Backpacker Radio

What's it like to build the most ubiquitous in the hiking community? Today we learn that answer as we're joined by Ryan Linn, more commonly known as Guthook, one of the people behind the "Guthook App", the uber-popular navigation app, especially amongst thru-hikers. He shares his background in backpacking and thru-hiking, the inspiration for the creation of the app, his coding background, and what lies in store for the future of the app. We also talk about Jennifer Pharr Davis' wonderful article on Health Insurance Options for Thru-Hikers, an illustration outlining five ways to poop in the woods, and the ranking of New Hampshire's 48 4,000 foot peaks. We close out the show with a heated Triple Crown of Thanksgiving Foods and some mailbag questions.

Subjects discussed in today's show include:

• Sawyer Micro Squeeze Filter
• Let's talk about Treks, baby! (also poo and pee)
• Chaunce stole my ice axe
• Chaunce is a segment short of finishing the CT
• Guthook's Apps
• AWOL's Guide
• Guthook or Guthooks? [VOTE]
• Health Insurance Options for Long Distance Backpackers
• APPLY to be a Trek Blogger or Vlogger
• 5 Ways to Poop in the Woods, an Illustration
• New Hampshire's 48 4,000-Footers, Ranked
• Triple Crown of Thanksgiving Foods

Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co.

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

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A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Sawyer Products, Tama Lama Ding Dong

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Gregory Gardner, Kate Hurley, Clint "DuctTape" Sherbet, Randy Harter and Peter Leven.

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Diversity on the trail is a heavy, but important subject. It's impossible to do this subject justice in the span of an hour long podcast, but it's a conversation worth having nonetheless. Our correspondents share their thoughts about the diversity -or lack thereof- that they've encountered on trail. Our hikers also ponder ways the community can encourage under-represented groups to get onto the trail.

Admittedly- our correspondents largely follow the demographics of the thru-hiking community at large- which is to say young and white. Though one of our hikers is visiting from across the pond and another is gay- and we've got more female correspondents than male when the trail skews the other way. But in terms of racial diversity, there's none. We were fortunate to get the input of Elsye "Chardonnay" Walker, who's one of the few (if not the only) black woman to hike the triple crown. She shares her take on these same questions, which offers some interesting contrast to the other stances offered in this episode.

Lastly, we get an update from Jeffrey "Legend" Garmire, who's on the tail end of his Great Western Loop journey, a 6,875-mile footpath across the western half of the USA. The path, popularized by Andrew Skurka, links five existing trails, including the Pacific Crest Trail, Pacific Northwest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, Grand Enchantment Trail, & Arizona Trail, as well as some route finding through the Sonoran and Mojave Deserts.

In today's show, we hear from:

• Jacob Beaver
• Kate Mueller aka Sassafras
• IBTAT
• Madeline Newel
• Kate Emmons
• Lukas Isaacson
• Sarah Mowery
• Rachael "Rabbit" DeLano

You can support the show through our Patreon page, which helps us to publish episodes more frequently.

Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co.

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

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek, Chaunce, and Badger on Instagram.

Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube

Follow The Trek on Facebook, Twitter and sign up for our newsletter.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Sawyer Products.

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Gregory Gardner, Kate Hurley, Clint "DuctTape" Sherbet, Peter Leven

Episode produced by Pauly Boy Shallcross. Check out his coffee roaster, Old Man Murph's. Music via.

What does it take to turn a thru-hike turns into an 18-month adventure? That's the central theme of today's show, as the Cinnamon Connection is joined by Nathan "Puma" Bauman- who, after hiking the Appalachian Trail, next hiked on the Continental Divide Trail, Long Trail, and Pacific Crest Trail within a year and a half span. We talk about the differences between the three triple crown trails, what it's like to quit on a thru-hike, why the Long Trail is the most difficult trail Puma's encountered, and some tips for aspiring trail-photographers. We chat briefly about the 2018 AT Hiker Survey, AT completion and PCT completion photos. The show wraps up with the second edition of The Triple Crown Of, where we share our favorite trail magic items.

Subjects discussed in today's show include:

• Sawyer Micro Squeeze Filter
• Intro to Puma
• His SOBO CDT hike
• How he finances hiking all the time
• Frugality on trail vs off trail
• Ultralight base weight
• Current Big 3
  • Palante Simple Pack V2
  • Enlightened Equipment Enigma 10 Degree
  • SMD Deschutes Tarp
• Appalachian Trail Big 3
  • Osprey Exos 48
  • Nemo Hornet 1p
  • Nemo Nocturne
• NeoAir Xlite
• Gossamer Gear The One
• Photography gear and why it's different to bring a real camera over an iPhone
  • Sony A7ii
  • 85mm 1.8f
  • 28mm f2
  • Rhode mic
• Editing photos on Trail - lightning sd to phone port - editing RAW photos on iPhones using that converter / Adobe Lightroom mobile & editing presets (filters) to make the process easier
• Twerk Instagram
• Click Instagram
• His failed PCT hike
• 2018 Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker Survey
• Send Completion photos to editors@thetrek.co
• Anonymous hiker poop stories
• Top Trail magic
• Guy proposes in The Whites video

Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co.

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

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Sawyer Products

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Gregory Gardner, Kate Hurley, Clint "DuctTape" Sherbet, and Peter Leven.

Follow Puma, Backpacker Radio, The Trek, Chaunce, and Badger on Instagram.

