Backpacker Radio

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 drinklmnt.com/trek.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKER20" for 20% off packs at gossamergear.com.

Ombraz: Send a DM on Instagram or to support@ombraz.com for $30 off at ombraz.com.

Betterment: Learn more at betterment.com/trek.

[divider]

Interview with Leah "Twig" Harman

• Twig's Blog
• Twig's Instagram

Time stamps & Questions

00:05:30 - Reminders: Take our survey, sign up for the Trek's newsletter, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon, reach out if you'll be at Trail Days, and apply to blog for the Trek or to run Trail Correspondents!

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:

• They Trusted ChatGPT To Plan Their Hike — And Ended Up Calling for Rescue by Katie Jackson
• Cause of Death Revealed for 1 of 2 Hikers Found Dead on Katahdin 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 @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Sign up for the Trek's newsletter

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.

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Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

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Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, 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.

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 gossamergear.com.

Shady Rays: Use code "TREK" for 35% off sunglasses at shadyrays.com.

Betterment: Learn more at betterment.com/trek.

Bear Mattress: Use code "BACKPACKER" for 40% off at bearmattress.com.

[divider]

Interview with Whitney "Allgood" La Ruffa

• Allgood's Instagram
• Allgood's Blog

Time stamps & Questions

00:04:25 - Reminders: Listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon, hold the Trek's tent for us, apply to blog for the Trek!

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: "We're Back!" 8 Months After Hurricane Helene Devastation, Damascus Shines in Trail Days 2025 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 @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Sign up for the Trek's newsletter

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, 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.

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 topoathletic.com.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKER20" for 20% off packs at gossamergear.com.

Ombraz: Score a $30 discount by sending a DM to https://www.instagram.com/ombraz/, and letting them know that Backpacker Radio sent you.

Betterment: Learn more at betterment.com/trek.

[divider]

Interview with Julia "Rocket" Sheehan

• Rocket's Instagram
• Rocket's Youtube
• Rocket's Blog

Time stamps & Questions

00:05:30 - Reminders: Sign up for the Trek's newsletter, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon and apply to blog for the Trek!

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:

• Missing Sierra Hiker Found Alive at Popular PCT Pitstop After Weeks Lost in the Backcountry by Katie Jackson
• AT Thru-Hikers Are Losing a Shocking Amount of Weight On-Trail: Here's How To Not Lose Too Much 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 @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Sign up for the Trek's newsletter

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, 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.

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 drinklmnt.com/trek.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKER20" for 20% off packs at gossamergear.com.

Shady Rays: Use code "TREK" for 50% off two or more pairs of sunglasses at shadyrays.com.

Betterment: Learn more at betterment.com/trek.

Ka'Chava: Use code "BACKPACKER" for 15% off at kachava.com.

[divider]

Interview with Chris "Trailboss" Brunton

Time stamps & Questions

00:05:20 - Trail Days Day 2

00:13:25 - Reminders: Sign up for the Trek's newsletter, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon and apply to blog for the Trek!

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: "We Are Transforming These Mountains in a Way Humans Have Never Seen": The Future of the Sierra Nevada, John Muir's Range of Light 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 @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Sign up for the Trek's newsletter

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, 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.

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 topoathletic.com.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKER20" for 20% off packs at gossamergear.com.

Ombraz: Score a $30 discount by sending a DM to https://www.instagram.com/ombraz/, and letting them know that Backpacker Radio sent you.

Betterment: Learn more at betterment.com/trek.

[divider]

Interview with Jamie Lambert

• Jamie's Instagram

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: Take our survey! Listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon and apply to blog for the Trek!

Segments

Trek Propaganda:

• 47 Years Later, the CDT Still Isn't Complete — New Legislation in Congress Aims To Change That by Katie Jackson
• This Section of the PCT Has Been Closed for 20 Years. The Reason? MYLFs 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 @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Sign up for the Trek's newsletter

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, 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.

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 drinklmnt.com/trek.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKER20" for 20% off packs at gossamergear.com.

Shady Rays: Use code "TREK" for 35% off at shadyrays.com.

Betterment: Learn more at betterment.com/trek.

[divider]

Interview with Charlie Woodrum

• Charlie's NOAA Profile

Time stamps & Questions

00:05:20 - Reminders: listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon, and apply to blog for the Trek!

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: Is Hiking the Appalachian Trail Solo a Terrible Idea? 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 @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Sign up for the Trek's newsletter

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

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Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, 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.

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 topoathletic.com.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKER20" for 20% off packs at gossamergear.com.

Betterment: Learn more at betterment.com/trek.

Burgeon Outdoor: Use code "BACKPACKER15" for 15% off at burgeonoutdoor.com.

Bear Mattress: Use code "BACKPACKER" for 40% off at bearmattress.com.

[divider]

Interview with Jonathan Thomas aka JJ

• JJ's Instagram
• JJ's Youtube
• Exotic Pax Website
• Tumble On Outfitters Website

Time stamps & Questions

00:05:34 - Reminders: Take our survey, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon, and apply to blog for the Trek!

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: Yosemite Campground Closure Will Disrupt Backpackers — Including JMT and PCT Thru-Hikers 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 @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Sign up for the Trek's newsletter

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, 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.

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 drinklmnt.com/trek.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKER20" for 20% off packs at gossamergear.com.

Burgeon Outdoor: Use code "BACKPACKER15" for 15% off at burgeonoutdoor.com.

Betterment: Learn more at betterment.com/trek.

Shady Rays: Use code "TREK" for 50% off two or more pairs of sunglasses at shadyrays.com.

[divider]

Interview with Niki DiGaetano

• Niki's Website
• Niki's Instagram

Time stamps & Questions

00:05:10 - Reminders: Sign up for the Trek's newsletter, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon, and apply to blog for the Trek!

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

• Where Do You Need a Bear Canister on the PCT? By Katie Jackson
• 10 Ways the Appalachian Trail Has Changed in the Last 10 Years 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 @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Sign up for the Trek's newsletter

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, 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.

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 topoathletic.com.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKER20" for 20% off packs at gossamergear.com.

Betterment: Learn more at betterment.com/trek.

Burgeon Outdoor: Use code "BACKPACKER15" for 15% off at burgeonoutdoor.com.

Purple Rain Skirts: Use code "BACKPACKER20" for 20% off at purplerainskirts.com.

[divider]

Interview with Paul Magnanti

• PMag's Website
• PMag's Instagram

Time stamps & Questions

00:07:05 - Reminders: Sign up for the Trek's newsletter, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon, and apply to blog for the Trek! 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:

• Appalachian Trail Conservancy Head Sandi Marra Announces Retirement by Katie Jackson
• Thru-Hikers Consistently Say These Are the 7 Best Sections of the Appalachian Trail 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 @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Sign up for the Trek's newsletter

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, 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.

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 drinklmnt.com/trek.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKER20" for 20% off packs at gossamergear.com.

Burgeon Outdoors: Use code "BACKPACKER15" for 15% off at burgeonoutdoor.com.

Shady Rays: Use code "TREK" for 35% off at shadyrays.com.

[divider]

Panel with Zach, Chaunce, and Jess

• Jess's Instagram
• Referenced episodes
  • BPR #112 | Beginner Backpacking Mistakes
  • BPR #160 | Beginner Backpacking Mistakes 2.0
  • BPR #97 | Ben Lawhon of Leave No Trace

Time stamps & Questions

00:06:20 - Reminders: Say hi to us at Trail Days, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon, apply to blog for the Trek!

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: 20 Trek Bloggers You Should Be Following in 2025 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 @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Sign up for the Trek's newsletter

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, 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.

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 topoathletic.com.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKER20" for 20% off packs at gossamergear.com.

Vaer Watches: Check out Vaer Watches at vaerwatches.com.

Purple Rain Skirts: Use code "BACKPACKER20" for 20% off at purplerainskirts.com.

Burgeon Outdoors: Use code "BACKPACKER15" for 15% off at burgeonoutdoor.com.

[divider]

Interview with Jay "Meat Grinder" France

• Jay's Youtube
• Jay's Instagram
• Jay's Book, Five Million Steps

Time stamps & Questions

00:05:42 - Reminders: Take our survey! Say hi to us at Trail Days, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon, and apply to blog for the Trek!

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: The Best Hostels to Visit on the Appalachian Trail in 2025 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 @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Sign up for the Trek's newsletter

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, 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.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by Tate Dobson, known on trail as Pyro. Tate is a certified wildcard. It's not just that he's hiked the PCT, AT, Long Trail, and Te Araroa, but how he's done it, including hiking the Appalachian Trail and Long Trail spending $1,000 (alongside Quadzilla), hiking long stretches with carrying a Jansport pack, another stretch using tote bag, hiking the R2R2R eating only Motts Fruit snacks and the 100-Mile Wilderness consuming only maple syrup and a jar of peanut butter. He's run a pair of ultramarathons around a roundabout, he's run a beer mile with his mom, and has accomplished another mile consuming four shots of tequila and a tube of toothpaste. In other words, strap in.

We wrap the show with some bucket list hikes you can do over a long weekend, the triple crown of stuipd word spellings, a listener poop story, and more.

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

Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKER20" for 20% off packs at gossamergear.com.

Vaer Watches: Check out Vaer Watches at vaerwatches.com.

Bear Mattress: Use code "BACKPACKER" for 40% off at bearmattress.com.

Burgeon Outdoors: Use code "BACKPACKER15" for 15% off at burgeonoutdoor.com.

[divider]

Interview with Tate "Pyro" Dobson

• Tate's Instagram
• Tate's Trek page

Time stamps & Questions

00:06:34 - Reminders: Check out The Trek and Backpacker Radio on Youtube, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon, and apply to blog for the Trek!

00:9:40 - Introducing Tate

00:11:40 - How do Chaunce and Tate know each other?

00:14:20 - How did you get into the outdoors?

00:15:11 - What trajectory led to dropping out of high school and college and how did you start thru-hiking?

00:18:25 - Tell us about your 2019 PCT hike?

00:20:55 - What's your perspective on continuous footpaths?

00:22:53 - Where was your head at when you got off the PCT?

00:24:03 - When did you next get on trail?

00:25:37 - Are you a known figure in Durango?

00:28:00 - How did you get on the Colorado Trail?

00:31:22 - Any standout stories from the Colorado Trail?

00:31:51 - Do you have any poop stories?

00:35:40 - How was the Sierra High Route?

00:42:00 - Tell us about the PCT in 2022

00:44:45 - When did things start to get weird?

00:53:15 - Did you hike the whole trail in sandals?

00:54:20 - What other weird things did you do on the PCT?

00:56:10 - Where did you get your marathon idea?

00:59:40 - Did you feel any asymmetric pain afterwards?

01:01:07 - Tell us about your beer mile

01:02:50 - What is the toothpaste and tequila mile?

01:05:45 - Did you see any interesting people during the roundabout run?

01:07:45 - Tell us about your other impractical backpacks

01:11:40 - Tell us about your TA hike

01:18:07 - What's your favorite mom story?

01:19:27 - How'd you clean off the mud?

01:22:50 - How do you keep losing toothbrushes?

01:24:36 - Tell us about starting the AT last year

01:26:35 - What was the budget challenge you did?

01:28:30 - What tips do you have for hiking on a budget?

01:33:24 - What'd you do while Quadzilla was in the hospital?

01:34:30 - What's the craziest story from the AT?

01:39:30 - When did you stop carrying the tote bag?

01:42:05 - Any fun stories from the Long Trail?

01:48:20 - Tell us about the Rim to Rim to Rim

01:51:40 - What plans do you have for the CDT?

01:53:20 - Stay Salty Question: What's your hottest take in the world of backpacking?

01:54:55 - What's your dream sponsor?

Segments

Trek Propaganda: 33 Bucket-List Hikes You Can Do in a Long Weekend by Katie Jackson

QOTD: Would you rather never get blisters again but have to hike in Crocs, or always have the best gear but get a new blister every day?

Triple Crown of stupid word spellings

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Sign up for the Trek's newsletter

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, 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, 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.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we're joined by Maytal Agasi, known on trail as Carrot Top. In this episode, we learn how a road trip in a mid-size SUV with her two brothers sparked Carrot Top's entry into the world of thru-hiking. She shares how she benefitted massively from both solo and group thru-hikes. We chat about her time on the JMT, Colorado Trail, and PCT, and we take a deeper dive into her most recent trek on the Camino de Costa Rica, covering standout cultural elements, landscape highlights, the incredibly muggy weather, rich wildlife (including venomous snakes and sloths), managing language barriers, unique logistical challenges, and more.

A quick note: I made a big time dumb guy mistake. About 30 minutes into the interview, I realized our audio recorder wasn't rolling. The first 36 minutes of the interview have lower audio quality than usual. That portion still offers important context about Maytal's journey into the outdoors, but if it's too distracting, the audio quality improves at the 36-minute mark of the interview.

Trigger warning: This interview includes discussion of suicide. If this is a sensitive topic for you, we recommend skipping ahead to the point where the audio improves—again 36 minutes into the interview.

