Backpacker Radio
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.
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Casey "Vegas" Huffman on His WILD Trail Name Origin Story, Reinventing Himself through Hiking, and an Expedition in Alaska (BPR #332)
11/17/2025
Casey "Vegas" Huffman on His WILD Trail Name Origin Story, Reinventing Himself through Hiking, and an Expedition in Alaska (BPR #332)
In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by Casey Huffman, known on trail as Vegas. Vegas has been mentioned a couple of times on this podcast in the past, as “the guy whose chest we signed” in 2023, and more recently, “the guy whose ass we signed”. As we learn in today’s episode, “signed ass guy” is also a real good hang. We chat about how Vegas’ mental health struggles ultimately lead him to the trail, how the hiking community and culture gave him the space to reinvent himself, and he shares quite possibly the most entertaining trail name origin story we’ve ever heard- we’ll just say that this one is for adults only. We wrap the show with discussing the merits of a sleeping bag liner, Chaunce is pissed about the cost of fountain soda, we do the triple crown of donuts, and Rachel once again lands a perfectly apropos listener mail bag. LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at . Gossamer Gear: Check out the Type II collection at . Zpacks: Use code BPR50 for $50 off any tent at . Ka’Chava: Use code BACKPACKER for 15% off at . [divider] Interview with Casey “Vegas” Huffman Time stamps & Questions 00:05:00 - Reminders: , , and ! 00:07:15 - Introducing Vegas 00:09:30 - How did you get into the outdoors? 00:16:01 - What was inpatient treatment like? 00:19:30 - What was life like after you left inpatient? 00:21:00 - What led to you getting on medication as a child? 00:22:45 - Tell us the story about your tattoos 00:24:25 - Walk us through the first part of the AT 00:28:40 - Tell us your trail name origin story 00:47:00 - Discussion about Vegas’ reputation on trail 00:47:45 - How was getting off the trail for you? 00:53:15 - What was it about thru-hiking that let you shift your mind into a better place? 00:58:43 - Did you feel like it was a struggle to get to Katahdin? 01:00:00 - What did you know your future life would look like at the end of the trail? 01:07:30 - Tell us about running into a cult 01:12:45 - What did you do after the AT? 01:18:30 - Tell us about your expedition in Alaska 01:28:06 - Tell us about the Sheltowee Trace 01:32:45 - Tell us about the Ozark Highlands Trail 01:41:20 - At what point did you know you were going to hike the PCT? 01:55:20 - Discussion about hiking in the Sierra 01:58:40 - Vegas’s story about hiking on acid 02:10:30 - Tell us about hiking the Long Trail after the PCT 02:17:20 - Vegas’s subsequent sex worker stories 02:21:10 - What are your favorite next plans? 02:21:54 - Stay Salty Question: What’s your hot take in the world of backpacking? Segments Trek Propaganda by Anna McKinney Smith By Katie Jackson QOTD: Since when is fountain soda no longer free refills? Triple Crown of donuts Mail Bag [divider] Check out our sound guy and . (and please leave us a review)! Find us on , , and . to get bonus content. Follow , , , and on Instagram. Follow , and on YouTube. Follow on Tik Tok. Our theme song is by . A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bryan Alsop, Carl Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jason Kiser, Krystyn Bell, Matt from Gilbert, AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, SPAM, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, and Spencer Hinson.
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Triple Crowning with a Trombone, Working as a Hiking Guide, and the South Dakota Centennial Trail with Amy "Slider" Hunsucker
11/10/2025
Triple Crowning with a Trombone, Working as a Hiking Guide, and the South Dakota Centennial Trail with Amy "Slider" Hunsucker
In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are joined by Amy Hunsucker. On trail, Amy is known as “Slider” because she hikes with a trombone- something she’s done for the entire triple crown. We of course learn all about this fun quirk, including which animals were most appreciative of her on-trail concerts, which parts of trail provided the best acoustics, the reactions she’d get from other hikers and the broader trail community, and her go-to on-trail trombone jams. Slider also gives us the low down on getting her sawyer certification, her trail maintenance work with the Carolina Mountain Club, hiking South Dakota’s Centennial Trail, and life as a hiking guide in North Carolina. We wrap the show with the pieces of thru-hiking advice we wish we'd never given, Chaunce gives her take of whether she'd rather be alone in the woods with a man or a bear, we do the triple crown of freezer foods, I give a one-minute gear review of my current rain jacket, and a listener lectures us on how we dropped the ball on our interview with Liz Kidder. Topo Athletic: Use code “TREKWINTER15” at . Gossamer Gear: Use code "LT520" for 20% off LT5 Trekking Poles at . [divider] Interview with Amy Hunsucker Time stamps & Questions 00:04:50 - QOTD: What’s more upsetting, the Bills’ loss or losing your ceremony footage? 00:06:40 - Reminders: , , and ! 00:11:00 - Introducing Amy 00:11:34 - How did you get your trail name? 00:12:12 - How do you find an ultralight trombone? 00:14:40 - Give us the background on playing the trombone 00:18:55 - Did you learn new songs as you hiked? 00:22:40 - Have you ever used your trombone for anything other than music? 00:24:30 - How did you get into backpacking? 00:27:50 - What was starting the AT like? 00:30:54 - Why don’t you think your trombone is a luxury item? 00:31:48 - Is there a GOAT of the trombone world? 00:36:10 - Tell us about getting onto the CDT 00:37:30 - What’s your hot take on the PCT? 00:42:50 - Why’d you decide to go southbound on the CDT? 00:45:15 - Why’d you decide to flip flop the PCT? 00:52:15 - How did you keep up your mindset during the flip flop? 00:53:55 - What was your best day on trail? 00:56:10 - What was your worst day on trail? 00:57:40 - What was your scariest day on trail? 01:00:02 - What was your stupidest day on trail? 01:02:45 - Tell us about working for Blue Ridge Hiking Company 01:10:40 - What was being in Asheville like during the hurricane? 01:17:12 - Tell us about getting your Sawyer certification 01:20:30 - What’s chainsaw 101? 01:23:20 - Tell us about the South Dakota Centennial Trail 01:28:05 - Would this be a good trail to do using PTO? 01:30:54 - Peak Performance Question: What’s your top performance-enhancing hack? Segments Trek Propaganda: by Katie Jackson QOTD: Would you rather be alone in the woods with a man or a bear? Triple Crown of freezer foods One-Minute Gear Review Mail Bag [divider] Check out our sound guy and . (and please leave us a review)! Find us on , , and . to get bonus content. Follow , , , and on Instagram. Follow , and on YouTube. Follow on Tik Tok. Our theme song is by . A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bryan Alsop, Carl Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jason Kiser, Krystyn Bell, Matt from Gilbert, AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, SPAM, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, and Spencer Hinson.
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Triple Crowning with Stage 4 Cancer with Jeff "Long Strides" Vonvai (BPR #330)
11/03/2025
Triple Crowning with Stage 4 Cancer with Jeff "Long Strides" Vonvai (BPR #330)
In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we’re joined by Jeff Vonvai, known on trail as Long Strides. This conversation will put life’s problems into perspective—because for the past seven years, Long Strides has been thru-hiking with stage 4 colon cancer, despite being given just a 3–6 month prognosis. Jeff shares what it’s like to balance intense rounds of chemo and surgery between hikes, the challenges of rebuilding his trail legs each time he returns to the trail, and how cancer has transformed his outlook on life—saying he’s happier now than he was before his diagnosis. Be ready to feel inspired. We wrap the show with the news that the Continental Divide Trail’s southern terminus now requires U.S. citizenship and an Army-issued permit, how to hike the Colorado Trail on less than $800, what crime Chaunce committed to wind up in prison, and the triple crown of things that make us cringe. LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at . Gossamer Gear: Check out the Type II collection at . Ka’Chava: Get 10% off at . [divider] Interview with Jeff “Long Strides” Vonvai Time stamps & Questions 00:05:00 - Reminders: , , and ! 00:07:15 - Introducing Long Strides 00:09:41 - How did you go from Arizona to thru-hiking? 00:12:10 - Describe what it was like to get your diagnosis 00:19:50 - How do you maintain your mindset? 00:22:10 - What do your doctors think about your thru-hiking? 00:24:50 - When does poop start smelling like poop? 00:28:21 - What is the main goal of the surgery? 00:30:25 - Walk us through the timespan between surgery and your next hike 00:34:00 - Tell us about starting the AT a couple weeks after finishing chemo 00:37:25 - Did things get easier after that internal dialogue? 00:40:10 - Is it possible hiking makes anything worse? 00:41:45 - Discussion about hiking the PCT and getting surgery before the CDT 00:45:00 - Are you sharing things with your tramilies? 00:48:35 - Do you have any practices you maintain while hiking? 00:51:20 - How has your mindset changed since your diagnosis 00:53:05 - Discussion about going between the PCT and CDT 00:55:45 - Why did you decide to go southbound on the CDT? 00:56:55 - What’s the buzz on the trail with the southern terminus? 01:02:04 - How has the CDT compared to the other two for you? 01:09:30 - Fuck Marry Kill: AT, PCT, CDT 01:11:30 - Discussion about Long Strides’ future plans 01:15:35 - Have people met up with you along the trails? 01:16:30 - Tell us about seeing moose 01:18:02 - Are you looking forward to New Mexico? 01:18:55 - What do you have planned between 2025 and 2028? 01:21:05 - Do you have any advice for someone who’s gotten a recent diagnosis? 01:23:05 - Stay Salty Question: What’s your hottest take in the world of backpacking or the outdoors? 01:25:10 - How’d you get your trail name? Segments Trek Propaganda: by Katie Jackson QOTD: If I got arrested, what crime would you assume I committed? Crisis Thing of the Week Triple Crown of things that make you cringe Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy and . (and please leave us a review)! Find us on , , and . to get bonus content. Follow , , , and on Instagram. Follow , and on YouTube. Follow on Tik Tok. Our theme song is by . A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bryan Alsop, Carl Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jason Kiser, Krystyn Bell, Matt from Gilbert, AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, SPAM, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, and Spencer Hinson.
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Musings on AI, Bikepacking, Past Girlfriends, Horse Facts, and Living Forever with Kenneth "Moron" Pararo (BPR #329)
10/27/2025
Musings on AI, Bikepacking, Past Girlfriends, Horse Facts, and Living Forever with Kenneth "Moron" Pararo (BPR #329)
In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Kenneth Pararo, known on trail as Moron. This is a podcast we’ve been wanting to make happen for several years now, and let me tell you, it does not disappoint. Moron is a thru-hiker, long-distance cyclist, philosopher, hopeless romantic, futurist, and most importantly, just a real solid hang. We learn about why he’s all in on AI- as evidenced by him riding cross country rocking his Meta AI glasses, why he quit is corporate tech job to more permanently pursue adventure and experience, how he completed one AT thru-hike and quit another a couple hundred miles from the finish, turning it into an extended road walk to the Canadian border, only to turn around for some more road walking and eventually an extended bike ride, and how he plans his adventuring essentially one day at a time, letting fate largely guide his next move. We wrap the show with tips for safe and steamy tent sex, a contentious debate about using gas station bathrooms exclusively for a year for one million dollars, and the triple crown of people we just don't understand. Gossamer Gear: Check out the Type II collection at . Sawyer Products: Check out Sawyer’s Cnoc collab at . [divider] Interview with Kenneth “Moron” Pararo Time stamps & Questions 00:04:12 - , , and ! 00:09:45 - Introducing Moron 00:11:28 - Tell us about getting sober 00:17:14 - Discussion about sleeping behind a pit toilet in Golden 00:19:05 - What are you up to right now? 00:21:40 - How do you pick roads to bike on? 00:24:40 - Who isn’t Moron? 00:29:00 - Discussion about Moron’s past girlfriends 00:34:20 - Has nature always been more noise than signal for you? 00:36:25 - Did you start the AT with any preconceived notion about how you’d feel about it spiritually? 00:37:50 - How do you pick what trails and routes you do? 00:40:15 - Where are the best cafes? 00:41:15 - What was your former profession? 00:47:20 - What are your thoughts about AI? 00:52:40 - Would you want to live forever? 00:55:30 - How do you stay comfortable on a bike? 00:57:00 - What are the benefits of bikepacking over hiking? 00:58:55 - How do you decide where to camp each night? 01:02:00 - Discussion about Moron’s AI glasses 01:07:30 - Do you worry about any of the negative consequences of AI? 01:11:15 - Do you worry about the affordability of AI? 01:19:45 - How will AI influence nature and ecosystems? 01:23:30 - Let’s talk about the Florida Trail! 01:29:40 - You’ve carried your bike while hiking? 01:30:30 - Why is your bike so heavy? 01:33:10 - Tell us about Trail Correspondents 01:37:45 - Do you like the sound of your own voice? Do you have tips for producing audio? 01:42:40 - What are your tips for making something interesting out of monotony? 01:45:50 - Tell us about working on a horse farm 01:50:30 - Have you held onto horse culture since? 01:52:10 - Horse Facts: Give us some rapid fire horse facts 01:56:24 - Tell us about biking through a winter storm 01:59:00 - Discussion about Moron’s future biking plans 02:03:40 - Gossamer Gear Question: What’s your number one irrational fear? 02:05:15 - Where can people keep up with you? Segments Trek Propaganda: by Redacted QOTD: You get one million dollars per year but you can only use gas station bathrooms Triple Crown of people you don’t understand (ex. morning people) Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy and . (and please leave us a review)! Find us on , , and . to get bonus content. Follow , , , and on Instagram. Follow , and on YouTube. Follow on Tik Tok. Our theme song is by . A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bryan Alsop, Carl Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jason Kiser, Krystyn Bell, Matt from Gilbert, AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, SPAM, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, and Spencer Hinson.