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In today's show, our hikers discuss the evolution of their hiking groups over the course of their journeys. Injuries occur, people grow apart, paces differ, life happens. You get to learn the ins and outs of how and why this happens directly from the mouths of our hikers. Also, we say farewell to another of our trail correspondents. You'll get to hear who's getting off- and why- at the end of our hikers' updates.

In today's show, we hear from:

• Jacob Beaver
• Kate Mueller aka Sassafras
• IBTAT
• Madeline Newel
• Miles Bisher aka "Miles To Go"
• Kate Emmons
• Lukas Isaacson
• Sarah Mowery
• Rachael "Rabbit" DeLano

You can support the show through our Patreon page, which helps us to publish episodes more frequently.

Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co.

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

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek, Chaunce, and Badger on Instagram.

Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube

Follow The Trek on Facebook, Twitter and sign up for our newsletter.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Sawyer Products.

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Gregory Gardner, Kate Hurley, Clint "DuctTape" Sherbet, Peter Leven

Episode produced by Pauly Boy Shallcross. Check out his coffee roaster, Old Man Murph's. Music via.

Reoccurring guest The Real Hiking Viking joins the Turmeric Team to chat about his recent attempt at an FKT (fastest known time) on the Colorado Trail. The interview kicks off with a short discussion we had before he left for his yo-yo hike- to get a feel for his nerves going into this ambitious undertaking. We chat about what ultimately went wrong (spoiler alert), what he would do differently in his future attempt, and FKT culture and requirements. The show ends with the unveiling of a new series, "The Triple Crown of...", where we showcase the things that can most fuck up a hiker's day on trail.

Subjects discussed in today's episode include:

• Sawyer 30 SPF Sunscreen 1 oz. tubes
• What food Jabba carried on his attempt
• Jabba's overloaded pack (below)

• What gear was carried
• Mountain Smith Jabba (official name TBD)
• What improvements would be made for next time
• Trans Adirondack Route
• The Barkley Marathons
• GPS Trackers for FKTs
• The FKT governing website
• Triple Crown of things that fuck up your day

Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co.

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

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Sawyer Products and Meg Jarboe

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Gregory Gardner, Kate Hurley, Clint "DuctTape" Sherbet, and Peter Leven.

Follow Piers Ellison, Backpacker Radio, The Trek, Chaunce, and Badger on Instagram.

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Before leaving for a long distance trek, it's common for people to envision worst case scenario. For Piers Ellison, on his 2016 PCT hike, this fear became a reality when he was bitten by a brown recluse spider. In episode 19, we talk in depth about this nightmare, how he hiked the entire PCT while carrying his guitar, the challenges an international hiker must confront in order to trek one of the United States' long trails, and finally, Piers delights us by playing a pair of songs from his new EP "Distance". Also, Chaunce is drunk.

Subjects discussed include:

• Sawyer Picaridin Packets
• Jabba Demolishes a Z-Packs Carbon Fiber Staff [Video]
• Piers Soundcloud Song
• Piers wonderful album "Distance" available on Spotify (free) and iTunes
• Atom Packs in the UK
• UL Outdoor Gear Online Outfitter
• B1/B2 Visa for thru-hiking
• Additional Considerations for International Hikers
• As It Happens Documentary
• This is Not a Beautiful Thru-Hike Video
• Do More with Less
• Piers on Instagram

Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co.

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

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Sawyer Products

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Gregory Gardner, Kate Hurley, Clint "DuctTape" Sherbet, and Peter Leven.

Follow Piers Ellison, Backpacker Radio, The Trek, Chaunce, and Badger on Instagram.

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Technology on a thru-hike. Combining these words tends to rouse some heated debate. Some people abstain entirely from technology during their hikes, opting only to keep in touch with loved ones while in town. Some are nearly constantly plugged in, listening to music and/or podcasts all day, posting Instagram updates every time they get service, constantly checking Guthook's app, even watching movies in their tents at night. Most thru-hikers fall somewhere in the middle.

We check in with our hikers to get their take. Specifically how they interact with technology on trail, how they witness their fellow hikers using it, and whether it's ultimately good or bad for the hiking community at large. Their answers shine good insight on this seemingly paradoxical relationship with devices in the backcountry.

In today's show, we hear from:

• Jacob Beaver
• Kate Mueller aka Sassafras
• IBTAT
• Madeline Newel
• Miles Bisher aka "Miles To Go"
• Kate Emmons
• Lukas Isaacson
• Sarah Mowery
• Rachael "Rabbit" DeLano

You can support the show through our Patreon page, which helps us to publish episodes more frequently.

Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co.

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

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek, Chaunce, and Badger on Instagram.

Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube

Follow The Trek on Facebook, Twitter and sign up for our newsletter.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Sawyer Products.

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Gregory Gardner, Kate Hurley, Clint "DuctTape" Sherbet, Peter Leven

Episode produced by Pauly Boy Shallcross. Check out his coffee roaster, Old Man Murph's. Music via.

What's in store for the future of the Appalachian Trail? This is one of the primary topics in today's episode of Backpacker Radio, as the Cinnamon Connection are joined by Andrew Downs, the Central and Southwest Virginia Regional Director at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. We also talk about the unintended negative consequences of trail magic, thru-hiker entitlement, Leave No Trace, bear canister regulations on the Appalachian Trail, how people can most effectively give back to the AT, and embarrassing chaffing and poop stories.