We wrap the show with another clue about our super secret special guest for the upcoming live podcast in Austin, what ridiculous outfit we'd hike in forever, the Triple Crown of Colorado stereotypes, and a disturbing story of an international hiker who was detained, deported, and banned from the U.S. on her way to hike the Arizona Trail.

Topo Athletic: Use code "TREKWINTER15" at topoathletic.com.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKER20" for 20% off packs at gossamergear.com.

Vaer Watches: Check out Vaer Watches at vaerwatches.com.

AG1: Get your free $79 gift at drinkag1.com/backpacker.

[divider]

Interview with Maytal "Carrottop" Agasi

• Maytal's Instagram
• Camino de Costa Rica

Time stamps & Questions

00:06:10 - Reminders: Sign up for the Trek's newsletter, join us for our live show in Austin, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon, and apply to blog for the Trek!

00:10:00 - Audio note

00:12:10 - Introducing Maytal

00:15:30 - How did you get your trail name?

00:16:05 - What does a garden educator do?

00:17:24 - What is the best plant?

00:19:40 - How did you get into hiking?

00:21:23 - Why don't you fight with your siblings?

00:24:00 - Discussion about Maytal's roadtrip

00:25:23 - Are your parents hippie-adjacent?

00:27:08 - What's your favorite on-trail meal to make?

00:30:50 - Do you taste the meals before dehydrating them?

00:32:44 - How did you decide to hike the JMT?

00:34:10 - What happened to your dad?

00:38:30 - How do you process things as well as enjoy the trail while hiking?

00:40:50 - Was it intimidating to hike mostly solo on your first hike?

00:46:17 - Are there any fats that are safe to dehydrate?

00:46:55 - Did you know right away you wanted to do more hikes?

00:49:45 - Have you butt heads with anyone on trail?

00:52:00 - How did you get your gear dialed in for the JMT?

00:55:00 - Discussion about stool sample tests

00:57:45 - Were you happy to hike the CT with a friend or did you ever want space?

01:00:50 - What did you like about Salida?

01:03:03 - When did you decide to hike the PCT?

01:05:30 - Tell us about almost falling off a mountain

01:10:35 - What was it like to go through the Sierra twice?

01:12:45 - How did you learn about the Camino de Costa Rica?

01:15:57 - Are guides required?

01:16:50 - How long is the trail and what is the mileage like each day?

01:20:30 - Do you pay the host families?

01:23:40 - How did you communicate that you were vegetarian?

01:24:50 - Did you have cell service?

01:26:00 - Do you know how many people have hiked this trail?

01:28:30 - What was the weather like?

01:30:25 - What were the landscape highlights of the trail?

01:38:00 - Discussion about wildlife

01:41:05 - Were there other opportunities to eat in town?

01:42:12 - What are the biggest cultural differences?

01:45:55 - What would you like to relay to the listeners of Backpacker Radio?

01:47:38 - Peak Performance Question: What is your top performance-enhancing or backpacking hack?

Segments

Trek Propaganda

• 20 Trek Bloggers You Should Be Following in 2025 by Jess
• A German Thru-Hiker Has Been Detained, Deported, and Banned From the US Without a Hearing: Here's What You Need To Know by Caitlin Hardee

QOTD: If you could only hike in one ridiculous outfit for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Triple Crown of Colorado stereotypes

Thing of the Week

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Sign up for the Trek's newsletter

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, 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, 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.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by author, backpacker, and our resident alien expert, Mike Clelland. We made an honest attempt to discuss ultralight backpacking during this one, and although we do touch on the subject some, the bulk of this conversation is dedicated to owls, aliens, and all things paranormal activity. Mike has become the preeminent expert of the interplay between owls and UFO citings, which may not sound like a thing, however Mike has accrued a lifetime of stories from folks who have experiences that say that it is. If owls and aliens don't sound like your jam, we encourage you to give this one a shot, as Mike's long standing intense passion for these subjects turns out to be awfully contagious; Chaunce and I are thoroughly entertained. We also discuss the pros and cons of traditional vs. self-publishing, which Mike has done both, but really this is mostly aliens and owls.

Warning: This episode includes discussions of rape, death, and child loss in the context of aliens. If any of these topics are triggering, we encourage you to skip this interview.

We wrap the show with the news that the Backpacker Radio crew is headed to AT Trail Days, news of a woman who set the overall FKT on the Florida Trail, Knorr Side recipe recommendations, the shortest roast in the history of roasts, what animal we'd train to be our hiking companion, the triple crown of memes, dog's cornchip paws, and more.

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

Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKER20" for 20% off packs at gossamergear.com.

[divider]

Interview with Mike Clelland

• Mike's Instagram
• Mike's Website
• The Unseen, by Mike Clelland
• Mike's Podcast

Time stamps & Questions

00:09:15 - Reminders: Sign up for the Trek's newsletter, join us for our live show in Austin, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon, and apply to blog for the Trek!

00:13:19 - Introducing Mike

00:14:05 - What have you been up to since we last had you on?

00:17:00 - Fuck Marry Kill: Podcasting, Writing Books, and Illustrating

00:21:23 - What are the pros and cons of self-publishing?

00:26:16 - Give us the primer on why you think owls are special

00:31:35 - What are the general trends of people's owl sightings?

00:37:24 - Have you noticed commonalities between the people?

00:41:04 - Owl + UFO story

00:47:20 - In your opinion, what are aliens?

00:49:18 - What do you personally believe?

00:57:25 - What do you believe in terms of these common alien theories?

01:01:25 - What motivates the aliens?

01:04:06 - Are the aliens visiting intentionally or passing by?

01:06:45 - How does one become owl-ready?

01:09:45 - Why don't the aliens visit you all the time?

01:13:24 - Do you consider yourself a healer?

01:15:04 - Do you still cut the handles off the toothbrush?

01:16:05 - What got you into ultralight backpacking and inspired you to write the book?

01:23:35 - What types of trips did you go on?

01:24:50 - What are your strongest convictions about ultralight backpacking?

01:30:45 - How do you go ultralight despite having fears about the outdoors?

01:35:46 - How did you get into owls and UFOs?

01:47:00 - Chaunce's story

01:55:55 - Where do you think that voice came from?

02:02:40 - Return to Mike's story

02:07:03 - Are you still trying to process what happened and seeking the why?

02:08:20 - What happened on that day?

02:24:30 - Why isn't there clearer evidence of all this?

02:26:50 - What's the difference between paranormal activity and hallucination?

02:29:44 - What is your answer to why are you here?

02:31:37 - Do you think we're living in a simulation and what happens after we die?

02:37:30 - Mike's hypnosis session

02:52:30 - Do you think you're an alien scribe?

02:56:00 - What percent of you thinks you're an alien?

02:59:52 - What are your closing thoughts?

03:02:17 - Stay Salty Question: What's your hottest take in the world of backpacking? Or, what's something you'd add to ultralight backpacking? Or, what tip do you violate the most?

03:08:10 - Where can people keep up with you?

Segments

Trek Propaganda:

• Fastest Known Human: This Woman Just Beat the Men's Speed Record on the Florida Trail by Katie Jackson
• 7 Delicious Knorr Side Dinner Ideas You Need To Try, According to an AT Thru-Hiker by Sheraya Smith

QOTD: If you could train any animal to be your hiking companion, what would it be and what special skills would it have?

The Shortest Roast of All Time

Triple Crown of internet memes

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Sign up for the Trek's newsletter

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, 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, 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.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Justin True. Justin's story is truly remarkable. From growing up in a home with intense physical and emotional abuse, to becoming a professional MMA fighter, to pulling a 1.5 vehicle for a full-marathon, to completing a 24hr Hero Crossfit WODathon, to being kidnapped in Egypt and deported for being accused of spying for the government, getting attacked by a shark, and most recently completing the "True Triathlon" a country wide endurance feat, including a 50-mile swim, 3,000-mile bike ride, and a 600-mile run. Given that Justin does everything to the extreme, following suit, this interview is also a marathon, but we promise you the time will fly by.

Warning: This episode discusses suicide. If this topic is triggering, we encourage you to skip this interview. Help is available, call or text 988 for support.

We wrap the show with the reality TV shows we want to see come to fruition, the triple crown of things that give us unreasonable anxiety, and our brutally honest opinion about New York's Northville Placid Trail.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKER20" for 20% off packs at gossamergear.com.

Purple Rain Skirts: Use code "BACKPACKER20" for 20% off at purplerainskirts.com.

Ombraz: Use code "BACKPACKER30" for $30 off at ombraz.com/discount/backpacker30.

[divider]

Interview with Justin True

• Justin's Website
• Justin's Instagram
• Justin's Youtube

Time stamps & Questions

00:04:52 - Reminders: Join us for our live show in Austin, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon, and apply to blog for the Trek! And sign up for the Trek's newsletter!

00:09:30 - Introducing Justin

00:10:17 - Why are you flying out to Florida?

00:14:15 - How long did the marathon take you when you were pulling a truck?

00:18:10 - Where do you get these crazy ideas?

00:23:50 - Tell us about your challenging upbringing

00:28:00 - Where do you think their anger came from?

00:31:30 - Was your mom aware of what was happening?

00:32:30 - When did you pick up fighting?

00:35:00 - Discussion about Justin's parents

00:42:20 - Did your brother's behavior change towards you after that?

00:43:25 - Have you thought about choosing a different path than your family?

00:46:30 - Did you work as an engineer?

00:47:40 - Tell us about fighting full time

00:53:25 - Were you ever afraid while fighting?

00:54:37 - At what point did you shift into more endurance related sports?

00:57:13 - How much cardio did you do while fighting?

01:00:00 - Do you have Type 1 fun while you're struggling?

01:02:20 - Do you ever miss adrenaline while on long runs?

01:05:30 - Tell us the background of Cycle4Gaza

01:08:00 - Tell us about getting kidnapped in Africa

01:27:30 - Were you afraid at any point during this ordeal?

01:29:25 - Did you see anything you shouldn't have seen?

01:30:35 - Tell us about setting the single person record for the Three National Peaks

01:37:00 - How were you working all this financially?

01:39:40 - Tell us about doing the Olympic Triathlon with a 90 pound hammer

01:42:45 - When did the kilt come into play?

01:50:58 - Did you fight a shark?

01:58:20 - What's the heaviest you've deadlifted?

02:02:05 - Tell us about your 500-mile walk across Madagascar

02:16:34 - What were the highlights of Madagascar?

02:21:50 - Tell us about the 24hr Hero Crossfit WODathon

02:28:04 - Where did the idea for the True Triathlon come from?

02:31:00 - Discussion about the swim portion

02:34:30 - How big was your team?

02:39:00 - How are you so hard on yourself but see other people differently?

02:43:10 - Where does the poop go?

02:44:30 - Where do you start biking?

02:50:20 - Why did the swim coach stay until Houston?

02:53:00 - What does your mom think about all your adventures?

02:53:40 - What standout stories do you have from the biking portion?

02:59:40 - Justin's plans for next year

03:01:25 - Discussion about falling asleep while swimming

03:05:30 - Discussion about the triathlon

03:22:00 - What's the takeaway of being inspired by other people?

03:23:30 - What'd you feel when you finally finished?

03:27:00 - Tell us about Naked & Afraid

03:30:30 - Were you shy about being naked on tv?

03:33:00 - What were your takeaways from the show?

03:36:25 - What was the duration and the prize?

03:41:00 - Have you considered any more traditional endurance events like FKTs or the Barkley?

03:42:35 - Tell us about the runs you do while drinking beer

03:45:15 - Do you have any plans on slowing down?

03:48:00 - Where should people go to keep up with you?

Segments

QOTD: What's a reality TV show you want to see brought into existence?

Triple Crown of things that give you unreasonable anxiety

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Sign up for the Trek's newsletter

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Greg McDaniel, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Mud Tom, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we're joined by former guest, Trek writer, and certified gear nerd Alex "GPS" Brown. The focus of this one is how to save money on your backpacking kit. We break this one down category by category, sharing the best ways to cut costs, pinpointing which items aren't worth pinching pennies on, offering specific product shoutouts, and discussing overall strategies to ensure more of your hiking budget goes toward your hike. Whether you're on a shoestring budget or just looking to save a few bucks, this episode is for you.

We wrap the show with news on a partial reversal of NPS layoffs, a debate on whether we'd prefer to be chased by a bizarrely fast turtle or lug around a backpack full of jelly, and the triple crown of foods we wish we had discovered sooner.

Topo Athletic: Use code "TREKWINTER15" at topoathletic.com.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKER20" for 20% off packs at gossamergear.com.

Ombraz: Use code "BACKPACKER30" for $30 off at ombraz.com/discount/backpacker30.

Purple Rain Skirts: Use code "BACKPACKER20" for 20% off at purplerainskirts.com.

Bear Mattress: Use code "BACKPACKER" for 40% off at bearmattress.com.

[divider]

Interview with Alex "GPS" Brown

• Alex's Trek Bio
• Budget Gear (Low) Lighterpack
• Budget Gear (Mid) Lighterpack
• 2024 AT Hiker Survey

Time stamps & Questions

00:05:15 - Reminders: Join us for our live show in Austin, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon, and apply to blog for the Trek! And sign up for the Trek's newsletter!

