Backpacker Radio

Segments Snake Island Trek Propaganda: Actually No, the Trail Won't Always Be There: Why You Should Thru-Hike Now by Claire Dumont QOTD: Fuck marry kill: rain, wind, snow Triple Crown of potato foods Mail Bag 5 Star Review Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee. Sign up for the Trek's newsletter Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, Jason Kiser, Jason "The Snail" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jak Hoquat, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lloyd Harris, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are joined by Mills Kelly, a historian, podcaster, professor, and author. Mills taught at George Mason University for 24 years, produced the acclaimed podcast The Green Tunnel, and just published his latest book, A Hiker's History of the Appalachian Trail. In this one, Mills takes us deep into the stories most hikers never hear: why the AT was never designed for through hiking, the surprisingly dark history of some of its founding figures, and why the hundred-mile wilderness used to be a network of fishing camps and steakhouses. We also get into dynamite soup, onion sandwiches, copperheads in fire pits, and the original purism debate, which dates back to 1948. Anyone who loves history and/or the AT is guaranteed to enjoy this one. We wrap the show with a last call for the Denver Area hiker meetup, why- actually no- the trail won't always be there, a bang marry kill for rain, wind, and snow, the triple crown of potato foods, and some very important seafood tips from a listener. Topo Athletic: Use code "TREKWINTER15" at topoathletic.com. Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKERRADIO" for $20 off LT5 Trekking Poles at gossamergear.com. Hyperlite Mountain Gear: Use code "BPRADIO15" for 15% of hyperlitemountaingear.com [divider] Interview with Mills Kelly Mills' Website Time stamps & Questions 00:05:14 - Reminders: Join us for the hiker meetup, apply to vlog or blog for the Trek, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon! 00:08:18 - Introducing Mills 00:10:48 - Did you ever thru-hike the AT? 00:18:45 - When you do hope to hike the Maine section? 00:20:04 - Who was Ed Garvey and why does he matter to AT history? 00:22:53 - What did backpacking gear look like in the early 1970s? 00:25:21 - What were onion sandwiches? 00:26:39 - What is Dynamite Soup? 00:28:32 - Discussion about Paul Fink's dark history and his connection to the AT's founding 00:29:20 - Discussion about race on the AT and what the historical record reveals 00:34:12 - Discussion about sundown towns and race on trail 00:39:22 - Discussion about women's early and prominent role in hiking clubs and trail building 00:41:20 - Tell us about the history and significance of trail clubs 00:45:50 - Discussion about Mills' course on historical hoaxes and internet misinformation 00:53:30 - How do you evaluate sources and verify truth as a historian? 00:58:15 - Are you scared about the future of truth in the age of AI and social media? 01:01:05 - Tell us about your experience with hearing loss 01:05:00 - Discussion about the history of killing snakes on the AT 01:10:30 - Discussion about the AT's trash problem in the 60s & 70s 01:16:00 - What does maintaining an AT shelter actually entail? 01:23:10 - What are your other pet peeves? 01:25:30 - What are your most popular podcast episodes? 01:28:25 - Why was southwestern Virginia the hardest part of the AT to route? 01:39:40 - Whas was Damascus like during its timber-industry heydey? 01:43:20 - How does the AT economically impact small rural towns? 01:45:40 - How did the trail come to start at Springer Mountain? 01:48:35 - What did Benton MacKaye actually intend tthe AT to be? 01:50:40 - What is the Warrior Path? 01:52:08 - Discussion about Katahdin's sacred history to the Abenaki 01:56:00 - Tell us about the history of the Katahdin sign 01:58:00 - How was the trail in Maine different historically than it is today? 01:59:42 - What was it like having to actually prove that you hiked the entire trail? 02:04:00 - Discussion about the original purism debate and Early Shafer's 1948 thru-hike 02:06:35 - What's next for you? 02:11:40 - Peak Performance Question: What's your top performance-enhancing or backpacking hack? Segments Trek Propaganda: Actually No, the Trail Won't Always Be There: Why You Should Thru-Hike Now by Claire Dumont QOTD: Fuck marry kill: rain, wind, snow Triple Crown of potato...

Segments Trail Trivia Trek Propaganda: The 11 Most Dangerous Animals on the Appalachian Trail by Katie Jackson QOTD: How do you feel about someone hiking a triple crown trail while leaving a young kid at home? Triple Crown of people at the gym Mail Bag 5 Star Review Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee. Sign up for the Trek's newsletter Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, Jason Kiser, Jason "The Snail" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jak Hoquat, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lloyd Harris, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are once again joined by Dr. Freeborn Mondello to chat all things fitness, thru-hike training, and all around health. In this one, Freeborn gives us a detailed gameplan about how to best train for a thru-hike, including why the best time to start is today, time to allocate to cardio vs. strength, what kind of cardio is king, and specific protocols and exercises for strength training. Freeborn also shares advice about how to prevent and treat some of the most common thru-hiking injuries, including IT band syndrome, sore knees, a host of foot related ailments, and more. Grab your notebook, this one is full of practical advice ready your body for the trail and improve your health at large. We wrap the show the 11 most dangerous animals on the Appalachian Trail, how we feel about someone hiking a triple crown trail while leaving a young kid at home, the triple crown of people at the gym, and Chaunce gets mildly peeved at a mailbag. LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek. Mountainsmith: Use code "TAKEAHIKE" for 20% off at mountainsmith.com. Shady Rays: Use code "TREK" for 40% off two or more pairs of sunglasses at shadyrays.com. Hyperlite Mountain Gear: Use code "BPRADIO15" for 15% of hyperlitemountaingear.com [divider] Interview with Dr. Freeborn Mondello Freeborn's Instagram RunFreePT Trail Strong 18: The Progressive Thru-Hiker Durability System: An 18-week clinical strength program built by a Doctor of Physical Therapy to keep your body on trail — through the descents, the consecutive days, and the accumulated load that ends most hikes early. Eccentric strength, hip hinge capacity, core stability, and real recovery. Available to Backpacker Radio listeners for $199 for the first three weeks after the episode drops. Time stamps & Questions 00:05:34 - Reminders: Join us for a hiker meetup in Golden, apply to vlog or blog for the Trek, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon, and a surprise announcement! 00:13:30 - Introducing Dr. Freeborn Mondello 00:14:50 - Remind us of your personal endurance background 00:18:31 - Which sports yield the most injuries? 00:21:52 - Are there specific fitness styles that pair best with backpacking? 00:26:37 - What is zone two training? 00:28:39 - How do you find your heart rate zones? 00:36:28 - Is it better to use a weighted vest, incline, or flat for zone two? 00:37:27 - What is the minimum zone two training for a thru-hike? 00:43:00 - Discussion about calming the central nervous system and recovery techniques 00:49:48 - Discussion about why stretching might be doing more harm than good 00:54:05 - What should you do at breaks and the start of day on trail instead of stretching? 01:04:15 - Should you start training years before a thru-hike? 01:11:17 - What does a minimum strength training program look like? 01:14:59 - What home gym equipment should you buy and what should you skip? 01:18:26 - Should older athletes still do heavy squats and deadlifts? 01:23:35 - Walk us through a basic strength program with specific lifts 01:39:44 - What are the most common thru-hiking injuries? 01:48:31 - Discussion about dry needling and digital rehab 01:51:58 - Can you still run with missing meniscus? 01:58:22 - What should you prioritize on a town day to recover faster? 02:09:22 - Discussion about nutrition, protein goals, and intermittent fasting 02:20:39 - Discussion about BPC-157 peptides and GLP-1 weight loss drugs 02:25:40 - Where can people keep up with you? 02:28:10 - Stay Salty Question: What's your hottest take in the world of backpacking or the outdoors? Segments Trek Propaganda: The 11 Most Dangerous Animals on the Appalachian Trail by Katie Jackson QOTD: How do you feel about someone hiking a triple crown trail while leaving a young kid at home? Triple Crown of people at the gym Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy...

