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Backpacker Radio

Backpacker Radio

Zach Davis

Hikertrash, Thruhiking, Continentaldividetrail, Julianachauncey, Thruhiker, Backpacker, Thetrek, Pacificcresttrail, Appalachiantrail, Wilderness, Hiking, Sports, Zachdavis, Backpacking

4.71.6K Ratings

Overview

From the Appalachian Trail to the Pacific Crest and everything in between. Backpacker Radio is a show all about the wonderful world that is thru-hiking and long distance backpacking. Co-hosts, Zach "Badger" Davis and Juliana "Chaunce" Chauncey muse on the backpacking life and the latest from the trail every other week. Topics include but are not limited to news, trail culture, interviews, gear, advice, and all you can eat buffets.

321 Episodes

The Rise and Fall of GoLite and Balancing Federal Budgets with Demetri "Coup" Coupounas

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by Demetri Coupounas, aka Coup, the founder of GoLite and MyTrail Company. Coup might just be the most interesting man in the world. This conversation takes us through his incredible journey, from his work balancing the federal budget in the '80s and '90s to becoming the first person to complete unsupported hikes of the Colorado Trail and the Long Trail, and how he stumbled upon the once underground world of ultralight backpacking.  We also dive into the history of GoLite, from its role in popularizing Ray Jardine’s ultralight designs to its meteoric rise with more than 20 retail stores nationwide—without taking any investor money—and its eventual downfall, leading to bankruptcy just a few years later. Coup shares the story of MyTrail Co, his follow-up venture, and how he applied the lessons learned from GoLite while stripping away what didn’t work, and how that eventually failed to achieve launch.  This episode is an insightful history lesson on GoLite and the world of ultralight backpacking, as well as a fascinating case study on business successes and failures.  We wrap up the show with a new 2-ounce device that could replace your Garmin InReach, what we consider a satisfactory number of steps in a typical day, and the ultimate Triple Crown of best smells. LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek. Gossamer Gear: Use code “BACKPACKER20” for 20% off packs at gossamergear.com.  [divider] Interview with Demetri “Coup” Coupounas Coup's Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:10:20 - Reminders: Join us for our live show in Austin, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon, and apply to vlog for the Trek! 00:12:40 - Introducing Coup 00:15:15 - What are your favorite backpacking Youtube channels? 00:16:25 - How did you get into politics? 00:28:10 - How fucked are we currently and what’s your take on DOGE? 00:34:44 - How did you get into backpacking? 00:42:00 - How would you walk a first time hiker through packing their backpack? 00:51:22 - Do you think fun correlates directly with the weight on your back? 00:53:40 - Why did you take on unsupported hikes? 00:56:35 - Are you pursuing novel experiences or challenging experiences? 00:59:30 - How do you decide what food to bring? 01:05:20 - Tell us about the early days of GoLite 01:10:30 - Did you ever make your own gear? 01:12:02 - Did you have a personal relationship with Ray Jardine? 01:14:55 - Was Ray an owner in the business? 01:17:17 - What were the biggest initial sellers? 01:21:15 - How much effort was involved in convincing people to go lighter? 01:27:02 - What were the first 12 products? 01:38:15 - What did your typical customer look like? 01:46:00 - What was the process of scaling GoLite? 01:55:00 - Why didn’t selling direct work well? 02:01:20 - What happened in 2013 and 2014? 02:10:00 - Why didn’t you seek investors when money was running out? 02:17:00 - Discussion about the transition to My Trail Co 02:20:24 - What do you keep from the business when going through bankruptcy? 02:26:12 - What is My Trail Co and did you raise as much money as you expected? 02:30:02 - How many products did you offer? 02:32:31 - When did My Trail Co go out of business? 02:38:16 - Why didn’t My Trail work? 02:42:45 - Did My Trail investors earn dividends? 02:45:00 - How much of the growth of the cottage industry was to blame? 02:53:07 - What are your plans for the future? 03:01:50 - Stay Salty Question: What is your hottest take in the backpacking world? Segments Trek Propaganda: Could This 2-Ounce Device Replace Your Garmin inReach? By Katie Jackson QOTD:  What is a satisfactory number of steps for your average day? Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee. Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.  Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Greg McDaniel, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Mud Tom, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.

Transcribed - Published: 3 February 2025

Making Gear for People with Boobs with Symbiosis Gear Founder Sarah Berkeley

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek and brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are joined by Sarah “Mellow” Berkeley, founder of Symbiosis Gear, a pack-making company designed specifically for people with boobs. Sarah shares insights into her unique upbringing in a small log cabin in rural Colorado, her adventures on the Long Trail, PCT, Colorado Trail, and half of the CDT, and her journey to creating a backpack tailored for primarily women. We dive into the inspiration behind her patented S-shaped shoulder strap, the challenges of starting a business with no prior industry experience, the help she’s received from fellow members of the cottage industry, her plans for future expansion, and much more.  We wrap the show with the announcement of the 2025 Badger Sponsorship, news of a hiker found dead near Mt. Whitney, a debate on when poop officially starts to smell like poop, and the Triple Crown of middle-aged happiness. Topo Athletic: Use code “TREKWINTER15” at topoathletic.com. Gossamer Gear: Use code “BACKPACKER20” for 20% off packs at gossamergear.com.  [divider] Interview with Sarah Berkeley New Symbiosis Gear Survey Symbiosis Gear on Instagram Symbiosis Gear Website Time stamps & Questions 00:05:15 - Reminders: Apply for the 2025 Badger Sponsorship, join us for our live show in Austin, apply to blog for the Trek, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon! 00:09:07 - Introducing Sarah 00:10:33 - What’s your trail name origin story? 00:11:32 - Tell us about building a log cabin with your family 00:16:27 - How did you end up on the Long Trail? 00:17:50 - Did you bring any simple recipes from the wood stove to backpacking? 00:18:30 - Are you happy your parents created that experience for you? 00:20:30 - Was it psychologically easy for you to adjust to backpacking? 00:22:30 - What was the motivation to move to Leadville? 00:26:20 - Walk us through the early stages of getting into backpacking 00:29:35 - How did you manage the Long Trail with a dog? 00:31:45 - What caused you to stick with thru-hiking? 00:34:35 - Did you solve any gear problems going from the Long Trail to the PCT? 00:37:06 - Were you crafty at that point? 00:40:15 - What do you customize for your packs? 00:43:55 - What does the S-strap do? 00:47:15 - Is chafing a common issue? 00:50:00 - Discussion about the pack design 00:52:27 - Are other brands making female-specific packs? 00:56:10 - What are some common sizing questions? 00:58:45 - Who is your ideal customer? 01:04:30 - What do you see as the next way to open up the product offering? 01:08:00 - Discussion about Chaunce’s bags 01:12:00 - When did the lightbulb for this pack go off for you? 01:14:28 - What’s been the most intimidating part of this effort to tackle? 01:17:05 - What is the fabric on the pack? 01:18:05 - What’s it like to go from being new to having some reviews to support the product? 01:20:00 - Did you hike with Double Dip? 01:21:54 - Did you have other CDT hikers using your pack? 01:23:30 - Are the packs coming from a manufacturer? 01:26:05 - Have you connected with other manufacturers in the cottage industry? 01:27:30 - Do you have investors? 01:28:40 - What other frustrations do you have with female gear? 01:31:35 - Peak Performance Question: What is your top performance enhancing hack? Segments Trek Propaganda:  Missing Hiker Found Dead on Mount Whitney by Katie Jackson REI Announces Mass Layoffs and an End to a Beloved Program by Katie Jackson The Best Backpacking Tents for Thru-Hiking in 2025 by the Editors QOTD:  At what point does poop actually start smelling like shit? Triple Crown of middle aged happiness Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee. Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.  Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Greg McDaniel, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Mud Tom, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.

Transcribed - Published: 27 January 2025

Thru-Hiking with 50-Year-Old Gear with Jared "Snackbox" Champion

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by Jared “Snackbox” Champion. Snackbox is s a hiker, father, and Youtuber who, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Colorado Trail, hiked it almost exclusively with 50 year old gear.  We talk about the process of sourcing this gear, the hardest items to acquire, the least backpacker-friendly items of the bunch, which gear hasn’t advanced as much, and how his appreciation for gear has changed in light of this experience. Jared also shares the story of bonding with his now-wife over their shared love of the Colorado Trail, life as a professor, managing ADHD on trail, and much more.  We wrap the show with a last call for Trek Vlogger applications, Chaunce and I share our take on cowboy (and cowgirl) camping, how thin a pancake can be before it's a crepe, and the triple crown of things we've changed our minds on. LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek. Gossamer Gear: Use code “BACKPACKER20” for 20% off packs at gossamergear.com.  Timeline: Get 33% off your first order at timeline.com/backpacker33. [divider] Interview with Jared “Snackbox” Champion Jared's Instagram Jared's Youtube Time stamps & Questions 00:05:10 - Reminders: Support us on Patreon, get tickets to our live show in Austin on April 17, and apply to vlog for the Trek! 00:07:45 - Introducing Jared 00:08:15 - What’s your trail name origin story? 00:09:50 - What’s your favorite dad joke? 00:10:14 - Tell us about your hiking resume 00:11:45 - Tell us about meeting your wife on trail 00:16:34 - Tell us about hiking the Dodson Loop in Big Bend 00:18:33 - Sell Zach on the Collegiate Loop 00:21:50 - Where did this CT hike idea come from? 00:24:30 - Discussion about being a professor 00:27:00 - Discussion about finding sponsors 00:30:55 - Discussion about choosing the shoes 00:32:30 - What pack did you use? 00:35:40 - What tent did you use? 00:38:00 - How did you determine what gear you could cheat on a bit? 00:41:30 - What sleeping bag did you use? 00:44:37 - What did you bring for apparel? 00:45:50 - What was the weight of your pack and how did your mileage change? 00:48:50 - What’s your overarching thesis about the hike? 00:52:45 - Do you appreciate ultralight gear more now? 00:55:12 - When does the documentary come out? 00:56:50 - How does ADHD interface with your backpacking experience? 01:03:07 - What fun Colorado Trail history facts do you have? 01:05:02 - Do you know what your next project will be? 01:07:30 - Do you think thru-hiking has curbed any negative symptoms of ADHD? 01:08:40 - Stay Salty Question: What’s your hottest take in the world of backpacking? Segments Trek Propaganda Be Honest. Do Any of You Actually Like Cowboy Camping? By Kelly Floro 12,000 Miles and Counting: Peg Leg’s Backpacking Gear That Survived the Triple Crown and Beyond by Peg Leg QOTD: How thin can a pancake be before it becomes a crepe? Triple Crown of things you’ve changed your mind on Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee. Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.  Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Greg McDaniel, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Mud Tom, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.

Transcribed - Published: 20 January 2025

Triple Crowning as a Family of 6, Parenting Teenagers on Trail, and Life Lessons with Vince & Georgie Strawbridge

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek and brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are joined by Vince and Georgie Strawbridge, one-third of the six-person thru-hiking family. We last caught up with the Strawbridges in early 2020, when they were freshly off their hike of the PCT. Since, they’ve conquered both the CDT and the AT, completing the Triple Crown as a full family.  We dive into the high and lowlights of these treks from the perspectives of Vince (dad) and Georgie (the youngest in the family). They share insights on navigating the CDT during COVID, overcoming multiple bouts of hypothermia, how one Strawbridge daughter managed to hike the CDT despite being severely anemic, why the AT ranked as their least favorite of the Triple Crown trails, hiking the AT as a group of seven (adding another kiddo for this one), some especially serendipitous instances of trail magic, and Vince’s unconventional—and hilarious—efforts to convince his wife, Monica, to take on another thru-hike, including a group therapy session with their friends.  We wrap the show with new of a job opening at Backpacker Radio, we ponder how far from a star you should be before it’s safe to stare, a FMK of places to get wet, a breakdown of how much more expensive it is to hike the AT these days, and the Triple Crown of human names that sound like they could double as state names. Topo Athletic: Use code “TREKWINTER15” at topoathletic.com. Gossamer Gear: Use code “BACKPACKER20” for 20% off packs at gossamergear.com.  [divider] Interview with Vince & Georgie Strawbridge Strawbridge Instagram Strawbridge Youtube Pretty Good at Walking by Vince Strawbridge Time stamps & Questions 00:05:34 - Reminders: Apply to join the BPR team or vlog for the Trek, get tickets to our live show in Austin on April 17, and support us on Patreon! 00:11:20 - Introducing Vince & Georgie Strawbridge 00:12:12 - How did Georgie break her leg? 00:13:18 - How old are all the kids now? 00:15:00 - How has your interest in hiking changed since you were last on the podcast? 00:16:06 - How do you feel about hiking as a kid? 00:18:49 - How did you find time to write the book? 00:25:25 - What did you learn through writing the book? 00:28:20 - Did Zach & Chaunce find parallels between hiking and writing? 00:32:20 - Now that you’re older, have you noticed hiking feeling different? 00:33:50 - How did you decide on the CDT next? 00:39:27 - How should Zach get his kids to like hiking? 00:43:40 - What was the result of the group referee sessions? 00:45:45 - What are some highlights of the first part of the trail? 00:48:35 - How did you manage the logistics after the first 400 miles? 00:51:00 - What was your dog encounter? 00:52:50 - How did you manage schooling on trail? 00:54:53 - What were some cool stories that overlapped with the trail? 00:59:40 - How does your homeschooling curriculum interact with applying to college? 01:03:10 - What do you want to do when you grow up? 01:04:10 - Tell us about the time you took too much Benadryl 01:07:35 - What was the tent breakup on the CDT? 01:09:22 - What was your level of enjoyment on the CDT? 01:10:30 - Did you notice your own growth between the trails? 01:11:27 - What’s the dynamic between you and your siblings? 01:14:20 - Tell us about the September storm 01:20:20 - Do you ever have meetings without Vince? 01:24:00 - Discussion about finding out June was anemic 01:26:50 - Were you hesitant to have June join you on the AT? 01:27:52 - How did you decide to go northbound on the AT? 01:29:17 - What was it like going from the CDT during covid to the AT northbound? 01:34:00 - How did you weigh the pros and cons of hiking as a large group? 01:38:20 - Did you get any negative comments online? 01:43:26 - Did it feel like you were in easy mode on the AT? 01:47:30 - Story about running out of food 01:49:50 - What was it like getting your first real trail magic experience? 01:54:40 - Did someone get trench foot on this hike? 01:55:30 - What was it like to reach the sign on Katahdin? 01:57:45 - How has the Triple Crown experience changed your kids? 02:01:30 - Would you want to be homeschooled again? 02:04:45 - Give us the highlights of the Great Divide Trail 02:08:15 - Who handles cold water better? 02:09:13 - What was it like navigating the fire season? 02:13:18 - Is the hitching culture different in Canada? 02:14:10 - Tell us about your plans for 2025? 02:16:39 - Peak Performance Question: What’s your top performance enhancing hack? Segments Trek Propaganda Is It Getting More Expensive To Thru-Hike the Appalachian Trail? by Kelly Floro Thru-Hiking With Eczema (and How My Body Surprised Me Along the Way) by Amanda Campbell QOTD: How far from a star must you be to be safe to stare? Triple Crown of (human) names that sound like they could be names of states Fuck Marry Kill: Places to get wet Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee. Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.  Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Greg McDaniel, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Mud Tom, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett A, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.

Transcribed - Published: 13 January 2025

Backpacker Radio LIVE with Kyle Hates Hiking: A New Trail Mystery, Shaving Jabba's Beard, and Kyle's Reddit Haters

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined yet again by Kyle O’Grady of Kyle Hates Hiking for our 2nd live podcast, recorded at the Skylark Lounge in Denver. This episode is action-packed. We kick off the episode by shaving Viking’s beard. The beard shaving is the ultimate entertainment,  we encourage you to check this one out on YouTube.  Kyle then shares an exclusive trail mystery about a local Colorado man who disappeared while pursuing another man who also vanished under mysterious circumstances. We also talk shop about YouTube, discussing how Kyle has grown his channel to over half a million subscribers, and he breaks down some of the most intriguing mysteries he’s covered in the past year. And we take some questions from the audience.  We wrap the show by debating the largest animal we could take in a fight, the Triple Crown of Euphemisms for Masturbating, acknowledging the ceiling’s butt plugs, and much more. LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek. Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com.  Sierra Club Outings: Use code “BACKPACKER” for $100 off at outings.sierraclub.org. Timeline: Get 33% off your first order at timeline.com/backpacker33. [divider] Interview with Kyle O’Grady Kyle's Instagram Kyle's Youtube Time stamps & Questions 00:07:00 - The Shaving of the Beard 00:19:20 - Reminders: Subscribe to our newsletter, get tickets to our live show in Austin on April 17, and support us on Patreon! 00:20:53 - Introducing Kyle 00:23:30 - What has led to the growth in your channel over the past year? 00:26:55 - Kyle’s new outdoors mystery 00:56:15 - How many trail mysteries have you covered thus far? What are the themes? 01:01:28 - What are the meanest things people say about you? 01:03:15 - Discussion about Youtube thumbnails and strategy 01:05:55 - Do you really hate hiking? 01:11:20 - A second trail story from Kyle! 01:21:25 - When are you hiking the CDT? 01:23:10 - How long does each portion of a Youtube video take? 01:27:30 - How did your PCT miles go this year? 01:31:55 - Should hikers prepare their own missing posters? 01:35:10 - What are your favorite ultralight jerk pro tips? 01:40:28 - What inspired you to start your Youtube channel? 01:45:00 - What’s your most popular video and why do you think that is? 01:46:35 - What is your most overrated ultralight luxury? 01:48:05 - Are you planning to hike the AZT? 01:49:35 - Discussion about desert hiking 01:52:25 - How do you keep your hobby separate from your job? 01:55:50 - Stay Salty Question: What’s your hottest take in the world of backpacking? Segments QOTD: What’s the largest animal you could beat in a fight? Triple Crown of euphemisms for masturbating Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee. Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.  Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Mud Tom, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.

Transcribed - Published: 6 January 2025

Thru-Hiking, Running an AT Hostel, and Living in a 300 Sq Ft Alaskan Cabin with Patrice & Justin La Vigne

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, we’re joined by Patrice and Justin La Vigne. Over the past decade-plus, Patrice and Justin have traded their corporate grind for, in their words, “a life less ordinary.” From their first thru-hike of the AT in 2011 (drink), to managing a hostel, embarking on multiple van tours to spread the thru-hiking gospel, thru-hiking the TA in New Zealand, and now living in a 300-square-foot cabin on the outskirts of Denali National Park in Alaska—they’ve done it all.  We dive into how they restructured their lives around adventure, what it’s really like living in a tiny cabin in remote Alaska, why moose are jerks, the challenges of thru-hiking with Crohn’s, and much more. We wrap the show with the story of a man accused of staging a bear attack to cover up a murder, what the funniest sounding fart is (and introducing Chaunce to the world of covering your farts), and the triple crown of New Year's Resolutions.  Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com.  CTDC: Donate $35 or more or sign up for monthly donations at cdtcoalition.org. PATH Projects: Use code “THETREK10”  for 10% off at pathprojects.com/thetrek. [divider] Interview with Patrice & Justin La Vigne Patrice & Justin's Website Patrice & Justin's Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:03:30 - Reminders: Support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content AND ad-free episodes and apply to be a 2025 blogger OR vlogger! And grab a ticket to our live show in Austin on April 17! 00:10:00 - Introducing Patrice and Justin La Vigne 00:11:00 - What was the inspiration to hike the AT in 2011? 00:14:25 - What’s the school experience like at ASU and Disney University? 00:19:53 - Tell us about your shakedown hike on the Long Trail 00:23:30 - Why did you decide to go southbound? 00:28:00 - What was your standout insect story on the AT? 00:31:37 - How did the AT lead to your “life less ordinary”? 00:34:20 - What other Disney skills did you carry over to running a hostel? 00:37:46 - At what point did you decide not to return to your careers? 00:48:17 - Which is more glamorous, the van or the hostel? 00:53:00 - How did you end up on the Te Araroa? 00:57:40 - What stood out about the people and culture of New Zealand? 01:01:10 - How long were you in New Zealand? 01:02:37 - What did you between the TA and your van tour? 01:07:30 - Is it more rewarding to travel around doing education than selling gear? 01:10:25 - Tell us about moving to a dry cabin in Alaska 01:18:04 - How do you handle not having running water? 01:22:10 - How do you manage the outhouse? 01:23:20 - What is the town like? 01:25:29 - What is the winter like? 01:29:10 - How do you prevent getting cabin fever in the winter? 01:31:00 - How do you get internet? 01:34:30 - Discussion about the yurt and Alaska amenities 01:35:40 - Have you climbed Denali? 01:44:00 - Discussion about Justin’s Crohn’s disease 01:46:02 - Tell us more about Crohn’s disease on the AT 01:48:32 - Discussion about carrying everything out on Denali 01:52:02 - Do you foresee returning to the corporate lifestyle? 01:54:02 - What’s the next chapter for you? 01:57:40 - Discussion about grizzly bears and moose 02:04:07 - Do you hear stories of people getting attacked? 02:06:58 - Where can people keep up with you? Segments Trek Propaganda: Man Accused of Staging Fake Bear Attack To Cover Up a Murder Has Been Arrested by Kelly Floro QOTD:  What is the funniest-sounding fart? Wedding Dress of the Week Triple Crown of New Year’s resolutions Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee. Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.  Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Mud Tom, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.

Transcribed - Published: 30 December 2024

Hiking the Calendar Year Triple Crown, Crashing a Motorcycle, and Cycling the Southern Tier Bicycle Route with Carson "Anita" Oliver

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, we are joined by Carson Oliver, known on trail as Anita. Carson is an accomplished thru-hiker, cyclist, and adventurer. Following up his 2019 PCT thru-hike, Carson completed the Calendar Year Triple Crown in 2023. We of course learn all about this remarkable trek, his circuitous route to make it happen, highlights and lowlights from each trail, and much more. Carson also shares some personal stories, including the tragic loss of his father, who was murdered, and how this has shaped his perspective on life. We wrap the show with news of the oldest woman to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail and a clarification of what it means to thru-hike the AT, and things we wish were holiday traditions, and the triple crown of cringy holiday moments. Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com.  Holiday Book Bundle: Get Badger & Chaunce’s signed book package here. CTDC: Donate $35 or more or sign up for monthly donations at cdtcoalition.org. Duer: Get 20% off your first purchase at shopduer.com/backpacker. [divider] Interview with Carson Oliver Carson's Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:03:30 - Reminders: Support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content and apply to be a 2025 blogger OR vlogger! 00:06:05 - Introducing Carson 00:08:45 - How would you describe yourself? 00:10:22 - Where did you grow up? 00:14:27 - Where do you suspect your sense of adventure came from? 00:16:15 - Did you ride motorbikes in Vietnam? 00:18:20 - Did you find the north to south journey to be dangerous? 00:20:40 - How did your father’s death influence your future adventures? 00:24:38 - How did the PCT interface with processing your grief? 00:26:00 - Tell us about hitting a deer at 75 miles per hour 00:31:20 - Were you afraid to get back on a bike after the accident? 00:36:36 - Tell us about getting your hiking gear in Vietnam 00:40:30 - What’d you get rid of during your hike? 00:41:12 - What was it like to hike through the Sierra during a high snow year? 00:45:00 - Was it hard to split your group in the Sierras? 00:47:40 - Were you happy or sad to reach the end of the snow? 00:49:30 - Tell us about biking across the country 00:53:00 - Were you nervous to mountain bike after the deer accident? 00:55:40 - How do you assess the risk level of mountain biking vs motorcycles? 00:57:22 - How long did your ride take and what route did you take? 01:01:20 - How did your biking experience compare to the PCT? 01:03:00 - Why’d you stop being vegan? 01:04:02 - What was the inspiration for the Calendar Year Triple Crown? 01:07:35 - When and where did you start the trail? 01:13:00 - Was leaving Vermont the first time Type 1 or Type 2 fun? 01:15:45 - Were you stressed out going through the Whites? 01:18:18 - Tell us about being on Franconia Ridge 01:22:40 - Did you sleep in the huts in the Whites? 01:23:30 - How did southern Maine compare to the Whites? 01:25:30 - How was completing the AT and moving to the next trail? 01:30:30 - Did you hike southbound on the CDT and PCT? 01:33:30 - What stories standout from the CDT? 01:35:50 - Did you use your umbrella more for rain or sun? 01:38:00 - Did you ever get the doldrums during your CYTC? 01:40:45 - Any good poop stories? 01:43:35 - What was it like hiking north on the PCT? 01:44:52 - Were you relieved to complete the Sierras? 01:48:15 - What was the highlight of your year? 01:51:05 - Do you have any advice for someone interested in the CYTC? 01:53:40 - Fuck Marry Kill: PCT, CDT, AT and backpacking, motorbiking, and mountain biking 01:55:15 - Kumo Question: What is your favorite historical period and why? Segments Trek Propaganda: Linda “Nana” Vanderloop Just Became the Oldest Woman To Thru-Hike the Appalachian Trail by Kelly Floro QOTD: What do you wish was a holiday tradition? Triple Crown of cringy holiday moments Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee. Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.  Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Mud Tom, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.

