Live Ultralight Podcast | Backpacking, Travel, and Adventure
The Live Ultralight Podcast is all about inspiring you to get outdoors and teaching you how to lighten your pack so you can go on more adventures. We largely focus on backpacking and things that are interesting to backpackers, but occasionally we delve into other adventure and travel topics as well. In addition, we aim to feature interesting and inspiring guests all around the backpacking, travel, and adventure space.
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EP 176 - I Ran 100 Miles For The First Time (Feat. Jeff Pelletier)
06/25/2024
EP 176 - I Ran 100 Miles For The First Time (Feat. Jeff Pelletier)
On this episode of the Live Ultralight Podcast, Tayson sits down with none other than Jeff Pelletier to talk all about the Bryce Canyon 100-mile race that Tayson recently attempted. Together they talk about strategy, training, and mindset, and break down the race piece by piece. Enjoy! Stay tuned for Tayson's documentary about the experience! Check out Jeff's channel: Great Backpacking Gear (Support the Podcast): #brycecanyon #brycecanyonnationalpark #brycecanyon100 #ultramarathon #100miles
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EP 175 - Skyline Trail Joggers Product Deep Dive
06/10/2024
EP 175 - Skyline Trail Joggers Product Deep Dive
On this episode of the podcast, Tayson sits down with Outdoor Vitals' Lead Designer Brigham Crane to discuss their new pants: The Skyline Trail Joggers. Skyline Trail Joggers: #skylinetrailjoggers #skylinejoggers #hikingpants #joggers
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EP 174 - A Watch Can Change Your Life: Talking Coros With Darian Allberry
05/15/2024
EP 174 - A Watch Can Change Your Life: Talking Coros With Darian Allberry
Darian Allberry is an ultrarunner and Head of User Engagement at COROS Wearables. There he oversees press and media communications, product marketing, testing, and quality control. Join the membership: #outdoorvitals #coros #coroswearables #liveultrralightpodcast #taysonwhittaker #liveultralight
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EP 173 - Backpacking With 8 YouTubers
04/30/2024
EP 173 - Backpacking With 8 YouTubers
In this episode, Tayson and Derek discuss a recent backpacking trip in Southern Utah with 8 backpacking YouTubers. Great Backpacking Gear (Support the Podcast): https://bit.ly/3PswpQi Follow My New Friends and Their YouTube Channels: Miranda Goes Outside: Bryce Newbold: Sintax77: Eric Hanson: Justin Outdoors: Elina Osborne: Jeff Pelletier: Grim Granite: Tayson Whittaker (me): #backpacking #youtubers #youtuberslife
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EP 172 - 50 Miles in 1 Day: Grand Canyon Snow, Fish, Permit Checks, & Power Walking
04/23/2024
EP 172 - 50 Miles in 1 Day: Grand Canyon Snow, Fish, Permit Checks, & Power Walking
On this episode of the Live Ultralight Podcast, Brigham and Tayson sit down to discuss their recent second attempt at the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim to Rim hike. Enjoy hearing all the stories, the takeaways, and learn all about the conditions, the nutrition, the gear, and more in this exciting discussion! *** Great Backpacking Gear (Support the Podcast): #grandcanyon #rimtorimtorim #r2r2r #grandcanyonnationalpark #podcast #rt3
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EP 171 - Age Is No Barrier: Hunter Leininger's Quest for Adventure
03/26/2024
EP 171 - Age Is No Barrier: Hunter Leininger's Quest for Adventure
Hunter Leininger is an endurance sport multihyphenate. He's an ultrarunner, mountaineer, mountain biker, content creator, and reality TV star. The eager son of an endurance athlete, Hunter set his first World Record by becoming the Youngest Finisher of the 24 Hour National Championship at the age of 11 and has since set records and FKTs in expedition racing, adventure racing, mountain biking endurance races, and Ultrarunning. Recently he summited the highest peaks of each state in 42 days (beating the record), and just became the fastest to ever run 200 miles across Florida in 63 hours, and 52 minutes. A record once held by none other than David Goggins. Follow Hunter Insta: Follow Hunter YouTube: *** Great Backpacking Gear (Support the Podcast): #outdoorvitals #taysonwhittaker #hunterleininger #running #adventureracing
