Echoes of Adventure

All good things come to and end, and Season 3 of the Echoes of Adventure Podcast is over. Well, at least not till the end of this episode. Thank you for all of your positive feedback about this season. So excited to have so many great guests. Also so much fun to explore the idea of getting back to the basics and focusing on the ten essentials. In this episode I recap the season, ramble on about a few random things, and even tease some ideas I have for season four. Mostly I just ramble. LoL. Enjoy! Don't forget to check out the Patron Support Team (some cool things in the works for them this summer) as well make sure you're subcribed to the ECOA YouTube Channel. Echoes of Adventure: Season 3, Episode 12 - Season Recap. Let's look back, forward, inside, and out and everything season three had to offer. Let's also see what's in store for season four later this year. And of course we will talk about what fills int he gap between seasons - Spoiler Alert: YouTube!

Well, we're done. Time to wrap it up and go home. Wait, this is only episode 11? But we're on Essential number ten. Probably the most essential of the essentials because without it we're not going anywhere. Yup, that's right. Won't get far on an empty tank. So for this episode Dan Grec and I discuss planning, budgeting, and transporting fuel. There are a not of misconceptions about fuel out there. How much should you carry? How do you carry it? When do you use it? Speaking from real world first hand experience Dan and I share our insights into how you calculate fuel mileage, when to carry extra fuel, and when not to carry extra fuel. This is, of course, just our opinions. However we hope you'll be better informed on your next adventure and more importantly a little safer. Echoes of Adventure: Season 3, Episode 11 - Essential #10, Fuel. Without it you're not getting very far. Joined once again by Dan - the real deal - Grec of The Road Chose Me we discuss fuel mileage, budgeting for fuel, transporting extra fuel, and even dabble in the gas vs. diesel debate. Stick around for the whole episode and hopefully you'll realize you don't really need to worry about carrying extra fuel. Links to Fuel Your Next Adventure Dan's social media: Books | Instagram | YouTube | PatreonThe Road Chose Me Video: 5 Essentials I don't HaveThe Road Chose Me Video: GAS or DIESEL - What's BETTER to DRIVE AROUND THE WORLD OVERLAND?The Road Chose Me Video: Fuel Range, Filtration & RUNNING OUT OF GAS while driving AROUND THE WORLD!ECOA Article: Large Capacity Fuel Tank: the GenRight Off Road Safari TankECOA Article: Planning your next journey – It pays to do a little research before you go overlandingECOA Article: Trip Planning and Research – Revisited

There are many solutions when it comes to shelter. Everything from the basic hammock and tarp all the way up to the Global Roam 5K™. There is no one single perfect one-size-fits-all solution. There are a lot of variables that will influence your shelter solutions. To discuss those variables I am once again joined by Brittany and Eric from Hourless Life. We discuss various shelter solutions as well as their evolution from RVers to Overlanders and the decision making process they went through in selecting both their vehicle and shelter solution for their upcoming global adventure. My own shelter solution has evolved over the years. I started off in tents backpacking with the Boy Scouts. I then transitioned to ultra-light camping with a hammock and tarp. When I transitioned into car-camping and overland travel I used a lot of the same backpacking gear I used in the past. This not only kept cost down but also kept the size and weight of my kit down. Now, with the trailer, my kit and rig have expanded into a mobile basecamp. That's not a solution for everyone. Nor is an appropriate solution for all types of overland travel. It is, however, what works for me. Hopefully this episode can help you figure out what works for you. Echoes of Adventure: Season 3, Episode 9 - Eric and Brittany of Hourless Life join the podcast once again. In this episode we discuss the countless options when it comes to shelter. We also discuss their evolution from RV'ers to Overlanders and my evolution into trailer camping. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for shelter, but hopefully this episode will give you some insight into finding the right solution for you. Links Worth Clicking Hourless Life: Website | Instagram | YoutubeBROG Video: Walk-around of The Hourless Life North American Jeep Wrangler aka "Guardian"BROG Video: Walk-around of Dan Grec's Africa JKUHourless Life Article: Here's the Vehicle Our Family Plans to Drive Around the WorldECOA: "Poor Man's Teardrop" Trailer ProfileECOA: Choosing a overland camping trailerECOA: Deciding factors for why I’m getting a camping trailer