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The First Female Hotshot Firefighters, Culture in the 1980s, and the Bigfoot Trail with Mary "Fireweed" Kwart (BPR #328)
10/20/2025
The First Female Hotshot Firefighters, Culture in the 1980s, and the Bigfoot Trail with Mary "Fireweed" Kwart (BPR #328)
In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, and brought to you by Topo Athletic, we’re joined by Mary “Fireweed” Kwart. Fireweed is a thru-hiker, a Deadhead, and a pioneering figure in wildland firefighting with a career spanning more than 30 years. We dive into the challenges of being one of the first women to join the elite Arrowhead Interagency Hotshots, the culture shock of entering a male-dominated field, and some of the most memorable stories from her decades on the fire line. Fireweed also reflects on how long-distance hiking has evolved since the 1970s, her tradition of tackling a new long trail every year since retiring, and her deep love and advocacy for California’s Bigfoot Trail. We wrap the show with the best backpacking trails in the Midwest, the thru-hiking advice we wish we’d never given, a debate over whether robotic legs should count as mechanical transport under the Wilderness Act, and the Triple Crown of parts of society we’d turn the clock back for. Topo Athletic: Use code “TREKFALL15” at . Gossamer Gear: Use code "LT520" for 20% off LT5 Trekking Poles at . Ka’Chava: Use code “BACKPACKER” for 15% off at . [divider] Interview with Mary “Fireweed” Kwart Time stamps & Questions 00:04:55 - and ! 00:07:00 - Introducing Fireweed 00:08:30 - Why were you a nontraditional college graduate? 00:11:40 - What was your inspiration for aligning with the feminist movement? 00:13:30 - Discussion about being the only woman in male-dominated spaces 00:16:46 - Tell us about hiking a section of the PCT in the 70s 00:18:20 - What was it like working in Yosemite in the 70s 00:23:50 - Discussion about being a Deadhead 00:25:50 - How were women being treated in general? 00:30:45 - How did you pass the heartbeat challenge? 00:32:45 - Discussion about gear differences between now and then 00:36:50 - At what point did you discover the hard-ass aspect of your personality? 00:43:25 - How did you keep spirits high while working as a firefighter? 00:46:55 - What was the culture of firefighters like? 00:52:00 - Do you have advice for women who want to get into firefighting? 00:54:34 - What was your best day on the job? 00:58:40 - Discussion about the rest of Fireweed’s firefighting career 01:00:45 - What kind of schooling would you recommend for someone interested in this career? 01:02:35 - What’s your take on the current situation in the Forest Service? 01:10:40 - Discussion about the state of wildfires today 01:15:30 - Tell us about your thru-hikes since retiring 01:20:30 - Discussion about getting shingles and recovering 01:23:50 - Do you have any other tips for older hikers? 01:28:50 - Tell us about the Bigfoot Trail 01:33:30 - Do you have tips for identifying trees along the Bigfoot Trail? 01:37:00 - What was your Bigfoot encounter? 01:40:02 - Do you believe in Bigfoot? 01:44:00 - Tell us about getting attacked by a bear dog 01:48:45 - Peak Performance Question: What is your top performance-enhancing or backpacking hack? Segments Trek Propaganda: by Katie Jackson by Katie Jackson QOTD: Would robotic legs count as mechanical transport through the wilderness? Triple Crown of parts of society we would turn the clock back on Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy and . (and please leave us a review)! Find us on , , and . to get bonus content. Follow , , , and on Instagram. Follow , and on YouTube. Follow on Tik Tok. Our theme song is by . A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bryan Alsop, Carl Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jason Kiser, Krystyn Bell, Matt from Gilbert, AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, SPAM, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, and Spencer Hinson.
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Zach Hiked the Tour du Mont Blanc and Chaunce Got Married! (BPR #327)
10/13/2025
Zach Hiked the Tour du Mont Blanc and Chaunce Got Married! (BPR #327)
In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by me. Because I hiked Tour du Mont Blanc. We go through all the nitty gritty details of my trip, including how I decided on going with a self-guided tour (aka staying in hotels instead of camping), the differences across the French, Italian, and Swiss portions of the trail, the best towns, the landscape highlights, the crowds, the food, how my knees asked for a divorce from my body, and everything else. But wait, there’s more. Chaunce is fresh off her wedding and honeymoon, she gives us the full scoop of her month of nuptials and romance. We wrap the show maturely by covering how many poops in a day is too many poops, my business pitch for selling farts online, the triple crown of wedding traditions, I share some new gear that I got to test on TMB, and listeners share their top TMB tips- including how I did it all wrong. LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at . Gossamer Gear: Use code "LT520" for 20% off LT5 Trekking Poles at . Ombraz: Send a DM on or to for $30 off at . [divider] Interview with Zach! Time stamps & Questions 00:04:55 - , , and ! 00:13:05 - Introducing Zach 00:13:45 - Trail difficulty 00:16:40 - Tour du Mont Blanc Fast Facts 00:17:40 - What prep work did you have to do for the hike? 00:20:00 - More discussion about the self-guided hike option 00:22:30 - How much does the self-guided hike option cost? 00:26:30 - How did you pack and what bag did you bring? 00:30:50 - What was in your pack? 00:33:20 - Did you carry food in your pack? 00:35:00 - Discussion about the navigation app issue 00:39:30 - Discussion about daily pace and difficulty 00:42:30 - Discussion about crowding on the trail 00:47:20 - Journeying to the trail 00:51:00 - Day 1 00:57:20 - What makes this mountain range different from others? 01:01:00 - Day 2 01:08:40 - Day 3 01:22:50 - Day 4 01:36:10 - Day 5 01:51:30 - What wildlife did you see? 02:01:40 - Were you ready to be done by the last day? 02:02:50 - What were the top 3 towns to zero in? 02:05:30 - Zach got recognized! 02:07:30 - Would you have done the trail in a different direction? 02:12:00 - Closing thoughts 02:14:30 - Would you have trained differently? 02:15:15 - Wedding recap 02:26:30 - Honeymoon recap Segments QOTD: How many poops in a day is too many? Triple Crown of wedding traditions One-Minute Gear Reviews Listener Voicemail Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy and . (and please leave us a review)! Find us on , , and . to get bonus content. Follow , , , and on Instagram. Follow , and on YouTube. Follow on Tik Tok. Our theme song is by . A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bryan Alsop, Carl Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jason Kiser, Krystyn Bell, Matt from Gilbert, AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, SPAM, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Greg Floravanti “Lumberjack”, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, and Spencer Hinson.
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Thru-Hiking 11,000+ Miles Together with Chris and Sara, aka Endless and QB (BPR #326)
10/06/2025
Thru-Hiking 11,000+ Miles Together with Chris and Sara, aka Endless and QB (BPR #326)
In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by thru-hiking power couple who’ve hiked more than 11,000 miles together Chris and Sara, known on trail as Endless and QB. “What haven’t they hiked?” is a fair question, because it’s been a lot, including the AT, the PCT (twice), CDT, CT (twice), Arizona Trail, Manaslu Circuit, Hayduke, Long Trail, Cohos Trail, Loowit Trail, Wonderland Trail, Ruby Crest Trail, Why-wash, (ahl-pah-MY-oh) / Santa Cruz Trek, the GR20, and more, believe it or not. They share the story of how they met, offer tips for making a marriage work both on trail and off, discuss how they befriended Mac from Halfway Anywhere and Viking during their many trail adventures, and explain why rafting the Grand Canyon stands out as the most epic adventure of them all. We wrap the show with news of the asshat who vandalized the Katahdin sign, the triple crown of seafoods, and definitively answer the age old question of window vs. aisle. LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at . Gossamer Gear: Use code "LT520" for 20% off LT5 Trekking Poles at . Ka’Chava: Get 10% off at . [divider] Interview with Chris & Sara aka Endless & QB Time stamps & Questions 00:05:00 - and ! 00:09:10 - Introducing Endless & QB 00:15:55 - We Love Love: Where did you meet? 00:21:20 - Tell us about getting together on the CDT 00:23:55 - What’s it like to be a firefighter? 00:29:11 - What are some standout firefighter stories? 00:32:15 - Would you recommend being a firefighter to others? 00:35:35 - Is it difficult to align both of your schedules? 00:36:30 - When did you know you wanted to hike more trails together? 00:37:50 - When did you meet Jabba? 00:39:50 - How did you meet Twinkle and Grace? 00:43:36 - Any stories from the AZT? 00:45:40 - Tell us about Nepal 00:51:36 - Tell us about getting married at a pool party 00:56:10 - Tell us about your road trip in 2018 00:58:00 - Discussion about their speed of hiking 01:02:15 - How many miles have each of you hiked? 01:03:40 - What do you disagree about on trail? 01:05:15 - Was it hard to transition to an off-trail relationship? 01:10:50 - Discussion about knee surgery 01:11:56 - Tell us about your honeymoon roadtrip 01:14:55 - Tell us about hiking in the Sawtooths 01:16:50 - Tell us about the Loowit Trail 01:19:20 - Discussion about trail running and transitioning from thru-hiking 01:24:15 - Tell us about backpacking in the Wallowa Mountains 01:25:40 - How do you divvy up tasks in the backcountry? 01:28:30 - Tell us about the rest of the 2020 road trip 01:32:50 - How did you decide to hike the PCT a second time? 01:34:20 - Tell us about rafting the Grand Canyon 01:43:45 - Tell us about your hikes in Peru 01:46:40 - Why’d you get off the Oregon Desert Trail? 01:48:40 - Tell us about your hiking in Europe 01:59:15 - Did you dirtbag the whole time in Europe? 02:01:10 - Are you looking to do more international hiking? 02:01:45 - What’s your top 5 travel bucket list? 02:04:00 - Are you thinking about having kids? 02:05:30 - How was your recent hike of the CT? 02:06:45 - Stay Salty Question: What’s your hottest take in the world of backpacking or the outdoors? Segments Trek Propaganda: by Kelly Floro QOTD: Window or aisle? Triple Crown of seafoods Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy and . (and please leave us a review)! Find us on , , and . to get bonus content. Follow , , , and on Instagram. Follow , and on YouTube. Follow on Tik Tok. Our theme song is by . A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bryan Alsop, Carl Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Go Bills, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Matt from Gilbert, AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, SPAM, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Greg Floravanti “Lumberjack”, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, and Spencer Hinson.
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Vancouver Island Trails, PCT Pie Record, and Canadian Culture with Spencer "Boiler" Dunn (BPR #325)
09/29/2025
Vancouver Island Trails, PCT Pie Record, and Canadian Culture with Spencer "Boiler" Dunn (BPR #325)
In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Spencer “Boiler” Dunn. Boiler, is a self-described “pro-yapper”, improv leader, former employee of Parks Canada, pie enthusiast, and of course, a backpacker. Spencer takes us through his long trail adventures across Canada, including the Bruce Trail, West Coast Trail, North Coast Trail, and Nootka Island Trail—journeys that brought him face-to-face with some incredible wildlife, from bears to whales to the elusive sea wolf. We also dive into his recent hike on the PCT—how he broke the record for pies per mile, the notoriety that earned him on trail, navigating people’s perceptions as a plus-sized hiker, how his trek deepened his connection to his queer identity, and, of course, his unapologetic hatred for gear talk (which I make him do). We wrap the show with news on New Zealand’s most famous thru-hike getting a whole lot pricier, tackle the age-old question of which liquids we’d want to dispense from our fingers, we do the Triple Crown of tummy aches, and hear a listener’s compelling pitch for taking this circus to the Pacific Northwest. Gossamer Gear: Use code "LT520" for 20% off LT5 Trekking Poles at . Ombraz: Score a $30 discount by sending a DM to , and letting them know that Backpacker Radio sent you. [divider] Interview with Spencer “Boiler” Dunn Time stamps & Questions 00:03:00 - , , and ! 00:06:25 - Introducing Boiler 00:08:50 - How did you get your trail name? 00:10:20 - What’s your outdoors origin story? 00:12:30 - What is Parks Canada? 00:15:40 - What’s the difference between national parks in the US and Canada? 00:17:10 - What is the outdoors culture like in Canada? 00:20:15 - Is there a community around the Bruce Trail? 00:23:10 - Do you think there’s a hunger for more long trails in Canada? 00:25:00 - How did you end up on the PCT? 00:26:00 - What gear did you start with? 00:32:00 - Discussion about Boiler’s PCT hike 00:32:53 - Tell us about making pies on the PCT 00:41:55 - What was your favorite town? 00:43:20 - More pie talk 00:45:38 - Discussion about being a fatter hiker 00:56:50 - Do you have any advice for someone who wants to follow in your footsteps? 00:58:45 - Discussion about differences between men and women on the trail 01:01:10 - Did you have any uncomfortable situations on trail? 01:06:50 - Do you feel more or less of a stigma in Canada? 01:09:12 - Life on trail as a BNOT 01:12:01 - Did you ever put yourself in a situation for the story? 01:14:17 - Discussion about being a BNOT 01:15:30 - Tell us about your hiking on Vancouver Island 01:24:55 - Discussion about campsites on Vancouver Island 01:26:45 - Tell us about seeing wolves 01:32:40 - Fuck Marry Kill: The West Coast Trail, North Coast Trail, and Nootka Trail 01:35:05 - How do the 3 trails compare to each other? 01:40:25 - Differences between Americans and Canadians 02:04:00 - Where can people keep up with you? Segments Trek Propaganda: by Lisa Slutsken QOTD: If you could dispense different liquids from each finger on one hand, which liquids would you choose? Triple Crown of tummy aches Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy and . (and please leave us a review)! Find us on , , and . to get bonus content. Follow , , , and on Instagram. Follow , and on YouTube. Follow on Tik Tok. Our theme song is by A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bryan Alsop, Carl Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Go Bills, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Matt from Gilbert, AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, SPAM, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Greg Floravanti “Lumberjack”, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, and Spencer Hinson.
