://ridebdr.com/sebdr/

DRT Website: www.dirtroadtourist.com

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When you're out on an overlanding trip, you need to be prepared for anything that Mother Nature might throw your way. Be sure you've packed the right clothing for your trip, or it could be a miserable time out there, or even dangerous. I'll talk about the items you need to have with you, whether your trip takes you out in the Summer, Winter, Fall or Spring. With some simple strategies on what to pack, you'll be comfy all year round.

This week, I talk about 5 easy DIY projects that will improve life for any overlander. From a convenient way to hang your paper towels, to a pillow that feels just like the one you have at home, but closes down in the RTT, you don't want to miss this one!

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/dusty-roads⁠

License code: FBWP395IESI62HQF

If you're making a beeline for the beaches in North Carolina, you're missing out! We take a trip to Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, and spent a Saturday exploring all of the FSRs in the park, all to ourselves. Yes, we saw nobody. That never happens. If you want to learn about a place where you can get away from the crowds, tune in!

Overlanding in North Carolina? If you’re only going to Cape Lookout & the mountains, and skipping the rest of the state, you’re missing out on some hidden gems! Discover an overlanding destination in the Old North State that you may have overlooked. I’ll talk about a couple of upcoming trips, and how to keep your rig ready for your adventures throughout the year. 

https://www.tntoverlander.com/s/stories/2025southeastoverlandcampingevent

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/paul...

You got yourself a new diesel heater, and now you're wondering about the best way to power it on your trips? Look no further, I've got the tips on how to get that thing spun up and keeping you toasty all night, and on a budget too! This may be a gateway drug to building out a house battery system, but you'll thank me later, when you decide to add a 12v refrigerator to the mix. But for now, in the winter, the cold is the issue, so let's get that heater fired up!

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Whether you’re packing to jet off to Europe, or heading out on an Overlanding adventure, what’s one thing that you always take with you? A toiletry bag, of course! But there are a few things that you may want to pack differently for an Overlanding trip. Today, I’ll ‘come clean’ about what I pack in my dopp kit, so tune in!

Murphy’s Naturals Insect Balm:     https://a.co/d/gJhWB97

Panasonic Travel Shaver:    https://a.co/d/irqlpPI

CeraVe Sunscreen Stick:     https...

When you want to head out onto the open road, see a national monument, venture down a rocky trail, and camp by a pristine lake - all in one trip - then there’s only one vehicle that can take you to all of the places you want to go. In this episode, I talk about the ultimate travel vehicle, and why you should consider building one out, if you are a serious traveler, and curious about the world around you. 

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/dus...

The perfect day of overlanding begins with the perfect cup of coffee. But how do you get that when you’re 50 miles from the civilization, let alone the nearest coffee shop? There are plenty of ways to get your caffeine fix in the wild. I’ll talk about all the ways to become your group’s favorite backwoods barista!

https://youtu.be/7UAoT21eqXI?si=9iYgRMixbc6Ry4f9

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/dusty-roads

License code: FBWP395IESI62HQF

It’s that time of year, for deciding on our resolutions for the upcoming year. Let’s talk about a meaningful resolution all of us who enjoy the great outdoors can make for 2025. It’s easy things we can all do, and help preserve everyone’s access to all of the magical places we like to overland in. 

Show links:

https://treadlightly.org/

https://blueribboncoalition.org/

Theme Music By:

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/dusty-roads

License code: FBW...

For this week, I want to wish all of you a truly Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year! I also talk about food storage on the road & in camp, and 2025 plans.

Your tires are one of the most important parts of an overlanding rig, so you should put plenty of thought into their selection. There is a wide range of brands & models out there though, what to choose? DRT's got you covered! Today, we're going to get into the nitty-gritty of picking out the perfect set for your vehicles, and for your travel style.

