Backpacking & Blisters: A Hiking, Backpacking, and Adventure Show

Many of us have brought items into the backcountry that are regrettable. But some do this intentionally. Derek and Carl share the nominations for the Most Ridiculous Backpacker of All Time Award. Carl discusses his trip report from Capitol Reef NP -- highlights, challenges and, of course, fails. Carl has poked fun at Derek for making a silly mistake last summer. But did he make the same blunder? You be the judge. GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers. https://www.patreon.com/backpackingandblisters To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Instagram and Facebook pages. @backpackingandblisterspodcast https://www.facebook.com/backpackingandblisters or email: [email protected] Backpacking Gear Best Backpacking Gear Backpacking Trip Planning Hiking Gear Best Hiking Gear Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Where did trail names come from and how does one get one? Derek and Carl explore the idea of trail names and then really dig into the results of a quiz they put out a few weeks back by plugging them into a newly designed "generator" to give a few folks some of the strangest names you've ever heard. Also, Carl shares some surprising (in a bad way) backpacking news about an upcoming trip. Does Derek have a good solution? GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers. https://www.patreon.com/backpackingandblisters To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Instagram and Facebook pages. @backpackingandblisterspodcast https://www.facebook.com/backpackingandblisters or email: [email protected] Backpacking Gear Best Backpacking Gear Backpacking Trip Planning Hiking Gear Best Hiking Gear Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Are the big trips your way to get your fitness on? Or do you train to dominate the trail? And which one will make for the better wilderness experience? Carl has made fun of Derek's lack of fitness over the last couple of years so Derek has upped his game. But is he simply spinning his wheels or making significant increases in his fitness goals? These are a lot of questions that this episode will answer. Thankfully we have Rowan Smith, an Australian expert trainer who specializes in fitness for hikers, backpackers, trekkers, etc. Check him out at Summit Strength. He will give you a taste of some of the best ways to increase your strength and stay injury free on the trail. GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers. https://www.patreon.com/backpackingandblisters To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Instagram and Facebook pages. @backpackingandblisterspodcast https://www.facebook.com/backpackingandblisters or email: [email protected] Backpacking Gear Best Backpacking Gear Backpacking Trip Planning Hiking Gear Best Hiking Gear Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

There's a fine line between foolish decisions and straight up adventure. When should we play it safe and when should we just go for it. No equation has all the answers but Derek and Carl weigh in on a few scenarios. Also, what's in your first aid kit (if you have one). Purchased kits range from a few ounces to multiple pounds. Derek and Carl each share items they feel are essential and items most people can ditch. One of Derek's items causes some major confusion for Carl. Will you think what Carl is thinking or will you track with Derek the whole time? GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers. https://www.patreon.com/backpackingandblisters To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Instagram and Facebook pages. @backpackingandblisterspodcast https://www.facebook.com/backpackingandblisters or email: [email protected] Backpacking Gear Best Backpacking Gear Backpacking Trip Planning Hiking Gear Best Hiking Gear Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Green Beret, Ultimate Survival Alaska Star, Dual Survivalist and now, Ursack representative, Grady Powell joins the show to give a different perspective concerning proper food storage. He also shares his experience of throwing salmon at a Kodiak bear to stop it from chasing him. Derek and Carl follow up with their takeaways from the interview including What would it take to get an Ursack away from a bear? and How would a bear logically decided between attacking a canister or a bag? GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers. https://www.patreon.com/backpackingandblisters To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Instagram and Facebook pages. @backpackingandblisterspodcast https://www.facebook.com/backpackingandblisters or email: [email protected] Backpacking Gear Best Backpacking Gear Backpacking Trip Planning Hiking Gear Best Hiking Gear Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