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, Chaunce and Elise are joined by Mallory Weston and Leslie Boyd. Mallory and Leslie are best friends, thru-hikers, hiking partners, artists, metalsmiths, teachers, and most recently, two inaugural artists-in-residence for the CDTC and ATC. The conversation goes into all things art, including how to best pursue your artistic passions on trail, what exactly an artist-in-residence does, their creative processes, and much more. We wrap the show with how to thru-hike the CDT for less than $5,000, info on the upcoming Denver-area Hiker Meetup, our favorite personal art projects, the triple crown of stimulants, and the best mail bag of all time. Topo Athletic: Use code "TREKWINTER15" at topoathletic.com. Mountainsmith: Use code "TAKEAHIKE" for 20% off at mountainsmith.com. [divider] Interview with Mallory Weston and Leslie Boyd Mallory's WebsiteMallory's InstagramLeslie's WebsiteLeslie's Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:05:55 - Reminders: Sign up for the Trek's newsletter, join us for a hiker meetup in Golden, apply to vlog or blog for the Trek, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon! 00:11:56 - Introduction of guests Mallory Weston and Leslie Boyd 00:12:47 - How did Mallory and Leslie meet and become best friends? 00:14:58 - How did you get into metalsmithing and jewelry as an art form? 00:21:07 - What is it like to become a professor, and the pros and cons of academia? 00:30:45 - How did you both get into backpacking? 00:55:27 - Mallory, tell us about your PCT southern border lash 01:00:00 - The Tahoe to Yosemite Trail / Tahoe Rim Trail lollipop hike and karaoke on the PCT 01:08:24 - Tell us about the Grafton Loop Trail in Maine 01:17:22 - Tell us about the Alta Via 1 in Italy and hiking with your husband 01:23:56 - How did you start the artist residency programs with the ATC and CDTC? 01:30:00 - What is an artist residency, and what do the trail organizations get out of it? 01:41:30 - What do the residency workshops entail? 01:48:01 - Leslie's cyanotype art practice on the CDT and the creative process on trail 01:53:36 - Leslie's fundraising cyanotype project tied to border issues and No Más Muertes 02:03:10 - Discussion about National Defense Areas at trail southern termini and how Leslie finished the CDT 02:05:58 - What did you create on trail during your residency, Mallory? 02:12:38 - Advice for artists who want to integrate their creative practice with backpacking 02:23:12 - Leslie's Tyvek ground sheet art project using security envelope patterns 02:30:12 - Peak Performance question: What is your top backpacking hack? Segments Trek Propaganda: How I Thru-Hiked the CDT for Under $5,000 by Katie Jackson QOTD: What's your favorite art project you've ever done? Triple Crown of stimulants Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee. Sign up for the Trek's newsletter Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, Jason Kiser, Jason "The Snail" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland,...

Today's episode of Backpacker presented by The Trek brought to you by Topo Athletic, is the horniest. Goda Latvys, known on trail as Freyja, has been hiking more or less non-stop over the last 5+ years, and in the process, writing in vivid detail about her many sexual conquests, which is the central theme of today's conversation. When I say x-rated, please do not take that lightly, as the subject matter is highly explicit sexual content, and most definitely not intended for young audiences or anyone who is uncomfortable with vivid adult themes. You have been warned. We wrap the show with the news of a fella who thru-skated from Mexico to Alaska, a conspiracy theory we don't believe in but wish were true, the triple crown of cookies, a sex story from a reader that is certifiably insane, and yet another entry into the heated debate of whether you'd rather encounter a bear vs. a man in the woods. Topo Athletic: Use code "TREKWINTER15" at topoathletic.com. Mountainsmith: Use code "TAKEAHIKE" for 20% off at mountainsmith.com. [divider] Interview with Goda Latvys Goda's Trek Author pageGoda's Website Time stamps & Questions 00:05:32 - Reminders: Apply to vlog or blog for the Trek, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon, and subscribe to The Trek's Youtube! 00:07:38 - Introducing Goda 00:09:00 - Excerpt #1 00:11:30 - Can you describe some of your fetishes? 00:14:15 - Do you ever use false names or dramatize anything? 00:16:11 - Tell us about your encounter with Vegas 00:19:25 - Do you have an OnlyFans? 00:20:35 - Where are some of the craziest places you've had sex? 00:22:40 - Excerpt #2 00:27:00 - Excerpt #3 00:28:15 - Excerpt #4 00:30:55 - What are some of the typical reactions you get? 00:33:55 - Freyja's hitchhiking stories 00:39:45 - How do women receive you on trail? 00:40:44 - Excerpt #5 00:43:30 - Who's your ideal type? 00:46:55 - What does your family think? 00:48:20 - How do you handle when people get frustrated about what you write? 00:50:55 - How do you fund your hiking? 00:52:45 - Tell us about the situation with the cigarette 00:56:00 - Do you ever fear for your safety? 00:57:36 - What are your hot takes? 00:59:45 - What do your friends think about your life? 01:00:20 - Tell us about sex cults 01:01:50 - What story do you get the most feedback about? 01:04:08 - Tell us about your trail family 01:07:44 - What leads you to turn down a hitch? 01:09:03 - Tell us about almost dying in the Smokies 01:12:50 - What has been the best trail for hitchhiking? 01:13:18 - Do you have any tips for sex while thru-hiking? 01:15:07 - Tell us about rope play 01:17:15 - Do you have a higher pain tolerance than usual? 01:18:50 - Are you attracted to women? 01:21:08 - What was it like to quit your first thru-hike? 01:23:50 - What got you into thru-hiking? 01:26:20 - What happened with the starfish? 01:28:10 - Tell us about bikepacking in Ghana 01:30:25 - Do you have any fears? 01:31:20 - How did you accidentally cross into Chile? 01:35:00 - What advice would you give to someone interested in starting to thru-hike? 01:37:27 - Peak Performance Question: What is your top performance-enhancing or backpacking hack? Segments Trek Propaganda: Man Skateboards From Mexico to Alaska on the Continental Divide: "It's Honestly the Worst Way To Thru-Travel" by Anna McKinney Smith QOTD: What's a conspiracy theory you don't believe in but wish were true? Triple Crown of cookies Listener Voicemail Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee. Sign up for the Trek's newsletter Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik...