00:13:30 - Introducing Alex

00:14:07 - Tell us about the Haute Route Pyrenees

00:19:00 - Disclaimers for this episode

00:31:50 - Budget backpacks

00:36:40 - Budget tents

00:44:00 - Budget sleeping bags

00:50:40 - Budget groundcloths

00:54:00 - Budget sleeping pads

01:02:20 - Budget footwear

01:20:16 - Budget socks

01:26:30 - Budget rain gear

01:38:00 - Budget clothing

01:50:05 - Budget cookware

01:55:10 - Honorable budget mentions

02:01:45 - Peak Performance Question: What is your top performance-enhancing or backpacking hack?

Segments

Alex's Poop Story

Trek Propaganda: Trump Administration Partially Reverses National Park Layoff Decision by Katie Jackson

QOTD: Would you rather hike 100 miles while being chased by a slightly-too-fast tortoise or while wearing a backpack full of jelly?

Triple Crown of foods you wish you knew existed sooner

Mail Bag

5 Star Review (suggest a guest!)

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Sign up for the Trek's newsletter

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Greg McDaniel, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Mud Tom, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by Austen McDaniel, known on trail as PI. If that name sounds familiar, it's because we've been reading it off at the end of every episode for years, as Austen is one of our Chuck Norris Award-winning Patreon supporters.

But in addition to being a longtime patron, Austen is also one hell of a backpacker, having completed the Triple Crown in three consecutive years. He approached his first thru-hike as prepared as anyone we've ever talked to, hitting the Appalachian Trail with a six-pound base weight after years of fine-tuning his setup on various shakedown hikes. He walks us through how he's managed to shave additional ounces and grams off his pack, shares some fun ultralight hacks, and offers tips for making cold soaking suck less. Of course, we also dive deep into his three thru-hikes.

Beyond hiking, Austen gives us a glimpse into his life as a professional tennis instructor, if he's seducing moms at the country club, and how he managed to squeeze in some disc golf in various trail towns during his CDT trek.

We wrap the show with news of an massive new FKT on New Zealand's Te Araroa, a breakdown of just how much Irish heritage runs through our DNA, including some truly deranged family tree math from Chaunce, the triple crown of food combinations, and possibly the greatest limerick in the history of the written language.

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

Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKER20" for 20% off packs at gossamergear.com.

Purple Rain Skirts: Use code "BACKPACKER20" for 20% off at purplerainskirts.com.

Ombraz: Use code "BACKPACKER30" for $30 off at ombraz.com/discount/backpacker30.

AG1: Get your free $79 gift at drinkag1.com/backpacker.

[divider]

Interview with Austen McDaniel

• Austen's Instagram
• Austen's Youtube

Time stamps & Questions

00:06:27 - Reminders: Join us for our live show in Austin, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon, and apply to blog for the Trek!

00:11:32 - Introducing Austen

00:13:40 - At what age could you serve over 100 miles per hour?

00:17:43 - Who's the GOAT in tennis?

00:18:20 - Tell us about disc golf

00:20:20 - What were the best courses you played on the CDT?

00:21:54 - How much is aiming versus distance?

00:23:01 - What is the distance like on a par 5 course?

00:26:01 - How did you get into hiking?

00:27:40 - Did you see any wild hogs while waterfall hunting?

00:33:30 - Discussion about preparing for thru-hiking

00:35:00 - What were your Big 3 for the AT in 2022?

00:37:05 - Did you test any items that you didn't end up liking?

00:39:17 - Why do you prefer sleeping bags over quilts?

00:41:25 - Did you find any interesting ways to combine functionality of items?

00:45:55 - Do you have any other gear hacks?

00:49:00 - What are your go-to cold soaking meals?

00:50:10 - Spinning the Wheel

00:52:33 - What's your trail name?

00:54:50 - What about ultralight makes it worth it to you?

00:56:30 - Discussion about AT pace and budget

01:00:30 - Tell us about your goal of hiking three trails in three years

01:02:10 - What does your tennis instructing work look like?

01:03:20 - Did you coach interesting people at country clubs?

01:05:30 - How did you decide to hike southbound on the CDT?

01:10:00 - Discussion about fires on the PCT in 2024

01:14:18 - Tell us about the loneliness on the CDT

01:20:20 - Would you change anything if you hiked the CDT again?

01:21:30 - Anything else to share about the CDT?

01:25:25 - What was your budget for the 3 hikes?

01:27:40 - How did the PCT hike compare to the CDT?

01:30:00 - Do you have tips for dealing with loneliness on trail?

01:31:05 - How was the air quality on the PCT?

01:34:37 - Discussion about ultralight versus mileage

01:37:45 - What were your other takeaways from the PCT?

01:42:08 - What advice do you have for someone who wants to Triple Crown in three years?

01:43:47 - Fuck Marry Kill: AT, PCT, CDT

01:46:18 - What's next for you?

01:48:28 - Stay Salty Question: What's your hottest take in the world of backpacking?

Segments

Trek Propaganda

• Karel Sabbe Destroys Te Araroa FKT, Averaging 60 Miles per Day To Set Jaw-Dropping New Record by Katie Jackson
• 2025 Badger Sponsorship Winners by Kendra Slagter

QOTD: Does either of your ginger-ness come from Irish heritage? Do you celebrate St Patrick's Day?

Triple Crown of food combinations

Listener Voicemail

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Sign up for the Trek's newsletter

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Greg McDaniel, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Mud Tom, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are joined by Curtis Himstedt, known on trail as Easily Forgotten. Easily Forgotten's backpacking resume is bananas. A partial list of his adventures includes the Annapurna Circuit, Pembrokeshire Coastal Path in Wales, the GR10, Tour du Mont Blanc, Yorkshire Dales High Way, South Downs Way, and Cotswold Way in England, the Triple Crown in the U.S., the Tahoe Rim Trail, and a continuous yo-yo of the Appalachian Trail and Long Trail between 2023-2024. Curtis takes us through these treks, especially the ones we haven't covered on the podcast before, shares how his first divorce inspired him to get into thru-hiking, explains why he feels more like himself on trail than in "the real world," and gives us a preview of his upcoming adventures as he continues trekking strong into his 60s.

We wrap the show with news of a major gear retailer accused of ties to forced labor, a new navigation app you'll want on your radar for 2025, the triple crown of the worst fashion trends, a debate on how to inform someone of their LNT violation, what we'd replace our hands with if given the choice, and much more.

Topo Athletic: Use code "TREKWINTER15" at topoathletic.com.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKER20" for 20% off packs at gossamergear.com.

Ombraz: Use code "BACKPACKER30" for $30 off at ombraz.com/discount/backpacker30.

[divider]

Interview with Curtis Himstedt aka Easily Forgotten

• Curtis's Website
• Curtis's Trek Profile
• Curtis's Instagram

Time stamps & Questions

00:06:10 - Reminders: Join us for our live show in Austin, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon, and apply to blog for the Trek!

00:09:45 - Introducing Curtis

00:11:20 - What was your weight loss story?

00:12:55 - How did you get into long distance backpacking?

00:14:53 - How old were you when you were in Boy Scouts?

00:16:57 - Is there a part of you that's grateful to your initial divorce for getting you into hiking?

00:19:00 - What learning lessons did you have on the Annapurna Circuit?

00:23:00 - What was life like on your farm?

00:24:00 - From an engineer's perspective, what was hiking the West Highland Way like?

00:27:05 - Would you recommend the West Highland Way to others?

00:28:52 - Has it ever backfired on you to not plan too much of your hikes?

00:30:40 - Do you feel more comfortable when hiking long trails?

00:32:20 - What advice do you have for someone about to get married?

00:35:00 - Discussion about planning international hikes

00:35:44 - Tell us more about the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path

00:37:33 - Tell us about the Grey Wolf Loop

00:40:20 - Tell us more about hiking in England

00:42:56 - Tell us more about the GR10

00:49:05 - Tell us about hiking the AT in 2018

00:54:50 - Tell us about hiking the PCT in 2019

00:57:08 - How did you like the Oregon Coast Trail?

01:00:10 - At what point do you start planning future hikes?

01:01:50 - Do you feel a sense of fulfillment exploring new trails each year?

01:04:20 - Tell us about the South Downs Way

01:05:48 - What were your top 3 favorite trails in the UK?

01:08:50 - Tell us about the Kerry Way

01:10:53 - Discussion about the Portuguese Camino

01:12:15 - What does your gear look like today?

01:15:01 - Tell us about your hiking in the Azores

01:22:25 - Discussion about not planning lodging on European trails

01:23:28 - Tell us about the Cinque Terre

01:25:25 - Tell us about the Via Degli Dei

01:26:55 - Tell us about your MEGA GAME LT^2 adventure

01:33:00 - Story about Curtis's father

01:38:25 - You don't like FKTs but you like endurance hiking?

01:39:42 - What's the northern section like in the winter?

01:42:50 - How many miles are you typically hiking in a day?

01:44:20 - What about the AT do you love so much?

01:46:05 - What do your next 4 years of hiking look like?

01:49:20 - Peak Performance Question: What is your top performance-enhancing or backpacking hack?

Segments

Trek Propaganda

• Outdoor Gear Retailer Decathlon Accused of Ties to Forced Labor in China by Katie Jackson
• Could This New Mapping App from the Founders of Gaia GPS Become a Thru-Hiker Staple? by Katie Jackson

QOTD: If you had to replace your hands with something else, what would you pick?

Triple Crown of the worst fashion trends

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Sign up for the Trek's newsletter

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Greg McDaniel, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Mud Tom, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek and brought to you by LMNT, Chaunce and Badger are serving up tips for this year's class of Appalachian Trail thru-hikers. We're covering everything from social dynamics and budgeting to mental prep, diet, why you should document your hike, some listener submission tips, and much more. We also give a rundown of advice from previous episodes in case you want to dig even deeper into getting ready for the Appalachian Trail. Whether you're hitting the AT this year, planning for a future trek, or know someone who is, this episode is for you. Or for them.

We wrap the show with the latest on the mass layoffs hitting National Park and Forest Service employees, an update from our friends at Rebuild Hot Springs Area on how the funds raised through the Badger Sponsorship are helping with recovery efforts (plus ways you can still get involved), what our trail names would be if they had to be food-centric, and the Triple Crown of Backpacker Radio starter-pack episodes.

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

Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKER20" for 20% off packs at gossamergear.com.

Ombraz: Use code "BACKPACKER30" for $30 off at ombraz.com/discount/backpacker30.

Timeline: Get 33% off your first order at timeline.com/backpacker33.

[divider]

Panel with Zach and Chaunce

Time stamps & Questions

00:09:50 - Reminders: Join us for our live show in Austin, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon, and apply to blog for the Trek! Sign up for the Trek's newsletter

00:13:30 - Introducing Zach and Chaunce

00:18:00 - Tips from past AT episodes, #138 and #140

00:30:30 - Chaunce's Tip #1: Don't rush to find your trail family

00:35:15 - Zach's Tip #1: Document your hike

00:40:35 - Listener Submission #1: Your shit will dry

00:41:28 - Chaunce's Tip #2: Don't take things too seriously

00:43:33 - Zach's Tip #2: Electrolytes

00:48:55 - Listener Submission #2: Don't overplan and don't rush

00:51:47 - Chaunce's Tip #3: Add ⅓ to ½ over your estimated budget

01:03:20 - Zach's Tip #3: Mentally prepare for your thru-hike

01:12:25 - Chaunce's Honorable Mention: Train for downhills

01:17:00 - Stay Salty Question: What's your hottest take in the world of backpacking?

Segments

Trek Propaganda:

• Mass Layoffs of National Park and Forest Workers Threaten the Future of America's Trails by Katie Jackson
• Rebuild Hot Springs

QOTD: If your trail name had to be a food, what would it be and how would you earn it?

Triple Crown of BPR starter pack episodes

• #112: Beginner Backpacking Mistakes
• #246: Girl Stuff 3.0: Hiking as a New Mom, Pink Blazing, and Fearmongering
• #14: Data, Chaunce Gets Covered in Poo, and the LWCF
• #4: The Real Hiking Viking Pt II, Scariest Moments from the Trail, and Thru-Hiking Nutrition
• #35: Weezer on Hiking Sober, Processing Grief, and Metamorphosis on the Pacific Crest Trail
• #205: Warren Doyle: Appalachian Trail Legend on His Record 18 Completed AT Traverses
• #1: The Real Hiking Viking
• #49: Matt "Pretzel" Mason on Shaking Down New Thru-Hikers, Gear Advice, Wildland Firefighting, and Also Everything
• #260: John Mackey, Whole Foods Co-Founder, on His Thru-Hiking Experience, Co-Owning Gossamer Gear, and Entrepreneurship
• #55: Kevin Nealon
• #43: Clay Bonnyman Evans on AT Cults, Trail Murder Statistics, and YouTube Vlogger Scam Artists
• #132: Jack "Quadzilla" Jones
• #17: Thru-Hiking Injury Prevention and Recovery Tips with Dr. Emily Kelly
• #69: Will "Akuna" Robinson

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Sign up for the Trek's newsletter

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Greg McDaniel, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Mud Tom, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek and brought to you by Topo Athletic, we're joined by Ben Vaugh, known on trail as Ginger Ballz. Ben is a Navy veteran, accomplished thru-hiker, and currently works as a dog musher, a topic Chaunce and Badger had way too much fun diving into.