Subjects discussed include:

• The man who fatally fell off McAfee Knob
• A woman who got mauled by a bear in the Greyson Highlands
• How to manage chafing and ass hair (don't light it on fire)
• The pros and cons of more people hitting the trail
• Thru-hiker entitlement
• Trail angels and responsible trail magic
• Giving back with trail maintenance work
• What the ATC is and what it does
• Local clubs that maintain the trails
• Ridgerunners on the AT
• The biggest challenges the AT faces today
• Potential for bear canisters on AT
• 'Hardcore' and connecting current hikers to trail work
• Bob Peoples: the Chuck Norris of the AT
• The spending report for the ATC
• Golden Rules of Thru-Hikers
• The Thru-Hiker's Code of Conduct
• Mt Shasta first official PCT town article

Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co.

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

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Sawyer Products

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Gregory Gardner, Kate Hurley, Clint "DuctTape" Sherbet, and Peter Leven.

Follow Andrew Downs, Backpacker Radio, The Trek, Chaunce, and Badger on Instagram.

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Many people's perception of the thru-hiking lifestyle comes via social media, where people are more likely to portray the the cheery, positive aspects of this undertaking. You see the breathtaking views, the smiling faces, the slender bodies, and the hiker camaraderie. What you often don't see is the chafing, the injuries, dehydration, never ending rain, the heat, the cold, what it's like to get sick on trail, the attrition, loneliness, sleep deprivation, home sickness, a lack of motivation, and the bugs- oh god, the dense clouds of motherfucking mosquitoes.

Well, that's the point of today's show. Thru-hiking is always rewarding, but it may not always be pretty. Here's some of its darker underbelly.

In today's show, we hear from:

• Jacob Beaver
• Kate Mueller aka Sassafras
• IBTAT
• Madeline Newel
• Miles Bisher aka "Miles To Go"
• Kate Emmons
• Lukas Isaacson
• Sarah Mowery
• Rachael "Rabbit" DeLano

You can support the show through our Patreon page, which helps us to publish episodes more frequently.

Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co.

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

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek, Chaunce, and Badger on Instagram.

Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube

Follow The Trek on Facebook, Twitter and sign up for our newsletter.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Sawyer Products.

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Gregory Gardner, Kate Hurley, Clint "DuctTape" Sherbet, Peter Leven

Episode produced by Pauly Boy Shallcross. Check out his coffee roaster, Old Man Murph's. Music via.

A sad, yet seemingly inevitable byproduct of long distance backpacking is pain and injury. Though it's not a guarantee, to escape a long distance trek without one of the two or both is a rare feat. Consequently, two popular questions for thru-hikers are how to prevent injury while on trail and what to do about it once an injury manifests. In episode 17 of Backpacker Radio, the Paprika Pals are joined by Dr. Emily Kelly, a physical therapist based in Centennial, Colorado. She answers Badger and Chaunce's selfish injury related questions, along with a slew of others sent in from Writers and Bloggers at The Trek. If you're dealing with a hiking-related injury or are looking for ways to reduce your injury risk, there's some valuable insight in this podcast for you.

Subjects discussed include:

• Vermont is the 14th state and insecure about its cheese quality relative to Wisconsin
• REI's Hawaiian shirts are too dude centric
• Grizel gets hit by an RV
• Emily Kelly DPT at Fit Physical Therapy in Centennial, CO
• Meniscus Bucket Handle Tear
• SPECIFIC QUESTIONS
• How long after ACL reconstruction can someone get back into hiking?
• If you sustain an ankle injury such as a strain or sprain while on trail, is it safe to keep hiking, and if so, what steps can be taken to promote healing and avoid further injury, while continuing to backpack? If you HAVE to get off trail, what steps can be taken at home to do the same, as well as to condition yourself to return to hiking as quickly as possible?
• I had an ACL reconstruction done a few months ago, and am struggling to get my quad and other "hiking" muscles to come back. What is the best way to work on getting these back so that as soon as I am cleared, I can get back on trail as quickly as possible?
• Knee injuries are incredibly common amongst long distance backpackers. What are the most common causes of knee pain for backpackers; how best to treat them, and what exercises can be done prior to hitting the trail to strengthen the knees?
• I have herniated disks between shoulder blades and in cervical spine that compress and push on spinal nerve after prolonged hiking. Strengthening muscles around area helps with daily pain but prolonged backpacking causes sharp severe pain. Is there a high potential for causing more damage by backpacking? What advice, stretches, forms, weight placement of items in backpack would they suggest to minimize pain?
• What are your thoughts about people starting a thru-hike while recovering from existing injuries?
• What kind of mobility aids they would recommend bringing on a hike to treat your own injuries?
• What are the top concerns you have (or deals with) regarding hikers.
• When should you work through pain in injury recovery vs. use pain as indicator to stop pushing?
• Top stretches for our aching hiker bodies? Does time of day matter?
• The best way to deal with osteoarthritis in back/hip, knees and feet. The grinding of the joints is somewhat painful after a few 12-15 mile days and I cannot take ibuprofen.
• I got off the trail in May due to back pain. I had a spinal fusion with harrington rods at age 8 and again at 13. I've been told by chiropractor that I would cripple myself if I continued. I recently saw an orthopedic spine specialist that said I can do anything I want as long as I could handle the pain of it. What Do I do??? I miss the trail so much. I am full out depressed being in the real world.
• Advice for IT band pain? Both on trail and at home.
• How to Physically Prepare for a thru-hike.
• Achilles Tendinitis- best stretches and how to use KT tape for treatment.
• Best way to transition yourself back to life off the trail? Exercises, etc.
• Altra Lone Peak
• The CDT section of The Trek
• Apply to be The Trek's Youtube Personality
• Ways to get involved with The Trek
• Terrific Proposal Photo on the AT
• Patent Pending!

Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co.

This episode was recorded at Wayfinder Co-op. Intro song Walking Slow by Animal Years.

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

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Sawyer Products

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Gregory Gardner, Kate Hurley, Clint "DuctTape" Sherbet, and Peter Leven.

Follow Furball, Backpacker Radio, The Trek, Chaunce, and Badger on Instagram.

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Today's episode is our most uplifting to date. That's because our thru-hikers have been tasked with describing the highs of their journey. Specifically, we learn what keeps them going- what they most look forward to each day- and what they think they'll miss most once their journey is over.

So hop on your unicorn and get ready to ride the rainbow because you're about to get filled with a healthy dose of joy. Here it is.

In today's show, we hear from:

• Kate Mueller aka Sassafras
• Jacob Beaver
• Lauren Peruffo aka Fainting Goat
• IBTAT
• Gwen Nitya
• Miles Bisher aka "Miles To Go"
• Kate Emmons
• Lukas Isaacson
• Madeline Newel
• Sarah Mowery
• Rachael "Rabbit" DeLano

You can support the show through our Patreon page, which helps us to publish episodes more frequently.

Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co.

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

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek, Chaunce, and Badger on Instagram.

Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube

Follow The Trek on Facebook, Twitter and sign up for our newsletter.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Sawyer Products.

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Gregory Gardner, Kate Hurley, Clint "DuctTape" Sherbet, Peter Leven

Episode produced by Pauly Boy Shallcross. Music via.

In Episode 16 the Paprika Pals sit down with Nadia "Furball" Westenburg to talk about the pros and cons of thru-hiking with a dog. She also regales with tales from the West Highland Way and Tour du Mont Blanc, both European trails which Furball has trekked. Also, Chaunce catches us up on her Colorado Trail section hike while Zach sulks about his upcoming knee surgery, and what that means for his future hiking plans. They also explain some of the common lingo used in the thru-hiking world. Lastly, the gang get into a contentious game of Would You Rather.

Topics in discussed include:

• The perils of improper glissading
• The West Highland Way
• Tour Du Mont Blanc
• The perils of glissading (Furball eats shit)
• Bringing a dog on trail both domestically and abroad
• United will ship your dog to the wrong place or kill it
• Pet peeves (pun intended) of encountering dogs on trail
• Dog CPR
• 100 Days on the PCT
• Thru-Hiker Glossary

Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co.

This episode was recorded at Wayfinder Co-op. Intro song Walking Slow by Animal Years.

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

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Sawyer Products, Evaristo Villela

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Gregory Gardner, Kate Hurley, Clint "DuctTape" Sherbet, and Peter Leven.

Follow Furball, Backpacker Radio, The Trek, Chaunce, and Badger on Instagram.

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Today's episode hits on some subjects that are often top of mind for thru-hikers and those curious about the undertaking. They are: food, how hikers' bodies change over the course of their hike, and gear. We learn more about the infamous hiker hunger, the "eat anything and everything and still lose weight diet", how their getup has evolved over the course of their hike, and what gear they've sent home. And lastly, we get an emotional goodbye from one of our correspondents- as the injuries have piled up and become too much to bear.

In today's show, we hear from:

• Kate Mueller aka Sassafras
• Jacob Beaver
• Lauren Peruffo aka Fainting Goat
• IBTAT
• Gwen Nitya
• Miles Bisher aka "Miles To Go"
• Kate Emmons
• Lukas Isaacson
• Madeline Newel
• Sarah Mowery
• Rachael "Rabbit" DeLano

You can support the show through our Patreon page, which helps us to publish episodes more frequently.

Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co.

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

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek, Chaunce, and Badger on Instagram.

Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube

Follow The Trek on Facebook, Twitter and sign up for our newsletter.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Sawyer Products, Evaristo Villela

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Gregory Gardner, Kate Hurley, Clint "DuctTape" Sherbet, Peter Leven

This episode is edited by Pauly Boy Shallcross and co-produced by Maggie Slepian.

In today's edition of Backpacker Radio, Badger and Chaunce are joined by trail legend, the former supported Appalachian Trail FKT record holder, author, and National Geographic Adventurer of the Year, Jennifer Pharr Davis. We go way down the rabbit hole about the subjects discussed in her new book, The Pursuit for Endurance. We also find out which is more painful between setting a FKT and bearing a child, what her current go-to gear is, and what goes into a successful relationship. We then talk about some of the best backpacks for thru-hikers, what our go-to clothing system was for the Pacific Crest Trail, and how you can hang out with Badger and Chaunce in Denver on July 24th.

Subjects discussed in today's episode include:

• Gear and Beer event in Denver on 7/24 at Wayfinder Co-op
• The Pursuit of Endurance: Harnessing the Record-Breaking Power of Strength and Resilience
• All of JPD's Books
• Ray Jardine
• FKT's Explained
• David Horton
• Courtney Dauwalter interview on The Trek
• Jennifer Pharr Davis' mailbag column
• Warren Doyle is the OG antagonist
• Zach's Mom
• The 5 Love Languages
• The Best Backpacks for Thru-Hikers
• Some good clothes for the PCT
• Badger's PCT Gear

Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co.

This episode was recorded at Wayfinder Co-op. Intro song Walking Slow by Animal Years.

