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#190 | Brian "Buck-30" Tanzman on 45,000 Miles of Hiking, the Hot Springs Trail, Desert Winter Thru-Hike, Tracks in Australia, and More

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In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Brian Tanzman, known on trail as Buck-30. Buck-30 has amassed more than 45,000 trail miles since getting into backpacking two decades ago. We go through his immense trail resume, including all the trails you've heard of and some you haven't such as the Bigfoot Trail, Israel National Trail, the Hot Springs Trail, Great Himalaya Trail, the Desert Trail, the Deseret Hiking Route, and more. Much like Buck-30 himself, this interview covers a lot of ground- if you love thru-hiking you will get some solid insight and entertainment from this conversation. We wrap the show with the top sleeping bags and quilts used on the Appalachian Trail, the triple crown of features of a dream house, a new stupidest thing of the week, and more. Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKERRADIO" for 15% off at gossamergear.com. Good To-Go: Use code "TREK25" for 25% off at goodto-go.com. Treecard: Use code "BACKPACKER" for 1,000 free reward points at treecard.org. Enlightened Equipment: Use code "TREKPOD10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com. [divider] Interview with Brian "Buck-30" Tanzman Buck-30's Postholer Buck-30's Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:04:24 - QOTD: What do you wish you knew more about? 00:07:28 - Reminders: Apply to blog for the Trek, check out our latest merch, and support us on Patreon! 00:09:00 - Introducing Buck-30 00:09:55 - How did you get into the outdoors? 00:12:05 - At what point did the appeal of long distance hiking sink in? 00:15:19 - Did 9/11 have anything to do with starting hiking? 00:16:58 - How do you make this lifestyle work with your career?00:21:23 - What standout stories do you have from the Triple Crown trails? 00:24:30 - Why do you call yourself "old, grumpy, and opinionated"? 00:28:45 - Tell us about marrying and divorcing another Triple Crowner. 00:33:30 - Discussion about the Arizona Trail 00:35:17 - Discussion about the Australian trails 00:39:20 - Did you see any interesting wildlife in Australia? 00:43:20 - What does the terrain look like in Australia? 00:44:10 - Tell us about the San Diego Sea to Sea 00:46:23 - Did you hike both islands on the Te Araroa? 00:49:30 - Is there an exclusive group chat for people who've hiked all of the Scenic Trails? 00:50:32 - Backpacker Radio Missed Connection! 00:52:18 - Tell us about the Pacific Northwest Trail 00:55:22 - What did you hate about the Ice Age Trail? 01:01:13 - Tell us about your experience of the Hayduke 01:02:17 - At what point in your hiking career did you start using a GPS device? 01:05:50 - Tell us about the Bigfoot Trail 01:06:30 - Tell us about the Finger Lakes Trail 01:08:33 - Tell us about the Lowest to Highest Route 01:11:25 - Tell us about the Israel National Trail 01:14:42 - Tell us about hiking in Patagonia 01:17:35 - Tell us about the Hot Springs Trail 01:21:42 - Are the hot springs right along the trail or off-trail? 01:23:20 - How much nudity did you see on this trail? 01:24:40 - How much of the route is trail, road-walking, or route-finding? 01:25:45 - If someone wanted to do a 300-400 mile section, what would you recommend? 01:27:00 - Tell us about the Great Himalaya Trail 01:30:30 - Discussion about not treating water and getting sick in Nepal 01:33:45 - Tell us about the New England National Scenic Trail 01:35:26 - Ranking the National Scenic Trails 1-7 01:43:22 - Discussion about encountering angry dogs on trail 01:46:00 - Ranking the National Scenic Trails 8-11 01:50:29 - Tell us about the Mongollon Rim Trail 01:51:20 - Tell us about the Desert Trail 01:53:37 - Do you have any tips for people new to hiking in the desert? 01:56:02 - Tell us about the Oregon Coast Trail 01:59:45 - Tell us about the Desert Hiking Route 02:03:54 - Tell us about the Great Basin Trail 02:05:34 - Buck-30's poop story 02:10:15 - Tell us about the Desert Winter Thru-Hike 02:13:37 - Buck-30 convinces Zach that thru-hiking is way better than cycling SEGMENTS Trek Propaganda The Top Sleeping Bags, Quilts, and Pads on the Appalachian Trail: 2022 Thru-Hiker Survey by Kate Richard Triple Crown of features in a dream house Stupid Thing of the Week Listener Voicemail (and leave us your own!) 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @paulyboyshallcross. 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. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Austin Ford, Brad & Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Brent Stenberg, Christopher Marshburn, Dayne, DoGoodPantry, Greg McDaniel, Kristina Diaz, Matt Soukup, Mike Poisel, Morgan Luke, Patrick Cianciolo, Sawyer Produ

Feb 27, 20232h 38m

#189 | Christine Reed on POTS, Hiking with Grief, and Her Book: Alone in Wonderland

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In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Christine Reed. Christine is a backpacker, climber, runner, and author. Her book, Alone in Wonderland, is a memoir covering not only her thru-hike of the Wonderland Trail, but also the emotional and gripping story of her life and foray into backpacking. Today's subject matter is vast, including but not limited to Christine's mom unexpectedly passing during her attempted AT thru-hike, polyamory, van life, logistics of thru-hiking the Wonderland Trail, and how Christine deals with POTS- a medical acronym that I refuse to butcher but it pertains to reduced blood volume and makes exercising much more challenging. We wrap the show with advice from AT ridge runners, a triple crown of old people's names, a fresh stupid thing of the week, and more! Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKERRADIO" for 15% off at gossamergear.com. Organifi: Use code "BACKPACKER" for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker. Enlightened Equipment: Use code "TREKPOD10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com. Treecard: Use code "BACKPACKER" for 1,000 free reward points at treecard.org. [divider] Interview with Christine Reed Christine's Instagram Alone in Wonderland Website Time stamps & Questions 00:05:05 - QOTD: How's dry January going? 00:12:24 - Reminders: Check out our Stay Feral shirts! 00:16:07 - Introducing Christine 00:17:55 - How and when did you get interested in the AT? 00:19:42 - What was your preparation strategy? 00:20:44 - What were the circumstances in your life at that time? 00:22:10 - How did you handle your parents not being supportive of your hike? 00:26:11 - What did the right gear look like in 2013-2015? 00:28:18 - Did your parents eventually warm up to the idea? 00:30:52 - What was it like to get back on trail after that? 00:33:00 - Tell us about the end of your hike and how you felt about it. 00:37:23 - What did your life look like after the AT? 00:39:33 - Have you ever considered going back to hike more of the AT? 00:41:05 - What was the inspiration to hike the Wonderland Trail? 00:43:45 - How many caches do you need for the Wonderland Trail? 00:44:34 - Tell us about the themes of isolation and loneliness in your book. 00:47:28 - Tell us about polyamory. 00:56:30 - How did polyamory interact with your hiking experiences? 00:59:25 - Were you always good at setting boundaries? 01:00:12 - Is there a difference between perceptions of men and women in polyamory? 01:01:52 - Tell us about the process of getting a walk up permit for the Wonderland Trail. 01:04:23 - Discussion about the Wonderland Trail campsites 01:06:10 - What led you to make this hike the subject of a book? 01:10:00 - Tell us about getting your spine fused. 01:13:21 - Is the PT all you needed to hike without issue? 01:14:34 - What is POTS and how does it affect your hiking? 01:18:36 - Does POTS put you at higher risk for a cardiac event? 01:21:57 - Are there any medications for POTS? 01:26:00 - How did the Ouachita FKT attempt go? 01:31:26 - Can you compare and contrast the physical experience of doing a FKT or a 50K? 01:33:13 - What are some of your favorite hiking foods? 01:35:23 - What should someone know about vanlife who's considering it? 01:37:40 - What challenges often catch people off guard? 01:42:08 - Do you have any other vanlife hacks? 01:44:03 - Do you have any simple products you recommend for vanlifers? 01:46:06 - What's on the horizon for you? SEGMENTS Backcountry Meal Critics: Bushka's Kitchen Stupid Thing of the Week Trek Propaganda 4 Ridgerunners Share Their Top Advice for AT Thru-Hikers by Ann Marie White Triple Crown of old person names Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @paulyboyshallcross. 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. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Austin Ford, Brad & Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Brent Stenberg, Christopher Marshburn, Dayne, DoGoodPantry, Greg McDaniel, Kristina Diaz, Matt Soukup, Mike Poisel, Morgan Luke, Patrick Cianciolo, Sawyer Products, and Tracy "Trigger" Fawns. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Dcnerdlet, Jacob Northrup, Jeff LaFranier, Keith Dobie Jr, Liz Seger, and Peter.

Feb 20, 20232h 26m

#188 | Valentine's Day 3.0: Two Hiker Trash Couples Tell All

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In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek brought to you by Good To-Go, the studio is transforming into a love lodge as we interview not one but two Hiker Trash couples. Liz and Matt (aka Chuckles and Frisky) and Nat and Matt (aka Bart and Party Tart) give us a glimpse into how their relationships came to be, the highlights and lowlights of thru-hiking with a significant other, and some of their top trail-tested advice for maintaining a relationship on trail and off. The format for today is chaotic yet fun, as we kick things off with a round of The Newlywed Game and transition into rotating sessions of seven minutes in heaven. I promise that will make sense here shortly. Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKERRADIO" for 15% off at gossamergear.com. Good To-Go: Use code "TREK25" for 25% off at goodto-go.com. Enlightened Equipment: Use code "TREKPOD10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com. [divider] Interview with Liz, Matt, Nat, and Matt Liz's Instagram Matt's Instagram Nat & Matt's Instagram Nat's Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:04:45 - QOTD: How frequently do you have dreams that your relationship ends and wake up panicked? 00:09:45 - Introducing the interviewees 00:11:52 - The Newlywed Game: Nat and Matt 00:29:07 - The Newlywed Game: Liz and Matt 00:30:30 - Outa Ware pants 00:41:20 - Seven Minutes in Heaven Round 1: Nat and Matt 00:43:08 - Give us the full rundown of your PCT hike in 2019. 00:47:04 - Were you apprehensive going into the PCT? 00:48:30 - What is it like prepping for a thru-hike as a couple? 00:50:49 - Walk us through rearranging who would carry what? 00:54:26 - Seven Minutes in Heaven Round 2: Liz and Matt 00:55:02 - Tell us your trail name origin stories. 01:03:08 - Frisky and Chuckle's origin story 01:10:22 - Seven Minutes in Heaven Round 3: Nat and Matt 01:19:33 - Seven Minutes in Heaven Round 4: Liz and Matt 01:20:20 - What's your most embarrassing partner story from trail? 01:30:30 - Seven Minutes in Heaven Round 5: Nat and Matt 01:31:04 - What was your biggest fight on trail? 01:33:04 - How do you avoid fights on trail? 01:37:00 - What made you realize you were being competitive? 01:38:29 - Do you have a conflict resolution strategy? 01:44:08 - Seven Minutes in Heaven Round 6: Liz and Matt 01:44:56 - What was your biggest fight on the PCT? 01:50:07 - What was your biggest fight on the CDT? 01:56:57 - Seven Minutes in Heaven Round 7: Nat and Matt 01:57:10 - Guiding for Skurka 01:58:33 - What is your most R-rated trail story? 02:05:40 - When was the first time you had sex in a tent? 02:08:33 - Seven Minutes in Heaven Round 8: Liz and Matt 02:12:25 - Were there any other questions you were expecting? 02:15:38 - If you had one piece of advice for someone going on a thru-hike with a partner, who would it be? 02:24:18 - What are other things that should go on a pre-trail couple's contract? SEGMENTS Triple Crown of bad or embarrassing date moments [divider] Check out our sound guy @paulyboyshallcross. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Austin Ford, Brad & Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Brent Stenberg, Christopher Marshburn, Dayne, Greg McDaniel, Kristina Diaz, Matt Soukup, Mike Poisel, Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Sawyer Products, and Tracy "Trigger" Fawns. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Dcnerdlet, Jacob Northrup, Jeff LaFranier, Keith Dobie Jr, Liz Seger, and Peter.

Feb 13, 20233h 6m

#187 | Chris Priest & Duncan Say on the UK's Pennine Way

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In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Good To-Go, we are joined by Chris Priest and Duncan Say, authors of "Forty years, sixteen days: Will two old friends walk the Pennine Way - again?" As the title implies, Chris and Duncan hiked this 268-mile trail in the UK twice, forty years apart. We learn all about this trail, including why the duo thinks it's the best long-distance trail in all of the UK, how it's changed over the years, the culture that surrounds the trail, some of the standout highlights along the trail, and considerations for those who choose to travel from abroad to hike it. We also get some fun, standout stories from these journeys and the book. Prepare to expand your trail bucket list. We wrap the show with our irrational fears, a triple crown of our most unpopular opinions, the top tents on the Appalachian Trail, a voicemail from an international listener about which cell carrier is best for the AT, and more. Good To-Go: Use code "TREK25" for 25% off at goodto-go.com. Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKERRADIO" for 15% off at gossamergear.com. Enlightened Equipment: Use code "TREKPOD10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com. [divider] Interview with Chris & Duncan Chris & Duncan's Instagram Chris & Duncan's Blog Forty years, sixteen days Time stamps & Questions 00:04:43 - QOTD: What is your irrational fear? 00:16:38 - Reminders: Support us on Patreon! Apply to blog for the Trek! 00:19:12 - Introducing Chris and Duncan 00:20:12 - How did you two meet and become friends? 00:22:11 - Tell us about your backgrounds and careers. 00:27:14 - What is the English terminology for hiking? 00:27:57 - Give us a primer on the Pennine Way. 00:30:30 - Is green the normal aesthetic across all of England? 00:34:12 - Is there an advantage to hiking the trail in a certain direction? 00:35:53 - What could someone expect weatherwise on this trail? 00:38:00 - Discussion about the popularity of English trails over time 00:39:35 - What are some advantages of the Pennine Way over the Coast to Coast Trail? 00:41:06 - How often do you walk through towns? 00:43:25 - Are there specific 'can't-miss' pubs or sights along the trail? 00:48:26 - Tell us about the difficulty of the terrain. 00:51:00 - Tell us about the accommodations and camping on trail. 00:54:28 - What is the cost of the accommodations? 00:56:35 - How much did you have to budget for the full trip? 00:57:56 - What meals did you crave in town? 00:59:55 - Did you book accommodations in advance or the day of? 01:00:53 - What was the range of temperatures that you experienced? 01:03:00 - Discussion about wind 01:04:53 - Are there any historical places along the trail? 01:07:44 - Describe the designated campsites and wild camping 01:13:45 - Fuck Marry Kill: Pennine Way, Coast to Coast Trail, West Highland Way 01:18:00 - Discussion about British culture on trail 01:19:01 - If you could go back and relive one of the hikes, which would you pick? 01:23:36 - Is it true that you wore jeans and sweaters the first time? 01:25:20 - Tell us about the WhatsApp message. 01:29:33 - Tell us about the Bristol Stool Chart. 01:32:00 - What types of wildlife do you see on the trail? 01:35:50 - Are there any good English wool companies for hiking apparel? 01:37:55 - Are there rules about shitting on someone's private property? 01:39:42 - Where should listeners go to learn more? SEGMENTS Stupid Thing of the Week Trek Propaganda Top Tents and Shelters on the Appalachian Trail: 2022 Thru-Hiker Survey by Kate Richard Triple Crown of unpopular opinions Mail Bag Listener Voicemail 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @paulyboyshallcross. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Austin Ford, Brad & Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Brent Stenberg, Christopher Marshburn, Dayne, Greg McDaniel, Kristina Diaz, Matt Soukup, Mike Poisel, Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Sawyer Products, and Tracy "Trigger" Fawns. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Dcnerdlet, Jacob Northrup, Jeff LaFranier, Keith Dobie Jr, Liz Seger, and Peter.

Feb 6, 20232h 20m

#186 | BPR's 5 Year Anniversary: Catching Up with Select Past Guests and Reminiscing Top Podcast Memories

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In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are breaking out the champagne and bringing you a super juicy show in celebration of Backpacker Radio's 5 year anniversary. We catch up with six of your and our favorite guests over the past handful of years, we reminisce on our favorite memories of the podcast (including the time Chaunce almost got fired), and give you a bit of a behind-the-scenes of how the sausage is made. In typical Backpacker Radio fashion, this episode is an ultra-marathon. Sorry in advance. Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKERRADIO" for 15% off at gossamergear.com. Organifi: Use code "BACKPACKER" for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker. Goodr: Use code "BACKPACKER" for free shipping on your first order at goodr.com/backpacker. Enlightened Equipment: Use code "TREKPOD10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com. [divider] Time stamps & Questions 00:05:20 - QOTD: Are you willing to make a bet? 00:13:10 - Reminders: Badger sponsorship launches today! Buy our Stay Feral merch! 00:15:45 - Structure of this episode 00:21:30 - A random podcast memory 00:24:20 - Guest 1: Weezer 00:27:20 - Weezer's love interest update 00:30:20 - What's your advice for romance on trail? 00:35:34 - Guest 2: Professor 00:37:40 - What happened after we last spoke to you? 00:40:50 - Do you have any standout stories since we last spoke? 00:44:10 - What were your emotions when you finished the PCT? 00:46:15 - What's next for you? 00:51:38 - Are you still excited to do more trail things in the future? 00:54:55 - Guest 3: Nancy East 00:57:10 - Tell us about the Superior Hiking Trail! 01:01:10 - What was the town experience like? 01:02:33 - How is your book doing? 01:04:10 - What are your hiking plans for 2023? 01:04:55 - Tell us about the Centennial Trail. 01:08:29 - Guest 4: Kevin Conley 01:10:30 - What are you up to? 01:14:20 - Sing your song for us. 01:21:46 - What reception did you get from your interview? 01:25:15 - What else do you have planned for this year? 01:26:48 - Get Kevin's book. 01:29:41 - Guest 5: Matt "Pretzel" Mason 01:36:00 - Tell us about climbing the ranks in the fire world. 01:39:33 - Tell us about the snow sports you're doing. 01:43:30 - What is an avalanche pit? 01:44:33 - What's scarier: fire or snow? 01:45:35 - What's your advice to thru-hikers considering fires? 01:47:20 - Do you see anything in the thru-hiking world you think could be improved? 01:52:20 - What do you have planned for the future? 01:56:30 - Zach gives Pretzel an honor! 02:03:50 - Reminiscing about the start of the podcast begins 02:43:54 - 2019 reminiscing 02:55:11 - Guest 6: Elise "SOS" Ott 02:59:50 - 2021 reminiscing 03:19:20 - What are Elise's big plans for 2023? 03:24:00 - 2022 reminiscing 03:28:40 - Chatting with Rachel 03:38:17 - Chatting with Leah [divider] Check out our sound guy @paulyboyshallcross. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Austin Ford, Brad & Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Brent Stenberg, Christopher Marshburn, Dayne, Greg McDaniel, Kristina Diaz, Matt Soukup, Mike Poisel, Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Sawyer Products, and Tracy "Trigger" Fawns. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Dcnerdlet, Jacob Northrup, Jeff LaFranier, Keith Dobie Jr, Liz Seger, and Peter.

Jan 30, 20233h 55m

#185 | Patricia Cameron on Being Assaulted in a Trail Town, Her PCT LASH, and Living on a Glacier in Alaska

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In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are once again joined by Patricia Cameron. We catch up on all that she's been up to since our last interview, including a NOLS mountaineering leadership course in Alaska, a 2022 LASH on the PCT, and a hiker trash prom hosted by her organization, Blackpackers. Patricia also shares a distressing story of her being the victim of a hate crime during her PCT hike in Lone Pine, California, in which she caught the entire encounter on video. We play the audio from this incident, get Patricia's take on exactly what went down, some of her thoughts on the risk and reception of being a hiker of color through these rural towns, and despite this incident, why she has no plans to stop long-distance backpacking anytime soon. A warning to listeners that the audio from this video is triggering, but I do believe that it's important for everyone in the community to hear this and get a sense of the depressing reality that still persists for many of our fellow hikers. We wrap the show with a few reasons why a flip-flop thru-hike might be the way to go on the AT, a triple crown of non-dog pets, a superb listener poop story, and more. Enlightened Equipment: Use code "TREKPOD10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com. Organifi: Use code "BACKPACKER" for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker. Gossamer Gear: Use code "TAKELESSTREKMORE" for 15% off at gossamergear.com. [divider] Interview with Patricia Cameron Blackpacker's Website Patricia's Twitter Patricia's Instagram Blackpackers Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:06:50 - QOTD: Would you take 5 years off your life to talk back and forth with your dog for one hour? 00:11:45 - Reminders: subscribe to the Trek newsletter for news about the Badger Sponsorship 00:12:20 - Introducing Patricia 00:13:14 - What have you been up to since March of 2021? 00:14:54 - What does a person do on a glacier for 2 weeks? 00:18:41 - What inspired you to take the class and learn these winter skills? 00:20:03 - How does a day on a glacier compare to a day of backpacking? 00:22:02 - What skill were you most excited to learn? 00:24:35 - How did you transition from Alaska to Kennedy Meadows? 00:25:30 - Tell us about starting on the PCT 00:26:40 - Discussion about cold soaking and food planning 00:28:33 - What made the PCT harder than you were expecting? 00:33:27 - Tell us about hiking after injuring your leg. 00:35:11 - Did you consider getting off trail? 00:36:01 - Tell us about the incident that happened in Lone Pine. 00:40:25 - *Trigger warning: Audio clip starts* 00:41:22 - *Trigger warning: Audio clip ends* 00:42:30 - Were you scared at that moment? 00:42:45 - Were you more or less scared going back to trail after that? 00:45:38 - Tell us more about Nicole and Girls Fight Back 00:46:43 - Is there a part of you that feels vindicated by capturing the incident on video? 00:50:18 - What will it take for you to feel safe going to Lone Pine? 00:53:48 - What do you want the listener to take away from hearing this? 00:56:48 - How did the incident impact the rest of your hike, particularly in trail towns? 01:00:30 - Any parting messages related to this? 01:01:04 - Where did your LASH end? 01:03:30 - Discussion about Amtrak ride from Truckee to Denver 01:06:00 - Discussion about the Tahoe Rim Trail 01:08:20 - Would you recommend the TRT to others? 01:10:00 - Tell us about your Good Morning America interview 01:14:15 - Discussion about public speaking 01:15:40 - Tell us about Hiker Trash Prom 01:17:48 - What's coming up for Blackpackers in 2023? 01:20:00 - Thank you! SEGMENTS Trek Propaganda 6 Reasons a Flip-Flop Thru-Hike of the Appalachian Trail Is the Right Way To Go by Richard "Crossword" Guenther That's all, Folks. by MG Hibionada Triple Crown of non-dog pets Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @paulyboyshallcross. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Austin Ford, Brad & Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Brent Stenberg, Christopher Marshburn, Dayne, Greg McDaniel, Kristina Diaz, Matt Soukup, Mike Poisel, Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Sawyer Products, and Tracy "Trigger" Fawns. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Dcnerdlet, Jacob Northrup, Jeff LaFranier, Keith Dobie Jr, Liz Seger, and Peter.

