n2backpacking

In Episode 103, Cardiac and Drone Boy join me for a studio recording of some intriguing hiking and backpacking events that made the news this past year. Some of the topics we discuss include another hiker that found themselves at the bottom of a pit toilet, a loyal dog that survived 72 days on a high peak of Colorado, and a few events that involved Hollywood actors in the backcountry. Finally we close out with trail stats from the Appalachian Trail this past year and we discuss some ridiculous comments that visitors made on social media after visiting some of our most famous National Parks. If there are any worthy hiking and backpacking news events that we missed - drop us a comment below and Happy New Year! Subject: Hiking News Review 2023Interviewees: Cardiac, Drone BoyInterview Date: January 4, 2023Runtime: 1:36:04 Download Now: Hiking News Review 2023 (WMA format 138.3 MB; Hiking News Review 2023 (MP3 format 46.8 MB)

In Episode 102, we have our FIRST Halloween special and discuss some of the spooky and crazy ass things that have happened in the backcountry over the last two decades. Cardiac and Drone Boy join me in the studio for this podcast and talk through some disturbing and well publicized events - some don't have a happy ending. We even share some scary personal encounters and expect that you have your own. So reach out to us and let us know about your spooky experiences on the trail. In reality, the backcountry is statistically a very safe place - way more than any major metro area in the U.S. So don't let this episode freak you out. Keep on hiking, be smart, and be aware. Happy Halloween! Subject: Backcountry HalloweenInterviewees: Cardiac, Drone BoyInterview Date: October 21, 2023Runtime: 1:21:28 Download Now: Backcountry Halloween (WMA format 39.7 Meg);Backcountry Halloween (MP3 format 78.2 Meg)

In Episode 101, we continue our discussion of The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly - our best and worst experiences on the Trail. Recorded live on the Chattooga River in northwestern South Carolina, I sit fireside with 3Dub, Mick, Hollywood, and Therm Rider after hiking to Long Creek Falls and settling in for the night. In the show we discuss some great sunsets, 3Dub's fall into a Cobra hole, our favorite campsites, and Hollywood's discovery of a tick - in the worst possible place! This is another fun episode and we only scratch the surface of a lengthy list of experiences that I have tracked at N2Backpacking over 25+ years. So if you have mishaps of your own, check out the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly tab on our website, and help add to our list - or share your own experiences with a comment below... Subject: The Good, Bad, and Ugly 2Interviewees: 3Dub, Hollywood, Mick, Therm RiderInterview Date: July 03, 2023Runtime: 1:15:22 Download Now: The Good, Bad, and Ugly 2 (WMA format 35.9 Meg);The Good, Bad, and Ugly 2 (MP3 format 70.6 Meg)

In Episode 100, we are back in the studio to celebrate our 100th episode by recapping some interesting things that have happened in the backcountry since the N2Backpacking podcast first aired 12 years ago. In the show, Cardiac, Drone Boy, and Therm Rider join me for the "Darwin Awards" - a recap of some backcountry mishaps that have happened to us and to other hikers and backpackers over the last decade on the trail. This is another fun episode that includes hikers falling in pit toilets, getting selfies with bears, and burning their eyeballs - among other things. It's a great way to mark our 100th podcast, and if you have some Darwin experiences of your own please add your comments below. Subject: The Darwin AwardsInterviewees: Cardiac, Drone Boy, Therm RiderInterview Date: August 13, 2023Runtime: 1:13:42 Download Now: The Darwin Awards (WMA format 35.9 Meg);The Darwin Awards (MP3 format 106.1 Meg)

In Episode 99, I sit fireside with Therm Rider, Beer Run and Sons on the Benton MacKaye Trail in North Georgia to talk about some things that ruin a backpacking trip. In the podcast, we discuss backpackers that camp on top of you, those that make speaker phone calls, crank booty music or even throw live ammunition into your campfire! We also talk about bad weather, angry insects, and getting sick in the backcountry - which had me dumping out a vomit filled hiking boot. This is a fun episode and we only touch on a handful of topics tonight. So if you have some experiences of your own and would like to share them, please reach out to us via the N2Backpacking website or on our social media pages because we'll likely expand on this topic in a future podcast. Subject: Things That Ruin A Backpacking TripInterviewees: Beer Run & Sons, Therm Rider Interview Date: April 15, 2023Runtime: 45:26 Download Now: Things That Ruin A Backpacking Trip (WMA format 21.6 MB); Things That Ruin A Backpacking Trip (MP3 format 63.9 MB)