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek brought to you by LMNT, Jess and Chaunce are joined by Lyndsay "Wreckage" Monsen. Wreckage is a pastor in training and civil rights advocate and she reflects on what it means to bring spirituality into the backcountry in a way that resonates even with those wary of organized religion. We also touch on formative spiritual moments in Colorado, why the Superior Hiking Trail earned a spot on her hate list, and how her foot got fudged up real good on the Long Trail, complete with photographic evidence. We wrap the show with news of a climber who's accused of manslaughter after leaving his girlfriend near a mountain summit, we discuss whether my getting a carwash is diva behavior, the triple crown of pies, and an unhinged tangent into the subject of AI. Topo Athletic: Use code "TREKWINTER15" at topoathletic.com. Mountainsmith: Use code "TAKEAHIKE" for 20% off at mountainsmith.com. [divider] Interview with Lyndsay "Wreckage" Monsen Lyndsay's InstagramLyndsay's SermonsLyndsay's sermon referencing her CT hike Lyndsay's sermon about getting arrested Time stamps & Questions 00:08:00 - Reminders: Sign up for the Trek's newsletter, subscribe to The Trek's Youtube, apply to vlog or blog for the Trek, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon! 00:13:14 - Introducing Lyndsay 00:16:45 - Do your hikes help you in any way in your seminary work? 00:18:00 - Have any of your religious beliefs changed based on your hiking? 00:19:00 - Tell us about who you were when starting the AT 00:24:20 - What are your thoughts on body image as it relates to thru-hiking? 00:28:12 - What other standout moments did you have on the AT? 00:31:40 - What is seminary school? 00:39:30 - Tell us about doing the Long Trail 00:43:32 - Did you find that you were more spiritually challenged on the Long Trail? 00:45:10 - Tell us about the connection between the outdoors and spirituality 00:50:45 - What are your dates more shocked by? 00:52:00 - Discussion about the Lake City Hiker Center 01:00:06 - Did you find that your discussions on trail naturally veer towards spirituality? 01:04:44 - What was your confession at the Priest Shelter? 01:11:30 - What did you think about the Superior Hiking Trail? 01:21:40 - Tell us about the Colorado Trail 01:30:00 - Tell us your pee story 01:37:12 - Any standout stories from the Colorado Trail? 01:40:20 - Lyndsay's raccoon story 01:43:30 - Tell us about the relationship between nature access and church attendance 01:55:15 - What are your thoughts about the concept of sex? 01:57:35 - What are your future hiking plans? 02:00:00 - Tell us about getting arrested 02:11:30 - Stay Salty Question: What is your hottest take in the world of backpacking or the outdoors at large? Segments Trek Propaganda Climber Accused of Manslaughter After Leaving Girlfriend Near Summit of Austria's Highest Peakby Kelly Floro Hiker Rescued From Appalachian Trail in the Smokies After Emergency SOSby Katie Jackson QOTD: Is getting a car wash diva behavior? Triple Crown of pies Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee. Sign up for the Trek's newsletter Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik...

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek brought to you by LMNT, we are breaking things down for the class of 2026 PCT thru-hikers with another edition of our top tips for hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. Chaunce and I are joined by everyone's favorite sauce/SOS, Elise Ott to share some brand new tips for trekking between Mexico and Canada, including advice about managing the sun, thoughts for approaching the trail during a high snow year, tips for dealing with wildfire, the beauty of cowboy camping, the importance of rolling with the punches, and much more. We wrap the show with some important news from the PCT southern terminus, the most overrated month for backpacking, the bucket list of animal sightings, and I give my one minute gear reviews on a slew of new items I tested on the SDTCT, including the a new pack, shelter, and trekking poles. LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek. Mountainsmith: Use code "TAKEAHIKE" for 20% off at mountainsmith.com. [divider] Panel with Elise "SOS" Ott Elise's Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:05:25 - Reminders: Apply to vlog or blog for the Trek, sign up for the Trek's newsletter, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon! 00:08:17 - Introducing Elise 00:13:53 - Tell us about your upcoming running goals 00:22:30 - Introducing today's panel 00:24:01 - Elise's Tip #1: Roll with the punches 00:27:06 - Chaunce's Tip #1: Look up side quests in advance 00:30:41 - Zach's Tip #1: Have a plan for the sun 00:34:44 - Elise's Tip #2: Save more money than you think you need 00:36:45 - Chaunce's Tip #2: Prepare for encountering wildfires 00:48:40 - Zach's Tip #2: Consider going southbound in high snow years 00:56:05 - Elise's Tip #3: See it for yourself before making decisions 01:03:15 - Chaunce's Tip #3: Cowboy camp if you haven't yet 01:05:40 - Zach's Tip #3: Break it down into small sections 01:08:00 - Honorable mentions 01:13:52 - Stay Salty Question: What is your hottest take in the world of backpacking? Segments Trek Propaganda: Barrier Construction Set To Begin at CDT Southern Terminus by Kelly Floro QOTD: What's the most overrated month for backpacking? Triple Crown of bucket list animal sightings One-Minute Gear Reviews Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee. Sign up for the Trek's newsletter Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, Jason Kiser, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lloyd Harris, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, myself, along with Jabba, Jolly, and Jess are giving you a rundown of our recent hike of the San Diego Trans County Trail. And this one is about as long as the trail itself, as we give a detailed daily overview of our hike, including the standout LOL stories, the biggest challenges associated with this trail - namely the amount of private land the route takes you though, the highlights- including some gorgeous desert terrain, an epic western terminus, and how our torrid hiking pace and some mismanaged fueling lead to the on-trail demise of our beloved Sassafras. Buckle in. We wrap the show with the triple crown of jobs if money weren't an issue and whether a 30-second random drop in the ocean every day for 5 years is worth a $100 million. Topo Athletic: Use code "TREKWINTER15" at topoathletic.com. Mountainsmith: Use code "TAKEAHIKE" for 20% off at mountainsmith.com. [divider] Interview with Jabba, Jolly, and Jess Jabba's InstagramJolly's InstagramJess's Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:05:35 - Reminders: Apply to vlog or blog for the Trek, subscribe to The Trek's Youtube, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon! 00:12:42 - Introducing the SDTCT hikers 00:13:40 - Why wasn't Chaunce invited? 00:16:14 - How did you choose to hike this trail? 00:19:00 - What are the fast stats of the SDTCT? 00:30:00 - Discussion about the water cache situation 00:36:05 - How do you get to and from the trail? 00:40:40 - What's the ideal season to hike this trail? 00:42:30 - SDTCT Day 1 00:54:14 - How do you handle navigation on this trail? 01:00:20 - What were the vibes at the end of day 1? 01:03:26 - How did Jess get so many blisters? 01:10:00 - Guess the Day 1 elevation 01:14:30 - SDTCT Day 2 01:44:30 - SDTCT Day 3 01:52:40 - Jolly's rash 01:56:10 - Zach's most difficult stretch of the trail 02:05:00 - Second half of day 3 02:09:00 - The end of day 3 02:17:00 - SDTCT Day 4 02:20:00 - Discussion about the cold and hand warmers 02:25:40 - Day 4 elevation guesses 02:26:30 - Jess's demise 02:39:40 - Zach's perspective of Jess's demise 02:45:25 - Night 4 02:55:00 - Chaunce's patent pending 02:56:16 - The end of day 4 03:03:52 - SDTCT Day 5 03:11:00 - Discussion about ticks 03:12:45 - Ramona Creek Trailhead 03:19:00 - SDTCT Day 6 03:36:50 - Discussion about the private land portions of the trail 03:50:40 - SDTCT Day 7 03:54:45 - Debate about publicizing the SDTCT 04:01:25 - Discussion about the final 40 miles of the trail Segments QOTD: $100 million but you have to survive 30 seconds in the ocean every day Triple Crown of jobs if money wasn't an issue Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee. Sign up for the Trek's newsletter Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jason Kiser, Krystyn Bell, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells,...