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Fighting a Grizzly Bear and Leaving the Mormon Church with Wesley "Megaman" Tils (BPR #324)
09/22/2025
Fighting a Grizzly Bear and Leaving the Mormon Church with Wesley "Megaman" Tils (BPR #324)
In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are joined by Wesley Tils, known on trail as Megaman. Buckle in because oh boy does Megaman have an origin story. After growing up in the Mormon church, leaving the church to become a pro boxer, quitting boxing to give the church another shot and going on a missionary trip as his trial of faith, and ultimately leaving the church for good during this missionary trip, escaping onto the PCT with several church members essentially chasing him in pursuit, Megaman’s path to thru-hiking was not exactly conventional. Since hitting the trails, Megaman hasn’t stopped hiking, accumulating more than 15,000 miles across 18 long trails in 9 years. We learn about all his adventures, including hikes of the Maah Daah Hey Trail, River to River Trail, his self-made Mexico to Canada Trail called “the fourth crown route, and a goosebump inducing story about an aggressive encounter with a grizzly bear on the CDT. We wrap up the show with our one-minute elevator pitch to convince aliens that humanity deserves to survive, the triple crown of cable channels, share the news of Tara Dower’s latest FKT, and deliver a five-minute one-minute gear review of a new free-standing tent from Hyperlite Mountain Gear. Topo Athletic: Use code “TREKFALL15” at . Gossamer Gear: Use code "LT520" for 20% off LT5 Trekking Poles at . Ka’Chava: Get 10% off at . [divider] Interview with Wesley “Megaman” Tils Time stamps & Questions 00:05:35 - Reminders: , , and ! 00:07:30 - Introducing Megaman 00:08:20 - Tell us about your religious upbringing 00:11:30 - Do you ever experience anger while boxing? 00:12:40 - Why did you decide to leave the church? 00:15:25 - How did people react when you left the church? 00:18:02 - What was your mission like? 00:26:00 - How did your family feel about your decision? 00:27:30 - What did your kit look like for your first 200 miles on the PCT? 00:28:29 - How did you go from the PCT to the AT? 00:32:40 - What’s your relationship with spirituality and religion now? 00:35:25 - What’s your trail name origin story? 00:36:45 - Discussion about Megaman’s time on the trail 00:38:30 - When did you know you’d keep thru-hiking? 00:40:20 - How was hiking through the Sierra in a high snow year? 00:45:00 - How was the CDT in 2018? 00:52:20 - Do you remember feeling an adrenaline rush? 00:54:35 - Tell us about the Black Hills/Great Plains Route 00:56:25 - You did the Triple O? 00:57:50 - Tell us about the Maah Daah Hey Trail 01:00:30 - Tell us about the evolution of your gear 01:02:45 - Tell us about your Fourth Crown Route 01:06:00 - What was the most difficult part of the route for you? 01:10:50 - What is the whole route like? 01:17:20 - Is it jarring to come back to society after the Fourth Crown Route? 01:18:10 - What’s the coolest thing you’ve found as an archeologist? 01:20:21 - How do you make your hikes work financially? 01:23:00 - What is the River to River Trail like? 01:24:15 - Tell us about the Ruby Crest Trail 01:25:15 - Tell us about the Mojave-Sonoran Trail 01:26:00 - How was the Hayduke? 01:27:35 - How do you recommend thru-hiking cheaply? 01:29:28 - Trail Superlatives 01:32:20 - What’s your hiking plan for 2026? 01:35:05 - What’s your plan to document your hike? 01:37:30 - Peak Performance Question: What is your top performance-enhancing or backpacking hack? Segments Trek Propaganda: by Katie Jackson QOTD: Aliens give you 60 seconds to convince them humanity deserves to be saved and you can only show them two items - what would they be? Triple Crown of cable channels One-Minute Gear Reviews Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy and . (and please leave us a review)! Find us on , , and . to get bonus content. Follow , , , and on Instagram. Follow , and on YouTube. Follow on Tik Tok. Our theme song is by . A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bryan Alsop, Carl Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Go Bills, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Matt from Gilbert, AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, SPAM, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Greg Floravanti “Lumberjack”, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, and Spencer Hinson.
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Jeff Oliver aka IBTAT on Sober Triple Crowning, The Scottish National Trail, and Kungsleden Trail (BPR #323)
09/15/2025
Jeff Oliver aka IBTAT on Sober Triple Crowning, The Scottish National Trail, and Kungsleden Trail (BPR #323)
In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek brought to you by LMNT, we’re joined by Jeff Oliver, better known on trail and online as IBTAT. In addition to building a large following on YouTube and Instagram, IBTAT will be a familiar voice to long-time Backpacker Radio listeners, as he was part of our first season of Trail Correspondents. We dive into IBTAT’s story, including his journey to 12 years of sobriety — going from drinking two fifths of liquor a day to cutting alcohol cold turkey overnight, and the dangerous side effects that followed. We also cover his more than 11,000 miles of trekking over the past seven years, including hikes of the Triple Crown trails, the Scottish National Trail, the C&O Canal Towpath, and Sweden’s Kungsleden Trail. Lastly, being a talented photographer and videographer, IBTAT shares expert advice on choosing the right camera and capturing quality photos and video during your hikes. Sassafras, Double Dip and I wrap the show with a call for this year’s AT thru-hikers to take the 2025 Appalachian Trail Survey, we opine on what the AT will look like in 2035 (and look back at how it’s changed over the past decade), we find the precise point at which a walk becomes a hike, Sass and Katie share how they got started in the Outdoor Industry (providing advice and inspiration for those who want to follow in their tracks), and we do the Triple Crown of cooking tips and hacks. LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at .Gossamer Gear: Use code "LT520" for 20% off LT5 Trekking Poles at .Ombraz: Score a $30 discount by sending a DM to , and letting them know that Backpacker Radio sent you. [divider] Interview with Jeff “IBTAT” Oliver Time stamps & Questions 00:06:00 - Reminders: , take the 2025 AT Thru-Hiker survey, and ! 00:08:05 - Introducing IBTAT 00:11:15 - When did you start partying? 00:12:25 - Discussion about getting sober 00:16:35 - What was your outdoors experience prior to the AT? 00:19:15 - When did you start videography and photography? 00:22:15 - Are there differences in your audience across different mediums? 00:25:00 - At what point did thru-hiking click for you? 00:27:18 - How did you take to the AT community? 00:29:09 - How was hiking the AT with your dog? 00:31:32 - Any standout stories from the AT? 00:33:16 - When did you decide to get on the PCT? 00:34:51 - What’s the most common dinner you eat on trail? 00:36:55 How was the PCT in a high snow year? 00:46:45 - Have you seen a culture change on the PCT? 00:49:05 - Tell us about the Art Loeb Trail 00:51:35 - What was your experience on the CDT? 00:55:05 - What was the most emotional moment you’ve captured on video on trail? 00:57:35 - How has your videography style changed over time? 00:59:25 - Tell us more about the crowds you’ve seen on the PCT this year 01:00:35 - Tell us about the Scottish National Trail 01:04:17 - What’s been your favorite trail to photograph versus hike? 01:07:35 - Walk us through camera lenses for new photographers 01:12:35 - What’s in your photography kit? 01:15:25 - Tell us about the C&O Canal Towpath 01:16:52 - Tell us about the Kungsleden Trail 01:21:31 - What’s the next international trail on your bucket list? 01:22:22 - How do you like repeating the PCT? 01:23:38 - Stay Salty Question: What’s your hottest take in the world of backpacking? Segments Trek Propaganda: by Katie Jackson by Steve Hoekwater QOTD: When does a walk become a hike? Advice Thing of the Week Triple Crown of cooking tips / hacks Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy and . (and please leave us a review)! Find us on , , and . to get bonus content. Follow , , , and on Instagram. Follow , and on YouTube. Follow on Tik Tok. Our theme song is by . A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bryan Alsop, Carl Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Go Bills, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Matt from Gilbert, AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, SPAM, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Greg Floravanti “Lumberjack”, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, and Spencer Hinson.
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Liz "Handstand" Kidder: Scary Moments in the Sierra, Skydiving Near Miss, and Donating a Kidney (BPR #322)
09/08/2025
Liz "Handstand" Kidder: Scary Moments in the Sierra, Skydiving Near Miss, and Donating a Kidney (BPR #322)
In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are joined by social media and YouTube sensation, Liz “Handstand” Kidder. Liz is a thru-hiker, vlogger, dreadlock artist, former skydiving fanatic, and a handstand-expert. Liz gives us her full story, including the events that lead to her becoming sober in 2014, how she nearly died in a horrifying skydive gone wrong, how the internet got way too much into her biz almost immediately into her thru-hiking journey, the time she donated a kidney, and we make her choose which trail reigns supreme between the AT and PCT- for which she does not hesitate to pick a winner. We wrap the show with why you shouldn't wear underwear on a thru-hike, a call for 2026 Blogger applications, which is better- hiking steep and short and long and steady, I offer a REPEAT stupid thing of the week, and we do the triple crown of things we'd step in barefoot. Topo Athletic: Use code “TREKFALL15” at . Gossamer Gear: Use code "LT520" for 20% off LT5 Trekking Poles at . Ka’Chava: Get 10% off at . [divider] Interview with Liz “Handstand” Kidder Time stamps & Questions 00:05:15 - Reminders: , and ! 00:08:40 - Introducing Liz 00:12:50 - Where’s the most epic place you’ve done a handstand? 00:15:10 - Do you have tips for someone who wants to get better at handstands? 00:17:10 - What was your introduction to the world of backpacking? 00:21:05 - What is the New Hampshire uniform? 00:22:00 - Tell us about skydiving 00:31:00 - How as the first week on trail? 00:32:40 - Had you done any social media prior to the AT? 00:34:50 - What was the drama? 00:36:35 - At what point were you hooked by the AT? 00:38:24 - Why did you end the AT in a more sour mindset than the JMT? 00:39:40 - How did the trail change you? 00:43:24 - Tell us about donating your kidney 00:52:10 - Tell us about your career 00:55:35 - How do you create dread locs? 00:57:20 - Do you get a lot of business through hiking? 01:00:10 - Tell us about the Annapurna Circuit 01:04:35 - How did the Annapurna Circuit compare to your other hikes? 01:06:45 - Tell us about the Colorado Trail 01:07:45 - How has the PCT experience compared to the Colorado Trail? 01:12:00 - Tell us about the scary moments in the Sierra 01:22:24 - Tell us about the Tehachapi challenge 01:30:20 - Tell us about spraining your ankle 01:38:30 - How did you feel about going home during trail? 01:40:51 - Are you still on a continuous footpath? 01:45:00 - Did you capture either of the sprains on camera? 01:47:45 - Do you like the PCT or the AT first? 01:50:11 - Peak Performance Question: What is your top performance-enhancing or backpacking hack? Segments Trek Propaganda by Anniversary and the Historian by Kelly Floro QOTD: Would you rather hike 2 miles uphill with no switchbacks, steep grade, or 5 miles uphill with switchbacks, moderate grade? Stupid Thing of the Week Triple Crown of things you’d step on/in barefoot Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy and . (and please leave us a review)! Find us on , , and . to get bonus content. Follow , , , and on Instagram. Follow , and on YouTube. Follow on Tik Tok. Our theme song is by . A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bryan Alsop, Carl Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clever Innuendo, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Go Bills, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Matt from Gilbert, AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, SPAM, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Greg Floravanti “Lumberjack”, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, and Spencer Hinson.