Transcribed - Published: 23 December 2024

Birds 101 with Alison Kondler: Bird Calls, Birding Tips, Bird Feeders, Myths, and More

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, we’re joined by Alison Kondler, an Audubon Master Birder—or as we like to call it, a certified bird guru. Alison wows us with her eerily accurate bird calls and shares her immense birding knowledge. We chat about the rarest birds you can spot in Colorado, the best apps for bird identification, why the American Ornithological Society (AOS) is renaming North American birds that are named after people, how to squirrel-proof your bird feeder, tips for turning your yard into a borderline bird sanctuary, and she finally settles the debate on whether birds are in fact government drones. If you’re a bird lover—or even bird curious—this episode is for you. We wrap the show with a lively debate about whether thru-hiking belongs in the Olympics, the triple crown of underrated wildlife, a former guest obliterating the Arizona Trail FKT, and a generous dose of shameless self-promotion. Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com.  Holiday Book Bundle: Get Badger & Chaunce’s signed book package here. Sierra Club Outings: Use code “BACKPACKER” for $100 off at outings.sierraclub.org. LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek. [divider] Interview with Alison Kondler Alison's Instagram Alison's Facebook Alison's TikTok Alison's Youtube Alison's LinkedIn Time stamps & Questions 00:03:30 - Reminders: Support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content and apply to be a 2025 blogger OR vlogger! 00:11:14 - Introducing Alison 00:11:50 - What is an Audubon Master Birder? 00:13:45 - What does someone do with this certification? 00:15:10 - Was your family very into birds? 00:16:07 - When did you first interact with birds? 00:17:10 - What’s the outcome of interacting with birds? 00:20:30 - How long did it take you for your calls to be indistinguishable from birds? 00:22:20 - Can you make other animal sounds? 00:25:19 - What are the most common birds you’ll hear in Colorado? 00:27:45 - What are the rarest birds you’ll hear in Colorado? 00:29:40 - Discussion about the common ages of birders 00:30:37 - What’s your take on the movie The Big Ear? 00:31:50 - How do you prove that you’ve seen all the birds you claim? 00:32:57 - What Colorado birds would people travel from out of state to see? 00:33:50 - What’s your take on pet birds? 00:34:17 - Which birds are the asshole birds? 00:35:44 - What’s the easiest bird call to teach to others? 00:37:40 - How do you pick the right bird feeder for your yard? 00:39:35 - On a scale of 1 to 10, where do you stand on squirrels? 00:41:45 - What is the prettiest bird call? 00:43:20 - Bird call trivia 00:45:35 - How do you get rid of woodpeckers on your house? 00:47:40 - What’s your view on crows? 00:49:30 - Are you familiar with bird folklore? 00:51:05 - Bird call trivia round 2 00:53:05 - Why is the American Ornithological Society changing the names of many birds? 00:57:55 - What’s some hot gossip in the bird world? 00:59:20 - What makes a good area to go birding? 01:00:45 - What are some fun facts about ducks? 01:02:10 - Fuck Marry Kill: Ducks, geese, swans 01:03:50 - Aside from Colorado, where else do you love to watch birds? 01:05:00 - What’s your best bird story? 01:07:00 - Discussion about rescuing birds 01:08:55 - What’s the best birding app? 01:10:30 - Are there any endangered birds in Colorado? 01:11:50 - Are there any organizations dedicated to preserving birds? 01:12:48 - Do you think there’s more to owls than meets the eye? 01:13:40 - Do you think birds might be drones? 01:15:10 - What makes the best bird ecosystem in your backyard? 01:16:47 - Discussion about European starlings 01:19:16 - What bird product is a total scam? 01:21:45 - Any good tips for hummingbird feeders? 01:23:58 - If you could pick one bird to fill the world with, which one would you pick? 01:24:20 - Do you have a strong stance on wind turbines? 01:25:30 - How can people minimize harm to birds in their yard? 01:26:30 - Tell us about your social media following 01:27:53 - What are the best flowers for hummingbirds? 01:29:20 - What are the most common questions you get on social media? 01:31:01 - Kumo Question: What is the strangest dream you’ve ever had? 01:32:32 - What upcoming events are you hosting? Segments Trek Propaganda Nick Fowler Decimates Fastest Known Time on the Arizona Trail by Katie Jackson The Backpacker and Hiker Gift Guide: Under $50 by the Editors QOTD: Should thru-hiking be an Olympic sport? Triple Crown of underrated wildlife Mail Bag (Wade’s Adventures) 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee. Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.  Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Mud Tom, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.

Transcribed - Published: 16 December 2024

Madison "Peg Leg" Blagden on the Eastern Continental Trail and the Pros and Cons of Trail Fame

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Madison Blagden, known on trail as Peg Leg. Peg Leg is a thru-hiking powerhouse and a Trek blogging all-star. Over the past 1.5 years, Madison has logged 8,600 miles while cranking out nearly 300 blogs, documenting almost every single day of her journeys on the Eastern Continental Trail and the CDT. Peg Leg dives deep into her epic ECT adventure, including how she became just the second woman to complete the entire trail. We get into the nitty-gritty of the International AT, dealing with creepy fellas in Florida, and the time she drank booze through her hiking sock. Madison also gives us the lowdown on her CDT hike this year, sharing a terrifying story of a near-death flash flood experience, what it’s like to be recognized on trail so often, and her big hiking plans for 2025. We wrap the show with a fuck marry kills of oceans rivers and lakes, the triple crown of genie wishes, and we're blessed with a wonderful listener poop story. Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com.  Holiday Book Bundle: Get Badger & Chaunce’s signed book package here. [divider] Interview with Madison “Peg Leg” Blagden Peg Leg's Trek Profile Peg Leg's Instagram Peg Leg's Youtube Time stamps & Questions 00:04:00 - Reminders: Support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content and apply to be a 2025 blogger! 00:09:00 - Introducing Peg Leg 00:09:50 - How many blog posts have you written for the Trek? 00:10:51 - What’s your process for blogging? 00:15:15 - What’s your preference between writing and videos? 00:16:00 - How did you end up on the PCT in 2017? 00:18:50 - What were some of your first time backpacking mistakes? 00:21:05 - Was it hard to get off in the middle of the trail? 00:23:20 - Discussion about going through the Sierra in 2017 00:25:30 - Tell us about doing the PCT in 2022 00:28:40 - How long did your IT band issue persist? 00:30:20 - How did your gear evolve from 2017 to 2022? 00:33:12 - Tell us about your initial hiking vision for 2023 00:36:00 - What were your first impressions of hiking in the east? 00:37:30 - Was it hard to incorporate blogging into your day during the hike? 00:41:00 - What stands out to you from your AT hike? 00:44:00 - Tell us about getting norovirus 00:46:02 - Discussion about trail magic 00:47:50 - What does it mean to be on time for the hunting season? 00:49:27 - How did you decide to do the international portion? 00:50:55 - How did you go from Katahdin to the Canadian border? 00:52:28 - Was it hard to go from hiking with people to hiking alone? 00:54:00 - Is there a FarOut map for the IAT? 00:56:00 - What were the towns like? 00:57:50 - You saw a hiker with a cat? 00:59:15 - You saw a Canadian lynx? 01:01:00 - Tell us about seeing a caribou 01:05:00 - Discussion about using ropes 01:06:35 - Reindeer facts 01:08:13 - Did you hike the IAT with a partner? 01:09:40 - What was your week off like in Canada? 01:11:16 - What’s your go to town meal? 01:12:45 - Tell us about the island hopping portion of the IAT 01:14:30 - How did the vibe of your hike change once you joined with more people? 01:17:00 - When did you decide to go back to do the Florida portion? 01:18:45 - Discussion about Peg Leg’s injury 01:19:50 - How long was the Canadian portion of the IAT and how long did it take you? 01:21:35 - When did you start the Pinhoti and when did you get to Key West? 01:24:30 - Discussion about road walking through Alabama 01:25:30 - Did you adjust to the road walking okay? 01:27:20 - Tell us about reaching the Florida Trail 01:29:00 - Tell us about being followed on the trail 01:40:50 - Is being trail famous a net positive or a net negative? 01:41:26 - What would you want to relay to any fans of yours? 01:46:20 - Do you have any advice for people who want to do their hike publicly? 01:48:24 - Tell us about falling in deep water on the Florida Trail 01:52:00 - How do you know if something is in the water or not? 01:55:45 - What should you do if you get attacked by an alligator? 01:58:50 - Did you see any scary animals? 02:00:28 - What was it like to finish in Key West? 02:01:48 - Tell us about doing a sock-ey at the end of your hike 02:04:02 - How did you feel at the end, and had you already planned to hike the CDT? 02:07:57 - Did anybody recognize you while you were off trail? 02:08:19 - How did you decide to go southbound on the CDT and find your group? 02:09:45 - Tell us about the beginning of the CDT 02:11:25 - What are your standout stories from the CDT? 02:12:30 - Tell us about your dicey moment in the Winds? 02:16:04 - How did your group fluctuate over the trail? 02:18:19 - Tell us about your flash flood moment on the CDT 02:25:55 - Was that the scariest moment of your thru-hiking career? 02:26:50 - Was the end of the CDT anticlimatic? 02:27:34 - What’s next for you? 02:30:12 - Are you excited about your future plans or nervous? 02:31:27 - Kumo Question: What is your favorite movie soundtrack? Segments Trek Propaganda: You’ll Kick Yourself if You Make Any of These Common Thru-Hiker Mistakes by Kelly Floro QOTD:  Fuck Marry Kill: Oceans, rivers, lakes Triple Crown of genie wishes Listener Voicemail (and leave us your own!) Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee. Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.  Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Mud Tom, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.

Transcribed - Published: 9 December 2024

Andrew Skurka 5.0: Smartphone Satellite Messaging, Assessing Skill Level for Guided Trips, and Being Childfree

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek we are joined once again by our pal and backpacking legend, Andrew Skurka. We cover a host of new subjects including the future of dedicated satellite communicators with smartphones introducing satellite texting capabilities, what he foresees for the fate of rain gear in light of the move away from PFAS, how the first season of guiding trips went in Yellowstone, his favorite backpacking destinations in each of the lower 48s four time zones, and he gives Chaunce a live, in-person questionnaire to match her with the appropriate backpacking route, like an old school Facebook quiz. We're also joined by Andrew's wife, Amanda, and we chat about more relationship and personal topics like what it's like for your spouse to be in the backcountry for several months of the year, the challenging decision between having kids or not, the benefits of a DINK lifestyle, and much more. This is a wide-ranging conversation, from technical backpacking subjects to more intimate, personal topics, and I think and hope you'll really enjoy it.  We wrap the show with how one unlucky hiker realized Badger's near fate of being wedged between boulders for several hours in pursuit of her phone, our biggest low stakes conspiracy theories, Chaunce ran a marathon, and the triple crown of cocktails. Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com.  LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek. Trailbrush: Use code “TREK20” for 20% off trailbrush.com.  [divider] Interview with Andrew Skurka Skurka's Website Skurka's Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:02:50 - Reminders: Help us make Jabba shave his beard, support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content, join us in Denver on December 7th and apply to be a 2025 blogger! 00:08:52 - Introducing Skurka 00:10:10 - What’s your take on PFAS leaching from GoreTex? 00:16:07 - Do you sleep with your food? 00:19:39 - What are your thoughts on bear canisters on the AT? 00:20:20 - How were the first trips out of Yellowstone? 00:23:22 - Discussion about fitness level on Skurka’s trip applications 00:26:56 - Chaunce’s sample application 00:32:51 - If you had one week to backpack in each of the four time zones in the lower 48, where would you go and why? 00:40:00 - Discussion about birds 00:45:20 - What are Skurka’s other hobbies? 00:48:06 - What are the top three shoes to get you through a year? 00:52:35 - Pacific Time zone backpacking 00:53:30 - Do you have any trips in the Cascades or Olympics next year? 00:54:50 - How experienced do you have to be to do the Wind River High Route? 00:59:58 - Best toilet paper alternatives 01:05:50 - What was your reaction when you first learned about the backcountry bidet? 01:06:45 - How much do you backpack together? 01:12:00 - How did you two meet? 01:19:00 - Discussion about Skurka’s risk tolerance 01:21:38 - What’s Amanda’s perspective on satellite communication from home? 01:23:55 - How many days would Amanda want Andrew to be traveling? 01:25:44 - Do you foresee phasing yourself out of the guiding trips? 01:27:00 - Discussion about relationship dynamics 01:32:05 - What’s your take on iPhones’ new satellite texting feature? 01:40:00 - What’s a new Skurka hot take? 01:45:50 - What happened with GoLite? 01:53:40 - How did you decide not to have kids? 02:01:05 - What are the advantages of a DINK lifestyle? 02:12:50 - What advice would you give to someone trying to decide whether to have kids? 02:18:58 - What trips are open for 2025? 02:21:00 - Which of your guides do you want to shout out? 02:26:05 - Do you still have the scholarship program? 02:36:35 - What signature trips are offered in 2025? 02:30:10 - Kumo Question: What is the one skill you wish you had mastered? What’s the weirdest job you ever had? Segments Trek Propaganda Hiker Trying To Retrieve Dropped Phone Spends 7 Hours Wedged Upside Down in a Crevice by Katie Jackson CDT Thru-Hike Stats: Showers Make Thru-Hikers Sad and Other Data-Driven Insights From the Trail by Katie Jackson QOTD:  What’s your biggest low-stakes conspiracy theory? Stupid Thing of the Week Triple Crown of cocktails Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee. Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.  Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Mud Tom, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, and Ruth S.

Transcribed - Published: 2 December 2024

Katie "Double Dip" Jackson on Hiking the CDT as Her First Triple Crown Trail

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by thru-hiker and Trek Writer, Katie Jackson, known on trail as Double Dip. Katie gives us an in depth breakdown of her recent thru-hike of the Continental Divide Trail, including why she advocates that hikers not take the Creede cutoff, her experience of a wild storm so intense that lightning struck and killed nearby cows, the challenge of losing her hiking partner early on, hiking on an injured foot for hundreds of miles- and how it was miraculously healed in some hot springs, waking up to grizzles in her camp, and much more. Katie also gives some of her backpacking hot takes, including how the Colorado Trail is superior to the JMT. We wrap the show with whether it'll be possible to thru-hike the AT in 2025, the incredible phenomenon that is Frito feet, my new depressing thing of the week, and the triple crown of places where a long trail should exist. Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com.  Trailbrush: Use code “TREK20” for 20% off trailbrush.com.  [divider] Interview with Katie “Double Dip” Jackson Katie's Trek author page Katie's Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:02:46 - Reminders: Help us make Jabba shave his beard, support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content, join us in Denver on December 7th and apply to be a 2025 blogger! 00:07:55 - Introducing Katie 00:08:40 - What’s your outdoors origin story? 00:11:15 - What’s your 9 to 5? 00:14:24 - Would you recommend consulting to people interested in thru-hiking? 00:16:05 - How does your engineering brain manifest while hiking? 00:18:37 - Did you plan anything on the Colorado Trail that you did not plan for the CDT? 00:19:30 - How many boxes did you send yourself on the CDT? 00:21:35 - What other regrets do you have from hiking the Colorado Trail? 00:27:07 - How did your eating strategy evolve over the CT? 00:31:00 - Discussion about the Cochetopa section of the CT 00:36:12 - What led you to the John Muir Trail in 2023? 00:38:02 - Which trail is better between the CT and JMT? 00:40:00 - Why didn’t you love the Winds? 00:41:18 - Was your dad okay with you doing the CDT in 2024? 00:42:10 - Did you ever have any issues with satellite messages not going through? 00:43:35 - How was New Mexico? 00:44:40 - Tell us about losing your hiking partner early on 00:49:54 - Would you feel comfortable starting the CDT alone now? 00:52:45 - How was the water in New Mexico? 01:02:45 - How would you rate New Mexico 1 out of 10? 01:05:00 - How much snow did you encounter? 01:08:10 - When did you use your ice axe? 01:10:30 - Were most people getting beaten up? 01:14:30 - What advice do you have to avoid silly mistakes? 01:18:35 - What were your top 5 snacks? 01:21:20 - Discussion about Katie’s backpack 01:23:25 - Tell us about the next stretch of trail and your foot injury 01:26:45 - What was the diagnosis from the doctor? 01:28:35 - Story about stopping in Granby 01:33:00 - How did your foot eventually heal? 01:35:40 - Tell us about taking the cutoff around Rocky Mountain National Park 01:36:50 - If you did the CDT again, would you do any different alternates? 01:38:45 - Did you experience judgment because you hadn’t done another long trail before? 01:42:00 - Discussion about unsolicited advice 01:43:30 - How was the mental aspect of the trail compared to your expectations? 01:45:00 - Tell us about Wyoming and adding whimsy to the trail 01:48:25 - Why didn’t you love the Winds? 01:49:27 - Tell us about the Idaho-Montana border 01:51:50 - Would you do the trail again SOBO? 01:53:05 - Tell us about almost getting hit by lightning 02:01:20 - What was the best trail magic of the CDT? 02:05:05 - Tell us about the Montana section 02:06:37 - How did you manage your long distance relationship? 02:08:10 - Did Montana meet your expectations? 02:11:50 - Did you see any grizzlies? 02:14:47 - What was it like to get to the terminus? 02:17:36 - Kumo Question: What is your favorite book and why? 02:20:17 - Where can people follow you? Segments Trek Propaganda Will It Even Be Possible To Thru-Hike the AT in 2025? by Kelly Floro Why I’m NEVER Hiking in a Dress Again by Kelly Floro QOTD:  Do you know about Frito feet? Depressing Thing of the Week Triple Crown of where a long trail should be Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee. Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.  Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Mud Tom, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, and Ruth S.

Transcribed - Published: 25 November 2024

Bennett "Jolly" Fisher, Founder of Jolly Gear, on Triple Crowning and the Evolution of His Signature Shirts

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we’re joined by Bennett “Jolly” Fisher, the founder and visionary behind Jolly Gear. We learn all about Jolly's entry into backpacking, including his first thru-hike at just 18 years old alongside his dad, hiking 300 miles of the PCT on a broken ankle, and some hilariously embarrassing Jabba stories from their recent hike on the CDT. We, of course, dive deep into his apparel company, Jolly Gear, and how he's flipped the thru-hiking fashion world on its head with his unique sun hoodie button-downs. We chat about the biggest challenges associated with running an apparel business, how a misunderstanding lead to his early signature design, how he manages the business while backpacking, his process for sourcing new designs, and much more. We close the show with the triple crown of cringeworthy things, a discussion of what should be free but isn’t, an impromptu drop-in from Jabba, and an AT conditions update courtesy of Quadzilla. Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com.  LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek. Trailbrush: Use code “TREK20” for 20% off trailbrush.com.  [divider] Interview with Bennett “Jolly” Fisher Jolly Gear Website Jolly Gear Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:02:50 - Reminders: Help us make Jabba shave his beard, support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content, join us in Denver on December 7th and apply to be a 2025 blogger! 00:08:00 - Introducing Jolly 00:12:38 - We Love Love: Tell us your engagement story 00:16:05 - What was your entry into backpacking? 00:21:20 - Did you consider quitting early on in the AT hike? 00:23:00 - What was your social experience like on the AT? 00:24:15 - How’d you get your trail name? 00:27:00 - Has your dad hiked again since the AT? 00:28:30 - How did your parents support you starting out on the PCT? 00:30:15 - At what point did you get into shirt research? 00:33:00 - How far did you get on the PCT in 2017? 00:34:00 - Why’d you get off the trail in 2017? 00:39:10 - Tell us about your foot injury in 2021 00:45:42 - Are you still adjusting your footwear? 00:50:13 - At what point did you first want to design a hiking shirt? 00:53:00 - Discussion about the Outdoor Product Development program 00:56:14 - Did your first shirt have your signature design? 01:01:12 - Do you get good feedback about having women’s sizes? 01:02:00 - Was there anything functionally different between your prototype and what was on the market? 01:05:09 - How did the style evolve? 01:11:00 - Are all the shirts the same UPF? 01:12:23 - What material is the shirt? 01:15:23 - Have you ever thought about making shorts? 01:19:40 - What’s your day to day like? 01:21:40 - Do you have a vision for where you want the brand to be in 5 years? 01:24:54 - Are you planning to ever use the snap buttons? 01:27:00 - Discussion about pursuing a denim shirt 01:29:50 - How do you decide on future patterns? 01:30:54 - What’s the biggest challenge of your job? 01:32:43 - Have you seen other brands imitating some of your patterns? 01:34:50 - What’s the best Jabba story you have? 01:44:40 - Kumo Question: What is the one thing you wish you were better at? 01:47:13 - What’s next for you? Segments Trek Propaganda:  Trek for Trevor: Get 20% off a pair of microspikes before you hike through the San Jacinto Mountains on the PCT.  Jack “Quadzilla” Jones: On-the-Ground Hurricane Helene Status Update and 2025 Predictions by Kelly Floro QOTD:  What should be free but isn’t? Triple Crown of cringy things Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee. Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.  Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Mud Tom, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, and Ruth S.