No doubt many of these celebrities know their stuff, but are some of them giving straight up bad advice? Derek and Carl weigh in on a couple of these types of situations. Also, how do you respond to falling through the ice on a pond, or being cliffed out during cross country travel, or having to descend a steep Mesa after a helicopter drop-off (one of Derek's ideas)? And finally, is backtracking the best solution to many of our survival dilemmas? GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers. https://www.patreon.com/backpackingandblisters To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Instagram and Facebook pages. @backpackingandblisterspodcast https://www.facebook.com/backpackingandblisters or email: [email protected] Backpacking Gear Best Backpacking Gear Backpacking Trip Planning Hiking Gear Best Hiking Gear Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Trip planning can be an art form. And it isn't for everybody. But is it for Derek? Carl challenges Derek to plan a specific trip for a group of people traveling to a popular area. Will he remember all of the key details for success? And if so, would Carl actually entrust him to plan a future trip? Also, how would Derek handle some specific examples of trip saboteurs? These questions and more will be answered. GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers. https://www.patreon.com/backpackingandblisters To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Instagram and Facebook pages. @backpackingandblisterspodcast https://www.facebook.com/backpackingandblisters or email: [email protected] Backpacking Gear Best Backpacking Gear Backpacking Trip Planning Hiking Gear Best Hiking Gear Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Derek and Carl react to the information regarding bear canisters provided by Ranger Rick Sanger. They break down his arguments and provide "research" of their own to address a potential new course of action. Listener Todd also shares an mp3 that further challenges them to follow the rules. Will they humbly begin to carry the appropriate amount of bear canisters? Also, is there a way to take advantage of aggressive bears in camp by putting them to work making ice cream? GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers. https://www.patreon.com/backpackingandblisters To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Instagram and Facebook pages. @backpackingandblisterspodcast https://www.facebook.com/backpackingandblisters or email: [email protected] Backpacking Gear Best Backpacking Gear Backpacking Trip Planning Hiking Gear Best Hiking Gear Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Over the course of the first two seasons Carl and Derek (mainly Carl) have challenged some wilderness regulations--especially related to bears. This episode features a discussion with Ranger Rick Sanger that addresses all of these challenges. As a backcountry ranger, Rick Sanger was a key part of the search and rescue efforts for a lost colleague in Eric Blehm's book The Last Season. Does Mr. Sanger have a response to all of the B&B bear canister rhetoric? (Basically, can he shut down Carl's arguments for alternative solutions?) That, and some crazy bear stories, will be discussed in this episode. GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers. https://www.patreon.com/backpackingandblisters To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Instagram and Facebook pages. @backpackingandblisterspodcast https://www.facebook.com/backpackingandblisters or email: [email protected] Backpacking Gear Best Backpacking Gear Backpacking Trip Planning Hiking Gear Best Hiking Gear Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How come America does not have rites of passage for men and women? And is it really all that important? Derek and Carl explore the journey from adolescence to manhood and why it matters. They each describe how a wilderness experience can play a critical role in this transition and, specifically, how they would set it up. Derek also wrestles with idea that becoming a man doesn't mean you can't have fun anymore. And Carl shares how a Snipe Hunt produces the exact opposite result. GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers. https://www.patreon.com/backpackingandblisters To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Instagram and Facebook pages. @backpackingandblisterspodcast https://www.facebook.com/backpackingandblisters or email: [email protected] Backpacking Gear Best Backpacking Gear Backpacking Trip Planning Hiking Gear Best Hiking Gear Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The desert is an oft overlooked wilderness area. But it's a place of real beauty and it can extend your backpacking season if you prefer warm weather. Derek suggests three reasons why you should consider heading to the desert this spring. Carl notes three things to consider when planning your trip as well as a few warnings. Dessert is also discussed in this confusingly named episode. And...Derek creates his own trail named based upon a Disney princess. GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers. https://www.patreon.com/backpackingandblisters To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Instagram and Facebook pages. @backpackingandblisterspodcast https://www.facebook.com/backpackingandblisters or email: [email protected] Backpacking Gear Best Backpacking Gear Backpacking Trip Planning Hiking Gear Best Hiking Gear Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Can penny water keep bugs away? Can sheet metal screws help with traction? In this episode, Derek and Carl are joined by guest host, Steve, as they cover some interesting ground with more backpacking tips and tricks. In addition, they each share some really good and really questionable trail