Jan 23, 20231h 41m

#184 | Andrew Skurka 4.0: Hunting, His Latest Gear Takes, and Gifting Chaunce a Trash Bag

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In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined once again by Andrew Skurka. In his fourth appearance on the show, we cover some uncharted territory here, including an overview of a guided trip from last year that went less than according to plan, how to best scout the weather for where you're backpacking (and why relying on trip reports can be a mistake), his thoughts on the Durston X-Mid, how someone who lives in the flatlands should train for a backpacking trip out west, why he was able to PR his marathon time in his early 40s (which is a handful of years past the traditional running prime) and why he's gifting Juliana a trash bag. We also go into why Andrew got into hunting, what tips he has for new hunters, gear advice, and why he butchers his own meat. Skurka's episodes are always full of practical advice for the backcountry and this one is certainly no exception. We wrap the show with the top footwear from the Appalachian Trail in 2022, the triple crown of gaming consoles, and the most exciting thing we've learned in the new year. Good To-Go: Use code "TREK25" for 25% off at goodto-go.com. Enlightened Equipment: Use code "TREKPOD10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com. Gossamer Gear: Use code "TAKELESSTREKMORE" for 15% off at gossamergear.com. [divider] Interview with Andrew Skurka Skurka's Instagram Skurka's Website Time stamps & Questions 00:05:25 - QOTD: What's the most exciting thing you've learned in the new year? 00:10:49 - Reminders: Support us on Patreon! Badger Sponsorship goes live January 30! 00:13:20 - Introducing Andrew 00:14:27 - What have you been up to since you were last on the show? 00:15:05 - Discussion about marathons and athleticism 00:17:52 - Discussion about shoe technology, shoes for hiking vs. running, and shoe life length 00:23:18 - Will you be going for another personal record? 00:24:12 - Have you sustained any major injuries related to running? 00:24:50 - What's your exercise routine? 00:25:37 - Tell us about the guiding year you had. 00:29:46 - How did you pick the ideal location within Olympic National Park? 00:32:13 - What portion of the trips were off trail? 00:33:15 - Discussion about group dynamics and reactions to non-optimal trip conditions 00:36:00 - What went well on the trips to the Olympics? 00:36:55 - Will you modify fitness expectations for 2023 trips? 00:39:25 - Any other lessons from the 2022 session? 00:40:22 - Discussion about Skurka's guides 00:41:55 - What components go into a "good" guiding service? 00:43:11 - What is your minimum threshold for new guide hires? 00:47:25 - Were there any standout new hires from this year? 00:50:27 - Do you find it challenging to get on trail for personal reasons? 00:53:04 - What do you see being more realistic moving forward: hiring out the administrative side or the in-person guiding side? 00:55:43 - How do you recommend getting backcountry weather forecasts? 00:59:53 - What do you think about the iPhone satellite SOS communication feature? 01:03:31 - Did anything else come out over this year that you're really excited about? 01:06:00 - Did you change any of your gear this year? 01:07:20 - Discussion about the Durston X-Mid 01:09:00 - Discussion about DCF and gear improvements 01:12:44 - Discussion about the lifespan and waterproofing of tents 01:16:00 - What's the most underdeveloped piece of gear that cottage companies are missing? 01:19:05 - What are your training tips for people living in low-elevation, flat areas? 01:23:18 - Backpack rain cover or no cover? 01:27:00 - Zach & Chaunce's gear over time 01:27:44 - How many bear vaults can a ULA Catalyst fit? 01:28:38 - What was your interest for getting into hunting? 01:29:45 - Discussion of elk versus mule deer and meat amounts 01:30:48 - Have you gotten pushback on hunting from your followers? 01:32:47 - Discussion about elk herd management in Colorado 01:35:35 - Discussion about butchering and processing the elk meat 01:37:43 - Is there a leave no trace element of hunting? 01:40:10 - How did you learn what to do? 01:46:40 - What are the chances of there being a Skurka guided hunting trip in the future? 01:48:40 - Do you have any resources to recommend? 01:50:04 - Have you had any funny encounters with animals while hunting? 01:52:14 - What fabrics are ideal for being quiet and invisible while hunting? 01:53:00 - What lessons have you learned since beginning hunting? 01:54:44 - Do people hunt mountain goats or big horned sheep? 01:55:50 - What do you want people to know about the 2023 guiding season? 01:56:42 - Tell us about your scholarship program. SEGMENTS Trek Propaganda The Top Footwear on the Appalachian Trail: 2022 Thru-Hiker Survey by Kate Richard Triple Crown of gaming consoles Pupdate Mail Bag Use code 'BACKPACKER RADIO' for 15% off Kevin Conley's book! 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @paulyboyshallcross. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and

Jan 16, 20232h 22m

#183 | Mackenzie Fresquez on Backpacking with Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD

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In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Mackenzie Fresquez. Today's interview focuses on neurodivergence in the outdoors, as Mackenzie has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. We get Mackenzie's experience with how this has interfaced with her long-distance backpacking trips- including a NOBO LASH on the PCT in 2021, what unique challenges someone with ADS faces in the context of a large on-trail community, and what advice she has to offer others with ASD who aspire to get into backpacking. We wrap the show with a packed array of segments, including some tips for UL backpacking with a baby, the triple crown of best drunks, a couple of very juicy stupidest things of the week, a new cinnamon court submission, and more! Enlightened Equipment: Use code "TREKPOD10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com. Gossamer Gear: Use code "TAKELESSTREKMORE" for 15% off at gossamergear.com. Casio: Shop at casio.com/us/watches. Organifi: Use code "BACKPACKER" for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker. [divider] Interview with Mackenzie Fresquez Mackenzie's Instagram Embrace Autism - Assessments Time stamps & Questions 00:04:26 - QOTD: How long are dog's memories? 00:11:32 - Reminders: Monthly Patreon Q&A episodes! Become a Patreon supporter! 00:14:44 - Introducing Mackenzie 00:15:19 - Tell us some nature trivia! 00:17:28 - Give us your backpacking resume. 00:19:33 - What made you want to start the PCT after leaving the CT? 00:20:20 - Introduce us to the topic of neurodivergence. 00:21:19 - Why do you think there is a lot of attention about neurodivergence content on social media right now? 00:22:10 - What is Autism Spectrum Disorder? 00:25:45 - What made you go from masking your symptoms to seeking a diagnosis? 00:28:00 - Discussion about insurance coverage for autism assessments 00:29:10 - What was the tipping point to answers and how has the diagnosis helped? 00:31:12 - Do you consider your diagnosis a benefit or hindrance for backpacking? 00:35:30 - What do you know now that you wish you'd known before starting your hikes? 00:36:36 - Discussion about social situations on trail 00:40:02 - DId your symptoms manifest in any additional ways? 00:41:36 - What separates general social anxiety from ASD? 00:42:15 - How did you prepare for the PCT? 00:44:56 - Will you prepare for future backpacking trips differently? 00:45:52 - Which backpacking routine is your favorite? 00:46:36 - Do you have a superpower? 00:47:40 - How was the response to your facebook posts? 00:51:00 - Discussion about self-diagnosis versus clinician diagnosis 00:52:33 - Why is being able to label something important? 00:53:55 - What was the negative bi-product of faking extraversion? 00:54:40 - What else do you recommend for someone considering their symptoms? 00:56:33 - Why are GI issues common in people with ASD? 00:58:22 - Discussion about "curing" autism 01:00:35 - Did you have a lot of social discomfort on the PCT? 01:02:05 - Thank you! SEGMENTS Stupid Thing of the Week Trek Propaganda Ultralight Backpacking With a Baby by Sunney Mahalak Mom Gross or Not Gross Cinnamon Court Triple Crown of best drunks Mail Bag 5 Star Review Listener Voicemail [divider] Check out our sound guy @paulyboyshallcross. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Austin Ford, Brad & Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Brent Stenberg, Christopher Marshburn, Dayne, Greg McDaniel, Kristina Diaz, Matt Soukup, Mike Poisel, Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Sawyer Products, and Tracy "Trigger" Fawns. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Dcnerdlet, Jacob Northrup, Jeff LaFranier, Keith Dobie Jr, Liz Seger, and Peter.

Jan 9, 20231h 54m

Q&A #1: Pros & Cons of Sharing Hike on Social Media, How to Intergrate into the Hiking World, Timberline Trail vs. Tahoe Rim Trail

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This is a sneak peak into a new monthly Q&A episode we'll be running, available exclusively on Patreon. You can get a taste for what these episodes might look like moving forward, or if you want to get in on the fun now, head on over to patreon.com/backpackerradio. You can get access to these shows for as little as $5 per month. This one covers Chaunce and Badger's thoughts on cooking in your tent vestibule, the pros and cons of sharing your thru-hike on social media, comparing the Timberline Trail vs. the Tahoe Rim Trail, whether the ATC should recognize 2020 Appalachian Trail thru-hikes, integrating into the hiking world, and more. Become a Backpacker Radio Patreon supporter! We are nothing without our wonderful listeners and supporters. Your financial support enables us to improve the audio quality of the show (equipment is expensive!), travel to interview guests, and encourages us to continue recording new episodes! Check out our sound guy @paulyboyshallcross. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Brad & Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Brent Stenberg, Christopher Marshburn, Dayne, Greg McDaniel, Kristina Diaz, Matt Soukup, Mike Poisel, Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Sawyer Products, and Tracy "Trigger" Fawns. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Dcnerdlet, Jacob Northrup, Jeff LaFranier, Keith Dobie Jr, Liz Seger, and Peter.

Jan 4, 202323 min

#182 | Ethan Greene, Director of the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, on All Things Avalanche Safety

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In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Ethan Greene, who is the Director at the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. We of course dive deep on everything related to snow safety in the backcountry including some basic tips people need to be safe during avalanche season, the most common mistakes people make in the backcountry related to avalanche safety, what to do if you're caught in an avalanche, and much more. We wrap the show with a new backcountry meal critic (mac and cheese edition!), we go over some of the details from the first article from our 2022 AT thru-hiker survey, we do a triple crown of our top backpacking predictions for the new year, a glorious listener poop story, and more. Casio: Shop at casio.com/us/watches. Organifi: Use code "BACKPACKER" for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker. Gossamer Gear: Use code "TAKELESSTREKMORE" for 15% off at gossamergear.com. Enlightened Equipment: Use code "TREKPOD10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com. [divider] Interview with Ethan Greene Colorado Avalanche Information Center AVALANCHE.ORG Time stamps & Questions 00:04:51 - QOTD: What hopes do you have for 2023? 00:10:57 - Reminder 1: Subscribe to the Trek's newsletter to stay tuned for the Badger sponsorship 00:11:47 - Reminder 2 & 3: Apply to blog for the Trek and shop our shorts! 00:12:36 - Introducing Ethan 00:13:20 - Tell us about your background in outdoor sports 00:14:01 - Have you always had a fascination with snow in particular? 00:15:47 - Can you tell us about ski joring in Leadville? 00:17:28 - Have you lived in the Rockies your entire life? 00:19:00 - How do you go from knowing you like snow to getting a doctorate in snow? 00:22:08 - Is there a rough estimate of how many people in the world have PhDs in snow? 00:23:33 - How have winters in the Rockies changed over the past 30 or 50 years? 00:24:54 - When are avalanches at the greatest risk for happening? 00:25:52 - If you're a backpacker, what are the safety basics of avalanches? 00:29:37 - What is the data about who gets trapped by avalanches? 00:31:08 - What resources do you recommend people look at? 00:33:10 - True or false: if you're covered by snow, spit to see which way is up 00:35:03 - What steps should you take if you're in an avalanche? 00:37:45 - Describe what movement through the snow is best 00:39:38 - Is a certain type of activity more likely to trigger an avalanche than others? 00:43:30 - What are some standout moments from your childhood or career? 00:45:28 - Have you ever been in an avalanche? 00:48:55 - Are there any myths about avalanches that aren't accurate? 00:49:37 - How common are avalanches that haven't been forecasted? 00:50:45 - What area is notorious for frequent avalanches? 00:53:12 - Do the icier conditions in New England change the avalanche likelihood? 00:54:12 - Does the direction of the mountain face impact the avalanche likelihood? 00:56:07 - Can you talk at all about dangerous snow features like cornices and crevasses? 00:58:37 - What conditions made 2019 such a big avalanche year? 01:01:15 - What kind of manpower goes into cleaning up avalanche debris? 01:04:04 - Should we consider avalanches when skiing and snowboarding at big resorts? 01:05:29 - If someone is interested in getting into the avalanche field, what's a good path for them? 01:08:48 - Do you feel a profound sense of boredom in the summer? 01:10:29 - What is some avalanche lingo the commoner wouldn't understand? 01:12:02 - Is there any question we didn't ask that we should have? SEGMENTS Backcountry Meal Critics: Backpacker's Pantry Trek Propaganda The 2022 AT Thru-Hiker Survey: General Information by Kate Richard Mail Bag Triple Crown of predictions for 2023 5 Star Reviews [divider] Check out our sound guy @paulyboyshallcross. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Brad & Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Brent Stenberg, Christopher Marshburn, Dayne, Greg McDaniel, Kristina Diaz, Matt Soukup, Mike Poisel, Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Sawyer Products, and Tracy "Trigger" Fawns. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Dcnerdlet, Jacob Northrup, Jeff LaFranier, Keith Dobie Jr, Liz Seger, and Peter.

Jan 2, 20231h 44m

#181 | The Real Hiking Viking's 5,000 Mile Bikepacking Tour on Great Divide Mountain Bike Route and Western Wildlands Route

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In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined yet again by our resident yeti, Jabba aka The Real Hiking Viking aka The Hiking Viking Liking Biking. Jabba gives us the full rundown on his recent 5,000 mile bikepacking trip on the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route and The Western Wildlands Route. We learn how this journey came to form due to a pair of injuries early on in the year, how bikepacking compares to thru-hiking in Jabba's eyes, legs, and heart, the biggest pros and cons of bikepacking vs. thru-hiking, a story of how Tom bunked up with a 73 year old thru-hiker for a few nights, and much more. This goes without saying anytime Jabba is on the show, but this one is wild, and doubly so today as the team was fighting a round of nasty hangovers inspired by Palooza weekend. We wrap the show with a triple crown of the worst jobs to be hungover for, we pin Mara vs. Rachel in a new game show to test their knowledge of Backpacker Radio history, people chug raw eggs, and more. Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKERRADIO" for 15% off at gossamergear.com. Casio: Shop at casio.com/us/watches. Enlightened Equipment: Use code "ULTRALIGHT10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com. [divider] Interview with Jabba, the Real Hiking Viking Jabba's Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:04:19 - QOTD: Did you lose any bets recently? 00:12:37 - QOTD 2: Did you have a designated popcorn/vomit bowl? 00:15:45 - Introducing Jabba, kind of 00:16:42 - Tell us about how you started your adventures in 2022. 00:18:29 - What was your injury at the start of the CDT? 00:19:18 - Jabba's motel room bunkmate 00:24:04 - Was biking originally part of the plan? 00:27:57 - Where was the fun part of bike packing? 00:28:43 - What are your personal pros and cons of bike packing? 00:32:24 - Tell us about your bike and fixing equipment. 00:36:15 - Can you describe what a tubeless tire is? 00:38:36 - Story about the first two days of biking 00:41:19 - Would you describe your brand partnerships as a net negative or positive? 00:44:50 - Discussion about biking technique 00:47:35 - Discussion about overuse injuries and healing 00:49:35 - Do you have future hiking plans? 00:53:28 - Tell us about your Patagonia trip in 2023. 00:56:50 - Biking vs hiking: big mile days 01:00:45 - Discussion about making biking comfortable 01:05:15 - Quadzilla's quads 01:05:57 - What did you add or upgrade during the trip for comfort or hygiene? 01:09:01 - Story about Eureka 01:12:09 - Tell us about the 9 day stretch when you weren't alone. 01:15:38 - Biking vs hiking: being solo or with others 01:17:15 - Describe the Western Wildlands Route 01:23:29 - Did you veer off the route? 01:25:20 - Any other standout days or moments? 01:29:30 - Biking vs hiking: adrenaline rushes 01:32:38 - Biking vs hiking: budget and costs 01:34:31 - Fuck Marry Kill: thru-hiking, bike packing, college football 01:36:58 - What was your worst injury from the trip? 01:41:00 - Did you wear clip in shoes? 01:43:47 - Would you recommend thru-hiking or bikepacking to someone more? SEGMENTS Triple Crown of worst jobs to show up to hungover Trivia: Mara vs. Rachel Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @paulyboyshallcross. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Brad & Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Brent Stenberg, Christopher Marshburn, Dayne, Greg McDaniel, Kristina Diaz, Matt Soukup, Mike Poisel, Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Sawyer Products, and Tracy "Trigger" Fawns. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Dcnerdlet, Jacob Northrup, Jeff LaFranier, Keith Dobie Jr, Liz Seger, and Peter.

Dec 26, 20222h 21m

#180 | Amber & Joshua Niven on the Greatest Day Hikes on the AT and Their Book "Discovering the Appalachian Trail"

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In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Joshua and Amber Niven. Joshua and Amber are the co-authors of "Discovering the Appalachian Trail: A Guide to the Trail's Greatest Hikes." Appropriately, we chat all about the AT including some fun historical facts, their favorite day hikes, the most underrated spots on the trail, the hardest hikes on the trail, and much more. We wrap the show with a triple crown of things we're NOT looking forward to this holiday season, a preview of some QA episodes we're putting together, 10 things someone ought to know before hiking the CDT, and more! RTIC Outdoors: Shop at rticoutdoors.com. Organifi: Use code "BACKPACKER" for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker. Enlightened Equipment: Use code "ULTRALIGHT10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com. Gossamer Gear: Use code "TAKELESSTREKMORE" for 15% off at gossamergear.com. [divider] Interview with Amber & Joshua Niven Amber's AT Day Hikes Trek Post Amber's Website Joshua's Website Discovering the AT Book Website Get the book at REI Asheville Fine Art Printing Time stamps & Questions 00:04:58 - QOTD: What things baffle you about the opposite sex? 00:16:27 - Reminders: Patreon Q&A video episodes will be coming out in 2023 00:17:37 - Introducing Amber & Joshua Niven 00:18:20 - How long was Joshua in Germany? 00:19:40 - When did Zach and Joshua first meet? 00:20:19 - How did Amber and Joshua meet? 00:22:26 - Tell us about the printing shed and business. 00:24:19 - What's the strangest thing you've ever printed? 00:25:37 - Where in the journey did hiking the AT happen? 00:28:20 - Was it hard to get off trail? 00:30:30 - Tell us about your old log cabin and building a new one. 00:33:02 - Discussion about kids and parenting 00:35:36 - What is The Thru Project? 00:38:14 - Discussion about how the Thru Project transformed into the book 00:40:46 - What are some wheelchair accessible hikes along the AT? 00:43:50 - Joshua's 'what not to do on trail' story 00:48:20 - Did you two ever butt heads in the process of writing the book? 00:50:10 - What would you say is the most underrated day hike along the AT? 00:55:35 - Give us a second underrated day hike! 00:57:26 - What do you mean by secret camping? 00:59:40 - What are some really difficult day hikes? 01:03:43 - What are some easier day hikes? 01:04:55 - What's a good hike for stargazing? 01:07:07 - Tell us some interesting history facts about the AT. 01:11:55 - How much did you travel to write the book? 01:14:00 - Legend about Frog Town 01:14:52 - Discussion about hiking with kids 01:17:40 - Are you still able to appreciate nature while hiking with kids? 01:19:32 - Fuck Marry Kill: McAfee Knob, Dragon's Tooth, and Grayson Highlands 01:21:00 - Discussion about the trail in Virginia 01:22:56 - The history of Tinker Cliffs 01:23:43 - Fuck Marry Kill: New Jersey, Vermont, and Pennsylvania 01:29:00 - Duncannon stories 01:33:41 - What camera setup are you using? 01:35:50 - What are your best photography tips for thru-hikers? 01:39:23 - Do you still do your own photography? 01:40:32 - What are your favorite yoga poses and breathing techniques for hikers? 01:44:10 - Where can people get the book and follow you? SEGMENTS MG Check-In Stupid Thing of the Week Trek Propaganda 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Hiking the CDT by Jenn Wall Triple Crown of things we're NOT looking forward to this holiday season Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @paulyboyshallcross. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Greg Mac, Tracy "Trigger" Fawns, Mike Poisel, Kristina Diaz, and Dayne. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

Dec 19, 20222h 24m

#179 | Niki Choo on Canoeing 1,000+ Miles from the Pacific Ocean to the Arctic Ocean

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In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Niki Choo. Niki, alongside her partner, recently completed an expedition across Canada from ocean to ocean (Pacific Ocean in Alaska to the Arctic circle) via canoe. We learn quite a bit about what goes into this style of adventure, as this is our first interview foray into extended paddle adventures, including the challenges of canoeing upstream, through waterways with limited and sometimes inaccurate intel, doing so in such remote country, and much more. Whether you're interested in paddle adventure sports or not, we think you'll get a kick out of Niki's insane stories from this adventure. We wrap the show with a preview of the 2023 Badger Sponsorship, a triple crown of hikes not on our bucket list, we have a couple of listener voicemails, including a Chaunce pat on the back for her improved comfort with poop talk, and more! RTIC Outdoors: Shop at rticoutdoors.com. Good To-Go: Use code "BF30" for 30% off at goodto-go.com. Enlightened Equipment: Use code "ULTRALIGHT10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com. Gossamer Gear: Use code "TAKELESSTREKMORE" for 15% off at gossamergear.com. [divider] Interview with Niki Choo Niki's Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:04:45 - QOTD: Do you feel like you're doing something incredibly naughty when you venture into the bakery section of the grocery store? 00:10:01 - Reminders: Badger Sponsorship launches on January 30, 2023 - subscribe to our newsletter! 00:11:12 - Introducing Niki 00:11:49 - How does someone get into whitewater kayaking at 14 years old? 00:13:38 - Tell us more about your background growing up. 00:15:50 - What makes Whistler such a special destination? 00:17:50 - Give us the basic plan of your trip and discussion about leaving Niki's dog behind. 00:22:17 - How did you move if you didn't ski? 00:23:42 - What were the weather windows and the mileage you did? 00:25:20 - Were you the first ones to do this trip? 00:27:48 - What was the inspiration for the trip? 00:30:25 - Did you have experience doing pioneering trips like this before? 00:31:42 - Discussion about the length of days in the Arctic and sleeping in the light 00:33:30 - Discussion about wildlife 00:36:00 - Tell us about your gear and canoe modifications. 00:39:38 - What would you do if your canoe breaks? 00:42:53 - How did you go about finding emergency contacts in small towns? 00:45:35 - What is the culture like where you were? 00:51:37 - Tell us about the upstream section and returning to Dawson. 00:56:16 - What were some of the high consequence moves you had to make? 01:05:46 - How do you portage a 1,000 pound boat? 01:07:45 - Discussion about muskeg 01:10:24 - How did you ultimately get out of that situation? 01:11:22 - What did the route look like from there forward? 01:12:40 - Discussion about upstream paddling 01:17:50 - What did your diet look like on this adventure? 01:20:37 - What were some of your treat-yourself meals? 01:22:30 - Did you send a lump of coal to the person who gave you bad beta? 01:23:56 - Tell us about the scariest night of the trip. 01:33:04 - How well did you sleep that night? 01:35:17 - What were the redeeming qualities of the trip? 01:38:54 - How did your relationship fare during the stressful parts of the trip? 01:41:40 - The proposal story! 01:44:55 - Tell us about your startup. 01:47:48 - Do you have any ambitions to bring it back sometime in the future? 01:49:28 - Tell us about pingos and the effects of climate change you saw on your trip. 01:51:07 - Discussion about human behavior and helping the environment 01:54:17 - Any parting words? SEGMENTS MG Check-In Stupid Thing of the Week Trek Propaganda 10 Reasons why the AT is Better than the PCT by Eloise Robbins Triple Crown of hikes NOT on our bucket list Listener Voicemails (and leave us your own!) Mail Bag 5 Star Reviews [divider] Check out our sound guy @paulyboyshallcross. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, Greg Mac, Tracy "Trigger" Fawns, Mike Poisel, and Kristina Diaz. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

