RV Out West

Some people chase adventure on well-marked trails. Paul Boomhower has built a life exploring where the pavement ends. Known to many as Smokey and the Vandit , Paul is a photographer and van traveler whose passion for the outdoors has taken him across the Pacific Northwest and beyond in search of unforgettable landscapes and incredible wildlife encounters. Paul joins us for a conversation about pho...

We take a step outside our normal focus on RV travel and camping for a special collaboration with Scott Cowan, host of the Explore Washington State Podcast . Armed with a field recorder and plenty of curiosity, Brooks and Scott spend the day walking through downtown Everett, Washington, visiting four outstanding independent coffee shops: Narrative Coffee, Nadine's Coffee, Loft Coffee Bar &amp...

Travel has a way of shaping our perspective, and few people understand that better than Jay Cullis, Content Manager at Airstream . Jay shares the journey that took him from newspaper reporting and teaching to helping tell the stories behind one of the most recognizable names in the RV industry. We talk about several notable Airstream projects, including the Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired travel trail...

Live music and RV travel have more in common than you might think. Both are built around experiences, memories, and the stories that stay with us long after the trip is over. A favorite song can instantly transport us back to a specific place and time, much like revisiting a beloved campground, scenic drive, or destination. Your host, Brooks, takes you on a musical road trip through some of the Pa...

Part two with Edwin and Jessely Soto is here. The Sotos, of From the Hatch , share stories from their travels across the Pacific Northwest, including the places that left a lasting impression, the stops they missed this time around, and the destinations already calling them back for another trip. If you love RV travel, road trips, van life, Airstream adventures, and exploring the Pacific Northwest...

In this special 200th episode of RV Out West, we sit down with Edwin and Jessely Soto, the couple behind From the Hatch, for a raw and honest conversation about full time RV living, family travel, and building a nomadic lifestyle from the ground up. What makes their story so different is that when they first started RV life, they had absolutely zero experience. In fact, I first met the Sotos over...

RV travel invites us to explore wide landscapes, open roads, and the freedom of the outdoors, but there’s another layer to that experience waiting just beyond the trail. This conversation explores how foraging, wild foods, and campfire cooking connect RVers to the land in a more personal and rewarding way. It’s about slowing down, looking closer, and discovering what the forest has to offer right...

If you think your RV camp kitchen setup is dialed in, this episode might make you rethink everything. We break down the real-world RV cooking gear, camp kitchen essentials, and outdoor cooking setups that have actually survived years of camping, road trips, and campground meals with our family of four. From the truth about built-in RV outdoor kitchens to our experience with Blackstone griddles, ca...

RV black tank problems, grey tank odors, and dump station mistakes are all part of RV life, but they do not have to ruin your camping experience. In this episode of RV Out West, Mark from Kleen Tanks joins the show to talk about one of the most important parts of RV maintenance and ownership, caring for your grey and black tanks properly. Mark shares years of experience working on RV waste systems...

Celebrate National Bike Month with this episode focused on exploring the Pacific Northwest by bike while RVing. After recent time spent paddling and hiking, we shift into cycling and highlight some of the best bike trails and multi-use paths across Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. From scenic rail trails and river paths to long-distance routes, we share standout places to ride and how bikes can expa...

What turns a simple walk in the woods into a lifelong obsession with the trail? In this episode, we sit down with Craig Romano , one of the most trusted voices in Pacific Northwest hiking, to uncover the stories, miles, and moments that have shaped his journey. From hidden alpine lakes to rugged coastal paths, Craig shares how he got started exploring Washington’s vast trail systems and what conti...

We sit down with whitewater kayaker Dave Fusilli , who shares the powerful story of how he discovered his passion for whitewater kayaking and transformed it into a lifelong pursuit of adventure on the river. Dave takes us back to the moment that first sparked his connection to moving water and how that curiosity evolved into a career spent chasing rapids, waterfalls, and some of the most demanding...

Planning an RV trip is where the adventure truly begins, long before the engine turns over. We dive into the art and strategy of RV route planning, campground reservations, and travel day logistics to help you create a smoother, stress-free journey. From mapping out highways at the table with a cup of coffee to imagining your next destination, we explore how thoughtful planning shapes your RV trav...

