Backpacker Radio

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Quinn Brett. Quinn was a world-class climber prior to her 2017 fall in Yosemite left her paralyzed from the waist down. Since then, Quinn being the badass athlete that she is, has found new modes to adventure, having most recently completed the 2,500-mile Tour Divide on an adaptive handbike, which she did in just 25 days. We learn all about Quinn's accident, how her adventures, friendships, and life have changed since that fall, and we go in-depth about her advocacy work- how Quinn is fighting to improve recreational accessibility for other persons with disabilities.

We wrap the show with a Triple Crown of Countries You'd Live in if Deported from the US, a brief overview of some of the reasons we've fired Mara, and we opine on where Funyuns belong in the greater chip ranking.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "backpackerradio" for 15% off at gossamergear.com.

Enlightened Equipment: Use code "ultralight10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com.

Ned: Use code "backpacker" for 15% off at helloned.com/backpacker.

[divider]

Interview with Quinn Brett

• Quinn's Instagram
• Quinn's Website
• An Accidental Life

Time stamps & Questions

00:03:08 - QOTD: Have you heard of Elon Musk's dog mode?

00:07:38 - Reminders: submit your AT terminus pictures!

00:08:10 - Introducing Quinn

00:08:37 - How did you originally get interested in the outdoors and climbing?

00:10:47 - What does climbing look like in Minnesota?

00:11:51 - What does doing a season in Yosemite mean?

00:13:04 - How did you get started on the big walls?

00:14:51 - What is it like camping in a portaledge?

00:16:25 - Discussion about premier climbing locations in Colorado and the US.

00:17:28 - Tell us about your accident.

00:20:47 - How did you get off the wall?

00:22:49 - Was the fall itself painful?

00:23:33 - How did you brain process learning that you were paralyzed?

00:25:21 - How did your relationship with climbing change?

00:27:13 - Are there options for climbing while paralyzed?

00:29:30 - Would you go back and change anything if you could?

00:31:21 - What have you noticed about inaccessibility since your injury?

00:34:39 - What are the most common barriers to accessibility in the outdoors?

00:37:30 - Tell us about your documentary.

00:38:52 - What would you want to change about the documentary?

00:41:31 - Tell us more about the current and future therapies for spinal cord injuries.

00:44:01 - Is there any hope in something like Neuralink?

00:46:30 - Tell us about your ride on the Tour Divide.

00:47:53 - How did you train for the ride?

00:49:15 - Would your hand cycle have tipped less with two rear wheels?

00:51:35 - How did you solve the battery problem?

00:52:51 - Tell us about the camping.

00:54:55 - Do you feel like your upper body has gained perception after your injury?

00:56:04 - What were some of the highlights of the Tour Divide?

00:57:01 - Do you have any advice for someone who's interested in doing a similar ride?

00:58:36 - Can you describe the community you've found among other people with disabilities?

00:59:56 - Do you have any good poop stories from the ride?

01:02:15 - Did you see any grizzly bears?

01:03:50 - Are there any states that are particularly accessible or particularly not?

01:04:44 - Tell us about the political advocacy work you do.

01:07:03 - Tell us about the advocacy work you've done for public lands.

01:09:00 - How have your personal relationships changed since your injury?

01:12:22 - Are there any other toys or gear items you're excited to try?

01:13:28 - What safety measures do you take while rafting or kayaking?

01:15:15 - Were you ever interested in the Paralympics?

01:16:00 - What are some of your plans or goals for the next five to ten years?

01:17:37 - Where should people go to find you or support initiatives you're working on?

SEGMENTS

MG Check-In

Trek Propaganda

• 60 PCT Hikers Evacuated from Trail As McKinney Fire Burns Near CA-OR Border by Kelly Floro

Triple Crown of countries you'd live in if you were deported from the US

Reasons We've Fired Mara

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

Listener Voicemail

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross.

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 The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, Greg Mac, Tracy "Trigger" Fawns, Mike Poisel, and Kristina Diaz.

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Arlette "Apple Pie" Laan. Apple Pie is the first woman to hike all eleven of the National Scenic Trails in the United States, which frankly only scratches the surface on her hiking and backpacking career. We chat about some of her favorite stories from her tens of thousands of miles on trail, her favorite and least favorite of the National Scenic Trails, how she managed to become the backpacking legend that she is today despite not starting until she was 30 years old, and much more. Arlette doesn't hold back in her answers, we think you'll get a kick out of this chat.

We wrap the show with a triple crown of talents most people don't know that we possess, a story of how I ended up at the ER after the Golden Hiker Meetup, and Chaunce has COVID!

Gossamer Gear: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at gossamergear.com.

Organifi: Use code "backpacker" for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker.

Enlightened Equipment: Use code "ultralight10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com.

Tanri: Use code "bpradio10" for 10% off at tanri.com.

Interview with Arlette "Apple Pie" Laan

• Arlette's Instagram
• Arlette Laan Fiber Creations Instagram
• Arlette's Website
• Redline Guiding Website

Time stamps & Questions

00:04:35 - QOTD: What's the dumbest thing you've done this week?

00:12:18 - How was the Golden hiker meetup?

00:14:02 - Shoutout to the Blue Sky Fund!

00:15:03 - Introducing Arlette

00:15:48 - How did you get into long distance backpacking?

00:17:34 - How did you get your trail name?

00:19:04 - How many miles have you hiked?

00:20:14 - What trails have you done other than the National Scenic Trails?

00:20:51 - How did you experience backpacking in Europe after getting into it in the US?

00:24:22 - Is there any particular reason you left the Ice Age Trail for last?

00:27:47 - At what point did you realize you wanted to do all the National Scenic Trails?

00:31:38 - What were your 3 favorite and 3 least favorite trails?

00:34:14 - Give us your best sales pitch for the CDT.

00:38:00 - Discussion about changing navigation technology.

00:40:27 - How does homesickness play into your long trails?

00:46:53 - Discussion about the Florida Trail.

00:48:16 - Discussion about the Pacific Northwest Trail.

00:49:32 - Tell us why the AT isn't at the top of your list.

00:51:21 - What are the best 3 states and worst 3 states in the US in your opinion?

00:57:58 - What do you do when there's no good camping?

00:59:00 - Do you have any standout wildlife stories?

01:01:00 - Have you always been an adventure-seeker?

01:04:03 - Were you pushing your physical limits prior to thru-hiking?

01:08:56 - Now that you've done so many long trails, what do you wish you knew when you started?

01:10:24 - How do you think being a woman has impacted your backpacking?

01:12:49 - How have you been able to financially and logistically do all of these hikes?

01:15:18 - Tell us about doll making!

01:18:45 - Tell us more about the guiding you do.

01:21:56 - What words of inspiration do you have for someone reluctant to get into backpacking?

01:23:10 - What's your most embarrassing hiking story?

SEGMENTS

Trek Propaganda

• Arlette "Apple Pie" Laan on Becoming the First Woman to Hike All 11 National Scenic Trails by Alison Young
• [Book Review] Adventure Ready by Katie Gerber and Heather Anderson by Penina Satlow

Triple Crown of talents most people don't know you possess

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross.

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 The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, Greg Mac, Tracy "Trigger" Fawns, Mike Poisel, and Kristina Diaz.

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Diane "Sticks" Harsha. Diane is an AT section hiker, the author of "Sticks and Stones: How to Hike the Appalachian Trail in 13 Years", and a retired FBI agent. We of course spend a lot of time talking about Diane's career in the bureau- including questions about the rigorous training and testing required to be accepted into the FBI, negotiation tactics that could be applied to convincing a spouse to let you leave for an extended backpacking trip, carrying a weapon on trail, and the overlap between working in the FBI and backpacking the AT at large. And yes of course we sneak in a couple of X-Files questions.

We wrap the show with a triple crown of celebrities we'd most want to party with, a story about Chaunce farting her way through a work Zoom meeting, and Badger announces his next backpacking trip.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at gossamergear.com.

Enlightened Equipment: Use code "ultralight10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com.

Ned: Use code "backpacker" for 15% off at helloned.com/backpacker.

Interview with Diane "Sticks" Harsha

• Diane's Facebook
• Diane's LinkedIn
• Sticks and Stones on Audible
• Sticks and Stones on Amazon

Time stamps & Questions

00:02:55 - QOTD: What's the most embarrassing moment you have from a virtual meeting?

00:15:42 - QOTD 2: What's the thing you're most excited about?

00:20:02 - Reminders: Shoutout to our new Chuck Norris members!

00:21:40 - Introducing Diane

00:22:27 - How did you get into the FBI?

00:25:12 - What was the fitness test you took?

00:26:47 - Is Chaunce fit enough to join the FBI?

00:31:00 - Discussion about age norms.

00:33:11 - Tell us more about FBI training.

00:37:55 - Discussion about the accuracy of polygraph tests.

00:39:42 - Were you on any wild cases you can tell us about?

00:44:40 - Do you feel like you were treated differently as a woman agent?

00:46:53 - Since it's illegal to make false statements to federal agents, could we go to prison for lying to you?

00:48:34 - What negotiation skills would you recommend for convincing your partner to let you do a thru-hike?

00:51:03 - Tell us more about active listening.

00:53:40 - Did you ever use these communication strategies while hiking?

00:56:44 - What other skills crossed over between being an FBI agent and hiking?

00:59:07 - Did you experience fear before starting the trail?

01:00:30 - Did you hike with a gun?

01:03:10 - If you had to pick one state on the AT to carry your gun through, which would it be?

01:06:40 - Was your husband more worried about your career or about your hiking?

01:08:31 - What were your single most dangerous moments in the FBI and on the trail?

01:14:03 - What other things did you bring to trail from your career?

01:18:50 - Did the trail ever grant you any insights related to your work or a case?

01:21:24 - Is there an emotional lull after completing each case?

01:24:10 - Did you ever have a case that could have been an episode of X-Files?

01:25:30 - What are things that movies and shows always get wrong?

01:28:12 - What are the advantages to section hiking the AT over many years instead of all at once?

01:31:35 - Tell us about how you planned the sections.

01:38:14 - Give us your trail name origin story.

01:42:20 - When did you get the inspiration to write the book?

01:46:08 - What can a reader expect when they pick up the book?

01:48:50 - Where can people find the book?

SEGMENTS

MG Check-In

Trek Propaganda

• Desolation Wilderness Now Requires Bear-Resistant Food Storage by Kelly Floro

Triple Crown of non-A or B-list celebrities you'd love to party with

Listener Voicemail

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross.

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 The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, Greg Mac, Tracy "Trigger" Fawns, Mike Poisel, and Kristina Diaz.

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek we are bringing you another edition of Beginner Backpacking Mistakes. Today we're joined by our good pal and backpacking superstar, Steven "Twinkle" Shattuck, to give you a rundown of mistakes to avoid on your next backpacking trip. If you listened to the first edition of this panel, rest assured that all of the tips in this episode are brand new- backed by many thousands of miles of trail experience- we made all the mistakes so you don't have to.

We also have a triple crown of our favorite day hikes in Colorado, we learn about Twinkle and Grace's recent epic backpacking trip in Peru, and we wrap the show with a solid hazing of Chaunce.

RTIC Outdoors: Use code "backpacker" for 10% off orders over $50 at rticoutdoors.com.

Organifi: Use code "backpacker" for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker.

Ned: Use code "backpacker" for 15% off at helloned.com/backpacker.

Tanri: Use code "bpradio10" for 10% off at tanri.com.

Panel with Badger, Chaunce, and Twinkle

• Backpacker Radio 61 | Grace and Steven "Twinkle" Shattuck on Their 15 Month Dirtbagging Adventure
• Backpacker Radio Episode #6: Steven "Twinkle" Shattuck on Dirt-Bagging for a Year, The Best Headlamps for Thru-Hiking, and Curing Anxiety on Trail
• Twinkle's Instagram

Time stamps & Questions

00:06:18 - QOTD: What have you been up to since we last talked?

00:11:27 - Discussion about Twinkle's Huayllapa Circuit hike

00:21:14 - Twinkle's Mistake #1: Relying on your phone too heavily for navigation

00:28:20 - Chaunce's Mistake #1: Not including gear replacements or fixes into your trail budget

00:36:00 - Zach's Mistake #1: Not eating enough food

00:43:50 - Twinkle's Mistake #2: Splitting up with your group without making a detailed plan

00:57:08 - Chaunce's Mistake #2: Just because your body feels like it can push on, doesn't mean it should

01:02:32 - Zach's Mistake #2: Be more selective with your campsites

01:15:02 - Twinkle's Mistake #3: Do not buy excess footwear prior to your hike

01:25:00 - Nancy East fan club

01:28:13 - Chaunce's Mistake #3: Not preparing for what happens after your hike

01:34:58 - Zach's Mistake #3: Not budgeting enough extra time for your hike

SEGMENTS

Trek Propaganda

• 5 Backpacking Hacks I Learned from HikeTok by Katie Houston

Triple Crown of our favorite Colorado day hikes

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross.

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 The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, Greg Mac, Tracy "Trigger" Fawns, Mike Poisel, and Kristina Diaz.

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Shayla "Kiddo" Paradeis. Shayla is a very accomplished backpacker, with the triple crown just scratching the surface of her hiking resume, but it's her approach to backpacking that makes this conversation stand out. We chat about what it's like to backpack in today's age without a smartphone, including the differences of keeping in touch with hikers, navigating on trail, tracking the forecast, and more. Shayla also shares her experience of healing on trail, and how her experiences as a sexual assault survivor have played a major role in her desire to be in the backcountry. Another warning to listeners, if the subject of sexual assault is especially triggering to you, we encourage you to skip ahead about half way into today's interview.

We wrap the show with the triple crown of reasons to go to a baseball game, we check in with MG as she's just hiked through the 100-Mile Wilderness, we discuss things that feel like a scam but aren't (but also sort of are), and give a shoutout to a couple who got engaged on the PCT this year!

Gossamer Gear: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at gossamergear.com.

Enlightened Equipment: Use code "ultralight10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com.

Ned: Use code "backpacker" for 15% off at helloned.com/backpacker.

Interview with Shayla "Kiddo" Paradeis

• Shayla's Website
• Shayla's Youtube Channel

Time stamps & Questions

00:02:52 - QOTD: What isn't a scam but feels like one?

00:05:50 - Reminders: Leftover trail days shirts *were* in the Trek store!

00:06:38 - Introducing Shayla

00:07:23 - How does one decide to hike without a smartphone?

00:10:23 - What's the rationale?

00:13:12 - Are you off of social media entirely?

00:15:10 - Do you ever listen to music?

00:17:24 - How have you noticed hikers change as you've hiked so many trails?

00:21:59 - Have you noticed a change in how you get through your day?

00:24:37 - How are you checking the weather forecast?

00:25:54 - Do you get frustrated being around other hikers who are always on their phones?

00:28:10 - Has any part of you lost faith in humanity?

00:29:57 - Discussion about navigation and getting lost without a phone.

00:33:52 - Tell us about your hiking group patterns for your long trails.

00:36:25 - What was your hitchhiking method?

00:37:07 - Did you ever get bothered by your hiking partners using their phones?

00:38:36 - If you could do it over again, would you hike alone?

00:40:17 - Do you have any tips for people wanting to set boundaries?

00:46:44 - Tell us about the Haute Route.

00:49:06 - Can you compare the Haute Route and the Tour du Mont Blanc?

00:51:02 - Are you also a runner?

00:52:30 - Why don't you like racing as much anymore?

00:53:44 - Did you have a light pack in 2011?

00:54:41 - Tell us about eating better.

00:56:51 - How many calories did you consume on trail?

00:57:49 - Are you a competitive person?

01:01:11 - Tell us more about why you're hiking.

01:04:57 - What happened that led you to run away to Glacier?

01:06:30 - Were your parents disappointed when you left New York?

01:08:02 - Did the trauma you experience relate to getting into backpacking?

01:09:42 - Have you found thru-hiking to be healing?

01:10:41 - (Begin trigger warning) How did your relationship on trail pan out?

01:12:33 - Did any part of you want to quit hiking after that?

01:15:10 - How did you feel safety-wise after that?

01:16:36 - Tell us more about your book.

01:18:47 - Can you give us a synopsis of what the book is about?

01:21:22 - (End trigger warning) Tell us about the volunteering you do in Glacier National Park.

01:25:50 - Tell us about grizzlies and wolves!

01:27:10 - Discussion about how wolves impact the ecosystem.

01:29:08 - Is there anything else you want to share?

01:29:48 - Thank you!

SEGMENTS

MG Check-In

Trek Propaganda

• Meet the Thru-Hiking Couple Who Got Engaged on the PCT by Penina Satlow
• After 9,000 Miles of Thru-Hiking, These Are the 10 Items I Never Leave Home Without by Jenn Wall

Triple Crown of reasons to go to a baseball game

Pupdate Mara-Edition

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross.

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 The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, Greg Mac, Tracy "Trigger" Fawns, and Mike Poisel.

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by RTIC, we are joined by Kathryn Miles. Kathryn is an award-winning journalist, science writer, and the author of five books, most recently "Trailed: One Woman's Quest to Solve the Shenandoah Murders", which is the focus of today's chat. We go deep on everything to do with this case, including the gruesome details of the murders, why this was not a random act of violence, why this case has yet to be solved, who Kathryn believes to be the perpetrator, and much more. A warning to listeners, this one goes into some pretty horrific details on the subjects of sexual assault and murder. If either of these subjects are especially triggering to you, we encourage you to skip ahead to the segments for this one.

We then pivot from rape and murder to the triple crown of ice cream toppings. Typical backpacker radio stuff.

RTIC Outdoors: Use code "backpacker" for 10% off your order of $50 or more at rticoutdoors.com

Gossamer Gear: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at gossamergear.com.

Enlightened Equipment: Use code "ultralight10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com.

[divider]

Interview with Kathryn Miles

• Kathryn Miles Website
• Kathryn's Instagram
• Buy Trailed: One Woman's Quest to Solve the Shenandoah Murders or at your local bookstore

Time stamps & Questions

00:05:23 - QOTD: How was your day today?

00:11:37 - Introducing Kathryn Miles

00:12:12 - What's your hiking background?

00:12:53 - Anything else you want to add about the hiker designations?

00:13:52 - Can you tell us about your journalism career?