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

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Sawyer Products, Evaristo Villela

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Gregory Gardner, Kate Hurley, Clint "DuctTape" Sherbet, and Peter Leven.

Follow Jennifer Pharr Davis, Backpacker Radio, The Trek, Chaunce, and Badger on Instagram.

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Maybe don't listen to this podcast during your lunch because Chaunce has an all-timer poop story. Also on episode 14 of Backpacker Radio, the Cinnamon Connection is joined by 2016 Appalachian Trail thru-hiker and 2017 Pacific Crest Trail thru-hiker John "Data" Harvey. Data discusses the differences between hiking SOBO and NOBO on the two trails, how his love for thru-hiking has transitioned into ultra-running, and what it's like to hike during a drought and a record-high snow in consecutive years. We chat about the importance of the Land and Water Conservation Fund to the Appalachian Trail (an article written by episode 8 guest, Laura "Hey Girl" Johnston). Lastly, we celebrate our 100,000th download by challenging our guest to a good old fashioned game of "truth or dare, but not dare" aka keep it a'hundid.

Topics discussed include:

• Silicone wedding rings so you keep all your digits
• Data's Instagram
• Bonus Episode 2
• MLD Duomid
• Big Agnes Fly Creek UL2
• Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider 2400
• REI Quarter Dome 1
• Enlightened Equipment Quilt
• Nolan's 14
• Land and Water Conservation Fund and it's impact on the AT by Hey Girl
• Meat Eater Podcast Ep 116 with Senator Heinreich

Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co.

This episode was recorded at Wayfinder Co-op. Intro song Walking Slow by Animal Years.

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

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Sawyer Products, Evaristo Villela

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Gregory Gardner, Kate Hurley, Clint "DuctTape" Sherbet, and Peter Leven.

Follow Data, Backpacker Radio, The Trek, Chaunce, and Badger on Instagram.

Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

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This is a fun episode, as our hikers were tasked only to report on whatever subject was at the forefront of their minds. The instructions were loose and the results are broad, in the most entertaining way possible.

Topics discussed include the simultaneous love and disdain for ukuleles, the selflessness of the hiking community, the 24 x 24 x 24 challenge, why hikers complain, a comparison of the AT, PCT, and CDT from a pair of soon to be triple crowners, what it's like to go through a mental rut on trail and how to dig yourself out, and much, much more.

In today's show, we hear from:

• Kate Mueller aka Sassafras
• IBTAT
• Lauren Peruffo aka Fainting Goat
• Gwen Nitya
• Jacob Beaver
• Sarah Mowery
• Miles Bisher aka "Miles To Go"
• Kate Emmons
• Madeline Newel
• Lukas Isaacson
• Rachael "Rabbit" DeLano

Get previous Trail Correspondents episodes here.

You can support the show through our Patreon page, which helps us to publish episodes more frequently.

Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co.

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

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A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Sawyer Products, Evaristo Villela

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Gregory Gardner, Kate Hurley, Clint "DuctTape" Sherbet, Peter Leven

Episode produced by Pauly Boy Shallcross.

"Thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail is just section hiking the earth." - The Real Hiking Viking

If Comic Con and Burning Man had a baby- and that baby was raised on the Appalachian Trail- this festival baby would be none other than Trail Days. And that's precisely the recording location of Episode 13 of Backpacker Radio. Badger is joined by The Real Hiking Viking as well as the dynamic duo of Stories from the Trail, Gary Sizer and Megan Thompson, to talk about Trail Days, thru-hiking, the military, The Lone Star Trail (again, unfortunately), FKT training for the Colorado Trail, and much more. Weaved throughout the episode are interviews with 2018 AT thru-hikers, touching on their favorite moments from their journey so far. And last but certainly not least is a conversation with Tom Kennedy, co-founder of Hike for Mental Health, an organization dedicated to eliminating the stigma of mental health disorders while raising money for research, and promoting the health benefits of being out in nature.

The show is brought to you by Sawyer and fueled by whiskey.

Topics in this episode include:

• Stories from the Trail Podcast
• Gary "Green Giant" Sizer's before and after photo
• Where is the Next Shelter (Gary's first book)
• The Best Beards from the Appalachian Trail
• Hike for Mental Health
• FKT Proboards and their new site
• FKTs Explained
• Liz Kidder's favorite piece of gear: The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest Backpack
• Wilt's favorite piece of gear: Patagonia's R1 Hoody
• Appalachian Trials
• Yard Sale aka Ashley Manning
• Stories from the Trail Episode with Miss Janet
• Badger's Interview with Miss Janet
• IBTAT

Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co.

This episode was recorded at Wayfinder Co-op. Intro song Walking Slow by Animal Years.

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A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Sawyer Products, Evaristo Villela

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Gregory Gardner, Kate Hurley, Clint "DuctTape" Sherbet, and Peter Leven.

Follow The Real Hiking Viking, Gary Sizer, Megan Thompson, Backpacker Radio, The Trek, Chaunce, and Badger on Instagram.

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Niki "Bionic Woman" Rellon is the first woman to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail on a prosthetic leg. This is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of her accomplishments and life story. Tune in for the AT talk, stay to learn more about her life as a trained chef, paramedic, cross country cyclist, and champion kick boxer. Also, Badger and Chaunce engage in a heated battle of Iron Chef: Trail Food Edition.