Transcribed - Published: 18 November 2024

Poop in the Backcountry: Wag Bags, Cat Holes, and Statistics with Shari Edelson

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Shari Edelson. Shari is a PhD student researching human impacts in wilderness areas, specifically the impacts of human dookie in the backcountry. We chat about in which circumstances wagbags are warranted, the challenges with compliance when they are, when it's perfectly okay to bury your shit, and how future conservation efforts should be allocated to making this easier to understand for hikers. We also chat about Shari's thru-hike of the TA and are blessed with some plant fun facts, stemming from their background as a horticulturist. We wrap the show with how to score the most competitive long trail permits in 2025, if farts are pushing out poop or if poop is pushing out farts, and the triple crown of things that happen all the time but no one sees. Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com.  Duer: Get 20% off your first purchase at shopduer.com/backpacker. [divider] Interview with Shari Edelson Shari's Trek author page Shari’s email: [email protected] Time stamps & Questions 00:02:27 - Reminders: Support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content, join us in Denver on December 7th and apply to be a 2025 blogger! 00:07:00 - Introducing Shari 00:08:05 - What’s the coolest plant fact you know? 00:11:30 - Do you have a favorite house plant? 00:13:16 - Tell us about your career managing public landscapes and gardens 00:16:40 - Is there a different soil type for a vegetable garden versus an arboretum? 00:17:40 - What tips do you have for someone who wants to start a vegetable garden? 00:20:20 - Tell us about hiking the Te Araroa in 2023 00:24:15 - What’s your elevator pitch for hiking northbound on the Te Araroa? 00:27:15 - Discussion about Shari blogging for the Trek on the TA 00:28:40 - What’s your background in studying poop? 00:35:00 - What were your interviews like on Longs Peak? 00:37:22 - Do people poop on day hikes? 00:42:22 - What did you learn about how many people were burying it? 00:46:20 - Discussion about the usage of wag bags 00:52:00 - What do you know about mycelium tabs? 00:55:06 - What was the conclusion of the Mt. Elbert study? 00:57:40 - Would it be feasible to have maps of poop zones? 00:59:37 - Has this been evaluated on backpacking trails? 01:02:40 - What’s the next phase of the study? 01:04:20 - Discussion about where to carry out wag bags 01:06:53 - What do you want the listener’s take away to be? 01:10:15 - Kumo Question: If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Segments Trek Propaganda: How To Score 9 of the Most Competitive US Hiking Permits in 2025 by Ariella Nardizzi QOTD:  Are farts pushing out poop or is poop pushing out farts? Triple Crown of things that happen all the time but no one sees Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee. Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.  Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Old Man Murph’s Coffee Roasters, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, and Ruth S.

Transcribed - Published: 11 November 2024

Tara Dower on Her Appalachian Trail FKT, Falling 200+ Times, and Her Crew

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we're joined by Tara Dower, the new holder of overall Fastest Known Time on the Appalachian Trail. Tara gives us the low down on every aspect of her recent record-breaking trek, including how she fell wildly behind pace after the first two states, her nutrition, her sleep habits (or lack thereof), how vital her crew was in her success, the criticism she's faced for "hiking too fast", running a 100-mile race just a few weeks prior to the attempt, and much more. Tara also goes into more depth on her backpacking and FKT background and we subject her to a pair of brutally awkward fornicate, marry, kill questions. Fun times all around.   We wrap the show with our triple crown of guilty pleasure songs, a stupid thing of the week (Zach hurts himself again), and the most unrealistic thing we thought we could be when we were kids. Raise $10,000 and the Real Hiking Viking Will Do the Unthinkable… Topo Athletic: Use code “THETREK15” at topoathletic.com. Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com.  LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek. [divider] Interview with Tara “Candy Mama” Dower Tara's Instagram Tara's Website Tara's Youtube Time stamps & Questions 00:05:55 - Reminders: Support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content, join us in Denver on December 7th and apply to be a 2025 blogger! 00:07:55 - Introducing Tara 00:09:29 - Are you still recovering? 00:10:45 - What mantras did you have? 00:13:00 - What was your origin story in the outdoors? 00:17:12 - When did you decide to pursue the Mountains to Sea Trail FKT? 00:19:00 - Did you impress yourself at that moment? 00:21:30 - Tell us about getting off the AT because of anxiety 00:23:05 - How do you manage anxiety during an FKT attempt? 00:24:25 - Were you tough growing up? 00:26:45 - What inspired you to want to continue pursuing FKTs? 00:29:55 - Tell us about the John Muir Trail 00:31:20 - What part of running do you dislike the most? 00:32:30 - Tell us about the Benton MacKaye Trail FKT 00:34:40 - Tell us about the Colorado Trail FKT 00:36:20 - Discussion about support classifications 00:40:25 - How do you deal with critics? 00:44:30 - How did the Colorado Trail change your outlook on future FKTs? 00:46:00 - When did you decide to go after the AT FKT? 00:48:38 - Did you initially plan to beat the overall record? 00:50:08 - Were you intimidated by others who tried and failed to beat the record? 00:51:30 - Did you notice a transition in social media as you were running? 00:55:18 - Why did your anxiety influence which direction you went? 00:57:20 - How long before you started was the Hard Rock? 01:00:00 - What was it like going through Mahoosuc Notch at FKT pace? 01:01:44 - Tell us about being behind pace at first 01:05:27 - How did your crew chief motivate you? 01:07:03 - Did you ever disagree about decisions? 01:08:00 - How much of a trail was solo or with a pacer? 01:09:50 - What was your adjustment like after the FKT? 01:12:45 - How has your nutrition changed over the years? 01:18:55 - Did you have any near injuries? 01:19:40 - Can you pinpoint a low moment? 01:23:30 - Did you hallucinate? 01:26:45 - Tell us about your average mileage and sleep during the FKT 01:30:40 - Is Rascal’s position a paid position? 01:31:34 - Did you have any paid sponsorship during this run? 01:32:26 - When did you know you had it? 01:35:02 - Did you conceptualize how big of a deal it was going to be? 01:36:35 - Tell us about raising money for Girls on the Run 01:38:20 - Fuck Marry Kill: thru-hiking, FKTs, ultraracing 01:39:31 - Fuck Marry Kill: Outside Magazine, Washington Post, The Trek 01:40:34 - Kumo Question: What’s something you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t had the courage to do yet? Segments Trek Propaganda: Tara Dower Sets Overall Fastest Known Time on Appalachian Trail by Kelly Floro QOTD:  What is the most unrealistic thing you thought you could be when you were a kid? Stupid Thing of the Week Triple Crown of guilty pleasure songs Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee. Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.  Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Old Man Murph’s Coffee Roasters, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, and Ruth S.

Transcribed - Published: 4 November 2024

The Real Hiking Viking & Lt. Cookoo Bird on Bikepacking Across Iceland, Patagonia, and the Ragbrai

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are joined by Jabba and Lt Cookoo for another BPR classic. This one, in expected fashion, is all over the map. We start by getting a brief update of what Cookoo has been up to since his last appearance on the show followed by a more detailed update from Jabba, primarily about a once-in-a-lifetime bikepacking trip through Iceland, a trip that nearly robbed his soul in the best and worst way possible. We then dive into a QA format, including the top advice they'd give to themselves before their first backpacking trip, their favorite treks that take one month or less, the best stories from the trails they've hiked together, the inevitable point at which they butt heads and much more. The boys stick around for segments, which is also predictably weird. We provide our wiping techniques in alarming detail, the triple crown of things a dentist can say but not a gynecologist, and Viking gives Chaunce wedding advice.  Topo Athletic: Use code “THETREK15” at topoathletic.com. Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com.  Duer: Get 20% off your first purchase at shopduer.com/backpacker. [divider] Interview with Jabba & Lt. Cookoo Bird Jabba's Instagram Cookoo's Instagram Backpacker Radio #194 | Bruce “Lt. Cookoo Bird” Lynn on the Sierra High Route, Wind River High Route, Hayduke, Biking Across the Country, and More Time stamps & Questions 00:04:45 - Reminders: Support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content, join us in Denver on December 7th and apply to be a 2025 blogger! 00:07:47 - Introducing Jabba & Lt. Cookoo Bird 00:09:30 - Is Jabba still sober? 00:11:35 - Zach & Jabba’s fantasy football punishments 00:14:50 - What adventures has Cookoo done in 2024? 00:18:50 - Cookoo’s self-arresting technique 00:20:15 - Cuckoo on the Teton Crest Trail 00:21:54 - Cookoo’s mountaineering 00:23:19 - What adventures has Jabba done in 2024? 00:28:20 - Why don’t comfier bike seats exist? 00:33:30 - Jabba hiking the other half of the CDT 00:39:01 - Jabba’s Ragbrai trip 00:47:20 - Jabba’s Iceland trip introduction 00:50:30 - Iceland route description 00:52:54 - Jabba’s (lack of) trip preparation 00:59:00 - How did you get your bike to Iceland? 01:00:00 - Iceland’s singletrack trail difficulty 01:04:00 - Jabba’s mindset while biking 01:06:15 - End of Day 1 01:08:55 - Day 2 01:12:38 - How much were you walking your bike versus riding your bike? 01:16:07 - Is it Type 2 fun? 01:19:45 - End of Day 2 01:24:20 - Discussion about hiking in sand 01:31:05 - Going back to get the AirPods 01:34:35 - Day 3 01:42:49 - What would you do differently if you did this trip again? 01:45:00 - Getting to the end location of Day 3 01:49:35 - Day 5 01:58:24 - End of Day 5 02:02:50 - Have you been in contact with Chris since the trip? 02:04:30 - What’s the best one month or shorter hike you’ve ever done? 02:13:31 - If you could go back in time to your first thru-hike, what would you do differently? 02:16:46 - How do you figure out footwear faster? 02:22:16 - What is your best story about the other story? Segments Trek Propaganda: “I Just Had To Skip So Many Miles”: How 2024 PCT Thru-Hikers Are Adapting to Fires and Trail Closures by James Townsend QOTD:  Does your butt stay on the toilet seat when you wipe? Triple Crown of things a dentist can say, but not a gynecologist Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee. Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.  Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Old Man Murph’s Coffee Roasters, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, and Ruth S.

Transcribed - Published: 28 October 2024

Northville Placid Trail: 138 miles Through New York’s Adirondack Park

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to by LMNT, we are breaking down our recent hike of the Northville Placid Trail. Chaunce, Elise, and yours truly recently set out south from Lake Placid to trek as much of the trail as we could in a 5-day period. Spoiler alert- I was forced off trail first, Chaunce did the full thing, Elise split the difference between the two of us. We give you a day by day breakdown of our trek, including a not so fun first day, a family fight on day two featuring a midday meltdown, our favorite moments from the trail (like an epic campsite off Long Lake) and much more. We also give you the rough and dirty on the NPT, including the distance, elevation gain, resupply options, terrain, water, etc yatta yatta. We wrap the show with the triple crown of John Travolta movies, whether we'd prefer the perfect stick or the perfect rock, and a one-minute gear review! LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek. Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com.  Hikerkind: Use code “BPR15” for 15% off at hikerkind.com. [divider] Panel with Zach, Chaunce, and Elise Chaunce's Instagram Badger's Instagram Elise's Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:05:00 - Reminders: Support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content, join us in Denver on December 7th and apply to be a 2025 blogger! 00:09:40 - Introducing the NPT Panel 00:11:30 - Northville Placid Trail basics 00:13:30 - Hiking direction 00:15:05 - Day 1 of hiking 00:27:00 - Night 1 00:32:55 - Bugs, darkness, and mileage 00:42:30 - Day 2 00:47:45 - The family fight 00:58:00 - Night 2 01:02:15 - Day 3 01:06:40 - Zach’s incident 01:11:05 - Odds games 01:22:02 - Zach’s second incident 01:23:40 - Getting off trail 01:27:05 - Night 3 01:32:13 - Day 4 01:51:25 - Zach’s day 4 01:54:00 - Day 5 01:59:55 - Elise’s weird encounters 02:08:20 - Zach’s day 5 02:10:45 - Stay Salty: If you could turn any everyday activity into an Olympic sport, what would you win gold in? Segments QOTD: Would you rather find the perfect stick or the perfect rock? Triple Crown of John Travolta Movies One Minute Gear Reviews Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/. Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.  Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Dayne, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bonnie Ackerman, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Joann Menzer, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, and Ruth S.

Transcribed - Published: 21 October 2024

James Appleton on Hiking and Peakbagging in the Adirondacks

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by James Appleton. James is a walking encyclopedia on all things Adirondacks, hosting a podcast dedicated to the park, having authored a book about its lore, and he serves as a hiking guide throughout the region. James gives us the rundown on these rugged 46ers, including superlatives like his favorite, the most underrated, the most overrated, and the best for beginners. He also provides a primer on the Northville-Placid Trail, shares the best and worst times to experience the park, and offers an overview of the Lake Placid 9’er, a challenge he created. James also gives us the lowdown of how awkward it is to be on a film set during a sex scene.  We wrap up the show with the news of Hurricane Helene's historic destruction throughout the southern Appalachias, and how people can contribute to the relief and recovery efforts, the triple crown of commercials (including how our editor's dad is the commercial GOAT), whether you'd rather find cockroaches or a body in your attic, and the full rundown of going to Buffalo for the MNF Bills game. LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek. Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com.  Hikerkind: Use code “BPR15” for 15% off at hikerkind.com. Duer: Get 20% off your first purchase at shopduer.com/backpacker. [divider] Interview with James Appleton James' Instagram 46 Outdoors Co Website Seek To Do More Website Time stamps & Questions 00:06:15 - Reminders: Join us in Denver on December 7th! Apply to be a 2025 blogger and support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content! 00:12:05 - Introducing James 00:12:53 - What was your introduction to the outdoors? 00:15:27 - What are the hot spots in Lake Placid? 00:18:05 - Tell us about the Blue Line Bakery 00:20:00 - Tell us about working in the film industry 00:23:00 - What’s the coolest movie you’ve worked on? 00:24:30 - Tell us about working on a sex scene 00:27:25 - Is it difficult to hike peaks with a lot of muscle on your upper body? 00:31:30 - Discussion about Adirondack hiking culture 00:36:20 - What are the most common 46ers to start off with? 00:38:35 - Do you need map and compass skills? 00:40:31 - Tell us about the Lake Placid 9er 00:42:20 - What led you into losing weight and how did it work for you? 00:44:57 - What was your guilty pleasure snack? 00:46:30 - Was it hard to workout while cutting carbs out? 00:48:27 - What are the highlights of the Northville Placid Trail? 00:53:00 - Discussion about James’ podcast 00:54:42 - What equipment do you bring onto the trail for recording audio? 00:56:00 - Do you have free time? 00:59:41 - What goes into becoming a guide? 01:02:03 - What are your favorite peaks to hike? 01:04:00 - Which peaks do people put off hiking? 01:05:00 - What’s the best peak for beginners? 01:06:15 - What are some underrated mountains that are not 46ers? 01:07:00 - What peak have you done the most? 01:08:00 - What’s the wet season in the Adirondacks? 01:09:40 - What are the shelters like on the NPT? 01:12:20 - When should people visit the Adirondacks if they had any week of the year? 01:13:35 - When are hikers normally done with the NPT by? 01:16:00 - Discussion about bugs 01:18:06 - Do you have plans to hike in other areas? 01:21:15 - Tell us about your upcoming book 01:22:40 - Can you give us a quick campfire story? 01:26:31 - Stay Salty Question: What’s your outdoors hot take? 01:28:00 - Where can people keep up with you? Segments Trek Propaganda: Want To Help AT Communities Recover From Hurricane Helene? Here’s How by Kelly Floro QOTD: Which would you rather find living in your attic, 1000 roaches or a person? Triple Crown of commercials Mail Bag 5 Star Review Road Trip Update [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee. Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.  Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Dayne, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bonnie Ackerman, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Joann Menzer, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, and Ruth S.

Transcribed - Published: 14 October 2024

Allmansright Founders Jen Jacobsson-Melo & Livio Melo on Making Ultralight Gear in the Bronx

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by Jen Jacobsson-Melo & Livio Melo, co-founders of Allmansright, an ultralight gear company located in the Bronx. We learn all about their humble beginnings, including when Allmansright's gear was made in the corner of their 500-square-foot apartment, how a serendipitous run in with a fellow backpacker in Colorado's backcountry led to their first pre-order, how they've scaled up their operation, what it's like running a gear shop in the Bronx, where they draw inspiration for their designs, other small cottage brands doing interesting and good work from around the world, and much more.  We wrap the show with what the contents of our body and blood would be, the triple crown of the worst places to have raging diarrhea, and some teasers from our Northville Placid Trail Hike. LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek. Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com.  Hikerkind: Use code “BPR15” for 15% off at hikerkind.com. Katabatic Gear: Use code “BPR15” for 15% off at katabaticgear.com. [divider] Interview with Livio & Jen allmansright Instagram allmansright Website REI Founders Story Time stamps & Questions 00:04:55 - Reminders: Join us in Denver on December 7th! Apply to be a 2025 blogger and support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content! 00:07:55 - Introducing Jen & Livio 00:08:45 - What is allemansrätten? 00:10:50 - Tell us about moving to the US from the Dominican Republic 00:12:32 - What is the outdoor culture like in the Dominican Republic? 00:14:20 - Do you prefer being in the Dominican Republic or the US? 00:18:55 - What was the journey to you starting to make your own gear? 00:22:20 - How did you know how to make items? 00:24:00 - Tell us about your trip to Colorado 00:25:50 - How did you make gear in your 500 sq foot apartment? 00:30:30 - How do you balance gear orders with regular life? 00:31:35 - Tell us about going to design school 00:35:00 - What other gear companies serve as inspiration for you? 00:41:00 - What piece of gear are you most proud of? 00:43:40 - Do you have any plans to make a larger version of the pack? 00:45:00 - Discussion about the Krafs Stuff Sack 00:49:00 - Do you have any plans to break into the shelter space? 00:50:00 - Tell us about your shop in the Bronx 00:51:30 - Tell us about the hiker community in NYC 00:53:30 - What are some of the cool hiking opportunities near New York City? 00:57:29 - Have you experimented with apparel at all? 00:59:40 - Are there any materials you’re excited about? 01:01:00 - Discussion about creating new products 01:03:52 - What is your goal around sustainability? 01:04:35 - Discussion about packs 01:06:17 - Stay Salty Question: What’s your outdoors hot take? Segments Trek Propaganda: 6 Gas Station Resupply Recipes for Thru-Hikers by Kimberly Fetherston QOTD: What is your body and blood? Triple Crown of the worst places to have uncontrollable diarrhea Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/. Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.  Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Dayne, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bonnie Ackerman, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Joann Menzer, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, and Ruth S.

Transcribed - Published: 5 October 2024

Ian Mangiardi on Youtube Hit "As It Happens," Getting Dumped on Trail (Twice), and The Explorers Club

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by Ian Mangiardi aka "Dusty". For those of you who've read Appalachian Trials, you're already familiar with Ian’s name, as he served as my pre AT thru-hike guru and therapist. Ian gives us a full rundown on his triple crown treks, including being dumped on two of the three hikes, how he and Andy Laub (former guest) formed an instant bromance on the first week of the AT, the filming of As It Happens, their PCT documentary with more than a million on YouTube, and some wild excursions in Mongolia and Bhutan.  We wrap the show with whether bringing terminal food onto the plane makes you a sociopath, the triple crown of New York things, and you can now officially get your tickets for our Denver Live Podcast with Kyle Hates Hiking and Holiday Hiker Meetup Extravaganza! LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek. Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com.  Katabatic Gear: Use code “BPR15” for 15% off at katabaticgear.com. [divider] Interview with Ian Mangiardi Ian's Website Ian's Instagram As It Happens Time stamps & Questions 00:04:45 - Reminders: Join us in Denver on December 7th! Apply to be a 2025 blogger and support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content! 00:07:10 - Introducing Ian 00:08:07 - How do Zach and Ian know each other? 00:12:13 - How did Ian and Andy meet? 00:14:12 - Tell us about your breakup 00:16:22 - What was your outdoors experience prior to the AT? 00:19:20 - How did you learn what gear you needed? 00:20:50 - Tell us about your second on-trail breakup 00:26:30 - Did you end the hike stronger than you started? 00:29:20 - Tell us about your friend fight 00:37:00 - Have you ever had a tramily other than Andy? 00:38:26 - How did you and Andy become friends? 00:40:30 - Was it an especially wet year on the AT? 00:43:45 - What fun stories do you have from the AT? 00:50:00 - Ian’s surprise trail magic 00:55:00 - Tell us about going from the AT to the PCT 00:57:01 - Chaunce’s As It Happens story 00:59:45 - Did you both film? 01:00:25 - How did you split up the workload? 01:02:17 - Tell us about getting caught in a snowstorm 01:04:20 - Tell us about kicking a rock off a cliff 01:06:00 - How did you decide what to cut out of the film? 01:09:14 - Did you hike the AT in spandex shorts? 01:10:45 - Do you still use a sleeping bag liner? 01:14:45 - Do you feel strongly about any other nontraditional gear items? 01:17:00 - Tell us about the New Explorers Award 01:20:45 - Tell us about the Kings Challenge in Bhutan 01:25:40 - What is the Explorers Club? 01:27:45 - What has changed in the world of thru-hiking? 01:30:26 - Where can people keep up with you? 01:32:28 - What’s your best poop story? Segments Trek Propaganda: Everything You Need To Know To Plan an International Thru-Hike by Kelly Floro QOTD:  Is it messed up to bring airport terminal food onto the plane with the intent of eating it once you’re in your seat? Triple Crown of New York things Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/. Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.  Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Dayne, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bonnie Ackerman, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Joann Menzer, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, and Ruth S.

Transcribed - Published: 30 September 2024

John Z on Making Gear, Not Filtering Water, and 50-Mile Days

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by thru-hiker, gear maker, YouTuber, musician, and dare I say philosopher, John Z. John Z has hiked it all, including the triple crown trails, the Arizona Trail, Colorado Trail- in 10 days, setting the unsupported FKT on the way, which was a side trip during his PCT thru-hike- the Great Divide Trail, Pacific Northwest Trail, the Death Valley Loop, amongst others. He gives us an overview of these trips, the inspiration behind starting Pa'Lante Packs and now Meadow Physics Gear, why he doesn't hike with a water filter or satellite communicator, his tendency toward being a "water princess," the time he barked at a cow and the cow fought back, his run-ins with an angry black bear and a mountain lion, and much more. We wrap the show by unveiling our adult film star names, the triple crown of campaign promises 2.0, and Chuance leaves us a mailbag. Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com. PATH Projects: Use code “THETREK10” for 10% off at pathprojects.com/thetrek. Katabatic Gear: Use code “BPR15” for 15% off at katabaticgear.com. [divider] Interview with John Z Meadow Physics John's Youtube John's Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:02:40 - Reminders: Join us for a live show in Denver on December 7! Support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content! 00:05:18 - Introducing John Z 00:06:22 - What’s your background in the outdoors? 00:08:15 - If you had to pick only bikepacking or backpacking forever, which would it be? 00:09:50 - What led you to long distance backpacking? 00:11:29 - Did you start off ultralight? 00:14:15 - How did you transition from bikepacking? 00:16:04 - What was your biggest gear mistake early on? 00:18:20 - Tell us about making gear 00:21:54 - What were the vibes like in the desert on the PCT? 00:23:35 - How do you get trail beta? 00:25:07 - In what area do you think there’s the most room for improvement in gear? 00:27:03 - Tell us about the shelter you designed 00:30:00 - Tell us about your recent engagement 00:34:45 - How do you juggle a relationship with hiking? 00:36:35 - What’s the longest food carry you’ve done? 00:38:40 - Aside from light gear, what goes into long mileage days? 00:40:20 - What kind of food do you pack? 00:44:15 - Discussion about the Colorado Trail FKT 00:47:10 - What other FKTs have you attempted? 00:49:48 - Tell us the cow story 00:52:55 - Tell us the bear story 00:54:00 - Tell us the mountain lion story 00:56:40 - Tell us about your Alaska trip 00:58:50 - Why don’t you like to use a water filter? 01:00:30 - Discussion about tea 01:02:10 - What’s something you’ve gone on a deep dive on recently? 01:04:20 - What podcasts do you listen to while hiking? 01:06:04 - What don’t you like about the AT? 01:08:20 - What’s in your pack for a thru-hike? 01:11:35 - What do you do for bug protection? 01:14:00 - How do you pack your pack? 01:17:09 - Do you ever use a pack with a frame system? 01:17:55 - Tell us about the Death Valley Loop 01:20:20 - Are you more drawn to trails or routes? 01:21:20 - Do you think about your legacy? 01:22:17 - Is there any competition in route making? 01:23:00 - Tell us about the Great Divide Trail 01:25:00 - What trails do you keep repeating? 01:27:00 - Are you still making Youtube videos? 01:30:24 - What prompted you to take your channel down? 01:31:36 - What fabrics are you excited about right now? 01:33:55 - What’s next for you? Segments Trek Propaganda 2024 Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers: Submit Your Completion Photos 272 Miles in Less Than 4 Days: William Peterson Sets New Long Trail FKT by Kimberly Fetherston QOTD: If you were an adult film star, what would your stage name be? Triple Crown of campaign promises 2.0 Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/. Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Dayne, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bonnie Ackerman, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Joann Menzer, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, and Ruth S.