Dec 12, 20222h 40m

#178 | Leonard Adkins on 20,000 Miles of Backpacking, Thru-Hiking in the 1980s, and Authoring 21 Books

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In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Leonard Adkins. Leonard is a backpacking legend and author of more than twenty books, including several guide books, a book about the flora, fauna, and geology on the the Appalachian Trail, and his most title, "All About the Appalachian Trail" the first and only book for children grades 4-8. We go in depth on Leonard's backpacking history, which includes more than 20,000 miles dating back to the early 80s. We learn what it was like to be one of the first to hike the Pacific Northwest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and the first (alongside his wife) to hike the Allegheny Trail. We learn some fun facts about the plants along the AT. And we get the ultimate endorsement for this interview from Leonard himself, who says, "I enjoyed that more than I was expecting." We were flattered. We wrap the show with the worst all-time Christmas songs, the triple crown of baked goods, a new stupid thing of the week, and more. RTIC Outdoors: Shop at rticoutdoors.com. Organifi: Use code "BACKPACKER" for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker. Enlightened Equipment: Use code "ULTRALIGHT10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com. Gossamer Gear: Use code "TAKELESSTREKMORE" for 15% off at gossamergear.com. [divider] Interview with Leonard Adkins Leonard's Website Time stamps & Questions 00:05:15 - QOTD: What is the all-time worst Christmas song? 00:13:52 - Reminders: Hiker Meetup, Saturday December 10! 00:17:08 - Reminders: apply to blog in 2023, shop the Trek's new shorts and hats! 00:18:34 - Introducing Leonard 00:19:19 - What's your origin story? 00:22:56 - How popular was the trail in 1980? 00:26:18 - How was the trail or route different in 1980? 00:29:14 - Did you hike the trail to research for your books or did your books result from hiking? 00:31:55 - How much time did you spend on your first book? 00:33:33 - Tell us more about hiking the AT in 1980. 00:37:50 - If you could backpack the AT today or in the 80's again, which would you pick? 00:40:11 - Do you remember your original backpacking gear? 00:44:29 - Tell us about the Allegheny Trail. 00:50:42 - How long do you think it would take the average thru-hiker to complete? 00:54:30 - What was the Pacific Northwest Trail like in 1983? 00:57:54 - How did you know about these trails to hike them before they were completed? 01:00:22 - How did you plan your hikes without guide books or maps? 01:03:30 - Discussion about hiking the Continental Divide Trail in 1987 01:05:26 - How many maps did you carry on the CDT and how did you get them? 01:07:37 - What does your navigation setup look like today? 01:10:05 - What shorter trail stands out from the ones we haven't talked about yet? 01:11:54 - Would you describe your hiking experience as Type I or Type II fun? 01:12:50 - What was your most challenging day of backpacking? 01:14:58 - What percent of your time is spent hiking, researching, and writing books? 01:16:21 - If you could hike one of your international trails again, which would it be? 01:21:39 - Did you re-hike sections of the trail to write your books? 01:25:37 - What's your favorite story about nature that's in your books? 01:27:44 - What's your favorite story about the animals you researched? 01:29:43 - Tell us more about your educational and professional background. 01:32:08 - What are the best overnight hikes on the AT? 01:34:06 - Are the ponies in Grayson Highlands wild or feral? 01:35:41 - Tell us about your wife getting struck by lightning. 01:40:14 - Was the pain localized to her foot? 01:42:00 - Laurie's perspective on the story 01:42:55 - What was the inspiration for writing a book for kids? 01:45:42 - What feedback have you gotten on the book? 01:47:50 - Do you have a larger mission for writing books? 01:48:53 - Where can people follow you and get your books? SEGMENTS MG Check-In Trek Propaganda 5 Stupid Light Gear Choices That Take Ultralight Too Far by Alex Brown aka GPS Stupid Thing of the Week Triple Crown of baked goods Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @paulyboyshallcross. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, Greg Mac, Tracy "Trigger" Fawns, Mike Poisel, and Kristina Diaz. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

Dec 5, 20222h 24m

#177 | Elise "SOS" Ott and Josh "Kid" Gribble on Their CDT Thru-Hike and Terminus Engagement

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In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by our long lost former intern turned Production Assistant who ABANDONED the podcast to go for a silly little hike, called thru-hiking the CDT, Elise "SOS" Ott alongside her fiancé, Josh "Kid" Gribble. This is a Sunday morning interview, which of course means mimosas are involved, setting the mood perfectly to learn all about Elise and Josh's adventures on the CDT. We chat in depth about their epic proposal (spoiler alert), the highs and lows of their trek, we get a thorough primer of fly fishing, especially in the context of backpacking, and much more. It goes without saying, but this is a fun conversation amongst pals and if you disagree you are wrong. We wrap the show with a triple crown of spices, our top food buzzwords, and some details of the Holiday Hiker Meetup Extravaganza that we're hosting on December 10th in Golden (head to our Instagram to get the full deets). RTIC Outdoors: Shop at rticoutdoors.com. Organifi: Use code "backpacker" for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker. Enlightened Equipment: Use code "trekit20" for a 2 day head start to 20% off and free shipping on November 3 and November 17 at enlightenedequipment.com. Gossamer Gear: Use code "takelesstrekmore" for 15% off at gossamergear.com. [divider] Interview with Elise & Josh Elise's Instagram Elise's Youtube Josh's Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:05:24 - QOTD: What are your food buzzwords? 00:14:28 - Reminders: Hiker Meetup, Saturday December 10! 00:15:34 - More Reminders: Badger Sponsorship launching in January - sign up for The Trek's newsletter! 00:16:20 - Introducing Elise & Josh 00:17:08 - The engagement story 00:19:00 - The engagement story actually starts 00:31:16 - How did Josh get the ring size? 00:33:02 - Discussion about trail runners 00:35:22 - Who's taking whose last name? 00:37:20 - What is Zach's wedding advice? 00:40:14 - What are your honeymoon ideas? 00:43:37 - Elise's trail resume & BPR resume 00:46:41 - Josh's trail resume 00:47:35 - Josh's trail name story 00:51:44 - Tell us about fly-fishing on the CDT. 00:55:28 - What are the appropriate questions to ask people who fish? 00:58:27 - Tell us about the rod you used. 00:59:21 - Tell us about backcountry fishing gear. 01:02:09 - What's the difference between fly fishing and regular fishing? 01:07:50 - Floating versus sinking bait 01:10:01 - What's the appeal of fishing? 01:13:25 - Are there certain fish that are notorious? 01:15:44 - Do you have any universal backcountry fishing truths? 01:16:44 - Tell us about bait and flies. 01:21:40 - How do you gut and cook a fish in the backcountry? 01:28:03 - Do different types of trout taste different? 01:30:12 - Tell us about the fires in New Mexico. 01:44:42 - Tell us about the National Forest fire closure and getting to Colorado. 01:47:50 - Tell us about hiking through the snow in the San Juans. 01:55:12 - Did you ever consider skipping the snow section? 01:57:02 - Did you seriously consider quitting the trail? 01:58:33 - Discussion about cow/grizzly closure in Glacier 01:59:20 - Quadzilla's quads 02:00:46 - Discussion about grizzlies on the CDT 02:07:43 - What thoughts about gear did you take away from the trail? 02:14:19 - How does the CDT compare to the PCT and AT? 02:15:49 - Josh, what are the best and worst things about hiking with Elise? 02:17:45 - Elise, what are the best and worst things about hiking with Josh? 02:19:30 - Can you give us some impromptu trail related vows? 02:20:49 - How did your pre-trail anxieties live up to your expectations? SEGMENTS Triple Crown of spices 5 Star Reviews [divider] Check out our sound guy @paulyboyshallcross. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, Greg Mac, Tracy "Trigger" Fawns, Mike Poisel, and Kristina Diaz. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

Nov 28, 20222h 39m

#175 | Teresa Martinez Returns to Reflect on 10 Years of the Continental Divide Trail Coalition

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In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by friend of the podcast, renaissance woman, and Executive Director of the Continental Divide Trail Coalition, Teresa Martinez. Teresa feeds us prickly pear margaritas and shares some of the key achievements of the CDT since our last chat, including the recent National Monument designation of Camp Hale in which she got to meet President Biden. We get the full story of her interaction with the POTUS, including some well-earned water works, she reflects on what work has gone into growing the CDTC into thriving organization that it is today, what challenges and opportunities lie ahead, the process of turning trail towns into gateway communities, how climate change is impacting the thru-hikability of the trail, and much more. Teresa is the best and this conversation offers a very clear reminder of why this is true. We wrap the show with some new segments! We introduce backcountry meal critics, where Chaunce and I sample new dehydrated meals and offer our reviews. We also introduce "Stupid Thing of the Week", which likely needs no explanation. We check in with some former guests of the podcast. And we get another update from MG! RTIC Outdoors: Shop at rticoutdoors.com. Good To-Go: Use code "BF30" for 30% off at goodto-go.com. Enlightened Equipment: Use code "trekit20" for a 2 day head start to 20% off and free shipping on November 3 and November 17 at enlightenedequipment.com. Gossamer Gear: Use code "takelesstrekmore" for 15% off at gossamergear.com. [divider] Interview with Teresa Martinez CDTC Website Time stamps & Questions 00:05:04 - QOTD: How was Mexico? 00:12:53 - Reminders: apply to blog for the Trek, check out our new stretch shorts, apply to be the Trek's Youtube personality, Hiker Trash Meetup December 10! 00:17:53 - Introducing Teresa 00:22:38 - What does the 10 year anniversary of the CDTC feel like? 00:24:31 - Tell us about meeting the President. 00:29:39 - How have your fears for the organization changed? 00:25:47 - What are some of the things you're doing that could be considered risky? 00:39:48 - Are there certain organizations you're modeling the CDTC after? 00:44:11 - What elements of your ATC work did you bring to the CDTC versus improve upon? 00:52:31 - Tell us about the Camp Hale designation. 00:59:00 - What are the primary benefits of it becoming a National Monument? 01:04:29 - What would you consider some of the other major accomplishments of the CDTC? 01:08:19 - Do CDT purists get mad when signs are added? 01:13:40 - What's your take on mapping and navigation? 01:18:28 - How did the Imbibe the Divide events go? 01:20:23 - What is your favorite pie flavor in Pie Town? 01:24:45 - How much of building a trail community happens organically versus planned? 01:29:47 - Is community fostering getting easier with people migrating into the mountain west? 01:34:48 - How has the percentage of completed trail increased since we last spoke? 01:38:09 - What does it take to galvanize communities to maintain remote sections of the trail? 01:41:55 - Tell us about the 10 for 10 Themes and October's theme of hunting. 01:46:20 - Tell us about climate change impacts to the CDT. 01:49:00 - What's your take on the future of thru-hiking? 01:52:45 - Tell us about the floods. 01:56:02 - Does water used to put out a fire ever cause flooding? 01:57:17 - Fuck Marry Kill: snow, fire, flood 01:58:33 - If we wanted to open a hiker hostel for CDT hikers in Colorado, what areas or towns would you recommend? 02:00:11 - Would the CDTC consider making a "trail alert" social media page for current trail status? 02:01:30 - Is it better to NOBO or SOBO? 02:02:25 - Does the CDTC have any professional full time trail crews? 02:03:33 - Any parting messages? SEGMENTS MG Check-In Backcountry Meal Critics: Packit Gourmet Trek Propaganda Tips for Flying With Your Backpack from A Flight Attendant by Sarah Lesiecki Stupid Thing of the Week Previous Guest Voicemails (leave us a voicemail!) Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @headnodculture. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, Greg Mac, Tracy "Trigger" Fawns, Mike Poisel, and Kristina Diaz. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

Nov 14, 20222h 44m

#174 | Nick Van Buer on Trekking 530 Miles Across the Mojave Desert

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In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Nick Van Buer. Nick is an associate professor specializing in hard-rock geology at Cal Poly Pomona and recently completed a 530-mile hike across the Mojave Desert on what he's dubbed as the Mojave Wilderness Route. We obviously nerd out on rocks, learn more about the history and science of geology at large, and talk in depth about Nick's trek across the most remote parts of the Mojave Desert. We wrap the show with a triple crown of non alcoholic drinks, we are blessed with a wonderful listener poop story via voice mail, and discuss the appropriate time to start and stop sending nudes. RTIC Outdoors: Shop at rticoutdoors.com. Organifi: Use code "backpacker" for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker. Enlightened Equipment: Use code "trekit20" for a 2 day head start to 20% off and free shipping on November 3 and November 17 at enlightenedequipment.com. Gossamer Gear: Use code "takelesstrekmore" for 15% off at gossamergear.com. [divider] Interview with Nick Van Buer Nick's Website: Across the Mojave Nick's Youtube series LA Times Article about Nick Time stamps & Questions 00:05:05 - QOTD: At what point in a relationship do you start and stop sending nudes? 00:15:49 - Reminders: Apply to blog or video-blog for the Trek! And check out our new shorts. 00:17:37 - Introducing Nick 00:18:45 - What got you interested in geology? 00:20:51 - Give us a taste of the professor life. 00:23:14 - How do you grind up a rock and find out how old it is? 00:25:38 - Do your students want to take geology? 00:27:20 - What are the most common geology careers? 00:28:37 - Did you use your geology skills during your hike? 00:29:37 - What are the best excuses you've gotten for people not coming to class or turning work in late? 00:31:20 - Can you teach us the basics of your research focus? 00:35:07 - Given your knowledge, on a scale of 1 to 10, what is your earthquake fear level? 00:38:33 - What was the process to get your sabbatical approved? 00:40:00 - Can you paint us a picture of the history of the Mojave Desert? 00:41:42 - Did you have a wishlist of things you were hoping to find during your hike? 00:43:41 - Did you develop the route? 00:45:44 - How long were your water carries and how did you carry it? 00:47:52 - Tell us about the weather you experienced. 00:48:38 - How did you know you'd be able to find water? 00:50:55 - Tell us about hiking through wilderness areas or passing notable interest points? 00:52:39 - Tell us about your previous backpacking experience. 00:55:07 - Were you nervous going into this hike? 00:56:33 - What kind of wildlife did you see? 00:57:35 - Describe to Zach what a geological map looks like. 01:00:40 - Is there one standout rock encounter? 01:03:15 - How often are there large paradigm shifts in geology? 01:04:57 - Was there anything in this hike that surprised you? 01:08:29 - Do you have any hot takes about currently accepted geological ideas? 01:10:39 - What's the process for proving your theory? 01:13:22 - Tell us about the peer review process. 01:14:43 - Have you witnessed a lot of politicking within geology? 01:15:40 - Are there any fun geological facts you can relay to PCT hikers? 01:16:43 - How do you decide to take rocks from the field? 01:20:00 - What part of you just loves the desert, and what part of this is just public service? 01:20:56 - Tell us about swimming across the Colorado River. 01:25:50 - Tell us about the Youtube series that you made. 01:27:39 - Were there any standout stories you got more feedback on? 01:30:20 - How much weight in samples did you take? 01:31:54 - If these people were rocks, what rocks would they be and why? 01:35:01 - Do you have any other backpacking routes you'd like to do? SEGMENTS MG Check-In Trek Propaganda Modifying your Gear List for High Routes and Off Trail Hikes by GPS 9 AT Thru-Hikers Share Their Top Advice by Rachel Shoemaker Triple Crown of non-alcoholic drinks Listener Voicemails (leave us your own!) Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @headnodculture. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, Greg Mac, Tracy "Trigger" Fawns, Mike Poisel, and Kristina Diaz. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

Nov 7, 20222h 33m

#173 | Q&A: Thru-Hiking Food Prep, Bear Containers, Trail Recommendations, and More

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In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are answering your burning backpacking questions! Chaunce and I tackle a wide array of Backpacker Radio listener questions - everything from how we plan our nutrition for a backpacking trip, to how we deal with the fading of trail friends after a thru-hike, when and where we recommend using a bear canister and what our go-to bear prevention strategies are, what qualities you should look for in a tent if you're backpacking with your dog, what innovations we foresee happening in the world of backpacking, and much much more. We also catch up with Backpacker Radio team members Leah and Rachel on their recent backpacking trips of the Colorado Trail and the Four Pass Loop, respectively. Also, if you get far enough into the episode, you'll be blessed with a BIG SURPRISE. This is a marathon show fueled on beer, strap in. Gossamer Gear: Use code "backpackerradio" for 15% off at gossamergear.com. RTIC Outdoors: Shop at rticoutdoors.com. Enlightened Equipment: Use code "trekit20" for a 2 day head start to 20% off and free shipping on November 3 and November 17 at enlightenedequipment.com. Green Chef: Use code "backpacker599" for free shipping on your first $5.99 meal at greenchef.com/backpacker599. [divider] Drunk Q&A! Time stamps & Questions 00:04:50 - QOTD: How drunk are you? 00:06:24 - Reminders: Apply to join the Trek! 00:08:44 - What is the best beginner east coast trail and beginner west coast trail? @sduugs 00:15:37 - Have you made your own dehydrated meals? If so, which ones? 00:19:35 - What is the best trail for learning navigational skills and off-trail hiking? @tales_on_trail 00:24:25 - Do you have a favorite electrolyte powder? @jacob_neary_ 00:30:30 - Zach, tell us more about how you plan meals and caloric intake before a long hike? 00:33:28 - What do your meals look like for a typical day on trail? 00:43:43 - How do you cope with post-trail friendships fading? @imhikinghere 00:51:19 - Is it challenging to find full-time work with a thru-hiking gap on your resume? 00:59:18 - Is a bear bag or bear canister better? Pros and cons of each? @wyatthart_9b 01:06:24 - How do you hang an Ursack? 01:07:21 - Thoughts on the DIY ultralight community? Have you built anything for hiking in a DIY spirit? @balkenbrij_ 01:12:18 - What tents are best when bringing a dog? @hunter_clark_4 01:23:40 - What will the next big leap forward in backpacking innovation/technology be? @jasonhikedsunedited 01:26:55 - Drone resupply in the backcountry: good or evil? @reedinthewind 01:29:39 - What do you look for when picking a spot to pitch a tent? @guerrero403 01:33:09 - What's a reasonable water carry for the southern terminus of the CDT? I always bring too much. @bryce.294 01:37:10 - Can you talk about how different thru-hiking would be without trail magic or trail angels, specifically in reference to the AT? 01:46:30 - If you had to fuel your hike with PBR, how many miles per PBR would you average? Would it change once you blacked out? 01:55:15 - Triple Crown of hikers/previous podcast guests who you would want to be with you during a zombie apocalypse @trinitymarie.b 01:58:55 - While thru-hiking, what's the craziest and most desperate fantasy you've had? @steven__cannon 02:01:49 - What is the most disgusting, hiker trash thing you've done on trail that would be totally unacceptable off trail? @chandlersam_ 02:06:24 - What is the weirdest/spookiest thing you've encountered hiking or backpacking at night? @jerry.ellsworth 02:17:35 - What's your worst hiking fear? @staticmuscial 02:22:04 - Triple Crown of what you put in your fanny pack @riley.seeholzer 02:25:06 - Who is having the next kid, Zach or Chaunce? @jameswashburn 02:28:14 - What's your tattoo? @mr_siewruk 02:28:37 - It's okay to kind of hate hiking alone, right? @russelltee SEGMENTS Leah's Colorado Trail Hike Rachel's Four Pass Loop Hike [divider] Check out our sound guy @headnodculture. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, Greg Mac, Tracy "Trigger" Fawns, Mike Poisel, and Kristina Diaz. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