Is there anything better after a long day on the trails than a hot meal? Well, maybe a cold adult beverage, but for the purposes of this episode we're going to be talking about food and water. We will save the adult beverages for another time. The guests on this episode are Eric and Brittany from Hourless Life. If one of those names sounds familiar, you're not wrong. Last season Eric joined myself and a few others for a "Jeep Talk" episode. Back then they were known as the "Jeepsies." Don't worry, we talk about their rebranding and their new project as well as their upcoming global adventure. For now, sit back and enjoy another podcast episode and when the time comes, check the links below for some recipes and other camp cooking tips. Echoes of Adventure: Season 3, Episode 9 - Time to talk about some of the things we can't live without: food and water. Joined by Eric and Brittany of The Hourless Life we talk about solo travel, traveling with a family, traveling with special dietary needs, our favorite spices, and how to feed a hungry toddler (no not me) while on an overland adventure. “Note: During the taping I mention the Lifesaver Jerry Can around minute 19. I also mentioned that we weren’t sponsored by them. This was a factual statement at the time of taping. Between the time of taping and the publication date of this podcast we did receive a gear sponsorship from Lifesaver for our upcoming global adventure.” ~ Eric Highland, Hourless Life Links Worth Clicking Hourless Life: Website | Instagram | YoutubeHourless Life Article: "10 Food and Water Tips for Overlanding"Blue Ridge Overland Gear Video: Honey Chicken Teriyaki Stir-fry on the SkottleBlue Ridge Overland Gear Video: How to make Skottle PopcornThe Road Chose Me Video: The Best Camp Stove for International Overland TravelECOA Article: Camp Cooking – Round 1: Tips, Tricks, & IdeasECOA Article: Camp Cooking – Round 2 : Stove MaintenanceECOA Article: L.T. Wright Knives Camp Kitchen Review

Heads up, there were some technical difficulties with this episode. Did my best to clean it up, but a few spots were still glitchy. The rest I chopped out so if you hear a few rough edits this has been equal parts apology and warning. Dan Grec is BACK. Actually, he never left. This week's episode was recorded just after the last episode and Dan and I continue talking about tires as well as suspension. We drop some nuggets of wisdom like, "better is more important than bigger" and "biggest tire with the least amount of lift." Echoes of Adventure: Season 3, Episode 8: Your tires are just as much a part of your suspension as your springs and your shocks. In this episode Dan Grec from the Road Chose Me and I discuss some of the important factors to consider if you decide to modify your vehicle's suspension. Links Worth Clicking: Dan's social media: Books | Instagram | YouTube | PatreonThe Road Chose Me video on Wheel and Tire Choice for International TravelThe Road Chose Me video on Why International Overlanders Don't Use Huge Tires The ECOA blog article on Tires, Tires, and More TiresThe ECOA blog article on the Tire Basics and the Tire Selection ProcessThe ECOA blog article on the Suspension Basics – Common types, configurations, and terminology Mods to Dean's '04 Jeep Wrangler Suspension Upgrades: Round 1 – JKS Manufacturing 2″ Jspec Lift kitSuspension Upgrades: Round 2 – JKS Manufacturing control armsSuspension Upgrades: Round 3 – Rear Adjustable Air-SpringsSuspension Upgrades: Round 4 – Spring relocation perchesNew Tires – A long time coming, but worth the wait

It wouldn't be a season of the Echoes of Adventure Podcast without perennial guest Dan - The Real Deal - Grec of The Road Chose me. He's been on every season so far and he's back to share some of his knowledge and experience when it comes to tire pressure management - even if we do spell it with an i instead of a y. There are a LOT of links down below so make sure to check them out. I have written a few articles on tires and tire pressure management. I've also reviewed my old ViAir Onboard Air System as well as my new ARB Portable System. Both are great systems and I'm not sure there is a wrong answer. Dan also has a good writeup on his ARB single compressor install and a really good video on tire pressure management. Echoes of Adventure: Season 3, Episode 7 - We're over the hump. We're now in the second half of the 10 Essentials and it's time to bring out the big guns. Dan - the Real Deal - Grec is back once again to share his many years of experience with us. So kick back and get ready to learn about tire pressure management! Links Worth Clicking: Dan's social media: Books | Instagram | YouTube | PatreonDan's YouTube video on Tires, Spares, and RepairsDan's YouTube video on Using the ARB Tire Puncture Kit to fit a flatThe ECOA blog article on Tire Pressure ManagementThe ECOA blog article on the ViAir Ultra Duty Onboard Air SystemThe ECOA blog article on the ARB Maximum Performance Portable Air Supply

"Can you hear me now?" Remember those ads? Well this podcast might as well start off with that tagline because it's all about overland communications. Joining us once again is John Fury of Fury Training Concepts and he is going to share some of his radio knowledge with us. He is a licensed HAM (Amateur Radio) operator and uses radios on a daily basis as part of his job as a park ranger. He also has extensive experience using all kinds of radios both personally and professionally, so yeah, he knows a thing or two. I myself have a pretty solid working knowledge of radios. In a past life I was a radio station DJ for a while and did some time in the music industry as a sound tech. Although long since "retired" I still considering myself an audiophile. I've also used a wide range of radios in both my personal life as well as various jobs I've had. CB's, GMRS, HAM, satellite, and cell phones are all super common these days. What radio you need depends on who you're trying to talk to and where you're at. This episode is a great introduction for those of you trying to figure out your overland communication solutions. Make sure to check out the links below for more resources on overland communications not just here on the ECOA blog but other resources that we've used ourselves. Echoes of Adventure: Season 3, Episode 6 - We're onto essential number five: communication. Joined by John Fury of Fury Training Concept s we discuss all things radio comms from the classic CB all the way up to modern age satellite devices like the InReach. Make sure to check out the show notes for additional resources. Additional Resources ECOA - Introduction to Radio Communications ECOA - Overland Comms: Cell phones and cell boosters ECOA - WeBoost Drive X RV Install Midland USA - Why do I need a GMRS license and how do I get it? YouTube - HAM Radio Crash Course (I used this to pass my HAM test) YouTube - Blue Ridge Overland Gear: Overland Comms Series (Staring yours truly) You can find more info on the classes John teaches and the guided rides he facilitates by following @furtytrainingconcepts on Instagram. Also keep and out up for their upcoming website and YouTube channel!