Ginger Ballz takes us through his transition from the military to thru-hiking, why he recommends it to fellow service members, and the parallels between the two. He shares stories from his hikes of the Triple Crown trails, the Hayduke, Superior Hiking Trail, and Long Trail. We also get a deep dive into his current gig managing a dog mushing and guiding company in Colorado, working with Iditarod-winning pups. He breaks down the process of training huskies for guiding, the biggest challenges of mushing, and the unique bond he shares with his dogs.

We close out the show with a feature on a man who thru-hiked the AT while legally blind, a debate on whether airplanes have keys, why Zach is no longer allowed to enjoy pho, Chaunce's honey grease, the Triple Crown of abbreviated insults, and more.

Topo Athletic: Use code "TREKWINTER15" at topoathletic.com.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKER20" for 20% off packs at gossamergear.com.

[divider]

Interview with Ben "Ginger Ballz" Vaughan

• Ben's Instagram
• Ben's Facebook
• Colorado Dog Sledding Website

Time stamps & Questions

00:05:12 - Reminders: Join us for our live show in Austin, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon, and apply to blog for the Trek!

00:08:05 - Introducing Ben

00:10:00 - Tell us about your Navy experience

00:12:10 - What's it like chasing down pirates?

00:16:06 - Tell us about transitioning between the Navy and thru-hiking

00:19:00 - How did the AT get on your radar?

00:20:38 - Did your military background help you go into the AT with confidence?

00:22:30 - Did you do thru-hiking specific research?

00:24:02 - Did you feel your purpose restored when you started the AT?

00:24:30 - Do you think thru-hikers could succeed in the military?

00:26:20 - Tell us about the Kona Ironman?

00:28:20 - Tell us about the Navy culture in Coronado

00:31:15 - Did you know right away that thru-hiking was for you?

00:34:10 - How did you feel upon finishing the AT?

00:36:00 - What other traits did you get from the Navy that aided you in thru-hiking?

00:39:44 - Tell us about going from the AT to the PCT

00:42:50 - What was it like adjusting to the high snow year on the PCT?

00:48:00 - Can you completely recover from frostbite?

00:50:00 - Did you freak out when you were stuck in a blizzard?

00:51:55 - Was it fun seeing the Sierra in a different season?

00:53:55 - When did you decide to complete the Triple Crown?

00:57:10 - What was the difference in reactions you got on the CDT versus the AT?

00:58:14 - What did your Big 3 look like on the CDT?

01:00:45 - How does a snowy Smokies compare to the snowy Sierras?

01:05:00 - Tell us about hiking the Hayduke

01:09:45 - Tell us about dropping your pack down a canyon

01:12:20 - Tell us about hiking the Superior Hiking Trail

01:15:12 - Tell us about hiking the Long Trail

01:17:00 - How did you end up in Alaska dog mushing?

01:19:30 - What are the dogs like in their off time?

01:22:00 - What does it take to win the Iditarod?

01:23:10 - How do you train the dog to do what it needs to do?

01:24:50 - How can you tell if one of the dogs is getting tired?

01:26:10 - What do the dogs eat?

01:29:15 - Story from the Iditarod

01:31:40 - How does the tour operation work in CO?

01:33:00 - What types of commands do the dogs know?

01:35:10 - Who are your dogs?

01:39:45 - What do you pack for a backcountry dog mushing trip?

01:40:50 - What is your bond like with the dogs?

01:42:00 - How long can the dogs run for?

01:43:40 - Are Huskies all not great off leash?

01:47:05 - Ben is hiring!

01:49:40 - Peak Performance Question: What is your top performance-enhancing or backpacking hack?

Segments

Trek Propaganda

• Thru-Hiking While Blind: Completing the Appalachian Trail With A Visual Disability by Andrew Neylon
• The Best Trail Runners for Thru-Hiking in 2025 by the Editors

QOTD: Do airplanes have keys?

Thing of the Week

Triple Crown of short insults

Gross or Not Gross

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Greg McDaniel, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Mud Tom, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by acclaimed author, marriage therapist, and speaker, Michele Weiner-Davis, known in my household simply as "mom".

Being our Valentine's Day episode, this one is meant to equip you with the knowledge necessary to make your relationship flourish. We cover a range of questions, both general tips on how to improve your relationships, but also thru-hiking specific scenarios, including how to navigate when one partner is on the trail and the other is back home, encountering challenges when hiking together, and how to get buy in from nervous parents (a subject in which my mother is overqualified to speak on). Chaunce also attempts to get Badger to blush by asking embarrassing questions about his past.

We wrap the show with some sobering news about how listeners can help a past guest in her fight against cancer; Chaunce and her fiance, Garrett, air out their pettiest fights; and we search for the perfect word for that post-massive dump feeling.

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

Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKER20" for 20% off packs at gossamergear.com.

[divider]

Interview with Michele Weiner-Davis

• Michele's Website

Time stamps & Questions

00:05:15 - Reminders: Join us for our live show in Austin, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon, and apply to blog for the Trek!

00:09:00 - Introducing Michele

00:09:50 - What are you most proud of professionally?

00:12:15 - What's the crossover between saving marriages and raising children?

00:13:27 - How does your work influence your own marriage?

00:14:35 - What is it like being mother to Zach Davis?

00:16:10 - What's the dumbest thing you've ever seen Zach do?

00:19:22 - Describe why Zach is called the feral child

00:21:28 - What is something about Zach you don't think the listeners would know?

00:22:45 - What was your advice to Zach when he was engaged and about to hike the PCT?

00:24:48 - How did you get into this work in the first place?

00:29:30 - In what other ways is your angle different from the average therapist?

00:31:00 - Should marriages always be saved?

00:33:18 - Where are the key areas where relationships go wrong?

00:36:50 - How can someone hiking make their partner at home feel valued?

00:43:50 - Discussion about parents reacting to their children's thru-hikes

00:47:30 - How long did it take you to feel comfortable with Zach being on the AT?

00:49:00 - How would you handle a situation where the person at home feels jealous?

00:54:25 - "I love hiking but my wife doesn't. She's short (under 5ft) so how big a backpack would I need to kidnap, I mean, carry her in? Seriously she hates camping and nothing I've tried works. We've been married for almost thirty years. Any suggestions?"

00:55:25 - "If a marriage is already rocky, do you think that sharing a thru-hike is more likely or less likely to help fix a relationship?"

00:58:38 - "So I'm single and not only am I getting into long distance backpacking but I also work in film where we could be hired for a project that has us traveling for months at a time within a week of being hired. I often find myself hesitant to get into a relationship with someone who has a more stable 9-5 lifestyle. How can I approach the initial conversation to set expectations of these long gaps in availability? Should I just stick to dating people in my industry/ people with less traditional lifestyles? Thanks!"

01:00:50 - How would you advise a child to get their parent's sign off for a hike?

01:07:37 - "My partner supported me initially with my desire to do multi day backpacking trips. However, he's now made comments about how he hopes I'm not planning to make this a regular thing (I've gone away twice for ~2.5 weeks). I realize it's a lot to ask when you are a parent, even though our kids are teens, but I do want to be able to continue to enjoy these trips (he's not interested). How would you approach this situation to avoid resentment building on both sides?"

01:11:33 - "Do couples who make it through a thru-hike together really stay together?"

01:16:22 - What kind of conversations can people have prior to the end of the trail?

01:18:07 - "One of the most difficult parts of a thru hike for my wife and I is the time away from each other, but once we get over that and the trail is finished the next hardest thing for both of us is just getting used to being around each other again, we both have basically lived separate lives for the past few months and have become used to our own routines and now we're stuck with each other again. Any tips for making that transition back into "normal" married life any easier."

01:21:38 - "I'm considering a thru-hike during a career break. My husband doesn't have the same time off work so I would be hiking without him. He's very supportive of my hiking plans but I worry about what it will do to our marriage if I have this transformational experience without him. Any advice on managing this?"

01:26:55 - "How do I deal with the guilt of leaving a spouse at home while I'm hiking like a happy forest fairy?"

01:28:10 - "Do we outgrow people and stagnate our own growth, or is this a misconception?"

01:32:42 - How much of a good relationship is meeting your soulmate and how much is working towards it?

01:33:45 - Do you think anyone can make a relationship work with anyone?

01:35:45 - Stay Salty Question: What is your hottest take in the world of relationships?

01:40:40 - Is there a book you'd recommend for thru-hikers?

Segments

Trek Propaganda

• Fundraiser to Support Renee "She-Ra" Patrick
• The Ultimate Guide to Making Coffee on Trail by JT Simmons

QOTD: What word describes that sweet relieving feeling after taking a big dump?

Triple Crown of petty things you've fought over

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Greg McDaniel, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Mud Tom, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are A'in your Q's, with our pal and yours, the lightly bearded Jabba aka The Real Hiking Viking.

In today's question and answer we dive into a host of nitty gritty backpacking details, including what exactly is in our first aid kit, electronics bag (down to the cords), and our stuff sac systems, including some specific product recommendations. We also chat about our least favorite backpacking trips, our thought process in choosing socks for a backpacking trip, and what we deem as the biggest misuse of money when on a thru-hike. Jabba also updates us on what life has been like sans-beard, the fallout with his girlfriend, and if he plans to bring it back.

We wrap the show with our go to movie theater orders, why corn maintains its shape when shat, the triple crown of cities we'd add an NFL team and what their mascots would be, and we once again dive down the rabbit hole of how often peepee happens during poopoo. Another very mature episode for the archive.

Topo Athletic: Use code "THETREK15" at topoathletic.com.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKER20" for 20% off packs at gossamergear.com.

AG1: Get your free $79 gift at drinkag1.com/backpacker.

Timeline: Get 33% off your first order at timeline.com/backpacker33.

[divider]

Interview with Viking

• Jabba's Instagram

Time stamps & Questions

00:11:45 - Reminders: Join us for our live show in Austin, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon, and apply to blog for the Trek!

00:15:05 - Re-introducing Jabba

00:18:57 - What's life been like since you shaved the beard?

00:26:15 - How long have you been a Joe Pesci impersonator?

00:26:58 - Will you grow the beard back?

00:30:25 - What is in your first aid kit?

00:49:00 - What's your favorite planet?

00:52:00 - What is your full electronics kit?

01:01:25 - If you had to have an inside/desk job, what would it be?

01:02:45 - What was that in the Orange Bowl?

01:03:26 - What features of the Zerk did you have strong opinions about?

01:15:15 - What's your least favorite trail over 50 miles?

01:32:35 - Does the carpet match the drapes?

01:33:45 - What is the biggest misuse of money on trail?

01:44:40 - How much thought do you put into your hiking socks?

01:52:00 - Who's the biggest asshole you've ever met on trail?

01:53:17 - How many stuff sacks do you use?

02:08:44 - How old do you think your kids will be for their first backpacking trip?

02:10:45 - What is being married going to do to your thru-hiking career?

02:15:00 - Peak Performance Question: What is your top performance enhancing hack?

Segments

Trek Propaganda: Biden's Final, Controversial Push for America's Public Lands by Katie Jackson

QOTD: What is your movie theater order?

QOTD 2: Why does corn come out the same shape as corn?

Triple Crown of cities you'd add an NFL team to

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Greg McDaniel, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Mud Tom, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by Demetri Coupounas, aka Coup, the founder of GoLite and MyTrail Company. Coup might just be the most interesting man in the world. This conversation takes us through his incredible journey, from his work balancing the federal budget in the '80s and '90s to becoming the first person to complete unsupported hikes of the Colorado Trail and the Long Trail, and how he stumbled upon the once underground world of ultralight backpacking.

We also dive into the history of GoLite, from its role in popularizing Ray Jardine's ultralight designs to its meteoric rise with more than 20 retail stores nationwide—without taking any investor money—and its eventual downfall, leading to bankruptcy just a few years later. Coup shares the story of MyTrail Co, his follow-up venture, and how he applied the lessons learned from GoLite while stripping away what didn't work, and how that eventually failed to achieve launch.

This episode is an insightful history lesson on GoLite and the world of ultralight backpacking, as well as a fascinating case study on business successes and failures.

We wrap up the show with a new 2-ounce device that could replace your Garmin InReach, what we consider a satisfactory number of steps in a typical day, and the ultimate Triple Crown of best smells.

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

Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKER20" for 20% off packs at gossamergear.com.

[divider]

Interview with Demetri "Coup" Coupounas

• Coup's Instagram

Time stamps & Questions

00:10:20 - Reminders: Join us for our live show in Austin, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon, and apply to vlog for the Trek!

00:12:40 - Introducing Coup

00:15:15 - What are your favorite backpacking Youtube channels?

00:16:25 - How did you get into politics?

00:28:10 - How fucked are we currently and what's your take on DOGE?

00:34:44 - How did you get into backpacking?

00:42:00 - How would you walk a first time hiker through packing their backpack?