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are once again firing off our best advice for the upcoming class of Appalachian Trail thru-hikers. Chaunce and I are joined by Trek Community Ringleader, Jess Stone, to bring you 9 tips for thru-hiking the AT in 2026. Because this is not the first time we've done this subject, Chaunce and I are unveiling brand new advice for this one (with an asterisks)- and today's tips cover advice to ensure you don't lose your precious media (which is more common than you might think), trail name advice, the importance of training, how to maximize the adventure, how to be intentional about getting what you want out of this experience, and much more. We wrap the show with the top tents used on the Appalachian Trail in 2025, what two week Trek Chaunce should take on at the end of March, the triple crown of things that get our goat (v2), and why food delivery services might be pure evil. LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek. Mountainsmith: Use code "TAKEAHIKE" for 20% off at mountainsmith.com. [divider] Panel with Jess Stone Jess's Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:10:40 - Reminders: Apply to vlog or blog for the Trek, subscribe to The Trek's Youtube, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon! 00:16:45 - Introducing today's panel 00:18:45 - Summarizing past advice 00:23:20 - Jess's Tip #1: Find a meaningful way to document your hike and commit to it 00:26:20 - Chaunce's Tip #1: Regularly upload your photos and videos to the cloud 00:29:45 - Zach's Tip #1: Don't start with a trail name 00:34:10 - Jess's Tip #2: Train. Just train. 00:39:43 - Chaunce's Tip #2: Don't marry your start date 00:44:10 - Zach's Tip #2: Wean yourself off your phone addiction 00:47:14 - Jess's Tip #3: Embrace the new and the weird 00:50:55 - Chaunce's Tip #3: Group listen to audiobooks 00:58:40 - Zach's Tip #3: Mentally prepare 01:11:10 - Stay Salty Question: What is your hottest take in the world of backpacking or the outdoors at large? Segments Trek Propaganda: Top Tents and Shelters on the Appalachian Trail: 2025 AT Thru-Hiker Survey by Katie Jackson QOTD: What soft hiking can Chaunce do at the end of March? Triple Crown of things that get your goat Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee. Sign up for the Trek's newsletter Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jason Kiser, Krystyn Bell, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, in honor of Valentine's Day, we are once again putting love front and center-stage. We're joined by Annie and Jake, known on trail as Pistol and Lobo, who met at mile 166 of the Appalachian Trail in 2021 and are about to come full circle, getting married at Fontana Dam, the exact spot where they first met. We get the low down on how this romance was absolutely love at first sight, how and where things evolved from flirtation to romance to a full-blown committed relationship on trail, moving into a school bus post-trail, their attempt at recreating the magic on the PCT a few years later (spoiler alert: it was less magical), and tips to aspiring romantic hiker trash on how to find and sustain love on trail. We wrap the show with which pieces of gear a Trek Writer with more than 10,000 miles has eliminated from her pack, our internal dialogue while eating ice cream (and why maybe I have a problem), my ENEMY of the week (fitness influencer edition), and the triple crown of relationship hacks. Topo Athletic: Use code "TREKWINTER15" at topoathletic.com. Mountainsmith: Use code "TAKEAHIKE" for 20% off at mountainsmith.com. [divider] Interview with Annie & Jake Annie's InstagramJake's Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:09:05 - Reminders: Apply to vlog or blog for the Trek, enter the Badger Sponsorship, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon, and subscribe to The Trek's Youtube! 00:11:50 - Introducing Annie & Jake 00:14:22 - Discussion about wedding planning 00:17:55 - How did you each individually get into the outdoors? 00:22:35 - Walk us through the first parts of your hikes 00:28:20 - Did you have any major fuckups at the beginning of your hike? 00:29:45 - Tell us about the day you met 00:32:14 - Did you have a conversation about making it "one tent official"? 00:34:00 - More about the day Annie & Jake met 00:37:46 - Walk us through your first meeting to your first kiss 00:42:25 - What was the next level up in your relationship? 00:45:10 - Did it feel like you were venturing into real relationship territory? 00:46:25 - Why do you think you vibed together so quickly? 00:49:20 - How soon did you start discussing your plans for after the trail? 00:53:50 - Discussion about living in a bus over the winter 00:55:24 - What are green flags or red flags for couples approaching the end of a trail? 01:00:00 - What advice do you have for fellas to court a fellow thru-hiker? 01:03:00 - Did you have any moments where you unexpectedly learned a lot about the other person? 01:06:20 - Do you have advice for managing petty arguments on trail? 01:11:40 - What grocery store recommendations do you have? 01:16:00 - Tell us about doing the half gallon challenge 01:17:40 - Tell us about your scariest day on trail 01:23:00 - In what ways is your second thru-hike different from the first? 01:26:10 - Were you on the same page about leaving the PCT? 01:27:00 - Are you interested in trying the PCT again? 01:29:45 - What questions should someone ask their partner on trail? 01:34:20 - Do you plan on having kids? 01:35:10 - Peak Performance Question: Do you have a top performance enhancing or backpacking hack? 01:36:20 - Tell us your proposal story Segments Trek Propaganda: After 10,000 Miles on Trail, These Are the 10 Pieces of Gear I'll Never Carry Again by Livvy Weld QOTD: What is your internal dialogue while eating ice cream? Enemy Thing of the Week Triple Crown of relationship hacks Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee. Sign up for the Trek's newsletter Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker...