Discover the beauty, history, and future of Idaho State Parks , home to some of the most scenic and underrated destinations in the American West. From RV camping to outdoor recreation and road trip travel, Idaho offers a wide range of experiences for adventurers looking to explore beyond the usual itinerary. Your host, Brooks, sits down with Will Armbruster, Senior Public Information Officer for t...

If you’ve spent any time exploring Snohomish County, you already know it’s the kind of place that sticks with you; snow-capped peaks, scenic backroads, waterfront towns and unforgettable local stories. In this episode of RV Out West, we sit down with the team behind Discover Snohomish County and the Snohomish County Placemaker’s podcast to dive deeper into what makes this region a compelling trave...

From the outside, it might seem like she just picked up and chased a different kind of life… but spend a few minutes listening and you realize there’s intention behind every mile, every story, and every conversation she’s chosen to share. In this episode of RV Out West , we sit down with Jennifer, a 13-year full-time RV veteran who has helped shape what modern RV living looks like for thousands of...

Join us as we continue the Fire and Ice adventure in the Pacific Northwest in this part two of our two-part mini-series, we leave the glacier-covered volcanoes of Washington behind and cross into Oregon to explore some of the most spectacular volcanic landscapes in the region. If you missed part one, we highly recommend going back and listening to episode 188, as we explored Washington’s iconic pe...

Discover the volcanic heart of the Pacific Northwest as we begin the Fire and Ice RV road trip through Washington State’s iconic Cascade volcanoes. Stretching along the edge of the Pacific Ring of Fire, the Cascade Range is home to some of the most dramatic landscapes in North America with towering peaks built by fire and crowned with glaciers and snow. In this episode, we explore the powerful con...

I’m sharing my Top 10 RV gear essentials that have truly earned their place in my rig. From simple, practical tools that solve everyday campsite challenges to a few comfort-focused upgrades that add a touch of luxury, this list highlights the gear that makes RV life smoother, safer, and more enjoyable on the road. You’ll hear about equipment that helps you level quickly on uneven campsites, mainta...

Experience four-season RV travel in Sun Valley, Idaho, where mountain adventure meets small-town rhythm beneath the towering Sawtooth Mountains. In this episode, we roll into one of the Pacific Northwest’s most iconic basecamps for RVers and explore why Sun Valley is a year-round destination worth returning to again and again. From sunrise over Bald Mountain to golden evenings under wide Idaho ski...

If you’ve ever RVed in the Pacific Northwest, you know how the cold can sneak in during late-season hookups, foggy morning coffee walks, or packing up camp after sunset. In this episode of RV Out West, we dive into winter RV camping, sharing practical tips to stay warm, extend your camping season, and truly enjoy your time on the road. We explore the perks of winter RVing from fewer crowds, snow-c...

RVing with Joe is a familiar name for anyone who enjoys RV travel, road life stories, and practical insight from someone who actually lives it. Through his popular YouTube channel, RVing with Joe invites viewers along for real world RV adventures, covering everything from campground experiences and RV setups to travel routes and day to day life on the road. His content speaks to both seasoned RVer...

We sit down with Joanna from the Oregon chapter of Girl Camper to talk all about RVing in Oregon and what makes traveling throughout the state such a great experience. Joanna shares how she first got started as an RVer, what sparked her love for life on the road, and how RV travel has created opportunities for adventure, community, and lasting memories. We explore some of her favorite RV destinati...

There’s a moment that happens in the Pacific Northwest. You step outside, take a breath, and you’ll notice it. A mix of salt in the air and cool mountain freshness that feels grounding and familiar all at once. I was born and raised here, spent a decade away exploring the country and the world, and yet that feeling always pulled me back. Some places you visit. Others stay with you. This episode ex...

Living full time in an RV gives you a firsthand look at what works and what breaks on the road. In this episode you will hear from the couple behind Fair Winds RV , full-time RVers who share practical RV maintenance tips, advice for full-time RV living, and stories from their travels across the United States and the Pacific Northwest. From routine checks to preventing common breakdowns, they provi...