pranks. GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers. https://www.patreon.com/backpackingandblisters To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Instagram and Facebook pages. @backpackingandblisterspodcast https://www.facebook.com/backpackingandblisters or email: [email protected] Backpacking Gear Best Backpacking Gear Backpacking Trip Planning Hiking Gear Best Hiking Gear Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode could also easily be called "Don't Be That Guy/Gal." Pulling from experiences (some of them personal), Derek and Carl identify a handful of trail characters and behaviors that simply violate trail social norms or downright annoy adjacent hikers. Also, Carl challenges Derek on his trail etiquette knowledge. Among the questions: is it okay to intentionally scare somebody who has music blasting through their earbuds? GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers. https://www.patreon.com/backpackingandblisters To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Instagram and Facebook pages. @backpackingandblisterspodcast https://www.facebook.com/backpackingandblisters or email: [email protected] Backpacking Gear Best Backpacking Gear Backpacking Trip Planning Hiking Gear Best Hiking Gear Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Trail legend Buzz Burrell joins Derek and Carl in this episode to discuss a growing movement based upon the Fastest Known Time website. Do average (or even below average) hikers have the opportunity to set trail records? What is the best GPS device to record our outdoor experiences? What happens when somebody pulls a gun on you when you're out on the trail? Buzz answers all of these questions and evaluates Carl's planned attempt at an FKT for later this year. GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers. https://www.patreon.com/backpackingandblisters To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Instagram and Facebook pages. @backpackingandblisterspodcast https://www.facebook.com/backpackingandblisters or email: [email protected] Backpacking Gear Best Backpacking Gear Backpacking Trip Planning Hiking Gear Best Hiking Gear Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

While the real Darwin Awards involve poking fun at others' misfortunate deaths, the Backpacking and Blisters version pokes fun at others' misfortunate decisions (mostly). Derek and Carl share their own ability to earn this version of Darwin Awards as well as an assortment of experiences others have shared. Is there something to be learned from these ridiculous mistakes or are experienced wilderness travelers beyond reproach in this area? You be the judge. Derek also works in a motorcycle story that he believes relates to this topic. GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers. https://www.patreon.com/backpackingandblisters To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Instagram and Facebook pages. @backpackingandblisterspodcast https://www.facebook.com/backpackingandblisters or email: [email protected] Backpacking Gear Best Backpacking Gear Backpacking Trip Planning Hiking Gear Best Hiking Gear Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

While philosophers and social experts ponder the chicken or the egg, nature vs. nurture, or where have all the Sasquatch gone, Derek and Carl come up with a list of backpacking related questions that are simply hard to answer. And both attempt to provide wise and reasonable answers for these questions. Derek also adds three terms to the English language. GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers. https://www.patreon.com/backpackingandblisters To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Instagram and Facebook pages. @backpackingandblisterspodcast https://www.facebook.com/backpackingandblisters or email: [email protected] Backpacking Gear Best Backpacking Gear Backpacking Trip Planning Hiking Gear Best Hiking Gear Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Derek and Carl debate the merits of various electronics in the backcountry. Are they more likely to save your life or become a stronger leash to the "real world"? Derek also suggests how silly putty can be used in a variety of ways to "improve" one's trip. GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers. https://www.patreon.com/backpackingandblisters To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Instagram and Facebook pages. @backpackingandblisterspodcast https://www.facebook.com/backpackingandblisters or email: [email protected] Backpacking Gear Best Backpacking Gear Backpacking Trip Planning Hiking Gear Best Hiking Gear Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Who is the man with the trail name "Plug It In"? This episode is devoted to a powerful story from Benny Braden. He holds trail speed records. He has been featured on television. He is a major part of Chris Smead's upcoming documentary Highline. And he has overcome quite a bit to become the man, husband, and father he is today. He also might value his gear more than his life as he shares a story that we'll call "Bacon's Almost Revenge". GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers. https://www.patreon.com/backpackingandblisters To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Instagram and Facebook pages. @backpackingandblisterspodcast https://www.facebook.com/backpackingandblisters