Arguably one of my favorite topics, Navigation is something I love to talk about. However this podcast isn't just about me. It's about tapping into a wide range of people from across the spectrum of adventure travelers. For this episode I am joined by Mandy and Irma of the Hemispheres United Rebelle Rally Team. For those that don't know the Rebelle Rally is a women's-only analog navigation stage rally. This means no cell phones. No GPS. No computers of any kind. Just old school map and compass world. Just two women against the world. Team Hemispheres UnitedMandy (left) and Irma (Right) at the 2020 Rebelle Rally Both Mandy and Irma have rich histories that contribute to their success as Rebelles. In this episode we explore their experiences while growing up as well as experiences in their adult life that help them navigate not just a competition like the Rebelle Rally but on their recreational adventures as well. Hands down this is one of the most fun episodes I've been a part of so kick back and enjoy! Echoes of Adventure: Season 3, Episode 5: Mandy and Irma are the power duo that make up the Hemispheres United Rebelle Rally team. In this episode we talk all things navigation from the analog-only tools used in the rally to GPS and cell phone apps. Mentioned in this Episode: Hemispheres United Team: Website | Facebook | Instagram Irma: @irmabosch | @moerkoffi_overlanding Mandy: @czechbeergirl | @2ifbyoverland Rebelle Rally: Website | Instagram Navigation Tools Used by Hemispheres United Compass - Suunto MC-2 G Protractors: Portland Course Plotter (Primary) Weems and Plath (Backup) Map Rulers .3mm Pencils .3mm Colored Pencils Magnifying Bar Irma taking a bearing off in the distance during the 2020 Rebelle Rally Other Navigation Resources by ECOA Let’s Talk Maps – The Paper Kind Planning Your Next Journey – It pays to do a little research Trip Planning and Research – Revisited Gaia GPS Navigation App Purple Lizard Maps

Although number three on the list of 10 Essentials, Recovery is more like a second #2. Just like first aid is essential care for your body, recovery is essential care for your vehicle. In this episode Ted from Overland Experts joins me to discuss - at length - some of the essential aspects of recovery. We of course, like a broken record, loop back time and time again to Ted's first appearance on the podcast when we talked about Training. Born from personal experience and many (mis)adventures, this is an episode that really embodies the purpose of this podcast. You can set out on your own and learn the hard way, or you can take a few cues from Ted and I and realize a little up-front investment in your own training will pay a lot more dividends in the long run than just going about and buying, as Ted puts it, "shiny gear." That said, there is some great gear on the market. ECOA is proud to have built relationships with the best-of-the-best when it comes to recovery gear. Sure, you can go down to the local tractor store or big-box 4wd store and buy cheap recovery gear. The problem is you get what you pay for. When you trust brans like Warn and Factor55 you also get what you pay for. You pay for innovation, not imitation. You pay for research and design, not rip off and duplicate. You pay for quality not the bottom line. On top of that companies like Factor55, C4RS, and other premium recovery brands back up their gear with scientific testing and openly share that information. So, the next time you decide to save money on gear don't skimp out on your recovery stuff. Echoes of Adventure: Season 3, Episode 4: Ted is back and ready to share all kind of recovery knowledge! So much so that this episode clocks in at the longest episode this season (and probably ever). Sit back, open your mind, and be prepared to get some essential knowledge on recovery! Mentioned in this Episode: Ted's OEX ProfileOverland ExpertsInternational 4-Wheel-Drive Trainers AssociationOffroad Consulting & Training - Kyle Buchter, PennsylvaniaECOA Overland Skills Weekends (2021 Dates Pending) Recovery Gear Companies ECOA Uses: Factor55 LLCWarn, IncC4RS - Custom 4WD Recovery SystemsCustom Splice Echoes of Adventure Podcast Merch!

Picking up from last week's episode on Training, we look at what is often the most important essential: Safety and First Aid. However, as we will find out, training is a valuable component to both safety and first aid which si why this is #2 on our list of 10 Essentials. Our special guest this week is John Fury. By day he is a mild-mannered Park Ranger at James River State Park. By night John runs his own training company called Fury Training Concepts. He specializes in First Aid covering everything from basic Stop-the-Bleed classes up to specialized Wilderness First Aid classes. He is also a volunteer fire fighter and has a long history of public service both professionally and as a volunteer. He brings those years of experience to this episode of the podcast. Echoes of Adventure: Season 3, Episode 3: In this episode I am joined by John Fury of James River State Park and Fury Training Concepts. He brings a lifetime of public service experience both as professional law enforcement as well as volunteer emergency services. As Fury Training Concepts he provides quality training meaning he will build on the foundation we laid in episode 2 of this season. You can find more info on the classes John teaches and the guided rides he facilitates by following @furtytrainingconcepts on Instagram. Also keep and out up for their upcoming website and YouTube channel!