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined once again by outdoor filmmaker and long-distance backpacker, Lauren "Longway" Roerick. Lauren shares the highs and lows of a massive year of international backpacking and adventure, including dragging her "indoor cat" brother along on the 88 Temple Pilgrimage in Japan and her not in such great shape dad on the Camino del Norte in Spain, her less than stellar experience on the Via Dinarica and how one especially unfortunate stretch in Montenegro ultimately forced her off trail, quickly rinsing the palette with some gorgeous hiking on the Transcaucasian Trail in Georgia, and her experience hiking the Santa Fe to Taos Trail as part of our "get paid to thru-hike" sponsorship. We also learn more about Lauren's background, including a chaotic international divorce, learning calculus in Chinese, and how she once sang opera although refuses to do so for you- we forgive her and this is a fun, inspirational chat regardless. We wrap the show with a hidden gem thru-hike in New York, a Triple Crown of Pop (not SODA!), and what trail traditions should be celebrated on spring equinox. LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek. [divider] Interview with Lauren Roerick Lauren's InstagramLauren's YoutubeLauren's Website Time stamps & Questions 00:04:57 - Reminders: Apply to vlog or blog for the Trek and apply for the Badger Sponsorship! 00:09:10 - Introducing Lauren Roerick. 00:10:10 - Discussion about Te Araroa 00:13:30 - Discussion about a near hypothermia experience in the Tararua Mountains 00:19:10 - Give us an overview of the Santa Fe to Taos Trail 00:26:45 - Any standout stories from the Tahoe Rim Trail? 00:27:55 - Tell us about the 88 Temple Pilgrimage in Japan 00:35:00 - Discussion about Lauren's tea ceremony experience 00:37:20 - What did you do during your three years living in Taiwan? 00:39:20 - Did you really move to California to study and sing opera? 00:43:30 - Discussion about Lauren moving frequently 00:47:35 - Tell us about your hometown 00:49:50 - Tell us about starting a sales agency 00:55:20 - Who is the 88 Temple Pilgrimage for? 00:58:20 - Tell us about bikepacking around Taiwan 01:05:50 - What's the least safe you felt during your international travels? 01:21:15 - Tell us the good parts of the Via Dinarica 01:28:35 - Tell us about hiking in Georgia 01:35:35 - How often do you get recognized? 01:37:00 - Was the Santa Fe to Taos Trail boring in comparison? 01:39:08 - Tell us about the trail you hiked with your dad 01:43:40 - How did the Camino rank against other trails you hiked last year? 01:46:24 - Discussion about 01:51:45 - Do you have general tips for international travel and hiking? 01:58:35 - What is next on your hiking schedule for 2026? 02:03:15 - Stay Salty Question: What is your hottest take in the world of backpacking? Segments Trek Propaganda: The Epic 358-Mile Thru-Hike in New York You've Never Heard Of by Alex McClain QOTD: Summer solstice is hike naked day. What should spring equinox be? Fear of the Week Triple Crown of pop/soda Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee. Sign up for the Trek's newsletter Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher...

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic…today's episode is pure chaos. If you've listened to any of our Hiking Viking episodes, you already know what I'm talking about. After four "Girl Stuff" episodes, Chaunce figured it was only fair to balance the scales with what we're officially calling the Guy Stuff episode, a panel-style conversation that goes off the rails almost immediately, featuring Jabba and Lt Cookoo Bird. We cover everything from trail grooming strategy (aka pube management), to whether you'd rather have boobs or a vagina for 24 hours, to making Backpacker Radio condoms as trail swag, Chaunce has a beard, and Jabba bites Chaunce's toes. If you're looking for polished thru-hiking advice… this ain't it. This is a circus. Enjoy the ride. Topo Athletic: Use code "TREKWINTER15" at topoathletic.com. [divider] Interview with Jabba and Cookoo Jabba's InstagramCookoo's Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:08:15 - Reminders: Apply to vlog or blog for the Trek, apply to be a Trail Correspondent, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon, and subscribe to The Trek's Youtube! 00:12:20 - Introducing Jabba and Cookoo 00:16:35 - Cuckoo, what have you been up to since you were last on the podcast? 00:26:54 - Do you think your urge to hike quickly is a macho trait? 00:29:10 - Discussion about working out 00:32:40 - Chaunce's BPR condoms idea 00:39:10 - Jabba, what have you been up to since you were last on the podcast? 00:50:35 - Discussion about PCT Days 00:59:20 - You have 24 hours - do you want to have boobs or a vagina? 01:05:00 - Discussion about trail grooming strategy 01:16:50 - Jabba's Roku stick story 01:18:32 - Discussion about blue balls 01:24:25 - How could a woman mess with a group of men on trail? 01:30:45 - Have you Tinder-blazed? 01:35:55 - What's your most interesting trail hookup story? 01:53:45 - What do you do differently when you're interested in someone on trail? 01:56:50 - How do you deal with swamp sack? 02:01:30 - How do you maintain personal hygiene? 02:11:00 - What are some things you've learned as you've hiked? 02:14:00 - Is chafing inevitable? 02:18:30 - How do you maintain your upper body while hiking? 02:25:00 - Discussion about supplements on trail 02:28:35 - Is anyone taking testosterone on trail? 02:31:20 - What upcoming hiker fashion trends do you foresee? 02:35:05 - Would you rather encounter a man or bear in the woods? 02:47:25 - How long would you wait to tell someone you're completely lost? 02:50:57 - What's the most vulnerable moment you've had on trail? 02:59:15 - What's the best way to break the ice to a new date that you hike four months per year? 03:03:12 - Who has the better fantasy team? 03:05:30 - Peak Performance Question: What's your top performance-enhancing or backpacking hack? 03:21:40 - When do you choose trail runners versus boots? Segments Trek Propaganda: 5 Thru-Hikers Who Turned Their Passion for Hiking Into a Small Businessby Chickpea The 2025 Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker Survey: General Information (Part 2)by Katie Jackson QOTD: They're a 10 but they like to turn off the game in the 4th quarter - can you make the relationship work? Triple Crown of unsung technological advancements Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee. Sign up for the Trek's newsletter Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen...