00:15:23 - Did you always know 'Trailed: One Woman's Quest to Solve the Shenandoah Murders' was going to become a book?

00:17:01 - Can you give an overview of the case?

00:19:11 - What were the challenges with writing this?

00:21:36 - Do you eventually develop thicker skin towards these stories?

00:22:45 - Going into this project, were you afraid of the side effects others experienced after digging into similar stories?

00:24:08 - Did you have a background or past interest in true crime?

00:25:44 - When you're researching something like this, where do you start?

00:27:40 - How do you focus on the killer when you don't know the killer?

00:29:44 - Amateur sleuthing

00:30:32 - Do you worry about bringing a new potential killer into the story?

00:32:45 - Did you lose your love for the outdoors and hiking after writing the book?

00:35:12 - Did you end up viewing the photos?

00:36:40 - Could you share some more details around this being a premeditated murder?

00:39:58 - What will readers learn through the book that they wouldn't through the police reports?

00:42:01 - What were some of the most interesting things you found in the reports?

00:47:37 - Can you speak to the general safety of the trails?

00:50:37 - Do you think there's anything nefarious with that?

00:53:15 - Are park rangers part of a union?

00:54:01 - Tell us more about the culture clash in the involved parties

00:55:59 - Were there any thru-hiking suspects?

00:56:48 - Did you ever find out why he had a bloody knife?

00:58:18 - Can you tell us more about the second character?

01:00:24 - What were the similarities between the two murders?

01:01:01 - Was there a purpose to wrapping a body in a sleeping bag?

01:02:53 - How do they determine who's vibrator it was?

01:03:52 - What did he do to modify it?

01:05:54 - Is there any scenario in which the murderer wants to be caught?

01:08:59 - What's your personal opinion on who the killer is?

01:10:10 - What is Darrell Rice doing these days?

01:11:11 - Did you try to reach out to Darrell Rice?

01:12:12 - Is he still missing?

01:13:30 - What convinced them it was Darrell Rice?

01:16:28 - What do you think it will take for the FBI to pick up this case again?

01:16:53 - Where should phone calls and letters be sent?

01:17:39 - What are the odds that the person who did it, isn't either of the two focused on in the book?

01:18:45 - How do you see the Shenandoah murders fitting into a culture of misogyny?

01:20:34 - Could you tell us more about your research into women being excluded from the outdoors?

01:22:18 - How do you instill confidence into those still out hiking near the Shenandoah?

01:24:26 - How was it hiking the AT during that time?

01:25:14 - How did it change the vibe of the trail?

01:26:49 - Do you think it would have impacted the outcome if the women were in a more public camping area?

01:28:21 - Are there other documented crimes specifically against non-binary hikers on trail?

01:30:22 - Is there any research on non-binary hiker crimes?

01:32:01 - Where should people get your book?

01:32:30 - Any projects in the pipeline we should know about?

01:33:37 - Wrap Up

SEGMENTS

Surprise Mail

Audience Mail Bag

Trek Propaganda

• [Book Review] Trailed: One Woman's Quest to Solve the Shenandoah Murders by Penina Satlow

Triple Crown

Q&A Segment

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross.

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 The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, Greg Mac, Tracy "Trigger" Fawns, and Mike Poisel.

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek we are joined by no one! Today's episode is all about the Tahoe Rim Trail and Badger's recent experience thru-hiking this trail. This one covers everything you'd want to know about hiking the TRT, including the trail's basics, my experience and advice for resupply, gear, pacing, permits, bear storage, the best time to hike this trail, bugs, dealing with snow, navigation, funny stories, cell service, worst chafes, best poops, and much more.

We wrap the show with a very weird and impromptu segment- healing your holes with Badger and Chaunce, we touch on the sad news of a hiker who recently passed in the White Mountain National Forest, we get a ridiculous poop story from our pal Paul Packman Sealy, and Backpacker Radio sponsorship winner MG gives us her first update from the AT!

Gossamer Gear: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at gossamergear.com.

Organifi: Use code "backpacker" for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker.

Enlightened Equipment: Use code "ultralight10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com.

Point6: Use code "point6trek" for 30% off at point6.com.

[divider]

Interview with Zach "Badger" Davis

• Badger's Tahoe Rim Trail Gear List

Time stamps & Questions

00:04:42 - QOTD: Would you rather have an elephant's nose or a giraffe's neck?

00:08:20 - Introducing Zach!

00:09:05 - What is the TRT?

00:10:52 - Which direction did you hike?

00:11:57 - Tell us about the elevation and miles per day.

00:14:40 - Did you need a bear canister?

00:18:25 - Tell us about the permits required.

00:21:21 - How many people did you see each day?

00:22:30 - Did anyone ask if you hiked the AT?

00:24:25 - How was the water situation?

00:26:13 - Was it exposed or under treeline?

00:27:15 - How was the snow situation?

00:33:40 - What is the best time of year to hike the TRT?

00:35:49 - Tell us about day 1.

00:39:28 - Did you make any friends?

00:39:47 - Discussion about Zach's Ursack.

00:43:30 - Tell us about day 2 (chafing).

00:47:40 - Discussion about Zach wearing a kilt on the AT (disclaimer: disturbing visuals).

00:51:29 - Tell us about day 3 (weather, gear).

00:58:25 - Tell us about day 4 (burn area, ubering, town day).

01:05:47 - Tell us about day 5 (Desolation Wilderness, hiking with friends vs. alone).

01:12:30 - Tell us about day 6 (Tahoe City).

01:15:57 - Any other notable food things?

01:19:27 - Did you have vitamins and supplements?

01:23:04 - Discussion about weight and muscle.

01:26:55 - Tell us about day 7 (snow, cold).

01:30:22 - How did you get to the trail?

01:32:55 - Where does it rank among other shorter thru-hikes you've done?

01:34:04 - Would you recommend the TRT to first-time long distance hikers?

01:35:24 - How was this experience different now that you're a father?

01:36:54 - Is it worth traveling across the country as someone from the East Coast?

01:37:47 - Anything you would have done differently?

01:38:41 - How long was your longest food carry?

01:39:35 - Did you have any knee pain and if so, how did you alleviate it?

01:39:52 - Did you have any trouble navigating?

01:41:00 - Any poop stories?

01:44:28 - What's the next hike for a now-dad?

SEGMENTS

MG Check-In

Trek Propaganda

• Badger's Tahoe Rim Trail Gear List
• Hiker Rescued from Presidential Traverse on Saturday Has Died by Kelly Floro

Paul's Poop Story

5 Star Review

Healing Your Hole with Zach and Chaunce

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross.

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 The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, and Greg Mac.

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, brought to you by RTIC, we are joined by Mickey aka The Virtual Sherpa. The Virtual Sherpa runs a successful website and youtube channel dedicated to sharing tips, trail overviews, and more from some of his favorite trails around Colorado and the greater Southwest. We chat about what some of the most underrated 13,000 ft peaks are in Colorado, and why they might be even better than many of the state's 14ers, some of his favorite hikes without hoards of people, his philosophy on gatekeeping and responsibly promoting trails, and much more.

We wrap the show with a backpacking trip in Zion National Park that deserves to be on your bucket list, a Q&A touching on a range of subjects including but not limited to good hiking spots for late fall, what life is like with a budding toddler, the scent of tent sex, and more.

RTIC Outdoors: Use code "backpacker" for 10% off orders over $50 at rticoutdoors.com.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at gossamergear.com.

Organifi: Use code "backpacker" for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker.

Point6: Use code "point6trek" for 30% off at point6.com.

[divider]

Interview with Mickey aka "Virtual Sherpa"

• The Virtual Sherpa Website
• The Virtual Sherpa Youtube Channel
• The Virtual Sherpa Instagram

Time stamps & Questions

00:04:40 - QOTD: At what age do people start consuming more Tums than Starbursts?

00:09:19 - Introducing Mickey aka "Virtual Sherpa"

00:09:37 - Mickey's Shit Story

00:12:42 - Tell us your backpacking and peak bagging resume.

00:14:30 - Discussion about trail and ultrarunning.

00:15:33 - What's harder, training for an Ironman or training for a 100-mile run?

00:19:29 - How fast are you?

00:20:55 - Give us some background on how the website started.

00:22:39 - Tell us about your preference with 14ers versus 13ers.

00:24:32 - Tell us why you loved living in Chicago if you hate people.

00:26:20 - Tell us about the 13er you did over Memorial Day?

00:27:15 - Fuck Mary Kill: peak bagging, CT section hikes/backpacking, trail running

00:28:40 - Tell us about the evolution of the website and Youtube channel.

00:31:32 - How do you feel about the conflict between exposing trails via the internet and avoiding people while hiking?

00:34:23 - Why does someone need to work hard to find a spot?

00:35:50 - Discussion about keeping spots secret, public land, and gatekeeping.

00:41:22 - How would you describe your audience and what are the most common questions you get?

00:44:10 - What are your top 3 favorite 14ers and top 3 least favorite 14ers?

00:46:58 - What are your favorite and least favorite 13ers?

00:48:35 - What are your top 3 secret spots?

00:51:20 - Discussion about fear and anxiety about the mountains.

00:53:19 - Do you have a preference between the blog or the Youtube channel?

00:55:52 - Have you asked your friend why there's a story before every recipe?

00:57:21 - What is a border-crossing expedition?

00:58:43 - Do you have any highlights from exploring Utah?

01:02:23 - Discussion about National Parks, crowds, and timing hikes.

01:07:34 - Discussion about Canyonlands.

01:09:13 - What are your big 3 for a typical backpacking trip?

01:12:22 - What's your typical camera setup?

01:14:40 - Tell us about your dog, taking your dog on adventures, and tips for hiking with dogs.

01:20:34 - Anything else do you want to share?

01:22:14 - Thank you!

SEGMENTS

Trek Propaganda

• The Zion Traverse: Hiking Off the Beaten Path in Utah's Most Popular National Park by Katie Kommer

Q&A

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross.

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 The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, and Greg Mac.

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, brought to you by RTIC, we are joined yet again by our pal, Clay Bonnyman Evans, known on trail as "Pony". Pony is fresh off the New Mexico stretch of the CDT and full of hot takes, including a renewed interest in all things dealing with sex on trail, why he thinks the "brutality" of the CDT is overstated- at least through New Mexico, we learn all about Clay's new book, "Adrift on the Pacific Crest Trail: A Thru-Hiking Story", and why Pony decided to do his first long distance backpacking trip sober. For those who've listened to previous interviews with Pony, you already know that conversations with him are a wild ride, this one is certainly no exception. If your children are listening to this episode, probably turn it off.

We wrap the show with a detailing of the dumpster fire that is Chaunce's toilet and we do a triple crown of reasons why Zach's Tahoe Rim Trail hike will get canceled.

RTIC Outdoors: Use code "backpacker" for 10% off orders over $50 at rticoutdoors.com.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at gossamergear.com.

Enlightened Equipment: Use code "ultralight10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com.

Point6: Use code "point6trek" for 30% off at point6.com.

[divider]

Interview with Clay Bonnyman Evans AKA "Pony"

• Pony's Book
• Pony's Instagram
• Pony's Website

Time stamps & Questions

00:04:53 - QOTD: How's your toilet?

00:14:41 - Introducing Clay Bonnyman Evans AKA "Pony"

00:15:40 - Discussion about sex on trail.

00:19:40 - Do you think the ratio of males and females on trail is a factor?

00:22:14 - What's a wild story you got asking people about sex on trail?

00:32:04 - Tell us about the New Mexico section of the CDT.

00:38:45 - Discussion about water sources in New Mexico.

00:39:21 - Discussion about trail marking in New Mexico.

00:41:32 - Discussion about trail towns in New Mexico.

00:43:02 - Odd encounter stories.

00:46:45 - What wildlife did you see?

00:49:48 - Discussion about the community of the CDT.

00:52:20 - Discussion about the relative brutality of the CDT.

00:53:35 - Tell us your thoughts on snow in Colorado.

01:01:11 - Do you think people wanted to push through because of forest closures?

01:03:25 - Discussion about CDT start dates and southbounding.

01:11:15 - Discussion about the Creede cutoff.

01:18:46 - Tell us about your book writing process.

01:24:47 - Discussion about including relationship content in the book.

01:27:16 - How did you write the book so quickly?

01:32:02 - Hype for Zach's books.

01:33:34 - What shoes do you have?

01:36:38 - Discussion about post trail activity and food.

01:37:30 - Discussion about hiking sober and Pony's twelve step program experience.

01:43:18 - Discussion about Pony's social personality.

01:45:56 - Did you miss drinking more or less than you expected?

01:47:18 - Pony's story about Garmin troubles.

01:53:05 - What Pony learned from the Garmin representative.

02:00:06 - Have you used the Somewhere Labs communicator?

02:02:40 - Discussion about dead cows.

02:06:08 - Discussion about living cows and angry bull sounds.

02:10:15 - Discussion about the popularity of the CDT.

02:14:50 - Discussion about Chaunce's age.

02:18:11 - Thanks!

SEGMENTS

Trek Propaganda

• Join our team!

Triple Crown of reasons Zach's Tahoe Rim Trail trip could get canceled

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross.

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 The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, and Greg Mac.

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, brought to you by RTIC, we are joined yet again by our pal, Clay Bonnyman Evans, known on trail as "Pony". Pony is fresh off the New Mexico stretch of the CDT and full of hot takes, including a renewed interest in all things dealing with sex on trail, why he thinks the "brutality" of the CDT is overstated- at least through New Mexico, we learn all about Clay's new book, "Adrift on the Pacific Crest Trail: A Thru-Hiking Story", and why Pony decided to do his first long distance backpacking trip sober. For those who've listened to previous interviews with Pony, you already know that conversations with him are a wild ride, this one is certainly no exception. If your children are listening to this episode, probably turn it off.

We wrap the show with a detailing of the dumpster fire that is Chaunce's toilet and we do a triple crown of reasons why Zach's Tahoe Rim Trail hike will get canceled.

RTIC Outdoors: Use code "backpacker" for 10% off orders over $50 at rticoutdoors.com.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at gossamergear.com.

Enlightened Equipment: Use code "ultralight10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com.

Point6: Use code "point6trek" for 30% off at point6.com.

[divider]

Interview with Clay Bonnyman Evans AKA "Pony"

• Pony's Book
• Pony's Instagram
• Pony's Website

Time stamps & Questions

00:04:53 - QOTD: How's your toilet?

00:14:41 - Introducing Clay Bonnyman Evans AKA "Pony"

00:15:40 - Discussion about sex on trail.

00:19:40 - Do you think the ratio of males and females on trail is a factor?

00:22:14 - What's a wild story you got asking people about sex on trail?

00:32:04 - Tell us about the New Mexico section of the CDT.

00:38:45 - Discussion about water sources in New Mexico.

00:39:21 - Discussion about trail marking in New Mexico.

00:41:32 - Discussion about trail towns in New Mexico.

00:43:02 - Odd encounter stories.

00:46:45 - What wildlife did you see?

00:49:48 - Discussion about the community of the CDT.

00:52:20 - Discussion about the relative brutality of the CDT.

00:53:35 - Tell us your thoughts on snow in Colorado.

01:01:11 - Do you think people wanted to push through because of forest closures?

01:03:25 - Discussion about CDT start dates and southbounding.

01:11:15 - Discussion about the Creede cutoff.

01:18:46 - Tell us about your book writing process.

01:24:47 - Discussion about including relationship content in the book.

01:27:16 - How did you write the book so quickly?

01:32:02 - Hype for Zach's books.

01:33:34 - What shoes do you have?

01:36:38 - Discussion about post trail activity and food.

01:37:30 - Discussion about hiking sober and Pony's twelve step program experience.

01:43:18 - Discussion about Pony's social personality.

01:45:56 - Did you miss drinking more or less than you expected?

01:47:18 - Pony's story about Garmin troubles.

01:53:05 - What Pony learned from the Garmin representative.

02:00:06 - Have you used the Somewhere Labs communicator?

02:02:40 - Discussion about dead cows.

02:06:08 - Discussion about living cows and angry bull sounds.

02:10:15 - Discussion about the popularity of the CDT.

02:14:50 - Discussion about Chaunce's age.

02:18:11 - Thanks!

SEGMENTS

Trek Propaganda

• Join our team!

Triple Crown of reasons Zach's Tahoe Rim Trail trip could get canceled

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross.

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 The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, and Greg Mac.

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, brought to you by RTIC, we are joined yet again by our pal, Clay Bonnyman Evans, known on trail as "Pony". Pony is fresh off the New Mexico stretch of the CDT and full of hot takes, including a renewed interest in all things dealing with sex on trail, why he thinks the "brutality" of the CDT is overstated- at least through New Mexico, we learn all about Clay's new book, "Adrift on the Pacific Crest Trail: A Thru-Hiking Story", and why Pony decided to do his first long distance backpacking trip sober. For those who've listened to previous interviews with Pony, you already know that conversations with him are a wild ride, this one is certainly no exception. If your children are listening to this episode, probably turn it off.

We wrap the show with a detailing of the dumpster fire that is Chaunce's toilet and we do a triple crown of reasons why Zach's Tahoe Rim Trail hike will get canceled.

RTIC Outdoors: Use code "backpacker" for 10% off orders over $50 at rticoutdoors.com.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at gossamergear.com.

Enlightened Equipment: Use code "ultralight10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com.

Point6: Use code "point6trek" for 30% off at point6.com.

[divider]

Interview with Clay Bonnyman Evans AKA "Pony"

• Pony's Book
• Pony's Instagram
• Pony's Website

Time stamps & Questions

00:04:53 - QOTD: How's your toilet?

00:14:41 - Introducing Clay Bonnyman Evans AKA "Pony"

00:15:40 - Discussion about sex on trail.

00:19:40 - Do you think the ratio of males and females on trail is a factor?

00:22:14 - What's a wild story you got asking people about sex on trail?

00:32:04 - Tell us about the New Mexico section of the CDT.

00:38:45 - Discussion about water sources in New Mexico.

00:39:21 - Discussion about trail marking in New Mexico.

00:41:32 - Discussion about trail towns in New Mexico.

00:43:02 - Odd encounter stories.

00:46:45 - What wildlife did you see?

00:49:48 - Discussion about the community of the CDT.

00:52:20 - Discussion about the relative brutality of the CDT.