Transcribed - Published: 23 September 2024

AT vs. PCT Panel: Gear, Culture, and Logistics with Abby Evans and Hannah Goodman

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek and brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are doing a thorough breakdown of the differences and similarities between the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail. We are joined by Trek Bloggers, Abby Evans, aka “Shitwater Fireball: Queer of the Salamanders" and Hannah “Spring” Goodman, who are both 2024 PCT thru-hikers, and had previously thru-hiked the AT as well. We talk about the differences in overall difficulty, including weather, terrain, logistics, and gear, the difference in trail cultures, the various highs and lows, and ultimately, each person gives which of the two trails they prefer overall. The results may surprise you. We wrap the show with some news of a positive update on the new Lyme disease vaccine, who we would trade bodies with and what we would do first, the triple crown of streaming services, and a reader prompts Chaunce into giving us a more detailed breakdown about the time she pooped into a mountain house bag in her tent. Topo Athletic: Use code “THETREK15” for 15% of topoathletic.com. Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com. LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek. Katabatic Gear: Use code “BPR15” for 15% off at katabaticgear.com. Duer: Get 15% off at shopduer.com/backpacker. [divider] Panel with Abby Evans aka “Shitwater Fireball” and Hannah “Spring” Goodman Spring's Instagram Shitwater's Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:05:30 - Reminders: Come to our Brooklyn meetup TODAY (September 16)! And support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content and get your tickets for our live Denver show on December 7! 00:07:50 - Introducing Shitwater & Spring 00:09:03 - Spring, how did you get into the outdoors? 00:10:20 - Shitwater, how did you get into the outdoors? 00:12:57 - What are your trail name origin stories? 00:16:00 - What backpacking trips did you do before the AT? 00:17:08 - How has your PCT experience been? 00:18:27 - Zach & Chaunce’s AT/PCT experience 00:19:10 - AT vs. PCT: Overall difficulty 00:25:00 - Discussion about fire logistics and impacts 00:28:16 - Zach & Chaunce’s difficulty comparison between the trails 00:32:30 - Discussion about hike mindset between the AT and PCT 00:47:22 - What was the hardest part of skipping miles on the PCT? 01:01:00 - AT vs. PCT: Social experience 01:11:35 - Do you think being on trail was a good place to process the breakup? 01:18:00 - Chaunce’s trail social experiences 01:33:25 - AT vs. PCT: Gear differences 01:50:20 - How much rain did you experience on the PCT? 01:54:40 - AT vs. PCT: Highs and lows 02:14:20 - If you could only pick on trail for the rest of your life, which would you pick? 02:17:30 - Where can we keep up with you? Segments Rapid Fire Interviews James “Almost Famous” Townsend Rachael “Pack Rat” Davis Katherine “Willy” Baals Sean Durkin aka TreeBeard Trek Propaganda: Lyme Disease Vaccine Passes Stage Three Trials by Kimberly Featherston QOTD: If you could trade bodies with someone for a day who would be and what would you do first? Triple Crown of streaming services Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/. Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Dayne, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bonnie Ackerman, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Joann Menzer, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, and Ruth S.

Transcribed - Published: 16 September 2024

Elina Osborne on “It Is The People”, Her PCT Documentary, Videography, and Storytelling

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are joined by Elina Osborne. Elina is a thru-hiker, filmmaker, adventurer, and storyteller. Four years ago, Elina released a 15-minute documentary about her PCT thru-hike, titled "It Is The People", which has since accumulated nearly three-quarters of a million views on YouTube. We learn all about Elina's entry into film and storytelling, her process, equipment, and advice she has for future documentarians. She also gives us a preview of a new film currently in the works about her hike of The Hayduke alongside a past guest of Backpacker Radio. We wrap the show with some rapid fire conversations with Trek bloggers we met at PCT Trail Days, the Triple Crown of things we document during a thru-hike, and the maximum number of times we can conceivably enjoy getting dressed up over the course of a year, and much more. Topo Athletic: Use code “THETREK15” for 15% of topoathletic.com. Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com. Katabatic Gear: Use code “BPR15” for 15% off at katabaticgear.com. Zoleo: Use code “BACKPACKERRADIO” for free device activation at zoleo.com. [divider] Interview with Elina Osborne Elina's Website Elina's Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:04:30 - Reminders: Join us in Brooklyn on September 16 and support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content! 00:06:41 - Introducing Elina 00:08:30 - What’s your trail name story? 00:09:28 - What was your entry into the outdoors? 00:11:27 - What is the hiking and backpacking culture like in New Zealand? 00:15:40 - How did you get into storytelling? 00:18:35 - How do you realize you’re in a cult? 00:21:22 - Was there backlash when you left? 00:23:19 - How did your first documentary inform your future hiking projects? 00:25:15 - How would you describe It Is The People? 00:27:19 - What was your PCT hike like socially? 00:31:00 - Discussion about offiating weddings 00:33:40 - Did you go into the hike planning to focus on people in your documentary? 00:37:02 - Did you intend to make it a series? 00:38:56 - Is it hard to get the camera out when you’re having a fun moment on trail? 00:40:15 - How do you find a balance between filming a hike and hiking in order to film? 00:42:23 - How do you plan who needs to film what? 00:43:25 - Do you look back at the PCT film and see things you would want to change? 00:45:17 - Do you still use the same approach for current film projects? 00:48:44 - Tell us about working for the New Zealand police department 00:52:07 - What was your wildest day on the job? 00:54:30 - Is it challenging to collaborate with other filmmakers while hiking? 00:57:10 - Did you butt heads on the Hayduke? 01:02:30 - Do you have an idea of where the Hayduke documentary will land? 01:05:34 - How do you make editing work on a team project? 01:10:30 - What are your next hiking adventures? 01:15:40 - What is your process for deciding what the story will be? 01:18:10 - Are there any storytellers you’re inspired by right now? 01:21:27 - Do you have advice for others who want to document their hiking experience? 01:23:10 - Who is your primary audience? 01:24:01 - Kumo Question: What is your dream vacation destination? 01:27:50 - What is the highlights tour of New Zealand? 01:32:00 - Where can people go to keep up with you? Segments Rapid Fire Interviews Angie aka “The Little Mermaid” Elizabeth aka “Bags Bunny” Sakari aka “Paw Patrol” Christopher Smiley Triple Crown of the things you document on a long trail QOTD: What’s the maximum number of times in the year you can enjoy getting dressed up? Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/. Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Austin Ford, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Dayne, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Following Water Ohio, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns, and Griffin Haywood A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bonnie Ackerman, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Joann Menzer, Katharine Rudzitis, Keith Dobie Jr, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Matthew Kesterson, Merle Watkins, Peter, and Ruth S.

Transcribed - Published: 9 September 2024

Cam Bostock on Amassing 600K+ Instagram Followers, Adventuring in Australia vs. the USA, and Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Cam Bostock. With more than 600K Followers, Cam is a bonafide Instagram hiking celebrity. Cam teaches us all about his home, the great country of Australia, including his adventures on the Bibbulmun Track and Munda Biddi Trail, in addition to how often someone needs to fistfight a kangaroo, the frequency of deadly snake encounters, and other stereotypically dumb American questions. We also learn all about Cam's PCT trek, including all that goes into creating a polished Instagram Reel for every day of his hike, his favorite moments from the trail, and the biggest cultural differences between hiking in the US and Australia. We wrap the show with an overview of our time at PCT Trail Days, hint: we were dangerously close to Thunder Island Brewing, if Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays are odd or even, and the triple crown of meat. Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com. Katabatic Gear: Use code “BPR15” for 15% off at katabaticgear.com. Zoleo: Use code “BACKPACKERRADIO” for free device activation at zoleo.com. LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek. [divider] Interview with Cam Bostock Cam's Instagram Cam's Youtube Time stamps & Questions 00:02:30 - PCT Days Recap 00:24:40 - Reminders: Join us in Brooklyn on September 16 and support us on Patreon for bonus content! 00:28:00 - Introducing Cam 00:30:43 - Do you have a trail name? 00:31:45 - What was your intro into long distance backpacking? 00:32:23 - What are the basics of the Bibbulmun Track? 00:34:00 - Discussion about Australian wildlife 00:40:04 - What’s the ideal season for the Bibbulmun Track? 00:42:15 - How popular is the Bibbulmun Track? 00:42:53 - How does the culture of long distance hiking in Australia compare to the US? 00:45:20 - Discussion about vegemite 00:46:30 - What other cultural differences have you noticed in the US? 00:47:35 - How did you choose the PCT? 00:48:16 - Tell us about the Munda Biddi Trail 00:50:28 - What other Australian trails are you interested in? 00:53:10 - Tell us about stand up paddleboard touring 00:56:04 - What’s the culture around outdoor sports in Australia? 01:01:50 - Do you have standout stories from the Te Araroa? 01:05:28 - Who’s the biggest Australian celebrity? 01:06:50 - FMK: stand up paddleboarding, backpacking, and mountain biking 01:07:45 - How did you get so many Instagram followers? 01:10:10 - What do you think attributes to that many followers? 01:11:20 - How do you manage your content creation while hiking every day? 01:13:00 - What apps do you use? 01:14:35 - Do you think content creation adds or takes away from your hike? 01:16:50 - Discussion about monetizing content 01:18:00 - How long have you been with your tramily? 01:22:00 - What’s the strangest outreach you’ve gotten while on the PCT? 01:25:07 - What do you miss most about your wife? 01:27:05 - How have you been dealing with the fire situation on the PCT? 01:31:00 - Have you thought about hiking the Oregon Coast Trail? 01:34:02 - What is your approach to social media content? 01:37:02 - What are your top 2 or 3 stories from the PCT? 01:40:20 - What has been your best day on the PCT so far? 01:42:42 - What has been your scariest day on trail? 01:44:30 - What would your advice be for someone who wants to hike the PCT from abroad? 01:47:50 - How much would you tell someone to budget for the PCT? 01:50:15 - What’s next? 01:51:07 - Kumo Question: What is your spirit animal and why? Segments Trek Propaganda: Black Bear That Mauled 3-Year-Old Girl Near Yellowstone Has Been Euthanized by Kelly Floro QOTD: Are Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays even days and Tuesdays, Thursdays odd days or vice versa? Triple Crown of meat Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/. Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Austin Ford, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Dayne, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Patrick Cianciolo, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns, and Griffin Haywood A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bonnie Ackerman, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Joann Menzer, Katharine Rudzitis, Keith Dobie Jr, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Matthew Kesterson, Merle Watkins, Peter, and Ruth S.

Transcribed - Published: 2 September 2024

Jeffrey James Binney on Being a Plus-Sized Ultrarunner, TikTok Fame, and the PCT

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are at PCT Trail Days! Our guest today is Jeffrey James Binney, a modern-day renaissance man who is an award-winning filmmaker, motivational speaker, ultrarunning athlete, and PCT hiker. We learn all about Jeffrey's story, including how losing his mom at a young age inspired him to pursue endurance sports, what it's like for a gay vegetarian to grow up in a rural pig farm in the midwest, his entry into improv and stand-up comedy, how he went from not being able to run a city block to a 100-mile race, making uber-viral dance TikTok videos, his favorite moments from his PCT hike, and much more. We wrap the show by grabbing the first hiker we found off the street here in Cascade Locks and forcing her to join us for segments and being blessed with an all-time trail hookup story in the process. Zoleo: Use code “BACKPACKERRADIO” for free device activation at zoleo.com. Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com. PATH Projects: Use code “THETREK10” for 10% off at pathprojects.com/thetrek. [divider] Interview with Jeffrey James Binney Jeffrey's Website Jeffrey's Instagram Jeffrey's Youtube Once is Enough film Time stamps & Questions 00:05:25 - Reminders: Join us in Brooklyn for a hiker meetup on September 16 and support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content! 00:07:50 - Introducing Jeffrey 00:09:08 - What’s your origin story for getting into endurance sports? 00:12:10 - Were you surprised to enjoy running the first time you did it as an adult? 00:15:45 - What was the first 100 mile race you attempted? 00:19:05 - Tell us about being a recovering comedian 00:21:02 - Which performance art makes you the most nervous? 00:23:00 - Hiking themed improv 00:25:00 - Tell us about your film 00:30:11 - Tell us about being vegetarian on trail and growing up on a pig farm 00:33:27 - Did your dad push back at all on your vegetarianism? 00:37:45 - Tell us about your TikTok dances 00:45:45 - How has thru hiking compared to ultrarunning? 00:46:40 - What advice do you have for someone interested in ultrarunning? 00:50:33 - Discussion about thru-hiking culture 00:51:54 - How do you determine your weekly volume and pacing? 00:55:57 - What have your favorite moments from the PCT been so far? 01:00:45 - If you can only do thru-hiking or ultrarunning for the rest of your life, which would you pick? 01:01:50 - Is your husband worried you’ll want to do more long distance hiking? 01:04:34 - Discussion about Jeffrey’s Brooks sponsorship 01:09:00 - Discussion about Jeffrey’s manager 01:11:30 - What do you want to convey to listeners about overcoming fear? 01:14:24 - Is losing enthusiasm for thru-hiking common on all long trails? 01:23:24 - Discussion about tramily and hiking alone 01:27:06 - How much of the trail have you spent doing your own thing? 01:29:12 - Kumo Question: What is the most boring superpower you can think of? 01:33:10 - Tell us about your upcoming TrovaTrip 01:34:30 - Where can people go to keep up with you? Segments Trek Propaganda: Is It Safe To Keep Hiking in Wildfire Smoke? by Kelly Floro Random Hiker Interview: Clumsy QOTD: I say a number, you say the color Triple Crown of recurring dream themes Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/. Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Austin Ford, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Dayne, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Patrick Cianciolo, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns, and Griffin Haywood A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bonnie Ackerman, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Joann Menzer, Katharine Rudzitis, Keith Dobie Jr, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Matthew Kesterson, Merle Watkins, Peter, and Ruth S.

Transcribed - Published: 26 August 2024

Zach Hiked the Weminuchoo Choo Loop (and His Biggest Backpacking Blunder Yet)

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, Zach takes on the role of guest. This episode recaps his recent hike through the Weminuche Wilderness, a 40-mile loop he’s coined the "Weminuchoo Choo Loop." It’s bound to catch on. Zach gives a full overview of the hike, covering the distance, elevation gain, alternate route options, trail highlights, wildlife, and more. He also shares a story about perhaps his biggest backcountry blunder to date—an expensive mistake, and one he had the distinct pleasure of having a witness for. Additionally, Zach discusses some new gear he tested on this trip, including a piece that will forever change his water retrieval system. The episode wraps up with sun protection tips for the backcountry, the triple crown of the easiest items to forget to pack for a backpacking trip, whether it’s acceptable to put ketchup on a hot dog, and a listener’s valuable tips about backpacking Patagonia’s O-Circuit. Zoleo: Use code “BACKPACKERRADIO” for free device activation at zoleo.com. Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com. LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek. [divider] Interview with Zach! Time stamps & Questions 00:05:00 - Reminders: Support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content and join us in NYC this September 16 for a hiker meetup! 00:09:45 - Introducing Zach 00:10:20 - Overview of Zach’s original plans and adapted plans in the Weminuche 00:13:38 - The train logistics 00:19:32 - What’s the overview of the route? 00:22:10 - Zach’s big blunder 00:28:10 - What was the aftermath of the blunder? 00:31:30 - How did you navigate the remainder of the hike? 00:32:50 - Will you start using paper maps? 00:34:10 - What other blunders occurred? 00:36:24 - Day 1 00:40:45 - Day 2 00:48:00 - Day 3 00:54:04 - What other wildlife did you see? 00:55:09 - How was the water situation? 00:55:32 - Did you need permits? 00:55:45 - Would you hike it with a dog? 00:56:19 - How would you recommend making it longer? 00:57:47 - Elk Park to Needleton on AllTrails 00:58:32 - What gear did you bring? 01:01:24 - What tent did you use? 01:05:30 - What was the weather like? 01:07:14 - You wore a sun hoodie? 01:10:30 - Is it worth flying into Durango rather than Denver if you want to do this hike? 01:12:40 - Kumo Question: If animals could talk, which one would be the most annoying? 01:15:00 - Final thoughts on the Weminuchoo Choo Loop Segments Trek Propaganda: The Essential Gear for Sun Protection on Your Thru-Hike by Ariella Nardizzi QOTD: Ketchup on a hot dog? Triple Crown of easiest things to forget to pack for a backpacking trip Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/. Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Austin Ford, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Dayne, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Patrick Cianciolo, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: 12 Trees Farms, Bonnie Ackerman, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Joann Menzer, Katharine Rudzitis, Keith Dobie Jr, Merle Watkins, Peter, and Ruth S.

Transcribed - Published: 19 August 2024

Justin Simoni, the Long Ranger, on Creating Ridge Routes and Hiking the Highest Hundred Peaks in Colorado

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Justin Simoni aka the Long Ranger. In addition to established routes like the Tour Divide and Nolan’s 14, Justin also creates his own - he’s traversed the Sangre de Cristo Range, Mosquito and Tenmile Ranges, and from Milner to Berthoud Pass along the divide. And while summiting all of Colorado’s 14,000 ft peaks is an effort in itself, Justin summited the top 100 highest mountains in the state after biking to them from his home in Boulder. We talk about all of the nitty gritty details of taking on these ridgeline routes, why he lives car-free, a detailed measurement of how much weight and water he lost over the course of a grueling day hike, some of his current favorite gear, and more. We wrap the show with an overview of some of the best loop hikes in the United States, what we would telepathically say to all 8 billion people on earth, and the triple crown of things on our bedside table. Zoleo: Use code “BACKPACKERRADIO” for free device activation at zoleo.com. Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com. PATH Projects: Use code “THETREK10” for 10% off at pathprojects.com/thetrek. [divider] Interview with Justin Simoni aka the Long Ranger Justin’s Website Justin's Instagram Justin’s Youtube Time stamps & Questions 00:04:50 - Reminders: Mark your calendar for our Brooklyn, NY meetup on September 16, support us on Patreon, check out Chaunce & Elise’s TCT hike on Youtube, and leave us a voicemail! 00:13:10 - Introducing Justin 00:14:10 - Tell us about your water loss experiment 00:19:15 - Have you done other similar studies? 00:20:25 - What was your food intake like during the experiment? 00:22:15 - What is your primary focus in your personal trinity of mountain arts? 00:24:20 - You don’t own a car? 00:26:00 - How did you originally get into the outdoors? 00:28:50 - How many times have you summitted Green Mountain? 00:31:50 - Tell us about the Milner to Berthoud Pass Traverse 00:34:25 - Is it stressful to do high consequence moves while trying to go quickly? 00:35:50 - How does this traverse compare to others that you’ve done? 00:37:40 - Did you notice an uptick in FKTs in 2020? 00:38:31 - What was the most challenging part of the Vanishing Point? 00:41:00 - What instrument do you play? 00:43:00 - What’s your camping setup? 00:43:30 - How do you avoid thunderstorms? 00:47:00 - What does spike your anxiety? 00:48:00 - How do you prevent making careless errors? 00:50:10 - The Mosquito/Ten Mile Range Traverse 00:53:03 - How many scouting trips did you do for the Vanishing Point project? 00:54:12 - Do you get bored while hiking? 00:56:00 - What do you do for work? 00:57:50 - What are your thoughts on sun hoodies? 01:00:25 - How did it feel to be the first person to complete the Vanishing Point project? 01:01:33 - What are the most significant ways you’ve changed after completing projects? 01:03:00 - Do you experience post trail depression? 01:04:30 - What do you do for water on your trips? 01:07:50 - Tell us about the Sangre de Cristo Range Traverse 01:11:15 - What was the technicality like on this traverse? 01:13:44 - How should someone get familiar with class 5 pitches with a heavy pack? 01:17:30 - Have you noticed any drop in fitness as you’ve aged? 01:19:36 - Nolan’s 14 description 01:21:35 - Discussion about sleep apnea and asthma 01:24:00 - Tell us about the Slowlans Traverse 01:27:40 - What is it about the ridge hikes that keep you coming back? 01:29:00 - Discussion about popularity trends 01:30:15 - Tell us about the Mosquito/Ten Mile Range Traverse 01:35:00 - Could someone who doesn’t like exposure find an alternate route? 01:36:10 - Tell us about the Highest Hundred 01:39:44 - How did you logistically tackle this? 01:43:00 - Biking from Boulder to Longs Peak 01:47:45 - Do you feel pressure to keep coming up with new projects? 01:48:30 - Do you see your guides as an act of service? 01:52:00 - Discussion about the Colorado Trail FKT 01:56:00 - Do you have to train to sleep less for an FKT attempt? 01:59:45 - Do you ever plan trips based on the moon cycle? 02:00:20 - Kumo Question: What is the most useless skill you’ve ever learned? Segments Mail Bag Trek Propaganda: 12 Epic Multi-Night Loop Hikes in the US by Kelly Floro Dead Weight: 13 Thru-Hikers Reveal the Gear They Sent Home by Ariella Nardizzi QOTD: If you could telepathically say something to all 7.95 billion people on earth, what would you say? Triple Crown of things in your bedside table Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/. Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Austin Ford, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Dayne, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Patrick Cianciolo, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: 12 Trees Farms, Bonnie Ackerman, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Joann Menzer, Katharine Rudzitis, Keith Dobie Jr, Merle Watkins, Peter, and Ruth S.