Oct 31, 20223h 35m

#172 | Carl "Professor" Stanfield on Hiking the Most Miles in a Calendar Year

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In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Carl Stanfield aka "Professor". Professor is in the midst of attempting to hike the most known miles over the course of a single calendar year, including a calendar year triple crown. We of course dive deep into his journey including his Florida Trail hike in January, hiking through frigid temps on the AT, yet- how he's gotten incredibly lucky with weather throughout his trek at large, we learn how he's managed to prioritize the overall experience above making miles, the number of free beers he's accumulated over his many miles, and much more. And, because Professor is a major gear nerd, we dissect his pack, his apparel, and what changes he's made throughout the course of his journey. It was a ton of fun to have Carl in studio for this show, we hope you enjoy the chat as much as we did. We wrap the show with a triple crown of non R-rated insults, Chaunce has her mind exploded about the proper way to use coffee ice cubes, and we get yet another update from our intrepid adventurer MG. RTIC Outdoors: Shop at rticoutdoors.com. Enlightened Equipment: Use code "trekit20" for a 2 day head start to 20% off and free shipping on November 3 and November 17 at enlightenedequipment.com. Gossamer Gear: Use code "takelesstrekmore" for 15% off at gossamergear.com. [divider] Interview with Carl "Professor" Stanfield Carl's Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:03:26 - QOTD: What's the proper way to use coffee ice cubes? 00:08:43 - Reminders: Shop the Trek's shorts, apply to join the Trek, and support us by subscribing wherever you listen! 00:10:57 - Introducing Professor 00:11:53 - How tired are you? 00:14:00 - Define your hiking goals for us. 00:17:03 - Did you expect to complete your goal at the beginning? 00:18:33 - Did you reach out to the Guinness Book of World Records? 00:20:10 - What was your backpacking background prior to this year? 00:23:19 - What did you go to school for and what jobs did you aim to get afterwards? 00:25:10 - Discussion about Carl's gear reviews for the Trek 00:26:05 - Tell us about the Florida Trail! 00:31:44 - What kind of mileage did you do on your first thru-hikes? 00:33:25 - Tell us about spending half your AT nights indoors. 00:35:11 - Are you socially or physically tired when staying with strangers? 00:37:11 - Have you had to scale back on the social events to meet your mileage goals? 00:38:19 - Do you have a standout social experience that stands out? 00:42:49 - Discussion about intense emotions on trail 00:46:28 - Let's talk about cold and snow on the AT! 00:49:22 - Why wasn't the cold too bad for you? 00:51:09 - Why was the AT physically harder than you expected? 00:52:14 - What advice would you give to someone who wants a similar indoor experience? 00:56:20 - How did the AT wrap up? 00:59:47 - Was it stressful or nice to take time off? 01:02:09 - Were there other people around when you started the Sierras on the PCT? 01:03:54 - Was there a shock level being thrust into the Sierra landscape from the AT? 01:04:42 - How many fires did you encounter on the PCT? 01:06:59 - Did the social element from the AT maintain on the PCT? 01:08:10 - What kind of food were you craving for dinner or in town? 01:11:09 - How did you save up to do this hike? 01:12:42 - Discussion about Carl's frugality. 01:15:01 - Discussion about experiences with people and Quadzilla's Quads. 01:19:54 - What happened after the northern terminus of the PCT? 01:20:50 - Breakfast buffet benders 01:24:25 - Tell us about the CDT so far. 01:27:43 - What types of things are you tracking? 01:31:18 - Have you had any grizzly encounters? 01:31:59 - What else has happened on the CDT? 01:33:47 - What remains of your hike now? 01:37:52 - What's the bigger goal: the calendar year triple crown or the mileage record? 01:38:34 - What qualifies as miles that count toward your goal? 01:40:28 - What are your big 3? 01:46:42 - Tell us about your footwear. 01:49:17 - Fuck Marry Kill: your gear 01:51:06 - Tell us about your shirt. 01:54:24 - What else is worth talking about in your gear? 01:57:18 - Any other gear you want to talk about? 01:58:47 - What have been the major takeaways of your journey so far? SEGMENTS MG Check-In Trek Propaganda Carl "Professor" Stanfield on Attempting the Most Miles Ever Hiked in One Year by Penina Satlow How to Pick the Perfect Sun Hoodie for Your Next Hike by Eloise Robbins Triple Crown of non R-rated insults 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @headnodculture. 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, Leah, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Ma

Oct 24, 20222h 26m

#171 | Sarah Dramis on Triple Crowning, Healing Her Back Injury, Strength Training, and VIP Nannying

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In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Minus33, we are joined by Sarah Dramis. Sarah is a triple crowner turned ultrarunner, a fitness coach, former VIP travel family manager and nanny, and the survivor of a serious back injury resulting in several broken vertebrae. We go deep on Sarah's backpacking career, including some of the standout highs and lows from each of her backpacking trips, we do a fuck marry kill on the triple crown trails, we learn about Sarah's passion for strength training and fitness in general, her failed attempt at the Colorado Trail FKT, and much more. We wrap the show with a triple crown of rainy day activities, we hear from a fan of the show who was viciously lied to by Chaunce, and we chat about some of our favorite trail meals. Minus33: Use code "backpacker22" for 15% off at minus33.com. Organifi: Use code "backpacker" for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker. Enlightened Equipment: Use code "ultralight10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com. Gossamer Gear: Use code "takelesstrekmore" for 15% off at gossamergear.com. [divider] Interview with Sarah Dramis Sarah's Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:04:46 - QOTD: What is your favorite trail meal? 00:06:57 - Reminders: Support the PNTS at bellsbeer.com/trails, apply to join the Trek, and support us by subscribing wherever you listen! 00:09:17 - Introducing Sarah 00:09:57 - How'd you get your trail name? 00:10:30 - What's the backpacking scene like in Hawaii? 00:11:50 - What put the PCT on your radar? 00:13:05 - Tell us about breaking your back. 00:16:36 - Discussion about the rod in Sarah's back. 00:20:00 - How did the rod protect you when you got hit by a car? 00:22:06 - What was it like transitioning to long-distance hiking? 00:23:35 - How did you know how to train your body? 00:24:50 - How much was strength training a part of your routine before thru-hiking? 00:27:23 - How did thru-hiking change your wiring? 00:28:50 - Where does fearless Sarah come from? 00:30:00 - Tell us about getting frostbite and hypothermia. 00:34:58 - Tell us about doing the Colorado Trail in 2016. 00:36:48 - Was there any challenge to thru-hiking with your best friend? 00:39:50 - Tell us about the Annapurna Circuit. 00:43:35 - Was the person you did the circuit with a love interest? 00:45:00 - Tell us about the Appalachian Trail. 00:47:58 - Are you more of a solo hiker or a group hiker? 00:49:28 - Tell us about rain on the AT. 00:53:42 - What'd you do in 2018? 00:55:00 - What makes a family VIP? 00:59:12 - How much free time did you have while nannying? 01:00:30 - Tell us about the CDT in 2019. 01:02:58 - How did the CDT snow compare to the AT rain? 01:08:10 - How is it seeing 4 grizzlies in one day? 01:10:21 - What were your emotions when finishing the trail? 01:11:17 - Tell us about getting into ultrarunning. 01:14:30 - Fuck Marry Kill: the triple crown trails 01:15:47 - Tell us about the CT FKT attempt. 01:23:59 - Do you have more FKT aspirations? 01:25:03 - What are your song recommendations for climbs, running, and trail? 01:31:43 - Are there training differences between backpacking and running? 01:35:00 - Tell us about your diet and your thoughts on nutrition. 01:41:56 - Chaunce's drink 01:48:10 - Tell us about your plans for a homestead. 01:50:22 - Discussion about animals as food vs. pets 01:52:24 - Chaunce's chicken story 01:53:51 - How could someone get involved in your fitness coaching or follow your adventures? 01:56:38 - Anything else you want to share? SEGMENTS MG Check-In Trek Propaganda Is Universal Cell Phone Coverage Around the Corner? by Kelly Floro Triple Crown of rainy day activities 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @headnodculture. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, Greg Mac, Tracy "Trigger" Fawns, Mike Poisel, and Kristina Diaz. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

Oct 17, 20222h 23m

#170 | Mike Clelland, Author of Ultralight Backpackin' Tips, on Lightweight Camping, Illustrating, and How Owls Relate to UFOs

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In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Mike Clelland. Mike is the author of one of the preeminent UL backpacking books, "Ultralight Backpackin' Tips: 153 Amazing & Inexpensive Tips For Extremely Lightweight Camping". We go through some of his top tips for getting pack weight down, how he arrived to the world of UL backpacking, his work with NOLS, his Alaskan expeditions, and much more. We also dive into Mike's fascination with the interplay of owls and UFOs which is perhaps predictably equal parts bizarre and fascinating. We wrap the show with a Triple Crown of things we don't like about Colorado, clichés that we think are total bullshit, and we get another update from MG. RTIC Outdoors: Shop at rticoutdoors.com. Gossamer Gear: Use code "backpackerradio" for 15% off at gossamergear.com. Minus33: Use code "backpacker22" at minus33.com. Enlightened Equipment: Use code "ultralight10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com. [divider] Interview with Mike Clelland Mike's Website Mike's Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:04:47 - QOTD: What is a cliche you think is total bullshit? 00:07:17 - Reminders: support the Blue Sky Fund and subscribe to Backpacker Radio! 00:08:57 - Introducing Mike 00:11:02 - When did you get into illustration and cartoons? 00:13:51 - What was your favorite toy to draw advertisements for? 00:16:29 - Was your job anything like Mad Men? 00:21:05 - How did you get into backpacking? 00:28:56 - What was your backpacking experience prior to working at NOLS? 00:30:31 - Were you apprehensive about switching to ultralight gear? 00:32:16 - What are some of the key differences between Lighten Up! and Ultralight Backpackin' Tips? 00:37:35 - Tip #3: Scrutinize Everything 00:41:40 - Tip #6: Try Something New Every Time You Go Camping? 00:46:44 - What's a recent example of something you've tweaked in your setup? 00:48:24 - How important is it for someone to have DIY skills? 00:50:56 - Tip #9: Cut Stuff Off Your Gear 00:58:07 - Why should someone go ultralight? 01:05:30 - Tip #25: Appreciate the Wilderness 01:08:17 - Tip #30: Is going ultralight more expensive? 01:11:22 - Do you scrutinize your food as much as your gear? 01:16:31 - Tip #55: Prepare a Simple First Aid Kit 01:20:44 - What's your take on torso length sleeping pads? 01:24:08 - You say a backpack can be as light as 3 ounces?! 01:26:22 - Tip #65: Choose Bold Routes 01:29:01 - Tip #100: The Humble Pillow 01:31:15 - Tip #116: Poop 01:40:44 - What are some of your favorite and least favorite natural wiping devices? 01:49:30 - Talk to us about UFOs and owls. 01:59:17 - What is hypnotic regression? 02:03:02 - Do you think these are ghost, alien, or other paranormal experiences? 02:04:45 - What percent of owls do you consider suspicious? 02:10:00 - Should we be suspicious of owls? 02:11:48 - Mike's newest owl stories 02:17:28 - Are certain types of owls more suspicious than others? 02:22:07 - Where can people go to learn more? SEGMENTS MG Check-In Send Us Your Owl Stories Leave us a voicemail Email us at [email protected] Write us a 5 Star Review Trek Propaganda Wind River High Route Trip Report Part 1: Photographic Route Description by Kelly Floro Triple Crown of things we don't like about Colorado 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @headnodculture. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, Greg Mac, Tracy "Trigger" Fawns, Mike Poisel, and Kristina Diaz. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

Oct 10, 20222h 46m

#169 | Kylie Yang on Ridgerunning on the AT, Working for the CDTC, and Giving Back through Trail Work

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, guest co-host Steven Shattuck aka Twinkle and yours truly are joined by Kylie Yang. Kylie is a Field Programs Manager at the Continental Divide Trail Coalition, a thru-hiker, a former AT ridgerunner, and overall a wealth of knowledge regarding all things pertaining to the great outdoors. We chat about Kylie's foray into the world of thru-hiking, what being an Appalachian Trail ridgerunner looks like- including being called "an overly tattooed, hipster slut" by an angry hiker, and we learn all about her present-day role with the Continental Divide Trail Coalition and the challenges of getting volunteers to remote sections of the trail. We wrap the show with a triple crown of conspiracies you maybe buy into a little, useful items you'll likely find in a hiker box, new gear that we've been digging over the last season or two, what hitchhiking on the AT really looks like, and much more. Gossamer Gear: Use code "takelesstrekmore" for 15% off at gossamergear.com. Organifi: Use code "backpacker" for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker. Minus33: Use code "backpacker22" at minus33.com. Enlightened Equipment: Use code "ultralight10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com. [divider] Shoutout to our guest editor for this episode, Tina Mullen! Interview with Kylie Yang Kylie's Instagram The Bridge Project Continental Divide Trail Coalition Time stamps & Questions 00:05:16 - QOTD: What does today's guest's dad do for a living? 00:06:13 - Reminder 1: Apply to be a blogger for 2023! 00:06:31 - Reminder 2: Please subscribe! 00:07:04 - Introducing Kylie 00:07:54 - Discussion about growing up in southeastern Virginia/Yorktown 00:09:15 - How did you get into the outdoors? 00:11:08 - How did you transition to thru-hiking? 00:13:40 - Did you have a partner when you hiked? 00:14:52 - Tell us about your social experience on the AT. 00:16:25 - What's your favorite story from your AT hike? 00:19:05 - Tell us another AT story! 00:21:02 - What was it like to hike through the places you grew up? 00:23:03 - What is a ridgerunner, for those who don't know? 00:24:17 - Tell us about bears in New Jersey. 00:26:56 - Tell us about your tattoos! 00:30:06 - What's the most common fuckup you see hikers making? 00:31:03 - Discussion about Kylie's job setup 00:32:33 - Tell us about the interplay between you and thru-hikers. 00:35:24 - What's a regular day in the life of a ridgerunner? 00:36:45 - Were you trained in how to educate people? 00:39:27 - What's the weirdest trash you collected? 00:40:34 - Discussion about becoming a ridgerunner, the salary, and tips for interested people 00:43:44 - What's the most common way people went against LNT practices? 00:46:10 - Tell us about the Long Path! 00:48:42 - Why did you hike in winter? 00:50:01 - How long would it take the average person to hike the Long Path? 00:51:03 - Why the Long Path? 00:53:14 - More discussion about section hiking the Long Path in the winter 00:56:57 - Tell us about working for the Continental Divide Trail Coalition. 00:58:25 - Tell us about the Bridge Project. 01:00:00 - Shoe tangents 01:01:43 - What would you tell people looking to get into trail work? 01:02:12 - Is there a difference between volunteering out east and in the Rockies? 01:03:57 - Tell us about the type of work you do and what is most rewarding. 01:05:30 - Discussion about the openings at the CDTC. 01:07:20 - What's been the most exciting project in Colorado? 01:08:05 - Discussion about qualifications and incentives for volunteering 01:13:20 - Discussion about trail adopters 01:15:52 - How much of the trail is adopted? 01:18:00 - What else should people know about volunteering or the CDTC? 01:19:08 - What's next for you? SEGMENTS MG Check-In Trek Propaganda 6 Useful Items You Can Almost Always Find in an AT Hiker Box by Kelly Floro Triple Crown of conspiracies you maybe buy a little New Gear Review Listener Voicemail (and leave us your own!) 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @headnodculture. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, Greg Mac, Tracy "Trigger" Fawns, Mike Poisel, and Kristina Diaz. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

Oct 3, 20222h 10m

#168 | Section Hiking vs. Thru-Hiking: Defining Each Style, Benefits and Drawbacks, and Who They're For

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are bringing you another panel episode. Today we are joined by Backpacker Radio regular, Clay Bonnyman Evans aka Pony to compare and contrast thru-hiking and section hiking. We go deep, focusing largely on the benefits of each of these styles of hiking, who they're for, what we have personally gained from them, and much more. If you're curious about whether you should hit the pause button on your life and take a half year to meander in the mountains, this episode will hopefully serve you a ton of value. And, as always when Pony is studio, this one is delightfully wild. Gossamer Gear: Use code "backpackerradio" for 15% off at gossamergear.com. Organifi: Use code "backpacker" for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker. Minus33: Use code "backpacker22" for 15% off at minus33.com. Enlightened Equipment: Use code "ultralight10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com. Panel with Badger, Chaunce, and Pony Tom Turcich (and His Pup) Set to Complete 7-Year Around-the-World Walk Next Month by Clay Bonnyman Evans Leave us a voicemail! Time stamps & Questions 00:05:03 - QOTD: What's the stupidest thing you've done this week? 00:20:05 - Reminders: Apply to be a blogger for 2023! 00:20:32 - Introducing the panel topic 00:22:30 - Panelist's hiking experiences 00:23:55 - Discussion of the definition of section hiking 00:26:05 - Chaunce's Thru-Hiking Pro #1 00:28:25 - Zach's Thru-Hiking Pro #1 00:31:40 - Pony's disclaimer about section hiking 00:34:02 - Pony's Thru-Hiking Pro #1 00:38:15 - Chaunce's Thru-Hiking Pro #2 00:46:18 - Zach's Thru-Hiking Pro #2 00:57:44 - Pony's Thru-Hiking Pro #2 01:02:00 - Chaunce's Thru-Hiking Pro #3 01:05:55 - Zach's Thru-Hiking Pro #3 01:06:50 - Discussion of friends and trail families while thru-hiking 01:09:05 - Pony's Thru-Hiking Pro #3 01:12:10 - Chaunce's Section Hiking Pro #1 01:17:48 - Zach's Section Hiking Pro #1 01:20:56 - Pony's Section Hiking Pro #1 01:26:40 - Chaunce's Section Hiking Pro #2 01:27:30 - Zach's Section Hiking Pro #2 01:30:05 - Chaunce's Section Hiking Pro #3 01:32:48 - Pony's Section Hiking Pro #2 [divider] Check out our sound guy @headnodculture. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, Greg Mac, Tracy "Trigger" Fawns, Mike Poisel, and Kristina Diaz. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

Sep 26, 20221h 43m

#167 | Kraig Adams on Being a Professional Vlogger and International Trekking

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Minus33, we are joined by Kraig Adams. Kraig has accumulated more than 700,000 YouTube subscribers while showcasing his adventures from around the world, including Mae Hong Son Loop in Thailand, Adirondack High Peaks, Tour Du Mont Blanc Loop in France, Santa Cruz Trek in Peru, Torres del Paine in Chile, Kesugi Ridge Trail in Alaska, Sawtooth Loop Trail in Idaho, just to name a few. We learn how Kraig got into the world of video blogging, how he's turned it into a full time profession, his favorite and least favorite hikes domestically and abroad, what advice he'd offer to aspiring worldly travelers, how and why he maintains a life of minimalism, and much more. We wrap the show with a triple crown of things that you aren't superstitious about but may be a little-sticious about, a guide to edible berries along the PCT, and another update from MG! Minus33: Use code "backpacker22" at minus33.com. Gossamer Gear: Use code "takelesstrekmore" for 15% off at gossamergear.com. Enlightened Equipment: Use code "ultralight10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com. [divider] Interview with Kraig Adams Kraig's Youtube Channel Kraig's Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:03:03 - QOTD: What's a sport that no matter the skill level, you don't find impressive at all? 00:07:23 - Reminders: Apply to be the Trek's Youtube personality! 00:07:29 - Introducing Kraig 00:08:20 - Tell us about your background. 00:09:57 - Discussion about initial filmmaking in NYC. 00:11:45 - What's your benchmark for a successful video today? 00:12:57 - What's the inspiration for your video style? 00:14:34 - Are you using backpacking as a means to travel or travel as a means to backpack? 00:16:06 - Tell us your hiking resume. 00:17:54 - Does it feel like work for you? 00:18:52 - Do you ever hike with your dog? 00:20:00 - What goes into planning a trip for you? 00:23:35 - Would you say your priority is more the video product or your own experience? 00:25:07 - How do you balance your work and home life? 00:27:02 - How does being a minimalist impact the decisions you make while traveling? 00:29:09 - How does minimalism influence your physical belongings? 00:30:48 - Is your wife a minimalist? 00:34:10 - Discussion about Big Bend 00:34:50 - What are your top three favorite US hikes? 00:35:47 - What are your top three favorite international hikes? 00:37:31 - How was your most recent Tour du Mont Blanc? 00:38:05 - What is it like to do a trip with subscribers? 00:42:10 - Do you get recognized a lot? 00:43:02 - Do you have any stories about trips going awry? 00:45:57 - How do you prepare for camping alone in Alaska? 00:47:15 - Discussion about navigation 00:48:30 - Hike superlatives 00:53:15 - What tips do you have about the Sawtooth Loop? 00:54:03 - What international hike would you recommend for beginners? 00:55:32 - Which trail has the best wildlife? 00:57:08 - What's your fear level? 01:00:14 - Do you have any other travel tips and tricks? 01:03:03 - What are some primary/secondary hike pairs? 01:05:06 - Tell us about your camera gear and video process. 01:08:27 - Is there one component that accounts for the majority of your revenue? 01:11:09 - Discussion about brand partnerships 01:13:20 - Where can people follow you? SEGMENTS MG Check-In Trek Propaganda A Short & Sweet Introduction to Picking Edible Berries Along the PCT by J. Taylor Bell Triple Crown of things you aren't superstitious about but are maybe a little-stitious about Twitter Picture Chaunce Surprise Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @headnodculture. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, Greg Mac, Tracy "Trigger" Fawns, Mike Poisel, and Kristina Diaz. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

Sep 19, 20221h 37m

#166 | Robbie Balenger, Plant-Based Ultra-Endurance Athlete, on the Colorado Crush: the Colorado Trail, All 58 14ers, and the Leadville Trail Series

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Robbie Balenger. Robbie is a plant-based ultra-endurance athlete, with achievements including a run across the United States and a feat he dubbed the Colorado Crush which involves hiking the 485-mile Colorado Trail, summiting all 58 of Colorado's 14,000-ft peaks, and running the Leadville Trail Series- the marathon, the-50 mile race, and the 100-mile race...all of this in the span of 63 days! We of course go in-depth about these endurance undertakings, including how he manages his diet, his recovery, the highlights and lowlights from these adventures, the role his crew plays, and much more. You will walk away from this one feeling either very inspired or very lazy- and quite likely both. We wrap the show with a triple crown of trees, some promising news on the Lyme disease vaccine front, we get another update from MG, and we share some of our favorite shorter thru-hikes for a listener. RTIC Outdoors: Shop at rticoutdoors.com. Gossamer Gear: Use code "backpackerradio" for 15% off at gossamergear.com. Enlightened Equipment: Use code "ultralight10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com. Interview with Robbie Balenger Robbie's Website Robbie's Instagram Colorado Crush Documentary Outlast a Tesla The Audacious Report Time stamps & Questions 00:05:19 - QOTD: What's something that you like less as you get older? 00:15:26 - Introducing Robbie 00:16:17 - When did you get into athletics and endurance sports? 00:19:23 - What is it about running that draws you in? 00:20:44 - Discussion about marathon strategies and breaking through the wall 00:22:48 - Discussion about food during running 00:24:02 - How did you prevent injury on your transcontinental run? 00:25:20 - Discussion about shoes 00:26:12 - Tell us about your plant-based diet. 00:30:42 - Discussion about alcohol 00:31:52 - What do you eat to get enough calories? 00:34:44 - How did you occupy your mind on your transcontinental run? 00:37:29 - Tell us about the Central Park Loop 00:39:55 - Discussion about backyard ultras 00:41:07 - What would you say your mental drive is? 00:43:29 - Discussion about training intensity and strategies 00:46:18 - Do you have any recurring injuries? 00:47:26 - Tell us about NuCalm 00:56:41 - What was the inspiration for the Colorado Crush? 00:58:05 - What lessons did you learn about setting up a good sponsorship model? 01:00:19 - What was the structure and order of the Colorado Crush? 01:01:34 - What made the Leadville 100 the most difficult event? 01:03:42 - How did you decide the timing? 01:04:41 - Has anyone told you they're interested in replicating the Colorado Crush? 01:05:02 - Fuck Marry Kill: the Leadville Trail Series, all the 14ers, and the Colorado Trail 01:05:40 - How did the Colorado Trail compare to your expectations? 01:07:13 - How do you compare/contrast road running and trail running? 01:09:48 - Any fun hallucination stories? 01:12:21 - What's your mentality while running at night? 01:14:30 - What lazy things do you love doing? 01:15:42 - What did you learn about yourself as a man? 01:18:22 - Is it unusual to have the height of your career start late? 01:19:14 - How was your mindspace as you started the 14ers? 01:21:06 - What were the logistics for getting to and up all the 14ers? 01:23:10 - Did you have any close weather calls? 01:24:33 - Tell us about your crew 01:26:23 - Is there anything you can't eat anymore? 01:27:37 - Anything else to share from the Leadville 100? 01:28:41 - What does the future hold for you? 01:32:00 - Where can people keep up with you? SEGMENTS MG Check-In New Sound Bites Trek Propaganda In Defense of Wild: Cheryl Strayed's Memoir Is Nothing Like Your Trail Journal, and That's OK by Penina Satlow Lyme Disease Vaccine Enters Phase 3 Trials by Penina Satlow Triple Crown of trees Quadzilla's Quads Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, Greg Mac, Tracy "Trigger" Fawns, Mike Poisel, and Kristina Diaz. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