00:53:35 - Tell us your thoughts on snow in Colorado.

01:01:11 - Do you think people wanted to push through because of forest closures?

01:03:25 - Discussion about CDT start dates and southbounding.

01:11:15 - Discussion about the Creede cutoff.

01:18:46 - Tell us about your book writing process.

01:24:47 - Discussion about including relationship content in the book.

01:27:16 - How did you write the book so quickly?

01:32:02 - Hype for Zach's books.

01:33:34 - What shoes do you have?

01:36:38 - Discussion about post trail activity and food.

01:37:30 - Discussion about hiking sober and Pony's twelve step program experience.

01:43:18 - Discussion about Pony's social personality.

01:45:56 - Did you miss drinking more or less than you expected?

01:47:18 - Pony's story about Garmin troubles.

01:53:05 - What Pony learned from the Garmin representative.

02:00:06 - Have you used the Somewhere Labs communicator?

02:02:40 - Discussion about dead cows.

02:06:08 - Discussion about living cows and angry bull sounds.

02:10:15 - Discussion about the popularity of the CDT.

02:14:50 - Discussion about Chaunce's age.

02:18:11 - Thanks!

SEGMENTS

Trek Propaganda

• Join our team!

Triple Crown of reasons Zach's Tahoe Rim Trail trip could get canceled

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross.

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 The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, and Greg Mac.

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, brought to you by RTIC, we are joined yet again by our pal, Clay Bonnyman Evans, known on trail as "Pony". Pony is fresh off the New Mexico stretch of the CDT and full of hot takes, including a renewed interest in all things dealing with sex on trail, why he thinks the "brutality" of the CDT is overstated- at least through New Mexico, we learn all about Clay's new book, "Adrift on the Pacific Crest Trail: A Thru-Hiking Story", and why Pony decided to do his first long distance backpacking trip sober. For those who've listened to previous interviews with Pony, you already know that conversations with him are a wild ride, this one is certainly no exception. If your children are listening to this episode, probably turn it off.

We wrap the show with a detailing of the dumpster fire that is Chaunce's toilet and we do a triple crown of reasons why Zach's Tahoe Rim Trail hike will get canceled.

RTIC Outdoors: Use code "backpacker" for 10% off orders over $50 at rticoutdoors.com.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at gossamergear.com.

Enlightened Equipment: Use code "ultralight10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com.

Point6: Use code "point6trek" for 30% off at point6.com.

[divider]

Interview with Clay Bonnyman Evans AKA "Pony"

• Pony's Book
• Pony's Instagram
• Pony's Website

Time stamps & Questions

00:04:53 - QOTD: How's your toilet?

00:14:41 - Introducing Clay Bonnyman Evans AKA "Pony"

00:15:40 - Discussion about sex on trail.

00:19:40 - Do you think the ratio of males and females on trail is a factor?

00:22:14 - What's a wild story you got asking people about sex on trail?

00:32:04 - Tell us about the New Mexico section of the CDT.

00:38:45 - Discussion about water sources in New Mexico.

00:39:21 - Discussion about trail marking in New Mexico.

00:41:32 - Discussion about trail towns in New Mexico.

00:43:02 - Odd encounter stories.

00:46:45 - What wildlife did you see?

00:49:48 - Discussion about the community of the CDT.

00:52:20 - Discussion about the relative brutality of the CDT.

00:53:35 - Tell us your thoughts on snow in Colorado.

01:01:11 - Do you think people wanted to push through because of forest closures?

01:03:25 - Discussion about CDT start dates and southbounding.

01:11:15 - Discussion about the Creede cutoff.

01:18:46 - Tell us about your book writing process.

01:24:47 - Discussion about including relationship content in the book.

01:27:16 - How did you write the book so quickly?

01:32:02 - Hype for Zach's books.

01:33:34 - What shoes do you have?

01:36:38 - Discussion about post trail activity and food.

01:37:30 - Discussion about hiking sober and Pony's twelve step program experience.

01:43:18 - Discussion about Pony's social personality.

01:45:56 - Did you miss drinking more or less than you expected?

01:47:18 - Pony's story about Garmin troubles.

01:53:05 - What Pony learned from the Garmin representative.

02:00:06 - Have you used the Somewhere Labs communicator?

02:02:40 - Discussion about dead cows.

02:06:08 - Discussion about living cows and angry bull sounds.

02:10:15 - Discussion about the popularity of the CDT.

02:14:50 - Discussion about Chaunce's age.

02:18:11 - Thanks!

SEGMENTS

Trek Propaganda

• Join our team!

Triple Crown of reasons Zach's Tahoe Rim Trail trip could get canceled

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross.

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 The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, and Greg Mac.

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, brought to you by RTIC, we are joined yet again by our pal, Clay Bonnyman Evans, known on trail as "Pony". Pony is fresh off the New Mexico stretch of the CDT and full of hot takes, including a renewed interest in all things dealing with sex on trail, why he thinks the "brutality" of the CDT is overstated- at least through New Mexico, we learn all about Clay's new book, "Adrift on the Pacific Crest Trail: A Thru-Hiking Story", and why Pony decided to do his first long distance backpacking trip sober. For those who've listened to previous interviews with Pony, you already know that conversations with him are a wild ride, this one is certainly no exception. If your children are listening to this episode, probably turn it off.

We wrap the show with a detailing of the dumpster fire that is Chaunce's toilet and we do a triple crown of reasons why Zach's Tahoe Rim Trail hike will get canceled.

RTIC Outdoors: Use code "backpacker" for 10% off orders over $50 at rticoutdoors.com.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at gossamergear.com.

Enlightened Equipment: Use code "ultralight10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com.

Point6: Use code "point6trek" for 30% off at point6.com.

[divider]

Interview with Clay Bonnyman Evans AKA "Pony"

• Pony's Book
• Pony's Instagram
• Pony's Website

Time stamps & Questions

00:04:53 - QOTD: How's your toilet?

00:14:41 - Introducing Clay Bonnyman Evans AKA "Pony"

00:15:40 - Discussion about sex on trail.

00:19:40 - Do you think the ratio of males and females on trail is a factor?

00:22:14 - What's a wild story you got asking people about sex on trail?

00:32:04 - Tell us about the New Mexico section of the CDT.

00:38:45 - Discussion about water sources in New Mexico.

00:39:21 - Discussion about trail marking in New Mexico.

00:41:32 - Discussion about trail towns in New Mexico.

00:43:02 - Odd encounter stories.

00:46:45 - What wildlife did you see?

00:49:48 - Discussion about the community of the CDT.

00:52:20 - Discussion about the relative brutality of the CDT.

00:53:35 - Tell us your thoughts on snow in Colorado.

01:01:11 - Do you think people wanted to push through because of forest closures?

01:03:25 - Discussion about CDT start dates and southbounding.

01:11:15 - Discussion about the Creede cutoff.

01:18:46 - Tell us about your book writing process.

01:24:47 - Discussion about including relationship content in the book.

01:27:16 - How did you write the book so quickly?

01:32:02 - Hype for Zach's books.

01:33:34 - What shoes do you have?

01:36:38 - Discussion about post trail activity and food.

01:37:30 - Discussion about hiking sober and Pony's twelve step program experience.

01:43:18 - Discussion about Pony's social personality.

01:45:56 - Did you miss drinking more or less than you expected?

01:47:18 - Pony's story about Garmin troubles.

01:53:05 - What Pony learned from the Garmin representative.

02:00:06 - Have you used the Somewhere Labs communicator?

02:02:40 - Discussion about dead cows.

02:06:08 - Discussion about living cows and angry bull sounds.

02:10:15 - Discussion about the popularity of the CDT.

02:14:50 - Discussion about Chaunce's age.

02:18:11 - Thanks!

SEGMENTS

Trek Propaganda

• Join our team!

Triple Crown of reasons Zach's Tahoe Rim Trail trip could get canceled

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross.

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 The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, and Greg Mac.

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to by RTIC, we are joined by Lauren Capone. In addition to being an accomplished triathlete and runner herself, Lauren holds a Master of Science in Applied Nutrition and works as a Functional and Integrative Health Practitioner at Flatirons Integrative Health & Nutrition in Boulder, CO. Our conversation covers a ton of ground on all things nutrition and health for backpacking and beyond, including why people end up gaining the weight they lose on a backpacking trip so quickly post-trail (and what can be done to prevent that), the metabolic effects of long distance endurance exercise, how to know if you're getting the right amount of calories during your hike, her thoughts on eating keto, vegan, or paleo on trail, what supplements a backpacker should consider using, how to stay properly hydrated on trail, and much more. Simply put, you will walk away from this interview with a ton of useful information. Get the notepad ready.

RTIC Outdoors: Use code "backpacker" for 10% off orders over $50 at rticoutdoors.com.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at gossamergear.com.

Organifi: Use code "backpacker" for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker.

Enlightened Equipment: Use code "thetrek10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com.

[divider]

Interview with Lauren Capone

• Flatirons Integrative Health and Nutrition
• Lauren's Instagram

Time stamps & Questions

00:05:14 - Introducing Lauren

00:06:13 - How did you get into endurance sports?

00:08:16 - Tell us about the Ironman.

00:10:53 - At what point did you do your first full Ironman?

00:13:24 - What are the qualifying metrics for the Kona Ironman?

00:15:00 - Tell us the highlights and stats from your Kona race.

00:17:59 - Did you mentally prepare in addition to physically prepare?

00:19:22 - Tell us more about the trail running you do now.

00:20:22 - Tell us your educational background as it relates to nutrition.

00:22:38 - How should someone think about food before a half-year backpacking trip?

00:24:27 - What should people think about in terms of macronutrients or overall calorie intake?

00:26:20 - Do you think there's an advantage to starting a trail with a little extra body weight?

00:27:43 - What should people think about caloric intake during the trail?

00:29:45 - Is there anything magical about eating every hour?

00:31:00 - Do you have a rule of thumb for daily caloric intake?

00:32:18 - How does someone figure out their BMR?

00:35:40 - What characteristics should someone look for to know if they're getting enough energy on trail?

00:41:19 - Would you advise against intermittent fasting while hiking a long trail?

00:43:24 - Tell us about macronutrients as they relate to backpacking.

00:46:40 - Do you have a rough starting spot for planning macronutrients?

00:47:39 - Should people rely on their cravings as a guide or be more targeted?

00:50:20 - Discussion about protein sources and intake on trail.

00:54:41 - Are there symptoms of someone getting sufficient carbs but insufficient protein?

00:55:56 - Do you have thoughts on diets like keto, paleo, vegetarian, or vegan?

01:00:16 - How should people think about weight loss on trail?

01:04:10 - Should someone aim for a surplus of calories while eating in town?

01:09:19 - What happens physiologically when you're in a chronic calorie deficit?

01:12:35 - Why do females commonly lose their cycles when doing endurance sports?

01:14:32 - What would other symptoms of caloric deficit look like for males?

01:17:14 - Is there a rough guide for someone trying to monitor their weight?

01:18:07 - Why do you think people often put back on weight they lost while hiking?

01:22:57 - What are your thoughts on prioritizing strength training after a thru-hike?

01:26:05 - Do you work with athletes with eating disorders?

01:30:23 - Discussion about weight maintenance after a thru-hike.

01:31:52 - Do you have a rough guide to staying hydrated on trail?

01:34:35 - Discussion about adding salt to water.

01:36:56 - Do you think that electrolyte testing makes sense?

01:39:03 - Discussion about hyponatremia and ways to avoid it.

01:43:04 - What are the most common hydration mistakes made by endurance athletes?

01:44:02 - Do you recommend omega-3 supplements?

01:45:52 - What are your thoughts on CBD?

01:46:29 - What else do you recommend related to anti-inflammatory supplements?

01:48:30 - Thoughts on the chronic use of ibuprofen?

01:49:48 - Thoughts on protein supplements?

01:51:10 - Thoughts on a general multivitamin?

01:52:50 - Thoughts on sleep aids or recommended sleep supplements?

01:55:12 - Do you have thoughts on higher doses of magnesium?

01:56:26 - Do you have thoughts on dehydrated green juice?

01:57:57 - Discussion about nutrient and hormone testing.

02:02:20 - How can people work with you or Flatirons Integrative?

02:03:04 - Thank you!

SEGMENTS

MG Check-In

Trek Propaganda

• Appalachian Trail Shelter in NJ Temporarily Closed After Bear Tried to Enter Tent by Kelly Floro

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross.

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 The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, and Greg Mac.

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by goodr, we are joined by more AT Hiker Trash! This is volume II of our thru-hiker interviews from AT Trail Days 2022. This one concludes with a trail name origin story that is borderline too insane to believe.

We wrap the show with some very sad news of a hiker's tragic fall from McAfee Knob, a Triple Crown of Passive Aggressive Statements Used in Work Emails, and how Badger's TRT plans almost fell through once again, as per tradition.

Goodr: Use code "backpacker15" for 15% off at goodr.com/backpacker15.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at gossamergear.com.

Enlightened Equipment: Use code "thetrek10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com.

Point6: Use code "point6trek" for 30% off point6.com.

[divider]

Interview with more current AT hikers!

Time stamps & Questions

00:04:17 - QOTD: What was the highlight from your Memorial Day weekend?

00:11:10 - Interview with Take Three

00:19:29 - Interview with Ibex

00:25:32 - Interview with Nomad

00:33:10 - Interview with Turtle

00:38:09 - Interview with Pink and Flash

00:48:04 - Interview with Sweets

00:57:26 - Interview with Stove Top

01:05:55 - Interview with Dipper

01:14:47 - Interview with Fifty Cal

01:25:37 - Interview with Boston

01:31:52 - Interview with Smash

SEGMENTS

Trek Propaganda

• AT Hiker Who Fell from McAfee Knob Has Died, Authorities Confirm by Kelly Floro

Triple Crown of passive aggressive statements used in work emails

Mail Bag

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross.

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 The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, and Greg Mac.

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, brought to you by goodr, we are joined by peakbagger, author, search and rescuer, and all around awesome human, Nancy East. We go through Nancy's impressive list of thru-hikes, how she manages all the backpacking with a family who only sometimes joins her, we chat in depth about her search and rescue experiences and what advice all hikers can glean from the perspective of someone trying to rescue you, and we learn all about Nancy's book "Chasing the Smokies Moon: An audacious 938-mile hike fueled by love, loss, laughter, and lunacy". As recent guest Caet Cash put it, Nancy East is a beast. On the trail, this is 100% true. In talking with Nancy, the opposite is the case- Nancy is one of the nicest people you'll ever encounter and we had a great time chatting with her.

We wrap the show with some more highlights from Trail Days, the triple crown of board games, and that the first and biggest magazine for Backpackers is significantly scaling back its operations.

Goodr: Use code "backpacker15" for 15% off at goodr.com/backpacker15.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at gossamergear.com.

Organifi: Use code "backpacker" for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker.

[divider]

Interview with Nancy East

• Nancy's Website
• Nancy's Book
• Nancy's Instagram

Time stamps & Questions

00:04:38 - QOTD: What was your personal highlight on the last day of Trail Days?

00:16:02 - Introducing Nancy

00:16:43 - What's the origin story of your trail name?

00:18:55 - Was that event particularly stressful since you had your kids with you?

00:19:32 - How does Chaunce know Nancy?

00:20:22 - At what point did you learn of Nancy's legendary status?

00:21:54 - Tell us your trail resume.

00:23:56 - What advice do you have for someone who's looking to hike the Tahoe Rim Trail?

00:26:40 - Tell us about the Bartram Trail.

00:28:37 - Tell us about the Tour de LeConte.

00:29:38 - Do you leave your pack at the top or carry it the whole time?

00:30:51 - Tell us about setting the FKT on the Tour de LeConte.

00:31:54 - Is there a strategy to which trails you go up and which trails you go down?

00:34:05 - Bloody Mary check-in.

00:35:07 - Tell us about the Foothills Trail.

00:37:10 - How old were your kids when they hiked with you and how did they like the trail?

00:39:30 - Tell us about the Four Pass Loop.

00:42:14 - Tell us about the West Highland Way.

00:44:20 - Tell us about your blog.

00:45:36 - Tell us about the Tour du Mont Blanc.

00:48:10 - Tell us about the Trans Catalina Trail.

00:53:10 - Tell us about the Wonderland Trail.

00:54:39 - Tell us about the Timberline Trail.

00:56:05 - Tell us about the Palmetto Trail.

00:59:31 - Tell us a synopsis of your new book.

01:06:35 - Tell us more about how you got into search and rescue and lost person behavior.

01:10:08 - What are some of the most memorable rescues you've done?

01:14:14 - What are the most common traits of lost person behavior?

01:16:30 - Do you have strong thoughts about Gerry Largay?

01:18:40 - Give us some of the highlights and lowlights of your Smokies map hike.

01:23:04 - Did you know before the hike that you would write a book about it?

01:25:49 - How did you plan the hike?

01:28:18 - What food do you pick to bring to a lost person?

01:30:13 - Has anyone flirted with you during a rescue?

01:31:02 - What's the strategy for making kids love backpacking?

01:35:32 - What are the essential skills you've ensured your kids know?

01:37:30 - Are they proficient with navigation?

01:38:42 - Where can people find you?

01:39:16 - What adventures do you have coming up?

01:39:54 - Where can people find the book?

01:40:38 - Thank you!

SEGMENTS

Trek Propaganda

• Outside Ends Monthly Print Runs of Backpacker Magazine Amid Layoffs by Kelly Floro

Triple Crown of board games

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

Dad Joke

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross.

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 The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, and Greg Mac.

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek brought to by Goodr, we are joined by a gaggle of AT Hiker Trash. Today's episode comes to you from Trail Days, where we go through a series of rapid fire questions with hikers who are in the midst of their 2022 AT thru-hikes. This one is the predictable amount of chaos.

We wrap the show joined alongside Mara and Leah for our favorite moments from the AT road trip, a triple crown of fast food restaurants, and a listener educates us on plant water.

Goodr: Use code "backpacker15" for 15% off at goodr.com/backpacker15.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at gossamergear.com.

Greenbelly: Use code "trek2022" for 10% off at greenbelly.co.

Interviews with current AT hikers!

Time stamps & Questions

00:04:47 - QOTD: What was your favorite moment from Trail Days Day 1?