Transcribed - Published: 12 August 2024

The Teton Crest Trail with Chaunce & Elise

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, Chaunce and Elise give us a thorough rundown on their recent trek of the Teton Crest Trail. We learn all the requisite facts about this trail, including length, landscape highlights, permitting, travel, wildlife, the best campsites, water availability and more. We also get a play by play of some of the best stories from the duo's hike, including a misfortunate start to the journey, Elise's serendipitous reunion with a Wyoming dive bar, how Chaunce managed her extreme grizzly anxiety, running into a former guest of the podcast on trail, crowd surfing at a concert, and more. We wrap the show with a triple crown of PCT sections you'd take someone you hate, how we'd blow a million dollars in 24 hours, and The 1800-Mile Australian Triple Crown. Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com. Sambob: Use code “BACKPACKER15” for 15% off at sambob.biz. LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek. [divider] Interview with Chaunce & Elise! Chaunce’s Instagram Elise’s Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:02:40 - Reminders: Mark your calendars for our NYC Meetup this September 16! And support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content! 00:06:30 - Introducing Chaunce & Elise 00:07:30 - What is the Teton Crest Trail? 00:10:00 - DIscussion about the trail termini 00:11:48 - What was the permit situation? 00:17:25 - What’s the best way to get to the trail? 00:19:30 - Discussion about the elevation 00:23:20 - Discussion about Gaia 00:32:20 - How did you prepare for wildlife prior to the trip? 00:41:00 - Discussion about bear signs on trail 00:43:30 - Discussion about wildlife sightings on trail 00:47:11 - What was the water situation like? 00:48:48 - What were the inclines, terrain, and landscapes like? 00:51:50 - Deciding which car to take 00:58:10 - The car problem 01:03:00 - Elise’s Rawlins vortex 01:12:00 - Resolution of the car issues 01:14:50 - Getting onto the trail 01:21:00 - Discussion about the camping zones and day 1 of hiking 01:23:57 - Chaunce forgot about bugs 01:27:00 - Day 2 of hiking 01:38:10 - Discussion about fear of snow and Paintbrush Divide 01:39:49 - Day 2 dinner and evening 01:46:20 - Moose sightings and signs 01:49:10 - Day 3 of hiking 01:52:30 - Hiking over Paintbrush Divide 02:04:20 - Day 3 evening 02:07:20 - Day 4 of hiking 02:08:50 - Chaunce & Elise’s concert 02:11:40 - Closing thoughts on the Teton Crest Trail 02:12:05 - Kumo Question: If you could have one superpower that’s not commonly mentioned, what would it be? Segments Trek Propaganda Meet Your Next Big Thru-Hiking Challenge: The 1800-Mile Australian Triple Crown by J Taylor Bell New Study Helps Explain Why Your Hiking Clothes Smell So Bad by Kelly Floro QOTD: How would you blow a million dollars in 24 hours? Triple Crown of PCT sections you’d take someone you hate Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/. Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Austin Ford, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Dayne, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Patrick Cianciolo, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: 12 Trees Farms, Bonnie Ackerman, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Joann Menzer, Katharine Rudzitis, Keith Dobie Jr, Merle Watkins, Peter, and Ruth S.

Transcribed - Published: 5 August 2024

Stuart Howe on Backpacking with His Twin Daughters across Canadian National Parks

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Stuart Howe. Stu is an avid backpacker of remote and rugged Canadian treks, the proprietor of a Youtube Channel dedicated to documenting the backpacking trips he’s done with his identical twin daughters, and the nicest guy you’ve ever met! We learn all about how his entry into backpacking was spearheaded by his girls, the best trails he’s done across Canada and the US, how he likely encountered an aggressively grizzly bear that later tragically killed a couple and their dog, and his organization, which aims to expand safe access into the Canadian backcountry. We wrap the show with news of a missing thru-hiker on the PCT, the best outdoor temperature, the triple crown of worst TV characters, and how Chaunce's random act of kindness is giving her internet street cred. Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com. Sambob: Use code “BACKPACKER15” for 15% off at sambob.biz. [divider] Interview with Stuart Howe Howe's the Hike Website Howe's the Hike Youtube The Canadian Backcountry Trails Preservation Society Time stamps & Questions 00:02:20 - Reminders: Support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content! Keep an eye out for the Trek’s fall editorial internship and use code “gingerstuff” for 15% off the Trek’s new merch! 00:04:30 - Introducing Stuart 00:05:00 - What is the Royal Canadian Geographical Society College of Fellows? 00:07:25 - Tell us about your wedding planning business 00:12:28 - In what ways is planning a good wedding like planning a good backpacking trip? 00:13:11 - At what age did you start backpacking with your daughters? 00:16:42 - What’s your background in the outdoors? 00:17:42 - How did you figure out the girls’ gear on initial trips? 00:20:13 - Were there less glamorous portions of backpacking with teenagers? 00:22:34 - Do your daughters get along better compared to their peers? 00:23:34 - What family dynamics set them up for success before you started backpacking? 00:25:20 - Were you reluctant or excited to start a Youtube channel? 00:26:35 - How involved were the girls in the Youtube video production? 00:27:40 - How much work was it to keep them interested in backpacking? 00:29:09 - Did you intervene in disagreements? 00:30:05 - What was it like to teach two young girls to poop in the woods? 00:31:20 - What ‘oh shit’ moments did you encounter? 00:32:50 - Do you prepare more for trips with your kids than solo trips? 00:34:05 - Have you had any scary animal encounters? 00:39:00 - Discussion about bear spray 00:47:37 - The rest of Stu’s bear story 00:51:00 - Discussion about dogs and bears 00:55:40 - How do you handle food at camp when hiking through grizzly country? 00:57:20 - Are you more afraid to return to the area where you encountered the grizzly? 00:58:10 - The conclusion to the grizzly bear story 01:01:00 - Tell us about the Fundy Circuit 01:02:30 - How different are the Fundy Circuit and the Fundy Footpath? 01:03:30 - What is the Molar Loop like? 01:04:15 - How difficult is it to get permits for backpacking in Banff and Jasper? 01:06:40 - Is the backcountry less crowded than the frontcountry? 01:11:30 - How do you compare solo backpacking to trips with your kids? 01:13:45 - Did your wife miss going on the backpacking trips? 01:16:45 - Tell us about the South Boundary Trail in Jasper 01:18:40 - What trail would you recommend for someone with their kids in Banff or Jasper? 01:20:13 - How did you teach them about dangerous things without creating fear? 01:23:00 - What are the biggest differences in backpacking in the US versus Canada? 01:24:15 - What are the biggest resupply differences? 01:25:34 - Did you have your daughters navigate while hiking? 01:26:20 - Tell us about the Rocky Mountain Loadout 01:27:30 - What’s the Ancient Wall area like? 01:28:18 - Tell us about the West Coast trail 01:31:42 - Did you see any mountain lions? 01:32:41 - Why not the Sunshine Coast Trail? 01:34:00 - Tell us about the Canadian Backcountry Trails Preservation Society? 01:38:40 - How can people get involved if they’re interested? 01:39:58 - Kumo Question: What is the one celebrity you’d be most starstruck to meet? Segments Trek Propaganda: PCT Hiker Missing for Over 2 Months, Authorities Begin Search by Ariella Nardizzi QOTD: What is the best outdoor temperature? Triple Crown of the worst TV characters Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/. Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Austin Ford, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Dayne, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Patrick Cianciolo, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: 12 Trees Farms, Bonnie Ackerman, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Joann Menzer, Katharine Rudzitis, Keith Dobie Jr, Merle Watkins, Peter, and Ruth S.

Transcribed - Published: 29 July 2024

Foot Strength, Injury Prevention, Footwear Recommendations, and Gait Mechanics with Dr. Courtney Conley

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Dr. Courtney Conley. Dr. Conley is an internationally renowned foot and gait specialist, founder and creator of Gait Happens, and chiropractic physician who specializes in foot and gait mechanics. We chat all things related to foot health related to long-distance backpacking, including what to look for in footwear and what characteristics to avoid, how to best prepare your feet for a successful hike, and preventing and treating common foot injuries- including unconventional exercises to help you accomplish this. In a nutshell, Dr. Conley is a foot wizard and you will learn a great deal about setting your feet up for success on trail. We wrap the show with backpacking items to ditch to lower your base weight, what vegetable we would be, the triple crown of things that are true, but we're not buying it, and a one-minute gear review of a trail runner that's been gaining a lot of traction in the world of thru-hiking. Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com. Helinox: Use code “BACKPACKER20” for 20% off at helinox.com. Sambob: Use code “BACKPACKER15” for 15% off at sambob.biz. [divider] Interview with Dr. Courtney Conley Gait Happens Website (Backpacker Radio listeners get 10% off consults, classes, and products) Time stamps & Questions 00:04:20 - Reminders: Support us on Patreon, suggest a guest for PCT Days, and apply for the Trek’s full time position! 00:07:35 - Introducing Dr. Conley 00:08:40 - How did you decide to specialize in gait? 00:10:25 - How do you analyze people walking? 00:12:41 - What’s the easiest gait problem to spot in the wild? 00:13:30 - If you could change one thing about everyone to improve their feet, what would it be? 00:16:52 - Discussion about shoe cushioning 00:18:10 - Discussion about walking barefoot 00:20:00 - In what circumstances would you recommend more cushion? 00:21:40 - Discussion about wide toe boxes 00:22:33 - What other brands have shoes that include your recommendations? 00:23:43 - Discussion about heel-toe drop 00:25:00 - Should everyone be striving to use a zero drop shoe? 00:28:30 - Discussion about toe strength 00:29:30 - How should someone build foot strength in preparation for a thru-hike? 00:32:30 - Who are your primary patients? 00:33:55 - Are achilles tears becoming more common and how can they be prevented? 00:36:14 - Discussion about plyometrics 00:38:20 - Where does more traditional strength training fit into foot strength? 00:41:15 - What’s your view on toe socks? 00:42:30 - What can someone do with their kids to ensure they have strong feet? 00:46:03 - Would you ever recommend hiking boots? 00:50:38 - What are the most common issues you work with in backpackers? 00:53:29 - Can it be harmful to power through without an orthotic? 00:54:53 - What workouts should people do to prevent plantar fasciitis? 00:57:37 - Once you notice plantar fasciitis, what should you do? 01:00:00 - How can people help their feet recover? 01:06:10 - Discussion about healing from ankle sprains 01:06:45 - Discussion about stress fractures 01:08:51 - Can a weak foot lead to knee or hip injuries? 01:14:50 - Discussion about optimal shoes for running 01:17:20 - What do you wear for running? 01:17:50 - Do you have recommendations for long distance hiking shoes? 01:19:45 - Do you have recommendations for general foot ache? 01:23:34 - Any other product recommendations? 01:24:30 - Anything else we should have asked you? 01:29:91 - Is it bad if your foot is flat or you have a collapsed arch? 01:31:41 - What’s your recommended regimen for going from a 5 millimeter drop to a 0 drop? 01:33:00 - Do you work with patients remotely? 01:35:05 - Kumo Question: What is the cheesiest pickup line you’ve ever heard or used? Segments Trek Propaganda: Driftless Hiking Trail: New Funding Package Is Big Win for Minnesota Long Trail by Kelly Floro Peg Leg: 7 Gear Items I Ditched To Cut My Base Weight in Half by Peg Leg QOTD: If you were a vegetable, what vegetable would you be? Triple Crown of things that are true, but I’m not buying it One-Minute Gear Review Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/. Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Austin Ford, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Dayne, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Patrick Cianciolo, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: 12 Trees Farms, Bonnie Ackerman, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Joann Menzer, Katharine Rudzitis, Keith Dobie Jr, Merle Watkins, Peter, and Ruth S.

Transcribed - Published: 22 July 2024

Mary "Badass" Anderson an AT Winter SOBO in the 80s and Hiking the National Scenic Trails as an Older Solo Female

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Helinox, we are joined by Mary "Badass" Anderson. Never has a trail name been more fitting, Mary is the most badass hiker you've likely never heard of. With nearly 19,000 miles under her feet spanning six decades, with her first thru-hike taking place in 1981, Mary has not slowed down with her adventurous ways, as she swung by the studio on her to the Pacific Northwest Trail. Some of the highlights from today's interview include a wild winter SOBO thru-hike of the AT in 1985, just a handful of months after a major back surgery where her doctor told her to give up hiking. She followed her AT SOBO winter hike by immediately hopping over to the PCT, where she battled even more snow, and killed and ate a rattlesnake. Other feats include hiking all of the 4,000 footers in New England with her young son in the 90s, completing the CDT after hitting a new low in 2020, and now she's on a quest to finish all of the National Scenic Trails, with only a couple remaining. In short, Mary's story is one of a kind, you will enjoy today's chat. We wrap the show with a last call for applications for The Trek's new full-time role, a pair of beloved trail angels close their doors after 17 years serving PCT hikers, what music we would listen to on the way to rescue our significant others from a hostage situation, the triple crown of onomatopoeias, and Chaunce is very afraid of grizzlies. Helinox: Use code “BACKPACKER20” for 20% off at helinox.com. Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com. LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek. Sambob: Use code “BACKPACKER15” for 15% off at sambob.biz. [divider] Interview with Mary “Badass” Anderson Mary's Blog Time stamps & Questions 00:04:40 - Reminders: Apply for the Trek’s full-time role! Support us on Patreon for exclusive content and send us your recommendations for a hiker meetup this fall in NYC. 00:10:34 - Introducing Mary 00:11:40 - How’d you get your trail name? 00:13:14 - How did you initially get started long distance backpacking? 00:15:22 - How did you prepare for backpacking in the 80s? 00:21:05 - What does your baseweight look like today? 00:23:47 - What was the AT like in the 80s? 00:26:56 - Did the AT feel easy compared to the Long Trail? 00:29:02 - What resources did you have for navigation? 00:32:38 - What were your resupplies like? 00:34:00 - Tell us about your back injury and being told never to hike again 00:38:10 - Where does your toughness come from? 00:39:00 - How much of a physical struggle was the AT southbound in winter? 00:40:46 - Where did you experience the worst weather? 00:41:50 - Did you think it might have been a bad idea? 00:45:30 - What did your winter pack and gear look like? 00:49:39 - How did you keep on the trail? 00:50:45 - What about backpacking do you enjoy? 00:52:20 - Did people know what you were doing? 00:54:08 - How did you afford hiking then and now? 00:56:12 - What trail recipes do you make? 00:57:18 - What did it feel like to get to Springer and then start the PCT? 01:02:09 - What was your experience on the PCT like? 01:04:23 - Tell us about your rattlesnake encounter 01:07:00 - Discussion about fear and wildlife encounters 01:10:30 - Did you encounter other thru-hikers on the PCT in 1986? 01:11:10 - How did you enjoy the PCT relative to the AT? 01:14:00 - What was the scariest moment of your backpacking career? 01:17:05 - Tell us about the hiking you did with your son 01:19:55 - Do you have advice for getting your kids outside? 01:21:15 - What was it like hiking the Long Trail with your 8 year old? 01:22:30 - How have you noticed the concept of gender changing in the backcountry? 01:24:08 - Tell us about a bear paying for your cross country road trip 01:26:36 - How did you get back into long distance thru-hiking? 01:29:22 - When did you switch from map and compass to apps? 01:31:32 - Do you long for hikes from decades ago? 01:35:55 - How was the southern half of the CDT in 2020? 01:37:42 - How was your mental state? 01:42:10 - Tell us about staying with people on the Ice Age Trail 01:44:28 - Tell us about the northern half of the CDT 01:49:55 - Tell us about your Vermont bike trip 01:54:16 - Discussion about the role of the internet 01:55:40 - Discussion about the Catamount Cross Country Ski Trail 01:58:50 - How was the Connecticut River Source to Sea Paddle? 02:06:05 - Tell us about the New England Trail 02:10:08 - Discussion about the Natchez Trace Trail 02:12:00 - Discussion about the Potomoc Heritage Trail 02:17:40 - Anything else to share about the Arizona Trail? 02:24:00 - What’s next? Segments Trek Propaganda: 17 Years, 8,000 Hikers: Trail Angels Scout and Frodo Retire from PCT Hosting by Arielle Nardizzi Professor: The Strategy That’s Helped Me Afford 6 Years, 15K Miles of Thru-Hiking (Jobs, Budgeting Tips, and More) by Carl Stanfield QOTD: Your wife has been kidnapped and is being held in a location 30 minutes away. You’re driving to rescue her. It’s a warm night and your windows are down. Do you listen to music on the drive there, yes or no? Triple Crown of onomatopoeias Power Ranking: Animals You Want to Encounter on Trail Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/. Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Austin Ford, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Dayne, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Patrick Cianciolo, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: 12 Trees Farms, Bonnie Ackerman, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Joann Menzer, Katharine Rudzitis, Keith Dobie Jr, Merle Watkins, Peter, and Ruth S.

Transcribed - Published: 15 July 2024

Adam Cramer, CEO of Outdoor Alliance, on the EXPLORE Act and Conservation Advocacy

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Helinox, we are joined by Adam Cramer, the founding Executive Director and CEO of Outdoor Alliance, a national coalition of outdoor recreation advocacy groups revitalizing the conservation movement with modern organizing and digital engagement. We learn all about this organization, the work they've done, the conservation movement at large, some interesting data from their recent wildfire report, and much more. We wrap the show with news of a new feature from iOS 18 which could be a gamechanger for backpackers, the proper ratio of water to corpses, and the triple Crown of AT trail sections you’d take someone you hate. Helinox: Use code “BACKPACKER20” for 20% off at helinox.com. Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com. Backpacker’s Pantry: Use code “THETREK” for 20% off at backpackerspantry.com. [divider] Interview with Adam Cramer Take action for the EXPLORE Act Sign up for action alerts Outdoor Alliance Action Center Wildfire and Outdoor Recreation in the West Time stamps & Questions 00:04:00 - Reminders: Apply for the Trek’s new full time position! Suggest a guest for us to interview at PCT Days and support us on Patreon. 00:07:35 - Introducing Adam 00:08:13 - What makes for a good skatepark? 00:09:20 - Tell us about whitewater rafting 00:12:44 - What is Outdoor Alliance and how is it funded? 00:14:00 - How do you pick where the primary attention goes? 00:15:22 - How did you get involved with Outdoor Alliance? 00:20:04 - What are the specific objectives of Outdoor Alliance for this year? 00:22:07 - What does the EXPLORE act include? 00:24:10 - How did the EXPLORE act get passed in the House and what’s the process for the Senate? 00:28:39 - Tell us about the funding 00:31:04 - Do you collaborate with any hunting and fishing organizations? 00:33:06 - Does any of the funding go towards trail maintenance? 00:35:35 - Does it get exhausting to argue the same thing year after year? 00:37:32 - What were some of the findings from the Outdoor Alliance wildfire report? 00:41:50 - Would some regions implement this before others? 00:47:07 - Are you looking to expand how many organizations you work with? 00:47:45 - Kumo Question: What’s the most beautiful place you’ve ever been to? Segments Trek Propaganda: No Signal, No Problem: Apple Introduces 2-Way Satellite Messaging for iPhones by James Townsend Accidental Oopsies QOTD: People will swim in the ocean, even though there are definitely many corpses in it. People will not swim in a pool with a corpse in it. Humans all have a corpse:water ratio that is acceptable for them to swim in. What is your ratio? Triple Crown of AT trail sections you’d take someone you hate Priest Confession (and leave us your own!) Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/. Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Austin Ford, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Dayne, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Patrick Cianciolo, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: 12 Trees Farms, Bonnie Ackerman, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Joann Menzer, Katharine Rudzitis, Keith Dobie Jr, Merle Watkins, Peter, and Ruth S.

Transcribed - Published: 8 July 2024

John Mackey, Whole Foods Co-Founder, on His Thru-Hiking Experience, Co-Owning Gossamer Gear, and Entrepreneurship

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, brought to you by Helinox we are joined by John Mackey. On trail he's known as "Strider", off trail he's known as the co-founder and former CEO of Whole Foods. In addition to being a world-class entrepreneur, Mackey is also a backpacking enthusiast, having hike the AT, PCT, Colorado Trail, and many trails abroad including hikes in the Alps, Patagonia, and more. This is a fun, informative, and wide ranging chat that covers his thru-hike on the AT while being the active Whole Foods CEO, how he saved Gossamer Gear from near extinction, his fascination with UL gear, including his own 6.5 lb base weight, how his love for fantasy novels spilled into his own creative endeavor at the AT's shelter logs, his favorite vegan trail snacks, and much more. We also dive into some non-backpacking talk, including how to build a successful and healthy company culture, his take on labor unions, how psychedelics played a pivotal role in his life, and we learn all about his new book, The Whole Story: Adventures in Love, Life, and Capitalism. Chaunce and I were amped for this chat and it did not disappoint. We wrap the show with a sneak peak at a new full-time job opening at The Trek, what fact is common knowledge in our field, but unknown to most of the population, the triple crown of Whole Foods foods, and Chaunce's encounter with a ghost. Helinox: Use code “BACKPACKER20” for 20% off at helinox.com. Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com. LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek. [divider] Interview with John “Strider” Mackey John’s Website John's Instagram Love Life Website Time stamps & Questions 00:04:56 - Reminders: Apply for the Trek’s new full time role! Suggest a guest for PCT Days and support us on Patreon for bonus exclusive content! 00:08:15 - Introducing John 00:09:18 - Tell us about investigating your wife’s fridge during your first date 00:12:27 - We Love Love: Tell us about telling her how you felt 00:18:12 - Did that make you more sensitive to how you interact with people? 00:19:15 - What was the origin story of buying Gossamer Gear? 00:23:46 - Are you still involved in the operations of Gossamer Gear? 00:25:15 - How did you get to a baseweight of 6 pounds? 00:26:50 - What are your Big Three? 00:28:00 - How did Ray Jardine’s book insprie you? 00:30:30 - Tell us about getting off trail 00:33:22 - What’s it like to complete the AT and go back to being the CEO of Whole Foods? 00:36:01 - Tell us about your trail register stories 00:39:35 - What was the process for your support vehicle? 00:41:44 - Did other hikers realize you were involved with Whole Foods? 00:43:10 - What impact has psychadelics had on your career? 00:49:33 - What did your parents think when you started Safer Way? 00:54:56 - Was it hard to ask your father to leave the board of Whole Foods? 00:58:50 - What was the community’s reaction to you starting Safer Way? 01:02:18 - How did you mentally keep up with the growth of Whole Foods? 01:03:43 - Were there any books you recommend to entrepreneurs? 01:05:28 - Discussion about listening to books while long distance hiking 01:07:00 - Discussion about what John eats while backpacking 01:10:21 - What kind of cravings do you get while hiking? 01:12:20 - What do you think about alternative meat burgers? 01:13:23 - Can you explain why vegans are against eggs? 01:16:20 - Tell us about hiking with the founder of Celestial Seasonings tea 01:18:58 - What was the origin story of your step-daughter’s trail name? 01:20:09 - What sticky situations have you gotten into on trail? 01:24:00 - Tell us about hiking the PCT 01:27:39 - Tell us about the Via Francigena and Alpe Adria 01:29:50 - What has been your favorite European trail? 01:31:35 - What’s your take on REI’s recent efforts on union busting? 01:36:52 - What tips do you have for building a strong company culture? 01:42:00 - Discussion about merging with Amazon 01:43:18 - What is Jeff Bezos like? 01:43:41 - Zach’s idea for grocery store improvement 01:45:33 - Kumo Question: What is the cheesiest movie you secretly love? 01:48:26 - Tell us about Love Life Segments Trek Propaganda: Kristian Morgan Aims for Another Appalachian Trail FKT by Ariella Nardizzi QOTD: What fact is common knowledge in your field, but unknown to most of the population? Spooky Thing of the Week Triple Crown of Whole Foods foods Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/. Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Austin Ford, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Dayne, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Patrick Cianciolo, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: 12 Trees Farms, Bonnie Ackerman, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Joann Menzer, Katharine Rudzitis, Keith Dobie Jr, Merle Watkins, Peter, and Ruth S.

