How to Start Off-Trail Hiking and Routes with Eric Volk (BPR #340)

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by Eric Volk, who we attempt to trail name “5-16.”

In just six years, Eric went from novice hiker to expert off-trail adventurer, completing his own custom routes across the Sierra, Grand Canyon, North Cascades, and Alaska, including his Brooks Range Traverse and Arctic thru-hike. He is believed to be the first or second person to hike from the Canadian border to the Arctic Ocean entirely on foot. 

Today, we’re getting an in-depth tutorial on all things off-trail and route-based hiking. Eric gives a detailed overview of how to get started with off-trail adventuring, the biggest differences between hiking on trail and off, recommended “beginner” routes, key gear considerations, the navigational skills required (including the specific tools he uses and recommends), the wide variety of terrain you might encounter, weather considerations, the importance of doing your due diligence, and much more. 

Eric also shares some fun stories from his routes, including trekking through the mathematically most remote place in the U.S., incredible wildlife encounters with caribou, grizzlies, musk ox, and mountain lions, and the ethics of publicizing GPX tracks.

LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.

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Interview with Eric Volk

• Eric's Instagram

Time stamps & Questions

00:07:20 - Reminders: Apply to vlog or blog for the Trek, apply to be a Trail Correspondent, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon, and subscribe to The Trek's Youtube!

00:11:00 - Introducing Eric

00:11:50 - How did you initially get into outdoor adventuring?

00:15:07 - Was it easier to start the Lost Coast trail because someone encouraged you?

00:16:52 - Do you like to level up difficulty in other aspects of life?

00:19:42 - What’s your route resume?

00:21:40 - Do off-trail routes spoil you for thru-hiking?

00:22:45 - Where should someone start if they want to start doing off-trail routes?

00:25:15 - What does the class system generally mean?

00:32:10 - What are some navigation skill requirements?

00:45:55 - What are some of the navigation apps you’ve tried?

00:52:00 - What are some tips for someone starting with CalTopo?

00:56:20 - How should someone transition from a GPX track to the real world?

01:02:00 - Discussion about additional navigation tips

01:04:10 - How would someone construct beta for their route?

01:15:45 - What are the gear differences to consider for going off-trail?

01:25:30 - Discussion about the benefits of ultralight and compactness in gear

01:28:25 - Has your first aid kit changed at all?

01:31:20 - What’s the minimum amount of bushwacking that would necessitate pants?

01:37:40 - What’s your sun protection strategy?

01:40:12 - How do you handle weather?

01:45:45 - How structured are your days when routefinding?

01:48:50 - How do you confidently know where to find water?

01:53:45 - What other tips do you have for learning about your surroundings?

01:56:00 - What are some of your standout wildlife encounters?

02:08:35 - Tell us about your Black Belt Triple Crown

02:17:00 - Discussion about Eric’s Alaska route

02:22:30 - Is there a rating scale for remoteness?

02:24:15 - What are the three most challenging elements of this route?

02:29:00 - How much of this route was Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3 fun?

02:30:10 - Tell us about the Super Sierra High Route

02:38:20 - Tell us about following the North Rim of the Grand Canyon

02:40:50 - What are the three most challenging elements of this route?

02:46:35 - Discussion about the ethics of hiking around the Grand Canyon

03:01:00 - Discussion about sharing information about routes publicly

03:03:30 - Stay Salty Question: What’s your hottest take in the world of backpacking?

03:05:35 - What’s next for you?

Segments

Trek Propaganda: Fewer People Thru-Hiked the AT in 2025. Is the Trail’s Popularity on the Decline? By Katie Jackson

Thing of the Week

Triple Crown of soups/chilis

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

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