00:51:22 - Do you think fun correlates directly with the weight on your back?

00:53:40 - Why did you take on unsupported hikes?

00:56:35 - Are you pursuing novel experiences or challenging experiences?

00:59:30 - How do you decide what food to bring?

01:05:20 - Tell us about the early days of GoLite

01:10:30 - Did you ever make your own gear?

01:12:02 - Did you have a personal relationship with Ray Jardine?

01:14:55 - Was Ray an owner in the business?

01:17:17 - What were the biggest initial sellers?

01:21:15 - How much effort was involved in convincing people to go lighter?

01:27:02 - What were the first 12 products?

01:38:15 - What did your typical customer look like?

01:46:00 - What was the process of scaling GoLite?

01:55:00 - Why didn't selling direct work well?

02:01:20 - What happened in 2013 and 2014?

02:10:00 - Why didn't you seek investors when money was running out?

02:17:00 - Discussion about the transition to My Trail Co

02:20:24 - What do you keep from the business when going through bankruptcy?

02:26:12 - What is My Trail Co and did you raise as much money as you expected?

02:30:02 - How many products did you offer?

02:32:31 - When did My Trail Co go out of business?

02:38:16 - Why didn't My Trail work?

02:42:45 - Did My Trail investors earn dividends?

02:45:00 - How much of the growth of the cottage industry was to blame?

02:53:07 - What are your plans for the future?

03:01:50 - Stay Salty Question: What is your hottest take in the backpacking world?

Segments

Trek Propaganda: Could This 2-Ounce Device Replace Your Garmin inReach? By Katie Jackson

QOTD: What is a satisfactory number of steps for your average day?

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Greg McDaniel, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Mud Tom, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek and brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are joined by Sarah "Mellow" Berkeley, founder of Symbiosis Gear, a pack-making company designed specifically for people with boobs. Sarah shares insights into her unique upbringing in a small log cabin in rural Colorado, her adventures on the Long Trail, PCT, Colorado Trail, and half of the CDT, and her journey to creating a backpack tailored for primarily women. We dive into the inspiration behind her patented S-shaped shoulder strap, the challenges of starting a business with no prior industry experience, the help she's received from fellow members of the cottage industry, her plans for future expansion, and much more.

We wrap the show with the announcement of the 2025 Badger Sponsorship, news of a hiker found dead near Mt. Whitney, a debate on when poop officially starts to smell like poop, and the Triple Crown of middle-aged happiness.

Topo Athletic: Use code "TREKWINTER15" at topoathletic.com.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKER20" for 20% off packs at gossamergear.com.

[divider]

Interview with Sarah Berkeley

• New Symbiosis Gear Survey
• Symbiosis Gear on Instagram
• Symbiosis Gear Website

Time stamps & Questions

00:05:15 - Reminders: Apply for the 2025 Badger Sponsorship, join us for our live show in Austin, apply to blog for the Trek, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!

00:09:07 - Introducing Sarah

00:10:33 - What's your trail name origin story?

00:11:32 - Tell us about building a log cabin with your family

00:16:27 - How did you end up on the Long Trail?

00:17:50 - Did you bring any simple recipes from the wood stove to backpacking?

00:18:30 - Are you happy your parents created that experience for you?

00:20:30 - Was it psychologically easy for you to adjust to backpacking?

00:22:30 - What was the motivation to move to Leadville?

00:26:20 - Walk us through the early stages of getting into backpacking

00:29:35 - How did you manage the Long Trail with a dog?

00:31:45 - What caused you to stick with thru-hiking?

00:34:35 - Did you solve any gear problems going from the Long Trail to the PCT?

00:37:06 - Were you crafty at that point?

00:40:15 - What do you customize for your packs?

00:43:55 - What does the S-strap do?

00:47:15 - Is chafing a common issue?

00:50:00 - Discussion about the pack design

00:52:27 - Are other brands making female-specific packs?

00:56:10 - What are some common sizing questions?

00:58:45 - Who is your ideal customer?

01:04:30 - What do you see as the next way to open up the product offering?

01:08:00 - Discussion about Chaunce's bags

01:12:00 - When did the lightbulb for this pack go off for you?

01:14:28 - What's been the most intimidating part of this effort to tackle?

01:17:05 - What is the fabric on the pack?

01:18:05 - What's it like to go from being new to having some reviews to support the product?

01:20:00 - Did you hike with Double Dip?

01:21:54 - Did you have other CDT hikers using your pack?

01:23:30 - Are the packs coming from a manufacturer?

01:26:05 - Have you connected with other manufacturers in the cottage industry?

01:27:30 - Do you have investors?

01:28:40 - What other frustrations do you have with female gear?

01:31:35 - Peak Performance Question: What is your top performance enhancing hack?

Segments

Trek Propaganda:

• Missing Hiker Found Dead on Mount Whitney by Katie Jackson
• REI Announces Mass Layoffs and an End to a Beloved Program by Katie Jackson
• The Best Backpacking Tents for Thru-Hiking in 2025 by the Editors

QOTD: At what point does poop actually start smelling like shit?

Triple Crown of middle aged happiness

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Greg McDaniel, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Mud Tom, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by Jared "Snackbox" Champion. Snackbox is s a hiker, father, and Youtuber who, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Colorado Trail, hiked it almost exclusively with 50 year old gear.

We talk about the process of sourcing this gear, the hardest items to acquire, the least backpacker-friendly items of the bunch, which gear hasn't advanced as much, and how his appreciation for gear has changed in light of this experience. Jared also shares the story of bonding with his now-wife over their shared love of the Colorado Trail, life as a professor, managing ADHD on trail, and much more.

We wrap the show with a last call for Trek Vlogger applications, Chaunce and I share our take on cowboy (and cowgirl) camping, how thin a pancake can be before it's a crepe, and the triple crown of things we've changed our minds on.

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

Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKER20" for 20% off packs at gossamergear.com.

Timeline: Get 33% off your first order at timeline.com/backpacker33.

[divider]

Interview with Jared "Snackbox" Champion

• Jared's Instagram
• Jared's Youtube

Time stamps & Questions

00:05:10 - Reminders: Support us on Patreon, get tickets to our live show in Austin on April 17, and apply to vlog for the Trek!

00:07:45 - Introducing Jared

00:08:15 - What's your trail name origin story?

00:09:50 - What's your favorite dad joke?

00:10:14 - Tell us about your hiking resume

00:11:45 - Tell us about meeting your wife on trail

00:16:34 - Tell us about hiking the Dodson Loop in Big Bend

00:18:33 - Sell Zach on the Collegiate Loop

00:21:50 - Where did this CT hike idea come from?

00:24:30 - Discussion about being a professor

00:27:00 - Discussion about finding sponsors

00:30:55 - Discussion about choosing the shoes

00:32:30 - What pack did you use?

00:35:40 - What tent did you use?

00:38:00 - How did you determine what gear you could cheat on a bit?

00:41:30 - What sleeping bag did you use?

00:44:37 - What did you bring for apparel?

00:45:50 - What was the weight of your pack and how did your mileage change?

00:48:50 - What's your overarching thesis about the hike?

00:52:45 - Do you appreciate ultralight gear more now?

00:55:12 - When does the documentary come out?

00:56:50 - How does ADHD interface with your backpacking experience?

01:03:07 - What fun Colorado Trail history facts do you have?

01:05:02 - Do you know what your next project will be?

01:07:30 - Do you think thru-hiking has curbed any negative symptoms of ADHD?

01:08:40 - Stay Salty Question: What's your hottest take in the world of backpacking?

Segments

Trek Propaganda

• Be Honest. Do Any of You Actually Like Cowboy Camping? By Kelly Floro
• 12,000 Miles and Counting: Peg Leg's Backpacking Gear That Survived the Triple Crown and Beyond by Peg Leg

QOTD: How thin can a pancake be before it becomes a crepe?

Triple Crown of things you've changed your mind on

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Greg McDaniel, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Mud Tom, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek and brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are joined by Vince and Georgie Strawbridge, one-third of the six-person thru-hiking family. We last caught up with the Strawbridges in early 2020, when they were freshly off their hike of the PCT. Since, they've conquered both the CDT and the AT, completing the Triple Crown as a full family.

We dive into the high and lowlights of these treks from the perspectives of Vince (dad) and Georgie (the youngest in the family). They share insights on navigating the CDT during COVID, overcoming multiple bouts of hypothermia, how one Strawbridge daughter managed to hike the CDT despite being severely anemic, why the AT ranked as their least favorite of the Triple Crown trails, hiking the AT as a group of seven (adding another kiddo for this one), some especially serendipitous instances of trail magic, and Vince's unconventional—and hilarious—efforts to convince his wife, Monica, to take on another thru-hike, including a group therapy session with their friends.

We wrap the show with new of a job opening at Backpacker Radio, we ponder how far from a star you should be before it's safe to stare, a FMK of places to get wet, a breakdown of how much more expensive it is to hike the AT these days, and the Triple Crown of human names that sound like they could double as state names.

Topo Athletic: Use code "TREKWINTER15" at topoathletic.com.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKER20" for 20% off packs at gossamergear.com.

[divider]

Interview with Vince & Georgie Strawbridge

• Strawbridge Instagram
• Strawbridge Youtube
• Pretty Good at Walking by Vince Strawbridge

Time stamps & Questions

00:05:34 - Reminders: Apply to join the BPR team or vlog for the Trek, get tickets to our live show in Austin on April 17, and support us on Patreon!

00:11:20 - Introducing Vince & Georgie Strawbridge

00:12:12 - How did Georgie break her leg?

00:13:18 - How old are all the kids now?

00:15:00 - How has your interest in hiking changed since you were last on the podcast?

00:16:06 - How do you feel about hiking as a kid?

00:18:49 - How did you find time to write the book?

00:25:25 - What did you learn through writing the book?

00:28:20 - Did Zach & Chaunce find parallels between hiking and writing?

00:32:20 - Now that you're older, have you noticed hiking feeling different?

00:33:50 - How did you decide on the CDT next?

00:39:27 - How should Zach get his kids to like hiking?

00:43:40 - What was the result of the group referee sessions?

00:45:45 - What are some highlights of the first part of the trail?

00:48:35 - How did you manage the logistics after the first 400 miles?

00:51:00 - What was your dog encounter?

00:52:50 - How did you manage schooling on trail?

00:54:53 - What were some cool stories that overlapped with the trail?

00:59:40 - How does your homeschooling curriculum interact with applying to college?

01:03:10 - What do you want to do when you grow up?

01:04:10 - Tell us about the time you took too much Benadryl

01:07:35 - What was the tent breakup on the CDT?

01:09:22 - What was your level of enjoyment on the CDT?

01:10:30 - Did you notice your own growth between the trails?

01:11:27 - What's the dynamic between you and your siblings?

01:14:20 - Tell us about the September storm

01:20:20 - Do you ever have meetings without Vince?

01:24:00 - Discussion about finding out June was anemic

01:26:50 - Were you hesitant to have June join you on the AT?

01:27:52 - How did you decide to go northbound on the AT?

01:29:17 - What was it like going from the CDT during covid to the AT northbound?

01:34:00 - How did you weigh the pros and cons of hiking as a large group?

01:38:20 - Did you get any negative comments online?

01:43:26 - Did it feel like you were in easy mode on the AT?

01:47:30 - Story about running out of food

01:49:50 - What was it like getting your first real trail magic experience?

01:54:40 - Did someone get trench foot on this hike?

01:55:30 - What was it like to reach the sign on Katahdin?

01:57:45 - How has the Triple Crown experience changed your kids?

02:01:30 - Would you want to be homeschooled again?

02:04:45 - Give us the highlights of the Great Divide Trail

02:08:15 - Who handles cold water better?

02:09:13 - What was it like navigating the fire season?

02:13:18 - Is the hitching culture different in Canada?

02:14:10 - Tell us about your plans for 2025?

02:16:39 - Peak Performance Question: What's your top performance enhancing hack?

Segments

Trek Propaganda

• Is It Getting More Expensive To Thru-Hike the Appalachian Trail? by Kelly Floro
• Thru-Hiking With Eczema (and How My Body Surprised Me Along the Way) by Amanda Campbell

QOTD: How far from a star must you be to be safe to stare?

Triple Crown of (human) names that sound like they could be names of states

Fuck Marry Kill: Places to get wet

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Greg McDaniel, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Mud Tom, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett A, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined yet again by Kyle O'Grady of Kyle Hates Hiking for our 2nd live podcast, recorded at the Skylark Lounge in Denver. This episode is action-packed. We kick off the episode by shaving Viking's beard. The beard shaving is the ultimate entertainment, we encourage you to check this one out on YouTube.

Kyle then shares an exclusive trail mystery about a local Colorado man who disappeared while pursuing another man who also vanished under mysterious circumstances. We also talk shop about YouTube, discussing how Kyle has grown his channel to over half a million subscribers, and he breaks down some of the most intriguing mysteries he's covered in the past year. And we take some questions from the audience.

We wrap the show by debating the largest animal we could take in a fight, the Triple Crown of Euphemisms for Masturbating, acknowledging the ceiling's butt plugs, and much more.

