Spirituality and Backpacking with Vicar Lyndsay “Wreckage” Monsen (BPR #349)
Release Date: 03/23/2026
Spirituality and Backpacking with Vicar Lyndsay “Wreckage” Monsen (BPR #349)
Backpacker Radio
In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek brought to you by LMNT, Jess and Chaunce are joined by Lyndsay “Wreckage” Monsen. Wreckage is a pastor in training and civil rights advocate and she reflects on what it means to bring spirituality into the backcountry in a way that resonates even with those wary of organized religion. We also touch on formative spiritual moments in Colorado, why the Superior Hiking Trail earned a spot on her hate list, and how her foot got fudged up real good on the Long Trail, complete with photographic evidence. We wrap the show with news of...
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9 Tips for Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in 2026 (BPR #348)
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Backpacker Radio
In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic…today’s episode is pure chaos. If you’ve listened to any of our Hiking Viking episodes, you already know what I’m talking about. After four “Girl Stuff” episodes, Chaunce figured it was only fair to balance the scales with what we’re officially calling the Guy Stuff episode, a panel-style conversation that goes off the rails almost immediately, featuring Jabba and Lt Cookoo Bird. We cover everything from trail grooming strategy (aka pube management), to whether you’d rather...
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Backpacker Radio
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Andrew Skurka & Katie Gerber: Vapor Barrier Layers, Beginner Backpacking Mistakes, and Off-Trail Route Ethics (BPR #341)
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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...
info_outlineIn today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek brought to you by LMNT, Jess and Chaunce are joined by Lyndsay “Wreckage” Monsen. Wreckage is a pastor in training and civil rights advocate and she reflects on what it means to bring spirituality into the backcountry in a way that resonates even with those wary of organized religion. We also touch on formative spiritual moments in Colorado, why the Superior Hiking Trail earned a spot on her hate list, and how her foot got fudged up real good on the Long Trail, complete with photographic evidence.
We wrap the show with news of a climber who's accused of manslaughter after leaving his girlfriend near a mountain summit, we discuss whether my getting a carwash is diva behavior, the triple crown of pies, and an unhinged tangent into the subject of AI.
LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.
Mountainsmith: Use code “TAKEAHIKE” for 20% off at mountainsmith.com.
[divider]
Interview with Lyndsay “Wreckage” Monsen
Time stamps & Questions
00:08:25 - Reminders: Sign up for the Trek’s newsletter, subscribe to The Trek's Youtube, apply to vlog or blog for the Trek, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!
00:13:39 - Introducing Lyndsay
0:17:10 - Do your hikes help you in any way in your seminary work?
0:18:25 - Have any of your religious beliefs changed based on your hiking?
0:19:25 - Tell us about who you were when starting the AT
0:24:45 - What are your thoughts on body image as it relates to thru-hiking?
0:28:37 - What other standout moments did you have on the AT?
0:32:05 - What is seminary school?
0:39:55 - Tell us about doing the Long Trail
0:43:57 - Did you find that you were more spiritually challenged on the Long Trail?
0:45:35 - Tell us about the connection between the outdoors and spirituality
0:51:10 - What are your dates more shocked by?
0:52:25 - Discussion about the Lake City Hiker Center
1:00:31 - Did you find that your discussions on trail naturally veer towards spirituality?
1:05:09 - What was your confession at the Priest Shelter?
1:11:55 - What did you think about the Superior Hiking Trail?
1:22:05 - Tell us about the Colorado Trail
1:30:25 - Tell us your pee story
1:37:37 - Any standout stories from the Colorado Trail?
1:40:45 - Lyndsay’s raccoon story
1:43:55 - Tell us about the relationship between nature access and church attendance
1:55:40 - What are your thoughts about the concept of sex?
1:58:00 - What are your future hiking plans?
2:00:25 - Tell us about getting arrested
2:11:55 - Stay Salty Question: What is your hottest take in the world of backpacking or the outdoors at large?
Segments
Trek Propaganda
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Climber Accused of Manslaughter After Leaving Girlfriend Near Summit of Austria’s Highest Peak by Kelly Floro
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Hiker Rescued From Appalachian Trail in the Smokies After Emergency SOS by Katie Jackson
QOTD: Is getting a car wash diva behavior?
Triple Crown of pies
Mail Bag
5 Star Review
[divider]
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