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/dusty-roads

License code: FBWP395IESI62HQF

Buying a roof top tent is going to be one of the biggest purchase decisions you make for your overlanding rig. Getting this item right the first time will save you from having to put up with a tent that's uncomfortable until you can afford to replace it, and can save you thousands of dollars. Today, I'm talking about the things you should be considering when you're looking to buy a RTT for your vehicle, and some great tips for finding out the things that a manufacturer might not want to include in the sales brochure.

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As the trees grow bare, and temperatures plummet, we reflect on our adventures over the summer, and our thoughts turn to…camping! Winter descending on our favorite destinations doesn’t need to keep us at home on the weekends. Bare trees lead to expansive views in the mountains, and normally-crowded beach destinations give way to secluded get-aways. Learn how to equip yourself to not only survive, but thrive, through the depths of winter. This may become one of your favorite times to overland!

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/pa...

Ready to laugh in the face of Mother Nature’s mood swings? This episode is your ultimate guide to overlanding when the forecast is less than friendly. We’re talking rain-soaked trails, thunderstorms, and howling winds that make you question your life choices. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered (literally) with tips on keeping your rig in one piece, and your spirits high when the storm clouds roll in. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or just gearing up for your first trip, you’ll learn how to stay safe, stay dry, and maybe even enjoy the chaos. Let...

Hey there, fellow Tourists! Have you been looking for an excuse to get out on your next overland adventure? How about improving your health? This week, I talk about a new book I found by an author named Michael Easter, titled “The Comfort Crisis”. It’s a fascinating look into how our modern cities & technology might actually be causing us harm, and how getting back out into nature can help reduce the stress & anxiety that is at the root of many of the illnesses that affect us. So, here is your prescription to tune in to this week’s episode...

Nothing can make a trip to a great location feel worse than having a cluttered & messy vehicle. This episode is chock-full (but not too full) of tips for how to select the equipment you actually need out there, and how to keep that gear within easy reach.

Welcome back, fellow explorers, to another episode of Dirt Road Tourist! Today, we’re diving into one of the most essential skills for any overlander—campfire mastery. Whether you’re roasting marshmallows, warming up after a long day on the trails, or just looking to impress your friends with some wilderness wizardry, we’ve got you covered. From foolproof fire-starting techniques to pro tips on keeping your blaze safe and eco-friendly, we’re turning up the heat and sparking some serious campfire knowledge. So grab a log, pull up a seat, and let’s get crackling!

Did a quick out-and-back trip this weekend to Pilot Mountain, NC. Had a great time tooling around Mount Airy, the town that inspired The Andy Griffith show. It was a little mobbed, with so much of the Western NC areas shut down currently, but we had a nice lunch, and a great time camping, with a free concert thrown in as a bonus! Listen in to hear more.

In this episode, I’m going to talk about a piece of gear that your four-legged friend is going to love, and you might too! I’ll also talk about my mapping apps, and what apps and sites I use for digging up interesting things to do on trips. Link for the item discussed is below: 

Gorilla Grip Portable Pet Bowl:

https://a.co/d/bdDAsEw

Music Credits:

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https...

This past weekend, the Southern Appalachian Mountain region was devastated by a major hurricane. A week in, and there are still people missing, people cut off from the outside world, people living without access to safe drinking water, food or utilities. The need is extreme for many, but there are some extraordinary organizations working tirelessly to help.

Aside from the government response, this has been a 'neighbors helping neighbors' effort. I wanted to talk about a few of the groups that are doing amazing work in the aftermath of Helena. Links to the organizations...

Hey there, everyone! Welcome back to Dirt Road Tourist, where today we’re trading our hiking boots for aprons—because it’s all about camp foods and cooking! Whether you're a gourmet overlander whipping up a backcountry feast or just trying to figure out how to make instant noodles feel like a five-star meal, we’ve got the recipes, tips, and tricks to keep your campfire kitchen sizzling. From one-pot wonders to campfire classics, let’s make sure your next adventure is as tasty as it is thrilling. Time to fire up those camp stoves!

Link for...

I will talk about why I am creating (yet another) overlanding podcast, and about what to expect from it.