or email: [email protected] Backpacking Gear Best Backpacking Gear Backpacking Trip Planning Hiking Gear Best Hiking Gear Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Why don't more people venture out in the winter? Derek and Carl try to come up with solutions to get you out there in cold season. Carl even tries to convince Derek to get out there more often with solutions to common concerns about going when it's below freezing. Derek, on the other hand, considers the R value of grocery bags and pocketed cell phones. If you'd like to submit an audio file for us to potentially include on a future episode, either message us on our Facebook page (below) or email it to: [email protected] GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers. https://www.patreon.com/backpackingandblisters To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Instagram and Facebook pages. @backpackingandblisterspodcast https://www.facebook.com/backpackingandblisters or email: [email protected] Backpacking Gear Best Backpacking Gear Backpacking Trip Planning Hiking Gear Best Hiking Gear Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Is it possible to make an episode about sleep...interesting? Derek and Carl take a crack at it. Why is it so hard for campers to get good sleep in the backcountry? While some legitimate suggestions are thrown out such as sleep patterns and environmental factors, somehow Derek manages to work in ideas involving styrofoam and wrapping one's head in cellophane. Also, a new Backpacking and Blisters contest is introduced. GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers. https://www.patreon.com/backpackingandblisters To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Instagram and Facebook pages. @backpackingandblisterspodcast https://www.facebook.com/backpackingandblisters or email: [email protected] Backpacking Gear Best Backpacking Gear Backpacking Trip Planning Hiking Gear Best Hiking Gear Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Is the establishment of a sort of 'user agreement' for a group backpacking trip really necessary? Are we establishing ground rules or simply trying to micromanage our friends and family? Derek and Carl each suggest 3 agreements you should consider when planning a group trip in order to make it the best possible experience. Have they gone too far? You be the judge. GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers. https://www.patreon.com/backpackingandblisters To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Instagram and Facebook pages. @backpackingandblisterspodcast https://www.facebook.com/backpackingandblisters or email: [email protected] Backpacking Gear Best Backpacking Gear Backpacking Trip Planning Hiking Gear Best Hiking Gear Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

With all of the required skills to head out into the backcountry, how do you measure up? Carl and Derek have developed a fool-proof system (that might be completely subjective) to measure one's skill levels. Some essential (and non-essential) wilderness competencies are discussed with this strict evaluation system that enables one to earn the grownup merit badge. Also, Todd's challenge for Carl is now formalized via an mp3. Will Carl respond to the challenge? GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers. https://www.patreon.com/backpackingandblisters To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Instagram and Facebook pages. @backpackingandblisterspodcast https://www.facebook.com/backpackingandblisters or email: [email protected] Backpacking Gear Best Backpacking Gear Backpacking Trip Planning Hiking Gear Best Hiking Gear Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Derek and Carl are definitely not gear reviewers. However, there have been multiple requests to discuss the gear they use. Favorites, least favorites, and the most unreliable piece(s) of gear are intertwined into this conversation. Also, there are a lot of gear myths out there. Which are real and which are just a bunch of hogwash? Can you really trust the temperature rating on a sleeping bag? If you break in your shoes/boots, does that guarantee that you won't get any blisters? These, and others, are discussed. GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers. https://www.patreon.com/backpackingandblisters To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Instagram and Facebook pages. @backpackingandblisterspodcast https://www.facebook.com/backpackingandblisters or email: [email protected] Backpacking Gear Best Backpacking Gear Backpacking Trip Planning Hiking Gear Best Hiking Gear Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Are the freeze dried food companies price gouging backpackers? Or is it simply okay to call it a splurge if you pay $8 for mac and cheese? Derek and Carl address these questions along with providing food-related tips (not recipes) that just might be helpful. Carl also references a phone call he made to Mountain House Foods where he brings up a few issues with a customer service representative. GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers. https://www.patreon.com/backpackingandblisters To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Instagram and Facebook pages. @backpackingandblisterspodcast https://www.facebook.com/backpackingandblisters or email: [email