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EP 170 - 3 Days In Sub-Freezing Temperatures (At 12,000 feet)
03/19/2024
EP 170 - 3 Days In Sub-Freezing Temperatures (At 12,000 feet)
In this episode of the podcast, Tayson and Brigham sit down to discuss a recent trip into the Tushars, where they attempted, once again, to summit Delano. One of the tallest mountains in Utah, Delano is over 12,000 feet, and together they attempted to climb it in a blizzard in the middle of winter. Enjoy! *** Great Backpacking Gear (Support the Podcast): https://bit.ly/3PswpQi
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EP 169 - 100 Miles Changes EVERYTHING (You'll Never Know Until You Try)
03/12/2024
EP 169 - 100 Miles Changes EVERYTHING (You'll Never Know Until You Try)
"Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go." On this episode of the Live Ultralight Podcast, Tayson and Tyler from Outdoor Vitals talk about what inspires them, pushing limits, and committing to hike 100 miles as part of the OV 100 Mile Challenge. Join the Challenge: #outdoorvitals #liveultralight #100milechallenge
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EP 168 - What The Amazing Race Is REALLY Like... (Joel & Garrett Interview)
02/27/2024
EP 168 - What The Amazing Race Is REALLY Like... (Joel & Garrett Interview)
Joel Strasser and Garrett Smith are friends from Idaho who competed on the CBS show, The Amazing Race. It's a reality competition show in which teams race around the world, deducing clues, navigating foreign territories, performing physical and mental challenges, and traveling by land, air, and sea to win the race and take home 1 million dollars. In Season 35, the pair got second place overall in the competition, and without any sponsorship from us whatsoever, repped Outdoor Vitals gear all along the way. Joel is an Auto Claims Training Specialist who holds over 10 Guinness World Records, all involving the most objects stuck in a beard. Garrett is a delivery driver by profession, and not to be outdone in the facial hair department, has an impressive mustache of his own. Follow Joel & Garrett: *** Great Backpacking Gear (Support the Podcast): #outdoorvitals #theamazingrace #joelStrasser #GarrettSmith #Beards
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EP 167 - A New Way Of Outdoor Travel: Thru-Skating with David Moondog Roop
02/13/2024
EP 167 - A New Way Of Outdoor Travel: Thru-Skating with David Moondog Roop
Today we’re talking to David “Moondog” Roop, who’s a thru-skater. Thru-skating, which I’m sure many of you aren’t familiar with, parallels thru-hiking/backpacking, but uses a skateboard or longboard for travel. Moondog is among the pioneers of this new way of outdoor travel, completing notable thru-skates including a 24-day, 492-mile thru-skate of New Mexico, and a skate on the 444-mile Natchez Trace Parkway. Great Backpacking Gear (Support the Podcast): #outdoorvitals #backpacking #skating #skateboarding #thruskating
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EP 166 - How To Get 2nd Place On The Moab 240: Jeff Pelletier Interview
01/30/2024
EP 166 - How To Get 2nd Place On The Moab 240: Jeff Pelletier Interview
Jeff Pelletier is an ultrarunner and filmmaker from Vancouver, Canada. Consistently ranked within the top 10 in numerous ultramarathons, he's gained recognition not only for his athletic achievements but also for his YouTube channel, which boasts over 88,000 subscribers. In a recent highlight, Jeff secured an impressive 2nd place overall in the grueling Moab 240, a feat that resonated strongly within the running community. As one of his pacers, Tayson observed firsthand his tenacity and resilience that contributed to his remarkable performance. *** Great Backpacking Gear (Support the Podcast): #moab240 #moab #jeffpelletier #ultrarunning #ultrarunner #ultramarathon
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EP 165 - What's New With Outdoor Vitals In 2024
01/15/2024
