We sit down with Brad Kowitz of TrailRecon to discuss how to get started driving more technical, 4WD-themed “trails.” What we’re thinking here is that there may be people who have traveled the entire length of the Pan-American Highway but have never considered attempting a challenging 4WD trail in the U.S. like the Rubicon, Magruder, or Colorado’s famous Black Bear or Imogene Passes. We decided to reach out to Brad to help all who can relate get started down the trail!

Brad jumps right in to share what he has learned about taking a variety of 4WD vehicles into America’s backcountry, from fully-built Jeeps to Sprinter Vans, offering tips on how to have fun getting started safely and responsibly.

To dig further into this topic, we explore the oft-underrated capabilities of O.E.M. vehicles and why it’s important to get to know your vehicle as it is before jumping into extensive modifications and accessorizing. 

Listen in as Brad defines what a “trail” is, exactly, and what you can learn from how the U.S.F.S. identifies the roads it manages throughout our national forests. You will learn how to find trails in your area to get started on, off-road communities to learn from, and classes and courses you can take to improve your off-road driving skills.

We also chat a bit about the popular “BDRs” (Backcountry Discovery Routes) now found in the U.S., and how these can be a great opportunity for those interested in getting started in vehicle-based, off-road adventure.

Finally, Brad has some fun sharing some harrowing stories of his own adventures and misadventures along his path toward becoming an experienced off-roader and why he has come to push back against peer pressure when it comes to choosing his trails.

Whether you’re an experienced off-roader looking to get more into overland-style wheeling or an experienced overlander excited about hitting up more technical 4WD trails, you will find something of value in this episode with Brad Kowitz, who has found a happy middle ground within these two pursuits.

See Full Show Notes HERE!
Watch the Video Version of this Podcast Episode HERE!

We sit down with Brad Kowitz of <a href='https://trailrecon.com/'>TrailRecon</a> to discuss how to get started driving more technical, 4WD-themed “trails.” What we’re thinking here is that there may be people who have traveled the entire length of the Pan-American Highway but have never considered attempting a challenging 4WD trail in the U.S. like the <a href='https://www.edcgov.us/Government/Rubicon/pages/information_to_the_rubicon_trail.aspx'>Rubicon</a>, <a href='https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nezperceclearwater/recarea/?recid=16482'>Magruder</a>, or Colorado’s famous <a href='https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/gmug/recarea/?recid=32490'>Black Bear</a> or <a href='https://www.onxmaps.com/offroad/trails/us/colorado/imogene-pass'>Imogene</a> Passes. We decided to reach out to Brad to help all who can relate get started down the trail! Brad jumps right in to share what he has learned about taking a variety of 4WD vehicles into America’s backcountry, from fully-built Jeeps to Sprinter Vans, offering tips on how to have fun getting started safely and responsibly. To dig further into this topic, we explore the oft-underrated capabilities of O.E.M. vehicles and why it’s important to get to know your vehicle as it is before jumping into extensive modifications and accessorizing. Listen in as Brad defines what a “trail” is, exactly, and what you can learn from how the U.S.F.S. identifies the roads it manages throughout our national forests. You will learn how to find trails in your area to get started on, off-road communities to learn from, and classes and courses you can take to improve your off-road driving skills. We also chat a bit about the popular <a href='https://ridebdr.com/'>“BDRs” (Backcountry Discovery Routes) </a>now found in the U.S., and how these can be a great opportunity for those interested in getting started in vehicle-based, off-road adventure. Finally, Brad has some fun sharing some harrowing stories of his own adventures and misadventures along his path toward becoming an experienced off-roader and why he has come to push back against peer pressure when it comes to choosing his trails. Whether you’re an experienced off-roader looking to get more into overland-style wheeling or an experienced overlander excited about hitting up more technical 4WD trails, you will find something of value in this episode with Brad Kowitz, who has found a happy middle ground within these two pursuits.See Full Show Notes <a href='https://www.xoverland.com/podcast/ep68-can-i-handle-that-trail-4-wheeling-with-trailrecons-brad-kowitz/'>HERE</a>! Watch the Video Version of this Podcast Episode <a href='https://app.overlandernetwork.com/videos/ep68-trailrecon-bradkowitz'>HERE</a>!

Welcome to the XOVERLAND podcast, an exploration of adventure, those who pursue it, and all that makes it possible.

Gather insight and inspiration from engaging conversations with trailblazers from around the world.  Whether they be travelers, entrepreneurs, influencers, or experts in their field, we're here to share their unique voices and learn all that we can in the process.

Our conversations may delve into the intricacies of overland vehicle electronics, the psychology of pushing past one's comfort-zone, or the inspiring stories of creatives such as Chris Burkard or Clay Croft. 

Like the exciting guests they work to bring onto the show, our podcast host and co-host, Jimmy Lewis and Leah Heffelfinger, cover a lot of ground to bring you the XOVERLAND Podcast!

Welcome to the XOVERLAND podcast, an exploration of adventure, those who pursue it, and all that makes it possible. Gather insight and inspiration from engaging conversations with trailblazers from around the world.&nbsp; Whether they be travelers, entrepreneurs, influencers, or experts in their field, we're here to share their unique voices and learn all that we can in the process. Our conversations may delve into the intricacies of overland vehicle electronics, the psychology of pushing past one's comfort-zone, or the inspiring stories of creatives such as Chris Burkard or Clay Croft.&nbsp; Like the exciting guests they work to bring onto the show, our podcast host and co-host, Jimmy Lewis and Leah Heffelfinger, cover a lot of ground to bring you the XOVERLAND Podcast!

The XOVERLAND Podcast

EP68 | Can Your Truck DO THAT!? Technical Trails with TrailRecon’s Brad Kowitz

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/6ee84ddd-2871-40f1-a870-b47500f87ec4/transcript