For Midland® ambassador, Brian Kruelle, off-roading is more than a hobby. It's an opportunity to explore new places, spend time outdoors, and experience the freedom that comes with the trail.
Based in Southern California, Brian has spent years building his passion for vehicles, photography, and off-road adventures. Along the way, reliable two-way radio communication has become a consistent part of his setup.
Now, with the Midland MXT295 PRO 15-Watt MicroMobile® GMRS Two-Way Radio, Brian is continuing his journey of staying connected while exploring beyond the payment.
Meet Midland Brand Ambassador Brian Kruelle
Brian's passion for vehicles started long before he found himself exploring mountain trails in his Toyota 4Runner.
Growing up, he was drawn to the import car scene, especially after watching "The Fast and the Furious" movies. After moving to Southern California, he eventually transitioned from import cars to off-roading, purchasing a Toyota Tacoma.
When Brian and his wife learned they were expecting twins, however, they realized they needed a vehicle with more room.
After trying out a friend's Toyota 4Runner, they knew it could be the right fit for their growing family. They eventually found their own 4Runner in Voodoo Blue, a color exclusive to that model year and trim.
Getting the vehicle home turned into an adventure of its own.
Just weeks before his twins were born, Brian flew to the East Coast to pickup the 4Runner. He and his brother then drove across the country, stopping in Tennessee, Colorado, Utah, and Mammoth, California, to explore off-road trails along the way.
Once they returned home, the 4Runner took on an even more important role: bringing Brian's newborn twins home from the hospital.
Outside of his adventures, Brian works as a professional architectural photographer in Southern California. His experience behind the camera has also influenced how he shares his passion for vehicles.
Today, Brian documents his off-road experiences, vehicle modifications, and adventures primarily through Instagram, combining his love for photography with his passion for the outdoors.
Exploring the Eastern Sierras Through Off-Roading and Overlanding
For Brian, off-roading isn't just about the vehicle or the trail. It's about the places the journey takes him.
While Southern California has plenty of off-road destinations, Brian consistently finds himself drawn to the Eastern Sierra Nevada mountains.
"I'm in the Sierras quite a bit, the Eastern Sierras. I would consider those my home mountains."
As an avid skier, Brian has been visiting Mammoth, California, since moving to the state. What started as a destination for winter recreation has become one of his favorite places for year-round outdoor adventures.
From skiing and hiking to mountain biking, fishing, camping, and off-roading, the Mammoth area offers countless opportunities to explore.
"Mammoth is 5 hours, but I would rather drive 5 hours than the three-hour drive to Big Bear."
The region's public lands and camping opportunities also make it a great destination for overlanding. With his 4Runner equipped for off-road travel, Brian can spend time exploring mountain trails and enjoying the outdoors.
Although desert trails are popular throughout Southern California, Brian prefers the mountains.
"I would rather be in the mountains. THat's really what heals my soul."
It's the connection to the outdoors that continues to inspire his adventures and the content he shares with other off-road enthusiasts.
Why Two-Way Radios Are Essential for Off-Road Adventures
Whether traveling through the Eastern Sierras or exploring unfamiliar trails, communication is an important part of off-roading.
For Brian, two-way radios have been part of his adventures from the beginning.
"I started using two-way radios pretty much right from the start, using some cheap radios I just got from the store."
As he spent more time off-roading, Brian began experimenting with different communication setups.
He eventually upgraded and began using Midland's MXT575 50-Watt MicroMobile GMRS Two-Way Radio.
"It's an amazing radio. The range throw is crazy on it."
For off-roaders and overlanders, reliable GMRS communication offers several advantages. Two-way radios make it easier to communicate between vehicles, coordinate trail movements, and stay connected when traveling beyond dependable cell service.
"You don't have cell phone coverage everywhere you go. When you're in the mountains, your cell phone will kick out pretty quickly. It's the same thing in the canyons."
Having a vehicle-mounted radio also provides a convenient way to communicate without relying solely on handheld devices.
As Brian's adventures and vehicle setup continued to evolve, so did the equipment he used on the trail
That progression eventually introduced him to the MXT295 PRO.
Upgrading Trail Communication With the Midland MXT295 PRO
After spending time with the MXT575, Brian had the opportunity to explore the Midland MicroMobile MXT295 RPo.
The MXT295 PRO adds another option to Midland's lineup of GMRS two-way radios, offering off-road enthusiasts a vehicle-mounted communication solution for their adventures. Equipped with 15 Watts of power, triple that of traditional handheld two-way radios, the MXT295 PRO comes with Midland's first-ever Fully-Integrated Wireless Bluetooth® Microphone, a hideaway radio unit, IP67 waterproof and dustrproof protection, and so much more.
For someone like Brian, who regularly travels through mountainous terrain and explores areas away from reliable cell service, having dependable communication equipment is an important consideration.
His experience with different radios, from basic handheld models to Midland's MicroMobile lineup, has given him firsthand knowledge of how communication needs can change over time.
"It's the perfect radio for off-roading. It's easy to use and I like not being tethered to the radio unit."
It's not just using the radio that's simple, but also the installation.
"It's incredibly plug and play. It's a great everyday radio."
As Brian continues exploring the Eastern Sierras, the MXT295 PRO represents the next step in his evolving off-road communication setup.
Staying Connected Wherever Adventure Leads
From his early days in the import car scene to exploring the mountains in his Toyota 4Runner, Brian's journey has always been fueled by his love for vehicles and the outdoors.
Whether he's photographing mountain landscapes, exploring new trails, or spending time with his family, his adventures continue to take him beyond the pavement.
With the MXT295 PRO as part of his communication setup, Brian is continuing to build on years of off-road experience while sharing his adventures with others.
Because wherever the trail leads, staying connected matters.
Share:
Two-Way Radios for Farming: Idaho Family's Generational Story