Backpacker Radio
277 episodes - English - Latest episode: 8 days ago - ★★★★★ - 1.6K ratingsFrom the Appalachian Trail to the Pacific Crest and everything in between. Backpacker Radio is a show all about the wonderful world that is thru-hiking and long distance backpacking.
Co-hosts, Zach "Badger" Davis and Juliana "Chaunce" Chauncey muse on the backpacking life and the latest from the trail every other week. Topics include but are not limited to news, trail culture, interviews, gear, advice, and all you can eat buffets.
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Episodes
Henry "Moose Juice" Lewis on Shaking Down AT Hikers, the Teton Crest Trail, and Champagne Shoeys
April 15, 2024 14:15 - 2 hours - 167 MBIn today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Henry “Moose Juice” Lewis. In addition to hikes of the AT, Teton Crest Trail, Colorado Trail, and the PCT, Moose Juice spent a few seasons shaking down starry eyed aspiring thru-hikers at Mountain Crossings. Henry gives us a rundown of these hikes, the funniest stories from these shakedowns, including happening onto vibratos and guns, tips on how to fix a leaking inflatable sleeping pad, doing champagne shoey, and...
Eeland Stribling aka the "Black Steve Irwin" on Fly Fishing, Stand Up Comedy, and Wildlife Biology
April 08, 2024 15:57 - 2 hours - 153 MBIn today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Eeland Stribling. Eeland, who’s known as the "Black Steve Iriwn" and “The Fliest Fisherman” is a wildlife biologist, educator, standup comedian, and the host of “Comedians on the Fly.” We dive deep into the world of standup comedy, including the various hazing routines, what it’s like to eat shit during an open mic, how things change as you climb the ranks, the process of crafting a joke, and more. Eeland also edu...
How to Hike the Colorado Trail with David Fanning: Seasons, Trail Towns, and Extra Experiences
April 01, 2024 01:04 - 2 hours - 190 MBIn today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are chatting all things Colorado Trail. Rachel, who filled in for Zach, and Chaunce are joined by David Fanning, who has seven complete hikes of the Colorado Trail, which is tied for the record we think. Topics covered today include the pros and cons of hiking the CT both east and westbound, the best weather windows, transportation to the trail, recommended gear, information about the campsites, water availability, the best tow...
Girl Stuff 3.0: Hiking as a New Mom, Pink Blazing, and Fear Mongering
March 25, 2024 14:12 - 3 hours - 258 MBIn today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are bringing you another edition of Girl's Stuff! Today, Chaunce along with guest panelists, Rachael "Rabbit" Delano and Marie "Basecamp" Black answer your burning questions related to female-specific topics in the backcountry. Topics including the feasibility of bringing a vibrator, how to court a guy during a thru-hike (and advice for guys on how to do the courting), female urination devices, the Kula Cloth, what body parts g...
Maggie "Honey Badger" Slepian on Suffering, Stubbornness, and Misogyny on Trail
March 18, 2024 14:43 - 2 hours - 146 MBIn today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Maggie Slepian aka Honey Badger. Maggie is the former Managing Editor at The Trek and their first full-time employee, a thru-hiker, and a prolific freelance writer and editor. We learn all about Maggie’s treks, including her hikes of the AT, Ouachita Trail, Colorado Trail, some recent postcard hikes in Madeira and Malta, and Maggie shares what it was like to have her first “failed” thru-hike attempt on the Arizona...
Kelly "Ibex" Floro on the Pyrenean Haute Route, Budgeting for a Thru-Hike, and Being the Trek's Managing Editor
March 11, 2024 14:54 - 2 hours - 190 MBIn today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by The Trek’s Managing Editor, Kelly “Ibex” Floro. We learn all about what it’s like to have Zach as a boss, Kelly’s top tips for how to afford a thru-hike, and she shares insights from her own thru-hiking adventures including the AT, Wind River High Route, and we dive especially deep into Kelly’s most recent thru-hike of the Pyrenean Haute Route through the Pyrenees, straddling the border between Spain and France. K...