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined yet again by our pal and Hall of Fame trail name holder Marla Davidson, better known as "Fancy Feast". Fancy Feast is a wealth of knowledge and unfortunate and embarrassing stories. She shares a nasty medical mishap involving poodle dog bush on the PCT, we look back at her time with the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps, where she and other "malnourished minors" subsisted on moldy bread and Sriracha, which was presented as a vegetable. Fancy Feast gives us an overview of her 2024 calendar hikes of the PCT and CDT, her experience navigating the Hayduke Trail with Horsepower (former guest) after he convinced her with a PowerPoint presentation, and the hilarious mismatch in hiking styles from this somewhat random pairing. She details what it's like being a PNTA crew lead, and the challenges associated in light of funding cuts and crews being reduced to a skeleton staff. Feast also shares standout stories from her international travels, including a "pig water" disaster in the Andes, her time at the Green Mountain Club with a persistent bear that turned her food box into a rolling pinata, and her hot takes on thru-hiker "main character energy" and entitlement. We wrap the show with whether we'd rather have three butt cheeks or just one, the triple crown of mild yet particular icks or phobias, and the news of how one Hayduke hiker got caught in quicksand. Yes, really. LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek. [divider] Interview with Marla Davidson aka Fancy Feast Fancy Feast's Instagram Backpacker Radio 122 | Hot Ones & Fancy Feast Time stamps & Questions 00:05:05 - Reminders: Apply to vlog or blog for the Trek, apply to be a Trail Correspondent, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon, and subscribe to The Trek's Youtube! 00:10:00 - Introducing Fancy Feast 00:14:00 - Remind us of your trail name origin story 00:19:25 - What was the first trail you hiked after you were on the podcast? 00:22:50 - Tell us about your encounter with poodle-dog bush 00:31:55 - What was worse, poodle-dog bush or poison ivy? 00:33:17 - How was your experience in the conservation corps? 00:37:40 - Tell us your bear story 00:42:20 - How did you handle the CDT when you don't like black bears? 00:45:50 - What is the ManHump/HumpMan challenge? 00:50:00 - Discussion about Fancy Feast's Allegheny Trail FKT attempt 00:52:30 - Why do you think you should have dropped out of school to do seasonal work? 01:00:50 - Why did you go to Peru? 01:11:50 - Tell us about dumpster diving 01:19:12 - How did you like the Oregon Coast Trail? 01:30:11 - At what point did you get a job with the PNTA? 01:36:25 - What's the deal with mayonnaise? 01:41:38 - What's your best chafe prevention strategy? 01:42:53 - Tell us more about your trail maintenance work and the current state of the PNT 01:46:08 - What volunteer opportunities are there with the PNTA? 01:48:11 - Tell us about working smarter and harder 01:53:55 - How would a former thru-hiker get involved with volunteering? 02:03:30 - How did you end up on the Hayduke? 02:13:50 - What was it like hiking with Horsepower? 02:16:15 - Did the Hayduke make you want to do more off trail routes? 02:20:10 - What questions should you ask someone you might hike with? 02:27:25 - Tell us about the Ice Age Trail 02:42:10 - Stay Salty Question: What's your hottest take in the world of backpacking? Segments Trek Propaganda: Hiker Trapped in Quicksand on Hayduke Trail: "Nothing About It Seemed Unusual or Dangerous" by Kelly Floro QOTD: Would you rather have one butt cheek or three butt cheeks? Triple Crown of mild yet particular icks or phobias Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee. Sign up for the Trek's newsletter Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, ...

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are joined yet again by our pal Andrew Skurka and wayyyyy back former guest and now co-director of Skurka Adventures, Katie Gerber aka "Salty". Today's episode covers a lot of ground. Today's conversation is part backpacking advice, part gear nerd chat, part a glimpse inside the operation at Skurka Adventures. We first dive into Katie's list of the five biggest mistakes she made as a beginner backpacker and her take on why she loves her alcohol stove- after a decade of use. Andrew gives us an overview of vapor barrier layers and moisture management for cold-weather backpacking, the Ursack versus bear canister debate, he gives a framework for deciding exactly when it's time to hit the SOS button on your satellite communicator, the ethics of publicizing GPS tracks in these high consequence and fragile regions, and he shares his two cents on one of the most detailed bear-safety questions we've ever received. The duo also give us some standout stories from their years of working together, including a nightmarish and somehow hilarious story of surviving a Mojave Desert traffic jam in triple-digit heat. We wrap the show with a call for Trail Correspondents, if setting up your tent in the airport makes you a genius or an A-hole, the triple crown of winter drinks, and some fun Ibex facts from a listener. Topo Athletic: Use code "TREKWINTER15" at topoathletic.com. [divider] Interview with Andrew Skurka & Katie Gerber Skurka's WebsiteSkurka's InstagramKatie's WebsiteKatie's Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:05:05 - Reminders: Apply to vlog or blog for the Trek, apply to be a Trail Correspondent, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon, and subscribe to The Trek's Youtube! 00:10:00 - Introducing Andrew and Katie 00:13:10 - Are you still passionate about nutrition? 00:19:40 - Tell us about your recent Grand Canyon trip with Eric 00:22:45 - How did you get started on off trail routes? 00:24:10 - How did you two start working together? 00:30:50 - Describe your current role 00:33:25 - What are some things people don't know about Skurka? 00:36:40 - Discussion about beginner backpacking mistakes 00:53:20 - What are some new things you've been thinking about? 00:56:50 - What trip is in the highest demand, and what's the most underrated? 00:58:50 - How do you balance protecting sensitive environments with leading trips for your business? 01:08:35 - How do you pick who guides each route? 01:10:35 - Do you have any new guides you're really excited about? 01:12:40 - What are some tips for someone who wants to get into guiding? 01:20:45 - Grand Canyon or Escalante? 01:23:00 - Tell us your thoughts on vapor barrier layers 01:27:55 - Discussion about the backcountry bidet 01:30:30 - How many cats until you're a crazy cat dude? 01:33:14 - How do you like using an alcohol stove and how did you like the Great Basin Trail? 01:35:23 - What are the biggest differences between hiking with Dirtmonger and Andrew? 01:40:15 - Have you used AI in your business? 01:44:14 - How should a campsite be set up? 01:50:00 - What are the pros and cons of hard sided bear canisters and Ursacks? 01:52:20 - Is there a new piece of gear you're excited about? 01:56:00 - Discussion about phone technology in the backcountry 02:01:18 - What are your thoughts on plastic water bottles? 02:03:40 - How far do you need to pee from your campsite? 02:04:45 - How do you decide to press the SOS button? 02:08:20 - What are your thoughts on polartech? 02:09:50 - Are broth cubes a thing? 02:13:54 - What should people know about the upcoming guiding season? 02:20:20 - Peak Performance Question: What is your top performance-enhancing or backpacking hack? Segments Trek Propaganda: Colorado Trail vs. John Muir Trail vs. Long Trail: Which Trail is the Best?By Katie Jackson 25 More Stunning Thru-Hiking–Inspired Tattoosby Anna McKinney Smith QOTD: Is...