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

Gossamer Gear: Use code "SNUGGLEBUG" for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com.

Sierra Club Outings: Use code "BACKPACKER" for $100 off at outings.sierraclub.org.

Timeline: Get 33% off your first order at timeline.com/backpacker33.

[divider]

Interview with Kyle O'Grady

• Kyle's Instagram
• Kyle's Youtube

Time stamps & Questions

00:07:00 - The Shaving of the Beard

00:19:20 - Reminders: Subscribe to our newsletter, get tickets to our live show in Austin on April 17, and support us on Patreon!

00:20:53 - Introducing Kyle

00:23:30 - What has led to the growth in your channel over the past year?

00:26:55 - Kyle's new outdoors mystery

00:56:15 - How many trail mysteries have you covered thus far? What are the themes?

01:01:28 - What are the meanest things people say about you?

01:03:15 - Discussion about Youtube thumbnails and strategy

01:05:55 - Do you really hate hiking?

01:11:20 - A second trail story from Kyle!

01:21:25 - When are you hiking the CDT?

01:23:10 - How long does each portion of a Youtube video take?

01:27:30 - How did your PCT miles go this year?

01:31:55 - Should hikers prepare their own missing posters?

01:35:10 - What are your favorite ultralight jerk pro tips?

01:40:28 - What inspired you to start your Youtube channel?

01:45:00 - What's your most popular video and why do you think that is?

01:46:35 - What is your most overrated ultralight luxury?

01:48:05 - Are you planning to hike the AZT?

01:49:35 - Discussion about desert hiking

01:52:25 - How do you keep your hobby separate from your job?

01:55:50 - Stay Salty Question: What's your hottest take in the world of backpacking?

Segments

QOTD: What's the largest animal you could beat in a fight?

Triple Crown of euphemisms for masturbating

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Mud Tom, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, we're joined by Patrice and Justin La Vigne. Over the past decade-plus, Patrice and Justin have traded their corporate grind for, in their words, "a life less ordinary." From their first thru-hike of the AT in 2011 (drink), to managing a hostel, embarking on multiple van tours to spread the thru-hiking gospel, thru-hiking the TA in New Zealand, and now living in a 300-square-foot cabin on the outskirts of Denali National Park in Alaska—they've done it all.

We dive into how they restructured their lives around adventure, what it's really like living in a tiny cabin in remote Alaska, why moose are jerks, the challenges of thru-hiking with Crohn's, and much more.

We wrap the show with the story of a man accused of staging a bear attack to cover up a murder, what the funniest sounding fart is (and introducing Chaunce to the world of covering your farts), and the triple crown of New Year's Resolutions.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "SNUGGLEBUG" for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com.

CTDC: Donate $35 or more or sign up for monthly donations at cdtcoalition.org.

PATH Projects: Use code "THETREK10" for 10% off at pathprojects.com/thetrek.

[divider]

Interview with Patrice & Justin La Vigne

• Patrice & Justin's Website
• Patrice & Justin's Instagram

Time stamps & Questions

00:03:30 - Reminders: Support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content AND ad-free episodes and apply to be a 2025 blogger OR vlogger! And grab a ticket to our live show in Austin on April 17!

00:10:00 - Introducing Patrice and Justin La Vigne

00:11:00 - What was the inspiration to hike the AT in 2011?

00:14:25 - What's the school experience like at ASU and Disney University?

00:19:53 - Tell us about your shakedown hike on the Long Trail

00:23:30 - Why did you decide to go southbound?

00:28:00 - What was your standout insect story on the AT?

00:31:37 - How did the AT lead to your "life less ordinary"?

00:34:20 - What other Disney skills did you carry over to running a hostel?

00:37:46 - At what point did you decide not to return to your careers?

00:48:17 - Which is more glamorous, the van or the hostel?

00:53:00 - How did you end up on the Te Araroa?

00:57:40 - What stood out about the people and culture of New Zealand?

01:01:10 - How long were you in New Zealand?

01:02:37 - What did you between the TA and your van tour?

01:07:30 - Is it more rewarding to travel around doing education than selling gear?

01:10:25 - Tell us about moving to a dry cabin in Alaska

01:18:04 - How do you handle not having running water?

01:22:10 - How do you manage the outhouse?

01:23:20 - What is the town like?

01:25:29 - What is the winter like?

01:29:10 - How do you prevent getting cabin fever in the winter?

01:31:00 - How do you get internet?

01:34:30 - Discussion about the yurt and Alaska amenities

01:35:40 - Have you climbed Denali?

01:44:00 - Discussion about Justin's Crohn's disease

01:46:02 - Tell us more about Crohn's disease on the AT

01:48:32 - Discussion about carrying everything out on Denali

01:52:02 - Do you foresee returning to the corporate lifestyle?

01:54:02 - What's the next chapter for you?

01:57:40 - Discussion about grizzly bears and moose

02:04:07 - Do you hear stories of people getting attacked?

02:06:58 - Where can people keep up with you?

Segments

Trek Propaganda: Man Accused of Staging Fake Bear Attack To Cover Up a Murder Has Been Arrested by Kelly Floro

QOTD: What is the funniest-sounding fart?

Wedding Dress of the Week

Triple Crown of New Year's resolutions

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Mud Tom, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, we are joined by Carson Oliver, known on trail as Anita. Carson is an accomplished thru-hiker, cyclist, and adventurer. Following up his 2019 PCT thru-hike, Carson completed the Calendar Year Triple Crown in 2023. We of course learn all about this remarkable trek, his circuitous route to make it happen, highlights and lowlights from each trail, and much more. Carson also shares some personal stories, including the tragic loss of his father, who was murdered, and how this has shaped his perspective on life.

We wrap the show with news of the oldest woman to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail and a clarification of what it means to thru-hike the AT, and things we wish were holiday traditions, and the triple crown of cringy holiday moments.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "SNUGGLEBUG" for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com.

Holiday Book Bundle: Get Badger & Chaunce's signed book package here.

CTDC: Donate $35 or more or sign up for monthly donations at cdtcoalition.org.

Duer: Get 20% off your first purchase at shopduer.com/backpacker.

[divider]

Interview with Carson Oliver

• Carson's Instagram

Time stamps & Questions

00:03:30 - Reminders: Support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content and apply to be a 2025 blogger OR vlogger!

00:06:05 - Introducing Carson

00:08:45 - How would you describe yourself?

00:10:22 - Where did you grow up?

00:14:27 - Where do you suspect your sense of adventure came from?

00:16:15 - Did you ride motorbikes in Vietnam?

00:18:20 - Did you find the north to south journey to be dangerous?

00:20:40 - How did your father's death influence your future adventures?

00:24:38 - How did the PCT interface with processing your grief?

00:26:00 - Tell us about hitting a deer at 75 miles per hour

00:31:20 - Were you afraid to get back on a bike after the accident?

00:36:36 - Tell us about getting your hiking gear in Vietnam

00:40:30 - What'd you get rid of during your hike?

00:41:12 - What was it like to hike through the Sierra during a high snow year?

00:45:00 - Was it hard to split your group in the Sierras?

00:47:40 - Were you happy or sad to reach the end of the snow?

00:49:30 - Tell us about biking across the country

00:53:00 - Were you nervous to mountain bike after the deer accident?

00:55:40 - How do you assess the risk level of mountain biking vs motorcycles?

00:57:22 - How long did your ride take and what route did you take?

01:01:20 - How did your biking experience compare to the PCT?

01:03:00 - Why'd you stop being vegan?

01:04:02 - What was the inspiration for the Calendar Year Triple Crown?

01:07:35 - When and where did you start the trail?

01:13:00 - Was leaving Vermont the first time Type 1 or Type 2 fun?

01:15:45 - Were you stressed out going through the Whites?

01:18:18 - Tell us about being on Franconia Ridge

01:22:40 - Did you sleep in the huts in the Whites?

01:23:30 - How did southern Maine compare to the Whites?

01:25:30 - How was completing the AT and moving to the next trail?

01:30:30 - Did you hike southbound on the CDT and PCT?

01:33:30 - What stories standout from the CDT?

01:35:50 - Did you use your umbrella more for rain or sun?

01:38:00 - Did you ever get the doldrums during your CYTC?

01:40:45 - Any good poop stories?

01:43:35 - What was it like hiking north on the PCT?

01:44:52 - Were you relieved to complete the Sierras?

01:48:15 - What was the highlight of your year?

01:51:05 - Do you have any advice for someone interested in the CYTC?

01:53:40 - Fuck Marry Kill: PCT, CDT, AT and backpacking, motorbiking, and mountain biking

01:55:15 - Kumo Question: What is your favorite historical period and why?

Segments

Trek Propaganda: Linda "Nana" Vanderloop Just Became the Oldest Woman To Thru-Hike the Appalachian Trail by Kelly Floro

QOTD: What do you wish was a holiday tradition?

Triple Crown of cringy holiday moments

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Mud Tom, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, we're joined by Alison Kondler, an Audubon Master Birder—or as we like to call it, a certified bird guru. Alison wows us with her eerily accurate bird calls and shares her immense birding knowledge. We chat about the rarest birds you can spot in Colorado, the best apps for bird identification, why the American Ornithological Society (AOS) is renaming North American birds that are named after people, how to squirrel-proof your bird feeder, tips for turning your yard into a borderline bird sanctuary, and she finally settles the debate on whether birds are in fact government drones. If you're a bird lover—or even bird curious—this episode is for you.

We wrap the show with a lively debate about whether thru-hiking belongs in the Olympics, the triple crown of underrated wildlife, a former guest obliterating the Arizona Trail FKT, and a generous dose of shameless self-promotion.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "SNUGGLEBUG" for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com.

Holiday Book Bundle: Get Badger & Chaunce's signed book package here.

Sierra Club Outings: Use code "BACKPACKER" for $100 off at outings.sierraclub.org.

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

[divider]

Interview with Alison Kondler

• Alison's Instagram
• Alison's Facebook
• Alison's TikTok
• Alison's Youtube
• Alison's LinkedIn

Time stamps & Questions

00:03:30 - Reminders: Support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content and apply to be a 2025 blogger OR vlogger!

00:11:14 - Introducing Alison

00:11:50 - What is an Audubon Master Birder?

00:13:45 - What does someone do with this certification?

00:15:10 - Was your family very into birds?

00:16:07 - When did you first interact with birds?

00:17:10 - What's the outcome of interacting with birds?

00:20:30 - How long did it take you for your calls to be indistinguishable from birds?

00:22:20 - Can you make other animal sounds?

00:25:19 - What are the most common birds you'll hear in Colorado?

00:27:45 - What are the rarest birds you'll hear in Colorado?

00:29:40 - Discussion about the common ages of birders

00:30:37 - What's your take on the movie The Big Ear?

00:31:50 - How do you prove that you've seen all the birds you claim?

00:32:57 - What Colorado birds would people travel from out of state to see?

00:33:50 - What's your take on pet birds?

00:34:17 - Which birds are the asshole birds?

00:35:44 - What's the easiest bird call to teach to others?

00:37:40 - How do you pick the right bird feeder for your yard?

00:39:35 - On a scale of 1 to 10, where do you stand on squirrels?

00:41:45 - What is the prettiest bird call?

00:43:20 - Bird call trivia

00:45:35 - How do you get rid of woodpeckers on your house?

00:47:40 - What's your view on crows?

00:49:30 - Are you familiar with bird folklore?

00:51:05 - Bird call trivia round 2

00:53:05 - Why is the American Ornithological Society changing the names of many birds?

00:57:55 - What's some hot gossip in the bird world?

00:59:20 - What makes a good area to go birding?

01:00:45 - What are some fun facts about ducks?

01:02:10 - Fuck Marry Kill: Ducks, geese, swans

01:03:50 - Aside from Colorado, where else do you love to watch birds?

01:05:00 - What's your best bird story?

01:07:00 - Discussion about rescuing birds

01:08:55 - What's the best birding app?

01:10:30 - Are there any endangered birds in Colorado?

01:11:50 - Are there any organizations dedicated to preserving birds?

01:12:48 - Do you think there's more to owls than meets the eye?

01:13:40 - Do you think birds might be drones?

01:15:10 - What makes the best bird ecosystem in your backyard?

01:16:47 - Discussion about European starlings

01:19:16 - What bird product is a total scam?

01:21:45 - Any good tips for hummingbird feeders?

01:23:58 - If you could pick one bird to fill the world with, which one would you pick?

01:24:20 - Do you have a strong stance on wind turbines?

01:25:30 - How can people minimize harm to birds in their yard?

01:26:30 - Tell us about your social media following

01:27:53 - What are the best flowers for hummingbirds?

01:29:20 - What are the most common questions you get on social media?

01:31:01 - Kumo Question: What is the strangest dream you've ever had?

01:32:32 - What upcoming events are you hosting?

Segments

Trek Propaganda

• Nick Fowler Decimates Fastest Known Time on the Arizona Trail by Katie Jackson
• The Backpacker and Hiker Gift Guide: Under $50 by the Editors

QOTD: Should thru-hiking be an Olympic sport?