Transcribed - Published: 1 July 2024

Skin Protection on Trail: Sunscreen, Clothing, and Supplements with Dr. Katie Manno

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by dermatologist, and my old pal, Dr. Katie Manno. This is a chat I’ve been wanting to highlight on this podcast for years now, and it lived up to my lofty expectations. Dr. Manno gives us a thorough runthrough on all things skin health related and how it pertains to extended time in the outdoors, including why sun protection is so important, the difference between chemical and mineral sunscreens and which is better for the trail, how much and what SPF sunscreen hikers should use, the safety profile of chemical sunscreens and what chemicals specifically to avoid, sun protective clothing and the science behind UPF ratings, vitamin D considerations when using sunscreen and/or sun clothing, what supplements and skin care products she recommends to optimize skin health, and much more. Needless to say, you will come away from this chat smarter than you entered it. We wrap the show with why one former guest always uses a bear canister when thru-hiking, we opine on whether donating hair can land you in the slammer, I give an update on my 175-mile lap around Denver, and the triple crown of dog breeds. Backpacker’s Pantry: Use code “THETREK” for 20% off at backpackerspantry.com. Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com. [divider] Interview with Katie Manno Katie's Practice Time stamps & Questions 00:04:40 - Reminders: The Trek is hiring a full-time marketing position! Get notified by subscribing to the newsletter. We’re going to Austin and support us on Patreon! 00:08:55 - Introducing Katie 00:09:50 - When did you know you wanted to be a doctor and dermatologist? 00:12:30 - Do you analyze people’s skin when you’re talking to them in the real world? 00:13:40 - What are the risks and consequences of not taking sun protection seriously? 00:15:15 - How does your skin color impact how careful you need to be with sun exposure? 00:17:32 - Can you totally eliminate your risk of skin cancer? 00:18:20 - Is avoiding a sunburn enough? 00:20:10 - What’s the perception of spray tans from the dermatology perspective? 00:21:01 - Is there any reason to be skeptical about the chemicals in sunscreen? 00:25:18 - Do you avoid any chemical sunscreens? 00:26:58 - Discussion about Elta MD and chemical vs. physical sunscreens 00:30:18 - What sunscreen would you recommend to backpackers? 00:32:23 - Is it true that above an SPF it’s all the same? 00:35:35 - Do you have a preference between sun protective clothing and sunscreen? 00:37:16 - Does body hair protect against sun damage? 00:38:42 - Is something being covered by clothing enough protection? 00:40:30 - Discussion about SPF and UPF ratings 00:42:30 - What are the main factors that determine the UPF rating? 00:44:14 - If someone applies sunscreen perfectly, do they need protective clothing? 00:45:10 - What would you send out a new PCT hiker out with? 00:46:34 - Walk us through what the various types of skin cancer 00:51:12 - Does sunscreen block vitamin D absorption? 00:53:19 - Is there a safe way to get vitamin D through sun exposure without sunscreen? 00:55:12 - What is the UV index? 00:57:27 - What is the correlation between vitamin levels and skin cancers? 01:01:38 - Are there other supplements we should be taking? 01:04:15 - What are the options for people who’ve had a lot of past skin damage? 01:10:44 - Do you have any favorite skin products? Segments Trek Propaganda: Why I Always Carry a Bear Canister When Thru-Hiking by Moose Juice QOTD: Can donated hair be used as DNA evidence in a crime? Denver Orbital Trail Update Triple Crown of dog breeds One Star Trail Reviews One Minute Gear Review Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/. Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex & Misty with Navigators Crafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Austin Ford, Brad & Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Dayne, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Patrick Cianciolo, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, and Tracy “Trigger” Fawns. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: 12 Trees Farms, Bonnie Ackerman, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Joann Menzer, Katharine Rudzitis, Keith Dobie Jr, Merle Watkins, Peter, and Ruth S.

Transcribed - Published: 24 June 2024

Katie "Oats" Houston on the Appalachian High Route, Lone Star Trail, and Breaking Out in the Outdoor Industry

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Sawyer Products, we are joined by Katie “Oats” Houston. Oats is a solo thru-hiker, who’s completed the AT, Colorado Trail, Lone Star Trail, and most importantly for today’s recording, the 330-mile Appalachian High Route. We dive deep into the Appalachian High Route’s details, including the standout sections, resupply strategy, the best months to hike it, standout stops in Asheville (where Katie is from), and much more. Katie also shares some tips for breaking out as a freelancer in the outdoor industry, which is especially relevant, as she is also a contributor for The Trek and formerly the head of our social media. We wrap the show by teasing our next live podcast- hint, it’s not in Denver, Badger has a hilarious and misfortunate wild animal encounter at my house, the triple crown of conversations you don’t get to on trail, and a listener voicemail / tick PSA. Sawyer Products: Check out Sawyer’s Permethrin Pump at REI. Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com. LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek. Shady Rays: Use code “TREK” for 50% off two or more pairs of sunglasses at shadyrays.com. [divider] Interview with Katie “Oats” Houston Katie's Instagram Katie's Trek Profile Katie's Website Time stamps & Questions 00:03:57 - Reminders: We’re coming to Austin, TX! Support us on Patreon and check out our Backpacker Radio hats in the Trek’s store! 00:08:30 - Introducing Oats 00:09:05 - How did you get into the outdoors and the Trek? 00:10:04 - How did you get your trail name? 00:13:22 - Why did you decide to hike the AT? 00:16:32 - Were you the first person to do the Appalachian High Route? 00:19:06 - Can you give us an overview of the Appalachian High Route? 00:25:22 - What’s the route like elevation-wise? 00:28:20 - What are the towns and resupplies like? 00:30:50 - What do you know about the geology of the southern Appalachians? 00:36:01 - What are the highlights of Asheville? 00:40:00 - Could a first time hiker do the Appalachian High Route? 00:41:45 - What did you use for navigation? 00:43:50 - How did you pick to go clockwise? 00:45:46 - Tell us about the hiking you did in Texas 00:46:51 - Do you have tips about thinking through things while thru-hiking? 00:50:00 - Give us your rating and elevator pitch for the Lone Star Trail 00:55:26 - Discussion about the aggressive dogs on the Lone Star Trail 00:57:00 - Discussion about Big Bend National Park 00:59:05 - What are your tips for breaking into the outdoor industry? 01:04:28 - What are different ways to find outdoor industry jobs? 01:06:40 - Walk us through a typical week at Sawyer 01:08:08 - What are your tips for pricing your skills? 01:13:00 - How much freelance work do you do now? 01:14:55 - Give us Sawyer’s background 01:20:57 - Where can people keep up with you? Segments Trek Propaganda: Why I Always Carry a Bear Canister When Thru-Hiking by Moose Juice QOTD: How long would you watch a loading screen before aborting all the info you entered/work you did/progress you made to start over? Scary Thing of the Week Pooping in the Woods Update Triple Crown of conversations you don’t get into on trail Listener Voicemail Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/. Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex & Misty with Navigators Crafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Austin Ford, Brad & Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Dayne, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Patrick Cianciolo, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, and Tracy “Trigger” Fawns. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: 12 Trees Farms, Bonnie Ackerman, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Joann Menzer, Katharine Rudzitis, Keith Dobie Jr, Merle Watkins, Peter, and Ruth S.

Transcribed - Published: 17 June 2024

Taylor the Nahamsha Hiker on Hiking the AT Twice, Youtube Fame, and Running a Gift Shop

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Sawyer Products, we are joined by Taylor the Nahamsha Hiker. Taylor is a thru-hiker, peak bagger, prominent YouTuber, and as of the recording of this episode, exceptionally pregnant. In addition to hiking the AT in 2021 and 2023, Taylor has also hiked all 48 of New Hampshire’s 4,000 footers. We learn all about her entry into the world of thru-hiking, how she grew her YouTube following- including a friendly sibling rivalry, what the life of running a gift store is like, and her AT-themed Monopoly board game. We wrap the show with a recap of the remainder of this years AT Trail Days, including consuming butter and dead bodies (fortunately, not related), what Backpacker Radio fans shall henceforth call themselves, the triple crown of things we wish we could buy stock in, and preview a 175-mile hike that Badger is doing around Denver. Sawyer Products: Check out Sawyer’s Permethrin Pump at REI. Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com. Shady Rays: Use code “TREK” for 50% off two or more pairs of sunglasses at shadyrays.com. [divider] Interview with Taylor the Nahamsha Hiker Taylor's Website Taylor's Instagram Taylor's Youtube Nahamsha Gifts Time stamps & Questions 00:03:28 - Reminders: Suggest a guest for PCT Days and support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content! 00:06:07 - Trail Days Recap 00:32:15 - Introducing Taylor 00:34:49 - Tell us about moving to New Hampshire 00:37:17 - Tell us about your first hikes in the Whites and how those prepared you for the AT 00:39:15 - What was it like getting off the AT in 2020? 00:42:50 - How does one get into the gift shop business and what is it like? 00:48:01 - Did you start Youtubing during your first AT attempt? 00:50:22 - Tell us about getting back on the AT in 2021 00:52:25 - Tell us about getting off trail to drive a marathon 00:56:00 - Do you prefer hiking solo over hiking with a tramily? 00:58:30 - When did you start getting judgmental comments on your channel? 01:00:27 - In what instance do the comments go too far? 01:02:50 - How do you maintain your motivation while making videos? 01:06:15 - Did you have media training prior to starting Youtube? 01:08:02 - How has your tech changed over the years? 01:09:21 - What standout stories do you have from your 2021 hike? 01:10:30 - Have you always been athletic? 01:12:30 - Tell us about the Belknap Range Redline 01:16:00 - Discussion about Taylor’s wedding and honeymoon 01:17:24 - How did you decide to hike the AT a second time? 01:19:35 - What places did you intentionally return to on your second thru-hike? 01:20:55 - Tell us about the end of your second AT trip 01:26:57 - Did you enjoy the second hike as much as the first? 01:30:30 - Did you feel compelled to stay on trail because of your audience? 01:31:40 - Discussion about Taylor’s trail videos and advice for others 01:33:50 - How do you make sure to record the highs and lows of the hike? 01:36:25 - Do you have any good poop stories? 01:41:48 - Tell us about the Lakes Region Explorer Patch Program 01:42:25 - Tell us about camping while 8 months pregnant 01:44:50 - What videos do you have left to make before giving birth? 01:46:08 - What is the vent diagram between thru-hiker and pregnancy cravings? 01:47:50 - Where can people follow you? 01:48:36 - Sawyer Question: if you were given an unlimited budget to throw a party for any historical figure, who would it be and what would the theme be? Segments Trek Propaganda: Every Pizza on the Colorado Trail, Ranked by JT Simmons QOTD: Beyonce has the beehive, Taylor Swift has the swifties, Lady Gaga has the little monsters…what would Backpacker Radio listeners be? Triple Crown of things you wish you could buy stock in New Thing of the Week Priest Confessions Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/. Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex & Misty with Navigators Crafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Austin Ford, Brad & Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Dayne, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Patrick Cianciolo, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, and Tracy “Trigger” Fawns. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: 12 Trees Farms, Bonnie Ackerman, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Joann Menzer, Katharine Rudzitis, Keith Dobie Jr, Merle Watkins, Peter, and Ruth S.

Transcribed - Published: 10 June 2024

Brandon "Horsepower" Weis on the Calendar Year Triple Crown and Arizona Trail

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek brought to you by Sawyer Products, we are joined by Brandon “Horsepower” Weis. With minimal prior backpacking experience, in 2021, Brandon successfully completed the calendar year triple crown plus a thru-hike of the Arizona Trail. The next two years were not any more laid back, as he accrued more than 15,000 miles worth of backpacking over a three year span, including treks of the Benton MacKay Trail, Pinhoti, Oregon Desert Trail, Bigfoot Trail, Pacific Northwest Trail, Colorado Trail, Hayduke, and the Sheltowee Trace Trail. In addition to giving us an overview of these treks, Horsepower delights us with fun stories, including a terrifying encounter with a grizzly, sleeping in countless pit toilets, being asked to leave a restaurant due to his odor, accidentally drinking deet, and more. We wrap the show with an overview of the first half of trail days, including how Badger is the world’s biggest moron, the triple crown of our short section hike on the AT, and how many drinks constitute drinking. Sawyer Products: Check out Sawyer’s Permethrin Pump at REI. Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com. LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek. Shady Rays: Use code “TREK” for 50% off two or more pairs of sunglasses at shadyrays.com. [divider] Interview with Brandon “Horsepower” Weis Brandon's Instagram Brandon's Book Time stamps & Questions 00:07:30 - Reminders: Support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content and suggest a guest for us to interview at PCT Days! 00:08:54 - Introducing Horsepower 00:09:40 - What’s your trail name origin story? 00:11:11 - What was your background in weight lifting prior to backpacking? 00:12:45 - Where did your interest in thru-hiking come from? 00:14:37 - How long were your section hikes prior to the CYTC? 00:14:55 - Tell us about being a big Lil Wayne fan 00:16:34 - Tell us about being a partier 00:18:26 - Tell us about deciding to hike the Calendar Year Triple Crown 00:20:29 - In what other ways have you gone all in on something you’re interested in? 00:22:21 - Tell us about starting the Calendar Year Triple Crown 00:24:30 - How much did your pack weigh when you started? 00:26:35 - Did you keep to a regular hiking schedule? 00:28:11 - At any point did you think it might not have been a good idea? 00:30:27 - Did you factor in zero days or town vortexes? 00:36:00 - What were your lowest points on the AT? 00:40:42 - What was your low point on the first CDT section? 00:43:47 - What drew you to The One tent? 00:44:28 - Discussion about switching over to the PCT 00:46:30 - Were you too tired to talk to other hikers? 00:47:08 - What were the high and low points on the PCT? 00:48:54 - How did you mitigate injuries? 00:50:52 - Tell us about your back injury 00:55:00 - Are you glad you have already done the Calendar Year Triple Crown? 00:56:02 - McDonalds bathroom story 00:57:44 - Too smelly to be in a restaurant story 00:58:36 - Was the AZT always the plan? 01:00:12 - Discussion about getting off the Buckeye Trail 01:01:00 - Burnt shoes story 01:03:10 - Pit toilet connoisseur 01:05:48 - Savage mice and rats 01:07:30 - Kind of maybe saved a guy’s life 01:09:10 - Held at nonthreatening knifepoint in a car 01:10:22 - Accidentally drinking DEET 01:10:53 - Accidentally holding a lovely couple hostage 01:12:26 - Hearing the song Roxanne 200 times in a night 01:15:30 - Tell us about going back to smaller trails after the CYTC 01:19:09 - Tell us about the Oregon Desert Trail 01:24:30 - Tell us about the Bigfoot Trail 01:30:48 - What’s your rationale for doing so many miles? 01:31:56 - Are you frugal when out on trail? 01:33:44 - What was your biggest pigout moment? 01:35:05 - What’s your favorite meal on trail? 01:36:37 - Eating so much peanut butter he became allergic 01:39:10 - Did you supplement at all on trail? 01:39:35 - Tell us about the Pacific Northwest Trail 01:48:15 - Plug your book! Segments Trek Propaganda: Authorities Investigating Fish Hooks Stuffed In Dog Treats Along Appalachian Trail by Ariella Nardizzi QOTD: How many drinks constitutes “drinking”? Triple Crown of moments from AT hiking One Minute Gear Reviews Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/. Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex & Misty with Navigators Crafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Austin Ford, Brad & Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Dayne, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Patrick Cianciolo, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, and Tracy “Trigger” Fawns. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: 12 Trees Farms, Bonnie Ackerman, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Joann Menzer, Katharine Rudzitis, Keith Dobie Jr, Merle Watkins, Peter, and Ruth S.

Transcribed - Published: 3 June 2024

Quoc "Double Magic" Nguyen on the Alaska Traverse, Norge pa Langs, and Brooks Traverse

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Quoc “Double Magic” Nguyen. Double Magic might just be the most accomplished backpacker you’ve never heard of, along with being in the running for most interesting person on earth. His 23,000 miles of backpacking started with trails you know, like the Colorado Trail and the Pacific Northwest Trail, and quickly evolved to trails you likely haven’t including Norge pa Langs, Via Dinarica, the Colorado Loop (a 1500 mile route he made up), a pair of epic excursions in Alaska, and trekking around the Aleutian Islands, a thing people don’t do. This one is a like a snowball rolling downhill, it gets more momentum and becomes more dangerous the further it goes. We wrap the show with some news of grizzlies getting reintroduced to the Cascades, the triple crown of cheeses, and a listener pumps our tires on our behalf. Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com. Jenna Davis: Email [email protected] or call 303-946-9476 to get a free consultation. Shady Rays: Use code “TREK20” for $20 off polarized sunglasses at shadyrays.com. [divider] Interview with Quoc “Double Magic” Nguyen Quoc's Instagram Quoc's Website Time stamps & Questions 00:03:50 - Reminders: Support us on Patreon to get exclusive bonus content and don’t miss important updates by subscribing to the Trek’s newsletter or submitting your email on our website! 00:05:45 - Introducing Quoc 00:07:28 - How did you get into the outdoors? 00:09:34 - How did you transition from peakbagging to thru-hiking? 00:12:04 - What stood out to you from your first thru-hike? 00:13:14 - Were you stressed about money after graduating law school? 00:16:28 - How do you deal with shifting priorities? 00:18:25 - What is your trail name origin story? 00:19:41 - Why the Te Araroa as a second hike? 00:22:45 - Discussion about the TA 00:24:16 - How did you learn about the international hikes you’ve done? 00:26:14 - What did you learn about thru-hiking during your first two hikes? 00:27:29 - What was the first route you created? 00:28:42 - Tell us about the Iceland Traverse 00:35:45 - Do you not feel fear? 00:38:30 - Did you ever think you were gunna die? 00:42:00 - Tell us about the Norway end to end hike 00:45:26 - Was this a stressful trek? 00:46:30 - What were the terrain and resupplies like? 00:48:11 - Discussion about the ULA circuit 00:49:00 - Do you have tips for hiking efficiently? 00:50:38 - Tell us about your nutrition while hiking 00:55:00 - Would you recommend the Norway hike to others? 00:57:29 - How tired are you after the Norway hike? 01:00:00 - How do you make your trips work financially? 01:05:30 - Does it bother you when people don’t return their carts? 01:07:30 - Tell us about your current job in homeland security 01:09:32 - What are the worst things that have happened to you on trail? 01:15:15 - Why don’t you use a satellite communication device or bear spray? 01:17:00 - Story about being charged by bears 01:21:48 - Have your feelings about grizzly bears changed? 01:24:52 - What are you afraid of? 01:27:00 - What is your gym routine like? 01:31:00 - Tell us about the Brooks Range Traverse 01:35:55 - Do you ever get frustrated or lose your temper? 01:36:50 - What are the mileages of these two traverses? 01:39:25 - Tell us about the Alaska Traverse 01:46:00 - What are your big three? 01:47:20 - What do you use for footwear? 01:48:50 - Do you carry a bear canister? 01:51:00 - Tell us about the Cordillera Blanca Traverse & Huayhuash Circuit 01:54:41 - Tell us about the 1,500 mile Colorado Loop 01:58:40 - What are your favorite 13ers? 02:01:22 - Kumo Question: What is the most ridiculous fashion trend you’ve participated in? Segments Chaunce’s Wedding Update Trek Propaganda: Grizzlies To Be Reintroduced in North Cascades: What It Means for the PCT by Kelly Floro QOTD: Would you rather be a cowboy, a samurai, or a pirate? Triple Crown of cheeses Listener Voicemail Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/. Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex & Misty with Navigators Crafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Austin Ford, Brad & Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Dayne, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Hailey Buckingham, Jason “Snail” Snailer barely know her, Liz Seger, Patrick Cianciolo, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, and Tracy “Trigger” Fawns. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: 12 Trees Farms, Bonnie Ackerman, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Joann Menzer, Katharine Rudzitis, Keith Dobie Jr, Merle Watkins, Peter, and Ruth S.

Transcribed - Published: 27 May 2024

Q&A with Hiking Viking: Underrated Gear, Favorite Hikes, & Go-To Backpacking Foods

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio, we’ve got another banger Q&A episode for you. We are joined by everyone’s favorite viking who hikes to cover your burning questions. Subjects in today’s episode include our most underrated pieces of gear, what single food item we've used on the most hikes, our go-to sun protection strategies, how careful someone should be during a norovirus outbreak, what single thing we like most about long-distance backpacking, and more. We wrap the show with what our level of surprise would be to see a dragon, the triple crown of seemingly simple things that don't make sense (this of course goes off the rails), and we give a listener dream tapeworms. Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com. Jenna Davis: Email [email protected] or call 303-946-9476 to get a free consultation. LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek. Shady Rays: Use code “TREK20” for $20 off polarized sunglasses at shadyrays.com. [divider] Q&A with Jabba Viking's Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:03:22 - Reminders: Keep up with content from the Trek via the newsletter, check out our brand new hats (and use code “gingerstuff” for 15% in the Trek store), and recommend someone we should interview at PCT Trail Days! 00:06:34 - Introducing Jabba 00:08:52 - What’s your sun protection strategy in highly exposed environments? 00:31:12 - What’s the most underrated piece of gear in your pack? 00:40:19 - Patent Pending: Titanium Water Bottle 00:47:45 - What is the single food item that’s been in your food bag the most? 01:06:50 - How can you handle norovirus outbreaks? 01:15:10 - The Veteran-Vargo-Viking Story 01:23:50 - How many times do you poo a day hiking/biking…also who’s cooler, Zach or Chaunce? 01:26:47 - How do you maintain muscle mass on the trail, especially after so many hikes? 01:30:11 - What was your first tattoo? 01:33:55 - What’s your favorite hiking trail you’ve ever done? 01:39:05 - How do you pack a frameless pack? 01:43:57 - If you had to pick one thing you like most about thru-hiking, what would it be? Segments Trek Propaganda List of US Long Trails 5 Budget-Friendly Ultralight Backpacking Hacks by Moose Juice Kumo Question: What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten and would you recommend it? QOTD: How surprised would you be to see a dragon flying in the sky? Triple Crown of seemingly simple things that don’t make sense Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/. Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex & Misty with Navigators Crafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Austin Ford, Brad & Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Dayne, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Hailey Buckingham, Jason “The Snail” Snailer barely know her, Liz Seger, Patrick Cianciolo, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, and Tracy “Trigger” Fawns. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: 12 Trees Farms, Bonnie Ackerman, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Joann Menzer, Katharine Rudzitis, Keith Dobie Jr, Merle Watkins, Peter, and Ruth S.