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Dan Durston 2.0: Durston Gear's Cult Following, Gear Innovations, and Design Philosophy (BPR #321)
09/01/2025
Dan Durston 2.0: Durston Gear's Cult Following, Gear Innovations, and Design Philosophy (BPR #321)
In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined once again by Dan Durston. Dan is the man behind Durston Gear, a backpacking gear brand that has exploded in popularity amongst long-distance backpackers over the last handful of years. Dan gives us the rundown on how his business and life have changed since he was last on the show, when another company was exclusively selling his designs via a third-party manufacturer, including taking a second mortgage out on his house, quitting his job as a biologist, and going all in on slinging packs, tents, and poles to his loyal cult-like following. Dan shares some insights on why he thinks he’s developed such a loyal following amongst this community, the struggle of trying to strike a healthy work/life balance, and the challenge of balancing scaling his company while maintaining the hands-on customer service experience his customers have come to expect. Chaunce and I unveil a new segment with Dan- Piranha Pool- where we pitch some of burning backpacking innovations and Dan is forced to invest in either of our ideas on the spot. Sassafras and I wrap the show with the best section hikes on the PCT, we break down our weekend at Cascade Locks for PCT Trail Days, the triple crown of jobs we definitely couldn't do, Sass previews a Trek blog post that angered a lot of the Internet (and why she loved it and agreed with it) and a listener gives us some very important grocery store history. LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at . Gossamer Gear: Use code "LT520" for 20% off LT5 Trekking Poles at . Ombraz: Score a $30 discount by sending a DM to , and letting them know that Backpacker Radio sent you. [divider] Interview with Dan Durston Time stamps & Questions 00:05:55 - Recap of PCT Days 00:24:20 - Reminders: , and ! 00:25:15 - Introducing Dan 00:27:30 - Tell us about your evolution since 2020 00:32:30 - How do you get past fear and decide to take big risks? 00:35:43 - How did the first day of orders go? 00:41:20 - When did you know that you had to quit your full time office job? 00:42:45 - What is it about customer service that’s so important to you? 00:49:20 - Why do you think you’ve developed such a cult following? 00:53:50 - How do you balance your following with scaling bigger? 00:56:05 - Are you concerned about burnout? 01:01:00 - What are your sleeping bag thoughts? 01:04:50 - How are your products innovative compared to the competition? 01:15:25 - Can you say something nice about Gossamer Gear? 01:17:00 - Pitch us on ultralight trekking poles 01:22:00 - What would you consider to be a standard lifespan of a trekking pole? 01:24:45 - What’s the dumbest way you’ve ever broken a piece of gear? 01:28:20 - Piranha Pool: If you had a million dollars to invest in Zach & Chaunce’s gear ideas, how would you divvy up the money? 01:42:17 - What are the main differences between your backpack and the competition? 01:50:15 - Stay Salty Question: What is your hottest take in the world of backpacking or the outdoors at large? 01:53:40 - How do you feel when you see people’s terrible tent pitches? 01:54:38 - How will you maintain customer service as your company grows? 01:55:45 - Do you feel like there’s some flattering imitation of your gear happening? 01:58:22 - What’s been your favorite part of the interview you’re currently in? Segments Trek Propaganda by Kelsey Nannini by To-Go QOTD: Pick 2 for sleep: perfect pillow, perfect air temp, perfect mattress Triple Crown of jobs you couldn’t do Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy and . (and please leave us a review)! Find us on , , and . to get bonus content. Follow , , , and on Instagram. Follow , and on YouTube. Follow on Tik Tok. Our theme song is by . A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bryan Alsop, Carl Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clever Innuendo, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Go Bills, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Matt from Gilbert, AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, SPAM, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Greg Floravanti “Lumberjack”, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, and Spencer Hinson.
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The Wonderland Trail with Sassafras: Permits, Campsites, and Gear (BPR #320)
08/25/2025
The Wonderland Trail with Sassafras: Permits, Campsites, and Gear (BPR #320)
In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are chatting all things Wonderland Trail. The Trek’s very own Jess Stone is fresh off her thru-hike of this near-100 mile lap around Mt. Rainier in Washington, and gives us a detailed breakdown of her journey and the trail at large. We cover the ideal number of days to do this hike, the standout campsites, wildlife, the permitting process, and the best games to play on trail with your hiking buddies to pass the time such as eating rocks. We wrap the show with a couple of new opportunities to get involved with The Trek, why Nova Scotia has banned all hiking for the foreseeable future, ranking a series of different hiking conditions (or- why postholing is the worst), the triple crown of gear deal breakers, we get even more input on the very controversial decision to use dry ice for resupplies, and a listener reminds us that not all owl encounters are all that interesting. Topo Athletic: Use code “TREKFALL15” at . Gossamer Gear: Use code "LT520" for 20% off LT5 Trekking Poles at . Shady Rays: Use code “TREK” for 35% off sunglasses at . Betterment: Learn more at . [divider] Panel with Jess Stone Time stamps & Questions 00:04:50 - Reminders: , or and ! 00:11:23 - Introducing Jess 00:13:45 - Where is the Wonderland Trail? 00:14:15 - What is the permit system like? 00:18:10 - What is the distance and are there alternates? 00:22:20 - Did you bring a bear canister? 00:23:20 - Where did you start and what direction did you go? 00:25:35 - How did this trail compare to some of your past thru-hikes? 00:29:10 - Tell us about the wildlife 00:34:45 - How do the resupplies work? 00:36:45 - Tell us about making your own food 00:40:04 - What were the best campsites? 00:43:00 - Tell us about your hike chronologically 00:47:27 - What was your hiking group? 00:51:50 - Day 3 of the hike 00:59:00 - Did you encounter rangers? 01:02:30 - Eagles Roost to Golden Lakes 01:05:50 - Golden Lakes and afterward 01:09:50 - High Low Buffalo 01:12:15 - What gear stood out to you? 01:17:50 - What footwear did you use? 01:20:40 - How was the weather and water situation? 01:23:22 - How did you get to the trail? 01:26:10 - How was the experience overall? 01:27:12 - Wonderland Trail or the best 93 miles of the Long Trail? 01:29:00 - Peak Performance Question: What’s your top performance-enhancing or backpacking hack? Segments Trek Propaganda: by Chickpea QOTD: How many miles would each of the following have to be for them all to feel equal? Thing of the Week Triple Crown of gear deal breakers Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy and . (and please leave us a review)! Find us on , , and . to get bonus content. Follow , , , and on Instagram. Follow , and on YouTube. Follow on Tik Tok. Our theme song is by . A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bryan Alsop, Carl Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clever Innuendo, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Go Bills, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Matt from Gilbert, AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, SPAM, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Greg Floravanti “Lumberjack”, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, and Spencer Hinson.
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Top National Park After Dark Stories: Night of the Grizzlies, Grandma Gatewood, and Cocaine Bear (BPR #319)
08/18/2025
Top National Park After Dark Stories: Night of the Grizzlies, Grandma Gatewood, and Cocaine Bear (BPR #319)
In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by Danielle and Cassie, the hosts of the popular podcast, National Park After Dark. In this episode, Chaunce gets the lowdown on some of the most outrageous stories from the our beloved national parks, including the infamous cocaine bear, tuberculosis huts in Mammoth Cave National Park, the tragic tale of Ishi, the last Yahi, who emerged from Lassen Park in the early 19th century, and the night there were two separate fatal grizzly attacks in Glacier National Park. We wrap the show with an opportunity to get paid to thru-hike (and consequently why you should be on The Trek's newsletter), cheap items that double as ultralight backpacking gear, my mediocre marriage advice, the triple crown of outdoor fears, and another listener offers a PSA on why you should probably not use dry ice for your resupply. LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at . Gossamer Gear: Use code "LT520" for 20% off LT5 Trekking Poles at . Ombraz: Score a $30 discount by sending a DM to , and letting them know that Backpacker Radio sent you. Betterment: Learn more at . [divider] Interview with Danielle and Cassie of National Park After Dark Time stamps & Questions 00:04:45 - Reminders: and ! 00:09:40 - Introducing Danielle and Cassie 00:10:24 - What trip are you on right now? 00:11:50 - How did you two meet? 00:13:35 - How did you develop your podcast? 00:15:50 - What is it that makes your podcast so popular? 00:17:45 - Have you two visited a lot of the national parks? 00:23:50 - How often are you two out hiking together and what are your favorite trails? 00:29:45 - What are your favorite solo hikes? 00:32:30 - What is your podcasting research process like? 00:36:50 - Tell us about the Night of the Grizzlies at Glacier National Park 00:43:55 - Do you ever get in touch with people involved in the cases? 00:52:40 - Tell us about the mysteries of Mammoth Cave 01:01:36 - Tell us about Ishi, the Last of His People 01:06:50 - Tell us about Crater Lake National Park 01:15:30 - Tell us about Dope Lake in Yosemite 01:17:30 - Tell us about Cocaine Bear 01:27:20 - Tell us about Grandma Gatewood 01:33:20 - Discussion about the National Park After Dark podcast 01:34:45 - Stay Salty Question: What is your hottest take in the world of backpacking or the outdoors in general? Segments Trek Propaganda By the Editors by Katie Jackson QOTD: What’s your most unhinged marriage hack? Triple Crown of outdoor fears Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy and . (and please leave us a review)! Find us on , , and . to get bonus content. Follow , , , and on Instagram. Follow , and on YouTube. Follow on Tik Tok. Our theme song is by . A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bryan Alsop, Carl Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clever Innuendo, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Matt from Gilbert, AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Greg Floravanti “Lumberjack”, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.
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Quitting a Thru-Hike, Living Nomadically, and Working as a Chef with Juliette "Scorpion Queen" Kerven (BPR #318)
08/11/2025
Quitting a Thru-Hike, Living Nomadically, and Working as a Chef with Juliette "Scorpion Queen" Kerven (BPR #318)
In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we’re joined by Juliette Kerven, known on trail as Scorpion Queen. Juliette is a Michelin-trained chef, former yacht crew member, full-time nomad, and a thru-hiker of both the PCT and AT, and we caught her during her CDT thru-hike attempt for this conversation. This is a solo interview led by Chaunce, and it ventures into some uncharted emotional terrain for this podcast as Scorpion Queen openly wrestles with whether or not to continue her hike, and she ultimately comes to a decision during the interview. We also talk about what it’s like hiking in the U.S. as an international hiker (Juliette is from England), hear about her experience working on yachts, and learn how her Michelin-level culinary skills translate to the backcountry. All that and much more. We wrap the show with the most common injuries to AT thru-hikers, small things that make our days better, the triple crown of gingers (fictional characters edition), and the definitive guide to the sluttiest fonts. Topo Athletic: Use code “TREKFALL15” at . Gossamer Gear: Use code "LT520" for 20% off LT5 Trekking Poles at . Shady Rays: Use code “TREK” for 35% off sunglasses at . Betterment: Learn more at . Ka’Chava: Get 10% off at . [divider] Interview with Juliette “Scorpion Queen” Kerven Time stamps & Questions 00:04:56 - Reminders: , , and ! 00:10:30 - Introducing SQ 00:12:30 - How did you get your trail name? 00:15:05 - Why did you hate nature as a kid? 00:17:50 - When did you become fully nomadic? 00:21:07 - How did you decide to hike the PCT? 00:23:45 - What’s it like to work as a chef? 00:28:15 - What are your go-to dishes to make? 00:30:40 - When did you actually get on the PCT? 00:36:00 - Discussion about visas 00:37:30 - What are your crazy stories from working on super yachts? 00:39:00 - What grew your love for the PCT so much? 00:43:40 - What was your favorite trail town? 00:44:40 - What would you change about doing the PCT as an international hiker? 00:45:45 - What was your bad luck along the PCT? 00:52:30 - What’s your perfect shoe? 00:54:05 - How did being on the PCT affect your depression? 00:55:55 - Tell us about tearing your ACL 01:01:16 - Tell us about hiking the AT in 2024 01:03:50 - How did the AT impact your fibromyalgia? 01:06:35 - What was it like to start the AT so early? 01:09:50 - Discussion about SQ’s AT injury and bad luck 01:17:40 - We Love Love: Tell us about your AT romance 01:20:20 - What did you feel at the end of the AT? 01:23:20 - What did you do between the AT and CDT? 01:25:00 - What has your journey on the CDT been like so far? 01:47:20 - Why do you think you’ve decided to quit the CDT? 01:49:30 - Chaunce and SQ discuss quitting the CDT 02:02:25 - Why do you feel like a fraud if you quit? 02:07:00 - What would you do next if you quit? 02:15:50 - What scenario would make you want to keep hiking? 02:20:20 - Could you become less of a purist? 02:23:05 - What if you’re afraid to finish the CDT? 02:25:15 - Did you feel pressure to start the CDT too soon? 02:36:45 - Peak Performance Question: What is your top performance-enhancing or backpacking hack? Segments Trek Propaganda: by Katie Jackson QOTD: What’s something small that makes your day better? Sick Thing of the Week Triple Crown of Gingers (Round 2: Fictional Characters) Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy and . (and please leave us a review)! Find us on , , and . to get bonus content. Follow , , , and on Instagram. Follow , and on YouTube. Follow on Tik Tok. Our theme song is by . A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bryan Alsop, Carl Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clever Innuendo, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Matt from Gilbert, AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Greg Floravanti “Lumberjack”, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.