In Episode 98, Therm Rider, Beer Run, & 3Dub are in the recently renovated studio to discuss Ultralight backpacking. In the show, we discuss WHAT inspired us to start looking at lighter equipment, WHO motivated us - including some gear manufacturers, YouTubers, and fellow podcasters, and WHY some of us are starting to migrate to more Ultralight hiking. This show is pretty fun and lively, and we don't take each other too seriously. Plus there is some good information in the podcast for those looking to lighten their load. So tune in and check it out. We talk about gear that we like, some tricks that we use to lighten our packs, and 3Dub discusses the cottage manufacturers that helped him go Ultralight. Subject: Ultralight!Interviewees: 3Dub, Beer Run, Therm Rider Interview Date: January 7, 2023Runtime: 1:36:43 Download Now: Ultralight! (WMA format 47.1 MB); Ultralight! (MP3 format (92.8 MB)

In Episode 97, we continue our conversation with Kevin Conley about his book "Above The Ashes" which is a powerful memoir of his cross-country bike journey with dog Rocky. In part two of this podcast, Kevin talks about his trip, writing his book, fundraising for the Wildland Firefighters Foundation- and the incredible support that he received from family, friends, fellow firefighters, and many, many strangers on his ride. This journey helped Kevin overcome one of the darkest moments of his life and win his battle with mental illness. If you haven't heard Episode 96, which is part one of this podcast, I encourage you to go back and check it out - because we discuss Kevin's years leading up to the ride, his mental breakdown, and how he nearly took his own life. It will help you understand his inspiring journey and the many adventures he had on it - including magical experiences in the Apache Nation, his "celebrity" status on the route, and his dramatic 3500 mile finish in St. Augustine, Florida. Kevin is grateful to be alive and tonight and he'll tell you how this ride put him on a route to recovery and what's next in his life. Subject: Above The Ashes - Part Two Interviewees: Kevin "30 Pack" ConleyInterview Date: November 21, 2022Runtime: 1:22:18 Download Now: Above The Ashes - Part One (WMA format 43.0 MB); Above The Ashes - Part One (MP3 format (84.7 MB) Support Kevin . Visit Kevin's Website . Buy Kevin's Book . Follow Kevin on Instagram . Support the Wildland Firefighter's Foundation More Episodes w/ Kevin . Episode 13 (where we talked about his Appalachian Trail thru-hike recorded February 21, 2013) . Episode 19 & Episode 20 (where he recounts his Pacific Crest Trail thru-hike in a two part series, recorded January 2, 2014) . Episode 36 and Episode 37, (“30 at 30” where he catches us up on his life since the AT and PCT, a two-part series, recorded October 26, 2016)

In Episode 96, Kevin Conley is back on the show after a six year hiatus to tells us about his last few years as a wildland firefighter, his subsequent battle with mental illness, and his 3500 mile ride across the country to beat it. This journey helped Kevin overcome one of the darkest moments of his life which he details in his recently published book “Above The Ashes” - a powerful memoir of his journey with dog Rocky. We last spoke with Kevin in 2016 after his thru-hikes on the Appalachian and Pacific Crest Trails while living out of his car for two years and exploring the U.S. Kevin (aka "30 Pack") went on to hike the Wonderland Trail, do numerous bike tours, and complete four hikes on the John Muir Trail. His hiking and backpacking resume is impressive, but his fight for life is inspiring. In Episode 96 (part one of this two part series), we discuss Kevin's years leading up to the ride, his mental breakdown, and how he nearly took his own life. In Episode 97, Kevin talks about his cross-country bike tour, his book, his fundraising - and the incredible support that he received from family, friends, fellow firefighters, and many, many strangers during his ride. Kevin is grateful to be alive and tonight he is here to tonight to tell you why. Subject: Above The Ashes - Part One Interviewees: Kevin "30 Pack" ConleyInterview Date: November 21, 2022Runtime: 1:28:16 Download Now: Above The Ashes - Part One (WMA format 42.0 MB); Above The Ashes - Part One (MP3 format (82.7 MB) Support Kevin . Visit Kevin's Website . Buy Kevin's Book . Follow Kevin on Instagram . Support the Wildland Firefighter's Foundation More Episodes w/ Kevin . Episode 13 (where we talked about his Appalachian Trail thru-hike recorded February 21, 2013) . Episode 19 & Episode 20 (where he recounts his Pacific Crest Trail thru-hike in a two part series, recorded January 2, 2014) . Episode 36 and Episode 37, (“30 at 30” where he catches us up on his life since the AT and PCT, a two-part series, recorded October 26, 2016)