Chaunce Hiked the Foothills Trail! Terrain, Difficulty, Hiking with a Dog, and Gear
March 04, 2024 14:39 - 2 hours - 139 MBIn today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, Chaunce hiked the Foothills Trail! With Chaunce being just a few days removed from this 76-mile gem of a hike, the trail is fresh on her mind, and she provides us a detailed rundown of her experience and standout stories, the trail's many highlights, how it was doing this trek with Harper, a full overview of her gear, an encounter with a zombie ghost, and all the nitty gritty logistics one could dream of having heading into this w...
Q&A: Backpacking with a Gun, Crush It Syndrome, Overrated Gear, Emotionally Draining Trail Experiences, and More
February 26, 2024 14:20 - 2 hours - 169 MBIn today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are bringing back another edition of Q&A. Today we’re joined by our pal and chronic thru-hiker and adventurer, Steven “Twinkle” Shattuck to answer your burning trail-related questions. Today’s episode covers a wide range of topics, including the feasibility and necessity of carrying a gun while backpacking, the dangers of “crush it syndrome” in light of Christopher Roma’s recent tragic passing, Twinkle's top trails from around ...
Kevin "The Animal" Koski on the 2,300-Mile Four Corners Loop
February 19, 2024 14:51 - 2 hours - 249 MBIn today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek we are joined by Kevin Koski, known on trail as “The Animal.” Kevin is the man behind the Four Corners Loop, a new 2,300 mile route circling the four corners region across Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico. We learn all about this route and Kevin’s hike, including how he mapped it, his favorite stretches of trail, his favorite towns- which he saw as a standout feature of the trek, some very entertaining stories, and Kevin’s v...
Wes and Marie Black on Sex During a Thru-Hike, Hiking the PCT as a Married Couple, and Arguing on Trail
February 12, 2024 15:38 - 3 hours - 226 MBIn today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are once again loving love. That's right, it's the 4th edition of our Valentine's Day-themed show. Today we catch up with Wesley and Marie Black, known on trail as Yeti Legs and Basecamp. Less than two years after meeting, they were not only married but together taking on a thru-hike of the PCT. Wesley and Marie pull no punches in sharing the nitty-gritty of making a relationship work during a thru-hike and are especially candi...
Bailey "PseudoSloth" Bremner on the Columbine Route, Creating Her Own Routes, and Backpacking with Dogs
February 05, 2024 14:49 - 1 hour - 137 MBIn today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Bailey “PseudoSloth” Bremner. In addition to hikes of the CDT, Great Divide Trail, Pinhoti, and Benton Mackaye, we do a deep dive on a pair of custom routes that Bailey mapped out herself. The Columbine Route, which crosses the full length of Colorado, and another custom route extending all the way from Canada to Mexico, both of which she completed with her two dogs by her side. We learn all about the specifics of...
David "Moondog" Roop on Thru-Skating the Florida Trail and Natchez Trace Trail
January 29, 2024 16:27 - 1 hour - 124 MBIn today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by David “Moondog” Roop. Moondog, alongside his buddy, has done the Natchez Trace Trail, Florida Trail, and 500 miles through New Mexico, not on foot, but instead on skateboard which he refers to as a thru-skate. We learn all about what goes into such a unique adventure, including how his gear differs relative to traditional backpacking, what terrain is skateboardable and what isn’t, how sore his push muscles get ove...
Matt "Schmutz" Lyons on Becoming a Social Media Celebrity and Using Cringe Comedy to Trigger the Internet
January 22, 2024 14:35 - 2 hours - 146 MBIn today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by someone you are likely already following on Instagram, Matt Lyons known on trail as "Schmutz". Schmutz is a thru-hiker, social media comedian and celebrity. He gives us an overview on his process for making short comedic skits, how life has changed during his rise to fame, and all that's gone into growing his Instagram and TikTok to nearly a half million followers. We also learn about Matt's backpacking journey, i...