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The Pinhoti Trail with Nathan "Switchback" Wright (BPR #317)
08/04/2025
The Pinhoti Trail with Nathan "Switchback" Wright (BPR #317)
In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by Nathan Wright, known on trail as Switchback. Nathan is an ambassador for the Pinhoti Trail and Alabama trails more broadly, wearing almost too many hats to count. He is the co-founder of the Pinhoti Outdoor Center - a hostel he runs with his wife, President of the Alabama Hiking Trail Society, Vice President of the Alabama Pinhoti Trail Association, Chairman of the Board of the Pinhoti Experience Foundation, and serves on the Advisory Board of the Alabama Trails Commission. In this conversation, we go deep on everything to do with the Pinhoti Trail and Nathan’s many roles in supporting it. We cover the best time of year to hike it, what to expect in terms of wildlife, resupply, water, and logistics, as well as the standout physical features of the trail. Nathan also shares why the trail’s surrounding community makes it so special, the can’t-miss town stops and restaurants, and why he believes it’s the best off-season thru-hike in the US. We wrap the show with a FREE STUFF alert for 2025 PCT Thru-Hikers, how to get college credit for thru-hiking the AT, how our lives would be totally different if our first names were spelled differently, the triple crown of thru-hiker fads, a shortest day of the year of the week, and a listener shares some intel on Texas' most underrated trail. LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at . Gossamer Gear: Use code "LT520" for 20% off LT5 Trekking Poles at . Ombraz: Score a $30 discount by sending a DM to , and letting them know that Backpacker Radio sent you. Betterment: Learn more at . [divider] Interview with Nathan Wright Time stamps & Questions 00:05:20 - Reminders: , or and ! 00:13:20 - Introducing Nathan 00:14:30 - Tell us about your hiking experience 00:15:00 - What made you fall in love with hiking in Alabama? 00:17:40 - Did you get involved with the trail first or hike it first? 00:19:30 - Tell us about finding out you were having a baby 00:21:44 - Discussion about section hiking the AT 00:23:45 - Tell us about all the organizations you’re involved with 00:25:15 - What are the basic stats of the Pinhoti Trail? 00:29:30 - What’s the best season to hike the Pinhoti? 00:30:25 - What’s the APTA? 00:33:40 - What’s the Pinhoti Experience Foundation? 00:36:00 - What’s the Alabama Trails Commission Advisory Board? 00:37:00 - What’s your tech company? 00:38:48 - How does your hostel work? 00:42:00 - Discussion about resupplies along the Pinhoti 00:44:14 - How much of the trail is on a road? 00:47:05 - What’s the process for creating a trail town? 00:51:40 - How does your business background interface with your trail work? 00:55:38 - What’s the water like on the Pinhoti? 00:58:40 - What’s the wildlife like? 01:01:10 - If we go on an Alabama road trip, which football game should we go to? 01:03:04 - When are the ticks bad? 01:04:00 - Could you bring your dog on the Pinhoti? 01:06:42 - Are there shelters on the Pinhoti? 01:08:43 - If you had to sell someone on the Pinhoti, what would you tell them? 01:10:30 - What’s some cool history related to the Pinhoti? 01:14:20 - What are some standout trail towns and town spots? 01:19:50 - What are the main characteristics of the trail? 01:22:24 - What is Alabama food culture? 01:23:15 - What are the logistics of getting to or from the trail? 01:26:50 - Tell us about Pinhoti Fest 01:29:00 - What do you see for the future of the Pinhoti? 01:36:03 - What are some lessons of running a hostel? 01:39:00 - Stay Salty Question: What is your hottest take in the world of backpacking or the outdoors at large? Segments Trek Propaganda: by Jordan Charbonneau QOTD: Do you think your life would turn out different if your name was spelled slightly differently? Triple Crown of thru-hiker fads Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy and . (and please leave us a review)! Find us on , , and . to get bonus content. Follow , , , and on Instagram. Follow , and on YouTube. Follow on Tik Tok. Our theme song is by . 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, Bill Jensen, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Carl Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clever Innuendo, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Minty Hikes Studio, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Greg Floravanti “Lumberjack”, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.
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The Northern Colorado Trail with Kevin "Sunshine" Silvernale (BPR #316)
07/28/2025
The Northern Colorado Trail with Kevin "Sunshine" Silvernale (BPR #316)
In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are joined by Kevin “Sunshine” Silvernale. Originally a commercial pilot from Seattle, Kevin thru-hiked the PCT in 2016 and immediately fell in love with the Hiker Trash lifestyle. That passion led him to put his flying career on hold to hike the AT, Colorado Trail, much of the CDT, and most recently, to begin creating a brand-new long trail route, the Northern Colorado Trail. We chat about his life as a pilot, including when Chaunce coaxed him into sharing a story about how he joined the mile high club, and how thru-hiking ultimately pulled him away from aviation. We go deep into the Northern Colorado Trail (or the NoCo Trail as he calls it), a 300-mile route he’s developing, covering what goes into designing and rerouting a trail, working with public lands agencies, the best time of year to hike it, standout sections (including a hair-raising traverse of the Devil’s Causeway), the wildlife, its growing popularity, resupply and town stops, how to access both terminuses, what he envisions for the trail’s future- and much more. We wrap the show with the sad news of the drowning death of a 2025 Appalachian Trail thru-hiker, Chaunce talks in depth about how she’s pooing liquid, the triple crown of bodies of water, Chaunce’s car getting broken into of the week, how I voluntarily stepped into a patch of poison ivy, and the best listener email of all time. Topo Athletic: Use code “TREKSPRING15” at . Gossamer Gear: Use code "LT520" for 20% off LT5 Trekking Poles at . Shady Rays: Use code “TREK” for 35% off sunglasses at . Betterment: Learn more at . [divider] Interview with Kevin “Sunshine” Silvernale Time stamps & Questions 00:05:16 - Reminders: , and ! 00:08:22 - Introducing Sunshine 00:09:30 - Tell us about being a commercial pilot 00:12:55 - Are you part of the mile high club? 00:14:08 - What are some quirks of pilot culture? 00:15:55 - What’s a go-to pilot movie? 00:18:05 - How accurate are flight simulators? 00:18:55 - What would you tell someone about the safety of flying? 00:25:36 - On average, how many hours per week would a commercial pilot fly? 00:26:40 - How did the PCT fall on your radar? 00:29:27 - Was there anything acutely dissatisfying about working as a pilot? 00:32:00 - What is a pilot lounge like? 00:33:30 - When you’re hiking, do you track planes you see overhead? 00:34:50 - Any standout moments from the PCT? 00:40:20 - What’d you do after the PCT? 00:41:25 - What was your impression of the AT after doing the PCT first? 00:43:55 - Were you able to enjoy the CDT given how isolated it is? 00:45:50 - When did the NoCo Trail idea come to you? 00:47:15 - Tell us the basics of the NoCo Trail 00:52:24 - How much of the trail is on roads? 00:54:30 - How do you get permission to hike across private land? 00:56:30 - How would you recommend section hiking the trail? 01:00:05 - What would a typical day of hiking look like? 01:01:27 - What are the highlights of the trail? 01:04:30 - How many people have hiked this trail? 01:07:00 - Did the route change as you thru-hiked it? 01:10:40 - Which alternate would you want to become the de facto trail? 01:11:50 - Are there 14ers along the way? 01:13:08 - What’s the water situation like along the trail? 01:16:42 - Would you recommend this as a first thru-hike? 01:18:10 - What’s the process of creating waypoints for navigation? 01:19:47 - What’s the camping situation like? 01:21:00 - How did you store your food? 01:22:30 - Which direction is best? 01:24:25 - Would you ever want this trail to connect to the Colorado Trail? 01:26:00 - How do you decide on a priority structure for continuing to develop the trail? 01:29:25 - Peak Performance Question: What is your top performance-enhancing or backpacking hack? Segments Trek Propaganda: by Katie Jackson QOTD: How many days until my bowels remember what a solid is? Car Getting Broken Into of the Week Triple Crown of bodies of water Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy and . (and please leave us a review)! Find us on , , and . to get bonus content. Follow , , , and on Instagram. Follow , and on YouTube. Follow on Tik Tok. Our theme song is by . 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, Bill Jensen, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Carl Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clever Innuendo, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Minty Hikes Studio, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Greg Floravanti “Lumberjack”, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.
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Impacts of Climate Change on the Colorado Trail with Triple Crowner and Scientist Karl Ford (BPR #315)
07/21/2025
Impacts of Climate Change on the Colorado Trail with Triple Crowner and Scientist Karl Ford (BPR #315)
In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by Karl Ford. Karl is a retired environmental scientist, conservationist, and author of Triple Crown Hiking Adventures and The Colorado Trail in Crisis: A Naturalist's Field Report on Climate Change in Mountain Ecosystems. In this conversation, we dive into Karl’s experiences hiking the Triple Crown, his perspective on the current state of conservation and what the future may hold, and how climate change is already impacting our beloved long trails, with a special focus on the Colorado Trail. We also talk about what individuals can do to help combat climate change, and how Karl personally walks the walk when it comes to protecting our planet. We wrap the show with some convo on pre-hike anxiety, what the Hiker Trash four houses are, the triple crown of gingers, a blood boiling thing of the week, and a listener voicemail about UTIs. LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at . Gossamer Gear: Use code “BACKPACKER20” for 20% off packs at . Ombraz: Send a DM on or to for $30 off at . Betterment: Learn more at . [divider] Interview with Karl Ford by Karl Ford by Karl Ford Time stamps & Questions 00:05:20 - Reminders: , or , and ! 00:10:55 - Introducing Karl 00:11:34 - What’s your trail name? 00:13:04 - What’s your outdoors origin story? 00:23:45 - Do you have a standout story about Colorado Trail history? 00:26:45 - Where did the Ute tribe get sent to? 00:28:40 - Are there popular spots along the CT that retain Ute names? 00:29:38 - Where do you think we’re headed in regards to public lands? 00:33:55 - Do you remember a shift towards conservation when you were young? 00:40:50 - What got you into thru-hiking? 00:47:40 - Discussion about Karl’s tick experiment on the AT 00:49:50 - Have you followed the Lyme disease vaccines that are in development? 00:51:30 - Did you know you wanted to do more thru-hikes after the AT? 00:55:45 - What advice do you have for people who want to start thru-hiking in retirement? 01:00:30 - How do you prevent injury and recover well? 01:04:25 - Discussion about hiking the CT during the pandemic 01:08:20 - What is forest mortality? 01:09:03 - How are beetles related to climate change? 01:15:10 - What’s your level of optimism in slowing the effects of climate change? 01:20:52 - Do you have any optimism about technological solutions? 01:22:40 - Discussion about deforestation and reforestation 01:26:10 - What does the future of the CT look like? 01:30:00 - What are the downstream effects of a primarily lodgepole pine forest? 01:33:25 - Wilderness areas along the CT 01:34:20 - What can we do? 01:39:38 - Stay Salty Question: What is your hottest take in the world of backpacking or the outdoors at large? Segments Trek Propaganda: by Kelly Floro QOTD: When you’re a hiker what are the four houses you are sorted into? Triple Crown of gingers Blood Boiling Thing of the Week Listener Voicemail Mail Bag 4 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy and . (and please leave us a review)! Find us on , , and . to get bonus content. Follow , , , and on Instagram. Follow , and on YouTube. Follow on Tik Tok. Our theme song is by . 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, Bill Jensen, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Carl Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clever Innuendo, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Minty Hikes Studio, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Greg Floravanti “Lumberjack”, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.
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Fascinating Colorado Outdoor Recreation Stories with OutThere Colorado's Spencer McKee (BPR #314)
07/14/2025
Fascinating Colorado Outdoor Recreation Stories with OutThere Colorado's Spencer McKee (BPR #314)
In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are joined by Spencer McKee, the Director of Content and Operations for OutThere Colorado. If you’ve been to Colorado and have Instagram, you’ve likely already come across Spencer’s videos - he’s mastered the art of packaging interesting Colorado news stories, culture, and fun facts into short form video content through OutThere’s social media channels. Spencer shares some of his favorite standout outdoor rec stories from the great state of Colorado with us, including what's underneath Cheeseman Park, the legend of Rattlesnake Kate, Colorado's active volcano, the most underrated mountain towns, best hidden gem restaurants, breweries, and the truth behind his obsession with flannels. We wrap the show with a call for the next host, editor, and producer of Trail Correspondents, some severe damage sustained by a beloved Appalachian Trail hostel, why thru-hiking is your next career power move, and we're joined by Elise for the segments, including the triple crown of things that make our lives easier. Topo Athletic: Use code “TREKSPRING15” at . Gossamer Gear: Use code “BACKPACKER20” for 20% off packs at . Shady Rays: Use code “TREK” for 35% off sunglasses at . Betterment: Learn more at . Ka’Chava: Get 10% off at . [divider] Interview with Spencer McKee Time stamps & Questions 00:05:20 - Reminders: , or , and ! 00:09:07 - Introducing Spencer 00:12:06 - How’d you land in Colorado? 00:13:45 - What led you to OutThere? 00:16:50 - How do you reach Coloradans successfully? 00:17:25 - What’s up with the flannels? 00:18:50 - What did you do when you first joined OutThere? 00:22:10 - Do you like doing deeper dives or more new-style comments? 00:24:10 - What does your typical week look like now? 00:26:13 - Are you Colorado famous? 00:30:00 - What are some of the more outlandish stories you’ve covered? 00:33:29 - Tell us about Rattlesnake Kate 00:37:05 - Is there any competition between OutThere and other news outlets? 00:41:00 - What type of story frequently comes across your desk? 00:46:25 - What are some of your hidden gem restaurants in Colorado? 00:50:42 - Tell us about other fun festivals in Colorado 00:58:15 - True or False: There’s an active live volcano in Colorado 00:59:55 - Do you ever cover concerts for work? 01:07:40 - What’s up with the Denver airport? 01:15:05 - Are there any other good Colorado conspiracies? 01:19:00 - Discussion about the Big Thompson flood 01:20:40 - Does Colorado Springs deserve to be ranked as the 3rd best city in the country? 01:26:45 - What are the most underrated mountain towns? 01:28:26 - What Colorado animal are you most afraid of? 01:36:04 - Have you heard any wild cow stories? 01:43:50 - How have you not done all the 14ers yet? 01:48:25 - Rapid Fire Colorado Questions 02:05:00 - Discussion about OutThere feedback 02:07:30 - Back to Rapid Fire 02:21:00 - Discussion about animals, mainly racoons 02:23:20 - Rapid Fire Colorado Trivia 02:25:40 - Tell us about 02:28:25 - Peak Performance Question: What is your top performance-enhancing or backpacking hack? Segments Trek Propaganda by Katie Jackson by Chloe “Chickpea” Jacobs QOTD: What’s a common phrase you recently learned you were saying incorrectly? Wedding Dress Thing of the Week Triple Crown of things that we do to make our lives easier Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy and . (and please leave us a review)! Find us on , , and . to get bonus content. Follow , , , and on Instagram. Follow , and on YouTube. Follow on Tik Tok. Our theme song is by . 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, Bill Jensen, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Carl Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clever Innuendo, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Minty Hikes Studio, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Greg Floravanti “Lumberjack”, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.