Show notes:

• Chaunce's Class of 2017 PCT Video
• Best places to trail magic on the PCT by Brooke Eller
• Photos from Bionic Woman's accident
• Stacey Kozel's disproven PCT thru-hike
• 13 Unlikely Appalachian Trail Hikers
• Planning a Thru-Hike from Abroad
• Badger's Favorite Trail Snack Recipe: Flour tortilla, peanut butter, raw honey, and trail mix (must have M&Ms, go home otherwise).
• Chaunce's Favorite Trail Snack Recipe: Bagel, pepper jack cheese, Fritos and Lay potato chips.

Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co.

This episode was recorded at Wayfinder Co-op. Intro song Walking Slow by Animal Years.

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

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Sawyer Products, Evaristo Villela

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Gregory Gardner, Kate Hurley, Clint "DuctTape" Sherbet, and Peter Leven.

Follow Bionic Woman, Backpacker Radio, The Trek, Chaunce, and Badger on Instagram.

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When backpacking through the backcountry for months on end, there's one thing that can be relied upon: expect the unexpected. Today's episode focuses in on exactly that- the biggest surprises from the trail. Specifically, what caught our hikers most off guard?

This is the 2nd part of this episode where we check in with our PCT and CDT hikers. We hear from our AT hikers in the previous episode.

• Kate Emmons (PCT)
• Lukas Isaacson (PCT)
• Madeline Newel (PCT)
• Miles to Go (PCT)
• Sarah Mowery (PCT)
• Rabbit (CDT)

You can support the show through our Patreon page, which helps us to publish episodes more frequently.

Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co.

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

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek, Chaunce, and Badger on Instagram.

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Follow The Trek on Facebook, Twitter and sign up for our newsletter.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Sawyer Products, Evaristo Villela

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Gregory Gardner, Kate Hurley, Clint "DuctTape" Sherbet, Peter Leven

Episode produce by Pauly Boy Shallcross.

When backpacking through the backcountry for months on end, there's one thing that can be relied upon: expect the unexpected. Today's episode focuses in on exactly that- the biggest surprises from the trail. Specifically, what caught our hikers most off guard?

• Gwen Nitya (AT)
• IBTAT (AT)
• Fainting Goat (AT)
• Jake Beaver (AT)
• Sassafras (AT)
• Emily Dutton (AT)

You can support the show through our Patreon page, which helps us to publish episodes more frequently.

Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co.

Today's episode is all about how to eat right on and off trail. We are joined by thru-hiker and soon-to-be certified holistic nutritionist, Katie "Salty" Gerber, to go way down the rabbit hole about how hikers can improve their on-trail nutrition game. We also touch upon some of the best sleeping bags and quilts for thru-hiking, learn a bit about the Wind River High Route, and are unexpectedly joined by a homeless person.

Subjects discussed in this episode include:

• Support us on Patreon to get future bonus shows
• The Tahoe Rim Trail
• Katie Gerber's Nutrition Articles
• The Wind River High Route
• Sweetwood Fatty!
• KatieGerber.com
• Chris Kresser
• Curcumin Supplement
• The Top Sleeping Bags and Quilts for Thru-Hikers
• Walking Slow by Animal Years

Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co.

This episode was recorded at Wayfinder

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

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Sawyer Products

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Kate Hurley, Gregory Gardner, Susan Anderson, Terrain OfSol, and Clint "DuctTape" Sherbet!

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Today we hear from the 2nd batch of our thru-hikers about a week into their journey. You can find the first part of this here.

2018 SOBOs: Learn how to apply HERE.

• Jake Beaver (AT)
• Gwen Nitya (AT)
• Lukas Isaacson (PCT)
• Madeline (PCT)
• Rabbit (CDT)

You can support the show through our Patreon page, which helps us to publish episodes more frequently.

Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co.

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

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek, Chaunce, and Badger on Instagram.

Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube

Follow The Trek on Facebook, Twitter and sign up for our newsletter.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Sawyer Products

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Kate Hurley, Gregory Gardner, Susan Anderson, Terrain OfSol, and Clint "DuctTape" Sherbet!

Show produced by Pauly Boy Shallcross.

Backpacker Radio celebrates reaching its double digit episode birthday (?) with a bonus interview from Pacific Crest Trail super trail angel, Frodo, of Scout and Frodo fame. But first, the crew sits down with Chaunce's PCT buddy, Ballflap, as he is mere hours away from beginning his migration to the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail.

Topics include:

• Bedrock Sandals
• Dickflap aka Filipe Deandrade
• Ballflap's Big 3
  • MLD Prophet
  • Enlightened Equipment Revelation
  • Big AgnesFlyCreek UL 1
• Interview with Frodo of Scout and Frodo
• PCT Class of 2017 Video (edited and produced by Chaunce)
• The Best Tents for Thru-Hiking
• The Real Hiking Viking vs. ZPacks Carbon Fiber Staff

Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co.

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

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Sawyer Products

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Kate Hurley, Gregory Gardner, Susan Anderson, Terrain OfSol, and Clint "DuctTape" Sherbet!

Follow Ballflap, Backpacker Radio, The Trek, Chaunce, and Badger on Instagram.

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Today we check in with the other half of our trail correspondents during a excitement and/or diarrhea-filled period of their journey- the night before starting their thru-hikes.

• Jake Beaver (AT)
• Gwen Nitya (AT)
• Miles to Go (PCT)
• Kate Emmons (PCT)
• Lukas Isaacson (PCT)
• Madeline (PCT)
• Rabbit (CDT)

You can hear part one here.