Triple Crown of underrated wildlife

Mail Bag (Wade's Adventures)

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Mud Tom, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Madison Blagden, known on trail as Peg Leg. Peg Leg is a thru-hiking powerhouse and a Trek blogging all-star. Over the past 1.5 years, Madison has logged 8,600 miles while cranking out nearly 300 blogs, documenting almost every single day of her journeys on the Eastern Continental Trail and the CDT.

Peg Leg dives deep into her epic ECT adventure, including how she became just the second woman to complete the entire trail. We get into the nitty-gritty of the International AT, dealing with creepy fellas in Florida, and the time she drank booze through her hiking sock.

Madison also gives us the lowdown on her CDT hike this year, sharing a terrifying story of a near-death flash flood experience, what it's like to be recognized on trail so often, and her big hiking plans for 2025.

We wrap the show with a fuck marry kills of oceans rivers and lakes, the triple crown of genie wishes, and we're blessed with a wonderful listener poop story.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "SNUGGLEBUG" for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com.

Holiday Book Bundle: Get Badger & Chaunce's signed book package here.

[divider]

Interview with Madison "Peg Leg" Blagden

• Peg Leg's Trek Profile
• Peg Leg's Instagram
• Peg Leg's Youtube

Time stamps & Questions

00:04:00 - Reminders: Support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content and apply to be a 2025 blogger!

00:09:00 - Introducing Peg Leg

00:09:50 - How many blog posts have you written for the Trek?

00:10:51 - What's your process for blogging?

00:15:15 - What's your preference between writing and videos?

00:16:00 - How did you end up on the PCT in 2017?

00:18:50 - What were some of your first time backpacking mistakes?

00:21:05 - Was it hard to get off in the middle of the trail?

00:23:20 - Discussion about going through the Sierra in 2017

00:25:30 - Tell us about doing the PCT in 2022

00:28:40 - How long did your IT band issue persist?

00:30:20 - How did your gear evolve from 2017 to 2022?

00:33:12 - Tell us about your initial hiking vision for 2023

00:36:00 - What were your first impressions of hiking in the east?

00:37:30 - Was it hard to incorporate blogging into your day during the hike?

00:41:00 - What stands out to you from your AT hike?

00:44:00 - Tell us about getting norovirus

00:46:02 - Discussion about trail magic

00:47:50 - What does it mean to be on time for the hunting season?

00:49:27 - How did you decide to do the international portion?

00:50:55 - How did you go from Katahdin to the Canadian border?

00:52:28 - Was it hard to go from hiking with people to hiking alone?

00:54:00 - Is there a FarOut map for the IAT?

00:56:00 - What were the towns like?

00:57:50 - You saw a hiker with a cat?

00:59:15 - You saw a Canadian lynx?

01:01:00 - Tell us about seeing a caribou

01:05:00 - Discussion about using ropes

01:06:35 - Reindeer facts

01:08:13 - Did you hike the IAT with a partner?

01:09:40 - What was your week off like in Canada?

01:11:16 - What's your go to town meal?

01:12:45 - Tell us about the island hopping portion of the IAT

01:14:30 - How did the vibe of your hike change once you joined with more people?

01:17:00 - When did you decide to go back to do the Florida portion?

01:18:45 - Discussion about Peg Leg's injury

01:19:50 - How long was the Canadian portion of the IAT and how long did it take you?

01:21:35 - When did you start the Pinhoti and when did you get to Key West?

01:24:30 - Discussion about road walking through Alabama

01:25:30 - Did you adjust to the road walking okay?

01:27:20 - Tell us about reaching the Florida Trail

01:29:00 - Tell us about being followed on the trail

01:40:50 - Is being trail famous a net positive or a net negative?

01:41:26 - What would you want to relay to any fans of yours?

01:46:20 - Do you have any advice for people who want to do their hike publicly?

01:48:24 - Tell us about falling in deep water on the Florida Trail

01:52:00 - How do you know if something is in the water or not?

01:55:45 - What should you do if you get attacked by an alligator?

01:58:50 - Did you see any scary animals?

02:00:28 - What was it like to finish in Key West?

02:01:48 - Tell us about doing a sock-ey at the end of your hike

02:04:02 - How did you feel at the end, and had you already planned to hike the CDT?

02:07:57 - Did anybody recognize you while you were off trail?

02:08:19 - How did you decide to go southbound on the CDT and find your group?

02:09:45 - Tell us about the beginning of the CDT

02:11:25 - What are your standout stories from the CDT?

02:12:30 - Tell us about your dicey moment in the Winds?

02:16:04 - How did your group fluctuate over the trail?

02:18:19 - Tell us about your flash flood moment on the CDT

02:25:55 - Was that the scariest moment of your thru-hiking career?

02:26:50 - Was the end of the CDT anticlimatic?

02:27:34 - What's next for you?

02:30:12 - Are you excited about your future plans or nervous?

02:31:27 - Kumo Question: What is your favorite movie soundtrack?

Segments

Trek Propaganda: You'll Kick Yourself if You Make Any of These Common Thru-Hiker Mistakes by Kelly Floro

QOTD: Fuck Marry Kill: Oceans, rivers, lakes

Triple Crown of genie wishes

Listener Voicemail (and leave us your own!)

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Mud Tom, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek we are joined once again by our pal and backpacking legend, Andrew Skurka. We cover a host of new subjects including the future of dedicated satellite communicators with smartphones introducing satellite texting capabilities, what he foresees for the fate of rain gear in light of the move away from PFAS, how the first season of guiding trips went in Yellowstone, his favorite backpacking destinations in each of the lower 48s four time zones, and he gives Chaunce a live, in-person questionnaire to match her with the appropriate backpacking route, like an old school Facebook quiz. We're also joined by Andrew's wife, Amanda, and we chat about more relationship and personal topics like what it's like for your spouse to be in the backcountry for several months of the year, the challenging decision between having kids or not, the benefits of a DINK lifestyle, and much more. This is a wide-ranging conversation, from technical backpacking subjects to more intimate, personal topics, and I think and hope you'll really enjoy it.

We wrap the show with how one unlucky hiker realized Badger's near fate of being wedged between boulders for several hours in pursuit of her phone, our biggest low stakes conspiracy theories, Chaunce ran a marathon, and the triple crown of cocktails.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "SNUGGLEBUG" for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com.

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

Trailbrush: Use code "TREK20" for 20% off trailbrush.com.

[divider]

Interview with Andrew Skurka

• Skurka's Website
• Skurka's Instagram

Time stamps & Questions

00:02:50 - Reminders: Help us make Jabba shave his beard, support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content, join us in Denver on December 7th and apply to be a 2025 blogger!

00:08:52 - Introducing Skurka

00:10:10 - What's your take on PFAS leaching from GoreTex?

00:16:07 - Do you sleep with your food?

00:19:39 - What are your thoughts on bear canisters on the AT?

00:20:20 - How were the first trips out of Yellowstone?

00:23:22 - Discussion about fitness level on Skurka's trip applications

00:26:56 - Chaunce's sample application

00:32:51 - If you had one week to backpack in each of the four time zones in the lower 48, where would you go and why?

00:40:00 - Discussion about birds

00:45:20 - What are Skurka's other hobbies?

00:48:06 - What are the top three shoes to get you through a year?

00:52:35 - Pacific Time zone backpacking

00:53:30 - Do you have any trips in the Cascades or Olympics next year?

00:54:50 - How experienced do you have to be to do the Wind River High Route?

00:59:58 - Best toilet paper alternatives

01:05:50 - What was your reaction when you first learned about the backcountry bidet?

01:06:45 - How much do you backpack together?

01:12:00 - How did you two meet?

01:19:00 - Discussion about Skurka's risk tolerance

01:21:38 - What's Amanda's perspective on satellite communication from home?

01:23:55 - How many days would Amanda want Andrew to be traveling?

01:25:44 - Do you foresee phasing yourself out of the guiding trips?

01:27:00 - Discussion about relationship dynamics

01:32:05 - What's your take on iPhones' new satellite texting feature?

01:40:00 - What's a new Skurka hot take?

01:45:50 - What happened with GoLite?

01:53:40 - How did you decide not to have kids?

02:01:05 - What are the advantages of a DINK lifestyle?

02:12:50 - What advice would you give to someone trying to decide whether to have kids?

02:18:58 - What trips are open for 2025?

02:21:00 - Which of your guides do you want to shout out?

02:26:05 - Do you still have the scholarship program?

02:36:35 - What signature trips are offered in 2025?

02:30:10 - Kumo Question: What is the one skill you wish you had mastered? What's the weirdest job you ever had?

Segments

Trek Propaganda

• Hiker Trying To Retrieve Dropped Phone Spends 7 Hours Wedged Upside Down in a Crevice by Katie Jackson
• CDT Thru-Hike Stats: Showers Make Thru-Hikers Sad and Other Data-Driven Insights From the Trail by Katie Jackson

QOTD: What's your biggest low-stakes conspiracy theory?

Stupid Thing of the Week

Triple Crown of cocktails

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Mud Tom, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, and Ruth S.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by thru-hiker and Trek Writer, Katie Jackson, known on trail as Double Dip. Katie gives us an in depth breakdown of her recent thru-hike of the Continental Divide Trail, including why she advocates that hikers not take the Creede cutoff, her experience of a wild storm so intense that lightning struck and killed nearby cows, the challenge of losing her hiking partner early on, hiking on an injured foot for hundreds of miles- and how it was miraculously healed in some hot springs, waking up to grizzles in her camp, and much more. Katie also gives some of her backpacking hot takes, including how the Colorado Trail is superior to the JMT.

We wrap the show with whether it'll be possible to thru-hike the AT in 2025, the incredible phenomenon that is Frito feet, my new depressing thing of the week, and the triple crown of places where a long trail should exist.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "SNUGGLEBUG" for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com.

Trailbrush: Use code "TREK20" for 20% off trailbrush.com.

[divider]

Interview with Katie "Double Dip" Jackson

• Katie's Trek author page
• Katie's Instagram

Time stamps & Questions

00:02:46 - Reminders: Help us make Jabba shave his beard, support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content, join us in Denver on December 7th and apply to be a 2025 blogger!

00:07:55 - Introducing Katie

00:08:40 - What's your outdoors origin story?

00:11:15 - What's your 9 to 5?

00:14:24 - Would you recommend consulting to people interested in thru-hiking?

00:16:05 - How does your engineering brain manifest while hiking?

00:18:37 - Did you plan anything on the Colorado Trail that you did not plan for the CDT?

00:19:30 - How many boxes did you send yourself on the CDT?

00:21:35 - What other regrets do you have from hiking the Colorado Trail?

00:27:07 - How did your eating strategy evolve over the CT?

00:31:00 - Discussion about the Cochetopa section of the CT

00:36:12 - What led you to the John Muir Trail in 2023?

00:38:02 - Which trail is better between the CT and JMT?

00:40:00 - Why didn't you love the Winds?

00:41:18 - Was your dad okay with you doing the CDT in 2024?

00:42:10 - Did you ever have any issues with satellite messages not going through?

00:43:35 - How was New Mexico?

00:44:40 - Tell us about losing your hiking partner early on

00:49:54 - Would you feel comfortable starting the CDT alone now?

00:52:45 - How was the water in New Mexico?

01:02:45 - How would you rate New Mexico 1 out of 10?

01:05:00 - How much snow did you encounter?

01:08:10 - When did you use your ice axe?

01:10:30 - Were most people getting beaten up?

01:14:30 - What advice do you have to avoid silly mistakes?

01:18:35 - What were your top 5 snacks?

01:21:20 - Discussion about Katie's backpack

01:23:25 - Tell us about the next stretch of trail and your foot injury

01:26:45 - What was the diagnosis from the doctor?

01:28:35 - Story about stopping in Granby

01:33:00 - How did your foot eventually heal?

01:35:40 - Tell us about taking the cutoff around Rocky Mountain National Park

01:36:50 - If you did the CDT again, would you do any different alternates?

01:38:45 - Did you experience judgment because you hadn't done another long trail before?

01:42:00 - Discussion about unsolicited advice

01:43:30 - How was the mental aspect of the trail compared to your expectations?

01:45:00 - Tell us about Wyoming and adding whimsy to the trail

01:48:25 - Why didn't you love the Winds?

01:49:27 - Tell us about the Idaho-Montana border

01:51:50 - Would you do the trail again SOBO?

01:53:05 - Tell us about almost getting hit by lightning

02:01:20 - What was the best trail magic of the CDT?

02:05:05 - Tell us about the Montana section

02:06:37 - How did you manage your long distance relationship?

02:08:10 - Did Montana meet your expectations?

02:11:50 - Did you see any grizzlies?

02:14:47 - What was it like to get to the terminus?

02:17:36 - Kumo Question: What is your favorite book and why?

02:20:17 - Where can people follow you?

Segments

Trek Propaganda

• Will It Even Be Possible To Thru-Hike the AT in 2025? by Kelly Floro
• Why I'm NEVER Hiking in a Dress Again by Kelly Floro

QOTD: Do you know about Frito feet?