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20,000+ Miles in under 10 Years, a Desert Hike from Tucson to San Diego, and Life as a Mariner with Leah "Twig" Harman (BPR #313)
07/07/2025
20,000+ Miles in under 10 Years, a Desert Hike from Tucson to San Diego, and Life as a Mariner with Leah "Twig" Harman (BPR #313)
In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by Leah Harman, known on trail as Twig. Although Twig is relatively new to the world of thru-hiking, with less than 10 years of experience, she’s hit the ground running, accruing well over 20,000 miles in the process. In addition to all the usual suspects, triple crown trails, Colorado Trail, TA, Arizona Trail…Twig has also completed a number of lesser known trails, including the Mogollon Rim Trail, Bigfoot Trail, and a Desert Winter Thru-Hike from Tucson to San Diego. We of course learn all about these treks, why cows are the most dangerous animal on trail, and how she makes her perpetual hiker trash lifestyle work. Leah also recounts her past life living and working aboard ships, confirming that all the stereotypes about drunk and horny sailors are, in fact, hilariously accurate, complete with some entertaining hazing stories. We wrap the show with news of a group who trusted ChatGPT to plan their hike, and how that went terribly wrong, Chaunce details the stress associated with planning a wedding, and the triple crown of movie/tv shows that broke us. LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at . Gossamer Gear: Use code “BACKPACKER20” for 20% off packs at . Ombraz: Send a DM on or to for $30 off at . Betterment: Learn more at . [divider] Interview with Leah “Twig” Harman Time stamps & Questions 00:05:30 - Reminders: , , , reach out if you’ll be at Trail Days, and or ! 00:12:45 - Introducing Twig 00:15:30 - What’s your take on the current state of public lands? 00:20:46 - What should you do if you get charged by a burro or cow? 00:23:00 - Tell us about your career before backpacking 00:26:40 - What are your crazy stories from living on a boat? 00:35:30 - What was the wildest storm you encountered at sea? 00:43:20 - Story about rescuing another ship 00:44:45 - Tell us about working on fishing boats 00:45:34 - What’s the coolest marine animal? 00:47:00 - What marine animals would you steer clear of? 00:55:00 - How did you go from living on boats to living on trail? 00:57:30 - What are the biggest similarities and differences between living on a boat and trail? 01:03:30 - How’d you end up on the Trans Catalina Trail? 01:05:00 - Did your career make you more risk tolerant? 01:06:10 - Tell us about going from the TA to the PCT 01:08:45 - Did you feel under pressure on the PCT? 01:12:20 - When did you adopt some more trail technology? 01:13:30 - Tell us about hiking the CDT 01:15:30 - What are your top 3 trails of all that you’ve done? 01:19:50 - How was the Hayduke in a high snow year? 01:21:30 - Refresh us on the Grand Enchantment Trail 01:28:00 - Discussion about mountain top geography 01:30:57 - What novice tips do you have for being more aware of your surroundings on a trail? 01:34:30 - Any standout stories from the AT? 01:40:30 - Tell us about the Mogollon Rim Trail 01:45:00 - How much was on trail vs route-finding? 01:47:40 - Tell us about your Pacific Coast Bigfoot Crest Rim Trail 01:55:00 - Animal noises 01:57:00 - Tell us about rafting in the Grand Canyon 01:59:10 - How are you funding all your hikes? 02:04:10 - Tell us about your 2024 hikes 02:07:40 - Tell us about your Desert Winter Thru-Hike 02:11:30 - How was the navigation? 02:15:30 - Discussion about Twig’s footwear 02:16:18 - What was the timeline and weather like? 02:20:30 - What are a few pieces of gear you feel strongly about? 02:28:10 - Stay Salty Question: What is the hottest take in the world of backpacking or the outdoors at large? Segments Trek Propaganda: by Katie Jackson by Kelly Floro QOTD: What’s the hardest part of wedding planning? Mexico Weather of the Week Triple Crown of movies and TV shows that broke us Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy and . (and please leave us a review)! Find us on , , and . to get bonus content. Follow , , , and on Instagram. Follow , and on YouTube. Follow on Tik Tok. Our theme song is by . 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, Bill Jensen, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Carl Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clever Innuendo, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Minty Hikes Studio, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Greg Floravanti “Lumberjack”, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.
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Thru-Hiking for 30 Years, Working for ALDHA-West, Six Moon Designs, & FarOut, and Ridgerunning with a Dog with Whitney "Allgood" La Ruffa (BPR #312)
06/30/2025
Thru-Hiking for 30 Years, Working for ALDHA-West, Six Moon Designs, & FarOut, and Ridgerunning with a Dog with Whitney "Allgood" La Ruffa (BPR #312)
In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, we’re joined by Whitney La Ruffa, better known in the world of backpacking as “Allgood.” Allgood is the former president of ALDHA-West, the current Chief Revenue Officer at FarOut, and a certified backpacking OG—his first thru-hike dates all the way back to the early ’90s (some of you weren’t even alive then… which is weird). Since that first trek, Allgood has racked up an impressive list of trails, including the JMT, Wonderland Trail, Chinook Trail, Sierra High Route, PCT, CDT, and others. In this episode, we dive into stories from his countless miles on trail, his passion for backpacking food—he’s a bona fide backcountry chef, as evidenced by him freeze drying his own meals—and he spills the beans on some of his favorite trail-tested recipes. We also chat about how a chance encounter on the AT led him to adopt his dog, Erwin, and how Erwin has deepened his love for dogs in general. Beyond the trail, we get Allgood’s take on how backpacking has evolved since the 1990s, hear a heartfelt update on the health of former guest and beloved trail icon Renee "She-ra" Patrick, and unpack some of the recent bumps in the road for FarOut. We wrap the show with how Damascus has bounced back in the wake of Hurricane Helene, if animals could talk, which species would be the most annoying, and the triple crown of states we'd draft in a civil war. Gossamer Gear: Use code “BACKPACKER20” for 20% off packs at . Shady Rays: Use code “TREK” for 35% off sunglasses at . Betterment: Learn more at . Bear Mattress: Use code “BACKPACKER” for 40% off at . [divider] Interview with Whitney “Allgood” La Ruffa Time stamps & Questions 00:04:25 - Reminders: , hold the Trek’s tent for us, ! 00:11:00 - Introducing Allgood 00:15:52 - How has the world of thru-hiking changed from the early 90’s to now? 00:21:05 - Do you have any strong stances in which you’re a curmudgeon? 00:28:35 - Do you think there are more entitled hikers today? 00:36:05 - Tell us about your dog 00:43:00 - What’s the key to maintaining a dog’s longevity? 00:46:30 - Do you have a strong opinion about fresh/refrigerated dog food? 00:47:30 - Tell us about ridgerunning with Erwin 00:50:13 - Did you do any thru-hiking between 1996 and 2011? 00:52:45 - Tell us about the Chinook Trail 00:54:40 - Have you picked up any parallel hobbies? 00:56:55 - What meals do you make on trail? 00:59:20 - Discussion about dehydrating and freeze-drying food 01:02:40 - Do you have a go-to dehydrated recipe? 01:04:00 - Is there an easy way to tell if meat is fatty? 01:07:20 - Is gear a passionate subject for you? 01:10:05 - What’s the latest with She-Ra? 01:12:30 - How’d you get involved with ALDHA-West? 01:16:40 - How much time did you put in weekly while you were president? 01:19:35 - How’d you get connected with Six Moon Designs? 01:21:10 - What does the typical person not know about the cottage gear industry? 01:24:35 - What’s the next step for FarOut? 01:28:30 - Is there anything cool you’ve learned about FarOut since working there? 01:32:27 - How will FarOut address some of the other beef people have had with the app? 01:35:40 - Where can people keep up with you? Segments Trek Propaganda: by Kelly Floro QOTD: If animals could talk, which species would be the most annoying? Triple Crown of states you would draft in the next civil war Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy and . (and please leave us a review)! Find us on , , and . to get bonus content. Follow , , , and on Instagram. Follow , and on YouTube. Follow on Tik Tok. Our theme song is by . 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, Carl Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clever Innuendo, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Greg Floravanti “Lumberjack”, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.
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Julia "Rocket" Sheehan on Her Social Media Fall from Grace, Quitting on a Thru-Hike, and Her New Book (BPR #311)
06/23/2025
Julia "Rocket" Sheehan on Her Social Media Fall from Grace, Quitting on a Thru-Hike, and Her New Book (BPR #311)
In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are joined by Julia Sheehan, known on trail, as Rocket. Julia is a thru-hiker, former Trek Vlogger, social media sensation, nurse, and now a published author. Julia details how impulsive decision-making lead her to the wonderful world that is thru-hiking, inspired in part by everyone’s favorite Hiking Viking. Rocket also shares how health issues ultimately forced her off-trail, the unsavory response she’s gotten from some in the social media sphere in light of “quitting” and subsequently posting non-hiking content. Julia also shares the process in self-publishing her brand new book, Hiking is the Easy Part, a memoir of her thru-hike on the AT. We wrap the show with some news about Trail Correspondents 2026 edition, the story of a hiker that was found alive at a popular PCT pitstop after being lost in the backcountry for weeks, how much weight people lose during an AT thru-hike (and why it's generally not a good long term weight loss strategy), Chaunce and I have a borderline-impossible coincidence during today's QOTD, and the triple crown of albums. Topo Athletic: Use code “TREKSPRING15” at . Gossamer Gear: Use code “BACKPACKER20” for 20% off packs at . Ombraz: Score a $30 discount by sending a DM to , and letting them know that Backpacker Radio sent you. Betterment: Learn more at . [divider] Interview with Julia “Rocket” Sheehan Time stamps & Questions 00:05:30 - Reminders: , and ! 00:07:45 - Introducing Rocket 00:08:20 - Tell us about your social media journey 00:15:30 - Did you ever feel like you could make a living from social media? 00:17:10 - Tell us about your background in the military 00:19:30 - How did you transition from the military to nursing? 00:21:15 - Can you talk about running from things prior to thru-hiking? 00:23:00 - Discussion about Rocket’s eating disorder 00:27:50 - What got you to the AT? 00:32:00 - What was the beginning of the AT like? 00:34:45 - At what point did thru-hiking click for you? 00:38:57 - What’s the hard part of thru-hiking? 00:43:00 - Tell us about the half gallon challenge 00:45:15 - How did you get your trail name? 00:48:00 - What did you think of the AZT? 00:50:20 - How did covid impact your hike? 00:52:35 - Did you encounter rattlesnakes or other creatures? 00:53:40 - What was the water situation like early in the season? 00:54:14 - Tell us about starting the CDT SOBO? 00:57:45 - What was the commentary like when you got off trail? 01:00:50 - How did you end up on the PCT? 01:02:10 - Tell us the story about getting off the PCT 01:06:50 - Did your nursing background help you diagnose anything? 01:07:50 - What was the backlash after getting off the PCT? 01:12:40 - What yoga poses would you recommend to thru-hikers? 01:14:14 - How is your health now? 01:16:40 - Tell us about writing your book 01:20:25 - What’s the most revealing thing you put in the book? 01:22:42 - How’s the early response been for the book? 01:25:10 - What’s next for you? 01:27:01 - Peak Performance Question: What is your top performance-enhancing or backpacking hack? Segments Trek Propaganda: by Katie Jackson by Katie Jackson QOTD: What’s something you learned embarrassingly late in life? Triple Crown of albums Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy and . (and please leave us a review)! Find us on , , and . to get bonus content. Follow , , , and on Instagram. Follow , and on YouTube. Follow on Tik Tok. Our theme song is by . 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, Carl Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Lauren F, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Greg Floravanti “Lumberjack”, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.