00:16:48 - Scavenger hunt discussion

00:19:21 - Interview with Painkiller

00:24:35 - Interview with Platinum

00:32:14 - Interview with El Humidor and Footloose

00:44:10 - Interview with trek blogger Sidetrack

00:51:19 - Interview with trek blogger Catchup

00:59:51 - Interview with Good Zen

01:05:20 - Interview with Catchup

01:10:05 - Interview with Mindwell

01:16:02 - Interview with Ulasidena

01:21:05 - Interview with Mary Poppins

SEGMENTS

Triple Crown of fast food restaurants

Listener Voicemail

5 Star Review

Follow Leah and Mara on Instagram!

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross.

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 The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, and Jason Snailer.

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek brought to you by Goodr, we are joined by Caet Cash. Caet first discovered backpacking back in 2014 and has been on an absolute tear ever since. We chat about why she prefers to hike SOBO, including some SOBO specific elements of both the AT and PCT, her insane list of peakbagging feats in the Adirondacks and southern Appalachians, redlining (aka mapping) the Smokies, and much more. Caet also details how her backcountry goals have shifted since being diagnosed with Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, how she manages EDS, and why she thinks it's important to be vocal about this chronic condition. We wrap the show with an overview of our AT road trip thus far including Chaunce's absurd sun burn, a triple crown of emotional high points on trail, a listener voicemail, and a listener educates us on the Philmont Poop Rating.

Goodr: Use code "backpacker15" for 15% off at goodr.com/backpacker15.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at gossamergear.com.

Greenbelly: Use code "trek2022" for 10% off at greenbelly.co.

Interview with Caet Cash

• Caet's Instagram
• Article about Caet & the SB6K

Time stamps & Questions

00:04:32 - QOTD: What's been the best part of the road trip thus far?

00:14:53 - Introducing Caet

00:15:10 - Discussion about Caet's trail name.

00:16:03 - What's the origin of your trail name?

00:18:37 - How mad are you going to be about Zach's pronunciation of Appalachian?

00:19:02 - Do you remember where you first met Zach?

00:21:07 - Tell us your backpacking resume.

00:22:45 - Tell us about the Northville Placid Trail.

00:24:26 - What's the best season to do the Northville Placid Trail?

00:25:45 - Do most people start in Northville?

00:26:00 - What type of wildlife do you see?

00:27:05 - Have you done any of the Finger Lakes Trail?

00:27:52 - What put the Appalachian Trail on your radar and why did you choose southbound?

00:29:19 - Was your marathon pain related to your future diagnosis?

00:30:10 - Anything else you want to share from the AT?

00:32:25 - Chaunce's story.

00:34:52 - At one point did you feel like you got into the hiking rhythm?

00:38:20 - Does any part of the trail feel hard after you've completed the Whites?

00:39:30 - Anything else you want to share from the CT?

00:40:36 - Tell us about connecting your footsteps on the PCT.

00:43:54 - How did you decide to go southbound on the PCT?

00:44:30 - How did you handle sleeping alone?

00:46:35 - How many times have you seen bears at night?

00:47:30 - Discussion of purism differences between the AT and PCT.

00:48:35 - When did you finish the PCT and what was the Sierra like?

00:50:15 - Tell us about what you thought of the PCT views and scenery.

00:52:02 - Do you prefer the scenery of the AT?

00:53:20 - Do you think list-making is more of a personality trait of people in the Northeast?

00:54:11 - Tell us about the South Beyond 6,000 grid.

00:55:36 - Can you give us more detail on the SB6K guidelines?

00:57:14 - What's your strategy in accomplishing the SB6K?

00:58:14 - How do you hike all of them in a month?

00:59:25 - What are your top 3 favorite peaks from the SB6K?

01:00:49 - Tell us about the Adirondack 46.

01:02:03 - How many of the SB6K peaks are accessible from or on the AT?

01:03:03 - Have you done Mt. Rogers?

01:03:47 - If there's no view, is the appeal strictly accomplishing the list?

01:04:20 - Has anyone else done the SB6K grid?

01:07:02 - Tell us about redlining the Smokies.

01:09:12 - How much do you have to plan for a redlining project versus winging it?

01:09:41 - Are there any resources for helping someone plan a redline?

01:10:45 - How long did it take you to redline the Smokies?

01:11:44 - Tell us about your hip injury.

01:16:01 - Tell us about Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome.

01:18:19 - Have you ever dislocated your shoulder?

01:19:01 - What differentiates this disease from someone with other flexibility or hypermobility?

01:19:41 - How do you cope with or reduce chronic pain?

01:22:22 - How has EDS modified your future plans or goals?

01:24:29 - How common is EDS?

01:25:51 - What else in your lifestyle has changed to pursue your health goals?

01:27:18 - Has it been tough to recalibrate your goals?

01:28:28 - Did you ever wonder if your pain was similar to other hikers'?

01:29:58 - Would cycling be a possible activity for you?

01:31:52 - Tell us about your sister and hiking with her.

01:32:55 - What's your big 3 these days?

01:34:14 - Hype up van life for us.

01:36:18 - What do you want to share about guiding?

01:37:12 - How did you like working with Jennifer Pharr Davis?

01:38:00 - Anything else you want to share?

01:39:08 - Thank you!

SEGMENTS

Trek Propaganda

• Woman Rescued After Falling Headfirst Into Pit Toilet Trying to Retrieve Phone by Penina Satlow

Triple Crown of emotional high points on trail

Listener Voicemail

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound g uy@Paulybooyshallcross.

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 The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, and Jason Snailer.

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by YouTube sensation, Darwin. We learn all about Darwin's rise to fame, including the turning point from when he went from a novice content creator to a full-blown trail celebrity, his advice to aspiring YouTube trail personalities, and why he ultimately fell out of love with the platform. We also learn about Darwin's new media company, Outdoor Evolution, and the plethora of projects currently coming from OE, and what lies ahead.

We wrap the show by sharing the news of a gent who's about to finish walking around the world with his pup and we opine on whether we'd rather have a boring, stupid, or ugly offspring.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at gossamergear.com.

Organifi: Use code "backpacker" for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker.

Greenbelly: Use code "trek2022" for 10% off at greenbelly.co.

Interview with Darwin

• Darwin's Youtube Channel
• Darwin Goodbye Trek Article + Goodbye Video
• Outdoor Evolution

Time stamps & Questions

00:04:25 - QOTD: Would you rather have a boring, stupid, or ugly kid?

00:06:57 - BPR Announcements: The Trek's Featured TikTok Personality

00:08:08 - Introducing Darwin

00:08:37 - What was your life pre-dirtbag adventuring?

00:09:52 - Was there one trip you saw as the tipping point to altering your lifestyle?

00:13:56 - Tell us about the timeline of leaving home.

00:14:35 - Tell us about the initial intentions of the trail.

00:16:50 - Do you think leaving the AT and returning later prepared you for future trips?

00:18:47 - When does the Youtube channel enter the picture?

00:22:46 - Was there a particular moment when the channel became something you thought you could make a career out of?

00:25:27 - Tell us about living and working in Albuquerque.

00:26:45 - What's the strangest hobby you've gotten into?

00:28:20 - Tell us about owning a restaurant.

00:29:10 - Are you a big fan of the blues?

00:30:04 - What are the top three things you would never dabble in?

00:31:40 - Tell us about cycling and bike-packing.

00:36:04 - Why do you think your bike-packing videos didn't take off?

00:36:55 - Is adventure touring more trail or more road?

00:38:58 - How is your injury affecting your upcoming plans?

00:38:33 - Do you mind if I ask how old you are?

00:40:07 - What was the next big hike after the AT?

00:41:03 - How did you like the Pinhoti Trail?

00:42:48 - What kind of miles are you usually hiking per day?

00:44:42 - How did your channel interface with your PCT hike?

00:48:50 - Discussion about the turning point in popularity for the channel.

00:52:43 - Can you elaborate on the closure you sought on the CDT?

01:00:56 - If you had any general advice to someone interested in growing a Youtube channel, what would you tell them?

01:05:24 - Did you develop a thicker skin toward internet comments as you made more videos?

01:09:08 - Tell us about Outdoor Evolution.

01:14:58 - How do you decide how to allocate your time?

01:16:45 - Tell us about the structure of OE.

01:17:55 - Do you and your wife plan to have any children?

01:21:35 - Tell us more about current OE projects.

01:26:25 - How much are you looking to fundraise for your public lands series?

01:27:36 - How big is your production team?

01:28:58 - Give us a sneak peak of each episode.

01:30:01 - Tell us about the other upcoming projects you have going on this year.

01:33:22 - Anything else you want to share?

01:35:12 - Thanks!

SEGMENTS

Trek Propaganda

• Tom Turcich (and His Pup) Set to Complete 7-Year Around-the-World Walk Next Month by Clay Bonnyman Evans

Adrift on the Pacific Crest Trail by Clay Bonnyman Evans

Triple Crown of unlikely spaces where humans become savagely territorial

Impromptu News Story

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross.

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 The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, and Jason Snailer.

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Carly Moree. Carly is a thru-hiker, the co-author of Pacific Crest Trials, an OG Writer at The Trek, entrepreneur and a long time friend. We chat about her transition from the cushy world of finance to backpacking, her personal pitfalls of getting into a relationship on the AT, some hilarious hallucinations during her JMT FKT attempt, and learn all about her new guiding company, Rocky Mountain Hiking Company.

We wrap the show with a brief overview of some of the top day hikes on the AT, some more details of our upcoming road trip, and a dad joke of the week.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at gossamergear.com.

Greenbelly: Use code "trek2022" for off at greenbelly.co.

Enlightened Equipment: Use code "thetrek10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com.

[divider]

Photo credit: "Stephanie Weezer" (@stephlotus_ on IG)

Interview with Carly Moree

• Carly's Instagram
• Rocky Mountain Hiking Company
• Rocky Mountain Hiking Company Instagram

Time stamps & Questions

00:04:24 - QOTD: If you married to yourself, what would be the reason for the divorce?

00:05:54 - QOTD 2: What's the correct amount to tip for pickup orders?

00:13:14 - BPR Announcements: Asheville Meetup at Hi-Wire Brewing May 11, 6:30pm, Trail Days: scavenger hunt, limited edition t-shirts

00:14:20 - Introducing Carly

00:16:08 - Tell us about your introduction into the world of thru-hiking.

00:18:15 - What's your trail name origin story?

00:19:19 - Why don't you want to date on trail anymore?

00:20:39 - What attracts you to someone while on trail?

00:22:48 - Tell us about getting Lyme disease.

00:25:44 - Where did you go after the AT?

00:26:41 - Tell us about the epiphany you had about the direction your career was going.

00:28:33 - Give us an example of a crazy moment from your finance job.

00:32:04 - Tell us about the transition from your job to the AT?

00:34:27 - Tell us about deciding to hike the PCT after the AT?

00:35:30 - Did you get any grief for skipping Pennsylvania?

00:36:50 - Discussion about big mile days on the PCT.

00:37:49 - What changes did you make when deciding to date a second person?

00:38:52 - Is there anything else you want to share from the PCT?

00:41:01 - Do you feel like you were drawn to Jennifer Pharr Davis for any other reasons?

00:44:13 - Discussion about co-authoring Pacific Crest Trials.

00:47:25 - Tell us how co-authoring the book has helped your dating life.

00:47:58 - Discussion about Reddit AMA.

00:49:38 - What was your life like after the PCT?

00:51:42 - Why did you only do Mount Sanitas?

00:52:35 - Tell us about starting your PCT FKT attempt.

00:54:44 - Was it weird that you were both going for the FKT?

00:55:42 - Tell us about transitioning from the PCT FKT to the JMT FKT?

00:57:48 - The FKT was a really important moment in your life, right?

00:58:53 - Doesn't going through a breakup during lockdown suck?

01:01:00 - Discussion about training for the Grand Canyon run.

01:01:55 - What's your hiking pace?

01:02:11 - What's your aggressive hiking pace?

01:03:04 - Discussion about training for the JMT FKT.

01:04:33 - Did you plan the hike around a good weather window?

01:06:24 - Tell us the fun facts of the hike.

01:07:05 - What are the hallucinations and did you realize you were hallucinating?

01:14:03 - How do you know what you thought was real was actually real?

01:16:02 - Discussion about the end of the FKT attempt.

01:17:26 - Why do you think you couldn't feel anything until you decided to end the attempt?

01:17:58 - Discussion about getting off the trail.

01:20:38 - Discussion about getting lost and deciding to press SOS.

01:22:39 - Discussion about the SAR suitors.

01:26:18 - You had to pay for the SOS rescue?

01:27:13 - What did the rescue cost?

01:27:55 - You seemed way too comfortable with hallucinating - were you scared?

01:30:18 - Do you have any advice for the Tahoe Rim Trail?

01:32:41 - Anything else from the Tahoe Rim Trail?

01:33:40 - Tell us about your company.

01:35:40 - When did you start the company?

01:37:11 - Who is the target market for your guided hikes?

01:38:37 - How many trips have you guided so far?

01:39:08 - What are some of the challenges of running a guiding company?

01:40:28 - Who's the other guide?

01:42:25 - When is your Death Valley trip?

01:43:25 - What has been the biggest surprise in starting the company?

01:45:20 - How does hiring and paying guides work?

01:47:25 - Is it just a three person team right now?

01:48:48 - Tell us about the workshops.

01:50:00 - Tell us about the coaching element of the company.

01:53:30 - Anything else we should know about Rocky Mountain Hiking Company?

01:54:05 - Thank you!

SEGMENTS

Trek Propaganda

• Top 5 Appalachian Trail Day Hikes with Unforgettable Views by Amber and Joshua Niven

Dad Joke of the Week

Roan Mountain, Ghosts, and Supernatural Stories

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

Book Update

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross.

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 The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, and Jason Snailer.

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, we are joined by author, mountaineer, and keynote speaker, Dr. Jon Kedrowski. Dr. Jon's list of accomplishments are staggeringly long, including sleeping at the summit of all the Colorado 14'ers, multiple Everest summits, playing D-1college basketball at Valparaiso, guiding and befriending Mike Posner, and much more. We catch Dr. Jon very off-guard with a well-timed, fuck, marry, kill, we learn about the standout geography features of each of the Colorado mountain ranges, and what it's like to encounter death on Everest.

We wrap the show with a triple crown of minor injuries that hurt like fuck and we bring back a listener favorite segment — would you rather.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at gossamergear.com.

Organifi: Use code "backpacker" for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker.

Greenbelly: Use code "trek2022" for off at greenbelly.co.

Enlightened Equipment: Use code "ultralight10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com.

Interview with Dr. Jon Kedrowski

• Dr. Jon's Instagram
• Dr. Jon's Website

Time stamps & Questions

00:04:41 - QOTD: What are you most excited about for Trail Days?

00:11:13 - BPR Announcements: Trail Days Road Trip, Asheville Meetup May 11, 6:30pm, subscribe to be alerted of new BPR episodes!

00:14:30 - Introducing Dr. Jon Kedrowski

00:15:50 - Tell us your mountaineering origin story.

00:19:08 - Were you the youngest person to hike all of Colorado's 14'ers?

00:21:25 - How did you get to trailheads during high school?

00:22:24 - Tell us about being a geography professor.

00:24:20 - Was it tough to pursue mountaineering before it was a money-making profession?

00:27:30 - What's it like to be a part of March Madness?

00:28:23 - What's the overlap between being a collegiate basketball player and a successful mountaineer?

00:29:29 - For a backpacker, what's an applicable mantra or philosophy you go by?

00:32:20 - Tell us about the CDT and CT from a geographic perspective.

00:34:48 - How do you compare the San Juans and the Collegiate Peaks?

00:36:41 - If you had to pick one Colorado mountain range for the rest of your life's adventuring, which would it be?

00:38:20 - Fuck, Marry, Kill: Colorado mountain ranges.

00:40:24 - Do you actually sleep at the top of a mountain?

00:42:19 - What do you do if there's a storm while you're sleeping?

00:43:38 - Your tent got struck by lightning?

00:45:38 - Do you lead clients up Everest now?

00:46:56 - Are you in Mike Posner's new music video?

00:48:39 - Tell us a wild story from hiking with Mike Posner?

00:50:31 - What's considered good water once you become a snob about it?

00:52:00 - Did you ever not want to get in the water on video?

00:53:03 - Is there one place that stood out to you related to stargazing?

00:56:21 - Do you ever follow established routes or mainly find your own?

00:59:30 - Let's talk about Everest!

01:01:02 - What's it like when there's a tragedy on Everest?

01:03:20 - What went wrong in 2012?

01:08:02 - What's the atmosphere like when you return to the high camp?

01:08:35 - What's your personal mental state like when you have to leave someone behind?

01:10:40 - Is there any mental prep work for encountering people who will perish on Everest?

01:13:20 - At one point will Everest become a trail of bodies?

01:15:58 - Is there part of you that gets freaked out going back year after year?

01:17:32 - What would a training program for Everest look like?

01:19:14 - What training could someone do in the gym?

01:21:21 - Tell us about mountaineering gear.

01:23:22 - How much do those sleeping bags and down suits weigh?

01:24:03 - What does your pack typically weigh?

01:25:43 - What size is your pack?

01:26:20 - Tell us about your "no off days" philosophy.

01:27:40 - Are you physically preparing every single day or are you risking burnout?

01:28:42 - How old are you?

01:31:28 - Have you thought about retiring for two weeks like Tom Brady?

01:33:02 - Is part of you wanting to do a calendar Triple?

01:34:05 - What's your go-to junk food?

01:34:23 - Get a prize for buying Dr. Jon's new book!

01:36:34 - Thank you!

SEGMENTS

Trek Propaganda

• Authorities Seek Help Identifying Body Found on Springer Mountain by Kelly Floro

Triple Crown of minor injuries that hurt like fuck

Would You Rather?

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross.

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 The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, and Jason Snailer.

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Hazel Platt known on trail as Platypus. In addition to thru-hikes of the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Northwest Trail, Hazel also serves as the Volunteer Engagement Associate for the PCTA. Hazel is also a queer/trans hiker, going by the he/they pronouns. We go deep in this interview, learning about Hazel's emotional journey of coming out as a trans hiker during the height of lockdown in the less than welcoming environment of a conservative community in West Virginia. We also learn about the differences of Hazel's thru-hikes, where they had come out as queer prior to the AT, and trans shortly before embarking on the Pacific Northwest Trail. We chat about Hazel's love for off-trail hiking, including the highlights and lowlights of navigating on the PNT. We conclude the interview with an overview of Hazel's work at the PCTA, the importance volunteers play for the Pacific Crest Trail, and what the future beholds for the non-profit.