EP 165 - What's New With Outdoor Vitals In 2024
In this episode, Tayson talks about the state of our company, Outdoor Vitals. What happened in 2023, and where we're headed in 2024. Enjoy this sneak peek of the gear, the content, and the future direction of OV. *** Great Backpacking Gear (Support the Podcast): #outdoorvitals #liveultralight #backpackinggear #backpacking #ultralightbackpacking
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EP 164 - Skiing 800 Miles Through Sweden & More: Teemu Hartikainen
01/02/2024
EP 164 - Skiing 800 Miles Through Sweden & More: Teemu Hartikainen
Teemu Hartikainen is a Finnish thru-hiker, nordic skier, gear designer, and wilderness guide. He’s covered around 7,500 miles across various trails, from Finland's UKK-Trail to the Pacific Crest Trail. Very soon, he’ll attempt Norge på Langs (Norway Lengthwise) on skis, and will be launching a Finnish website to help educate hikers. List of accomplishments: 2018 UKK-Trail west, Finland ~1000km/620mi 2019 Pacific Crest Trail, attempt 1700 of 4265km/1090mi of 2650mi with some of the Sierra on skis 2019 Gröna Bandet/"Green Ribbon" in Sweden, 1350km/830mi 2020 Vita Bandet/"White Ribbon" attempt, 400km of 1300km/250mi of 800mi in winter (his partner finished) 2020 UKK-trail east, and connecting trails near the eastern border of Finland ~700km/440mi 2021 Vita Bandet/"White Ribbon" in Sweden during winter 1300km/800mi 2021 Nuortti-Saariselkä-Tsarmitunturi-Vätsäri-Näätämö, unmarked trails and off trail, Finland 450km/280mi 2022 Ylläs-Pallas-Hetta-Tarvantovaara-Kilpisjärvi, along trails and off trail, total of 350km/220mi 2023 Pacific Crest Trail, flip flop, 4265km 2024 Upcoming Norge på Langs/"Norway lengthwise" winter traverse ~2700km/1700mi *** Great Backpacking Gear (Support the Podcast): #skiing #winterbackpacking #wintergear #thruskiing #nordicskiing #crosscountry #crosscountryskiing
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EP 163 - Backpacking Meals By Athletes For Athletes With Jeff Garmire & Readywise
12/05/2023
EP 163 - Backpacking Meals By Athletes For Athletes With Jeff Garmire & Readywise
In this episode of the podcast, we’re talking about backpacking food. Not just any backpacking food, but backpacking food designed by the athletes that consume them. Through OV’s Live Ultralight Membership, members will have access to the Jeff Garmire Signature Edition Pro Meal. So, today we’ll be talking to both Jeff Garmire and Luke Pearsall from Readywise to talk about what goes into making backpacking meals and what Backpacking meals mean for you. About our guests: Jeff Garmire is a mountain athlete and runner, who not only is a calendar-year triple crowner, but holds or has held numerous unsupported FKTs of many trails, including the Colorado Trail, Arizona Trail, and the Long Trail, and 17 or so others. He’s a writer, author of the book Free Outside, and the subject of a documentary currently touring North America: Free Outside: A Colorado Trail Story. Jeff's website: Luke Pearsall is the brand manager of Readywise. He’s spent over 20 years as a media professional, working in professional photography, software, and the television industry; including working behind the scenes on the shows Lost and Entourage. On the more outdoorsy side of things, at the age of 25, Luke spent a year leading adventure tours across the continent of South America. Readywise Website: Save money on backpacking gear (including Readywise) through the OV Live Ultralight Membership: #jeffgarmire #backpacking #backpackingfood #readywise #outdoorvitals
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EP 162 - Appalachian Trail Record-Breaker: Kristian Morgan
11/21/2023
EP 162 - Appalachian Trail Record-Breaker: Kristian Morgan
Kristian Morgan is a runner who after three failed attempts to set the record, just last month set the fastest known time record for the southbound route on the Appalachian Trail at 45 days 4 hours, and 27 minutes, which also places him second on the Appalachian trail overall. In addition, Kristian held the record in 2020 for the 630-mile South West Coast Path in the UK. As an ultrarunner and running coach, Kristian trains and works remotely all over the world, and we’re excited to talk to him on the show to talk about his life and accomplishments. Kristian’s website: Kristian’s Instagram: *** Great Backpacking Gear (Support the Podcast): #appalachiantrail #fkt #kristianmorgan #outdoorvitals #liveultralight