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A Lifetime of Trail Maintenance: the Blackburn Trail Center, Building the AT Rollercoaster, and the Potomac AT Club with Chris “Trailboss” Brunton (BPR #310)
06/16/2025
A Lifetime of Trail Maintenance: the Blackburn Trail Center, Building the AT Rollercoaster, and the Potomac AT Club with Chris “Trailboss” Brunton (BPR #310)
In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by Chris Brunton aka “Trailboss”. Trailboss is a legendary force in the construction and maintenance of the Appalachian Trail, most notably, the infamous Rollercoaster section of the trail through Virginia. Trailboss enlightens us with some history of the trail, the process for procuring the trail’s corridor through that section, how he met his wife (CEO of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy) Sandi Marra, why he dedicates his life to the AT, and much more. We wrap the show with a brief overview of the difference between freezing and refrigerating food for Chaunce, the triple of the longest minutes, and a listener provides a hack for staying hydrated when you can’t reach the side pockets on your pack. LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at . Gossamer Gear: Use code “BACKPACKER20” for 20% off packs at . Shady Rays: Use code “TREK” for 50% off two or more pairs of sunglasses at . Betterment: Learn more at . Ka’Chava: Use code “BACKPACKER” for 15% off at . [divider] Interview with Chris “Trailboss” Brunton Time stamps & Questions 00:05:20 - Trail Days Day 2 00:13:25 - Reminders: , and ! 00:15:30 - Introducing Trailboss 00:18:00 - Tell us about growing up in England 00:21:00 - How did you get started doing trail work? 00:33:00 - What brought you to the US? 00:37:00 - What was it like to emigrate to the US? 00:38:55 - How did you deal with the aftermath of handshake agreements? 00:42:10 - What was the mindset when building the Rollercoaster section? 00:47:50 - When did the section get its name and its sign? 00:53:40 - What is the motive in purchasing land near the trail corridor? 00:54:50 - What are the positive benefits of the ATC? 01:02:00 - Discussion about Benton McCaye and Myron Avery 01:06:40 - What are the rewarding aspects of doing trail maintenance? 01:12:30 - How did the PATC get started? Segments Trek Propaganda: by Karl Ford QOTD: Does ice cream expire and if so why? Triple Crown of the longest minutes Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy and . (and please leave us a review)! Find us on , , and . to get bonus content. Follow , , , and on Instagram. Follow , and on YouTube. Follow on Tik Tok. Our theme song is by . 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, Carl Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Lauren F, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Greg Floravanti “Lumberjack”, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.
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Thru-Hiking with Your Sister, Triple Crowning without a Trail Name, and Tour du Mont Blanc with Jamie Lambert (BPR #309)
06/09/2025
Thru-Hiking with Your Sister, Triple Crowning without a Trail Name, and Tour du Mont Blanc with Jamie Lambert (BPR #309)
In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are joined by Jamie Lambert. We learn why Jamie doesn’t have a trail name, and why it’s definitely not Strap On, what it’s like to thru-hike with your sister- which she did on the PCT in 2018, what it is about thru-hiking that makes it so addictive for her- having taken on long hikes every year over the last 8 seasons, what it’s like to become social media famous, and much more. We wrap the show with an overview from day one of Trail Days, some new legislation that could result in finally completing the CDT, why a section of the PCT has been closed for MYLFs, our BS TED talks, and the triple crown of words we'll never pronounce correctly. Topo Athletic: Use code “TREKSPRING15” at . Gossamer Gear: Use code “BACKPACKER20” for 20% off packs at . Ombraz: Score a $30 discount by sending a DM to , and letting them know that Backpacker Radio sent you. Betterment: Learn more at . [divider] Interview with Jamie Lambert Time stamps & Questions 00:05:00 - Trail Days Day 1 Recap 00:11:00 - Introducing Jamie 00:14:00 - How did you decide to hike the PCT with your sister? 00:18:45 - What’s it like working for an orthodontist? 00:23:18 - What was it like to hike with your sister? 00:30:00 - Discussion about the Colorado Trail 00:35:08 - What is it about thru-hiking that you love? 00:37:45 - Have you hit a fork in the road feeling about thru-hiking? 00:41:10 - If you had to settle somewhere, where would you choose? 00:45:15 - What’s the brief overview of the Tour du Mont Blanc? 00:47:15 - Why do people hike counter clockwise? 00:51:20 - Discussion about lodging and towns along the TMB 00:53:00 - Are there places along the trail where you could stay a few days? 00:55:10 - Discussion about guiding services on the TMB 00:56:51 - What time of year would you recommend? 01:00:30 - What changes in items did you carry? 01:01:45 - When did you know you wanted to hike the CDT too? 01:05:22 - Discussion about hiking the AT third 01:08:40 - How do you handle people fangirling around you? 01:11:02 - What’s been the highlight of the AT for you so far? 01:12:05 - What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s happened to you while hiking? 01:14:05 - What’s the scariest thing that’s happened to you while hiking? 01:18:00 - Do you have any advice for solo female backpackers? 01:22:25 - What’s your biggest beginner blunder? 01:24:44 - What do your resupplies look like these days? 01:30:00 - What shoes are you using? 01:33:30 - Peak Performance Question: What is your top performance enhancing or backpacking hack? 01:35:25 - Reminders: ! and ! Segments Trek Propaganda: by Katie Jackson by Kelsey Nannini QOTD: If you had to give a TED Talk on something you're not a real expert on—but could fake it—what topic would you choose? Triple Crown of words you’ll never pronounce correctly Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy and . (and please leave us a review)! Find us on , , and . to get bonus content. Follow , , , and on Instagram. Follow , and on YouTube. Follow on Tik Tok. Our theme song is by . 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, Carl Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Lauren F, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Greg Floravanti “Lumberjack”, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.
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Lightning Safety and Myth Busting with NOAA Meteorologist Charlie Woodrum (BPR #308)
06/02/2025
Lightning Safety and Myth Busting with NOAA Meteorologist Charlie Woodrum (BPR #308)
In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are giving you the lowdown on everything to do with lightning safety. We are joined by Charlie Woodrum who is the Preparedness and Resilience Lead with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Weather Service. We learn all about the biggest myths regarding lightning safety (including how metal trekking poles aren’t an added risk while backpacking), clear guidance on minimizing risk when caught in a thunderstorm, telltale signs of when the weather is going to turn, at what distance from a lightning strike are you considered safe, and much more. We wrap the show with some new YouTube videos from The Trek, the scariest weather Zach and Chaunce have ever encountered, Zach's new stupidest thing of the week: fork edition, and the triple crown of juices. LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at . Gossamer Gear: Use code “BACKPACKER20” for 20% off packs at . Shady Rays: Use code “TREK” for 35% off at . Betterment: Learn more at . [divider] Interview with Charlie Woodrum Time stamps & Questions 00:05:20 - Reminders: , and ! 00:11:15 - Introducing Charlie 00:12:20 - Tell us about NOAA 00:14:02 - How did you initially get into weather? 00:16:56 - Do meteorologists have certain traits? 00:19:03 - What is the perfect date for weather? 00:22:50 - Are you ever bored when the weather is calm? 00:23:35 - Are there hot topics in the meteorology community? 00:25:57 - Do you have any crazy storm chasing stories? 00:34:11 - What are the biggest misconceptions about lightning? 00:36:28 - What should you do when hiking above treeline? 00:38:00 - Is the timing between thunder and lightning real? 00:39:24 - What are your recommended weather apps? 00:40:40 - How far away should you be from lightning strikes to be considered safe? 00:41:35 - Do you find that free weather apps are sufficient? 00:42:50 - What are some of the early signs of a thunderstorm forming? 00:44:11 - What are the cues for specific locations? 00:46:45 - Do you not have to worry about lightning before you hear thunder? 00:47:56 - Where should you be when in a forest? 00:50:00 - Is the lightning crouch still recommended? 00:51:30 - What if there’s no treeline around? 00:53:30 - Where should you put your tent? 00:57:00 - What percentage of lightning strikes are fatal? 00:59:40 - What do you do if someone gets struck by lightning? 01:02:05 - Should hikers be concerned about metal objects they’re carrying? 01:03:30 - What about bodies of water? 01:04:40 - What are some obvious questions that we haven’t asked? 01:06:35 - What should you do if you feel tingly or there’s static in the air? 01:08:27 - At what percentage of forecasted storms would you feel comfortable going outside? 01:11:00 - When is it safe to go back up to the treeline? 01:12:00 - Are there places where weather is harder to predict? 01:14:05 - What impact do you think AI will have on the future of forecasting? 01:16:16 - Are there any tech innovations that you’re excited about? 01:17:30 - Where can people keep up with you? Segments Trek Propaganda: By Katie Jackson QOTD: What’s the scariest weather you’ve ever encountered? Triple Crown of juices Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy and . (and please leave us a review)! Find us on , , and . to get bonus content. Follow , , , and on Instagram. Follow , and on YouTube. Follow on Tik Tok. Our theme song is by . 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, Carl Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Lauren F, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Greg Floravanti “Lumberjack”, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.
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Making Custom Packs, Setting FKTs, Escaping Death, and Starting an Outfitter with Jonathan "Janis Joplin" Thomas (BPR #307)
05/26/2025
Making Custom Packs, Setting FKTs, Escaping Death, and Starting an Outfitter with Jonathan "Janis Joplin" Thomas (BPR #307)
In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are joined by Jonathan Thomas, known on trail as Janis Joplin. Janis Joplin is a thru-hiker, FKT record holder, D1 collegiate track and field athlete, former news cameraman, Boston Marathon bombing survivor, CDT trail angel, and owner of Exotic Pax, an innovative, vest-style backpack for thru-hikers handmade in Chama, New Mexico. This episode covers a lot of ground, including the many times he’s narrowly escaped death, what is was like growing up in New Orleans, being a D1 collegiate athlete, what brought him into the world of FKTs and how FKT athletes are more possessive over their records than they might lead on, what it’s like to run an outfitter in a sleepy CDT town, and the inspiration and process that goes into his unique backpacks. We wrap the show with a reversal on the closure of a campground key to JMT and PCT hikers, our takes on who’d win in a fight between 100 men and one silverback gorilla, and the Triple Crown of items you geniously stash in many strategic locations. Topo Athletic: Use code “TREKSPRING15” at . Gossamer Gear: Use code “BACKPACKER20” for 20% off packs at . Betterment: Learn more at . Burgeon Outdoor: Use code “BACKPACKER15” for 15% off at . Bear Mattress: Use code “BACKPACKER” for 40% off at . [divider] Interview with Jonathan Thomas aka JJ Time stamps & Questions 00:05:34 - Reminders: , , and ! 00:09:25 - Introducing JJ 00:10:28 - What’s it like growing up in New Orleans? 00:18:10 - Tell us about working for a news channel 00:21:40 - What’s the most interesting scene you ever shot from? 00:24:30 - What were the highlights from the local news industry? 00:26:50 - What events did you do at LSU? 00:30:00 - Discussion about biking in Baton Rouge 00:34:20 - What personality differences were there between swimmers and runners?00:35:25 - Why did you walk on to the team at LSU? 00:37:35 - Tell us about running the Boston marathon 00:40:40 - How did you get into hiking? 00:43:20 - How did the PCT compare to running? 00:44:12 - How have you processed the trauma you’ve gone through? 00:48:27 - Did the calm on a long trail draw you in? 00:50:10 - Tell us about attempting to do an FKT in the middle of your PCT thru-hike 00:53:40 - What are the differences between the different distances of running? 00:59:25 - What are the differences between preparing for an FKT and for road running? 01:03:40 - How do you train for the unexpected? 01:12:15 - What’s the wildest hallucination you’ve had? 01:17:00 - Is it difficult to maintain motivation during your FKT attempt? 01:26:20 - Discussion about JJ’s Oregon FKT 01:29:30 - Wheel spin 01:36:25 - Tell us about the Oregon FKT 01:39:50 - Why did you carry a cast iron on the trail? 01:45:40 - Tell us about your interactions with foxes 01:49:45 - What other meals do you make on trail? 01:56:20 - What’s the inspiration for your company? 02:03:40 - What are the main stitches used in backpacking gear? 02:09:12 - Discussion about Exotic Pax 02:12:30 - How did Tate find you to make his pack? 02:16:27 - Tell us about the process with making custom packs 02:18:00 - Which model of backpack is the most popular? 02:20:40 - Tell us about the zippered pocket 02:22:42 - Explain the vest functionality of your backpack 02:30:00 - Chaunce tries on the backpack 02:33:30 - How do you do the sizing? 02:37:20 - How did you decide to go for the PCT FKT this year? 02:39:00 - Where can people keep up with you? 02:39:48 - Peak Performance Question: What is your top performance-enhancing or backpacking hack? Segments Trek Propaganda: by Katie Jackson QOTD: Who wins in a fight, 1 gorilla vs. 100 men? Triple Crown of items you geniously stash in many strategic locations Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy and . (and please leave us a review)! Find us on , , and . to get bonus content. Follow , , , and on Instagram. Follow , and on YouTube. Follow on Tik Tok. Our theme song is by . 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, Carl Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Lauren F, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Greg Floravanti “Lumberjack”, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.