We wrap the show with a check-in from MG, Backpacker Radio's Sponsored hiker, as she gets ready for her SOBO AT thru-hike, we learn about a gentleman hiking the AT carrying a leafblower, and a half-baked patent-pending about how to improve nalgenes.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at gossamergear.com.

Greenbelly: Use code "trek2022" for off at greenbelly.co.

Enlightened Equipment: Use code "ultralight10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com.

Interview with Hazel "Platypus" Platt

• Hazel's Instagram
• Pacific Crest Trail Association Website
• PCTA Instagram

Time stamps & Questions

00:04:45 - QOTD: How was the Denver Hiker Trash meetup?

00:13:05 - BPR Announcements: Trail Days Road Trip, Asheville Meetup May 11, 6:30pm

00:15:15 - Introducing Hazel

00:15:45 - What's your backpacking resume?

00:16:42 - What caused you not to finish the Long Trail?

00:17:19 - Did you feel in over your head starting the AT?

00:18:10 - Any notable stories from the AT?

00:19:40 - What was the inspiration to become sober?

00:20:40 - What would you like to share about your coming out process?

00:23:04 - What was the reception like in West Virginia or online?

00:25:35 - Can you walk us through what it was like when the pandemic started for you?

00:29:12 - Tell us about your tech career prior to hiking.

00:33:08 - Did the cloud around gender dysphoria lift at all after coming out?

00:35:35 - Can you speak to some of the common cultural challenges you're inundated with?

00:40:43 - What comes up for you when someone gets your pronouns wrong?

00:41:47 - What was your experience and reception like on the Pacific Northwest Trail?

00:46:06 - Was there a difference in your hiking experience from the AT to the PNT?

00:48:50 - What was it like going from the community of the AT to the isolation of the PNT?

00:51:04 - Did you see any grizzlies?

00:51:42 - Tell us about the time you got lost.

00:56:54 - Do you know how much more of the trail has been developed in recent years?

00:58:43 - Can you speak to the community you found on trail compared to what you expected?

01:01:24 - Are there places you'd suggest someone look for community prior to hiking?

01:04:15 - Discussion about history.

01:10:40 - Tell us a story that encapsulates the bigger picture history of the AT.

01:13:30 - Tell us a fun fact about plants.

01:15:21 - Tell Zach the story about George Washington, land surveying, and the Fairfax line.

01:20:14 - Tell us about your role with the PCTA.

01:21:20 - Can you tell us more about the role volunteers play for the PCTA?

01:22:56 - Can you speak to some of the biggest challenges of working with volunteers?

01:26:37 - What is your vision for more inclusive programs and messaging within the PCTA?

01:30:18 - How do you see yourself accomplishing your own goals within your work?

01:32:22 - Do you have any parting thoughts to share?

01:36:55 - Thank you!

SEGMENTS

MG Check-In

Trek Propaganda

• The Colorado Trail Guide: Logistics by Kelly Floro
• Man Hiking the AT with a Leafblower: Mascot Hikers and Why They Do It by Bloodhound

Trail News

What is a hike?

Patent Pending

One Minute Gear Review

Plant, Child, and Pupdate

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross.

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 The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, and Jason Snailer.

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Nika "Early Bird" Meyers. Nika is a backpacking badass. Not only is she a triple crowner, but Early Bird has set a pair of speed records, including the unsupported FKT on the Long Trail and the self-supported FKT on the Colorado Trail, which she set last year with a time of 9 days 14 hours, and 19 minutes (keep in mind, this takes most people a full month). We get a full chronology of Nika's backpacking career, when and where the idea of attempting FKTs first entered her world, her background in competitive skiing, the most important lesson she's learned when attempting thru-hikes, her incredible artwork, and much more.

We wrap the show with a series of Elise-centric segments (as she's sitting in for Chaunce today), including how she's preparing, what gear she's using, how she's budgeting for the CDT, and much more. We also chat about some 4-6 day backpacking trips in the West to put on your bucket list, how thru-hiking has changed our lives, and we get a surprise visit from Jabba at the end of our interview.

[divider]

LISTEN

Download this episode.

[divider]

Gossamer Gear: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at gossamergear.com.

Organifi: Use code "backpacker" for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker.

Enlightened Equipment: Use code "ultralight10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com.

[divider]

Interview with Nika "Early Bird" Meyers

• Nika's Website
• Nika's Instagram
• Nika's Art Instagram

Time stamps & Questions

00:05:11 - QOTD: What are your hiking plans for this summer?

00:07:27 - BPR Announcements: Trail Days Road Trip, Asheville Meetup May 11, 6:30pm

00:08:30 - Introducing Nika

00:08:56 - How did you get your trail name?

00:10:33 - What's relevant in your background before you started thru-hiking?

00:13:51 - Did you know right away after the Long Trail that you would do more long trails?

00:15:35 - What kind of animals use the Long Trail as a migratory corridor?

00:16:34 - If you got to list one sport on your tombstone, what would it be?

00:17:23 - Take us from the Long Trail in 2012 to the PCT in 2014.

00:19:03 - How did you manage without your parent's blessing for starting the PCT?

00:22:00 - How quickly did you hike the Long Trail and the PCT?

00:24:50 - How did you get interested in FKTs?

00:26:27 - Anything else you want to highlight from the PCT?

00:26:56 - What did you do after the PCT?

00:28:25 - What's harder, a 50-mile day or dealing with high school kids?

00:29:34 - How did you get into environmental education to begin with?

00:32:11 - What was your lifestyle like living in the Cascades?

00:32:55 - Discussion about snow on the PCT.

00:33:40 - What's your snow hiking technique?

00:35:08 - Did you do a lot of peaks in the Cascades?

00:36:08 - Are you an adrenaline junkie?

00:36:55 - Tell us about the CDT.

00:37:20 - What's your pack weight like for these hikes?

00:38:54 - What else do you want to share about the CDT?

00:41:54 - Did you feel the same way going from the CDT to AT that you did PCT to CDT?

00:45:07 - What are the biggest differences between those two trails?

00:47:10 - What's your take on the AT as your last Triple Crown trail?

00:49:02 - Was it difficult to find a way to hike by yourself?

00:51:00 - Was this pink blazing or banana blazing?

00:52:24 - Tell us your poop story.

00:57:41 - Anything notable from the Rim2Rim2Rim?

00:58:23 - What's the elevation change in the Grand Canyon?

00:58:40 - What's the R2R2R FKT?

01:00:28 - How fast did you hike the Arizona Trail?

01:00:47 - When did you get the idea of setting FKTs?

01:02:56 - How did you bridge the gap between regimented schedules and having fun?

01:05:56 - How do you plan an FKT without planning daily mileage?

01:08:14 - What was your sleep regimen like?

01:09:00 - Discussion about talking with other hikers while pursuing an FKT.

01:11:22 - Did you utilize caffeine at all?

01:13:42 - Did your appetite ever get back to normal during the Colorado Trail FKT?

01:15:12 - Did you crave anything during an FKT?

01:15:55 - Do you think this will change your food planning for future FKTs?

01:16:42 - Is any part of an FKT Type I fun?

01:18:02 - Do you get anxious about hiking in the middle of the night?

01:19:11 - What's the time difference between the Long Trail and Colorado Trail FKTs?

01:21:58 - Do you get antsy while waiting for storms to pass?

01:22:48 - Did finishing in better condition have more to do with your training or the terrain?

01:24:08 - Tell us about your art.

01:27:37 - Tell us about the watercolor t-shirt.

01:29:10 - If you could pick one piece to display in your house, which would it be?

01:30:13 - Are a lot of pieces commissioned?

01:30:45 - Where can people catch up with you?

01:31:43 - What's next for you?

01:32:54 - Thank you!

SEGMENTS

Trek Propaganda

• Nika 'Early Bird' Meyers Sets a New Self-Supported Colorado Trail FKT by Owen Eigenbrot
• How Has Thru-Hiking Changed Your Life? Hikers Share Their Stories (Part 1) by Penina Satlow

Pre-Trail Q&A with Elise

• Avenza Maps

Triple Crown of non-obvious thru-hike prep things

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross.

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 The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, and Jason Snailer.

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Linnea Delucchi, known on trail as Otter. Otter is a 2017 PCT thru-hiker, has a Masters in Adventure Education, and now serves as the Assistant Director at New Treks, an organization that teaches outdoor education to underprivileged youth. This convo covers a lot of ground, including the cognitive effects of spending time in nature and hiking specifically (and how wearing headphones could potentially negatively impact that), we get an overview of some Denver-based non-profits focused on the outdoors- including an in-depth work of Linnea's organization, and Linnea blesses us with an all-time poop story from her PCT thru-hike.

We wrap the show with a rapid fire Q&A with The Trek's new intern, Rachel, we do a triple crown of things people complain about as they get older, and Chaunce reveals herself as an Oscars slap truther.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at gossamergear.com.

Greenbelly: Use code "trek2022" for off at greenbelly.co.

Enlightened Equipment: Use code "ultralight10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com.

Interview with Linnea "Otter" Delucchi

• Linnea's Instagram
• New Treks
• Donate to New Treks

Time stamps & Questions

00:04:20 - QOTD: Where were you when the news broke of Will Smith slapping Chris Rock?

00:09:25 - BPR Announcements: Asheville Meetup Hi-Wire Brewing RAD Beer Garden, May 11, 6:30pm

00:11:25 - Introducing Linnea

00:12:40 - Tell us your outdoor background.

00:14:23 - If you had to pick one outdoor sport, what would you pick?

00:15:10 - How long have you lived in Colorado?

00:15:54 - Tell us about graduate school.

00:16:37 - What direction did you think your career would go as an undergraduate?

00:17:28 - What's the craziest thing about the brain?

00:18:40 - What's the difference between people who hike with headphones and those who don't?

00:19:28 - Does it matter what you're listening to?

00:20:27 - Tell us about the study design.

00:22:23 - If you were going to run the study again, what variables would you change?

00:24:03 - What do you know about studies related to thru-hiking?

00:26:25 - Discussion about the impacts of technology in nature.

00:27:50 - Did you make a conscious decision not to listen to technology on the PCT?

00:30:15 - Tell us more about the brain.

00:33:50 - What do you think the cognitive benefits of a thru-hike are?

00:36:20 - How would you convince someone like Chaunce to get out in nature more?

00:39:25 - Do you think adrenaline junkies have less of a fear response?

00:42:25 - What turned you on to the PCT in the first place?

00:43:47 - Was backpacking a hard sell for you given the other sports you like?

00:45:42 - Do you have any crazy injury stories?

00:48:37 - Are there sports you won't try?

00:49:35 - Tell us your poop story.

00:55:06 - Tell us about New Treks.

00:57:28 - What's your role at New Treks?

00:58:20 - Do you notice different ways that the kids you work with interact with the outdoors?

01:01:18 - How do you get the kids excited for the activities?

01:02:40 - How much time do you spend with each group?

01:05:05 - How often do you see kids get really into the activities?

01:06:55 - Does one story stand out as the most meaningful?

01:09:22 - Is it tough to maintain a positive attitude?

01:12:03 - How long has New Treks been in existence?

01:12:20 - How do you start something like New Treks?

01:13:42 - Can you explain the funding side of New Treks?

01:17:04 - Tell us about the other Denver-based nonprofits you wrote about.

01:24:22 - Did you learn about these organizations recently or already know about them?

01:26:12 - Do you have advice for anyone interested in getting into outdoor education?

01:27:54 - What's next for you?

01:28:48 - Thank you!

SEGMENTS

Trek Propaganda

• Eight Denver-Based Nonprofits Working in the Outdoors by Linnea Delucchi
• 7 Badass Woman Thru-Hikers Who Inspire Me to Hit the Trails by Anna McKinney

Triple Crown of things people start to complain about as they get older

Mail Bag

New Intern Q&A

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross.

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 The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, and Jason Snailer.

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by former Trek Vlogger, Sophia "Wheelz" Garber. Wheelz was a member of the AT NOBO turned NOGO class of 2020, due to the pandemic- duh. Her shot at redemption didn't have to wait too long, as Sophia ended up completing her mission to hike the AT the very next year.

We learn what it was like to be on trail during the early days of the pandemic, how it felt to deal with social media trolls when trying to decide whether to stay or go (and the challenge of even getting off trail), the role Sophia's recently deceased friend played in her motivation to hike, and how thru-hiking compared to Sophia's 4,000-mile bikepacking trip just a couple years prior.

Things fall off the rails a bit in the segments, as we answer a couple of listener voicemail questions, do a triple crown of thru-hiker no-no's, and a listener accuses Chaunce of having stinky privates.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at gossamergear.com.

Organifi: Use code "backpacker" for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker.

Enlightened Equipment: Use code "ultralight10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com.

Interview with Sophia "Wheelz" Garber

• Sophia's Instagram
• Be the Sun Design Co Instagram
• Be the Sun Design Co Website
• First Descents Website
• Sophia's Hiker? I Barely Know Her Shirt

Time stamps & Questions

00:04:39 - QOTD: Are there more doors or wheels in the entire world?

00:10:41 - BPR Announcements: Asheville Meetup Location May 11, 6:30pm

00:11:55 - Introducing Sophia

00:13:48 - Tell us about your cross-country bike adventure.

00:15:12 - What group did you bike with?

00:17:02 - Awkward silence.

00:17:12 - What would you pick between being on foot or being on a bike?

00:20:28 - Did you know anyone going into the bike ride?

00:21:07 - What if someone wants to quit?

00:21:57 - What kind of roads did you bike on?

00:22:15 - Was there any carryover between your biking gear and your hiking gear?

00:23:55 - Were there trail names on the bike ride?

00:24:35 - What would your next long bike ride be?

00:25:08 - Did the ride feel rushed at all?

00:26:04 - At what point did you realize you wanted to do the AT?

00:29:40 - Tell us about starting the AT on March 15, 2020.

00:30:38 - Discussion about getting off trail.

00:33:40 - Tell us about being on the receiving end of social media comments?

00:36:25 - What were the vibes on trail before you got off?

00:39:02 - Did you know right away that you'd re-attempt the trail the next year?

00:41:02 - Tell us more about Cristal and fundraising for the Ulman House.

00:46:38 - What led you to working for the Ulman House?

00:49:37 - Have you heard of the program First Descents?

00:50:18 - What was your fundraising goal?

00:53:21 - Having started the trail twice, did you prepare any differently the second time?

00:54:01 - What did it feel like to do horrible climbs twice at the start of the AT?

00:55:12 - What was your experience vlogging on trail?

00:56:40 - What was your editing practice and how long did editing take?

00:58:10 - Did you ever get weird comments?

01:00:31 - How often did you hike alone?

01:03:00 - Tell us your poop story.

01:07:30 - Tell us about aqua blazing.

01:11:55 - What's another not boring story?

01:14:35 - Tell us about your woodburning side hustle.

01:16:14 - Where can people find your site?

01:17:49 - Did you go to school for art?

01:18:20 - Discussion about stick and poke tattoos.

01:19:40 - Tell us about your upcoming hiking plans.

01:21:10 - Thank you!

SEGMENTS

Shaming Chaunce

Trek Propaganda

• Thru-Hiking with a Partner? Save Weight (and Money) by Sharing Gear by Kelly Floro

Listener Voicemails

Triple Crown of thru-hiker no-no's

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross.

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 The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Matt Soukup, and Jason Snailer.

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Peter Bergman. In a nutshell, Peter is the ultimate wildcard. His hiking resume, which includes a completed section hike of the PCT and a cross country hike from his front door in Denver to Mt. of the Holy Cross- doesn't even begin to tell his story. We learn about the life of an art professor, some of most ridiculous projects, which toes the line between art and prank, and his latest release, PaCT, a series of projects related to his two-part section hike of the PCT, the first chunk as a 23-year-old, and the rest at twice the age of 46. Chaunce and Badger were thoroughly entertained during this one, you will be too.

We wrap the show with a special triple crown, Elise edition, some surprise birthday wishes to Chaunce - including a voicemail that had us LMAO'ing, and much more.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at gossamergear.com.

Organifi: Use code "backpacker" for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker.

Enlightened Equipment: Use code "ultralight10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com.

Bedrock Sandals: Head to bedrocksandals.com today!

[divider]

Interview with Peter Bergman

• An Address: Institute of Sociometry
• is PRESS Website
• is PRESS Instagram
• PaCT Website
• PaCT Report Instagram

Time stamps & Questions

00:04:38 - QOTD: What is something every junk drawer must have in order to be considered a proper junk drawer?

00:09:03 - BPR Announcements: Denver Hiker Meetup April 5, New Intern

00:13:30 - Introducing Peter

00:13:36 - What's your elevator pitch?

00:14:53 - Tell us about being a professor.

00:15:54 - What percentage of your students would you say are garbage people?

00:16:58 - What is your favorite course to teach?

00:17:57 - What's the most memorable art project you've seen while teaching?

00:20:20 - What's your take on the Van Gogh exhibit?

00:20:51 - What's your take on Meow Wolf?

00:21:51 - What's your overall experience as an artist?

00:27:18 - Would you say there's a theme among Cabriolet owners?

00:28:33 - Tell us about the postcards.

00:31:49 - How did you not get shot?

00:33:28 - How do you differentiate between art and entertainment?

00:33:58 - What's the name of the documentary?

00:34:38 - What was it like during/in the pre-Jackass, Southern California, skate-punk scene?

00:36:20 - What about skateboarding created that culture?

00:38:17 - What's your take on Jackass?

00:38:57 - Discussion about free library project.

00:43:38 - Are you currently in the midst of any pranks?

00:51:15 - Tell us about the PCT section in 1996.

00:55:10 - Discussion about deciding to finish the trail in 2019.

00:56:06 - Discussion about hike from Denver to Mt. Holy Cross.

00:56:40 - How much of that route was off-trail vs. on roads?

00:56:58 - Discussion about returning to the PCT in 2019.

00:57:17 - How do Peter and Elise know each other?