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EP 161 - Best Gifts for Backpackers in 2023
11/07/2023
EP 161 - Best Gifts for Backpackers in 2023
On this episode of the Live Ultralight Podcast, Tayson sits down with Derek to discuss holiday shopping and what gifts you should buy for the backpackers, hikers, and campers in your life. Many of the gifts discussed can be found here:
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EP 160 - Keys to Great Sleep Outdoors
10/24/2023
EP 160 - Keys to Great Sleep Outdoors
In this episode of the Live Ultralight Podcast, Tayson engages in a conversation with Brigham, focusing on the essential factors for achieving a restful night's sleep in the great outdoors. The duo delves into a variety of topics, including sleeping pads, R-values, sleeping bag warmth ratings, strategies for staying dry, managing condensation, and more. *** Great Backpacking Gear (Support the Podcast):
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EP 159 - Ben Vaughan: Triple-Crowner & Dog Musher
10/17/2023
EP 159 - Ben Vaughan: Triple-Crowner & Dog Musher
Ben Vaughan is a seasoned adventurer who, after dedicating 22 years to the US Navy, including five combat deployments, made a life-changing choice to retire and embark on a new path. In 2018, he sold his car and belongings to hike the Appalachian Trail for five months, realizing that a conventional job couldn't quench his thirst for adventure: Over the next couple of years, Ben took on the Pacific Crest Trail and Continental Divide trail, earning him the status of Triple Crowner. In 2021, he tackled the demanding Hayduke Trail in just seven weeks and was about to embark on the Pacific Northwest Trail when a unique opportunity emerged: being a dog musher in the remote Alaskan wilderness. He’s also an Outdoor Vitals customer. Ben's Instagram: *** Great Backpacking Gear (Support the Podcast): #triplecrown #mushers #dogmusher #outdoorvitals #liveultralight
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EP 158 - Ryan Van Duzer's Journey: Living Life on Two Wheels
10/03/2023
EP 158 - Ryan Van Duzer's Journey: Living Life on Two Wheels
Ryan Van Duzer is an adventurer hailing from Boulder, Colorado. He’s best known on his popular YouTube channel as a bikepacker, but he’s also a hiker, trail runner, ultra-racer, and world traveler. As a TV host, his work was featured from branded content with Men’s Journal to Discovery Channel’s “Out of the Wild: Venezuela”. He’s written books, he’s a motivational speaker, and he’s accomplished incredible feats from a 4,000-mile bike ride from Honduras to Boulder, to cycling across Cuba, to running the famous Leadville 100 twice. Learn about Ryan here: *** Great Backpacking Gear (Support the Podcast): #ryanvanduzer #outdoorvitals #liveultralightpodcast
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EP 157 - Highline Thermal Leggings Product Deep Dive
09/25/2023
EP 157 - Highline Thermal Leggings Product Deep Dive
On this episode of the podcast, Tayson sits down with Outdoor Vitals' Lead Designer Brigham Crane to discuss their new base layer: The Highline Thermal Leggings. Highline Thermal Leggings:
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EP 156 - Stories From The Camino De Santiago: Jeremiah & Bridgette Stringer
09/19/2023
EP 156 - Stories From The Camino De Santiago: Jeremiah & Bridgette Stringer
This week, we welcome onto the podcast Jeremiah & Bridgette Stringer! Jeremiah is a backpacker who’s dedicated himself to helping other hikers through his YouTube channel “Jeremiah Stringer Hikes” and his podcast “The Backpacking Podcast” co-hosted with John Kelley. Bridgette, his wife and fellow adventurer is a middle school teacher who loves puzzles and adventure. Together, they recently took on the famous Camino de Santiago trail through Spain. Jeremiah Stringer Links: Youtube: Podcast: Facebook: Instagram: *** Great Backpacking Gear (Support the Podcast): #jeremiahstringer #bridgettestringer #caminodesantiago #thebackpackingpodcast #liveultralightpodcast #outdoorvitals