protected] Backpacking Gear Best Backpacking Gear Backpacking Trip Planning Hiking Gear Best Hiking Gear Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Some companies spend thousands of dollars to learn about their employees' personalities. Derek and Carl have an easier, cheaper way to determine what kind of person you are (specifically, your trail character). Narrowing it to just 8 questions, Carl designed a test that highlights the best and worst of our trail personalities. And...it's probably just as accurate as the rest of the personality tests out there. GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers. https://www.patreon.com/backpackingandblisters To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Instagram and Facebook pages. @backpackingandblisterspodcast https://www.facebook.com/backpackingandblisters or email: [email protected] Backpacking Gear Best Backpacking Gear Backpacking Trip Planning Hiking Gear Best Hiking Gear Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Most of us go out into the wild to get away from it all, reset, gain perspective, etc. However, when we bring or encounter other people, inevitably there is going to be some drama. Derek and Carl have had fun creating scenarios in various episodes, but this one explores legitmate situations that either Derek or Carl (or both) have actually experienced over the years -- sometimes more than once. What are the best ways to handle these situations? Derek gives it a crack. How were these situations handled in the moment? Not always what you'd expect. GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers. https://www.patreon.com/backpackingandblisters To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Instagram and Facebook pages. @backpackingandblisterspodcast https://www.facebook.com/backpackingandblisters or email: [email protected] Backpacking Gear Best Backpacking Gear Backpacking Trip Planning Hiking Gear Best Hiking Gear Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

You can spend hundreds of dollars to shave a weigh pounds from your pack OR you can listen to this episode and shave weight for free! Who carries the trash, how to reduce your food load, how to avoid bringing redundant items, and more are discussed in this weight saving episode. Also, we include our first audio file listener question...and it's a good one! GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers. https://www.patreon.com/backpackingandblisters To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Instagram and Facebook pages. @backpackingandblisterspodcast https://www.facebook.com/backpackingandblisters or email: [email protected] Backpacking Gear Best Backpacking Gear Backpacking Trip Planning Hiking Gear Best Hiking Gear Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you've been listening to the podcast long enough then you know that Derek brings up 'going to the bathroom in the woods' all too frequently. In this episode we embrace the topic. While Carl tries to make it relevant to trail life with tips and tricks, Derek is more interested in one's general digestive health. Derek also brings up some of his other favorite topics like backcountry games and off-trail hiking. Also discussed are video saboteurs, leave no trace guidelines for peeing, and what happens if a Moose approaches you when you're going #2. GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers. https://www.patreon.com/backpackingandblisters To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Instagram and Facebook pages. @backpackingandblisterspodcast https://www.facebook.com/backpackingandblisters or email: [email protected] Backpacking Gear Best Backpacking Gear Backpacking Trip Planning Hiking Gear Best Hiking Gear Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Do you know your trail lingo? There is a lot of verbage out there that is unique to the hiking community. Some are more common thru-hiker conversations, some if you're simply an experienced backpacker, and some...frankly, Derek and Carl had never heard of. Who comes up with these terms? Derek and Carl try to create a couple of their own. In this episode you can score yourself at the "Trail Lingo Test" to see how you measure up. GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers. https://www.patreon.com/backpackingandblisters To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Instagram and Facebook pages. @backpackingandblisterspodcast https://www.facebook.com/backpackingandblisters or email: [email protected] Backpacking Gear Best Backpacking Gear Backpacking Trip Planning Hiking Gear Best Hiking Gear Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to Season 2!!! In the season opener, Derek and Carl recap some things learned and relearned from their July trip. How important are group dynamics to backpacking? Is it ever too early to pack? Why is there always somebody who tries to compromise the plan? Does Derek know how to dry out his shoes and socks with a campfire? How many blisters did Carl get from wearing cotton socks through multiple rain storms? What happens when a ranger catches you carrying too few bear canisters? All these questions (and more) are addressed in one way or another. GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers. https://www.patreon.com/backpackingandblisters