00:58:25 - How did you end up with two feet of Dylan's hair around your neck?

00:59:25 - Discussion about the hair collection.

01:02:16 - Discussion about the time capsule.

01:08:10 - Discussion about getting off trail in 1996.

01:12:14 - With your exciting hobbies off-trail, how did you keep yourself entertained on trail?

01:16:06 - As someone who is a professor, how would you assign an on-trail project to hikers as if they were students?

01:19:27 - Walk us through the flipbook, zine, and book.

01:21:25 - Discussion about book printing.

01:24:20 - Discussion about the time between 1996 and 2019.

01:25:09 - How did your dad respond to the book?

01:25:34 - How many books are left?

01:25:53 - Discussion about badgers.

01:28:29 - Tell us about the snowstorm.

01:34:20 - Discussion about completing the trail in 2019.

01:37:12 - What were the primary differences between the two hikes?

01:41:43 - What was your gear like in 1996?

01:43:57 - What's your poop story?

01:49:22 - Thank you!

SEGMENTS

Trek Propaganda

• Matthew "Odie" Norman to Retire from Hiker Yearbook Project by Penina Satlow

Triple Crown of Elise

Chaunce's Birthday Well-Wishes

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @paulyonthedrums

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 The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Matt Soukup, and Jason Snailer.

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Andy Laub. Andy is a thru-hiker, documentarian, cinematographer, director, editor, visual effects artist...basically all things under the sun dealing with making videos. His work has been featured on the Discovery Channel, National Geographic, BBC World, Amazon Prime, Hulu & PBS World Channel. His first trail documentary, As It Happens, has more than a million views on YouTube. We chat all about his backpacking career, what goes into a professional video production, juggling his adventures while being a parent of two youngsters, and we go deep on his latest project, THRU, a six-part series featuring his 2018 thru-hike of the Pacific Northwest Trail. Whether you nerd out on video stuff or not, I guarantee you'll enjoy this chat. It's a fun one.

We wrap the show with a more formal announcement of the winner of the Backpacker Radio Sponsorship, we get a fan submission patent-pending about drinking sunscreen, and do a triple crown of thru-hiking phrases, clichés, and acronyms.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at gossamergear.com.

Organifi: Use code "backpacker" for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker.

Enlightened Equipment: Use code "ultralight10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com.

Bedrock Sandals: Head to bedrocksandals.com today!

Interview with Andy Laub

• Watch THRU here
• @thru_film on Instagram
• @laub.films on Instagram
• andylaubfilms.com
• @pjoart on Instagram

Time stamps & Questions

00:06:22 - QOTD: Do you Wordle?

00:10:12 - BPR Announcements: Trail Days Road Trip & Meetup Location

00:14:56 - Introducing Andy Laub

00:15:20 - Where'd you get into backpacking?

00:17:42 - What was your AT start date?

00:18:35 - Did you start at the stars?

00:19:41 - When you're stuck, do you think like a film narrator?

00:20:01 - Were you in front of or behind the camera?

00:20:56 - Discussion of on-camera hand gestures and film angles

00:22:14 - Is there a bubble in February on the AT?

00:23:05 - What research did you do pre-trail?

00:24:30 - Tell us about meeting your first trail friend.

00:25:33 - Tell us about The Dusty Camel.

00:27:02 - Tell us about your time at the Discovery Channel.

00:28:45 - What's Ian's background at this point?

00:29:14 - Was the idea for the PCT film first or the idea to hike?

00:29:25 - Tell us about the PCT in 2011.

00:32:10 - What was your film equipment and how heavy was it?

00:32:35 - How do you decide who films what?

00:34:06 - Is it tough to capture both the highs and the lows?

00:36:53 - Is it harder for you to be in front of or behind the camera?

00:38:19 - What doors did As It Happens open for you?

00:39:16 - How did the National Geographic Society project come about?

00:41:05 - How did you go from As It Happens to the production value of THRU?

00:43:22 - What other equipment do you have on trail?

00:44:39 - Discussion about the cinematography and camera gear of THRU.

00:47:48 - What was the secret videography weapon Chaunce brought on the AT?

00:48:28 - What's the process of making a documentary?

00:51:22 - Are you recording your flashbacks while hiking?

00:52:18 - Are you directing all of the footage on trail?

00:53:40 - Do you decide what you want the scenes to look like while hiking?

00:57:09 - How do you keep everyone on the same page?

01:00:16 - Do you need to have a lot of patience or social awareness?

01:03:07 - How did you put the group together?

01:04:44 - What packs did you use?

01:07:47 - Discussion about the group dynamic.

01:09:40 - Discussion about square tarps and gear weight.

01:10:03 - Is there a way to lighten heavy camera equipment?

01:11:27 - What are your three top tips to take something amateur and make it look high class?

01:14:34 - If you could go back and critique As It Happens, what feedback would you give?

01:16:16 - Are there ever moments you wish you could have captured on camera?

01:19:25 - What is THRU?

01:22:46 - Did you have any crazy grizzly encounters or oh shit moments?

01:27:25 - Do death-defying moments hit differently now that you have kids?

01:31:37 - Who does the graphics in THRU?

01:33:20 - What's the dumbest thing you did on the hike?

01:34:12 - Discussion about the PNT's trail types, usage, and season/weather window.

01:37:11 - Did you miss any miles?

01:37:56 - What's your full trail resume?

01:38:25 - What are some of the films you made between trails?

01:41:56 - How do you maintain your positivity in the face of climate change?

01:43:34 - Discussion about climate change.

01:48:22 - What's your dream project?

01:51:30 - Were you on the fence about bringing a drone?

01:53:45 - Discussion about the future of the PNT and value of the National Scenic Trails.

01:56:54 - How can people watch THRU?

01:58:43 - Will there be a season 2?

02:01:25 - Lobster facts!

02:04:17 - Discussion about trees.

02:06:00 - Thank you!

SEGMENTS

Trek Propaganda

• Tell Us Your Story: How Has Thru-Hiking Changed Your Life?
• Meet the Winner of the 2022 Backpacker Radio Sponsorship!

Listener Voicemail

Triple Crown of hiking catchphrases/lingo

5 Star Review

Trail Days

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @paulyonthedrums

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 The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Matt Soukup, and Jason Snailer.

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are running back the Appalachian Trail panel. This time, your favorite cinnamon connection are working in tandem to share some more of their top, trail-tested advice for hiking the AT. This includes how to prevent against the biggest threat presented by the Trail, the right resupply strategy (or lack thereof), how to train for the Trail, and much more.

We wrap the show with a triple crown of traits you'd want in a hiking partner and we chat about some of our favorite down jacket options.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at Gossamergear.com.

Enlightened Equipment: Save 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket with code "ultralight10" here.

Bedrock Sandals: Head to www.bedrocksandals.com today!

AT Panel with Chaunce & Badger

Time stamps & Questions

00:03:48 - QOTD: How do you feel about mint chocolate chip ice cream?

00:10:40 - BPR Announcements: WE ARE GOING TO TRAIL DAYS!

00:13:10 - Badger Tip #1: Permethrin your clothes!

00:19:34 - Chaunce Tip #1: Give shelters a shot

00:23:47 - Badger Tip #2: Dry out your gear

00:25:21 - Don't worry about tidying your pack

00:26:52 - Chaunce Tip #2: Train vertically

00:28:34 - Alternatives to stair stepper machines

00:30:38 - Why running isn't enough training for the AT

00:31:47 - Badger Tip #3: Don't pre-plan resupplies on the AT

• Food planning for the A.T.

00:40:22 - Chaunce Tip #3: Instead of researching sights, research trail towns and history

00:44:29 - Be sure to have a seasoned hiker give you a shake down

00:49:15 - Panel wrap up

SEGMENTS

Trek Propaganda:

• Best down jackets for thru-hiking by Kelly Floro

Join The Trek Newsletter (see bottom of webpage)

Triple Crown of traits you want in a hiking partner

Listener Voicemails

5 Star Review

Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross.

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 The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, and Matt Soukup.

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by David "AWOL" Miller. If you know anything about the AT, then that name is likely already familiar to you as AWOL is the author of not one but TWO of the most popular books related to the Trail, including Miller's Memoir, "AWOL on the Appalachian Trail", and "The AT Guide" which AWOL has since sold. We talk all about Miller's writing process, the incredible amount of work that went into bringing The AT Guide to life, why he decided to sell the guidebook to Anti Gravity Gear, what he's been up to since, and much more

We close out the show with a chaotic series of segments, including a triple crown of grocery store aisles followed by listener voicemails which somehow devolves into a conversation about the Mason Dixon line of sperm potency.

But first.

Good To-Go: Use code "bpr25" HEREto save 25% on your next order.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at Gossamergear.com.

Bedrock Sandals: Head to www.bedrocksandals.comtoday!

Hike the InternationalAppalachian Trail, Ulster-Ireland: Go to www.iatulsterireland.comto learn more about this beautiful hike!

Interview with David "AWOL" Miller sponsored by Good To-Go

Time stamps & Questions

00:05:32 -QOTD: What's the worst recent injury you've sustained?And… What is your weird pet peeve?

00:10:02 - BPR Announcements: Badger Sponsorship Results, Internship Apps have closed, & Trail Days

00:12:45 - Introducing David "AWOL" Miller

00:13:05 - How much trail press have you done?

00:13:44 - Who were you before you became "AWOL"?

00:15:06 - What was your hiking experience prior to hiking the AT?

00:16:02 - Were you in Florida prior to your AT hike?

00:16:42 - Are there any mountains in Florida?

00:18:00 - What was the official title of your guide?

00:18:27 - Any favorite stories from your journey?

00:19:53 - What was the AT culture like in 2003?

00:21:56 - Did you plan on writing your memoir prior to the hike?

00:23:06 - Did you save the newspaper clippings?

00:23:17 - Did you use your articles in the memoir?

00:24:33 - Do you have a specific writing methodology?

00:25:40 - Was it challenging to open up in your memoir?

00:26:43 - What were your thoughts on "A Walk in the Woods"?

00:28:10 - Is your book the second most popular of AT books?

00:30:48 - What was the writing process like?

00:35:33 - How did the partnership with Amazon work?

00:37:14 - What goes into a good guide book?

00:40:20 - What are the logistical steps to make a guide happen?

00:41:31 - Are you using a digital mapping system?

00:42:20 - How did you approach all the changes that happen to the trail?

00:44:08 - What does it take to get the non-technical information

00:46:56 - What percentage of the year was dedicated to guide research?

00:47:37 - Tell us about selling the guidebook

00:49:28 - How did you see the book evolve?

00:52:48 - Tell us about your other hobbies (golfing, ballroom dancing, etc.)

00:54:09 - Future book topics

00:55:20 - What's your exercise routine like these days?

00:57:23 - What does the new digital guide look like?

00:59:55 - What's your take on what the next big thing will be for trail guides?

01:03:05 - What are you focusing on now these days?

01:04:52 - Thank you!

SEGMENTS

Trek Propaganda:

• ZOLEO Satellite Communicator Reviewby Carl Stanfield
• Rough Start to Your Thru-Hike? It Could Be Because of Your Diet by Terry "Finder" Rice

Voicemail Segment: Leave us one here!

Triple Crown of grocery store aisles

Mail Bag

Thank you again, Good To-Go! Try Zach's favorite, Mushroom Risotto,and use code "bpr25" at checkout for 25% off.

[divider]

Check out our sound guy@Paulybooyshallcross.

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

Support us on Patreonto get bonus content.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

FollowThe Trek,Chaunce,Badger, and Trail Correspondentson Instagram.

FollowThe TrekandChaunceon YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, and Matt Soukup.

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are talking all things Appalachian Trail (drink?). Everybody's favorite honorary third co-host, Jabba, joins us in a roundtable of tips we would offer someone looking to take on a long distance backpacking trip on the AT (drink). We touch on budgeting tips, ways to reduce your pack weight, advice for ensuring you complete your goal, insight on how to transition post-trail, and much more.

We round out the show with a triple crown of dance moves, some fast facts from the AT Class of 2021, and a fun announcement about the cinnamon connection's very own visit to the AT this year (drink).

Good To-Go: Use code "bpr25" HERE to save 25% on your next order.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at Gossamergear.com.

Hike the International Appalachian Trail, Ulster-Ireland: Go to www.iatulsterireland.com to learn more about this beautiful hike!

AT Panel with Chaunce, Badger, & Jabba

Time stamps & Questions

00:05:08 - QOTD: What is the correct thermostat temperature for sleeping?

00:11:13 - BPR Announcements: We'll be at Trail Days!

00:12:23 - Introducing the AT Panel

00:13:28 - Badger''s Tip #1: For NOBOs, earlier start dates may be favorable but southern Appalachia weather may not agree

00:21:05 - AT hiking experience

00:22:13 - Chaunce's Tip #1: Avoid the town experiences in the beginning, so you can slow down later on the trail

00:25:04 - Jabba's Tip #1: Have some type of game-plan for post-trail life

00:31:06 - Badger''s Tip #2: Mentally prepare yourself for the hike

00:34:15 - Did your "Why?" ever changed on a hike?

00:34:54 - What was your "why" for the PCT in comparison to the AT?

00:44:06 - Chaunce's Tip #2: Keep a stricter budget

00:44:57 - How do we feel about hiker "Go Fund Me" pages?

00:54:44 - Jabba's Tip #2: Figure out your footwear

01:02:53 - Badger''s Tip #3: You don't need as much water on the AT

01:11:45 - Chaunce's Tip #3: Strategize your days around the rain, when convenient

01:14:11 - If you're going to hike the AT, get Verizon!

01:15:25 - Let's family/friends know when you won't be having service

01:16:47 - Jabba's Tip #3: Experience the social bubble & allow yourself to pivot

01:19:20 - Panel wrap-up, thanks Jabba!

SEGMENTS

Trek Propaganda:

• TLDR: Summarizing the 2021 Appalachian Trail Thru Hiker Survey (Plus Hikers' Favorite Sections of the Trail) by Joal & Jenny

Triple Crown of dance moves

5 Star Review

"Love is Blind" Debrief

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross.

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 The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, and Matt Soukup.

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, Andrew Skurka returns! Again. In studio. Not that you need any convincing to continue listening, but this chat starts normal and devolves into Chaunce tricking him into saying that he'll do sexual things a bug. We also talk about the new normal of backpacking in the West, we learn about the Skurka Scholarship, and we get a detailed overview of the backcountry bidet butt cleaning technique. This one has it all.

We do a triple crown of reality tv shows, share the sad news of the passing of a beloved PCT trail angel, and give a last call for our internship application.

[divider]

LISTEN

Download this episode.

[divider]

Good To-Go: Use code "BPR25" HERE to save 25% on your next order. Free shipping on orders over $100.

Enlightened Equipment: Save 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket with code "ultralight10" here.

Hike the International Appalachian Trail, Ulster-Ireland: Go to www.iatulsterireland.com to learn more about this beautiful hike!

[divider]

Interview with Andrew Skurka

Time stamps & Questions

00:04:41 - QOTD: What is everyone binging on Netflix right now?

00:12:24 - Reminders: Internship opportunity

00:14:16 - Introducing Andrew Skurka

00:14:57 - What has changed for you since 2021?

00:17:20 - How many minutes a mile do you average?

00:17:58 - How does your passion for running compare to your thru-hiking?

00:19:18 - What does your off season look like?

00:19:50 - Are you wrecked after one of these marathons?

00:21:05 - How many miles are you averaging a week?

00:21:42 - How do you break up your miles throughout the week?

00:22:23 - Why do you prefer road running?

00:22:58 - Has running dulled your excitement for long distance hiking?

00:25:51 - Do you use the van on guiding trips?

00:27:00 - The Guiding Business

00:28:52 - Is there a limit to your trips?

00:30:37 - What makes a good guide?

00:31:40 - What becomes stressful during the trips?

00:33:11 - What happened in 2014?

00:36:42 - Tell us about the guiding services you offer

00:37:30 - What's the most difficult aspect of a guiding business?

00:38:27 - What does the Olympic Mountains trip have that others don't?

00:41:21 - What factors do you take into account for trip cancellations?

00:42:54 - Do you think forest closures will becomes more and more common?

00:44:50 - Do you think strict fire-starting rules will be put into place?

00:45:40 - How do you feel about the condition of the West?

00:47:00 - Where are you house hunting?

00:49:42 - What's your advice for CDT and PCT SOBOs?

00:51:45 - Do you think hikers need to strengthen snow skills?

00:52:24 - Which of your new trips are you most excited about?

00:53:11 - What do you look for when you scout out a new trip?

00:53:48 - Do you plan bailouts?

00:54:19 - What are the deadlines for applying for your trips?

00:54:45 - How many applications do you commonly receive?

00:55:36 - Do you use waitlists?

00:57:17 - How do you weed out applicants?

00:59:50 - Guide Hiring

01:02:21- What got you interested in birding?

01:04:32 - Skurka Scholarship

01:05:43 - Diversity of guiding trips

01:09:13 - Skurka Scholarship deadline - Feb 21st

01:10:48 - Thoughts on gear innovation

01:16:30 - What are your thoughts on inReach Mini 2?

01:22:22 - What other categories have innovation opportunities?

01:24:26 - What's your least favorite flying insect?

01:25:24 - Fuck, Marry, Kill: Insect version

01:27:36 - Anything else gear-related?

01:29:45 - State of content-websites

01:32:26 - How do affiliate links?

01:34:45 - What's the future of content websites?

01:36:49 - Voicemail Listener Questions - Backcountry bidet etiquette

01:46:59 - Listener Question - High Sierra in a high snow year

01:47:18 - Listener Question - High route development

01:48:38 - Listener Question - Who does Skurka follow in the outdoor space?

01:50:48 - Find Andrew Skurka: www.andrewskurka.com

SEGMENTS

Trek Propaganda:

• (Almost) Every PCT Town, Ranked by Taylor Bell
• Sympathies to the Jerry Dinsmore family

Triple Crown of reality tv shows

5 Star Reviews

Thank you to our Title Sponsor, Good To-Go, Zach's favorite meals on trail. Place your order at www.goodto-go.com and use code "BPR25" at checkout for 25% off!

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross.

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 The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, and Matt Soukup.