Transcribed - Published: 20 May 2024

Backpacker Radio LIVE with Ryan "Dirtmonger" Sylva

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we'll do it live! That's right, we are once again joined by backpacking legend, Ryan Sylva aka Dirtmonger, to learn more about his ridiculously extensive backpacking experience from around the world, but this time we are joined by 60 of our best friends at the Skylark Lounge in Denver, Colorado. Although many beers were consumed during the making of this podcast, we feel confident this live episode stays in bounds, at least relative to the first go around, which we no longer speak of. We wrap the show with a QA from attendees of this event, a triple crown of the best sports movies, Chaunce gives us the full rundown on her engagement, and we finally introduce our highly anticipated new segment, Trail Confessionals. Banner photo credit: Rolf Asphaug Backpacker’s Pantry: Use code “BPR20” for 20% off at backpackerspantry.com. Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com. Appalachian Gear Company: Use code “BPRADIO20” for 20% off at appalachiangearcompany.com. Shady Rays: Use code “TREK20” for $20 off polarized sunglasses at shadyrays.com. Outdoor Vitals: Get 17% off the Ventus plus a free backpacking pillow at outdoorvitals.com/thetrek. [divider] Live Podcast Dirtmonger's Instagram Dirtmonger's Blog Time stamps & Questions 00:05:17 - Reminders: Submit feedback to [email protected], sign up for the Trek’s newsletter, and reach out to us if you know a venue that would like to host us! 00:06:27 - Introducing Dirtmonger 00:13:20 - Tell us about your Poop Loop Bikepacking route 00:15:36 - Was this the start of a new chapter in your life? 00:19:20 - Does bikepacking scratch the same backcountry itch as backpacking? 00:22:58 - How do you develop and feel confident in your philosophy about backpacking? 00:26:54 - Tell us about your backstory 00:31:12 - Have you ever done something you wouldn’t want to do again? 00:34:15 - Sell us on bikepacking 00:37:28 - Discussion about using other activities to heal while still adventuring 00:44:15 - What’s the longest day you’ve had on a bike? 00:46:30 - Tell us about the Salkantay Trek, Ausungate Circuit, and Cordillera Real Traverse 00:50:59 - Do you learn things when you hike with Swami? 00:54:02 - What do you mean by hiking at your level? 00:59:56 - Discussion about hiking alone versus with people 01:01:52 - How did that inform the hiking decisions you made afterwards? 01:02:35 - What appeals to you about the desert? 01:04:40 - Tell us about the Oregon Desert Trail 01:06:50 - Tell us about the Altiplano Traverse 01:11:35 - Are there outdoor conditions that you don’t enjoy? 01:14:23 - Has there been a scenario where you turned back because the conditions were bad? 01:17:20 - What’s your mentality about proving yourself to other people? 01:23:50 - Tell us about the Whatever Route 01:28:25 - Discussion about planning and developing the Great Basin Route 01:37:20 - What’s your most controversial take on thru-hiking culture? 01:40:05 - What’s your median base weight? 01:45:30 - Discussion about down jackets and rain jackets 01:48:00 - Kumo Question: Do you think visors will ever come back around? 01:49:06 - Audience Q&A: Is there anything you want to hike in Asia? 01:50:00 - Audience Q&A: Bidet? 01:51:00 - Gossamer Gear Giveaway 1 01:55:30 - Audience Q&A: If you had to do one trail for the rest of your life, what would it be? 01:56:40 - Audience Q&A: Do you ever mentally struggle without seeing people around? 02:00:10 - Audience Q&A: How do you mentally balance creating a new trail with LNT? 02:03:08 - Audience Q&A: What trail made you fall in love with thru-hiking? Segments Chaunce’s Engagement Story QOTD: How much money would it take for you to live in a dumpster for a month? Triple Crown of sports movies Trail Confessions Two Star Trail Review Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/. Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex & Misty with Navigators Crafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Austin Ford, Brad & Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Dayne, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Hailey Buckingham, Jason “Snail” Snailer barely know her, Liz Seger, Patrick Cianciolo, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, and Tracy “Trigger” Fawns. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: 12 Trees Farms, Bonnie Ackerman, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Joann Menzer, Katharine Rudzitis, Keith Dobie Jr, Merle Watkins, Peter, and Ruth S.

Transcribed - Published: 13 May 2024

Audrey "Glowstick" Payne on the Patagonia O Circuit, Tramily Breakups, and Balancing a Career with Hiking

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by thru-hiker and author, Audrey “Glowstick” Payne. In addition to a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, which is the subject of her memoir, Where the Rhododendrons Bloom, Audrey has also tackled the Colorado Trail, Foothills Trail, Trans Catalina Trail, John Muir Trail, Wonderland Trail, and the Patagonia O Circuit. Audrey gives us an overview of each of these treks, and how she might be the first person on earth to not enjoy the JMT, she details a not-so-cordial breakup with her trail family on the AT, and offers some solid tips for those who want to trek Patagonia’s O Circuit. We also get an overview of Audrey’s life prior to thru-hiking, including how her treks were inspired by a back injury and her career in PR, including some fun stories of working with celebrities. We wrap the show with the news of a nasty outbreak of Norovirus on the AT this year, whether you should store your food underwater in the backcountry, the triple crown of movies we've cried to, and some one-star trail reviews. Backpacker’s Pantry: Use code “THETREK” for 20% off at backpackerspantry.com. Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com. Shady Rays: Use code “TREK20” for $20 off polarized sunglasses at shadyrays.com. Appalachian Gear Company: Use code “BPRADIO20” for 20% off at appalachiangearcompany.com. LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek. [divider] Interview with Audrey “Glowstick” Payne Audrey's Instagram Audrey's Website Audrey's Linktree Time stamps & Questions 00:05:14 - Reminders: Come say hi to us at both AT and PCT Trail Days, support us on Patreon to get bonus exclusive episodes, and check out our new hats! 00:06:47 - Introducing Audrey 00:09:20 - What were you doing in DC? 00:15:53 - How did you go from burnt out PR person to thru-hiking? 00:18:34 - How has your back held up? 00:20:15 - How old were you when you started on the AT? 00:22:45 - Walk us through how you rationalized leaving your career to hike the AT 00:26:57 - Are you grateful for your back issues getting you onto the trail? 00:29:28 - Did you have any midlife crises turning 40? 00:30:40 - How do you feel about your future hikes? 00:31:45 - What advice would you give to others approaching or in their 30s? 00:36:22 - Tell us about getting woken up by some ponies and bears 00:44:00 - Is there a story that resonates with readers from the book? 00:47:00 - Tell us about camping at the drive in 00:53:43 - Tell us about foraging on the AT 00:58:40 - What was your best trail magic experience? 01:03:14 - What are your thoughts about tramilies? 01:07:10 - How did the trail family breakup go? 01:09:54 - Can you give tips to people from a PR perspective on how to break up with your trail family? 01:15:52 - What happens if you encounter your broken up trail family again? 01:16:48 - What was it like post-breakup? 01:18:35 - Discussion about deciding to leave a job to hike the AT 01:20:18 - How can someone weigh the pros and cons of making a change to their life? 01:25:00 - Did you put the AT on your resume or discuss it during your interviews? 01:27:45 - What accounted for the four year gap between the AT and your next hike? 01:29:39 - Do your coworkers know you for your hiking? 01:33:02 - How did you decide to do the Colorado Trail? 01:34:17 - Did you start in the same place each time you’ve done the Four Pass Loop? 01:36:00 - Discussion about the logistics of the Four Pass Loop 01:41:55 - Tell us about your mountain lion encounter on the CT 01:50:00 - Discussion about off-roading 01:51:40 - How was your Foothills Trail hike? 01:57:10 - What insects did you see? 02:00:00 - How was your Trans Catalina Trail experience? 02:04:29 - How was the John Muir Trail? 02:07:50 - Discussion about the PCT southbound 02:12:20 - Tell us about the Patagonia O Circuit 02:14:23 - Is the O Circuit accessible for someone who isn’t an experienced backpacker? 02:15:58 - What kind of mileage and elevation gain does the trail entail? 02:17:30 - Discussion about costs, food, and gear 02:19:37 - Where do you fly into and how do you get to trail? 02:21:24 - How did you feel safety-wise? 02:22:55 - Did the structure of the hike take away from the wildness of the area? 02:25:00 - Did you feel fine traveling in that area without speaking Spanish? 02:26:50 - Discussion about the weather and clothing 02:30:29 - Kumo Question: What would your walkup song be if you were entering the Olympics for a random sport? 02:33:50 - Where can people follow you and get your book? Segments Trek Propaganda: Norovirus Alert: Appalachian Trail Hikers Urged to Stay Vigilant Amid Outbreak by Ariella Nardizzi QOTD: Have you ever heard of storing food underwater in the backcountry? Triple Crown of movies you’ve cried to One Star Trail Reviews Listener Voicemail Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/. Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex & Misty with Navigators Crafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Austin Ford, Brad & Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Dayne, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Jason “Snail” Snailer barely know her, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Patrick Cianciolo, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, and Tracy “Trigger” Fawns. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: 12 Trees Farms, Bonnie Ackerman, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Joann Menzer, Katharine Rudzitis, Keith Dobie Jr, Merle Watkins, Peter, and Ruth S.

Transcribed - Published: 6 May 2024

Bethany "Fidgit" Hughes on Hiking, Biking, and Paddling 20,000+ Miles Across the Americas

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are once again joined by Bethany “Fidgit” Hughes. Fidget has hiked, paddled, and cycled more than 22,000 miles across 25 countries as one half of the Her Odyssey Expedition, a human-powered endeavor to connect the Americas following the longest chain of mountains in the world while telling the story of the land and its inhabitants, a journey she completed in August 2022. Bethany was last on the podcast more than 5 years ago, when she had completed the South American leg of this wild expedition, she catches us up with her and her partner’s journey through Central and North America. We go deep on how she navigates the more unsafe sections of this journey, especially through Central America and Mexico and navigating the cartel, dodging crocodiles, canoeing the 3,000+ mile Arctic Drainage to reach the Arctic Ocean, and much, much more. This one is full of engaging stories, you will not be disappointed. We wrap the show with news of the first woman to complete the Barkley Marathons, a deadly mountain lion attack in California, and the triple crown of breakfasts. Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com. Jenna Davis: Email [email protected] or call 303-946-9476 to get a free consultation. Appalachian Gear Company: Use code “BPRADIO20” for 20% off at appalachiangearcompany.com. Shady Rays: Use code “TREK20” for $20 off polarized sunglasses at shadyrays.com. Outdoor Vitals: Get 17% off the Ventus plus a free backpacking pillow at outdoorvitals.com/thetrek. [divider] Interview with Bethany “Fidgit” Hughes Her Odyssey Website Her Odyssey Instagram Her Odyssey Youtube Backpacker Radio Episode 25: Bethany “Fidgit” Hughes on Trekking the Length of the Americas Time stamps & Questions 00:04:08 - Reminders: We will be at Trail Days! And…subscribe to us on Youtube! 00:05:07 - (Re)introducing Bethany 00:06:23 - Tell us about your recent 10 day silent retreat 00:16:25 - Did you have moments where you wanted to speak? 00:18:30 - Give us the summary of what part of the odyssey you’d completed the last time you were on the podcast 00:23:00 - What was the timeline of going across Central America? 00:25:58 - How would you describe your appreciation for bikepacking? 00:28:24 - Do you find that elitism is more prevalent in bikepacking than thru-hiking? 00:33:10 - If someone wanted to do a similar route, what advice would you offer? 00:37:26 - How many scenarios felt unsafe during the Central American portion? 00:42:08 - Did you find the State Department’s advisories helpful? 00:43:28 - Are there extra safety precautions for solo female travelers? 00:47:38 - What other safety methods do you recommend? 00:50:45 - What were some of the highlights of the Central American portion of your route? 00:53:33 - Is there a crocodile protocol? 00:57:50 - Where did you go after kayaking in Panama? 01:00:25 - How safe did you feel in Mexico? 01:05:50 - How did you learn these trends and strategies? 01:08:23 - Is it easy to spot a gangster? 01:10:44 - Tell us about jumping over to the Baja California Peninsula 01:13:20 - Did you have any weird encounters along the US-Mexico border? 01:20:00 - Discussion about the evolution of trail magic and entitlement 01:22:36 - How do you recommend people participate in a gift-giving culture? 01:28:07 - Tell us any standout stories from hiking the CDT 01:33:20 - Do you think Her Odyssey has made you more adaptable as a thru-hiker? 01:40:22 - Tell us about the Great Divide Trail 01:46:25 - What are Treaty Days? 01:48:38 - Discussion about climate change along the route 01:51:05 - Discussion about the paddling trip to the Arctic Ocean 01:59:00 - How did you develop paddling skills? 02:01:16 - Did your caloric needs increase on the paddling portion of the odyssey? 02:02:18 - Bethany’s hot take on umbrellas 02:05:40 - Where can people learn more about you? Segments Trek Propaganda 1 Killed, 1 Injured in California Mountain Lion Attack by Kelly Floro Jasmin Paris Becomes First Woman Ever To Complete Barkley Marathons by Kelly Floro QOTD: How excited are we to have Elise back on BPR? Triple Crown of breakfasts Listener Voicemail Plug Me Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/. Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex & Misty with Navigators Crafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Austin Ford, Brad & Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Dayne, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Hailey Buckingham, Jason “Snail” Snailer barely know her, Liz Seger, Patrick Cianciolo, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, and Tracy “Trigger” Fawns. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: 12 Trees Farms, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Joann Menzer, Katharine Rudzitis, Keith Dobie Jr, Merle Watkins, Peter, and Ruth S.

Transcribed - Published: 29 April 2024

The Real Hiking Viking on Why He Disappeared, His CDT Flip-Flop, and Reality TV in Central America

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, he’s back. That’s right, The Real Hiking Viking aka Jabba aka Tom aka Backpacker Radio’s honorary third co-host joins us once again to give us an update on his life. We get the full breakdown of where the heck he disappeared to last year, how his CDT hike went, another attempt at the Wind River High Route, a brief stint on a reality TV show in Central America, updates on his backpack, and much more. If ever a guest needed no introduction, it’s this one, so we’ll just say sit down, strap in, and get ready to get Jabba’d once again. We wrap the show with a question of the day so graphic that I will not be saying it in the intro (this episode is not for kids), the triple crown of funniest farts, and this is your last chance to snag tickets for our live podcast in Denver! Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com. Outdoor Vitals: Get 17% off the Ventus plus a free backpacking pillow at outdoorvitals.com/thetrek. Appalachian Gear Company: Use code “BPRADIO20” for 20% off at appalachiangearcompany.com. Shady Rays: Use code “TREK20” for $20 off polarized sunglasses at shadyrays.com. Danner: Use code “TREK15” for 15% off Mountain 600 boots at danner.com. [divider] Interview with Jabba Jabba's Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:07:17 - Reminders: This is your last chance for tickets to our live podcast in Denver TOMORROW! 00:15:00 - Re-introducing Jabba and his desire for a sober year 00:22:25 - Are you goal setting for your birthday? 00:24:00 - What would allow you to one-up your 30s in your 40s? 00:26:22 - Is there a correlation between trying sobriety and preventing injuries? 00:29:23 - Why did you disappear? 00:33:00 - Discussion about Jabba’s flip flop on the CDT and getting off the trail 00:37:07 - Did any part of you think about getting back onto the CDT? 00:38:04 - How do you pull yourself out of a sedentary period? 00:40:55 - How do you spend six hours at the gym? 00:51:08 - What bikepacking trip are you going on? 00:54:14 - Tell us about starting on the CDT last year 00:58:35 - Do you have any mental spiraling about not being at the top of your historical physical fitness? 01:05:00 - Discussion about adding stakes to physical goals 01:12:08 - Discussion about the CDT 01:17:00 - Discussion about standards shifting over time 01:18:52 - How do you manage big adventures with maintaining a home life? 01:21:50 - Tell us about ending the CDT with the Wind River High Route 01:33:21 - What were some highlights of the northern stretch of the Wind River High Route? 01:36:45 - Should you have an ice axe and microspikes regardless of the time of year? 01:38:17 - What are the updates on the Zerk? 01:43:18 - Kumo Question: What is the smelliest thing you’ve ever encountered? Segments QOTD Triple Crown of funniest farts Trek Propaganda: Briana DeSanctis Becomes First Solo Woman To Complete 6,800-Mile American Discovery Trail by Ariella Nardizzi Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/. Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex & Misty with Navigators Crafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Austin Ford, Brad & Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Dayne, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Hailey Buckingham, Jason “Snail” Snailer barely know her, Liz Seger, Patrick Cianciolo, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, and Tracy “Trigger” Fawns. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: 12 Trees Farms, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Joann Menzer, Katharine Rudzitis, Keith Dobie Jr, Merle Watkins, Peter, and Ruth S.

Transcribed - Published: 22 April 2024

Henry "Moose Juice" Lewis on Shaking Down AT Hikers, the Teton Crest Trail, and Champagne Shoeys

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Henry “Moose Juice” Lewis. In addition to hikes of the AT, Teton Crest Trail, Colorado Trail, and the PCT, Moose Juice spent a few seasons shaking down starry eyed aspiring thru-hikers at Mountain Crossings. Henry gives us a rundown of these hikes, the funniest stories from these shakedowns, including happening onto vibratos and guns, tips on how to fix a leaking inflatable sleeping pad, doing champagne shoey, and his terrifying encounter with an angry bull moose, which helped him earn his trail. We wrap the show with an argument for starting your AT hike on the Benton Mackaye Trail, why or why not a ghost and zombie can come from the same person, and the triple crown of non-obvious smartphone apps. Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com. Outdoor Vitals: Get 17% off the Ventus plus a free backpacking pillow at outdoorvitals.com/thetrek. LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek. Shady Rays: Use code “TREK20” for $20 off polarized sunglasses at shadyrays.com. Danner: Use code “TREK15” for 15% off Mountain 600 boots at danner.com. [divider] Interview with Henry “Moose Juice” Lewis Henry's Trek Author Page Henry's Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:03:45 - Reminders: Attend our live podcast in Denver next week! Apply to be a blogger for the Trek! 00:06:47 - Introducing Moose Juice 00:07:20 - Tell us about your champagne shoey 00:09:33 - Tell us the origin of your trail name 00:13:02 - Did you try to gain weight prior to the AT? 00:15:46 - We Love Love: Tell us about meeting your girlfriend on trail 00:19:50 - Why were you so oblivious to all the signs? 00:23:24 - Where did the AT and thru-hiking come onto your radar? 00:26:42 - Why did you choose to go southbound? 00:31:05 - How did starting with the Whites impact your mindset? 00:33:34 - Tell us your worst moment on the trail 00:36:40 - Discussion about packs 00:40:00 - Tell us about your experience working at Mountain Crossings 00:46:20 - Do they prepare you for working with tons of thru-hikers during the bubble? 00:47:48 - Are Mountain Crossings employees incentivized to sell gear? 00:50:00 - What can people do better while preparing to minimize needing to buy new gear during the hike? 00:52:30 - Is having a big personality a trait Mountain Crossings recruit for? 00:54:55 - Are there standout stories of people carrying outlandish things? 01:00:25 - Tell us about the Teton Crest Trail 01:08:09 - Tell us about the Colorado Trail 01:08:45 - When did you decide to hike the PCT? 01:12:06 - Did you hike all the way through the Sierra? 01:18:40 - Was she okay after going to the hospital? 01:19:55 - What is High Altitude Pulmonary Edema? 01:22:32 - Would you rather do the Sierra in high snow or low snow conditions? 01:24:54 - What were the highlights of the rest of the PCT? 01:26:24 - Tell us about your mountain lion encounter 01:31:12 - What are the steps for fixing an inflatable air pad hole? 01:34:00 - What’s the ideal start date for the AT? 01:37:25 - Kumo Question: Do you have any strange superstitions? Segments Impromptu Chaunce Poop Story Trek Propaganda: The AT Is Crowded. Why Not Start Your Thru-Hike on the Benton Mackaye Trail Instead? by Kelly Floro QOTD: Can a ghost and a zombie come from the same person? Triple Crown of non-obvious apps on your phone Patent Pending Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/. Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex & Misty with Navigators Crafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Austin Ford, Brad & Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Dayne, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Hailey Buckingham, Jason “Snail” Snailer barely know her, Liz Seger, Patrick Cianciolo, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, and Tracy “Trigger” Fawns. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: 12 Trees Farms, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Jeff LaFranier, Joann Menzer, Katharine Rudzitis, Keith Dobie Jr, merle Watkins, Peter, and Ruth S.

Transcribed - Published: 15 April 2024

Eeland Stribling aka the "Black Steve Irwin" on Fly Fishing, Stand Up Comedy, and Wildlife Biology

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Eeland Stribling. Eeland, who’s known as the "Black Steve Iriwn" and “The Fliest Fisherman” is a wildlife biologist, educator, standup comedian, and the host of “Comedians on the Fly.” We dive deep into the world of standup comedy, including the various hazing routines, what it’s like to eat shit during an open mic, how things change as you climb the ranks, the process of crafting a joke, and more. Eeland also educates us with some fun facts about black bears and mountain lions and gives us a thorough primer on how to get started with fly fishing. This chat was both fun and informative, you will not be disappointed. We wrap the show with five word sentences that are guaranteed to start a fight, the triple crown of shows to fall asleep to, and we have more details of our live podcast in Denver. The link to get tickets is in the show notes. Taking a pause here to give you time to snag yours. Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com. Jenna Davis: Email [email protected] or call 303-946-9476 to get a free consultation. Shady Rays: Use code “TREKREACT” for 2 lenses free when you buy React frames at shadyrays.com. Danner: Use code “TREK15” for 15% off Mountain 600 boots at danner.com. [divider] Interview with Eeland Stribling Eeland's Instagram Eeland's Website Comedians on the Fly Brown Folks Fishing Time stamps & Questions 00:03:42 - Reminders: Get tickets to our live show in Denver on April 23! 00:04:44 - Introducing Eeland 00:05:37 - What got you into comedy? 00:09:15 - How would you describe your style of comedy? 00:14:18 - What is the easiest animal to make fun of? 00:15:45 - Tell us about your experience as a nuisance animal technician 00:18:58 - Tell us about tranquilizing and relocating bears 00:22:08 - What was the smartest bear encounter you had? 00:25:40 - How did your mountain lion work compare to that with bears? 00:28:00 - Is there an area that’s notorious for problematic bears? 00:33:31 - Are there notable comedians you’ve opened for? 00:38:05 - What is it like to hang out with comics in the green room? 00:43:20 - What’s the best advice other comedians have given you? 00:46:55 - Tell us about how you write jokes 00:48:55 - What’s it like when jokes bomb? 00:53:00 - How does a set hit with some crowds and not with others? 00:58:04 - Can you read us the most recent lines in your notebook? 01:02:17 - How frequently are you improvising on stage with new bits? 01:04:45 - When are your upcoming shows in April? 01:06:04 - Tell us about your show, Comedians on the Fly 01:09:20 - How did you get into fly fishing? 01:12:37 - Tell us about your phone incident while saltwater fishing 01:15:55 - How do you know what flies are needed for certain areas? 01:18:00 - Are you reluctant to share your favorite tips or places? 01:23:56 - How much of fly fishing is skill vs. knowledge vs. luck? 01:27:30 - Discussion about paralells between comedy and fishing 01:31:40 - Can you talk to us about Brown Folks Fishing and why their work matters? 01:34:30 - Kumo Question: If you could live in any era of history, what would you pick? 01:37:18 - What do you recommend for someone who wants to get started in fly fishing? 01:46:06 - Do you exclusively do catch and release? 01:52:00 - Discussion about protecting released fish 01:54:00 - Where can people find you? Segments Trek Propaganda: 2024 Badger Sponsorship Winners by Kendra Slagter QOTD: In 5 words or less, start a fight without politics Listener Voicemail (leave us your own!) Triple Crown of shows to fall asleep to Plug Me: Glen Van Peski’s Take Less. Do More: Surprising Life Lessons in Generosity, Gratitude and Curiosity from an Ultralight Backpacker Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/. Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex & Misty with Navigators Crafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Austin Ford, Brad & Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Dayne, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Hailey Buckingham, Jason “Snail” Snailer barely know her, Liz Seger, Patrick Cianciolo, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, and Tracy “Trigger” Fawns. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: 12 Trees Farms, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Jeff LaFranier, Joann Menzer, Katharine Rudzitis, Keith Dobie Jr, merle Watkins, Peter, and Ruth S.