To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Instagram and Facebook pages. @backpackingandblisterspodcast https://www.facebook.com/backpackingandblisters or email: [email protected] Backpacking Gear Best Backpacking Gear Backpacking Trip Planning Hiking Gear Best Hiking Gear Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In the final "between-the-seasons" episode Derek and Carl are joined by Tayson Whittaker from Outdoor Vitals. The main topics on the table include ultralight vs. comfort, ultralight vs. cost, down vs. synthetic, and...Luke Skywalker's real ability to survive a night with dead Tauntaun insulation. GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers. https://www.patreon.com/backpackingandblisters To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Instagram and Facebook pages. @backpackingandblisterspodcast https://www.facebook.com/backpackingandblisters or email: [email protected] Backpacking Gear Best Backpacking Gear Backpacking Trip Planning Hiking Gear Best Hiking Gear Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In the second of three "between seasons" episodes, Derek and Carl are in the midst of their annual trip. From inside their 4 man tent, they give a brief rundown of a variety of trail topics. Can one be too ultralight? Is it okay for the fittest member of a group to have the lightest pack? Is carrying a sword in a lightning storm wise? These are just some of the questions addressed by the crew. GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers. https://www.patreon.com/backpackingandblisters To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Instagram and Facebook pages. @backpackingandblisterspodcast https://www.facebook.com/backpackingandblisters or email: [email protected] Backpacking Gear Best Backpacking Gear Backpacking Trip Planning Hiking Gear Best Hiking Gear Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this "between seasons" episode, Derek and Carl address taking kids, teenagers and pretty much anybody who would be considered high maintenance. If you are a kid, have kids, are going to have kids, or plan to take your grandkids, there should be quite a bit of helpful information provided. Carl also has interesting (and questionable) backpacking rite of passage and Derek dives in to his favorite subject as well. GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers. https://www.patreon.com/backpackingandblisters To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Instagram and Facebook pages. @backpackingandblisterspodcast https://www.facebook.com/backpackingandblisters or email: [email protected] Backpacking Gear Best Backpacking Gear Backpacking Trip Planning Hiking Gear Best Hiking Gear Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This is the Season Finale!!! Derek and Carl do a play on the literary conflicts by applying them to backpacking. Strangely, they all fit in one way or another. Carl interviews a special guest for one of the conflict topics. Also, what's in store for this podcast in the months to come? That is discussed. GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers. https://www.patreon.com/backpackingandblisters To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Instagram and Facebook pages. @backpackingandblisterspodcast https://www.facebook.com/backpackingandblisters or email: [email protected] Backpacking Gear Best Backpacking Gear Backpacking Trip Planning Hiking Gear Best Hiking Gear Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Youtuber Spiguyver co-hosts with Derek and Carl this week. They compare canister and alcohol stoves as well as how to make hammocks part of a backpacking trip. Spiguyver offers other tips and tricks as an experienced backpacker along with a compelling story behind his trail name. GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers. https://www.patreon.com/backpackingandblisters To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Instagram and Facebook pages. @backpackingandblisterspodcast https://www.facebook.com/backpackingandblisters or email: [email protected] Backpacking Gear Best Backpacking Gear Backpacking Trip Planning Hiking Gear Best Hiking Gear Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this Derek-driven episode, the relevance of the 10 essentials are explored. And what if you could only bring 4 of them? Does this relate to "Essentialitis"? You be the judge. By listener demand, Derek and Carl scratch the surface of some gear chat with their favorite piece/brand. And, gauntlets are thrown as they pose backpacking challenges to each other. GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers. https://www.patreon.com/backpackingandblisters To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Instagram and Facebook pages. @backpackingandblisterspodcast https://www.facebook.com/backpackingandblisters or email: [email protected] Backpacking Gear Best Backpacking Gear Backpacking Trip Planning Hiking Gear Best Hiking Gear Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Even the most prolific hikers have ailments from time to time. While simply managing it or toughing it out is an option, there are some "solutions" out there. This week Derek and Carl discuss some obvious and not-so-obvious methods to make the journey more comfortable. Also, do zipped up sleeping bags keep gas from escaping into the tent