In Episode 95B, we are deep in the backcountry at a campsite on the Benton MacKaye Trail where we sit around the campfire and discuss some"first time" experiences in the wilderness. Therm Rider, Beer Run, & Sons all share the first time they found themselves offensive, took a crap in the woods, got a car vandalized, and were scared shitless on the Trail - among other things. This episode gets a bit rowdy at times, and has been made a bonus show as a result. But if you have a sense of humor, aren't easily offended, and like a good laugh - We have a treat for you! If you like the bonus cut, you'll really enjoy the complete show. For full access to this recording and for downloads of the entire 90+ podcast series – click here. Interviewees: Beer Run & Sons, Therm RiderInterview Date: April 23, 2022Runtime: 49:14 (Full Version) Download Now: First Timers (WMA format 38.0 MB); First Timers (MP3 format (52.9 MB)

In Episode 94, Brian Anderson (aka "The Tick Terminator") joins the show to educate us on your biggest danger in the backcountry - TICKS!!! In the podcast, we discuss the tick lifecycle, when and where they are most likely to find you, how to prevent ticks, and what to do if one embeds in your skin. This discussion hit home for me personally since I was infected by and recovered from Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. After two days in the hospital, a home healthcare nurse came to my house for a week to administer steroids via IV. After 3 months, I fully recovered - and was actually lucky to have Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and not Lyme disease! Tune in to find out why. And if you live East of the Mississippi and hike frequently - you can't afford to miss this show... Subject: Ticks!!!Interviewees: Brian AndersonInterview Date: March 31, 2022Runtime: 1:04:13 Download Now: Ticks!!! (WMA format 31.3 MB); Ticks!!! (MP3 format (61.6 MB)

In Episode 93, John Phillips joins the show to talk about the Ocean To Lake Trail in Central Florida. This 61.4 mile spur of the Florida Trail starts at Lake Okeechobee and heads due east to Hobe Sound Beach where it ends at the Atlantic Ocean. In the show, John tells us what it’s like hiking all day in ankle deep water, about finding rest areas and campsites in the swamp, and how he frequently encountered wildlife on his hike – including poisonous snakes, stealthy alligators, and over 50 wild hogs. John is originally from Florida and started hiking in the State after discovering backpacking in a BSA leadership class. He has hiked the Ocean To Lake Trail multiple times – and was met by the police at the conclusion of his most recent hike. Find out why in Episode 93 and learn everything you need to know for an exciting winter trip on the Ocean To Lake Trail. Subject: Ocean To Lake Trail Interviewees: John PhillipsInterview Date: March 21, 2022Runtime: 49:14 Download Now: Ocean To Lake Trail (WMA format 23.4 MB); Ocean To Lake Trail (MP3 format (46.1 MB)

In Episode 92, the Camel joins me in the studio to discuss the Suwannee River section of the Florida Trail which we hiked this winter. If you are not familiar with the Suwannee, it is a 246 mile river that begins in the Okefenokee Swamp in South Georgia and ends at the Gulf of Mexico in the northern panhandle of Florida. On our trip, we backpacked ~34 miles moving downstream and east to west on the Suwannee - from the town of White Springs to Gibson County Park. This section of the Florida Trail is frequently mentioned as a favorite among backpackers, and during the winter months is one of the drier areas on the Florida Trail. In the show, we discuss the dark tannin waters and white sand beaches of the river. We review some native American history in the area, and talk about the springs and sink holes along the Florida Trail. This section is surprisingly challenging - despite the biggest climb being only 80 feet at Devil's Mountain. Find out why and much more in Episode 92! Subject: Florida Trail (Suwannee River)Interviewees: The CamelInterview Date: January 27, 2022Runtime: 48:29 Download Now: Florida Trail (Suwannee River) (WMA format 23.6 MB); Florida Trail (Suwannee River) (MP3 format (69.8 MB)