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EP 155 - Devin Ashby: Danger, YouTube, & Outdoor Gear
09/12/2023
EP 155 - Devin Ashby: Danger, YouTube, & Outdoor Gear
Devin Ashby is a backpacking YouTuber (Backcountry Exposure). Previously he worked as an educator, and as a general manager for Waymark Gear Co., but recently he’s taken his backpacking YouTube channel full-time. Through Backcountry Exposure, he creates content about backpacking, recording his adventures, giving backpacking tips, and reviewing backpacking gear. Find Devin here: *** Great Backpacking Gear (Support the Podcast):
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EP 154 - SOS Button Reality Check: Lessons Outdoors with Jonathan Conti
09/05/2023
EP 154 - SOS Button Reality Check: Lessons Outdoors with Jonathan Conti
Jonathan Conti, a Boise, Idaho native, is a passionate cinematographer whose love for the outdoors has inspired the creation of his self-named YouTube channel. Covering a wide range of outdoor content, from gear reviews to nature hikes, his videos showcase stunning photography that transports his audience to the backcountry. Jonathan's YouTube Channel: Jonathan's Instagram: *** Great Backpacking Gear (Support the Podcast): #johnconti #jonathanconti #garmin #sos #backpacking
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EP 153 - Skyline 30 Fastpack Product Deep Dive
08/28/2023
EP 153 - Skyline 30 Fastpack Product Deep Dive
On this episode of the podcast, Tayson and Brigham from Outdoor Vitals sit down to discuss their newest release: The Skyline 30 Fastpack. Get yours: *** Product Description: Some people have a different kind of drive - the drive for high intensity, fast speeds, & lots of miles. These people go further & see more. Even if they have a day job, they don’t let that stop them from using their limited time to see the sights & accomplish their goals. They choose to embrace challenges, & they like it! The Skyline Fastpack was designed for them. It's the perfect pack for trail running, cross-country skiing, day hiking, backpacking (especially for those dialed-in ultralighters), trail running, & of course - fastpacking. Fastpacking is ultralight backpacking but fast. You’ve got to be able to move quickly while carrying everything you need for camping overnight in the backcountry. Your pack has to be able to handle all-day, on-the-move use while staying comfortable & giving you easy access to hydration and fuel. Understandably, it also has to be small & light so it doesn’t weigh you down. A fastpack MUST be stable while you run. The Skyline Fastpack is versatile, comfortable, & built so that you can easily access what you need when you need it without removing your pack! It uses a shoulder harness suspension system that evenly distributes your pack weight & doesn’t allow your water flasks to bounce around uncomfortably. Versatile pockets allow you to stash snacks, gear, or whatever else you need without fear of them falling out as you move. This shoulder harness suspension system hugs your body while still allowing you full range of motion for all-day comfort. Challenge Ultra stretch mesh is used for the back, side, & bottom pockets & it is both LIGHT & DURABLE. It’s hard to cut it even with scissors! It stretches & allows you to easily stuff your gear where you want, but weighs next to nothing. This is some of the toughest and lightest mesh in the industry! The unique bottom pocket has 2 parts: a pass-through sleeve & a zippered mesh compartment. Stash your phone, gloves, maps, or anything else right where it’s easily accessible and safe. Every feature is intentionally designed, from the foam back panel that melds with your body to the versatile pocketing on the harness system that will keep your gear exactly where you want it when you need it. Don’t let long distances & limited timelines keep you from experiencing the wild places you crave. The Skyline Fastpack can help you satisfy that hunger.