atmosphere? GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers. https://www.patreon.com/backpackingandblisters To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Instagram and Facebook pages. @backpackingandblisterspodcast https://www.facebook.com/backpackingandblisters or email: [email protected] Backpacking Gear Best Backpacking Gear Backpacking Trip Planning Hiking Gear Best Hiking Gear Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What do you do (or depending on who's talking...what do you avoid) when you're on an island and a smoke monster is chasing you? Or really, when you're simply lost in the backcountry. With speical guest Knowlton (coming to us from Nepal), three scenarios are explored. GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers. https://www.patreon.com/backpackingandblisters To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Instagram and Facebook pages. @backpackingandblisterspodcast https://www.facebook.com/backpackingandblisters or email: [email protected] Backpacking Gear Best Backpacking Gear Backpacking Trip Planning Hiking Gear Best Hiking Gear Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episdoe features an interview with Jason Fitzpatrick from Mile Mile & a Half as well as Chris Smead (Chris is Awesome Productions). Both of them (along with Derek and Carl) give their 3 tips for tackling the long trail. Also, who is the ideal trail partner for such an endeavor? GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers. https://www.patreon.com/backpackingandblisters To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Instagram and Facebook pages. @backpackingandblisterspodcast https://www.facebook.com/backpackingandblisters or email: [email protected] Backpacking Gear Best Backpacking Gear Backpacking Trip Planning Hiking Gear Best Hiking Gear Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

One of the best parts about hiking is encountering wildlife. So how about a trip that enables you to find one of the most elusive creatures...the Sasquatch? Carl provides 3 tips and a specific trip plan for potentially finding a Bigfoot. Derek, on the other hand, uses his own research to debunk them entirely. Also, are Wookies just Bigfoot from a galaxy far far away and is Chewbacca actual video evidence? Those items are addressed as well. GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers. https://www.patreon.com/backpackingandblisters To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Instagram and Facebook pages. @backpackingandblisterspodcast https://www.facebook.com/backpackingandblisters or email: [email protected] Backpacking Gear Best Backpacking Gear Backpacking Trip Planning Hiking Gear Best Hiking Gear Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Strange, weird and sometimes unfrotunate things happen out in the wild (or even just off the road). Derek and Carl share a few of the most unexpected and interesting stories they have come across. One involves a dangerous shoe while another is entitled "When Fur isn't Enough". GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers. https://www.patreon.com/backpackingandblisters To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Instagram and Facebook pages. @backpackingandblisterspodcast https://www.facebook.com/backpackingandblisters or email: [email protected] Backpacking Gear Best Backpacking Gear Backpacking Trip Planning Hiking Gear Best Hiking Gear Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

While many of today's survival shows feature scenarios that most are unlikely to encounter (e.g. stumbling upon a drug cartel in Peru that was addressed in Dual Survival), there are some suvival-type circumstances that one could experience while hiking. Pulling from his vast survival knowledge (i.e. watching some different surival TV shows), Derek attempts to solve a couple of scenarios that Carl throws at him. Also, Carl's wife, Jessica, stops by for a segment where she handles her own scenario. Is the wisdom gleaned from this episode applicable to potential backcountry experiences? You be the judge! GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers. https://www.patreon.com/backpackingandblisters To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Instagram and Facebook pages. @backpackingandblisterspodcast https://www.facebook.com/backpackingandblisters or email: [email protected] Backpacking Gear Best Backpacking Gear Backpacking Trip Planning Hiking Gear Best Hiking Gear Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Derek and Carl finally address the question they've been throwing out: how much weight can you save or how can you improve your backpacking experience with $100? Somehow one of the items mentioned addresses a potential issue with bears that have access to guns. GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers. https://www.patreon.com/backpackingandblisters To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Instagram and Facebook pages. @backpackingandblisterspodcast https://www.facebook.com/backpackingandblisters or email: [email protected] Backpacking Gear Best Backpacking Gear Backpacking Trip Planning Hiking Gear Best Hiking Gear Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode includes a number of random tidbits from the release of the backpacking documentary to challenges to a couple of Derek's previous trivia questions. The main part of the episode explores whether it's better to hike with a group or to enjoy the convenience of solo travel. GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers. https://www.patreon.com/backpackingandblisters To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Instagram and Facebook pages. @backpackingandblisterspodcast https://www.facebook.com/backpackingandblisters or email: [email protected] Backpacking Gear Best Backpacking Gear Backpacking Trip Planning Hiking Gear Best Hiking Gear Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