Transcribed - Published: 8 April 2024

How to Hike the Colorado Trail with David Fanning: Seasons, Trail Towns, and Extra Experiences

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are chatting all things Colorado Trail. Rachel, who filled in for Zach, and Chaunce are joined by David Fanning, who has seven complete hikes of the Colorado Trail, which is tied for the record we think. Topics covered today include the pros and cons of hiking the CT both east and westbound, the best weather windows, transportation to the trail, recommended gear, information about the campsites, water availability, the best towns, resupply strategy, preparation strategies, how to navigate the trail, wildlife, comparing the Collegiate East and West, and more. We wrap the show with the official details of our upcoming LIVE podcast in Denver, how to cook corn, and the triple crown of bread. Gossamer Gear: Use code “DINGLEBERRY” for 20% off packs at gossamergear.com. Danner: Use code “TREK15” for 15% off Mountain 600 boots at danner.com. LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek. Shady Rays: Use code “TREK20” for $20 off polarized sunglasses at shadyrays.com. [divider] Panel with David Fanning David's Website Time stamps & Questions 00:06:14 - Reminders: Come attend BPR live in Denver on April 23! Apply to be a Trek blogger or Ambassador and suggest a potential Trail Days guest for BPR! 00:07:37 - Introducing the Colorado Trail panel 00:08:54 - Introducing David Fanning 00:12:04 - How did you go from the PCT to CT? 00:14:20 - When was the first year you hiked the Colorado Trail? 00:15:52 - Do you think having that conversation with the doctor turned out to be a blessing? 00:20:25 - Colorado Trail basics 00:22:40 - Hiking season and weather 00:30:10 - What crazy weather have you seen across 7 hikes? 00:31:45 - Discussion about keeping gear dry and rain gear 00:36:42 - What experience have you had with snow on the trail? 00:39:14 - Have you had any sketchy experiences with lightning? (NOLS lightning resources) 00:41:56 - Discussion about dead tree fall 00:43:15 - Hiking NOBO or SOBO 00:49:08 - Trail termini 00:51:00 - Discussion about taking the train from Grand Junction to Denver 00:52:12 - Resupplies and towns 00:53:18 - Discussion about hitching 00:59:50 - Trail towns: Bailey, Conifer, Jefferson, and Fairplay (See The Colorado Trail Guide: Resupply and Towns on the Colorado Trail) 01:04:04 - Trail towns: Breckenridge, Frisco, and Copper 01:05:45 - Sending resupply boxes 01:06:53 - Trail towns: Leadville 01:09:54 - Trail towns: Twin Lakes 01:10:35 - Collegiate East vs West 01:17:05 - Trail towns: Buena Vista and Salida 01:19:05 - The Cochetopa section 01:24:10 - Trail towns: Gunnison, Lake City 01:31:56 - Discussion about sheepdogs 01:34:06 - Trail towns: Silverton and the scenic train 01:38:40 - Discussion about the section between Lake City and Silverton 01:40:20 - Discussion about wildlife encounters 01:48:00 - Food storage on the CT 01:50:04 - Shelter considerations on the CT 01:54:15 - Discussion about campsites and Chaunce’s scary story 01:58:45 - Navigation on the CT 02:00:48 - Dogs and bikes on the CT (Backpacker Radio #214 | Tisha McCombs, Executive Director at the Colorado Trail Foundation) 02:03:30 - What has changed the most over your many hikes? 02:07:00 - Section hiking versus thru-hiking 02:14:02 - What’s your elevator pitch for the Colorado Trail? 02:17:04 - Physical preparation on the CT 02:21:25 - Discussion about food and appetite 02:21:55 - Tell us about Voices of the Colorado Trail Segments Trek Propaganda Tisha McCombs is Leaving the Colorado Trail Foundation Best Trekking Poles for Backpacking in 2024 by Katie Kommer QOTD: How do you cook corn? Triple Crown of bread Plug Me: Old Man Murph's Coffee Roasters Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/. Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex & Misty with Navigators Crafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Austin Ford, Brad & Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Dayne, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Hailey Buckingham, Jason “Snail” Snailer barely know her, Liz Seger, Patrick Cianciolo, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, and Tracy “Trigger” Fawns. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: 12 Trees Farms, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Jeff LaFranier, Joann Menzer, Katharine Rudzitis, Keith Dobie Jr, merle Watkins, Peter, and Ruth S.

Transcribed - Published: 1 April 2024

Girl Stuff 3.0: Hiking as a New Mom, Pink Blazing, and Fear Mongering

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are bringing you another edition of Girl's Stuff! Today, Chaunce along with guest panelists, Rachael "Rabbit" Delano and Marie "Basecamp" Black answer your burning questions related to female-specific topics in the backcountry. Topics including the feasibility of bringing a vibrator, how to court a guy during a thru-hike (and advice for guys on how to do the courting), female urination devices, the Kula Cloth, what body parts get the razor treatment and which parts are neglected, managing a period on trail and birth control options, how to deal with fear and fear mongering, trail family dynamics, and much much more. We wrap the show with the top stoves, filters, and rain gear from the AT, which is more exciting between new school supplies and new backpacking gear, the triple crown of nicknames that get your goat, and more. Mountainsmith: Use code “TREKZERK24” for 40% off at mountainsmith.com. Danner: Use code “TREK15” for 15% off Mountain 600 boots at danner.com. Ka’Chava: Get 10% off at kachava.com/backpacker. Shady Rays: Use code “TREK20” for $20 off polarized sunglasses at shadyrays.com. [divider] Panel with Rachel “Rabbit” Delano and Marie “Basecamp” Black Rabbit's Instagram Backpacker Radio 113 | Rachael “Rabbit” Delano Basecamp's Instagram Wes and Marie Black on Sex During a Thru-Hike, Hiking the PCT as a Married Couple, and Arguing on Trail (BPR #240) Time stamps & Questions 00:04:53 - Reminders: Apply to blog for the Trek or become a Trek Ambassador! 00:06:32 - Introducing Rachel 00:08:28 - Introducing Basecamp 00:13:27 - Should I bring my travel size vibrator? 00:21:30 - Discussion about pink blazing 00:29:50 - Is it a turnoff to be in a situation where you have to make the first move? 00:33:00 - Discussion about sharing a hotel bed 00:38:30 - What are your tells if you’re interested in someone on trail? 00:44:00 - Which is the better trail for hooking up? 00:48:15 - Do micro clues still apply on trail? 00:51:54 - What’s your strategy for managing periods on trail? 00:59:00 - Discussion about iron supplements 01:00:50 - How do you deal with feeling weak while on your period? 01:03:07 - Chaunce’s strategy 01:07:25 - Chaunce’s Foothills Trail story 01:20:20 - Anything else period related? 01:23:30 - Discussion about shaving 01:33:15 - Have you ever tried or used a pee funnel? 01:44:00 - How do you prevent UTIs on trail if you’re prone to them? 01:50:00 - Do you use Kula Cloths? 01:56:35 - Discussion about fear mongering 02:11:00 - Discussion about mansplaining 02:16:23 - How can girls be fearless on trail? 02:25:20 - Have your fears changed or lessened since you first started thru-hiking? 02:29:00 - How do you manage backpacking and hiking as a mom? 02:33:13 - How did you come to terms with the fact that your backpacking will forever be different? 02:35:00 - Are there ways to make the transition to motherhood smoother as a hiker? 02:37:57 - Do you find that people interact with you differently on trail? 02:39:00 - Would you advise couples Triple Crown before kids if that’s their goal? 02:41:38 - Discussion about girl relationships on trail 02:53:45 - What are the best bras for long hikes? 03:04:20 - Have you ever tasted your own milk? Segments Trek Propaganda: Top Stoves, Filters, Rain Gear, and More on the Appalachian Trail: 2023 Thru-Hiker Survey by Kate Richard QOTD: What is better: brand new backpacking gear or new school supplies? Triple Crown of names you don’t like being called Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/. Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Hailey Buckingham , Alex & Misty with Navigators Crafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Austin Ford, Brad & Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Dayne, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Jason “Snail” Snailer barely know her, Liz Seger, Patrick Cianciolo, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, and Tracy “Trigger” Fawns. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: 12 Trees Farms, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Jeff LaFranier, Joann Menzer, Keith Dobie Jr, Peter, and Ruth S.

Transcribed - Published: 25 March 2024

Maggie "Honey Badger" Slepian on Suffering, Stubbornness, and Misogyny on Trail

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Maggie Slepian aka Honey Badger. Maggie is the former Managing Editor at The Trek and their first full-time employee, a thru-hiker, and a prolific freelance writer and editor. We learn all about Maggie’s treks, including her hikes of the AT, Ouachita Trail, Colorado Trail, some recent postcard hikes in Madeira and Malta, and Maggie shares what it was like to have her first “failed” thru-hike attempt on the Arizona Trail. We also chat about nude modeling, what it’s like to have an article to mega-viral, and how misogyny in the backcountry has improved since her first thru-hike. We wrap the show with some Hitchhiking Advice for Women, we learn how common or uncommon it is to be able to unfocus your eyesight on command, and the triple crown of one-hit wonder songs featuring Chaunce's boyfriend Garrett. Mountainsmith: Use code “TREKZERK24” for 40% off at mountainsmith.com. Danner: Use code “TREK15” for 15% off Mountain 600 boots at danner.com. LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek. Appalachian Gear Company: Use code “BPRADIO20” for 20% off at appalachiangearcompany.com. Ka’Chava: Get 10% off at kachava.com/backpacker. [divider] Interview with Maggie “Honey Badger” Slepian Instagram Website Substack Backpacking Routes Time stamps & Questions 00:05:05 - Reminders: Apply to blog for the Trek or become a Trek Ambassador and use code “gingerstuff” for an exclusive discount at the Trek’s store! 00:06:35 - Introducing Maggie 00:09:12 - How did you get involved with the Trek? 00:14:06 - Tell us about nude modeling 00:19:55 - How did the AT fall on your map? 00:21:25 - What gear did you bring on the AT for your first hike? 00:24:08 - Tell us about hiking the trail with a partner and the way people perceived you 00:28:45 - What were your top honey badger moments? 00:30:49 - How have you seen misogyny in the backcountry change over time? 00:37:08 - Are you more or less spicy in business or personally? 00:40:00 - Tell us about hiking the Ouachita Trail in 2020 00:46:19 - What considerations did you make when picking which direction to hike? 00:48:50 - What type of preparation did you do for the Ouachita Trail? 00:52:29 - Tell us the highlights of the Ouachita Trail 00:54:14 - Discussion of the Ouachita Trail logistics and resupplies 00:56:30 - Story about meeting Warren Doyle 00:58:27 - What’s the best season for this trail? 00:59:11 - What portions of the Oregon Coast Trail have you done? 01:01:01 - Any highlights from the Colorado Trail? 01:02:27 - Tell us about the Arizona Trail 01:06:39 - Discussion about sun poisoning 01:12:06 - Do you feel liberated because you quit the Arizona Trail? 01:17:27 - Tell us about Madeira 01:23:14 - How many of the hikes are approachable for someone with a fear of exposure? 01:24:18 - What other European treks did you do? 01:27:27 - Tell us about your most viral article 01:32:47 - What other articles of yours have gone viral? 01:37:00 - Discussion about being recognized in the real world 01:41:20 - How do you handle your privacy? 01:43:50 - What’s your experience with hunting? Segments Trek Propaganda: After 9,500 Miles on Trail, Here’s My Top Hitchhiking Advice for Women by Peg Leg QOTD: Can you unfocus your eyesight on command? Triple Crown of one hit wonder songs Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @paulyboyshallcross. Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Hailey Buckingham , Alex & Misty with Navigators Crafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Austin Ford, Brad & Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Dayne, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Jason “Snail” Snailer barely know her, Liz Seger, Patrick Cianciolo, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, and Tracy “Trigger” Fawns. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: 12 Trees Farms, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Jeff LaFranier, Joann Menzer, Keith Dobie Jr, Peter, and Ruth S.

Transcribed - Published: 18 March 2024

Kelly "Ibex" Floro on the Pyrenean Haute Route, Budgeting for a Thru-Hike, and Being the Trek's Managing Editor

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by The Trek’s Managing Editor, Kelly “Ibex” Floro. We learn all about what it’s like to have Zach as a boss, Kelly’s top tips for how to afford a thru-hike, and she shares insights from her own thru-hiking adventures including the AT, Wind River High Route, and we dive especially deep into Kelly’s most recent thru-hike of the Pyrenean Haute Route through the Pyrenees, straddling the border between Spain and France. Kelly gives us an in-depth run-through of this epic route, including when to hike, which direction, navigation challenges, resupply strategy, the various geographic highlights, the culture surrounding the trail, and much more. We wrap the show with useful smartphone apps for your next thru-hike, how Zach got concussed recording a podcast, and the triple crown of short off-season thru-hikes. Mountainsmith: Use code “TREKZERK24” for 40% off at mountainsmith.com. Ka’Chava: Get 10% off at kachava.com/backpacker. Appalachian Gear Company: Use code “BPRADIO20” for 20% off at appalachiangearcompany.com. [divider] Interview with Kelly Floro Kelly's Trek bio Time stamps & Questions 00:05:15 - Reminders: Get your tickets for a live BPR podcast in Denver on April 23, support us on Patreon, and suggest a potential guest who will be at Trail Days this year! 00:09:15 - Introducing Kelly 00:12:27 - How do you like working for Zach? 00:17:55 - How did you start thru-hiking? 00:19:52 - At what point did you consider yourself a good writer? 00:20:30 - Do you have tips for someone who wants to blog their hike? 00:25:45 - Was the AT your first backpacking trip? 00:27:12 - What did you learn on that hike? 00:29:45 - What were you thinking about career wise when you hiked the AT? 00:32:40 - When did you realize you wanted to do more thru-hikes? 00:33:15 - What surprised you despite all the preparation you did? 00:36:20 - Tell us about dealing with poison ivy on the AT 00:41:27 - Discussion about flip flopping the AT 00:45:24 - Do you have tips for someone considering a flip flop hike on the AT? 00:51:00 - Would you recommend flip flopping the AT? 00:55:20 - Tell us about hiking the Colorado Trail 00:57:22 - Tell us about the Wind River High Route 00:59:23 - What are the differences between the two route options? 01:02:55 - What’s the most challenging part of the Adventure Alan route? 01:05:45 - What tips would you give to someone who wants to try backcountry navigation? 01:09:20 - What navigational resources were available for the route? 01:11:14 - How much did you enjoy this style of hiking? 01:12:38 - Any non obvious advice for the Wind River High Route? 01:15:00 - Tell us about the Pyrenean Haute Route 01:20:00 - Discussion about the refuges on the HRP 01:21:48 - How and why did you choose this route? 01:24:55 - Which direction do you hike? 01:27:11 - What were the standout towns? 01:32:09 - How crowded was the trail? 01:35:14 - What do the resupplies look like? 01:40:40 - Tell us about the wine you had along the HRP 01:41:42 - Are there any ‘must zero’ places? 01:43:27 - Can you describe the Pyrenean mountains? 01:45:53 - Tell us the story about throwing your phone off a cliff 01:48:22 - How did you manage the rest of your gear for your Europe trip? 01:50:20 - Tell us about Bulgaria 01:53:05 - Have you heard of the Peaks of the Balkans trail? 01:54:49 - What do you have for health insurance in Europe? 01:56:18 - What have you learned while traveling in Europe? 01:57:25 - What are your current big 5 gear items? 01:59:20 - What gear has surprised you recently? 02:00:20 - What goes into a standout gear review? 02:01:40 - What stands out to you about thru-hiking affordably? 02:04:27 - What are some of your favorite hidden gems in Olympic National Park? Segments Trek Propaganda: 13 Useful Smartphone Apps for Your Next Thru-Hike by Danielle Krolewicz QOTD: What’s the longest: a microwave minute, a hangover minute, or a treadmill minute? Stupid Thing of the Week Triple Crown of short thru-hikes you can do in the offseason Plug Me: Brew Davis's Website Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @paulyboyshallcross. Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex & Misty with Navigators Crafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Austin Ford, Brad & Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Dayne, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Hailey Buckingham, Jason “Snail” Snailer barely know her, Liz Seger, Patrick Cianciolo, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, and Tracy “Trigger” Fawns. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: 12 Trees Farms, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Jeff LaFranier, Joann Menzer, Keith Dobie Jr, Merle Watkins, Peter, and Ruth S.

Transcribed - Published: 11 March 2024

Chaunce Hiked the Foothills Trail! Terrain, Difficulty, Hiking with a Dog, and Gear

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, Chaunce hiked the Foothills Trail! With Chaunce being just a few days removed from this 76-mile gem of a hike, the trail is fresh on her mind, and she provides us a detailed rundown of her experience and standout stories, the trail's many highlights, how it was doing this trek with Harper, a full overview of her gear, an encounter with a zombie ghost, and all the nitty gritty logistics one could dream of having heading into this waterfally, bridgey hike in the Carolinas. We wrap the show with what our old person traits are, a triple crown of non-toilet paper items to wipe your bung with on trail, 36 east coast trails you can hike, and some details about an upcoming live podcast. Ka’Chava: Get 10% off at kachava.com/backpacker. Jenna Davis: Email [email protected] or call 303-946-9476 to get a free consultation. LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek. Appalachian Gear Company: Use code “BPRADIO20” for 20% off at appalachiangearcompany.com. Gossamer Gear: Use code “DINGLEBERRY” for 20% off packs at gossamergear.com. [divider] Interview with Chaunce! Time stamps & Questions 00:04:05 - Reminders: Mark your calendars for a BPR live podcast in Denver on April 23, leave a 5 star review on Apple and email us to get a BPR sticker, and recommend a guest who will be at Trail Days! 00:08:50 - Why did Chaunce hike the Foothills Trail? 00:12:00 - How was the weather? 00:14:55 - What’s the background of the Foothills Trail? 00:16:48 - How did you get to the trail, logistically? 00:19:35 - Discussion about the costs of the trail 00:25:00 - Discussion about getting to the trail 00:27:33 - Which direction did you hike? 00:32:42 - What was the terrain like? 00:34:20 - Can you camp wherever? 00:35:30 - Discussion about expectations versus reality for the hiking difficulty 00:37:22 - Discussion about day 2 of hiking 00:38:18 - Any notable highlights from the first couple days of trail? 00:41:00 - Discussion about wildlife 00:46:45 - Discussion about the bridges and stairs 00:51:23 - Discussion about Chaunce’s massage 00:53:15 - Why didn’t you bring a rain jacket? 00:54:30 - Tell us about hiking with Harper 00:57:10 - How crowded was the trail? 01:02:08 - What was the resupply situation like? 01:05:05 - Who would you recommend the Foothills Trail to? 01:07:38 - Discussion about the road walks 01:08:34 - Discussion about waterfalls 01:11:30 - Discussion about how challenging the hike was 01:14:50 - Any good poop stories? 01:15:50 - What were your favorite waterfalls and bridges? 01:16:40 - Would you describe the Foothills Trail as flat? 01:17:20 - Discussion about the gear Chaunce carried 01:33:18 - Discussion about Harper’s gear Segments Trek Propaganda: 36 East Coast Trails That Aren’t the Appalachian Trail by Diane Duffard QOTD: What’s your old person trait? Stupid Thing of the Week Triple Crown of items to wipe your bung with Plug Me Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @paulyboyshallcross. Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex & Misty with Navigators Crafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Austin Ford, Brad & Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Dayne, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Jason “Snail” Snailer barely know her, Liz Seger, Patrick Cianciolo, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, and Tracy “Trigger” Fawns. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: 12 Trees Farms, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Hailey Buckingham, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Jeff LaFranier, Joann Menzer, Keith Dobie Jr, Peter, and Ruth S.

Transcribed - Published: 4 March 2024

Q&A: Backpacking with a Gun, Crush It Syndrome, Overrated Gear, Emotionally Draining Trail Experiences, and More

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are bringing back another edition of Q&A. Today we’re joined by our pal and chronic thru-hiker and adventurer, Steven “Twinkle” Shattuck to answer your burning trail-related questions. Today’s episode covers a wide range of topics, including the feasibility and necessity of carrying a gun while backpacking, the dangers of “crush it syndrome” in light of Christopher Roma’s recent tragic passing, Twinkle's top trails from around the world, the most overrated piece of gear, how we prevent blisters, and much more. Simply put, if you like your Qs being A’d, you have stumbled upon the right episode. We wrap the show with the top sleeping bags, quilts, and pads from the AT last year, the top home theft suggestions to mildly inconvenience your victim, and the triple crown of foods that are way better or worse when homemade. Jenna Davis: Email [email protected] or call 303-946-9476 to get a free consultation. Gossamer Gear: Use code “DINGLEBERRY” for 20% off packs at gossamergear.com. Ka’Chava: Get 10% off at kachava.com/backpacker. [divider] Panel with Steven “Twinkle” Shattuck Twinkle's Instagram Backpacker Radio Episode #6: Steven “Twinkle” Shattuck on Dirt-Bagging for a Year, The Best Headlamps for Thru-Hiking, and Curing Anxiety on Trail Backpacker Radio 61 | Grace and Steven “Twinkle” Shattuck on Their 15 Month Dirtbagging Adventure Time stamps & Questions 00:02:50 - Bid on our Tyvek wall until February 29, apply to be a blogger, and support us on Patreon! 00:05:22 - Introducing Twinkle 00:08:30 - Crush It Syndrome - check out Skurka’s article, Christopher Roma: Learning to turn back 00:28:17 - Backpacking with a gun 00:53:45 - Twinkle’s top 3 trail recommendations in the world 00:57:11 - Twinkle’s favorite international hikes 01:00:40 - What’s the most overrated piece of gear? 01:14:53 - How do you stay safe from ticks while outside? How much do you worry about them? (Check out episode 200 to learn more about Lyme disease) 01:22:50 - If you had to do a medium length trail (100-500 miles) this year, which one would it be? (Check out Eloise Robbin’s article, The Best Time of Year to Hike These 23 Popular Long Trails and Swami’s website, The Hiking Life) 01:29:51 - As a future dad, how do you instill both an interest and a respect for nature in young kids? (Check out episode 152 to hear Nancy East discuss this topic) 01:37:48 - What is your daily routine for foot care to prevent blisters while doing big miles? 01:42:30 - Can you tell us about your most emotionally draining experience on trail? 01:52:11 - What brand of instant coffee will help you poop the best? 01:53:58 - How does someone get into canyoneering? Where do you begin? 01:55:56 - What is the best 311 song or album? Segments Trek Propaganda: The Top Sleeping Bags, Quilts, and Pads on the Appalachian Trail: 2023 Thru-Hiker Survey by Kate Richard QOTD: You’re a burglar but you can only steal things that mildly inconvenience your victims. What are you taking? Triple Crown of foods that are way better or worse when homemade Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @paulyboyshallcross. Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex & Misty with Navigators Crafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Austin Ford, Brad & Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Dayne, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Ironhike endurance productions, Jason “Snail” Snailer, Liz Seger, Patrick Cianciolo, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, and Tracy “Trigger” Fawns. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: 12 Trees Farms, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Hailey Buckingham, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Jeff LaFranier, Joann Menzer, Keith Dobie Jr, Peter, and Ruth S.

Transcribed - Published: 26 February 2024

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