Sep 12, 20222h 4m

#165 | Pattie Gonia: All Things Drag Queen, Hiking in High Heels, and Advocacy for Inclusive Outdoors

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In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Wyn Wiley, better known online as Pattie Gonia. Pattie is a "professional homosexual", environmentalist, and a drag queen. This conversation is fun and informative. We go deep learning all the fun nuances of the drag world, including what goes into a good tuck (who owns the title for the GOAT of tucking), the best drag songs, and the core components of a good drag performance. Pattie shares all the good work she's is doing with various outdoor organizations to improve representation in the outdoors. And of course we get a run down of what goes into being ultra-athletic in high heel boots. We close the show with a triple crown of awkward places to run into an ex, a Q&A segment, and we cover if thru-hiking the PCT can give you a dumptruck ass. Gossamer Gear: Use code "backpackerradio" for 15% off at gossamergear.com. Organifi: Use code "backpacker" for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker. Enlightened Equipment: Use code "ultralight10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com. Interview with Wyn Wiley aka Pattie Gonia Pattie's Instagram The Outdoorist Oath Website The Outdoorist Oath Instagram Queer Outdoor and Environmental Job Board Austin Smith Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:04:56 - QOTD: What's the easiest meal of the day to eat healthfully? 00:10:39 - Reminder: Apply to be a 2023 Trek Blogger 00:11:34 - Introducing Wyn! 00:13:05 - Who is Wyn Wiley? 00:15:26 - How did you become Pattie Gonia? 00:17:40 - Were you always openly queer? 00:19:23 - Who put boundaries on you as a kid? 00:22:10 - How do you run in high heels? 00:24:20 - What were you thinking when you posted some of your first viral videos? 00:27:22 - Were some people okay with you being gay but not with your wearing heels? 00:29:26 - Can you explain Wyn and Pattie's different pronouns? 00:31:40 - What's a good protocol for knowing when to ask someone their preferred pronouns? 00:33:36 - Discussion about being Pattie versus Wyn 00:35:10 - What's the most difficult physical endeavor you've done in heels? 00:36:14 - Discussion about tucking 00:41:45 - Tell us about your hiking clothes. 00:42:48 - Do you have any tips for hiking in heels? 00:44:42 - Do you have any good eating shit stories from hiking in heels? 00:45:41 - Tell us about your recent event with the North Face. 00:48:29 - How can businesses be better allies? 00:50:34 - How can businesses move into the advocacy space? 00:52:31 - Do you want to give any particular people a shoutout? 00:54:09 - Have you had experiences where brands have approached you the wrong way? 00:55:48 - What were some of the biggest lessons you learned? 00:57:18 - What do you recommend for people looking to join queer outdoor communities? 00:59:07 - What does into a 10/10 drag performance? 01:03:42 - If you're stranded on drag island, what 3 songs do you bring for your performance? 01:05:25 - If you were to make a drag starter pack, what would be in it? 01:06:28 - What is your go-to hiking snack? 01:11:18 - Do you feel like the thru-hiking community better accepts the queer community? 01:15:35 - How do you think you can bring more straight, white men to allyship? 01:17:01 - Do you see any backlash for caring about hair and makeup in the outdoors? 01:20:10 - Tell us about your makeup process. 01:22:09 - If you could pick only 3 pieces of makeup, what would you choose? 01:22:50 - Tell us about the plastics crisis work you did in Hawaii. 01:27:50 - Tell us about your organization, the Outdoorist Oath. 01:28:56 - What are the first projects your organization is starting with? 01:30:32 - Can you tell us about calling out NOLS? 01:37:29 - What should companies prioritize to do better by communities? 01:40:03 - Where can people go to keep up with you? SEGMENTS Trek Propaganda Hiker Dies After Being Found Unresponsive on Mt. Washington by Penina Satlow Triple Crown of awkward places to bump into an ex Instagram Q&A Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, Greg Mac, Tracy "Trigger" Fawns, Mike Poisel, and Kristina Diaz. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

Sep 5, 20222h 16m

#164 | Danae and Olen Netteburg on Thru-Hiking with 5 Kids and Working as Doctors in Rural Africa

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In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by The Netteburg family. Danae and Olen Netteburg, alongside their 5 children- ages ranging from 13 to 1, are currently thru-hiking the CDT. This is their second thru-hike in three years, after the family completed the Appalachian Trail in 2020. The Netteburg's story is one of a kind- both Danae and Olen are missionary doctors who run a 100-bed hospital in rural Chad. We go in-depth learning about how a family of seven manages on a trail as challenging as the CDT, their standout highs and lows from the AT, what life is like back in their home of Chad and the challenges of their work, and much more. The kiddos were also in and out of the studio for this one, so be prepared for the fun chaos that will ensue. We wrap the show with a triple crown of things you put on a cracker, a fan follow up to Kathryn Miles' episode which paints a different picture of one of the suspects, and we opine on the movies most deserving of a sequel. Gossamer Gear: Use code "backpackerradio" for 15% off at gossamergear.com. RTIC Outdoors: Shop at rticoutdoors.com. Tanri: Use code "bpradio10" for 10% off at tanri.com. Enlightened Equipment: Use code "ultralight10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com. Interview with Danae and Olen Netteburg Danae's Instagram Olen's Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:05:10 - QOTD: What movie do you most wish had a sequel? 00:07:15 - Introducing the Netteburgs 00:08:15 - How did you end up on trail as a family? 00:10:15 - Tell us about being doctors in Chad! 00:13:08 - Can you compare practicing medicine in the US versus abroad? 00:15:20 - Can anything stress you out while thru-hiking? 00:18:12 - Tell us some crazy doctor stories. 00:21:01 - What are the kid's thoughts on the biggest differences between Chad and America? 00:22:10 - Hippo facts! 00:25:56 - What other scary animals do you deal with in Chad? 00:27:15 - What precautions do you take for mosquitos? 00:30:16 - What drives you to continue being doctors in Chad? 00:32:24 - How did you decide to hike the AT in 2020? 00:36:15 - Kids: what was your initial impression of the AT? 00:39:20 - Tell us about the timeline for starting the AT? 00:43:15 - Did you ever consider stopping the hike? 00:47:50 - What does a 6 person resupply/meal strategy look like? 00:49:15 - Are all the kids hiking themselves? 00:51:30 - What are some parenting hacks to keep the kids happy while hiking? 00:54:42 - Is it a welcome distraction or additional burden to keep the kids happy? 00:55:35 - How do you handle it when they're grumpy? 00:57:44 - What are each of their hiking personas? 01:00:15 - At what age do they stay reliably on trail? 01:00:50 - What's the extent of the gear that the kids carry? 01:03:35 - What packs do you use? 01:05:12 - Roughly speaking, what's your typical pace? 01:08:33 - Discussion about feeding the kids 01:11:10 - What are the other person's most and least endearing hiking traits? 01:15:02 - Did you get a lot of criticism in 2020? 01:15:49 - How would you compare the challenge of the AT and the CDT? 01:17:29 - Discussion about potty training and hiking with a baby 01:20:31 - How do you manage sleep deprivation? 01:21:41 - How do you manage to stay happy partners? 01:23:19 - Tell us about managing the monsoons and lightning on the CDT. 01:27:40 - Discussion about using umbrellas 01:28:50 - Tell us about your spreadsheets! 01:34:51 - If you could go back to day 0 on the AT, what advice would you give yourself? 01:36:29 - How do the kids adjust when you return to your busy work schedules? 01:38:27 - How much would you say thru-hiking is for you two, the kids, or the family? 01:39:17 - Do you think the kids have the thru-hiking itch now? 01:40:45 - Where can people keep up with you? SEGMENTS Trek Propaganda Pooping on the Appalachian Trail: Important Statistics from My Thru-Hike by Brian "Slurpee" Garner Montbell Superior Down Parka Review by Elise Ott Triple Crown of things you put on a cracker Mail Bag 5 Star Review Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, Greg Mac, Tracy "Trigger" Fawns, Mike Poisel, and Kristina Diaz. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

Aug 29, 20222h 0m

#163 | Quinn Brett on Handcycling the Tour Divide and Maintaining an Active Lifestyle after a Paralyzing Climbing Fall

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Quinn Brett. Quinn was a world-class climber prior to her 2017 fall in Yosemite left her paralyzed from the waist down. Since then, Quinn being the badass athlete that she is, has found new modes to adventure, having most recently completed the 2,500-mile Tour Divide on an adaptive handbike, which she did in just 25 days. We learn all about Quinn's accident, how her adventures, friendships, and life have changed since that fall, and we go in-depth about her advocacy work- how Quinn is fighting to improve recreational accessibility for other persons with disabilities. We wrap the show with a Triple Crown of Countries You'd Live in if Deported from the US, a brief overview of some of the reasons we've fired Mara, and we opine on where Funyuns belong in the greater chip ranking. Gossamer Gear: Use code "backpackerradio" for 15% off at gossamergear.com. Enlightened Equipment: Use code "ultralight10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com. Ned: Use code "backpacker" for 15% off at helloned.com/backpacker. [divider] Interview with Quinn Brett Quinn's Instagram Quinn's Website An Accidental Life Time stamps & Questions 00:03:08 - QOTD: Have you heard of Elon Musk's dog mode? 00:07:38 - Reminders: submit your AT terminus pictures! 00:08:10 - Introducing Quinn 00:08:37 - How did you originally get interested in the outdoors and climbing? 00:10:47 - What does climbing look like in Minnesota? 00:11:51 - What does doing a season in Yosemite mean? 00:13:04 - How did you get started on the big walls? 00:14:51 - What is it like camping in a portaledge? 00:16:25 - Discussion about premier climbing locations in Colorado and the US. 00:17:28 - Tell us about your accident. 00:20:47 - How did you get off the wall? 00:22:49 - Was the fall itself painful? 00:23:33 - How did you brain process learning that you were paralyzed? 00:25:21 - How did your relationship with climbing change? 00:27:13 - Are there options for climbing while paralyzed? 00:29:30 - Would you go back and change anything if you could? 00:31:21 - What have you noticed about inaccessibility since your injury? 00:34:39 - What are the most common barriers to accessibility in the outdoors? 00:37:30 - Tell us about your documentary. 00:38:52 - What would you want to change about the documentary? 00:41:31 - Tell us more about the current and future therapies for spinal cord injuries. 00:44:01 - Is there any hope in something like Neuralink? 00:46:30 - Tell us about your ride on the Tour Divide. 00:47:53 - How did you train for the ride? 00:49:15 - Would your hand cycle have tipped less with two rear wheels? 00:51:35 - How did you solve the battery problem? 00:52:51 - Tell us about the camping. 00:54:55 - Do you feel like your upper body has gained perception after your injury? 00:56:04 - What were some of the highlights of the Tour Divide? 00:57:01 - Do you have any advice for someone who's interested in doing a similar ride? 00:58:36 - Can you describe the community you've found among other people with disabilities? 00:59:56 - Do you have any good poop stories from the ride? 01:02:15 - Did you see any grizzly bears? 01:03:50 - Are there any states that are particularly accessible or particularly not? 01:04:44 - Tell us about the political advocacy work you do. 01:07:03 - Tell us about the advocacy work you've done for public lands. 01:09:00 - How have your personal relationships changed since your injury? 01:12:22 - Are there any other toys or gear items you're excited to try? 01:13:28 - What safety measures do you take while rafting or kayaking? 01:15:15 - Were you ever interested in the Paralympics? 01:16:00 - What are some of your plans or goals for the next five to ten years? 01:17:37 - Where should people go to find you or support initiatives you're working on? SEGMENTS MG Check-In Trek Propaganda 60 PCT Hikers Evacuated from Trail As McKinney Fire Burns Near CA-OR Border by Kelly Floro Triple Crown of countries you'd live in if you were deported from the US Reasons We've Fired Mara Mail Bag 5 Star Review Listener Voicemail [divider] Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, Greg Mac, Tracy "Trigger" Fawns, Mike Poisel, and Kristina Diaz. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emi

Aug 22, 20221h 59m

#162 | Arlette "Apple Pie" Laan: the First Woman to Hike All 11 National Scenic Trails

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Arlette "Apple Pie" Laan. Apple Pie is the first woman to hike all eleven of the National Scenic Trails in the United States, which frankly only scratches the surface on her hiking and backpacking career. We chat about some of her favorite stories from her tens of thousands of miles on trail, her favorite and least favorite of the National Scenic Trails, how she managed to become the backpacking legend that she is today despite not starting until she was 30 years old, and much more. Arlette doesn't hold back in her answers, we think you'll get a kick out of this chat. We wrap the show with a triple crown of talents most people don't know that we possess, a story of how I ended up at the ER after the Golden Hiker Meetup, and Chaunce has COVID! Gossamer Gear: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at gossamergear.com. Organifi: Use code "backpacker" for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker. Enlightened Equipment: Use code "ultralight10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com. Tanri: Use code "bpradio10" for 10% off at tanri.com. Interview with Arlette "Apple Pie" Laan Arlette's Instagram Arlette Laan Fiber Creations Instagram Arlette's Website Redline Guiding Website Time stamps & Questions 00:04:35 - QOTD: What's the dumbest thing you've done this week? 00:12:18 - How was the Golden hiker meetup? 00:14:02 - Shoutout to the Blue Sky Fund! 00:15:03 - Introducing Arlette 00:15:48 - How did you get into long distance backpacking? 00:17:34 - How did you get your trail name? 00:19:04 - How many miles have you hiked? 00:20:14 - What trails have you done other than the National Scenic Trails? 00:20:51 - How did you experience backpacking in Europe after getting into it in the US? 00:24:22 - Is there any particular reason you left the Ice Age Trail for last? 00:27:47 - At what point did you realize you wanted to do all the National Scenic Trails? 00:31:38 - What were your 3 favorite and 3 least favorite trails? 00:34:14 - Give us your best sales pitch for the CDT. 00:38:00 - Discussion about changing navigation technology. 00:40:27 - How does homesickness play into your long trails? 00:46:53 - Discussion about the Florida Trail. 00:48:16 - Discussion about the Pacific Northwest Trail. 00:49:32 - Tell us why the AT isn't at the top of your list. 00:51:21 - What are the best 3 states and worst 3 states in the US in your opinion? 00:57:58 - What do you do when there's no good camping? 00:59:00 - Do you have any standout wildlife stories? 01:01:00 - Have you always been an adventure-seeker? 01:04:03 - Were you pushing your physical limits prior to thru-hiking? 01:08:56 - Now that you've done so many long trails, what do you wish you knew when you started? 01:10:24 - How do you think being a woman has impacted your backpacking? 01:12:49 - How have you been able to financially and logistically do all of these hikes? 01:15:18 - Tell us about doll making! 01:18:45 - Tell us more about the guiding you do. 01:21:56 - What words of inspiration do you have for someone reluctant to get into backpacking? 01:23:10 - What's your most embarrassing hiking story? SEGMENTS Trek Propaganda Arlette "Apple Pie" Laan on Becoming the First Woman to Hike All 11 National Scenic Trails by Alison Young [Book Review] Adventure Ready by Katie Gerber and Heather Anderson by Penina Satlow Triple Crown of talents most people don't know you possess Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, Greg Mac, Tracy "Trigger" Fawns, Mike Poisel, and Kristina Diaz. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

Aug 15, 20221h 51m

#161 | Diane "Sticks" Harsha: FBI Special Agent, AT Section Hiker, and Author

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Diane "Sticks" Harsha. Diane is an AT section hiker, the author of "Sticks and Stones: How to Hike the Appalachian Trail in 13 Years", and a retired FBI agent. We of course spend a lot of time talking about Diane's career in the bureau- including questions about the rigorous training and testing required to be accepted into the FBI, negotiation tactics that could be applied to convincing a spouse to let you leave for an extended backpacking trip, carrying a weapon on trail, and the overlap between working in the FBI and backpacking the AT at large. And yes of course we sneak in a couple of X-Files questions. We wrap the show with a triple crown of celebrities we'd most want to party with, a story about Chaunce farting her way through a work Zoom meeting, and Badger announces his next backpacking trip. Gossamer Gear: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at gossamergear.com. Enlightened Equipment: Use code "ultralight10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com. Ned: Use code "backpacker" for 15% off at helloned.com/backpacker. Interview with Diane "Sticks" Harsha Diane's Facebook Diane's LinkedIn Sticks and Stones on Audible Sticks and Stones on Amazon Time stamps & Questions 00:02:55 - QOTD: What's the most embarrassing moment you have from a virtual meeting? 00:15:42 - QOTD 2: What's the thing you're most excited about? 00:20:02 - Reminders: Shoutout to our new Chuck Norris members! 00:21:40 - Introducing Diane 00:22:27 - How did you get into the FBI? 00:25:12 - What was the fitness test you took? 00:26:47 - Is Chaunce fit enough to join the FBI? 00:31:00 - Discussion about age norms. 00:33:11 - Tell us more about FBI training. 00:37:55 - Discussion about the accuracy of polygraph tests. 00:39:42 - Were you on any wild cases you can tell us about? 00:44:40 - Do you feel like you were treated differently as a woman agent? 00:46:53 - Since it's illegal to make false statements to federal agents, could we go to prison for lying to you? 00:48:34 - What negotiation skills would you recommend for convincing your partner to let you do a thru-hike? 00:51:03 - Tell us more about active listening. 00:53:40 - Did you ever use these communication strategies while hiking? 00:56:44 - What other skills crossed over between being an FBI agent and hiking? 00:59:07 - Did you experience fear before starting the trail? 01:00:30 - Did you hike with a gun? 01:03:10 - If you had to pick one state on the AT to carry your gun through, which would it be? 01:06:40 - Was your husband more worried about your career or about your hiking? 01:08:31 - What were your single most dangerous moments in the FBI and on the trail? 01:14:03 - What other things did you bring to trail from your career? 01:18:50 - Did the trail ever grant you any insights related to your work or a case? 01:21:24 - Is there an emotional lull after completing each case? 01:24:10 - Did you ever have a case that could have been an episode of X-Files? 01:25:30 - What are things that movies and shows always get wrong? 01:28:12 - What are the advantages to section hiking the AT over many years instead of all at once? 01:31:35 - Tell us about how you planned the sections. 01:38:14 - Give us your trail name origin story. 01:42:20 - When did you get the inspiration to write the book? 01:46:08 - What can a reader expect when they pick up the book? 01:48:50 - Where can people find the book? SEGMENTS MG Check-In Trek Propaganda Desolation Wilderness Now Requires Bear-Resistant Food Storage by Kelly Floro Triple Crown of non-A or B-list celebrities you'd love to party with Listener Voicemail 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, Greg Mac, Tracy "Trigger" Fawns, Mike Poisel, and Kristina Diaz. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

Aug 8, 20222h 27m

#160 | Beginner Backpacking Mistakes 2.0

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In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek we are bringing you another edition of Beginner Backpacking Mistakes. Today we're joined by our good pal and backpacking superstar, Steven "Twinkle" Shattuck, to give you a rundown of mistakes to avoid on your next backpacking trip. If you listened to the first edition of this panel, rest assured that all of the tips in this episode are brand new- backed by many thousands of miles of trail experience- we made all the mistakes so you don't have to. We also have a triple crown of our favorite day hikes in Colorado, we learn about Twinkle and Grace's recent epic backpacking trip in Peru, and we wrap the show with a solid hazing of Chaunce. RTIC Outdoors: Use code "backpacker" for 10% off orders over $50 at rticoutdoors.com. Organifi: Use code "backpacker" for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker. Ned: Use code "backpacker" for 15% off at helloned.com/backpacker. Tanri: Use code "bpradio10" for 10% off at tanri.com. Panel with Badger, Chaunce, and Twinkle Backpacker Radio 61 | Grace and Steven "Twinkle" Shattuck on Their 15 Month Dirtbagging Adventure Backpacker Radio Episode #6: Steven "Twinkle" Shattuck on Dirt-Bagging for a Year, The Best Headlamps for Thru-Hiking, and Curing Anxiety on Trail Twinkle's Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:06:18 - QOTD: What have you been up to since we last talked? 00:11:27 - Discussion about Twinkle's Huayllapa Circuit hike 00:21:14 - Twinkle's Mistake #1: Relying on your phone too heavily for navigation 00:28:20 - Chaunce's Mistake #1: Not including gear replacements or fixes into your trail budget 00:36:00 - Zach's Mistake #1: Not eating enough food 00:43:50 - Twinkle's Mistake #2: Splitting up with your group without making a detailed plan 00:57:08 - Chaunce's Mistake #2: Just because your body feels like it can push on, doesn't mean it should 01:02:32 - Zach's Mistake #2: Be more selective with your campsites 01:15:02 - Twinkle's Mistake #3: Do not buy excess footwear prior to your hike 01:25:00 - Nancy East fan club 01:28:13 - Chaunce's Mistake #3: Not preparing for what happens after your hike 01:34:58 - Zach's Mistake #3: Not budgeting enough extra time for your hike SEGMENTS Trek Propaganda 5 Backpacking Hacks I Learned from HikeTok by Katie Houston Triple Crown of our favorite Colorado day hikes [divider] Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, Greg Mac, Tracy "Trigger" Fawns, Mike Poisel, and Kristina Diaz. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

Aug 1, 20222h 42m

#159 | Shayla "Kiddo" Paradeis on Hiking Without a Smartphone and Healing from Trauma