You can support the show through our Patreon page, which helps us to publish episodes more frequently.

Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co.

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

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek, Chaunce, and Badger on Instagram.

Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube

Follow The Trek on Facebook, Twitter and sign up for our newsletter.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Sawyer Products

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Kate Hurley, Gregory Gardner, Susan Anderson, Terrain OfSol, and Clint "DuctTape" Sherbet!

If you've listened to Sounds of the Trail, you already know today's guest. Backpacker Radio is joined by Laura "Hey Girl" Johnston- an AT and PCT thru-hiker, conservationist, conversationalist, and an all-around smart and congenial gal.

Topics from this show include:

• Curcumin
• Sounds of the Trail podcast
• Hey Girl's love of Patagonia Baggies
• Highlights from the North Carolina / Tennessee section of the Appalachian Trail
• 21 Facts about the AT (why the balds are bald)
• Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker Survey
• Appalachian Trials
• Interview with Stephen Harrod Buhner author of Healing Lyme
• "Green goo" aka Amazing Grass superfoods powder

Recorded at Wayfinder Co-op in Denver, Colorado.

Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co.

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Kate Hurley

Follow Hey Girl, Backpacker Radio, The Trek, Chaunce, and Badger on Instagram.

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Episode number 4 of our Trail Correspondents series comes directly from the trail! Our hikers were tasked with interviewing a fellow thru-hiker about their first impressions of their journey.

• Jeff "IBTAT" Oliver (AT)
• Kate Mueller (AT)
• Emily (AT)
• Fainting Goat (AT)
• Miles Bisher (PCT)
• Kate Emmons (PCT)
• Sarah Mowery (PCT)

You can support the show through our Patreon page, which helps us to publish episodes more frequently.

Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co.

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

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A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Kate Hurley

Music for this episode via.

In today's episode, we sit down with 2017 PCT thru-hiker, Dirt Squirrel. Dirt Squirrel will destroy any notions you have about the Millennial generation. She is 23-years-old, well-spoken, doesn't like social media, journals in her notebook daily, and above all, loves hiking and the outdoors.

In this episode, topics include:

- Mesa Arch in Arches National Park

- The Narrows in Zion National Park

- Hiking in a group vs. hiking solo

- Utilizing school grants for thru-hiking.

- Hiking as a vegan

- Hiking solo as a female

- The best restaurants on the PCT

Support the show AND get a bonus episode through our Patreon Page. Reach us at podcast@thetrek.co, @backpackerradio on Instagram, @backpackerpod on Twitter, and something on Facebook.

Recorded at Wayfinder Co-op in Denver, Colorado.

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Kate Hurley

This show is brought to you by Sawyer Products.

Today we check in with half of our trail correspondents during quite possibly the most nerve-wracking moment from the journey- the night before starting the thru-hike.

Today we hear from: Sassafras, Jeff "IBTAT" Oliver, Fainting Goat, Emily Dutton, and Sarah Mowery

You can support the show through our Patreon page, which helps us to publish episodes more frequently.

Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek, Chaunce, and Badger on Instagram.

Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube

Follow The Trek on Facebook, Twitter and sign up for our newsletter.

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Kate Hurley.

In the first episode of our new Trail Correspondents series, you met our Appalachian Trail hikers. Now it's time to meet our Pacific Crest Trail and Continental Divide Trail hikers.

They are: Rachael "Rabbit" DeLano, Miles Bisher (aka "Miles To Go"), Kate Emmons, Sarah Mowery, Lukas Isaacson, and Madeline Newel.

Read their bios and photos on thetrek.co.

Support the show at patreon.com/backpackerradio

Leave us feedback at podcast@thetrek.co.

Many a'hiker trash dream of completing the triple crown of backpacking, to hike the Appalachian, Pacific Crest, and Continental Divide Trail. To do so over the course of one's life is a notable feat. Doing this in a single year is bananas, which is exactly what episode 7's guest, Jeffrey "Legend" Garmire, accomplished.

In this episode, we go down the rabbit hole learning everything that went into Legend's Calendar Triple including daily mileage, toughest days on trail, gear used, and best stories from the adventure. He also talks about his Pacific Northwest Trail thru-hike and conquering all of the 14,000 foot peaks in Colorado.

Topics discussed in this episode include:

• Trail Correspondents have been selected! Meet the AT Hikers
• Pox anad Puss Podcast
• Stories from the Trail
• Pine Shack Frosty on the PCT (43:25)
• Big Agnes Fly Creek Tent, Legend's tent
• Granite Gear Pack | Red Fox Racer Pack
• Red Fox Yeti -20C | Katabatic flex 22 quilt
• Pacific Northwest Trail
• The Sea to Sea Route
• The Dawn Wall
• Georgia State Profile on the Appalachian Trail

You can support the show by donating to our Patreon page. This helps us publish podcasts more frequently.

Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co.

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!

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We are thrilled to introduce the first episode of our new Trail Correspondents series. In a nutshell, a small group of thru-hikers from the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Trail will be submitting audio recordings during their hikes. Episodes will be published every other week, if not more frequently.

This first episode introduces us to our Appalachian Trail hikers. They are Fainting Goat, Gwen Nitya, Jeff "IBTAT" Oliver, Kate "Sassafras" Mueller, Jake Beaver, and Emily Dutton.

Get the full post and introductions at: https://thetrek.co/introducing-backpacker-radios-2018-trail-correspondents

Support the show through our Patreon Page.

Leave us feedback at podcast@thetrek.co.