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EP 152 - Revenge or Reliving? Tushar Mountain Ultra Race Story
08/22/2023
EP 152 - Revenge or Reliving? Tushar Mountain Ultra Race Story
On this episode of the Live Ultralight Podcast, Tayson sits down with Darren and Tyler to talk all about what happened on the recent Tushars Mountain Run, where both Tayson and Darren attempted Ultramarathons. The podcast in preparation for this race: Tayson's first attempt (documentary): Tayson's first attempt (podcast): *** Great Backpacking Gear (Support the Podcast):
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EP 151 - Adventurer's Journal: Maggie Slepian on Bikepacking and Beyond
08/15/2023
EP 151 - Adventurer's Journal: Maggie Slepian on Bikepacking and Beyond
Maggie Slepian is a Montana-based writer and editor with a decade of gear-testing experience. She's an avid backpacker, bikepacker, climber, horseback rider, skier, and mountain biker. Maggie has covered thousands of miles on long-distance trails and bike routes. As a writer, her work has been featured in Outside, Runner's World, and Backpacker Magazine. Maggie's Website: Maggie's Instagram: *** Great Backpacking Gear (Support the Podcast): #maggieslepian #backpacking #outdoorvitals #bikepacking
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EP 150 - Llamas, Goats, Gear, and Hunting: Dustin Wittwer (Finding Backcountry Podcast)
08/08/2023
EP 150 - Llamas, Goats, Gear, and Hunting: Dustin Wittwer (Finding Backcountry Podcast)
Dustin Wittwer is an avid hunter, passionate podcaster, and a fellow Utah native. As the host of the captivating "Finding Backcountry" podcast, he expertly weaves together a tapestry of riveting stories and insightful interviews, all centered around one thrilling theme: exploring the vast wilderness of the backcountry through hunting. Follow Dustin: Follow his podcast: *** Great Backpacking Gear (Support the Podcast):
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EP 149 - 4 Days, 100 Miles, & 19,000' Of Elevation: OV On The Colorado Trail
08/01/2023
EP 149 - 4 Days, 100 Miles, & 19,000' Of Elevation: OV On The Colorado Trail
In this episode of the Live Ultralight Podcast, Tayson, Tyler, Brigham, and Derek of Outdoor Vitals are in a car driving home from doing 100 miles on the Colorado Trail as part of OV's 100 Mile Challenge. More on this year's challenge (get some gear while you're at it and support the podcast): #Coloradotrail #100milechallenge #outdoorvitals #liveultralight #thruhike
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EP 148 - My 1st Ultramarathon Was Painful: Maximizing Training For The 2nd
07/25/2023
EP 148 - My 1st Ultramarathon Was Painful: Maximizing Training For The 2nd
In this episode, Tayson sits down with Darren to discuss their training for taking on the Tushars Mountain Run Ultramarathons that they've both signed up for. This will be Tayson's second attempt and Darren's first at an ultramarathon. Tayson's first attempt (documentary): Tayson's first attempt (podcast): *** Great Backpacking Gear (Support the Podcast): https://bit.ly/3PswpQi
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EP 147 - What The Outdoor Industry Doesn't Want You To Know
07/18/2023
EP 147 - What The Outdoor Industry Doesn't Want You To Know
In this episode of the podcast, Tayson sits down with Brigham from Outdoor Vitals to discuss the realities of the backpacking industry and what you probably don't know about how your backpacking gear is made. Great Backpacking Gear (Support the Podcast): #outdoorvitals #outdoorindustry #liveultralightpodcast #backpackinggear
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