Depressing Thing of the Week

Triple Crown of where a long trail should be

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

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Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Mud Tom, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, and Ruth S.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we're joined by Bennett "Jolly" Fisher, the founder and visionary behind Jolly Gear. We learn all about Jolly's entry into backpacking, including his first thru-hike at just 18 years old alongside his dad, hiking 300 miles of the PCT on a broken ankle, and some hilariously embarrassing Jabba stories from their recent hike on the CDT. We, of course, dive deep into his apparel company, Jolly Gear, and how he's flipped the thru-hiking fashion world on its head with his unique sun hoodie button-downs. We chat about the biggest challenges associated with running an apparel business, how a misunderstanding lead to his early signature design, how he manages the business while backpacking, his process for sourcing new designs, and much more.

We close the show with the triple crown of cringeworthy things, a discussion of what should be free but isn't, an impromptu drop-in from Jabba, and an AT conditions update courtesy of Quadzilla.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "SNUGGLEBUG" for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com.

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

Trailbrush: Use code "TREK20" for 20% off trailbrush.com.

[divider]

Interview with Bennett "Jolly" Fisher

• Jolly Gear Website
• Jolly Gear Instagram

Time stamps & Questions

00:02:50 - Reminders: Help us make Jabba shave his beard, support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content, join us in Denver on December 7th and apply to be a 2025 blogger!

00:08:00 - Introducing Jolly

00:12:38 - We Love Love: Tell us your engagement story

00:16:05 - What was your entry into backpacking?

00:21:20 - Did you consider quitting early on in the AT hike?

00:23:00 - What was your social experience like on the AT?

00:24:15 - How'd you get your trail name?

00:27:00 - Has your dad hiked again since the AT?

00:28:30 - How did your parents support you starting out on the PCT?

00:30:15 - At what point did you get into shirt research?

00:33:00 - How far did you get on the PCT in 2017?

00:34:00 - Why'd you get off the trail in 2017?

00:39:10 - Tell us about your foot injury in 2021

00:45:42 - Are you still adjusting your footwear?

00:50:13 - At what point did you first want to design a hiking shirt?

00:53:00 - Discussion about the Outdoor Product Development program

00:56:14 - Did your first shirt have your signature design?

01:01:12 - Do you get good feedback about having women's sizes?

01:02:00 - Was there anything functionally different between your prototype and what was on the market?

01:05:09 - How did the style evolve?

01:11:00 - Are all the shirts the same UPF?

01:12:23 - What material is the shirt?

01:15:23 - Have you ever thought about making shorts?

01:19:40 - What's your day to day like?

01:21:40 - Do you have a vision for where you want the brand to be in 5 years?

01:24:54 - Are you planning to ever use the snap buttons?

01:27:00 - Discussion about pursuing a denim shirt

01:29:50 - How do you decide on future patterns?

01:30:54 - What's the biggest challenge of your job?

01:32:43 - Have you seen other brands imitating some of your patterns?

01:34:50 - What's the best Jabba story you have?

01:44:40 - Kumo Question: What is the one thing you wish you were better at?

01:47:13 - What's next for you?

Segments

Trek Propaganda:

• Trek for Trevor: Get 20% off a pair of microspikes before you hike through the San Jacinto Mountains on the PCT.
• Jack "Quadzilla" Jones: On-the-Ground Hurricane Helene Status Update and 2025 Predictions by Kelly Floro

QOTD: What should be free but isn't?

Triple Crown of cringy things

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Mud Tom, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, and Ruth S.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Shari Edelson. Shari is a PhD student researching human impacts in wilderness areas, specifically the impacts of human dookie in the backcountry. We chat about in which circumstances wagbags are warranted, the challenges with compliance when they are, when it's perfectly okay to bury your shit, and how future conservation efforts should be allocated to making this easier to understand for hikers. We also chat about Shari's thru-hike of the TA and are blessed with some plant fun facts, stemming from their background as a horticulturist.

We wrap the show with how to score the most competitive long trail permits in 2025, if farts are pushing out poop or if poop is pushing out farts, and the triple crown of things that happen all the time but no one sees.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "SNUGGLEBUG" for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com.

Duer: Get 20% off your first purchase at shopduer.com/backpacker.

[divider]

Interview with Shari Edelson

• Shari's Trek author page
• Shari's email: sedelson@psu.edu

Time stamps & Questions

00:02:27 - Reminders: Support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content, join us in Denver on December 7th and apply to be a 2025 blogger!

00:07:00 - Introducing Shari

00:08:05 - What's the coolest plant fact you know?

00:11:30 - Do you have a favorite house plant?

00:13:16 - Tell us about your career managing public landscapes and gardens

00:16:40 - Is there a different soil type for a vegetable garden versus an arboretum?

00:17:40 - What tips do you have for someone who wants to start a vegetable garden?

00:20:20 - Tell us about hiking the Te Araroa in 2023

00:24:15 - What's your elevator pitch for hiking northbound on the Te Araroa?

00:27:15 - Discussion about Shari blogging for the Trek on the TA

00:28:40 - What's your background in studying poop?

00:35:00 - What were your interviews like on Longs Peak?

00:37:22 - Do people poop on day hikes?

00:42:22 - What did you learn about how many people were burying it?

00:46:20 - Discussion about the usage of wag bags

00:52:00 - What do you know about mycelium tabs?

00:55:06 - What was the conclusion of the Mt. Elbert study?

00:57:40 - Would it be feasible to have maps of poop zones?

00:59:37 - Has this been evaluated on backpacking trails?

01:02:40 - What's the next phase of the study?

01:04:20 - Discussion about where to carry out wag bags

01:06:53 - What do you want the listener's take away to be?

01:10:15 - Kumo Question: If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Segments

Trek Propaganda: How To Score 9 of the Most Competitive US Hiking Permits in 2025 by Ariella Nardizzi

QOTD: Are farts pushing out poop or is poop pushing out farts?

Triple Crown of things that happen all the time but no one sees

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Old Man Murph's Coffee Roasters, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, and Ruth S.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we're joined by Tara Dower, the new holder of overall Fastest Known Time on the Appalachian Trail. Tara gives us the low down on every aspect of her recent record-breaking trek, including how she fell wildly behind pace after the first two states, her nutrition, her sleep habits (or lack thereof), how vital her crew was in her success, the criticism she's faced for "hiking too fast", running a 100-mile race just a few weeks prior to the attempt, and much more. Tara also goes into more depth on her backpacking and FKT background and we subject her to a pair of brutally awkward fornicate, marry, kill questions. Fun times all around. We wrap the show with our triple crown of guilty pleasure songs, a stupid thing of the week (Zach hurts himself again), and the most unrealistic thing we thought we could be when we were kids.

Raise $10,000 and the Real Hiking Viking Will Do the Unthinkable…

Topo Athletic: Use code "THETREK15" at topoathletic.com.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "SNUGGLEBUG" for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com.

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

[divider]

Interview with Tara "Candy Mama" Dower

• Tara's Instagram
• Tara's Website
• Tara's Youtube

Time stamps & Questions

00:05:55 - Reminders: Support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content, join us in Denver on December 7th and apply to be a 2025 blogger!

00:07:55 - Introducing Tara

00:09:29 - Are you still recovering?

00:10:45 - What mantras did you have?

00:13:00 - What was your origin story in the outdoors?

00:17:12 - When did you decide to pursue the Mountains to Sea Trail FKT?

00:19:00 - Did you impress yourself at that moment?

00:21:30 - Tell us about getting off the AT because of anxiety

00:23:05 - How do you manage anxiety during an FKT attempt?

00:24:25 - Were you tough growing up?

00:26:45 - What inspired you to want to continue pursuing FKTs?

00:29:55 - Tell us about the John Muir Trail

00:31:20 - What part of running do you dislike the most?

00:32:30 - Tell us about the Benton MacKaye Trail FKT

00:34:40 - Tell us about the Colorado Trail FKT

00:36:20 - Discussion about support classifications

00:40:25 - How do you deal with critics?

00:44:30 - How did the Colorado Trail change your outlook on future FKTs?

00:46:00 - When did you decide to go after the AT FKT?

00:48:38 - Did you initially plan to beat the overall record?

00:50:08 - Were you intimidated by others who tried and failed to beat the record?

00:51:30 - Did you notice a transition in social media as you were running?

00:55:18 - Why did your anxiety influence which direction you went?

00:57:20 - How long before you started was the Hard Rock?

01:00:00 - What was it like going through Mahoosuc Notch at FKT pace?

01:01:44 - Tell us about being behind pace at first

01:05:27 - How did your crew chief motivate you?

01:07:03 - Did you ever disagree about decisions?

01:08:00 - How much of a trail was solo or with a pacer?

01:09:50 - What was your adjustment like after the FKT?

01:12:45 - How has your nutrition changed over the years?

01:18:55 - Did you have any near injuries?

01:19:40 - Can you pinpoint a low moment?

01:23:30 - Did you hallucinate?

01:26:45 - Tell us about your average mileage and sleep during the FKT

01:30:40 - Is Rascal's position a paid position?

01:31:34 - Did you have any paid sponsorship during this run?

01:32:26 - When did you know you had it?

01:35:02 - Did you conceptualize how big of a deal it was going to be?

01:36:35 - Tell us about raising money for Girls on the Run

01:38:20 - Fuck Marry Kill: thru-hiking, FKTs, ultraracing

01:39:31 - Fuck Marry Kill: Outside Magazine, Washington Post, The Trek

01:40:34 - Kumo Question: What's something you've always wanted to try but haven't had the courage to do yet?

Segments

Trek Propaganda: Tara Dower Sets Overall Fastest Known Time on Appalachian Trail by Kelly Floro

QOTD: What is the most unrealistic thing you thought you could be when you were a kid?

Stupid Thing of the Week

Triple Crown of guilty pleasure songs

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Old Man Murph's Coffee Roasters, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, and Ruth S.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are joined by Jabba and Lt Cookoo for another BPR classic. This one, in expected fashion, is all over the map. We start by getting a brief update of what Cookoo has been up to since his last appearance on the show followed by a more detailed update from Jabba, primarily about a once-in-a-lifetime bikepacking trip through Iceland, a trip that nearly robbed his soul in the best and worst way possible. We then dive into a QA format, including the top advice they'd give to themselves before their first backpacking trip, their favorite treks that take one month or less, the best stories from the trails they've hiked together, the inevitable point at which they butt heads and much more.

The boys stick around for segments, which is also predictably weird. We provide our wiping techniques in alarming detail, the triple crown of things a dentist can say but not a gynecologist, and Viking gives Chaunce wedding advice.

Topo Athletic: Use code "THETREK15" at topoathletic.com.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "SNUGGLEBUG" for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com.

Duer: Get 20% off your first purchase at shopduer.com/backpacker.

[divider]

Interview with Jabba & Lt. Cookoo Bird

• Jabba's Instagram
• Cookoo's Instagram
• Backpacker Radio #194 | Bruce "Lt. Cookoo Bird" Lynn on the Sierra High Route, Wind River High Route, Hayduke, Biking Across the Country, and More

Time stamps & Questions

00:04:45 - Reminders: Support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content, join us in Denver on December 7th and apply to be a 2025 blogger!

00:07:47 - Introducing Jabba & Lt. Cookoo Bird

00:09:30 - Is Jabba still sober?

00:11:35 - Zach & Jabba's fantasy football punishments

00:14:50 - What adventures has Cookoo done in 2024?

00:18:50 - Cookoo's self-arresting technique

00:20:15 - Cuckoo on the Teton Crest Trail

00:21:54 - Cookoo's mountaineering

00:23:19 - What adventures has Jabba done in 2024?

00:28:20 - Why don't comfier bike seats exist?

00:33:30 - Jabba hiking the other half of the CDT

00:39:01 - Jabba's Ragbrai trip

00:47:20 - Jabba's Iceland trip introduction

00:50:30 - Iceland route description

00:52:54 - Jabba's (lack of) trip preparation

00:59:00 - How did you get your bike to Iceland?

01:00:00 - Iceland's singletrack trail difficulty

01:04:00 - Jabba's mindset while biking

01:06:15 - End of Day 1

01:08:55 - Day 2

01:12:38 - How much were you walking your bike versus riding your bike?

01:16:07 - Is it Type 2 fun?

01:19:45 - End of Day 2

01:24:20 - Discussion about hiking in sand

01:31:05 - Going back to get the AirPods

01:34:35 - Day 3

01:42:49 - What would you do differently if you did this trip again?

01:45:00 - Getting to the end location of Day 3

01:49:35 - Day 5

01:58:24 - End of Day 5

02:02:50 - Have you been in contact with Chris since the trip?

02:04:30 - What's the best one month or shorter hike you've ever done?

02:13:31 - If you could go back in time to your first thru-hike, what would you do differently?

02:16:46 - How do you figure out footwear faster?

02:22:16 - What is your best story about the other story?

Segments

Trek Propaganda: "I Just Had To Skip So Many Miles": How 2024 PCT Thru-Hikers Are Adapting to Fires and Trail Closures by James Townsend

QOTD: Does your butt stay on the toilet seat when you wipe?

Triple Crown of things a dentist can say, but not a gynecologist

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Old Man Murph's Coffee Roasters, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, and Ruth S.