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Ryan Bunting, known on trail as Constantine. Constantine may already be a familiar name, as he was recently featured on a Trek Propaganda segment about becoming the youngest person to hike all 11 National Scenic Trails at the age of 27 years. He put a bow on the achievement by setting the Fastest Known Time on the North Country Trail alongside his girlfriend, Magpie.

Seeing that this is a Valentine's Day episode, we go deep into the origin story of Constantine and Magpie's relationship, we get a rundown on which were his favorite and least favorite National Scenic Trails and why, and a hilariously awkward poop story.

We wrap the show with an almost announcement of the winner of the Backpacker Radio Sponsorship winner, the triple crown of national scenic trails, and the odd ways in which Chaunce and I are attempting to stay fit.

Gossamer Gear discount code: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at Gossamergear.com.

Good To-Go: Use code "BPR25" HERE to save 25% on your next order.

[divider]

Interview with Ryan "Constantine" Bunting

Time stamps & Questions

00:07:33 - QOTD: Are you training for hiking season yet?

00:19:08 - Reminders: The BPR Sponsorship recipient has been chosen & internship opportunity reminder

00:24:10 - Welcome Constantine!

00:24:52 - Do you know how many miles you've accrued?

00:25:20 - When did you get started hiking?

00:26:00 - What are the National Scenic Trails?

00:27:28 - When did you fall in love with the long trails?

00:28:37 - Did you hike them in the traditional order?

00:28:45 - Did you know you wanted to do all 11?

00:30:25 - Did you know you could become the youngest to complete them all?

00:31:18 - How many people have completed them all?

00:33:20 - Tell us about the Potomac Trail

00:35:45 - Fuck, Marry, Kill: PCT, AT, or CDT

00:36:00 - What 3 scenic trails would you get rid of?

00:37:33 - What's the rest of the chronology?

00:39:37 - How many miles was that in 2021?

00:41:44 - What's your take on the Florida Trail?

00:42:50 - How many alligators did you see?

00:44:08 - What made you swear off the state of Alabama in 2019?

00:45:28 - Any other details on the Potamac hike?

00:46:45 - Did you end up doing 35s on these trails?

00:47:40 - What food issues did you have on trail?

00:47:46 - What did you change with your food strategy?

00:51:05 - Given you experience, how did the transition to the NCT go?

00:52:07 - Did you hike the trail westbound?

00:52:23 - When did you start the NCT?

00:53:17 - Does snow deter you?

00:55:52 - Did you have a satellite communicator with you during the hypothermia scare?

00:56:40 - Do you recall what you were wearing?

00:56:56 - Walk us through the hypothermic experience

01:00:08 - The Magpie love story

01:12:55 - Can you compare your relationship on trail vs. off trail?

01:14:47 - What were the highlights of the NCT?

01:17:39 - Have you been able to pinpoint the timeframe between hiking and getting the bug to hike again?

01:18:36 - What do you enjoy about the non-stop hiking?

01:20:30 - Do you go out of your way to talk to locals?

01:21:44 - How are you able to fund these hikes?

01:22:50 - What's your company? ElevenSkys

01:23:45 - How do you go about starting an apparel company?

01:26:26 - What's your go-to pair of shorts?

01:26:38 - Tell us your 2022 hiking plans

01:29:30 - The Donut Story

01:31:48 - Constantine's Poop Story

01:33:58 - Find Constantine here: ElevenSkys, Instagram

SEGMENTS

Trek Propaganda:

• Hearing Gunfire on the AT Near Hawk Mountain? Don't Worry, That's Normal
• Trevor Spikes Program to Ship Discounted Microspikes to PCT Hikers in Memory of Trevor Laher

Triple Crown of National Scenic Trails

Mail Bag

5 Star Reviews

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross.

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 The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, and Matt Soukup.

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, we are diving into all things Pacific Crest Trail related. This is another panel featuring our hero and fellow PCT hiker, Elise Ott aka Sauce, and in it we share our best advice in regards to training, logistical prep, gear advice, ideal start dates, pacing, dealing with extreme temperatures, and much more. If you're planning a long-distance trek on the PCT, whether a section hike or a thru, you will glean valuable insights from this one. We wrap the show with a slew of segments in celebration of Backpacker Radio turning four years old, including some trivia, a listener voicemail, Trek propaganda, and more.

Gossamer Gear discount code: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at Gossamergear.com.

Enlightened Equipment: Save 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket with code "thetrek" here.

Save 20% at Organifi with code "BACKPACKER"

PCT Panel with Chaunce, Badger, & Sauce

Time stamps & Questions

00:05:45 - QOTD: What's been your most iconic moment of Backpacker Radio over the past 4 years?

00:12:13 - Reminders: Elise's Announcement & Internship Opportunity

00:18:30 - Mara thinks she's fired

00:27:35 - Introducing the PCT Panel

00:21:16 - Chaunce's Tip #1: No bulking seasons

00:38:00 - Elise's Tip #1: Don't over plan

00:43:27 - Zach's Tip #1: 3 steps to prep

00:49:20 - Zach's Southbound Advice: It's all about timing

00:52:38 - Having a good diet on-trail

00:53:52 - Zach's healthy hiking food recommendations

00:59:48 - Chaunce's Tip #2: Shipping food on PCT

01:04:50 - Packing out morale-boosting snacks/drinks

01:08:15 - Elise's Tip #2: PCT start dates

01:14:20 - Elise's snow experience in September

01:20:30 - Zach's Tip #2: Heat Training

01:29:37 - Electrolytes in the desert

01:32:00 - Gear Setups

01:32:14 - What tents did everyone use?

01:43:33 - What's everyone's sleep system?

02:00:40 - What backpacks did everyone use?

02:10:40 - Is the BPR crew outdated with their gear?

02:21:00 - Voicemail Question: What's your opinion on PCT resupplying?

02:30:38 - Elise's advice for a snow year: collaborate with a group

SEGMENTS

BPR's Top 10 Cities

Countries w/ 1 BPR Download

4 Year Trivia Answers

• Dragonfly = 4 weeks, Houseflies = 4 months, Guinea Pig = 4 years
• Who is the 4th richest American? Larry Ellison of Oracle
• What hike did Jabba complete in 2018? Colorado Trail
• You have $4 for a meal, what do you buy?

4-Themed Trek Propaganda Articles

• Four Reasons Why I Will Thru-Hike the A.T. at Forty by Heather Oconnell
• Four Things I Will Never Hike Without Again by Claire Dumont
• Our Colorado Trail Gear Lists: The Big Four by Kate Houston

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross.

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 The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, and Matt Soukup.

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Rolf Gunnar Asphaug. Rolf's adventuring career started in 1987 when he quit his cushy job as a lawyer, and set off to backpack from Tuscon, Arizona to Portland, Oregon on a route he devised using a Rand McNally road atlas. We of course go deep into this epic journey- we also learn all about the Colorado Mountain Club, for which Rolf used to serve as the organization's president, his time volunteering for Jefferson Country Open Space and a number of Colorado state parks, and we touch on Rolf's Colorado Trail thru-hike last year at the age of 62.

We wrap the show with a triple crown of pizza toppings, and we introduce a pair of new segments- what's in a trail name, and listener voicemails!

But first.

Gossamer Gear discount code: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at Gossamergear.com.

Enlightened Equipment: Save 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket with code "ultralight10" here.

Organifi discount code: Go to organifi.com/backpacker, use code "backpacker" and get 20% off your entire purchase.

[divider]

Interview with Rolf

Time stamps & Questions

00:04:06 - QOTD: What's the most uncommon/odd meal you've had on trail?

00:07:24 - Reminders: BPR Sponsorship & Internship Opportunity

00:10:58 - Welcome Rolf!

00:11:29 - What was your career prior to getting into backpacking?

00:15:40 - The start of Rolf's cross country adventure

00:16:11 - Did you save up for this trip?

00:19:40 - Did you avoid the interstates?

00:20:15 - What was hitchhiking like in 1987?

00:22:10 - Was Zion covered in the Atlas?

00:23:33 - Raisins

00:24:10 - How did you navigate through Zion National Park?

00:24:45 - Post-Zion Events

00:26:22 - Did you ever stay in hotels/motels?

00:27:25 - How did people react when you told them what you were doing?

00:28:09 - Passing through Yosemite

00:29:44: - How do you coordinate meeting up with people on this trip? Pay phones?

00:30:40 - Did you have a specific time frame?

00:31:17 - Did you have awareness of the PCT at that time?

00:32:00 - Which way did you go up Mt. Whitney?

00:32:26 - Did you have the entire route written up?

00:33:11 - Were permits needed yet?

00:33:43 - Did Half Dome have cables then?

00:36:24 - Do you remember your route through San Francisco?

00:38:22 - Did you hike in boots?

00:38:54 - Long Peak Trail Runners

00:40:06 - Was this life changing for you?

00:40:36 - Did you think you were going back to being a lawyer after this?

00:42:18 - Journaling a thru-hike

00:43:17 - How did you path shift after this hike?

00:46:55 - Colorado Outward Bound

00:53:03 - Rolf's Trophies

00:53:45 - Rolf getting creative in court

00:57:34 - How do you think Denver is doing with mass transit?

01:00:35 - Rolf's volunteering experience

01:01:48 - How did you meet your wife?

01:06:04 - Tell us about the Colorado Mountain Club

01:08:11 - What did you do as President?

01:10:12 - What other classes does the CMC offer?

01:11:45 - What does the membership go for?

01:12:56 - How long were you President for CMC?

01:15:26 - Volunteering for Jefferson County, CO

01:18:15 - What is bark patrol?

01:21:54 - How much trash do you pick up on average?

01:22:31 - Cleanliness of CO parks

01:25:34 - How many people are employees vs. volunteers?

01:27:05 - Do you know what parks have foxtails?

01:28:02 - In which park are you most likely to see mountain lions?

01:32:00 - Tell us about your Colorado Trail experience

01:38:18 - Durston Gear

01:40:22 - Chaunce hiking with Harper

01:42:24 - Leo Fact from Zach

01:43:24 - What was your sobering experience at Cascade Creek?

01:49:20 - Thank you, Rolf!

01:50:58 - Find Rolf on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube

SEGMENTS

Trek Propaganda

• 8 Things I'm Excited to Do to Attempt a More Sustainable Thru-hike by Rachel Shoemaker

Triple Crown of Pizza Toppings

What's in a Trail Name?

BPR Voicemails

• URL: sayhi.chat/bpr

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross.

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 The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, and Matt Soukup.

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Derick Lugo known on trail as Mr. Fabulous. Although it's not all that unheard of for someone to attempt the Appalachian Trail with minimal backpacking experience, Brooklyn-born Derick Lugo had never even been on a day hike before arriving to Springer Mountain for his NOBO AT thru-hike attempt. Not only did he complete the trail, but Derick has gone on to write a book, start a podcast, and has done many public speaking events. This is a lively chat, Derick is an orb of energy, and we laughed our way through.

We wrap the show with a look at what footwear the AT class of 2021 rocked (and how the perennial is starting to lose some ground), a triple crown of dinosaurs (including some interesting facts about the dildosaurus), and the FULL details of the Backpacker Radio Sponsorship.

[divider]

LISTEN

Download this episode.

[divider]

Gossamer Gear discount code: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at Gossamergear.com.

Enlightened Equipment: Save 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket with code "ultralight10" here.

Organifi discount code: Go to organifi.com/backpacker, use code "backpacker" and get 20% off your entire purchase.

[divider]

Interview with Derick Lugo

Time stamps & Questions

00:04:47 - QOTD: How was your break?

00:11:01 - Reminders: Backpacker Radio Sponsorship

00:14:02 - Welcome Derick Lugo!

00:14:36 - How much did the long taxi ride cost you?

00:15:40 - What was your life like before the AT?

00:16:51 - Zach meeting Derick

00:23:17 - What sparked the idea of hiking the AT?

00:25:08 - Did you borrow any gear?

00:29:01 - What's your take on Bill Bryson's "A Walk in the Woods"?

00:31:22 - Keeping books relevant

00:32:15 - The Unlikely Thru-Hiker book cover

00:35:10 - Is Chaunce confused?

00:35:50 - Were you athletic prior to your thru-hike?

00:39:42 - What type of miles were you putting up in the early days of your hike?

00:41:00 - Were other hikers helpful to you? What was the community like?

00:43:28 - How did you get your trail name, Mr. Fabulous?

00:49:38 - Throwback to "Fancy Feast"

00:50:08 - Did you maintain your hygiene through the hike?

00:52:28 - How far were you taking your hygiene practices?

00:55:37 - Any other funny beginner hiker stories?

00:59:36 - Did any parts of city life prepare you for the trail?

01:02:05 - Did you do stand up at the comedy clubs you worked at?

01:02:22 - Any good bars along the hike?

01:03:13 - Any comedy bits you can share with us?

01:04:27 - Did you reduce your 40lb pack over time?

01:07:48 - The Carly Moree connection

01:08:28 - Tell us about your podcast

01:16:50 - Will Smith

01:18:40 - Derick praises Backpacker Radio

01:19:56 - Are you working on Season 2 of your podcast?

01:20:45 - Derick is hiking the CDT next!

01:21:38 - CDT partnership announcement

01:24:27 - Are you bringing your dog?

01:25:31 - How will the experience mesh with the podcast?

01:27:27 - Long Trail vs. CDT

01:28:55 - Where can people find you and your book?

• Derick Lugo Instagram
• Derick Lugo Website

SEGMENTS

Trek Propaganda

• The Top Footwear on the Appalachian Trail: 2021 Thru-Hiker Survey

Triple Crown of Dinosaurs

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross.

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 The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, and Matt Soukup.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, we are joined by Jack Jones better known on trail as Quadzilla. Quadzilla has packed a lot of life into his time on this earth- he is a bonafide renaissance man with a great outlook on life. We chat about his time in the army, running a CrossFit gym in his late 20s, serving as a wildland firefighter, participating in several multi-day meditation retreats, backpacking thousands of miles including the triple crown, we touch on his bikepacking, and Chaunce and I lather him with an uncomfortable amount of praise on those giant, beautiful quads. Needless to say, this conversation covers a lot of ground- we certainly enjoyed it a lot and hope you do too. We wrap the show with a triple crown of our new year's resolutions, we give a shoutout to the youngest person to complete all eleven National Scenic Trails, and the details for the Backpacker Radio Sponsorship are officially announced. 2022 thru-hikers, you can enter today.

[divider]

Listen

Download this episode.

[divider]

IndexIQ: You no longer need to choose between supporting the environment and investing in your financial future. Visit clnretf.com today! Be sure to read IndexIQ information below before investing.

Enlightened Equipment: Save 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket with code "ultralight10" here.

Organifi discount code: Go to organifi.com/backpacker, use code "backpacker" and get 20% off your entire purchase.

[divider]

Interview with Jack "Quadzilla" Jones

Time stamps & Questions

00:04:07 - QOTD: Is chewing gum a suitable substitute to brushing your teeth?

00:05:41 - Reminders: Backpacker Radio Sponsorship

00:07:30 - Introducing Jack "Quadzilla" Jones

00:07:36 - Is Quadzilla your trail name?

00:09:09 - What's the recipe for good quads?

00:09:26 - Are the good quads genetic?

00:10:22 - Is your muscular make up a help or hindrance to hiking?

00:12:12 - What is your trail resume?

00:13:49 - Does lyme disease stay in your blood?

00:16:54 - Did you do the full Oregon Coast Trail?

00:18:08 - Do you commonly do impromptu thru-hikes?

00:19:05 - Have you tallied all your hiking miles?

00:19:41 - What was your inspiration to start thru-hiking?

00:20:49 - After almost 6 years of hiking, do you ever get lonely?

00:24:52 - What was your life like before finding thru-hiking?

00:28:55 - What is the retreat like?

00:31:58 - How long does that clarity last you?

00:33:43 - Can you give us a summary of the meditation type?

00:34:59 - How do you practice your meditation on trail?

00:37:11 - Tell us about your earlier years in the Army?

00:39:55 - Do you hold any resentment over the way your dad passed?

00:44:05 - Do you feel your time in the Army influenced your interest in hiking?

00:45:21 - Do you feel like you battle aggression issues?

00:46:06 - What do you attribute your centeredness to?

00:46:56 - What is the Deadman Peaks Trail Race?

00:49:44 - Were you pacing yourself towards the end of the CDT?

00:51:33 - We need to hear about you smashing a watermelon between your legs!

00:54:26 - Did you all eat the smashed watermelon?

00:54:44 - Are you a runner outside of hiking?

00:55:58 - Zone 2 Cardio

01:00:23 - How did you get into Wildland Firefighting?

01:04:03 - How does the intensity compare to bootcamp?

01:07:45 - How do you deal with fear on the job?

01:09:18 - How do you handle the hydration aspect?

01:10:09 - Will you return next year?

01:13:07 - What would you tell people that still have fires during fire bans?

01:15:06 - If you could redo one of the trails you've done, which would you do?

01:17:08 - What is your backpacking advice for new hikers?

01:18:54 - What are your big 3? Or 5?

01:25:02 - What goals do you have for 2022?

01:26:32 - Do you have any gear sponsors?

01:27:03 - Follow Quadzilla on Instagram

01:29:47 - Thank you, Quadzilla!

SEGMENTS

Trek Propaganda

• Ryan 'Constantine' Bunting sets North Country Trail FKT and Becomes Youngest Hiker to Complete All 11 National Scenic Trail

Triple Crown of New Year's Resolutions

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross.

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 The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Ausen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Brent Stenberg, Patrick Cianciolo, Brandon Spilker and Matt Soukup.

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Cynthia Voth,, Emily Brown, Mitchell, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven, TraskVT, Lindsay Sparks, Liz Seger and Lisa Douglas.

IndexIQ

Investing Involves Risk. Consider the Funds' investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. The prospectus and the statement of additional information include this and other relevant information about the Funds and are available by visiting CLNRetf.com. Read the prospectus carefully before investing.

IndexIQ® is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of New York Life Investment Management Holdings LLC and serves as the advisor to the IndexIQ ETFs. ALPS Distributors, Inc. (ALPS) is the principal underwriter of the ETFs. NYLIFE Distributors LLC is a distributor of the ETFs. NYLIFE Distributors LLC is located at 30 Hudson Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302. ALPS Distributors, Inc. is not affiliated with NYLIFE Distributors LLC. NYLIFE Distributors LLC is a Member FINRA/SIPC.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are once again joined by Trek Writer, author, journalist, thru-hiker, and fan favorite, Clay Bonnyman Evans aka "Pony". Pony gives us a play-by-play of his recent PCT thru-hike, we talk an uncomfortable amount about semen, the challenges of maintaining a marriage during a four-month backpacking trip, why this bout of post-trail depression was especially intense, and more.