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In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Shayla "Kiddo" Paradeis. Shayla is a very accomplished backpacker, with the triple crown just scratching the surface of her hiking resume, but it's her approach to backpacking that makes this conversation stand out. We chat about what it's like to backpack in today's age without a smartphone, including the differences of keeping in touch with hikers, navigating on trail, tracking the forecast, and more. Shayla also shares her experience of healing on trail, and how her experiences as a sexual assault survivor have played a major role in her desire to be in the backcountry. Another warning to listeners, if the subject of sexual assault is especially triggering to you, we encourage you to skip ahead about half way into today's interview. We wrap the show with the triple crown of reasons to go to a baseball game, we check in with MG as she's just hiked through the 100-Mile Wilderness, we discuss things that feel like a scam but aren't (but also sort of are), and give a shoutout to a couple who got engaged on the PCT this year! Gossamer Gear: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at gossamergear.com. Enlightened Equipment: Use code "ultralight10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com. Ned: Use code "backpacker" for 15% off at helloned.com/backpacker. Interview with Shayla "Kiddo" Paradeis Shayla's Website Shayla's Youtube Channel Time stamps & Questions 00:02:52 - QOTD: What isn't a scam but feels like one? 00:05:50 - Reminders: Leftover trail days shirts *were* in the Trek store! 00:06:38 - Introducing Shayla 00:07:23 - How does one decide to hike without a smartphone? 00:10:23 - What's the rationale? 00:13:12 - Are you off of social media entirely? 00:15:10 - Do you ever listen to music? 00:17:24 - How have you noticed hikers change as you've hiked so many trails? 00:21:59 - Have you noticed a change in how you get through your day? 00:24:37 - How are you checking the weather forecast? 00:25:54 - Do you get frustrated being around other hikers who are always on their phones? 00:28:10 - Has any part of you lost faith in humanity? 00:29:57 - Discussion about navigation and getting lost without a phone. 00:33:52 - Tell us about your hiking group patterns for your long trails. 00:36:25 - What was your hitchhiking method? 00:37:07 - Did you ever get bothered by your hiking partners using their phones? 00:38:36 - If you could do it over again, would you hike alone? 00:40:17 - Do you have any tips for people wanting to set boundaries? 00:46:44 - Tell us about the Haute Route. 00:49:06 - Can you compare the Haute Route and the Tour du Mont Blanc? 00:51:02 - Are you also a runner? 00:52:30 - Why don't you like racing as much anymore? 00:53:44 - Did you have a light pack in 2011? 00:54:41 - Tell us about eating better. 00:56:51 - How many calories did you consume on trail? 00:57:49 - Are you a competitive person? 01:01:11 - Tell us more about why you're hiking. 01:04:57 - What happened that led you to run away to Glacier? 01:06:30 - Were your parents disappointed when you left New York? 01:08:02 - Did the trauma you experience relate to getting into backpacking? 01:09:42 - Have you found thru-hiking to be healing? 01:10:41 - (Begin trigger warning) How did your relationship on trail pan out? 01:12:33 - Did any part of you want to quit hiking after that? 01:15:10 - How did you feel safety-wise after that? 01:16:36 - Tell us more about your book. 01:18:47 - Can you give us a synopsis of what the book is about? 01:21:22 - (End trigger warning) Tell us about the volunteering you do in Glacier National Park. 01:25:50 - Tell us about grizzlies and wolves! 01:27:10 - Discussion about how wolves impact the ecosystem. 01:29:08 - Is there anything else you want to share? 01:29:48 - Thank you! SEGMENTS MG Check-In Trek Propaganda Meet the Thru-Hiking Couple Who Got Engaged on the PCT by Penina Satlow After 9,000 Miles of Thru-Hiking, These Are the 10 Items I Never Leave Home Without by Jenn Wall Triple Crown of reasons to go to a baseball game Pupdate Mara-Edition Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, Greg Mac, Tracy "Trigger" Fawns, and Mike Poisel. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdl

Jul 25, 20221h 58m

#158 | Kathryn Miles on Attempting to Solve the Shenandoah Murders

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by RTIC, we are joined by Kathryn Miles. Kathryn is an award-winning journalist, science writer, and the author of five books, most recently "Trailed: One Woman's Quest to Solve the Shenandoah Murders", which is the focus of today's chat. We go deep on everything to do with this case, including the gruesome details of the murders, why this was not a random act of violence, why this case has yet to be solved, who Kathryn believes to be the perpetrator, and much more. A warning to listeners, this one goes into some pretty horrific details on the subjects of sexual assault and murder. If either of these subjects are especially triggering to you, we encourage you to skip ahead to the segments for this one. We then pivot from rape and murder to the triple crown of ice cream toppings. Typical backpacker radio stuff. RTIC Outdoors: Use code "backpacker" for 10% off your order of $50 or more at rticoutdoors.com Gossamer Gear: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at gossamergear.com. Enlightened Equipment: Use code "ultralight10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com. [divider] Interview with Kathryn Miles Kathryn Miles Website Kathryn's Instagram Buy Trailed: One Woman's Quest to Solve the Shenandoah Murders or at your local bookstore Time stamps & Questions 00:05:23 - QOTD: How was your day today? 00:11:37 - Introducing Kathryn Miles 00:12:12 - What's your hiking background? 00:12:53 - Anything else you want to add about the hiker designations? 00:13:52 - Can you tell us about your journalism career? 00:15:23 - Did you always know 'Trailed: One Woman's Quest to Solve the Shenandoah Murders' was going to become a book? 00:17:01 - Can you give an overview of the case? 00:19:11 - What were the challenges with writing this? 00:21:36 - Do you eventually develop thicker skin towards these stories? 00:22:45 - Going into this project, were you afraid of the side effects others experienced after digging into similar stories? 00:24:08 - Did you have a background or past interest in true crime? 00:25:44 - When you're researching something like this, where do you start? 00:27:40 - How do you focus on the killer when you don't know the killer? 00:29:44 - Amateur sleuthing 00:30:32 - Do you worry about bringing a new potential killer into the story? 00:32:45 - Did you lose your love for the outdoors and hiking after writing the book? 00:35:12 - Did you end up viewing the photos? 00:36:40 - Could you share some more details around this being a premeditated murder? 00:39:58 - What will readers learn through the book that they wouldn't through the police reports? 00:42:01 - What were some of the most interesting things you found in the reports? 00:47:37 - Can you speak to the general safety of the trails? 00:50:37 - Do you think there's anything nefarious with that? 00:53:15 - Are park rangers part of a union? 00:54:01 - Tell us more about the culture clash in the involved parties 00:55:59 - Were there any thru-hiking suspects? 00:56:48 - Did you ever find out why he had a bloody knife? 00:58:18 - Can you tell us more about the second character? 01:00:24 - What were the similarities between the two murders? 01:01:01 - Was there a purpose to wrapping a body in a sleeping bag? 01:02:53 - How do they determine who's vibrator it was? 01:03:52 - What did he do to modify it? 01:05:54 - Is there any scenario in which the murderer wants to be caught? 01:08:59 - What's your personal opinion on who the killer is? 01:10:10 - What is Darrell Rice doing these days? 01:11:11 - Did you try to reach out to Darrell Rice? 01:12:12 - Is he still missing? 01:13:30 - What convinced them it was Darrell Rice? 01:16:28 - What do you think it will take for the FBI to pick up this case again? 01:16:53 - Where should phone calls and letters be sent? 01:17:39 - What are the odds that the person who did it, isn't either of the two focused on in the book? 01:18:45 - How do you see the Shenandoah murders fitting into a culture of misogyny? 01:20:34 - Could you tell us more about your research into women being excluded from the outdoors? 01:22:18 - How do you instill confidence into those still out hiking near the Shenandoah? 01:24:26 - How was it hiking the AT during that time? 01:25:14 - How did it change the vibe of the trail? 01:26:49 - Do you think it would have impacted the outcome if the women were in a more public camping area? 01:28:21 - Are there other documented crimes specifically against non-binary hikers on trail? 01:30:22 - Is there any research on non-binary hiker crimes? 01:32:01 - Where should people get your book? 01:32:30 - Any projects in the pipeline we should know about? 01:33:37 - Wrap Up SEGMENTS Surprise Mail Audience Mail Bag Trek Propaganda [Book Review] Trailed: One Woman's Quest to Solve the Shenandoah Murders by Penina Satlow Triple Crown Q&A Segment [divider] Check out our sound guy @Pau

Jul 18, 20222h 8m

#157 | Tahoe Rim Trail: Badger Recaps Trail Highlights, Logistics, Chafes, and Gear Advice

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In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek we are joined by no one! Today's episode is all about the Tahoe Rim Trail and Badger's recent experience thru-hiking this trail. This one covers everything you'd want to know about hiking the TRT, including the trail's basics, my experience and advice for resupply, gear, pacing, permits, bear storage, the best time to hike this trail, bugs, dealing with snow, navigation, funny stories, cell service, worst chafes, best poops, and much more. We wrap the show with a very weird and impromptu segment- healing your holes with Badger and Chaunce, we touch on the sad news of a hiker who recently passed in the White Mountain National Forest, we get a ridiculous poop story from our pal Paul Packman Sealy, and Backpacker Radio sponsorship winner MG gives us her first update from the AT! Gossamer Gear: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at gossamergear.com. Organifi: Use code "backpacker" for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker. Enlightened Equipment: Use code "ultralight10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com. Point6: Use code "point6trek" for 30% off at point6.com. [divider] Interview with Zach "Badger" Davis Badger's Tahoe Rim Trail Gear List Time stamps & Questions 00:04:42 - QOTD: Would you rather have an elephant's nose or a giraffe's neck? 00:08:20 - Introducing Zach! 00:09:05 - What is the TRT? 00:10:52 - Which direction did you hike? 00:11:57 - Tell us about the elevation and miles per day. 00:14:40 - Did you need a bear canister? 00:18:25 - Tell us about the permits required. 00:21:21 - How many people did you see each day? 00:22:30 - Did anyone ask if you hiked the AT? 00:24:25 - How was the water situation? 00:26:13 - Was it exposed or under treeline? 00:27:15 - How was the snow situation? 00:33:40 - What is the best time of year to hike the TRT? 00:35:49 - Tell us about day 1. 00:39:28 - Did you make any friends? 00:39:47 - Discussion about Zach's Ursack. 00:43:30 - Tell us about day 2 (chafing). 00:47:40 - Discussion about Zach wearing a kilt on the AT (disclaimer: disturbing visuals). 00:51:29 - Tell us about day 3 (weather, gear). 00:58:25 - Tell us about day 4 (burn area, ubering, town day). 01:05:47 - Tell us about day 5 (Desolation Wilderness, hiking with friends vs. alone). 01:12:30 - Tell us about day 6 (Tahoe City). 01:15:57 - Any other notable food things? 01:19:27 - Did you have vitamins and supplements? 01:23:04 - Discussion about weight and muscle. 01:26:55 - Tell us about day 7 (snow, cold). 01:30:22 - How did you get to the trail? 01:32:55 - Where does it rank among other shorter thru-hikes you've done? 01:34:04 - Would you recommend the TRT to first-time long distance hikers? 01:35:24 - How was this experience different now that you're a father? 01:36:54 - Is it worth traveling across the country as someone from the East Coast? 01:37:47 - Anything you would have done differently? 01:38:41 - How long was your longest food carry? 01:39:35 - Did you have any knee pain and if so, how did you alleviate it? 01:39:52 - Did you have any trouble navigating? 01:41:00 - Any poop stories? 01:44:28 - What's the next hike for a now-dad? SEGMENTS MG Check-In Trek Propaganda Badger's Tahoe Rim Trail Gear List Hiker Rescued from Presidential Traverse on Saturday Has Died by Kelly Floro Paul's Poop Story 5 Star Review Healing Your Hole with Zach and Chaunce [divider] Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, and Greg Mac. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

Jul 11, 20222h 14m

#156 | The Virtual Sherpa on Peak Bagging 13ers and 14ers, Responsibly Promoting Trails, and Video Guiding

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In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, brought to you by RTIC, we are joined by Mickey aka The Virtual Sherpa. The Virtual Sherpa runs a successful website and youtube channel dedicated to sharing tips, trail overviews, and more from some of his favorite trails around Colorado and the greater Southwest. We chat about what some of the most underrated 13,000 ft peaks are in Colorado, and why they might be even better than many of the state's 14ers, some of his favorite hikes without hoards of people, his philosophy on gatekeeping and responsibly promoting trails, and much more. We wrap the show with a backpacking trip in Zion National Park that deserves to be on your bucket list, a Q&A touching on a range of subjects including but not limited to good hiking spots for late fall, what life is like with a budding toddler, the scent of tent sex, and more. RTIC Outdoors: Use code "backpacker" for 10% off orders over $50 at rticoutdoors.com. Gossamer Gear: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at gossamergear.com. Organifi: Use code "backpacker" for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker. Point6: Use code "point6trek" for 30% off at point6.com. [divider] Interview with Mickey aka "Virtual Sherpa" The Virtual Sherpa Website The Virtual Sherpa Youtube Channel The Virtual Sherpa Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:04:40 - QOTD: At what age do people start consuming more Tums than Starbursts? 00:09:19 - Introducing Mickey aka "Virtual Sherpa" 00:09:37 - Mickey's Shit Story 00:12:42 - Tell us your backpacking and peak bagging resume. 00:14:30 - Discussion about trail and ultrarunning. 00:15:33 - What's harder, training for an Ironman or training for a 100-mile run? 00:19:29 - How fast are you? 00:20:55 - Give us some background on how the website started. 00:22:39 - Tell us about your preference with 14ers versus 13ers. 00:24:32 - Tell us why you loved living in Chicago if you hate people. 00:26:20 - Tell us about the 13er you did over Memorial Day? 00:27:15 - Fuck Mary Kill: peak bagging, CT section hikes/backpacking, trail running 00:28:40 - Tell us about the evolution of the website and Youtube channel. 00:31:32 - How do you feel about the conflict between exposing trails via the internet and avoiding people while hiking? 00:34:23 - Why does someone need to work hard to find a spot? 00:35:50 - Discussion about keeping spots secret, public land, and gatekeeping. 00:41:22 - How would you describe your audience and what are the most common questions you get? 00:44:10 - What are your top 3 favorite 14ers and top 3 least favorite 14ers? 00:46:58 - What are your favorite and least favorite 13ers? 00:48:35 - What are your top 3 secret spots? 00:51:20 - Discussion about fear and anxiety about the mountains. 00:53:19 - Do you have a preference between the blog or the Youtube channel? 00:55:52 - Have you asked your friend why there's a story before every recipe? 00:57:21 - What is a border-crossing expedition? 00:58:43 - Do you have any highlights from exploring Utah? 01:02:23 - Discussion about National Parks, crowds, and timing hikes. 01:07:34 - Discussion about Canyonlands. 01:09:13 - What are your big 3 for a typical backpacking trip? 01:12:22 - What's your typical camera setup? 01:14:40 - Tell us about your dog, taking your dog on adventures, and tips for hiking with dogs. 01:20:34 - Anything else do you want to share? 01:22:14 - Thank you! SEGMENTS Trek Propaganda The Zion Traverse: Hiking Off the Beaten Path in Utah's Most Popular National Park by Katie Kommer Q&A 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, and Greg Mac. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

Jul 4, 20221h 47m

#155 | Pony Re-Returns to Chat About Sex on Trail, Section Hiking the CDT, and His PCT Thru-Hiking Memoir

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In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, brought to you by RTIC, we are joined yet again by our pal, Clay Bonnyman Evans, known on trail as "Pony". Pony is fresh off the New Mexico stretch of the CDT and full of hot takes, including a renewed interest in all things dealing with sex on trail, why he thinks the "brutality" of the CDT is overstated- at least through New Mexico, we learn all about Clay's new book, "Adrift on the Pacific Crest Trail: A Thru-Hiking Story", and why Pony decided to do his first long distance backpacking trip sober. For those who've listened to previous interviews with Pony, you already know that conversations with him are a wild ride, this one is certainly no exception. If your children are listening to this episode, probably turn it off. We wrap the show with a detailing of the dumpster fire that is Chaunce's toilet and we do a triple crown of reasons why Zach's Tahoe Rim Trail hike will get canceled. RTIC Outdoors: Use code "backpacker" for 10% off orders over $50 at rticoutdoors.com. Gossamer Gear: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at gossamergear.com. Enlightened Equipment: Use code "ultralight10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com. Point6: Use code "point6trek" for 30% off at point6.com. [divider] Interview with Clay Bonnyman Evans AKA "Pony" Pony's Book Pony's Instagram Pony's Website Time stamps & Questions 00:04:53 - QOTD: How's your toilet? 00:14:41 - Introducing Clay Bonnyman Evans AKA "Pony" 00:15:40 - Discussion about sex on trail. 00:19:40 - Do you think the ratio of males and females on trail is a factor? 00:22:14 - What's a wild story you got asking people about sex on trail? 00:32:04 - Tell us about the New Mexico section of the CDT. 00:38:45 - Discussion about water sources in New Mexico. 00:39:21 - Discussion about trail marking in New Mexico. 00:41:32 - Discussion about trail towns in New Mexico. 00:43:02 - Odd encounter stories. 00:46:45 - What wildlife did you see? 00:49:48 - Discussion about the community of the CDT. 00:52:20 - Discussion about the relative brutality of the CDT. 00:53:35 - Tell us your thoughts on snow in Colorado. 01:01:11 - Do you think people wanted to push through because of forest closures? 01:03:25 - Discussion about CDT start dates and southbounding. 01:11:15 - Discussion about the Creede cutoff. 01:18:46 - Tell us about your book writing process. 01:24:47 - Discussion about including relationship content in the book. 01:27:16 - How did you write the book so quickly? 01:32:02 - Hype for Zach's books. 01:33:34 - What shoes do you have? 01:36:38 - Discussion about post trail activity and food. 01:37:30 - Discussion about hiking sober and Pony's twelve step program experience. 01:43:18 - Discussion about Pony's social personality. 01:45:56 - Did you miss drinking more or less than you expected? 01:47:18 - Pony's story about Garmin troubles. 01:53:05 - What Pony learned from the Garmin representative. 02:00:06 - Have you used the Somewhere Labs communicator? 02:02:40 - Discussion about dead cows. 02:06:08 - Discussion about living cows and angry bull sounds. 02:10:15 - Discussion about the popularity of the CDT. 02:14:50 - Discussion about Chaunce's age. 02:18:11 - Thanks! SEGMENTS Trek Propaganda Join our team! Triple Crown of reasons Zach's Tahoe Rim Trail trip could get canceled 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, and Greg Mac. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

Jun 27, 20222h 42m

#155 | Pony Re-Returns to Chat About Sex on Trail, Section Hiking the CDT, and His PCT Thru-Hiking Memoir

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In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, brought to you by RTIC, we are joined yet again by our pal, Clay Bonnyman Evans, known on trail as "Pony". Pony is fresh off the New Mexico stretch of the CDT and full of hot takes, including a renewed interest in all things dealing with sex on trail, why he thinks the "brutality" of the CDT is overstated- at least through New Mexico, we learn all about Clay's new book, "Adrift on the Pacific Crest Trail: A Thru-Hiking Story", and why Pony decided to do his first long distance backpacking trip sober. For those who've listened to previous interviews with Pony, you already know that conversations with him are a wild ride, this one is certainly no exception. If your children are listening to this episode, probably turn it off. We wrap the show with a detailing of the dumpster fire that is Chaunce's toilet and we do a triple crown of reasons why Zach's Tahoe Rim Trail hike will get canceled. RTIC Outdoors: Use code "backpacker" for 10% off orders over $50 at rticoutdoors.com. Gossamer Gear: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at gossamergear.com. Enlightened Equipment: Use code "ultralight10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com. Point6: Use code "point6trek" for 30% off at point6.com. [divider] Interview with Clay Bonnyman Evans AKA "Pony" Pony's Book Pony's Instagram Pony's Website Time stamps & Questions 00:04:53 - QOTD: How's your toilet? 00:14:41 - Introducing Clay Bonnyman Evans AKA "Pony" 00:15:40 - Discussion about sex on trail. 00:19:40 - Do you think the ratio of males and females on trail is a factor? 00:22:14 - What's a wild story you got asking people about sex on trail? 00:32:04 - Tell us about the New Mexico section of the CDT. 00:38:45 - Discussion about water sources in New Mexico. 00:39:21 - Discussion about trail marking in New Mexico. 00:41:32 - Discussion about trail towns in New Mexico. 00:43:02 - Odd encounter stories. 00:46:45 - What wildlife did you see? 00:49:48 - Discussion about the community of the CDT. 00:52:20 - Discussion about the relative brutality of the CDT. 00:53:35 - Tell us your thoughts on snow in Colorado. 01:01:11 - Do you think people wanted to push through because of forest closures? 01:03:25 - Discussion about CDT start dates and southbounding. 01:11:15 - Discussion about the Creede cutoff. 01:18:46 - Tell us about your book writing process. 01:24:47 - Discussion about including relationship content in the book. 01:27:16 - How did you write the book so quickly? 01:32:02 - Hype for Zach's books. 01:33:34 - What shoes do you have? 01:36:38 - Discussion about post trail activity and food. 01:37:30 - Discussion about hiking sober and Pony's twelve step program experience. 01:43:18 - Discussion about Pony's social personality. 01:45:56 - Did you miss drinking more or less than you expected? 01:47:18 - Pony's story about Garmin troubles. 01:53:05 - What Pony learned from the Garmin representative. 02:00:06 - Have you used the Somewhere Labs communicator? 02:02:40 - Discussion about dead cows. 02:06:08 - Discussion about living cows and angry bull sounds. 02:10:15 - Discussion about the popularity of the CDT. 02:14:50 - Discussion about Chaunce's age. 02:18:11 - Thanks! SEGMENTS Trek Propaganda Join our team! Triple Crown of reasons Zach's Tahoe Rim Trail trip could get canceled 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, and Greg Mac. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

Jun 27, 20222h 42m

#155 | Pony Re-Returns to Chat About Sex on Trail, Section Hiking the CDT, and His PCT Thru-Hiking Memoir

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In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, brought to you by RTIC, we are joined yet again by our pal, Clay Bonnyman Evans, known on trail as "Pony". Pony is fresh off the New Mexico stretch of the CDT and full of hot takes, including a renewed interest in all things dealing with sex on trail, why he thinks the "brutality" of the CDT is overstated- at least through New Mexico, we learn all about Clay's new book, "Adrift on the Pacific Crest Trail: A Thru-Hiking Story", and why Pony decided to do his first long distance backpacking trip sober. For those who've listened to previous interviews with Pony, you already know that conversations with him are a wild ride, this one is certainly no exception. If your children are listening to this episode, probably turn it off. We wrap the show with a detailing of the dumpster fire that is Chaunce's toilet and we do a triple crown of reasons why Zach's Tahoe Rim Trail hike will get canceled. RTIC Outdoors: Use code "backpacker" for 10% off orders over $50 at rticoutdoors.com. Gossamer Gear: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at gossamergear.com. Enlightened Equipment: Use code "ultralight10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com. Point6: Use code "point6trek" for 30% off at point6.com. [divider] Interview with Clay Bonnyman Evans AKA "Pony" Pony's Book Pony's Instagram Pony's Website Time stamps & Questions 00:04:53 - QOTD: How's your toilet? 00:14:41 - Introducing Clay Bonnyman Evans AKA "Pony" 00:15:40 - Discussion about sex on trail. 00:19:40 - Do you think the ratio of males and females on trail is a factor? 00:22:14 - What's a wild story you got asking people about sex on trail? 00:32:04 - Tell us about the New Mexico section of the CDT. 00:38:45 - Discussion about water sources in New Mexico. 00:39:21 - Discussion about trail marking in New Mexico. 00:41:32 - Discussion about trail towns in New Mexico. 00:43:02 - Odd encounter stories. 00:46:45 - What wildlife did you see? 00:49:48 - Discussion about the community of the CDT. 00:52:20 - Discussion about the relative brutality of the CDT. 00:53:35 - Tell us your thoughts on snow in Colorado. 01:01:11 - Do you think people wanted to push through because of forest closures? 01:03:25 - Discussion about CDT start dates and southbounding. 01:11:15 - Discussion about the Creede cutoff. 01:18:46 - Tell us about your book writing process. 01:24:47 - Discussion about including relationship content in the book. 01:27:16 - How did you write the book so quickly? 01:32:02 - Hype for Zach's books. 01:33:34 - What shoes do you have? 01:36:38 - Discussion about post trail activity and food. 01:37:30 - Discussion about hiking sober and Pony's twelve step program experience. 01:43:18 - Discussion about Pony's social personality. 01:45:56 - Did you miss drinking more or less than you expected? 01:47:18 - Pony's story about Garmin troubles. 01:53:05 - What Pony learned from the Garmin representative. 02:00:06 - Have you used the Somewhere Labs communicator? 02:02:40 - Discussion about dead cows. 02:06:08 - Discussion about living cows and angry bull sounds. 02:10:15 - Discussion about the popularity of the CDT. 02:14:50 - Discussion about Chaunce's age. 02:18:11 - Thanks! SEGMENTS Trek Propaganda Join our team! Triple Crown of reasons Zach's Tahoe Rim Trail trip could get canceled 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, and Greg Mac. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