In Episode 91B, Matt from the "Boyz In The Wood" tells us about his 1994 northbound thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail in a limited N2Backpacking bonus edition. This is the fifth release in a special series to celebrate the 25th anniversary of our hike, and it was recorded at Trail Days on May 13, 1995 in Damascus, Virginia. Matt hiked with partner Derek as the "Boyz In Wood" in '94, and in this bonus episode we flashback to the mid-90's to speak with Matt about the trip. The interview was done in a car and with a small handheld mic and cassette tape recorder. So don’t expect high fidelity in this recording – but I’m grateful to have this and a total of 11 recordings of my thru-hiking buddies from 1994. For access to this recording and for downloads of the entire 90+ podcast series - click here. Subject: Boyz In The Wood Interviewees: MattInterview Date: May 13, 1995Runtime: 32:40 (Full Version) Download Now: Boyz In The Wood (WMA format 15.9MB); Boyz In The Wood (MP3 format 47.0MB)

In Episode 90, we are in the mountains near Hays, North Carolina to discuss "party fouls" or bad hiker etiquette on the trail. In the show, we discuss some of the bad behavior that was frequently mentioned in online articles, posts, and videos. We comment if we've been guilty of it, witnessed it, or agree that it IS indeed bad hiking etiquette. We also suggest what you SHOULD do on the trail and close the podcast with some gear fails that can ruin your day. This is a special interview, because we get together to hike in the Jefferson National Forest for two days. AND we hang out in a mountain cabin as a tribute to The Camel's milestone birthday year. We also have a chance to discuss the weekend impacts of gas station sandwiches, wild horses, and aggressive cows. Plus we get The Kidd excited about the N2Backpacking bidet and the Camel stirred up about the She-Wee!!! So check-out Episode 90 and drop The Camel a birthday wish here. Subject: Party Foul!Interviewees: The Camel, The Operator, The KiddInterview Date: August 21, 2021Runtime: 1:20:49 Download Now: Party Foul! (WMA format 38.4 MB); Party Foul! (MP3 format (75.7 MB)

In Episode 89, we flashback to 1995 for an interview with StuffSack about his thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail the previous year. StuffSack and I stayed in contact after our summer together and were able to connect for this interview when he visited Charlotte, N.C. about four months after we completed our thru-hike. In the interview, StuffSack talks about his first week on the Appalachian Trail, good and bad days, hitchhiking, and his most favorite State on the Trail. This interview is 1 of 11 that I did with the thru-hiking class of 1994 less than a year after we finished our hikes - and you will not hear me speak in this episode. Stuffsack will speak solo - and I hope to have him back on the show this year to see what he's been up to since. I'm also working to get these 11 episodes sprinkled in with our regular podcasts as either bonus or regular shows - pending permission from the interviewees. In the meantime, you can click back to Episode 41 for a snapshot of these 11 discussions which were consolidated into a single podcast. Or you can click below for Episode 89 and hear Stuffsack's interview from February 19, 1995. So glad that I have these interviews so many years later ... Subject: StuffSackInterviewees: Keith (StuffSack)Interview Date: February 19, 1995Runtime: 23:12 Download Now: StuffSack ( (WMA format 11.3 MB); StuffSack (MP3 format 33.4 MB)