We wrap the show with a triple crown of soups done during another plank-off per our guest's request, and things generally fall off the rails as they tend to do.

Listen

Download this episode.

[divider]

IndexIQ: You no longer need to choose between supporting the environment and investing in your financial future. Visit clnretf.com today! Be sure to read IndexIQ information below before investing.

Gossamer Gear discount code: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at Gossamergear.com.

Organifi discount code: Go to organifi.com/backpacker, use code "backpacker" and get 20% off your entire purchase.

Enlightened Equipment: Save 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket with code "ultralight10" here.

[divider]

Interview with Clay Bonnyman Evans AKA "Pony"

Time stamps & Questions

00:03:25 - QOTD: What is one thing you are unreasonably excited about right now?

00:13:43 - Introducing Clay Bonnyman Evans AKA "Pony"

00:15:17 - You just finished the PCT. Let's chat about it!

00:17:42 - What do you attribute the difference in experience (between AT & PCT) to?

00:20:01 - How would you describe post-trail depression?

00:26:30 - Did your wife start adapting to life without you?

00:30:14 - Was your wife uncomfortable with you spending time with other women?

00:32:18 - Do you think there's a specific hiking duration that leads to a tipping point when someone is at home waiting for you?

00:37:31 - When is your book coming out?

00:39:14 - Vlogging or blogging your thru-hike

00:39:47 - You weren't originally planning on thru-hiking the PCT, were you?

00:44:24 - Did you have a plan of attack for bringing up the thru-hike to your wife?

00:47:13 - What is the biggest draw of the thru-hike for you?

00:51:30 - On-trail happiness

00:57:37 - Snow & wildfires on the PCT

01:00:51 - Happiness on the PCT vs. the AT

01:09:00 - Shedding weirdness and bullshit while on trail

01:12:47 - Every thru-hike is an individual experience

01:21:21 - Pony's sharting story

01:26:01 - What is sharting?

01:27:33 - Why were you talking about anuses with your therapist?

01:30:00 - Jerking off on trail

01:36:16 - What's the Leave No Trace policy for ejaculant?

01:38:29 - Feeding deer on the trail

01:43:26 - What other spicy takes do you have, Pony?

01:48:27 - PLEASE VOLUNTEER!

01:55:01 - Sharts or Sharks?

01:55:52 - Chaunce's poop map idea

02:30:00 - Pony addresses ultralight backpacking

SEGMENTS

Trek Propaganda

• Appalachian Thru-Hike Checklist by Kelly Floro

Triple crown of Soups

Mailbag

5 Star Review

Hot Stuff w/ Pony

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross.

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 The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Ausen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Brent Stenberg, Patrick Cianciolo, Brandon Spilker and Matt Soukup.

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Cynthia Voth,, Emily Brown, Mitchell, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven, TraskVT, Lindsay Sparks, Liz Seger and Lisa Douglas.

IndexIQ

Investing Involves Risk. Consider the Funds' investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. The prospectus and the statement of additional information include this and other relevant information about the Funds and are available by visiting CLNRetf.com. Read the prospectus carefully before investing.

IndexIQ® is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of New York Life Investment Management Holdings LLC and serves as the advisor to the IndexIQ ETFs. ALPS Distributors, Inc. (ALPS) is the principal underwriter of the ETFs. NYLIFE Distributors LLC is a distributor of the ETFs. NYLIFE Distributors LLC is located at 30 Hudson Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302. ALPS Distributors, Inc. is not affiliated with NYLIFE Distributors LLC. NYLIFE Distributors LLC is a Member FINRA/SIPC.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, the nepotism continues as I'm joined by my 2011 AT pal (drink), Melissa "Click" Goodwin. In addition to an extensive backpacking resume, Melissa is a professional photographer and the founder at Girl Gotta Hike, a guiding company for women based out of New York. We of course take a trip down memory lane- trading some of our favorite moments from the AT in 2011 (drink), we also talk about what it's like to thru-hike with a parent, how Melissa and her husband Donni make due with her being gone for such long stretches, some of the tricks behind the trade of food photography, and we learn all about Click's foray into becoming a professional hiking guide.

We wrap the show with a brand new segment- who do you think you are I am of the week.

IndexIQ: You no longer need to choose between supporting the environment and investing in your financial future. Visit clnretf.com today! Be sure to read IndexIQ information below before investing.

Gossamer Gear discount code: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at Gossamergear.com.

Organifi discount code: Go to organifi.com/backpacker, use code "backpacker" and get 20% off your entire purchase.

Enlightened Equipment: Save 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket with code "thetrek10" here.

[divider]

Interview with Melissa "Click" Goodwin

• Melissa Goodwin Photography
• Girl Gotta Hike

Time stamps & Questions

00:03:38 - QOTD: There is an old man who lives deep in the forest. He's immortal and was born in the year 0. If you get to ask him one question, what do you ask?

00:06:30 - Welcome Melissa Click Goodwin

00:07:20 - Which hike, aside from the AT, would you do again?

00:10:12 - What does your body feel like at that elevation?

00:11:55 - The Himalayan Rescue Association

00:13:16 - The Wonderland Trail

00:13:57 - How many days did it take to complete?

00:14:51 - Section and day-hiking the AT

00:15:39 - What was Zach like when he was on the AT?

00:16:08 - At what point did Zach and Melissa meet on the AT?

00:16:50 - Okay…but what was Zach like when he was on the AT?

00:18:24 - Anything embarrassing about Zach?

00:20:20 - Do you ever get shit for aqua blazing?

00:21:47 - Was that a thing back in the day?

00:24:54 - What did you enjoy about hiking with your dad?

00:27:14 - What did you learn about your dad that you didn't know before the trail?

00:28:05 - Would you describe your relationship as being strong even before the AT?

00:29:44 - Did you share a water filter as well?

00:30:49 - Did you find any issues with using Aquamira?

00:31:35 - Any other points that were challenging when hiking with your dad?

00:33:45 - If you could go back and advise yourself and your dad on how to smooth out those edges, what would you recommend?

00:36:21 - Did you have any rules when it came to gear sharing?

00:38:09 - Do you feel like your mom became more comfortable with your dad hiking as time went on?

00:39:27 - How did your bond with your dad change after the AT?

00:42:34 - Talk through your photography setup while on trail

00:44:50 - Technology advancements since 2011

00:47:17 - What was your reaction to your fiancé going on a thru-hike?

00:49:03 - Was it stressful getting married right after the AT?

00:52:04 - Donny, how do you feel the AT changed Melissa?

00:55:59 - How do you handle Melissa being gone for other hikes?

01:00:03 - How did you profit off of photos from your hike?

01:01:56 - Plug your website: melissagoodwinphotography.com

01:02:07 - What was the Nat Geo assignment?

01:04:02 - What goes into good food photography?

01:05:14 - So you are actually preparing the meals?

01:06:50 - Do you modify the food before it's photographed?

01:09:44 - What's the craziest food trick that you've used?

01:11:00 - What's the most delicious thing you've ever shot?

01:14:54 - Can you recall the grossest thing you've shot?

01:16:55 - Walk us through "Girl Gotta Hike"

01:19:03 - What does it take to get a guide license?

01:19:32 - Did you need to take a test?

01:21:35 - Do you need insurance?

01:23:24 - Walk us through the evolution of "Girl Gotta Hike"

01:24:19 - What do you limit the hikes at?

01:25:14 - What's the typical age range you get?

01:27:00 - What's the most challenging part of running a guiding service?

01:31:15 - What goes into finding a good location?

01:34:25 - How many repeat hikers do you have?

01:35:22 - Tell me about the podcast side of your business

01:37:47 - Are you planning the hike for Chaunce?

01:41:46 - Would you rather be forced to live the same day over and over again for a full year or take 3 years off the end of your life?

01:42:32 - Would you rather have a hike planned for 15 people and 40 show up, or a hike planned for 15 and 0 show up?

01:44:47 - Would you rather be smacked in the face with a fish or farted on?

01:46:26 - Would you rather have one free year to go backpacking and never be able to go again, or have only one free week each year but get to go every year?

SEGMENTS

Trek Propaganda

• The PCT Thru-Hike Checklist: 29 Things To Do Before You Start

Who do you think you are I am?

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross.

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 The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Ausen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Brent Stenberg, Patrick Cianciolo, Brandon Spilker and Matt Soukup.

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Cynthia Voth,, Emily Brown, Mitchell, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven, TraskVT, Lindsay Sparks, Liz Seger and Lisa Douglas.

IndexIQ

Investing Involves Risk. Consider the Funds' investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. The prospectus and the statement of additional information include this and other relevant information about the Funds and are available by visiting CLNRetf.com. Read the prospectus carefully before investing.

IndexIQ® is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of New York Life Investment Management Holdings LLC and serves as the advisor to the IndexIQ ETFs. ALPS Distributors, Inc. (ALPS) is the principal underwriter of the ETFs. NYLIFE Distributors LLC is a distributor of the ETFs. NYLIFE Distributors LLC is located at 30 Hudson Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302. ALPS Distributors, Inc. is not affiliated with NYLIFE Distributors LLC. NYLIFE Distributors LLC is a Member FINRA/SIPC.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by CDT thru-hikers and TikTok celebrities, Renee and Tim. The duo gives us a rundown on their recent CDT trek, the trail and backpacking scene around Germany, where they currently reside, and we go in-depth about their rise to fame on TikTok, including how the platform's culture differs from Instagram, their methodology in posting catchy content, and how their fame impacted their CDT thru-hike.

We wrap the show with a triple crown of childhood crushes, Chaunce and Badger give a quick update on our state of the union for backpacking footwear, and we learn about a new documentary from a former Backpacker Radio guest.

IndexIQ: You no longer need to choose between supporting the environment and investing in your financial future. Visit clnretf.com today! Be sure to read IndexIQ information below before investing.

Gossamer Gear discount code: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at Gossamergear.com. Excludes Black Friday sale, between 11/15-12/7.

Goodr discount code: Use code "backpacker15" to save 15% on your first order at goodr.com/backpacker15.

Enlightened Equipment: Save 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket with code "trek10" here.

[divider]

Interview with Renee & Tim

Time stamps & Questions

00:03:38 - QOTD: What's the most cringey pick-up line?

00:06:34 - Introducing Renee & Tim

00:07:06 - What is your hiking resume?

00:07:56 - How did you land in Germany?

00:08:35 - Were you intentionally searching for international jobs?

00:09:28 - Is the university system in Germany fee?

00:10:06 - Are there any other stark differences between universities?

00:10:53 - Were you avid hikers before the PCT?

00:11:48 - Where in the Chicago area are you from?

00:12:11 - How long have you been together?

00:12:22 - Where did you go to school?

00:13:18 - Why the CDT and not the AT?

00:14:30 - Can you share about the alternates of the CDT?

00:15:53 - Are there areas where the alternates are considered better than others?

00:17:04 - Did you have to battle any snow?

00:18:39 - Would you recommend staying off the Facebook pages?

00:19:13 - What were you using for Beta?

00:21:25 - Were you fairly comfortable with the snow on the CDT?

00:22:13 - Do you know the backstory of the "Dirty Money" name?

00:22:57 - Where in Wisconsin are you from, Renee?

00:23:19 - Did you encounter any life-threatening weather?

00:25:11 - How do the extremes compare between PCT to CDT?

00:26:52 - Tell us the story about your water story!

00:28:47 - What was your water carrying strategy?

00:31:14 - Did you get used to drinking out of cow tanks?

00:34:53 - Tell us about the wildlife you saw

00:38:38 - Were you filming for TikTok?

00:39:20 - Were you TikToking prior to your CDT hike?

00:40:50 - How produced are the videos?

00:42:45 - How many of your videos are pointing to text boxes?

00:44:18 - Did your large following impact your hike?

00:44:49 - Did it ever get to be too much?

00:45:33 - Were people meeting you in upcoming towns?

00:46:51 - Are you getting the same fan behavior in Germany?

00:47:40 - Tell us a little more about your business

00:49:38 - Are you seeing good traction from your TikTok fame?

00:50:45 - What was the response from the hiking community?

00:55:34 - What demographic do you reach on TikTok?

00:56:54 - How often do you run into people that offer you drinks?

00:57:32 - What advice do you have for people looking to grow on TikTok?

00:59:15 - Is Germany going through COVID challenges right now?

01:00:48 - Do you see similarities between Florida and Germany?

01:02:02 - What trails would you recommend in Germany?

01:04:27 - What is the backpacking/hiking culture like in Germany?

01:06:23 - If work weren't a tether, would you still be in Germany?

01:07:46 - Any 2022 hiking plans?

01:09:39 - Thank you Tim & Renee!

SEGMENTS

Trek Propaganda

• Breaking Trail, Film About Emily Ford's Ice Age Trail Thru-Hike, Premiers at BANFF Festival
• Pics Or It Didn't Happen: Is Social Media Ruining Thru-Hiking?

Triple crown of childhood crushes

Mailbag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross.

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 The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Ausen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Brent Stenberg, Patrick Cianciolo, Brandon Spilker and Matt Soukup.

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Cynthia Voth,, Emily Brown, Mitchell, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven, TraskVT, Lindsay Sparks, Liz Seger and Lisa Douglas.

IndexIQ

Investing Involves Risk. Consider the Funds' investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. The prospectus and the statement of additional information include this and other relevant information about the Funds and are available by visiting CLNRetf.com. Read the prospectus carefully before investing.

IndexIQ® is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of New York Life Investment Management Holdings LLC and serves as the advisor to the IndexIQ ETFs. ALPS Distributors, Inc. (ALPS) is the principal underwriter of the ETFs. NYLIFE Distributors LLC is a distributor of the ETFs. NYLIFE Distributors LLC is located at 30 Hudson Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302. ALPS Distributors, Inc. is not affiliated with NYLIFE Distributors LLC. NYLIFE Distributors LLC is a Member FINRA/SIPC.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek we are joined by backpacking legend Nimble Nomad. The name is likely familiar as Nimblewill Nomad recently made news for setting the record as the oldest person to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail at 83 years old. We learn all about this odyssey- and he does not sugarcoat how challenging it was. He also shares some of the wisdom he's accrued over his many tens of thousands of miles on trail, which can be applied to both your on and off-trail worlds.

We close the show with a triple crown of rooms in the house and some gift ideas for the backpacker in your life.

IndexIQ: You no longer need to choose between supporting the environment and investing in your financial future. Visit clnretf.com today! Be sure to read IndexIQ information below before investing.

Gossamer Gear discount code: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at Gossamergear.com. Excludes Black Friday sale, between 11/15-12/7.

Organifi discount code: Go to organifi.com/backpacker, use code "backpacker" and get 25% off everything in the store and free shipping within the U.S. from 11/26-11/30. After those dates, get 20% off your entire purchase with code "backpacker"

Minus33: Head to minus33.com and use promo code "21backpacker15" for 15% off your order

[divider]

Interview with Nimblewill Nomad

Time stamps & Questions

00:03:44 - QOTD: What single scene ruined an entire movie/TV series/franchise?

00:10:30 - Reminders: Backpacker Radio Sponsorship & Fundraising

00:11:38 - Introducing Nimblewill Nomad

00:12:25 - How did you get started in the world of hiking and backpacking?

00:15:05 - Did you always intend to go that far?

00:16:31 - Was there any part of you that wanted to finish at Katahdin?

00:18:36 - Does it get harder every time you finish?

00:21:10 - What is your terminology for your thru-hikes?

00:22:52 - What's the difference between your 1998 hike and 2000/2001 hike?

00:29:04 - What's the difference between the International AT and U.S. AT?

00:33:23 - Did you intentionally try to break the record for oldest AT hiker?

00:35:10 - Why did you name it your last trail?

00:37:04 - How did the difficulties of this hike compare to other times on the AT?

00:39:38 - Why did you add an additional 420 miles to your AT hike?

00:42:56 - Why do you call your thru-hikes odysseys?

00:49:25 - Are there any profound spiritual differences to who you are today?

00:52:23 - Any wisdom you'd relay to former you or others listening?

00:58:07 - What were some of the most memorable parts of the AT hike?

01:04:00 - Is it true your base weight is 6 or 7 pounds?

01:04:47 - What do you carry with you?

01:08:00 - Nimblewill Nomad's sponsors

01:13:10 - Would you like to speak about simplifying your belongings and life?

01:18:00 - Talk us through your philosophy of simple living off trail

01:20:53 - What was it like spending time with Dale "Grey Beard" Sanders

01:25:30 - Is there something similar between you and Grey Beard that motivates you to complete a goal like the AT?

01:31:52 - Can you talk us through how it felt to complete the hike?

01:34:50 - Anything you'd like our listeners to know before we close?

SEGMENTS

Trek Propaganda

• • If you want to learn more about Nimblewill Nomad, check out Kelly Floro's article, Nimblewill Nomad, 83, Just Became the Oldest Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker
  • Get some gift ideas: Thru-Hiker Gift Guide $

Triple crown of rooms in the house

5 Star Reviews

IndexIQ

Investing Involves Risk. Consider the Funds' investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. The prospectus and the statement of additional information include this and other relevant information about the Funds and are available by visiting CLNRetf.com. Read the prospectus carefully before investing.

IndexIQ® is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of New York Life Investment Management Holdings LLC and serves as the advisor to the IndexIQ ETFs. ALPS Distributors, Inc. (ALPS) is the principal underwriter of the ETFs. NYLIFE Distributors LLC is a distributor of the ETFs. NYLIFE Distributors LLC is located at 30 Hudson Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302. ALPS Distributors, Inc. is not affiliated with NYLIFE Distributors LLC. NYLIFE Distributors LLC is a Member FINRA/SIPC.

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross.

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 The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Ausen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Brent Stenberg, Patrick Cianciolo, Brandon Spilker and Matt Soukup.

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Mitchell, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven, TraskVT, Lindsay Sparks, Liz Seger and Lisa Douglas.