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Working as a Death Doula and Managing Death Anxiety with Niki DiGaetano (BPR #306)
05/19/2025
Working as a Death Doula and Managing Death Anxiety with Niki DiGaetano (BPR #306)
In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by Niki DiGaetano, known on trail as Phoenix. In addition to being a long distance backpacker, the bulk of today’s conversation centers around Niki’s work as a death doula. We learn, of course, what that work entails, how her experiences working with those at the end of their lives have reframed how she lives hers, advice for those currently processing the death of a loved one, dealing with anxieties around death, and much more. We wrap the show with how the Appalachian Trail has changed over the last 10 years, ridiculous features we’d like to see added to a backpack, and the triple crown of last meal orders. LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at . Gossamer Gear: Use code “BACKPACKER20” for 20% off packs at . Burgeon Outdoor: Use code “BACKPACKER15” for 15% off at . Betterment: Learn more at . Shady Rays: Use code “TREK” for 50% off two or more pairs of sunglasses at . [divider] Interview with Niki DiGaetano Time stamps & Questions 00:05:10 - Reminders: , , and ! 00:08:40 - Introducing Niki 00:10:19 - What is a death doula? 00:12:07 - How did you get into this field? 00:15:10 - How do you not get weighed down by the work? 00:17:05 - What does the training look like? 00:21:10 - What is the top piece of advice you have for preparing for a loved one’s passing? 00:23:10 - How do you help people cope with death anxiety? 00:25:30 - How often are people prepared for death? 00:29:42 - How does religion and spirituality play into your work? 00:31:30 - What do you think comes next? 00:35:50 - What advice do you have for people in the grieving process? 00:38:50 - What do you think about the 5 Stages of Grief? 00:41:30 - What are the common regrets of people who are dying? 00:45:30 - How has your work intersected with hiking long trails? 00:47:47 - Tell us about your past relationship 00:55:20 - How did the trail help you grow? 00:56:00 - How did you meet your current partner? 01:00:30 - What are your plans for the future in terms of your career and hiking? 01:02:57 - How do you balance offering advice to your friends and family? 01:05:00 - Discussion about death anxiety 01:07:10 - Do you have any advice for someone debating about doing a thru-hike? 01:09:20 - Tell us about the book you’re working on 01:10:37 - Stay Salty Question: What’s your hottest take in the world of backpacking - or death? 01:12:23 - Where can people keep up with you? Segments Trek Propaganda By Katie Jackson by Kelly Floro QOTD: If you could add one ridiculous feature to a backpack—purely for entertainment—what would it be? Triple Crown of last meal orders Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy and . (and please leave us a review)! Find us on , , and . to get bonus content. Follow , , , and on Instagram. Follow , and on YouTube. Follow on Tik Tok. Our theme song is by . 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, Carl Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Lauren F, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Greg Floravanti “Lumberjack”, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.
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Live from Austin: Paul Magnanti, aka "PMags," on Hot Gear Takes, Public Lands, & Hiking the Southwest (BPR #305)
05/12/2025
Live from Austin: Paul Magnanti, aka "PMags," on Hot Gear Takes, Public Lands, & Hiking the Southwest (BPR #305)
In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, and brought to you by Topo Athletic, we’re coming to you live from Austin, Texas with our guest, Paul Magnanti, aka Mags, aka Pmags. A longtime co-host of The Trail Show and a triple crowner, Pmags has spent decades exploring trails across the country, with a special love for the Southwest. We dive into the future of public lands, hear some of his hot takes on gear, including his love for 100-weight fleece pullovers, his beef with sun hoodies, and where hikers tend to overspend, and get a look at his go-to "snivel gear." Pmags also shares stories from some of his lesser-known adventures, including the Ring the Peak Trail, A Walk Across Southern Utah, the Northern New Mexico Loop, the Grand Moab Route, and the Southeast Utah Group Circuit. We wrap out the show with a rundown of the best sections of the Appalachian Trail (spoiler: #1 shocked our live audience), a "stupid thing of the week" (lost phone edition), a "gross or not gross" (chapstick edition), and the triple crown of trail towns. Topo Athletic: Use code “TREKWINTER15” at . Gossamer Gear: Use code “BACKPACKER20” for 20% off packs at . Betterment: Learn more at . Burgeon Outdoor: Use code “BACKPACKER15” for 15% off at . Purple Rain Skirts: Use code “BACKPACKER20” for 20% off at . [divider] Interview with Paul Magnanti Time stamps & Questions 00:07:05 - Reminders: , , and ! Trek booth location 00:10:00 - Introducing PMags 00:10:40 - What’s your backpacking origin story? 00:12:17 - Have you backpacked in Texas? 00:14:00 - How many people in Rhode Island backpack? 00:16:25 - Tell us about being a “structured rambler” and living in Moab 00:19:20 - What advice do you have for thru-hikers to incorporate more rambling into their hikes? 00:21:30 - What’s your backpacking resume? 00:24:15 - What’s your take on what’s happening with public lands? 00:28:47 - What do you look for in a headlamp? 00:35:00 - Tell us your opinion about sun hoodies 00:40:40 - Have you had a midlife crisis yet? 00:41:30 - Tell us about your wife! 00:43:22 - Are you worried about microplastics? 00:45:02 - What camera do you use? 00:50:00 - Discussion about The Trail Show 00:51:40 - Tell us about the 100-weight pullover fleece 00:56:38 - Tell us about snivel gear 00:57:40 - What’s your solo baseweight for a typical trip? 01:00:18 - What’s your take on trowels? 01:03:05 - What’s your take on campfires in the west? 01:09:55 - Tell us about the Ring the Peak Trail 01:13:50 - Tell us about A Walk Across Southern Utah 01:16:20 - Discussion about the beer in Utah 01:17:20 - Tell us about the cultures of Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico 01:20:35 - How much research do you do prior to your ramblings? 01:22:08 - What are some places that people should know about? 01:23:40 - Have you seen any megafauna in etchings? 01:27:13 - Tell us about the Northern New Mexico Loop 01:30:35 - Tell us about the South East Utah Group (SEUG) Circuit 01:34:15 - How do you prepare for paddling trips? 01:35:50 - What’s your most embarrassing moment while backpacking? 01:36:45 - What’s your scariest encounter with wildlife? 01:37:45 - What’s your most recent mistake? 01:39:50 - Fuck Marry Kill: Utah, Colorado, New Mexico 01:41:40 - Peak Performance Question: What is your top performance-enhancing or backpacking hack? 01:42:40 - Where can people keep up with you? Segments Listener Q&A Trek Propaganda: by Katie Jackson by Katie Jackson QOTD: What’s a hill you’re willing to die on that has nothing to do with hiking? Stupid Thing of the Week Gross or Not Gross Triple Crown of trail towns Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy and . (and please leave us a review)! Find us on , , and . to get bonus content. Follow , , , and on Instagram. Follow , and on YouTube. Follow on Tik Tok. Our theme song is by . 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, Carl Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Lauren F, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Greg Floravanti “Lumberjack”, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.
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Beginner Backpacking Mistakes 3.0 (BPR #304)
05/05/2025
Beginner Backpacking Mistakes 3.0 (BPR #304)
In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are bringing you yet another edition of beginner backpacking mistakes. Today’s panel includes the debut of Jess Stone, 2024 AT and LT thru-hiker, and The Trek’s Community and Marketing Manager. We bring you 9 brand new thru-hiking pitfalls to avoid, including tips on sending mail drops, how to avoid letting small problems turn into big problems, dealing with toxic off-trail relationships before departing, hydration tips, why you shouldn’t invite friends and family on your trip, and much more. We wrap the show with a call out to some Trek bloggers, the definitively correct orientation for silverware in the dishwasher, the triple crown of good horse names, and what not to eat before mailing important letters. LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at . Gossamer Gear: Use code “BACKPACKER20” for 20% off packs at . Burgeon Outdoors: Use code “BACKPACKER15” for 15% off at . Shady Rays: Use code “TREK” for 35% off at . [divider] Panel with Zach, Chaunce, and Jess Referenced episodes Time stamps & Questions 00:06:20 - Reminders: Say hi to us at Trail Days, , ! 00:14:03 - Introducing Jess 00:17:32 - Zach’s Mistake #1: Overplanning, especially maildrops and daily mileage 00:24:00 - Chaunce’s Mistake #1: Not looking up LNT principles before your hike 00:29:00 - Jess’s Mistake #1: Not drinking enough water 00:32:20 - Zach’s Mistake #2: Letting small problems become big problems 00:41:15 - Chaunce’s Mistake #2: If you don’t like who you’re dating at home, consider dumping them 00:47:20 - Jess’s Mistake #2: Inviting your friends/family to hike with you when you’ve been out for months 00:54:40 - Zach’s Mistake #3: Not considering the weight/space of everything 01:00:40 - Chaunce’s Mistake #3: Not taking photos of your stuff 01:08:45 - Jess’s Mistake #3: Marrying your trail family 01:23:15 - Stay Salty Question: What’s your hottest take in the world of backpacking? 01:28:20 - How was the AT? Segments Trek Propaganda: by Jess QOTD: Silverware up or down in the dishwasher? Hiker Trash Thing of the Week Triple Crown of good horse names Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy and . (and please leave us a review)! Find us on , , and . to get bonus content. Follow , , , and on Instagram. Follow , and on YouTube. Follow on Tik Tok. Our theme song is by . 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, Carl Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Eathan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Alsop, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Greg McDaniel, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jason “The Snail” Snailer, 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 Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Greg Floravanti “Lumberjack”, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.
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Graduating Army Ranger School and Thru-Hiking After 30+ Years in the Military with Jay "Meat Grinder" France (BPR #303)
04/28/2025
Graduating Army Ranger School and Thru-Hiking After 30+ Years in the Military with Jay "Meat Grinder" France (BPR #303)
In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Atheltic, we are joined by Jay “Meat Grinder” France. Meat Grinder is a thru-hiker, author, and 31-year veteran of the Air Force, having completed 10 deployments and graduated from Army Ranger School in the process. Jay details his military background, including some key similarities and differences relative to thru-hiking, how he used vlogging as a way to stay in touch with his sons on trail, and the hilarious blood nipple origin story of his trail name. Meat Grinder also recently served as a volunteer advocate for Hike The Hill, an annual event where trail advocates meet with U.S. Congress to promote policies and funding that support trails, public lands, and outdoor recreation. Jay offers some important advice for those who want to advocate for public lands, especially relevant in today’s climate. We wrap the show with the top AT hostels, our triple crown of airplane snacks, and two completely unnecessary improvements to the Appalachian Trail. Topo Athletic: Use code “TREKSPRING15” at . Gossamer Gear: Use code “BACKPACKER20” for 20% off packs at . Vaer Watches: Check out Vaer Watches at . Purple Rain Skirts: Use code “BACKPACKER20” for 20% off at . Burgeon Outdoors: Use code “BACKPACKER15” for 15% off at . [divider] Interview with Jay “Meat Grinder” France Time stamps & Questions 00:05:42 - Reminders: ! Say hi to us at Trail Days, , and ! 00:09:33 - Introducing Jay 00:10:14 - When did you almost ambush AT hikers? 00:15:25 - Tell us about Army Ranger School 00:20:07 - Did you see alligators in Florida? 00:22:13 - How did you decide to join the military? 00:24:07 - Fuck Marry Kill: Jay’s US assignment locations 00:25:50 - Tell us about being a canine officer 00:29:44 - Tell us about your deployments after 911 00:32:25 - When did you have kids amidst your deployments? 00:33:10 - What were some of the terrifying experiences? 00:35:50 - What do they teach you in Army Ranger School? 00:41:20 - Do you think you could have passed early on in your military years? 00:45:25 - Tell us about hiking the Wonderland Trail in 2003 00:48:25 - Do you have tips for people from the military getting started hiking? 00:49:40 - How did you decide to go on that hike? 00:51:10 - Did you still enjoy the hike? 00:52:30 - What led to your retirement from the military? 00:55:25 - How did you get your trail name? 01:03:00 - How did your family react to your decision to hike the PCT? 01:06:15 - How were the snow and fires on the PCT? 01:15:30 - How did you handle skipping miles due to the fires? 01:20:18 - What was your social environment like on the trail? 01:24:27 - Do you think unplugging was good for you? 01:26:55 - Did you know right away you’d do another thru-hike? 01:29:15 - Did the ranger school prepare you for the CT? 01:34:25 - Are your sons interested in hiking with you? 01:37:25 - Tell us about the Tahoe Rim Trail in 2023 01:40:12 - Tell us about your book 01:43:40 - What aspect of the book have you gotten the most positive feedback on? 01:47:00 - What were some of the mental health challenges you dealt with? 01:54:27 - Tell us about being a Hike the Hill advocate for the PCTA 01:59:38 - Do you have advice for people who want to get involved? 02:05:52 - Where can people go to keep up with you? 02:06:50 - Peak Performance Question: What is your top performance-enhancing or backpacking hack? Segments Trek Propaganda: by Katie Jackson QOTD: If you could make one completely unnecessary improvement to the Appalachian Trail, what would it be? Triple Crown of airplane snacks Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy and . (and please leave us a review)! Find us on , , and . to get bonus content. Follow , , , and on Instagram. Follow , and on YouTube. Follow on Tik Tok. Our theme song is by . 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, Carl Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Eathan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Alsop, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Greg McDaniel, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jason “The Snail” Snailer, 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 Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Greg Floravanti “Lumberjack”, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.
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