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by Eric Volk, who we attempt to trail name "5-16." In just six years, Eric went from novice hiker to expert off-trail adventurer, completing his own custom routes across the Sierra, Grand Canyon, North Cascades, and Alaska, including his Brooks Range Traverse and Arctic thru-hike. He is believed to be the first or second person to hike from the Canadian border to the Arctic Ocean entirely on foot. Today, we're getting an in-depth tutorial on all things off-trail and route-based hiking. Eric gives a detailed overview of how to get started with off-trail adventuring, the biggest differences between hiking on trail and off, recommended "beginner" routes, key gear considerations, the navigational skills required (including the specific tools he uses and recommends), the wide variety of terrain you might encounter, weather considerations, the importance of doing your due diligence, and much more. Eric also shares some fun stories from his routes, including trekking through the mathematically most remote place in the U.S., incredible wildlife encounters with caribou, grizzlies, musk ox, and mountain lions, and the ethics of publicizing GPX tracks. LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek. [divider] Interview with Eric Volk Eric's Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:07:20 - Reminders: Apply to vlog or blog for the Trek, apply to be a Trail Correspondent, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon, and subscribe to The Trek's Youtube! 00:11:00 - Introducing Eric 00:11:50 - How did you initially get into outdoor adventuring? 00:15:07 - Was it easier to start the Lost Coast trail because someone encouraged you? 00:16:52 - Do you like to level up difficulty in other aspects of life? 00:19:42 - What's your route resume? 00:21:40 - Do off-trail routes spoil you for thru-hiking? 00:22:45 - Where should someone start if they want to start doing off-trail routes? 00:25:15 - What does the class system generally mean? 00:32:10 - What are some navigation skill requirements? 00:45:55 - What are some of the navigation apps you've tried? 00:52:00 - What are some tips for someone starting with CalTopo? 00:56:20 - How should someone transition from a GPX track to the real world? 01:02:00 - Discussion about additional navigation tips 01:04:10 - How would someone construct beta for their route? 01:15:45 - What are the gear differences to consider for going off-trail? 01:25:30 - Discussion about the benefits of ultralight and compactness in gear 01:28:25 - Has your first aid kit changed at all? 01:31:20 - What's the minimum amount of bushwacking that would necessitate pants? 01:37:40 - What's your sun protection strategy? 01:40:12 - How do you handle weather? 01:45:45 - How structured are your days when routefinding? 01:48:50 - How do you confidently know where to find water? 01:53:45 - What other tips do you have for learning about your surroundings? 01:56:00 - What are some of your standout wildlife encounters? 02:08:35 - Tell us about your Black Belt Triple Crown 02:17:00 - Discussion about Eric's Alaska route 02:22:30 - Is there a rating scale for remoteness? 02:24:15 - What are the three most challenging elements of this route? 02:29:00 - How much of this route was Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3 fun? 02:30:10 - Tell us about the Super Sierra High Route 02:38:20 - Tell us about following the North Rim of the Grand Canyon 02:40:50 - What are the three most challenging elements of this route? 02:46:35 - Discussion about the ethics of hiking around the Grand Canyon 03:01:00 - Discussion about sharing information about routes publicly 03:03:30 - Stay Salty Question: What's your hottest take in the world of backpacking? 03:05:35 - What's next for you? Segments Trek Propaganda: Fewer People Thru-Hiked the AT in 2025. Is the Trail's Popularity on the Decline? By Katie Jackson Thing of...

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are talking "shorter" thru-hikes. We're joined again by our guy, Michael Grizzly Ivey, to give you an overview of eight standout US thru-hikes that you can hike in four weeks or less. We cover the Long Trail, Teton Crest Trail, Superior HIking Trail, Timberline Trail, Tahoe Rim Trail, Foothills Trail, and Uinta Highline, give you the trail overviews, relative difficulty, resupply strategy, the best time to hike, which direction, travel logistics, permit requirements, resupply strategy, standout wildlife, water availability, and our overall 30-second elevator pitch for each trail. Much like my waistline, your bucket list is about to expand. We wrap the show with tips for getting primo service at any restaurant (from a restaurant general manager), the triple crown of birds, and we prove that we will read just about anything in a 5-star review. Topo Athletic: Use code "TREKWINTER15" at topoathletic.com. [divider] Panel with Michael "Grizzly" Ivey Grizzly's Instagram Backpacker Radio # 29: Valentine's Day 2.0 with Grizzly + Jenna, Tent Orgies, and How to Hike 30 Miles in a Day Backpacker Radio #191 | Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail 2.0: High Snow Year Considerations, Gear Changes by Section, and More Time stamps & Questions 00:07:30 - Reminders: Apply to be a Trail Correspondent, apply to vlog or blog for the Trek, subscribe to The Trek's Youtube, , and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon! 00:13:00 - Introducing Grizzly 00:15:50 - What have you been up to since you were last on the podcast? 00:18:20 - Long Trail 00:29:00 - Ozark Highlands Trail (Learn more from BPR #199 and BPR #197) 00:41:15 - Superior Hiking Trail 00:56:20 - Tahoe Rim Trail (Learn more from BPR #157) 01:11:40 - Foothills Trail (Learn more from BPR #243) 01:24:20 - Uinta Highline Trail 01:36:20 - Timberline Trail 01:44:12 - Teton Crest Trail (Learn more from BPR #265) 02:04:20 - What's your top performance enhancing hack? Segments Trek Propaganda: 10 Short Trails You Can Thru-Hike in Winter by Jordan Charbonneau QOTD: What are some tips to getting the best treatment possible when eating out? Triple Crown of birds Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee. Sign up for the Trek's newsletter Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jason Kiser, Krystn Bell, Matt from Gilbert, AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, SPAM, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, and Spencer Hinson.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Alan Dixon, better known in the backpacking world as Adventure Alan. Alan is a literal rocket scientist, a lifelong adventure junkie, and a foundational figure in the early days of ultralight backpacking, having co-founded Backpacking Light. Alan shares some jaw dropping stories from his many routes, including a near-death experience in the Tetons, his philosophy for developing routes—most notably his popular Wind River High Route, the South Sierra High Route, and the Escalante Overland Route. We dig into how he's managed to bring his base weight down to as low as 2.4 lb., the small luxuries he now allows himself, some of his favorite cottage brands, and his overarching gear philosophies. We also talk about why he follows a ketogenic diet and how he maintains it on trail, his adventures with his wife of more than 20 years, and much more. We wrap the show with the triple crown of gifts for backpackers ($75 or less), a hill that we're willing to die on that everyone else thinks is ridiculous, some new AT stamps that have been out for a long time, and I talk fast. Gossamer Gear: Check out the Type II collection at gossamergear.com. [divider] Interview with Alan Dixon Adventure Alan Website Time stamps & Questions 00:02:00 - Reminders: Apply to vlog or blog for the Trek, apply to be a Trail Correspondent, subscribe to The Trek's Youtube, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon! 00:06:49 - Introducing Alan 00:07:30 - So you're a rocket scientist? 00:10:55 - What did you do for the EPA? 00:17:13 - What are the top sources for toxicity in food? 00:23:00 - Are there any chemicals in the backpacking world you're skeptical of? 00:25:06 - What was your earliest mountaineering experience? 00:26:40 - Discussion about the current state of ultralight 00:29:45 - What ultralight products do you get? 00:31:40 - How did you get to a baseweight under 5 pounds? 00:39:30 - Do you recommend tracking your sleep? 00:44:55 - Why do you follow a keto diet? 00:49:52 - How do you maintain a keto diet on trail? 00;53:30 - Tell us about the early days of ultralight 00:58:50 - Why did you want to spread the gospel of ultralight? 01:03:20 - Discussion about the fiddle-factor 01:09:00 - What's your standard gear list now? 01:10:47 - Do you have practical tips for reducing fiddle time? 01:13:07 - Tell us about your trip in the Wind River Range 01:19:00 - Do you have a luxury item today? 01:20:04 - Tell us about selling your website 01:21:55 - What goes into designing a high route? 01:24:40 - Sell us on the Adventure Alan Wind River High Route 01:28:30 - Do you consider high routes to be more of a physical or intellectual challenge? 01:32:05 - Discussion about anxiety while hiking 01:34:45 - Tell us about adventuring with your wife 01:39:09 - Do you have any general marriage advice? 01:42:10 - How do you maintain your fitness into your 60s? 01:46:40 - Discussion about the definition of success 01:51:55 - What's something novel that you're excited about right now? 01:54:49 - Tell us about the Southern Sierra High Route 01:59:20 - Define "it goes" 02:00:05 - Tell us about the Escalante Overland Route 02:06:04 - Are you fully retired now? 02:07:00 - Discussion about fitness and training 02:09:50 - Tell us about the Southern Patagonia Ice Shelf 02:19:00 - Are you able to enjoy a regular trail? 02:22:10 - Tell us your near death experience in the Tetons 02:35:45 - Are you still making content? Segments Trek Propaganda Sudden Blizzard on Patagonia's "O" Circuit Leaves Five Hikers Deadby Katie Jackson Hiker Impaled on 15-Foot Branch Rescued From Trail in O'ahuby Katie Jackson NOBO vs. SOBO on the Appalachian Trail: Which Direction Is Better?By Livvy Weld QOTD: What's a hill you'll die on that everyone else thinks is ridiculous? Triple Crown of gifts for backpackers ($75 or less) Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our...