For most, disappearing to the trail for a month or two is a dream vacation. Serial thru-hiker and peak bagger Steven "Twinkle" Shattuck and his wife Grace are about to travel the world, while living out of their backpacks for the next year. We snagged Twinkle during his last night in town to learn how he saved for this epic adventure, what gear he'll be taking, and advice to those who want to follow in his footsteps. We also talk about the best headlamps for a thru-hike and how thru-hiking can remedy anxiety.

Topics discussed in this episode include:

• Twinkle's upcoming, year-plus long adventure
• The Hayduke Trail
• Twinkle's money-saving advice
• Twinkle's Instagram account
• Why you should treat your water in the backcountry
• Giant Desert Centipede
• Twinkle's Gear
  • Backpack: Gossamer Gear Gorilla
  • Tent: Gossamer Gear The Two
  • Quilt: Katabatic Flex
  • Sleeping Pad: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xtherm
  • Google Pixel 2
  • Camera: Sony RX100 M2 + Sony A6300
• How the Trail Helped with My Anxiety by Tess Mulaney
• The Best Headlamps for Thru-Hiking
  • Black Diamond Spot
• Anker 26800 External Battery

Check out our Patreon page to find out how you can help us emerge from the dark ages of recording.

This episode was recorded at Wayfinder in Denver, CO.

Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co.

Curious what it's like to go from someone who never hikes to summiting Mt. Everest?

Enter Shailee Basnet.

After growing up with "the secret dream to go out and play" in the face of a culture that discourages women from doing so, Basnet was presented with the opportunity to summit Everest. She took it, and has never looked back. Since conquering the tallest mountain on earth, Basnet spearheaded the Seven Summits Women Team, which became the first female team in the world to climb the highest peak in each continent.

Topics discussed in this episode include:

• Backpacker Radio's Patreon Account
• Trail Correspondents Application (This is closed already. Stay tuned to meet your Correspondents soon!)
• Shailee Basnet
• Shoutout to Chris Baker of Wayfinder
• Jennifer Pharr Davis Mailbag!
• The Appalachian Trail vs. The Pacific Crest Trail
• Sun Gloves
• Thru-hiking purism debate
• Hiking with a dog on the AT
• Sun umbrella

For Episode #4, we are again joined by our buddy, The Real Hiking Viking. This time, instead of an interview, Jabba joins us as the third co-host of the show. It does not disappoint. Or maybe it does. Who can be sure.

Subjects discussed in Episode 4 include:

• The Real Hiking Viking and Badger's PCT Diet
• Nutrition hack: GREEN POWDERS! Amazing Grass and Navitas
• The Danger of Relying on Faux Foods by Katie Gerber
• Chaunce loves powdered milk
• Tree sap seals a crack
• Ian Mangiardi ambushes Badger and Jabba (their documentary- As It Happens)
• Badger gets charged by a mountain lion

Support the show at https://www.patreon.com/backpackerradio

Leave us a review on iTunes. Drop us a line at podcast@thetrek.co. Follow us on Instagram at @BackpackerRadio.

Episode #3 of Backpacker Radio is a tip of the cap to Valentine's Day. We are joined by Reptar, the creator of the popular Appalachian Trail documentary, "The AT Experience", to talk love, the lack thereof, and romance.

Subjects discussed in episode 3 include:

- Comparing the Sawyer Squeeze to the Katadyn BeFree,

- Reptar falling in love on the AT, breaking up with his love on the PCT, how this intertwines with his next documentary

- Listener love and romance stories from the trail

- Missed connections on the trail

- Questions from Chaunce's sorority sisters

Leave us a review on iTunes and give us feedback at podcast@thetrek.co.

In episode number 2 of Backpacker Radio, we talk a whole lot of number 2. Zach "Badger" Davis and Juliana "Chaunce" Chauncey are joined by 2017 PCT thru-hiker Scuba Steve and hear his tales of hiking through The Sierra during one of the highest snow years in recorded history, including a couple of near-death experiences.

We also talk about Chaunce's plan to section hike the Colorado Trail this year, how Badger did the same in 2015, and a few noteworthy stops along the trail.

Like children, the three then discuss their favorite poop stories from their hikes, including Chaunce's introduction into sh*tting in the woods, Badger's Cliffhanger deuce in The Whites, and Scuba Steve's bizarre strategy of using notebook paper to wipe.

The trio examine the most popular packs, sleeping bags, and tents used on the Appalachian Trail in 2017, and share their own experiences with some of the gear.

And lastly, they answer a few listener questions submitted from Instagram.

Have any questions, comments, or concerns for Backpacker Radio? Reach out at podcast@thetrek.co.

If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a review on iTunes and subscribe.

This is the first episode of Backpacker Radio, a podcast about the wonderful world of thru-hiking, brought to you by The Trek. In this first episode, we meet our co-hosts, Zach "Badger" Davis and Juliana "Chaunce" Chauncey, chat with serial thru-hiker Tom Gathman aka The Real Hiking Viking aka Jabba.

In this episode, we learn more about The Real Hiking Viking, what he's hiked, what he plans to hike, and why his Instagram Stories are so long.

We chat about the potential of mountain bikes being introduced into the wilderness, and thus much of the Pacific Crest Trail.

We explore what the class of 2017 voted as the 10 best hostels on the Appalachian Trail.

And we do a quick primer on the Badger Sponsorship 2018, the best backpacking gear giveaway for thru-hikers anywhere.