In Episode 88, we break from the typical format to take a look back at 10 years of podcasting. The N2Backpacking podcast launched a decade ago this Spring, so Therm Rider joins me in the studio to talk about some of the original podcasters, the evolution of backpacking shows these last ten years, and the origins of the N2Backpacking podcast. We also discuss our favorite episodes and play a few clips from them. A decade goes by pretty fast, so Therm Rider and I close the podcast with projections on how both podcasting and backpacking may evolve over the next ten years. And we specifically discuss how some things may change here in the Southeast. Check this show out - it's a great summary of 10 years of podcasting! Subject: A Look Back (And Forward)Interviewees: Therm RiderInterview Date: May 28, 2021Runtime: 1:08:18 Download Now: A Look Back (And Forward) (WMA format 33.3 MB); A Look Back (And Forward) (MP3 format 65.5 MB)

In Episode 87, we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the show by speaking with Glenn (Helmet) & Susan (Doughgirl) who were in the inaugural N2Backpacking podcast - recorded just over 10 years ago. We last spoke with them in April 2011 when they detailed their thru-hike of the John Muir Trail, but they are here tonight to update us on their adventures this last decade - including caring for their 3 kids, visiting the National Parks, and raising an outdoor family. We also have time to talk about our first trips together in the wilderness, our favorite gear, and their plans for the coming summer. So check out the show and catch up with Helmet and Doughgirl, or go retro and follow this link to Episode 1 to flash back 10 years and hear our discussion on the JMT. Subject: 10th Anniversary ShowInterviewees: Glenn (Helmet) & Susan (Doughgirl)Interview Date: May 26, 2021Runtime: 52:54 Download Now: 10th Anniversary Show (WMA format 25.8 MB); 10th Anniversary Show (MP3 format 50.7 MB)

In Episode 86, I welcome fellow podcasters Scott and Ariane to the show. They are the hosts of the popular backpacking podcast “Trust The Trail”, and despite living within 15 minutes of each other these last few years in metro-Atlanta, we chat long distance from their retrofitted 1976 Airstream camper in Arizona. In the podcast, Scott and Ariane discuss life on the road, their backpacking show, how they met, and their life as backcountry guides. This podcast is simulcast on both our podcast networks - so check it out - or you can click to the Trust The Trail website and hear their release. Subject: Trust The TrailInterviewees: Scott & ArianeInterview Date: April 1, 2021Runtime: 1:32:55 Download Now: Trust The Trail (WMA format 45.3 MB); Trust The Trail (MP3 format 89.1 MB)

In Episode 85, "The Man Who Hiked It All" is back on the podcast to tell us about one of his favorite long distance trails - The AZT. The Arizona Trail is a nearly 800 mile path that runs from Mexico to Utah and Bart Smith thru-hiked it all in 2009 - the year that it was first designated as a National Scenic Trail. In the show, Bart tells us about his walk through the lowlands of the Sonoran Desert, his climbs to the sky islands of the San Francisco Peaks, and his traverse of the majestic Grand Canyon. We also discuss some logistics of his thru-hike on the AZT - including getting to the trailheads, resupply, permits, and timing the seasons to get the most out of your hike. If the winter snows have you dreaming of warmer climates, or if Covid 19 has you feeling cooped up in the house - then the Arizona Trail is waiting for you this Spring. Check out the podcast and learn more! Or click to Bart's website and get inspired by his books and photography. Subject: The Arizona TrailInterviewees: Bart Smith (Infinite Dust)Interview Date: February 4, 2021Runtime: 1:11:53 Download Now: The Arizona Trail (WMA format 35.0 MB); The Arizona Trail (MP3 format 103.52 MB)

In Episode 84, Paul Barach tells us about his 750 mile and 42 day backpacking trip on the Shikoku Pilgrimage in Japan. In the show, Paul shares the history of this religious Buddhist route, talks about hiking in traditional pilgrim clothing, and shares some of the challenges that he faced - including heat, hunger, injuries, and infections. You can check out Paul's book "Fighting Monks & Burning Mountains" for all the details, or listen to this interesting discussion about a little known thru-hike and religious journey on the remote island of Shikoku, Japan. The trail passes 88 temples and sacred sites where the Buddhist priest Kūkai (Kōbō Daishi) trained during the 9th Century. Subject: Shikoku PilgrimageInterviewees: Paul BarachInterview Date: January 14, 2021Runtime: 1:22:17 Download Now: Shikoku Pilgrimage (WMA format 39.2 MB); Shikoku Pilgrimage (MP3 format 77.2 MB)