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, I'm sitting this one out because it's the fourth edition of Girl's Stuff. Chaunce is joined by former guest Christine Reed and BPR first-timer Maggie Schoemann. The three cover hiking with a partner, where to get a vag wax on trail, birth control, weird body changes, including managing a beard on trail as a woman, eating disorders and how thru-hiking can trigger or resurface disordered eating (trigger warning), and much more. These are Chaunce's notes, so I'm just going to assume they're all accurate. We wrap the show with Chaunce's take on the new Diddy doc and the triple crown of the worst parts of the holidays. Gossamer Gear: Check out the Type II collection at gossamergear.com. [divider] Panel with Chaunce, Maggie, and Christine Maggie's InstagramChristine's Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:03:50 - Reminders: Apply to vlog or blog for the Trek, apply to be a Trail Correspondent, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon! 00:08:45 - Introducing Maggie and Christine 00:13:26 - What is it like to do your first thru-hike while your partner finishes their Triple Crown? 00:22:30 - Discussion about making friends while thru-hiking in a couple 00:26:00 - What type of reaction did you get on the PCT? 00:32:14 - How was the Long Trail? 00:34:44 - What's it like to hike a trail that sucks with a platonic friend? 00:43:30 - Tell us about your chronic illness 00:48:30 - What specific foods did you mail yourself on the Long Trail? 00:52:35 - Discussion about PCOS 01:01:10 - Discussion about period cycles 01:09:40 - Discussion about nutrition and PCOS 01:20:00 - Discussion about PCOS and weight 01:29:50 - Trigger warning: disordered eating and body image 01:37:00 - Discussion about how thru-hiking intersects with disordered eating 02:18:20 - End trigger warning: discussion about getting waxed on trail 02:30:00 - Who determines what's cool on trail? 02:35:00 - Discussion about the evolution of women on trail 02:45:00 - Discussion about influencers on trail 02:54:00 - Recommend names of female influencers Segments Trek Propaganda This Simple Backpacking Mistake Almost Cost Me My Whole Hikeby Kelly Floro QOTD: Have you seen the Diddy documentary? Triple Crown of the worst parts of the holidays Listener Voicemail Mail Bag [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee. Sign up for the Trek's newsletter Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jason Kiser, Krystyn Bell, Matt from Gilbert, AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, SPAM, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, and Spencer Hinson.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by Jessica Guo known on trail as Stitches. This year, Stitches became the first woman on record to connect both the Continental Divide Trail and Great Divide Trail northbound in one calendar year. We talk all about this logistically and physically impressive feat, hiking through the Sierra during a record snow year, how she earned her trail name the hard way, her unconventional relationship with pain, how 10 her day silent meditations better prepare her for thru-hiking and gives us a sample 2 minute meditation, what it was like becoming social media famous this year- going from less than 2K followers to 50K, and much more. We wrap the show with a call for Trek Vloggers, a breakdown of how hard the Long Trail is as measured by Katie's steps per mile, apparently some people can smell ants, and the triple crown of peanut butter combinations. LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek. Gossamer Gear: Check out the Type II collection at gossamergear.com. Ka'Chava: Get 10% off at kachava.com/backpacker. [divider] Interview with Jessica "Stitches" Guo Stitches' InstagramStitches' Trek Author PageStitches' Substack Time stamps & Questions 00:05:00 - Reminders: Apply to VLOG for the Trek, subscribe to our Youtube channel, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon! 00:11:47 - Introducing Stitches 00:14:15 - What is your background? 00:20:00 - Scenario: If Zach & Chaunce are fighting, how would you help them work through it? 00:22:25 - How did you get into the outdoors? 00:30:15 - Were you an athlete when you were younger? 00:31:35 - How did you like the Teton Crest Trail? 00:32:40 - Tell us about getting started on the PCT and your injury 00:40:20 - What did it feel like to walk on your injured leg after 8 days? 00:48:35 - What does your meditation practice look like? 00:55:50 - What does a silent meditation retreat look like? 00:58:05 - Are there purists in the meditation world? 01:03:00 - Stitches leads a guided meditation 01:08:20 - Tell us about your second injury on the PCT 01:20:55 - Was the Sierra Type 1 fun for you? 01:21:30 - Tell us your fun story from the Colorado Trail 01:26:20 - Where did the idea come from for the CDT + GDT? 01:32:50 - Why can it be nice to have a detailed itinerary and plan? 01:38:10 - If someone's interested in the GDT, what advice would you give? 01:40:20 - What were the differences between your three itineraries? 01:42:10 - Would a silent retreat be a good way to mentally train for a thru-hike? 01:44:15 - What are some standout moments from the CDT? 01:47:38 - What are you afraid of? 01:51:10 - How did your experience change when you got a ton of followers? 01:55:55 - Tell us more about making videos on trail 01:59:00 - Discussion about evidence of climate change on trail 02:00:05 - Tell us about how you interacted with your ethnicity on trail 02:08:22 - Tell us about your post on women in the outdoors 02:14:20 - Tell us about your friction video 02:16:00 - What were the highlights of the GDT? 02:19:00 - Did you have any practices for when you felt mentally low? 02:22:45 - Tell us about the birds you saw 02:27:15 - What are your Big 5 for gear? 02:34:15 - Stay Salty Question: What's your hottest take in the world of backpacking? 02:39:30 - Where can people go to keep up with you? Segments Trek Propaganda How Hard Is the Long Trail, and Is It Worth It? The Stats From My Thru-Hike Reveal the Answersby Katie Jackson Rescuers Say a Hiker Died on Mount Whitney Over the Weekendby Anna McKinney Smith QOTD: Can you smell ants? Infection Thing of the Week Triple Crown of peanut butter combos Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee. Sign up for the Trek's newsletter Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, ...