Jun 27, 20222h 42m

#155 | Pony Re-Returns to Chat About Sex on Trail, Section Hiking the CDT, and His PCT Thru-Hiking Memoir

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In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, brought to you by RTIC, we are joined yet again by our pal, Clay Bonnyman Evans, known on trail as "Pony". Pony is fresh off the New Mexico stretch of the CDT and full of hot takes, including a renewed interest in all things dealing with sex on trail, why he thinks the "brutality" of the CDT is overstated- at least through New Mexico, we learn all about Clay's new book, "Adrift on the Pacific Crest Trail: A Thru-Hiking Story", and why Pony decided to do his first long distance backpacking trip sober. For those who've listened to previous interviews with Pony, you already know that conversations with him are a wild ride, this one is certainly no exception. If your children are listening to this episode, probably turn it off. We wrap the show with a detailing of the dumpster fire that is Chaunce's toilet and we do a triple crown of reasons why Zach's Tahoe Rim Trail hike will get canceled. RTIC Outdoors: Use code "backpacker" for 10% off orders over $50 at rticoutdoors.com. Gossamer Gear: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at gossamergear.com. Enlightened Equipment: Use code "ultralight10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com. Point6: Use code "point6trek" for 30% off at point6.com. [divider] Interview with Clay Bonnyman Evans AKA "Pony" Pony's Book Pony's Instagram Pony's Website Time stamps & Questions 00:04:53 - QOTD: How's your toilet? 00:14:41 - Introducing Clay Bonnyman Evans AKA "Pony" 00:15:40 - Discussion about sex on trail. 00:19:40 - Do you think the ratio of males and females on trail is a factor? 00:22:14 - What's a wild story you got asking people about sex on trail? 00:32:04 - Tell us about the New Mexico section of the CDT. 00:38:45 - Discussion about water sources in New Mexico. 00:39:21 - Discussion about trail marking in New Mexico. 00:41:32 - Discussion about trail towns in New Mexico. 00:43:02 - Odd encounter stories. 00:46:45 - What wildlife did you see? 00:49:48 - Discussion about the community of the CDT. 00:52:20 - Discussion about the relative brutality of the CDT. 00:53:35 - Tell us your thoughts on snow in Colorado. 01:01:11 - Do you think people wanted to push through because of forest closures? 01:03:25 - Discussion about CDT start dates and southbounding. 01:11:15 - Discussion about the Creede cutoff. 01:18:46 - Tell us about your book writing process. 01:24:47 - Discussion about including relationship content in the book. 01:27:16 - How did you write the book so quickly? 01:32:02 - Hype for Zach's books. 01:33:34 - What shoes do you have? 01:36:38 - Discussion about post trail activity and food. 01:37:30 - Discussion about hiking sober and Pony's twelve step program experience. 01:43:18 - Discussion about Pony's social personality. 01:45:56 - Did you miss drinking more or less than you expected? 01:47:18 - Pony's story about Garmin troubles. 01:53:05 - What Pony learned from the Garmin representative. 02:00:06 - Have you used the Somewhere Labs communicator? 02:02:40 - Discussion about dead cows. 02:06:08 - Discussion about living cows and angry bull sounds. 02:10:15 - Discussion about the popularity of the CDT. 02:14:50 - Discussion about Chaunce's age. 02:18:11 - Thanks! SEGMENTS Trek Propaganda Join our team! Triple Crown of reasons Zach's Tahoe Rim Trail trip could get canceled 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, and Greg Mac. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

Jun 27, 20222h 42m

#155 | Pony Re-Returns to Chat About Sex on Trail, Section Hiking the CDT, and His PCT Thru-Hiking Memoir

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In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, brought to you by RTIC, we are joined yet again by our pal, Clay Bonnyman Evans, known on trail as "Pony". Pony is fresh off the New Mexico stretch of the CDT and full of hot takes, including a renewed interest in all things dealing with sex on trail, why he thinks the "brutality" of the CDT is overstated- at least through New Mexico, we learn all about Clay's new book, "Adrift on the Pacific Crest Trail: A Thru-Hiking Story", and why Pony decided to do his first long distance backpacking trip sober. For those who've listened to previous interviews with Pony, you already know that conversations with him are a wild ride, this one is certainly no exception. If your children are listening to this episode, probably turn it off. We wrap the show with a detailing of the dumpster fire that is Chaunce's toilet and we do a triple crown of reasons why Zach's Tahoe Rim Trail hike will get canceled. RTIC Outdoors: Use code "backpacker" for 10% off orders over $50 at rticoutdoors.com. Gossamer Gear: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at gossamergear.com. Enlightened Equipment: Use code "ultralight10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com. Point6: Use code "point6trek" for 30% off at point6.com. [divider] Interview with Clay Bonnyman Evans AKA "Pony" Pony's Book Pony's Instagram Pony's Website Time stamps & Questions 00:04:53 - QOTD: How's your toilet? 00:14:41 - Introducing Clay Bonnyman Evans AKA "Pony" 00:15:40 - Discussion about sex on trail. 00:19:40 - Do you think the ratio of males and females on trail is a factor? 00:22:14 - What's a wild story you got asking people about sex on trail? 00:32:04 - Tell us about the New Mexico section of the CDT. 00:38:45 - Discussion about water sources in New Mexico. 00:39:21 - Discussion about trail marking in New Mexico. 00:41:32 - Discussion about trail towns in New Mexico. 00:43:02 - Odd encounter stories. 00:46:45 - What wildlife did you see? 00:49:48 - Discussion about the community of the CDT. 00:52:20 - Discussion about the relative brutality of the CDT. 00:53:35 - Tell us your thoughts on snow in Colorado. 01:01:11 - Do you think people wanted to push through because of forest closures? 01:03:25 - Discussion about CDT start dates and southbounding. 01:11:15 - Discussion about the Creede cutoff. 01:18:46 - Tell us about your book writing process. 01:24:47 - Discussion about including relationship content in the book. 01:27:16 - How did you write the book so quickly? 01:32:02 - Hype for Zach's books. 01:33:34 - What shoes do you have? 01:36:38 - Discussion about post trail activity and food. 01:37:30 - Discussion about hiking sober and Pony's twelve step program experience. 01:43:18 - Discussion about Pony's social personality. 01:45:56 - Did you miss drinking more or less than you expected? 01:47:18 - Pony's story about Garmin troubles. 01:53:05 - What Pony learned from the Garmin representative. 02:00:06 - Have you used the Somewhere Labs communicator? 02:02:40 - Discussion about dead cows. 02:06:08 - Discussion about living cows and angry bull sounds. 02:10:15 - Discussion about the popularity of the CDT. 02:14:50 - Discussion about Chaunce's age. 02:18:11 - Thanks! SEGMENTS Trek Propaganda Join our team! Triple Crown of reasons Zach's Tahoe Rim Trail trip could get canceled 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, and Greg Mac. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

Jun 27, 20222h 42m

#154 | Backpacking Nutrition: How to Eat Intelligently, Avoiding Post-Trail Weight Gain, Hydration and Supplement Advice

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In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to by RTIC, we are joined by Lauren Capone. In addition to being an accomplished triathlete and runner herself, Lauren holds a Master of Science in Applied Nutrition and works as a Functional and Integrative Health Practitioner at Flatirons Integrative Health & Nutrition in Boulder, CO. Our conversation covers a ton of ground on all things nutrition and health for backpacking and beyond, including why people end up gaining the weight they lose on a backpacking trip so quickly post-trail (and what can be done to prevent that), the metabolic effects of long distance endurance exercise, how to know if you're getting the right amount of calories during your hike, her thoughts on eating keto, vegan, or paleo on trail, what supplements a backpacker should consider using, how to stay properly hydrated on trail, and much more. Simply put, you will walk away from this interview with a ton of useful information. Get the notepad ready. RTIC Outdoors: Use code "backpacker" for 10% off orders over $50 at rticoutdoors.com. Gossamer Gear: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at gossamergear.com. Organifi: Use code "backpacker" for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker. Enlightened Equipment: Use code "thetrek10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com. [divider] Interview with Lauren Capone Flatirons Integrative Health and Nutrition Lauren's Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:05:14 - Introducing Lauren 00:06:13 - How did you get into endurance sports? 00:08:16 - Tell us about the Ironman. 00:10:53 - At what point did you do your first full Ironman? 00:13:24 - What are the qualifying metrics for the Kona Ironman? 00:15:00 - Tell us the highlights and stats from your Kona race. 00:17:59 - Did you mentally prepare in addition to physically prepare? 00:19:22 - Tell us more about the trail running you do now. 00:20:22 - Tell us your educational background as it relates to nutrition. 00:22:38 - How should someone think about food before a half-year backpacking trip? 00:24:27 - What should people think about in terms of macronutrients or overall calorie intake? 00:26:20 - Do you think there's an advantage to starting a trail with a little extra body weight? 00:27:43 - What should people think about caloric intake during the trail? 00:29:45 - Is there anything magical about eating every hour? 00:31:00 - Do you have a rule of thumb for daily caloric intake? 00:32:18 - How does someone figure out their BMR? 00:35:40 - What characteristics should someone look for to know if they're getting enough energy on trail? 00:41:19 - Would you advise against intermittent fasting while hiking a long trail? 00:43:24 - Tell us about macronutrients as they relate to backpacking. 00:46:40 - Do you have a rough starting spot for planning macronutrients? 00:47:39 - Should people rely on their cravings as a guide or be more targeted? 00:50:20 - Discussion about protein sources and intake on trail. 00:54:41 - Are there symptoms of someone getting sufficient carbs but insufficient protein? 00:55:56 - Do you have thoughts on diets like keto, paleo, vegetarian, or vegan? 01:00:16 - How should people think about weight loss on trail? 01:04:10 - Should someone aim for a surplus of calories while eating in town? 01:09:19 - What happens physiologically when you're in a chronic calorie deficit? 01:12:35 - Why do females commonly lose their cycles when doing endurance sports? 01:14:32 - What would other symptoms of caloric deficit look like for males? 01:17:14 - Is there a rough guide for someone trying to monitor their weight? 01:18:07 - Why do you think people often put back on weight they lost while hiking? 01:22:57 - What are your thoughts on prioritizing strength training after a thru-hike? 01:26:05 - Do you work with athletes with eating disorders? 01:30:23 - Discussion about weight maintenance after a thru-hike. 01:31:52 - Do you have a rough guide to staying hydrated on trail? 01:34:35 - Discussion about adding salt to water. 01:36:56 - Do you think that electrolyte testing makes sense? 01:39:03 - Discussion about hyponatremia and ways to avoid it. 01:43:04 - What are the most common hydration mistakes made by endurance athletes? 01:44:02 - Do you recommend omega-3 supplements? 01:45:52 - What are your thoughts on CBD? 01:46:29 - What else do you recommend related to anti-inflammatory supplements? 01:48:30 - Thoughts on the chronic use of ibuprofen? 01:49:48 - Thoughts on protein supplements? 01:51:10 - Thoughts on a general multivitamin? 01:52:50 - Thoughts on sleep aids or recommended sleep supplements? 01:55:12 - Do you have thoughts on higher doses of magnesium? 01:56:26 - Do you have thoughts on dehydrated green juice? 01:57:57 - Discussion about nutrient and hormone testing. 02:02:20 - How can people work with you or Flatirons Integrative? 02:03:04 - Thank you! SEGMENTS MG Check-In Trek Propaganda Appalachian Tra

Jun 20, 20222h 10m

#153 | AT Trail Days 2022: Thru-Hiker Interviews Part 2

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In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by goodr, we are joined by more AT Hiker Trash! This is volume II of our thru-hiker interviews from AT Trail Days 2022. This one concludes with a trail name origin story that is borderline too insane to believe. We wrap the show with some very sad news of a hiker's tragic fall from McAfee Knob, a Triple Crown of Passive Aggressive Statements Used in Work Emails, and how Badger's TRT plans almost fell through once again, as per tradition. Goodr: Use code "backpacker15" for 15% off at goodr.com/backpacker15. Gossamer Gear: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at gossamergear.com. Enlightened Equipment: Use code "thetrek10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com. Point6: Use code "point6trek" for 30% off point6.com. [divider] Interview with more current AT hikers! Time stamps & Questions 00:04:17 - QOTD: What was the highlight from your Memorial Day weekend? 00:11:10 - Interview with Take Three 00:19:29 - Interview with Ibex 00:25:32 - Interview with Nomad 00:33:10 - Interview with Turtle 00:38:09 - Interview with Pink and Flash 00:48:04 - Interview with Sweets 00:57:26 - Interview with Stove Top 01:05:55 - Interview with Dipper 01:14:47 - Interview with Fifty Cal 01:25:37 - Interview with Boston 01:31:52 - Interview with Smash SEGMENTS Trek Propaganda AT Hiker Who Fell from McAfee Knob Has Died, Authorities Confirm by Kelly Floro Triple Crown of passive aggressive statements used in work emails Mail Bag [divider] Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, and Greg Mac. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

Jun 13, 20222h 2m

#152 | Nancy East on her Smokies Map FKT, Search and Rescue, and New Book "Chasing the Smokies Moon"

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In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, brought to you by goodr, we are joined by peakbagger, author, search and rescuer, and all around awesome human, Nancy East. We go through Nancy's impressive list of thru-hikes, how she manages all the backpacking with a family who only sometimes joins her, we chat in depth about her search and rescue experiences and what advice all hikers can glean from the perspective of someone trying to rescue you, and we learn all about Nancy's book "Chasing the Smokies Moon: An audacious 938-mile hike fueled by love, loss, laughter, and lunacy". As recent guest Caet Cash put it, Nancy East is a beast. On the trail, this is 100% true. In talking with Nancy, the opposite is the case- Nancy is one of the nicest people you'll ever encounter and we had a great time chatting with her. We wrap the show with some more highlights from Trail Days, the triple crown of board games, and that the first and biggest magazine for Backpackers is significantly scaling back its operations. Goodr: Use code "backpacker15" for 15% off at goodr.com/backpacker15. Gossamer Gear: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at gossamergear.com. Organifi: Use code "backpacker" for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker. [divider] Interview with Nancy East Nancy's Website Nancy's Book Nancy's Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:04:38 - QOTD: What was your personal highlight on the last day of Trail Days? 00:16:02 - Introducing Nancy 00:16:43 - What's the origin story of your trail name? 00:18:55 - Was that event particularly stressful since you had your kids with you? 00:19:32 - How does Chaunce know Nancy? 00:20:22 - At what point did you learn of Nancy's legendary status? 00:21:54 - Tell us your trail resume. 00:23:56 - What advice do you have for someone who's looking to hike the Tahoe Rim Trail? 00:26:40 - Tell us about the Bartram Trail. 00:28:37 - Tell us about the Tour de LeConte. 00:29:38 - Do you leave your pack at the top or carry it the whole time? 00:30:51 - Tell us about setting the FKT on the Tour de LeConte. 00:31:54 - Is there a strategy to which trails you go up and which trails you go down? 00:34:05 - Bloody Mary check-in. 00:35:07 - Tell us about the Foothills Trail. 00:37:10 - How old were your kids when they hiked with you and how did they like the trail? 00:39:30 - Tell us about the Four Pass Loop. 00:42:14 - Tell us about the West Highland Way. 00:44:20 - Tell us about your blog. 00:45:36 - Tell us about the Tour du Mont Blanc. 00:48:10 - Tell us about the Trans Catalina Trail. 00:53:10 - Tell us about the Wonderland Trail. 00:54:39 - Tell us about the Timberline Trail. 00:56:05 - Tell us about the Palmetto Trail. 00:59:31 - Tell us a synopsis of your new book. 01:06:35 - Tell us more about how you got into search and rescue and lost person behavior. 01:10:08 - What are some of the most memorable rescues you've done? 01:14:14 - What are the most common traits of lost person behavior? 01:16:30 - Do you have strong thoughts about Gerry Largay? 01:18:40 - Give us some of the highlights and lowlights of your Smokies map hike. 01:23:04 - Did you know before the hike that you would write a book about it? 01:25:49 - How did you plan the hike? 01:28:18 - What food do you pick to bring to a lost person? 01:30:13 - Has anyone flirted with you during a rescue? 01:31:02 - What's the strategy for making kids love backpacking? 01:35:32 - What are the essential skills you've ensured your kids know? 01:37:30 - Are they proficient with navigation? 01:38:42 - Where can people find you? 01:39:16 - What adventures do you have coming up? 01:39:54 - Where can people find the book? 01:40:38 - Thank you! SEGMENTS Trek Propaganda Outside Ends Monthly Print Runs of Backpacker Magazine Amid Layoffs by Kelly Floro Triple Crown of board games Mail Bag 5 Star Review Dad Joke [divider] Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, and Greg Mac. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

Jun 6, 20222h 10m

#151 | AT Trail Days 2022: Thru-Hiker Interviews

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In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek brought to by Goodr, we are joined by a gaggle of AT Hiker Trash. Today's episode comes to you from Trail Days, where we go through a series of rapid fire questions with hikers who are in the midst of their 2022 AT thru-hikes. This one is the predictable amount of chaos. We wrap the show joined alongside Mara and Leah for our favorite moments from the AT road trip, a triple crown of fast food restaurants, and a listener educates us on plant water. Goodr: Use code "backpacker15" for 15% off at goodr.com/backpacker15. Gossamer Gear: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at gossamergear.com. Greenbelly: Use code "trek2022" for 10% off at greenbelly.co. Interviews with current AT hikers! Time stamps & Questions 00:04:47 - QOTD: What was your favorite moment from Trail Days Day 1? 00:16:48 - Scavenger hunt discussion 00:19:21 - Interview with Painkiller 00:24:35 - Interview with Platinum 00:32:14 - Interview with El Humidor and Footloose 00:44:10 - Interview with trek blogger Sidetrack 00:51:19 - Interview with trek blogger Catchup 00:59:51 - Interview with Good Zen 01:05:20 - Interview with Catchup 01:10:05 - Interview with Mindwell 01:16:02 - Interview with Ulasidena 01:21:05 - Interview with Mary Poppins SEGMENTS Triple Crown of fast food restaurants Listener Voicemail 5 Star Review Follow Leah and Mara on Instagram! [divider] Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, and Jason Snailer. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

May 30, 20222h 1m

#150 | Caet Cash on Peak Bagging in the Appalachias, Southbounding, and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

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In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek brought to you by Goodr, we are joined by Caet Cash. Caet first discovered backpacking back in 2014 and has been on an absolute tear ever since. We chat about why she prefers to hike SOBO, including some SOBO specific elements of both the AT and PCT, her insane list of peakbagging feats in the Adirondacks and southern Appalachians, redlining (aka mapping) the Smokies, and much more. Caet also details how her backcountry goals have shifted since being diagnosed with Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, how she manages EDS, and why she thinks it's important to be vocal about this chronic condition. We wrap the show with an overview of our AT road trip thus far including Chaunce's absurd sun burn, a triple crown of emotional high points on trail, a listener voicemail, and a listener educates us on the Philmont Poop Rating. Goodr: Use code "backpacker15" for 15% off at goodr.com/backpacker15. Gossamer Gear: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at gossamergear.com. Greenbelly: Use code "trek2022" for 10% off at greenbelly.co. Interview with Caet Cash Caet's Instagram Article about Caet & the SB6K Time stamps & Questions 00:04:32 - QOTD: What's been the best part of the road trip thus far? 00:14:53 - Introducing Caet 00:15:10 - Discussion about Caet's trail name. 00:16:03 - What's the origin of your trail name? 00:18:37 - How mad are you going to be about Zach's pronunciation of Appalachian? 00:19:02 - Do you remember where you first met Zach? 00:21:07 - Tell us your backpacking resume. 00:22:45 - Tell us about the Northville Placid Trail. 00:24:26 - What's the best season to do the Northville Placid Trail? 00:25:45 - Do most people start in Northville? 00:26:00 - What type of wildlife do you see? 00:27:05 - Have you done any of the Finger Lakes Trail? 00:27:52 - What put the Appalachian Trail on your radar and why did you choose southbound? 00:29:19 - Was your marathon pain related to your future diagnosis? 00:30:10 - Anything else you want to share from the AT? 00:32:25 - Chaunce's story. 00:34:52 - At one point did you feel like you got into the hiking rhythm? 00:38:20 - Does any part of the trail feel hard after you've completed the Whites? 00:39:30 - Anything else you want to share from the CT? 00:40:36 - Tell us about connecting your footsteps on the PCT. 00:43:54 - How did you decide to go southbound on the PCT? 00:44:30 - How did you handle sleeping alone? 00:46:35 - How many times have you seen bears at night? 00:47:30 - Discussion of purism differences between the AT and PCT. 00:48:35 - When did you finish the PCT and what was the Sierra like? 00:50:15 - Tell us about what you thought of the PCT views and scenery. 00:52:02 - Do you prefer the scenery of the AT? 00:53:20 - Do you think list-making is more of a personality trait of people in the Northeast? 00:54:11 - Tell us about the South Beyond 6,000 grid. 00:55:36 - Can you give us more detail on the SB6K guidelines? 00:57:14 - What's your strategy in accomplishing the SB6K? 00:58:14 - How do you hike all of them in a month? 00:59:25 - What are your top 3 favorite peaks from the SB6K? 01:00:49 - Tell us about the Adirondack 46. 01:02:03 - How many of the SB6K peaks are accessible from or on the AT? 01:03:03 - Have you done Mt. Rogers? 01:03:47 - If there's no view, is the appeal strictly accomplishing the list? 01:04:20 - Has anyone else done the SB6K grid? 01:07:02 - Tell us about redlining the Smokies. 01:09:12 - How much do you have to plan for a redlining project versus winging it? 01:09:41 - Are there any resources for helping someone plan a redline? 01:10:45 - How long did it take you to redline the Smokies? 01:11:44 - Tell us about your hip injury. 01:16:01 - Tell us about Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. 01:18:19 - Have you ever dislocated your shoulder? 01:19:01 - What differentiates this disease from someone with other flexibility or hypermobility? 01:19:41 - How do you cope with or reduce chronic pain? 01:22:22 - How has EDS modified your future plans or goals? 01:24:29 - How common is EDS? 01:25:51 - What else in your lifestyle has changed to pursue your health goals? 01:27:18 - Has it been tough to recalibrate your goals? 01:28:28 - Did you ever wonder if your pain was similar to other hikers'? 01:29:58 - Would cycling be a possible activity for you? 01:31:52 - Tell us about your sister and hiking with her. 01:32:55 - What's your big 3 these days? 01:34:14 - Hype up van life for us. 01:36:18 - What do you want to share about guiding? 01:37:12 - How did you like working with Jennifer Pharr Davis? 01:38:00 - Anything else you want to share? 01:39:08 - Thank you! SEGMENTS Trek Propaganda Woman Rescued After Falling Headfirst Into Pit Toilet Trying to Retrieve Phone by Penina Satlow Triple Crown of emotional high points on trail Listener Voicemail Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound g uy@Paulybooyshallcross. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave

May 23, 20222h 7m

#149 | Darwin on Quitting YouTube, Advice to Aspiring Vloggers, and What Lies Ahead

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by YouTube sensation, Darwin. We learn all about Darwin's rise to fame, including the turning point from when he went from a novice content creator to a full-blown trail celebrity, his advice to aspiring YouTube trail personalities, and why he ultimately fell out of love with the platform. We also learn about Darwin's new media company, Outdoor Evolution, and the plethora of projects currently coming from OE, and what lies ahead. We wrap the show by sharing the news of a gent who's about to finish walking around the world with his pup and we opine on whether we'd rather have a boring, stupid, or ugly offspring. Gossamer Gear: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at gossamergear.com. Organifi: Use code "backpacker" for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker. Greenbelly: Use code "trek2022" for 10% off at greenbelly.co. Interview with Darwin Darwin's Youtube Channel Darwin Goodbye Trek Article + Goodbye Video Outdoor Evolution Time stamps & Questions 00:04:25 - QOTD: Would you rather have a boring, stupid, or ugly kid? 00:06:57 - BPR Announcements: The Trek's Featured TikTok Personality 00:08:08 - Introducing Darwin 00:08:37 - What was your life pre-dirtbag adventuring? 00:09:52 - Was there one trip you saw as the tipping point to altering your lifestyle? 00:13:56 - Tell us about the timeline of leaving home. 00:14:35 - Tell us about the initial intentions of the trail. 00:16:50 - Do you think leaving the AT and returning later prepared you for future trips? 00:18:47 - When does the Youtube channel enter the picture? 00:22:46 - Was there a particular moment when the channel became something you thought you could make a career out of? 00:25:27 - Tell us about living and working in Albuquerque. 00:26:45 - What's the strangest hobby you've gotten into? 00:28:20 - Tell us about owning a restaurant. 00:29:10 - Are you a big fan of the blues? 00:30:04 - What are the top three things you would never dabble in? 00:31:40 - Tell us about cycling and bike-packing. 00:36:04 - Why do you think your bike-packing videos didn't take off? 00:36:55 - Is adventure touring more trail or more road? 00:38:58 - How is your injury affecting your upcoming plans? 00:38:33 - Do you mind if I ask how old you are? 00:40:07 - What was the next big hike after the AT? 00:41:03 - How did you like the Pinhoti Trail? 00:42:48 - What kind of miles are you usually hiking per day? 00:44:42 - How did your channel interface with your PCT hike? 00:48:50 - Discussion about the turning point in popularity for the channel. 00:52:43 - Can you elaborate on the closure you sought on the CDT? 01:00:56 - If you had any general advice to someone interested in growing a Youtube channel, what would you tell them? 01:05:24 - Did you develop a thicker skin toward internet comments as you made more videos? 01:09:08 - Tell us about Outdoor Evolution. 01:14:58 - How do you decide how to allocate your time? 01:16:45 - Tell us about the structure of OE. 01:17:55 - Do you and your wife plan to have any children? 01:21:35 - Tell us more about current OE projects. 01:26:25 - How much are you looking to fundraise for your public lands series? 01:27:36 - How big is your production team? 01:28:58 - Give us a sneak peak of each episode. 01:30:01 - Tell us about the other upcoming projects you have going on this year. 01:33:22 - Anything else you want to share? 01:35:12 - Thanks! SEGMENTS Trek Propaganda Tom Turcich (and His Pup) Set to Complete 7-Year Around-the-World Walk Next Month by Clay Bonnyman Evans Adrift on the Pacific Crest Trail by Clay Bonnyman Evans Triple Crown of unlikely spaces where humans become savagely territorial Impromptu News Story Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, and Jason Snailer. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

May 16, 20222h 1m

#148 | Carly Moree on Hallucinating in the Sierra, Starting a Guiding Company, and Co-Authoring Pacific Crest Trials

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In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Carly Moree. Carly is a thru-hiker, the co-author of Pacific Crest Trials, an OG Writer at The Trek, entrepreneur and a long time friend. We chat about her transition from the cushy world of finance to backpacking, her personal pitfalls of getting into a relationship on the AT, some hilarious hallucinations during her JMT FKT attempt, and learn all about her new guiding company, Rocky Mountain Hiking Company. We wrap the show with a brief overview of some of the top day hikes on the AT, some more details of our upcoming road trip, and a dad joke of the week. Gossamer Gear: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at gossamergear.com. Greenbelly: Use code "trek2022" for off at greenbelly.co. Enlightened Equipment: Use code "thetrek10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com. [divider] Photo credit: "Stephanie Weezer" (@stephlotus_ on IG) Interview with Carly Moree Carly's Instagram Rocky Mountain Hiking Company Rocky Mountain Hiking Company Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:04:24 - QOTD: If you married to yourself, what would be the reason for the divorce? 00:05:54 - QOTD 2: What's the correct amount to tip for pickup orders? 00:13:14 - BPR Announcements: Asheville Meetup at Hi-Wire Brewing May 11, 6:30pm, Trail Days: scavenger hunt, limited edition t-shirts 00:14:20 - Introducing Carly 00:16:08 - Tell us about your introduction into the world of thru-hiking. 00:18:15 - What's your trail name origin story? 00:19:19 - Why don't you want to date on trail anymore? 00:20:39 - What attracts you to someone while on trail? 00:22:48 - Tell us about getting Lyme disease. 00:25:44 - Where did you go after the AT? 00:26:41 - Tell us about the epiphany you had about the direction your career was going. 00:28:33 - Give us an example of a crazy moment from your finance job. 00:32:04 - Tell us about the transition from your job to the AT? 00:34:27 - Tell us about deciding to hike the PCT after the AT? 00:35:30 - Did you get any grief for skipping Pennsylvania? 00:36:50 - Discussion about big mile days on the PCT. 00:37:49 - What changes did you make when deciding to date a second person? 00:38:52 - Is there anything else you want to share from the PCT? 00:41:01 - Do you feel like you were drawn to Jennifer Pharr Davis for any other reasons? 00:44:13 - Discussion about co-authoring Pacific Crest Trials. 00:47:25 - Tell us how co-authoring the book has helped your dating life. 00:47:58 - Discussion about Reddit AMA. 00:49:38 - What was your life like after the PCT? 00:51:42 - Why did you only do Mount Sanitas? 00:52:35 - Tell us about starting your PCT FKT attempt. 00:54:44 - Was it weird that you were both going for the FKT? 00:55:42 - Tell us about transitioning from the PCT FKT to the JMT FKT? 00:57:48 - The FKT was a really important moment in your life, right? 00:58:53 - Doesn't going through a breakup during lockdown suck? 01:01:00 - Discussion about training for the Grand Canyon run. 01:01:55 - What's your hiking pace? 01:02:11 - What's your aggressive hiking pace? 01:03:04 - Discussion about training for the JMT FKT. 01:04:33 - Did you plan the hike around a good weather window? 01:06:24 - Tell us the fun facts of the hike. 01:07:05 - What are the hallucinations and did you realize you were hallucinating? 01:14:03 - How do you know what you thought was real was actually real? 01:16:02 - Discussion about the end of the FKT attempt. 01:17:26 - Why do you think you couldn't feel anything until you decided to end the attempt? 01:17:58 - Discussion about getting off the trail. 01:20:38 - Discussion about getting lost and deciding to press SOS. 01:22:39 - Discussion about the SAR suitors. 01:26:18 - You had to pay for the SOS rescue? 01:27:13 - What did the rescue cost? 01:27:55 - You seemed way too comfortable with hallucinating - were you scared? 01:30:18 - Do you have any advice for the Tahoe Rim Trail? 01:32:41 - Anything else from the Tahoe Rim Trail? 01:33:40 - Tell us about your company. 01:35:40 - When did you start the company? 01:37:11 - Who is the target market for your guided hikes? 01:38:37 - How many trips have you guided so far? 01:39:08 - What are some of the challenges of running a guiding company? 01:40:28 - Who's the other guide? 01:42:25 - When is your Death Valley trip? 01:43:25 - What has been the biggest surprise in starting the company? 01:45:20 - How does hiring and paying guides work? 01:47:25 - Is it just a three person team right now? 01:48:48 - Tell us about the workshops. 01:50:00 - Tell us about the coaching element of the company. 01:53:30 - Anything else we should know about Rocky Mountain Hiking Company? 01:54:05 - Thank you! SEGMENTS Trek Propaganda Top 5 Appalachian Trail Day Hikes with Unforgettable Views by Amber and Joshua Niven Dad Joke of the Week Roan Mountain, Ghosts, and Supernatural Stories Mail Bag 5 Star Review Book Update [divider] C

May 9, 20222h 19m

#147 | Dr. Jon Kedrowski on Climbing Everest with Mike Posner, Sleeping on All of Colorado's 14'ers, and The Best Hikes Around Colorado

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In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, we are joined by author, mountaineer, and keynote speaker, Dr. Jon Kedrowski. Dr. Jon's list of accomplishments are staggeringly long, including sleeping at the summit of all the Colorado 14'ers, multiple Everest summits, playing D-1college basketball at Valparaiso, guiding and befriending Mike Posner, and much more. We catch Dr. Jon very off-guard with a well-timed, fuck, marry, kill, we learn about the standout geography features of each of the Colorado mountain ranges, and what it's like to encounter death on Everest. We wrap the show with a triple crown of minor injuries that hurt like fuck and we bring back a listener favorite segment — would you rather. Gossamer Gear: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at gossamergear.com. Organifi: Use code "backpacker" for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker. Greenbelly: Use code "trek2022" for off at greenbelly.co. Enlightened Equipment: Use code "ultralight10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com. Interview with Dr. Jon Kedrowski Dr. Jon's Instagram Dr. Jon's Website Time stamps & Questions 00:04:41 - QOTD: What are you most excited about for Trail Days? 00:11:13 - BPR Announcements: Trail Days Road Trip, Asheville Meetup May 11, 6:30pm, subscribe to be alerted of new BPR episodes! 00:14:30 - Introducing Dr. Jon Kedrowski 00:15:50 - Tell us your mountaineering origin story. 00:19:08 - Were you the youngest person to hike all of Colorado's 14'ers? 00:21:25 - How did you get to trailheads during high school? 00:22:24 - Tell us about being a geography professor. 00:24:20 - Was it tough to pursue mountaineering before it was a money-making profession? 00:27:30 - What's it like to be a part of March Madness? 00:28:23 - What's the overlap between being a collegiate basketball player and a successful mountaineer? 00:29:29 - For a backpacker, what's an applicable mantra or philosophy you go by? 00:32:20 - Tell us about the CDT and CT from a geographic perspective. 00:34:48 - How do you compare the San Juans and the Collegiate Peaks? 00:36:41 - If you had to pick one Colorado mountain range for the rest of your life's adventuring, which would it be? 00:38:20 - Fuck, Marry, Kill: Colorado mountain ranges. 00:40:24 - Do you actually sleep at the top of a mountain? 00:42:19 - What do you do if there's a storm while you're sleeping? 00:43:38 - Your tent got struck by lightning? 00:45:38 - Do you lead clients up Everest now? 00:46:56 - Are you in Mike Posner's new music video? 00:48:39 - Tell us a wild story from hiking with Mike Posner? 00:50:31 - What's considered good water once you become a snob about it? 00:52:00 - Did you ever not want to get in the water on video? 00:53:03 - Is there one place that stood out to you related to stargazing? 00:56:21 - Do you ever follow established routes or mainly find your own? 00:59:30 - Let's talk about Everest! 01:01:02 - What's it like when there's a tragedy on Everest? 01:03:20 - What went wrong in 2012? 01:08:02 - What's the atmosphere like when you return to the high camp? 01:08:35 - What's your personal mental state like when you have to leave someone behind? 01:10:40 - Is there any mental prep work for encountering people who will perish on Everest? 01:13:20 - At one point will Everest become a trail of bodies? 01:15:58 - Is there part of you that gets freaked out going back year after year? 01:17:32 - What would a training program for Everest look like? 01:19:14 - What training could someone do in the gym? 01:21:21 - Tell us about mountaineering gear. 01:23:22 - How much do those sleeping bags and down suits weigh? 01:24:03 - What does your pack typically weigh? 01:25:43 - What size is your pack? 01:26:20 - Tell us about your "no off days" philosophy. 01:27:40 - Are you physically preparing every single day or are you risking burnout? 01:28:42 - How old are you? 01:31:28 - Have you thought about retiring for two weeks like Tom Brady? 01:33:02 - Is part of you wanting to do a calendar Triple? 01:34:05 - What's your go-to junk food? 01:34:23 - Get a prize for buying Dr. Jon's new book! 01:36:34 - Thank you! SEGMENTS Trek Propaganda Authorities Seek Help Identifying Body Found on Springer Mountain by Kelly Floro Triple Crown of minor injuries that hurt like fuck Would You Rather? Mail Bag 5 Star Review Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, and J

May 2, 20222h 5m

#146 | Hazel "Platypus" Platt

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In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Hazel Platt known on trail as Platypus. In addition to thru-hikes of the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Northwest Trail, Hazel also serves as the Volunteer Engagement Associate for the PCTA. Hazel is also a queer/trans hiker, going by the he/they pronouns. We go deep in this interview, learning about Hazel's emotional journey of coming out as a trans hiker during the height of lockdown in the less than welcoming environment of a conservative community in West Virginia. We also learn about the differences of Hazel's thru-hikes, where they had come out as queer prior to the AT, and trans shortly before embarking on the Pacific Northwest Trail. We chat about Hazel's love for off-trail hiking, including the highlights and lowlights of navigating on the PNT. We conclude the interview with an overview of Hazel's work at the PCTA, the importance volunteers play for the Pacific Crest Trail, and what the future beholds for the non-profit. We wrap the show with a check-in from MG, Backpacker Radio's Sponsored hiker, as she gets ready for her SOBO AT thru-hike, we learn about a gentleman hiking the AT carrying a leafblower, and a half-baked patent-pending about how to improve nalgenes. Gossamer Gear: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at gossamergear.com. Greenbelly: Use code "trek2022" for off at greenbelly.co. Enlightened Equipment: Use code "ultralight10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com. Interview with Hazel "Platypus" Platt Hazel's Instagram Pacific Crest Trail Association Website PCTA Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:04:45 - QOTD: How was the Denver Hiker Trash meetup? 00:13:05 - BPR Announcements: Trail Days Road Trip, Asheville Meetup May 11, 6:30pm 00:15:15 - Introducing Hazel 00:15:45 - What's your backpacking resume? 00:16:42 - What caused you not to finish the Long Trail? 00:17:19 - Did you feel in over your head starting the AT? 00:18:10 - Any notable stories from the AT? 00:19:40 - What was the inspiration to become sober? 00:20:40 - What would you like to share about your coming out process? 00:23:04 - What was the reception like in West Virginia or online? 00:25:35 - Can you walk us through what it was like when the pandemic started for you? 00:29:12 - Tell us about your tech career prior to hiking. 00:33:08 - Did the cloud around gender dysphoria lift at all after coming out? 00:35:35 - Can you speak to some of the common cultural challenges you're inundated with? 00:40:43 - What comes up for you when someone gets your pronouns wrong? 00:41:47 - What was your experience and reception like on the Pacific Northwest Trail? 00:46:06 - Was there a difference in your hiking experience from the AT to the PNT? 00:48:50 - What was it like going from the community of the AT to the isolation of the PNT? 00:51:04 - Did you see any grizzlies? 00:51:42 - Tell us about the time you got lost. 00:56:54 - Do you know how much more of the trail has been developed in recent years? 00:58:43 - Can you speak to the community you found on trail compared to what you expected? 01:01:24 - Are there places you'd suggest someone look for community prior to hiking? 01:04:15 - Discussion about history. 01:10:40 - Tell us a story that encapsulates the bigger picture history of the AT. 01:13:30 - Tell us a fun fact about plants. 01:15:21 - Tell Zach the story about George Washington, land surveying, and the Fairfax line. 01:20:14 - Tell us about your role with the PCTA. 01:21:20 - Can you tell us more about the role volunteers play for the PCTA? 01:22:56 - Can you speak to some of the biggest challenges of working with volunteers? 01:26:37 - What is your vision for more inclusive programs and messaging within the PCTA? 01:30:18 - How do you see yourself accomplishing your own goals within your work? 01:32:22 - Do you have any parting thoughts to share? 01:36:55 - Thank you! SEGMENTS MG Check-In Trek Propaganda The Colorado Trail Guide: Logistics by Kelly Floro Man Hiking the AT with a Leafblower: Mascot Hikers and Why They Do It by Bloodhound Trail News What is a hike? Patent Pending One Minute Gear Review Plant, Child, and Pupdate Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, and Jason Snailer. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger,

Apr 25, 20222h 14m

#145 | Nika "Early Bird" Meyers

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Nika "Early Bird" Meyers. Nika is a backpacking badass. Not only is she a triple crowner, but Early Bird has set a pair of speed records, including the unsupported FKT on the Long Trail and the self-supported FKT on the Colorado Trail, which she set last year with a time of 9 days 14 hours, and 19 minutes (keep in mind, this takes most people a full month). We get a full chronology of Nika's backpacking career, when and where the idea of attempting FKTs first entered her world, her background in competitive skiing, the most important lesson she's learned when attempting thru-hikes, her incredible artwork, and much more. We wrap the show with a series of Elise-centric segments (as she's sitting in for Chaunce today), including how she's preparing, what gear she's using, how she's budgeting for the CDT, and much more. We also chat about some 4-6 day backpacking trips in the West to put on your bucket list, how thru-hiking has changed our lives, and we get a surprise visit from Jabba at the end of our interview. [divider] LISTEN Download this episode. [divider] Gossamer Gear: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at gossamergear.com. Organifi: Use code "backpacker" for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker. Enlightened Equipment: Use code "ultralight10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com. [divider] Interview with Nika "Early Bird" Meyers Nika's Website Nika's Instagram Nika's Art Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:05:11 - QOTD: What are your hiking plans for this summer? 00:07:27 - BPR Announcements: Trail Days Road Trip, Asheville Meetup May 11, 6:30pm 00:08:30 - Introducing Nika 00:08:56 - How did you get your trail name? 00:10:33 - What's relevant in your background before you started thru-hiking? 00:13:51 - Did you know right away after the Long Trail that you would do more long trails? 00:15:35 - What kind of animals use the Long Trail as a migratory corridor? 00:16:34 - If you got to list one sport on your tombstone, what would it be? 00:17:23 - Take us from the Long Trail in 2012 to the PCT in 2014. 00:19:03 - How did you manage without your parent's blessing for starting the PCT? 00:22:00 - How quickly did you hike the Long Trail and the PCT? 00:24:50 - How did you get interested in FKTs? 00:26:27 - Anything else you want to highlight from the PCT? 00:26:56 - What did you do after the PCT? 00:28:25 - What's harder, a 50-mile day or dealing with high school kids? 00:29:34 - How did you get into environmental education to begin with? 00:32:11 - What was your lifestyle like living in the Cascades? 00:32:55 - Discussion about snow on the PCT. 00:33:40 - What's your snow hiking technique? 00:35:08 - Did you do a lot of peaks in the Cascades? 00:36:08 - Are you an adrenaline junkie? 00:36:55 - Tell us about the CDT. 00:37:20 - What's your pack weight like for these hikes? 00:38:54 - What else do you want to share about the CDT? 00:41:54 - Did you feel the same way going from the CDT to AT that you did PCT to CDT? 00:45:07 - What are the biggest differences between those two trails? 00:47:10 - What's your take on the AT as your last Triple Crown trail? 00:49:02 - Was it difficult to find a way to hike by yourself? 00:51:00 - Was this pink blazing or banana blazing? 00:52:24 - Tell us your poop story. 00:57:41 - Anything notable from the Rim2Rim2Rim? 00:58:23 - What's the elevation change in the Grand Canyon? 00:58:40 - What's the R2R2R FKT? 01:00:28 - How fast did you hike the Arizona Trail? 01:00:47 - When did you get the idea of setting FKTs? 01:02:56 - How did you bridge the gap between regimented schedules and having fun? 01:05:56 - How do you plan an FKT without planning daily mileage? 01:08:14 - What was your sleep regimen like? 01:09:00 - Discussion about talking with other hikers while pursuing an FKT. 01:11:22 - Did you utilize caffeine at all? 01:13:42 - Did your appetite ever get back to normal during the Colorado Trail FKT? 01:15:12 - Did you crave anything during an FKT? 01:15:55 - Do you think this will change your food planning for future FKTs? 01:16:42 - Is any part of an FKT Type I fun? 01:18:02 - Do you get anxious about hiking in the middle of the night? 01:19:11 - What's the time difference between the Long Trail and Colorado Trail FKTs? 01:21:58 - Do you get antsy while waiting for storms to pass? 01:22:48 - Did finishing in better condition have more to do with your training or the terrain? 01:24:08 - Tell us about your art. 01:27:37 - Tell us about the watercolor t-shirt. 01:29:10 - If you could pick one piece to display in your house, which would it be? 01:30:13 - Are a lot of pieces commissioned? 01:30:45 - Where can people catch up with you? 01:31:43 - What's next for you? 01:32:54 - Thank you! SEGMENTS Trek Propaganda Nika 'Early Bird' Meyers Sets a New Self-Supported Colorado Trail FKT by Owen Eigenbrot How Has Thru-Hiking Changed Your

Apr 18, 20222h 23m