While some doomsday preppers build bunkers others prepare for a disaster with bug out bags. Why not make avoiding disaster fun by turning the whole thing into a backpacking trip? Derek and Carl discuss a backpacking scenario with items commonly (and not-so-commonly) found in typical bug out bags, the best places to escape, and more! When you've gone hiking if you've ever wanted to simply stay out there, this topic will work too! GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers. https://www.patreon.com/backpackingandblisters To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Instagram and Facebook pages. @backpackingandblisterspodcast https://www.facebook.com/backpackingandblisters or email: [email protected] Backpacking Gear Best Backpacking Gear Backpacking Trip Planning Hiking Gear Best Hiking Gear Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week Derek and Carl address a whole variety of topics -- or a hodgepodge of topics. Stemming mainly from listener feedback, questions and comments the conversation ranges from previous episode follow-up to the drudgery of a particular camp chore to the criteria for expelling a group member...and more! GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers. https://www.patreon.com/backpackingandblisters To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Instagram and Facebook pages. @backpackingandblisterspodcast https://www.facebook.com/backpackingandblisters or email: [email protected] Backpacking Gear Best Backpacking Gear Backpacking Trip Planning Hiking Gear Best Hiking Gear Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Only a small fraction of backpackers really venture off trail more than a mile or two. What does it take to really get away from trail highways in regard to gear and skills? Aside from the obivous item (the GPS), Derek and Carl tackle this topic along with some confusion over the Leave No Trace guidelines. GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers. https://www.patreon.com/backpackingandblisters To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Instagram and Facebook pages. @backpackingandblisterspodcast https://www.facebook.com/backpackingandblisters or email: [email protected] Backpacking Gear Best Backpacking Gear Backpacking Trip Planning Hiking Gear Best Hiking Gear Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What places are on your life list? What does it take to make them happen? What are the common barriers that prevent those trips from happening? Derek and Carl explore these topics share their life lists by trying to convince one another to make them happen. Not surpisingly, Derek includes one that has a 1 in a million chance to occurring. GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers. https://www.patreon.com/backpackingandblisters To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Instagram and Facebook pages. @backpackingandblisterspodcast https://www.facebook.com/backpackingandblisters or email: [email protected] Backpacking Gear Best Backpacking Gear Backpacking Trip Planning Hiking Gear Best Hiking Gear Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sometimes just getting to the trailhead is the biggest challenge of the trip. In this episode Derek and Carl explore some common and uncommon (but true) stories of trip sabotage. Guest host, Chris Wimberly, provides the voice of reason in attempts to prevent trips getting derailed in the future. In addition to the main topic, Derek and Carl finally tackle Steve's question about going ultralight on a budget. GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers. https://www.patreon.com/backpackingandblisters To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Instagram and Facebook pages. @backpackingandblisterspodcast https://www.facebook.com/backpackingandblisters or email: [email protected] Backpacking Gear Best Backpacking Gear Backpacking Trip Planning Hiking Gear Best Hiking Gear Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How do you communicate just how epic and awesome your trip was? This episode features an interview with backpacking filmmaker Chris Smead who is mastering the backpacking documentary. Additionally Derek and Carl discuss some of the best backpacking movies out there along with how to create your own epic movies. GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers. https://www.patreon.com/backpackingandblisters To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Instagram and Facebook pages. @backpackingandblisterspodcast https://www.facebook.com/backpackingandblisters or email: [email protected] Backpacking Gear Best Backpacking Gear Backpacking Trip Planning Hiking Gear Best Hiking Gear Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.