Kyle Hates Hiking on His Rise to YouTube Fame, Solving Trail Mysteries, and Getting EXPOSED
January 15, 2024 16:09 - 2 hours - 181 MBIn today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by the very highly requested Kyle O'Grady, known in the world of YouTube as Kyle Hates Hiking. Kyle is an experienced backpacker, having hiked the Long Trail, Appalachian Trail, Northville Placid Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Ouachita Trail, amongst many others. In addition to learning about his many trail tales, we dive deep into his passion for video creation especially on the subjects of true crime and trail mys...
Nicole "ShotGun" Kulovitz on Thru-Hiking as a Lifestyle, Wildland Firefighting, and Losing a $2,500 Twisted Tea Bet
January 08, 2024 15:12 - 3 hours - 206 MBIn today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Nicole “ShotGun” Kulovitz. Nicole only recently began long distance backpacking, but in just the last few years, has thru-hiked the CDT, Arizona Trail, Florida Trail, Hayduke, Pacific Northwest Trail, Oregon Desert Trail, Grand Enchantment Trail, Long Trail, Timberline Trail, Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail, and the Low to High Trail. In other words, she somehow has packed a lifetime of miles into a four year...
Lauren "Long Way" Roerick on France's New 1900-Mile HexaTrek
January 01, 2024 19:13 - 2 hours - 166 MBIn today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Lauren Roerick. Lauren has hiked both the Colorado Trail and Sunshine Coast Trail along with a solid chunk of the PCT, but the focus of today’s episode is her recent thru-hike of the nearly 1,900-mile HexaTrek across France. Lauren gives us an in-depth run down of her trek and the trail at large, including the HexaTrek’s specific geography, the resupply and vibe of the country's quaint villages, the unique, French...
Liz "Snorkel" Thomas on Urban Hiking, Reviewing Gear, and the Hardest Hike in the US
December 25, 2023 16:37 - 3 hours - 225 MBIn today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Liz Thomas, known on trail as “Snorkel.” Liz has backpacked more than 20,000 miles, including an FKT on the AT, many trails internationally, and is likely the most experienced “urban hiker” on earth. We learn Snorkel’s top advice on how to pull big miles, her current gear favorites, what she considers to be the hardest hike in the US, how she advises to backpack often while keeping a desk job, and more. We also di...
Nick "DJ" Fowler on His PCT FKT and Financing a Hiking Lifestyle
December 18, 2023 15:14 - 2 hours - 196 MBIn today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Nick Fowler. Nick went from 1-2 mile day hikes in 2019 to setting the self supported PCT FKT in 2023, with many learning lessons, mistakes, and miles in the four year span in between. We learn all about his experiences on the Hayduke, Pacific Northwest trail (which was another FKT hike for him), the Arizona Trail, and of course go deep on his PCT hike from this year. We also learn about how Nick is able to financi...
Ryan "Dirtmonger" Sylva on Backpacking Philosophies, the Vagabond Loop, and the Great Basin Traverse
December 11, 2023 14:40 - 3 hours - 234 MBIn today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Ryan Sylva, known on trail as Dirtmonger. Let me tell you, this one is an instant classic. Dirtmonger has so many miles under his trail runners that he’s lost count, but it’s comfortably deep into the 5-digit range. We learn about all the trails and routes Dirtmonger has tackled, including the PCT, CDT, Vagabond Loop, Low to High Route, the Great Basin Traverse, Sky Island Traverse, and more. But in addition to an...
Bennett Lee on Caving and His Calendar Year "Half" Triple Crown, Plus Rachel's Colorado Trail Hike
December 04, 2023 14:55 - 3 hours - 223 MBIn today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Bennett Lee, an avid caver, backpacker, and photographer. This year Bennett attempted the calendar year triple crown, completing half of it, which he dubbed the Calendar Year Half Triple Crown. In typical backpacker radio fashion however, we swerve, spending much of our time chatting about the wacky world that is caving. We go deep, learning what draws someone into caving, why people in his community don’t call it...
#229 | Ruth Morley on Section Hiking vs. Thru-Hiking at Age 70 and Eating Plant-Based
November 27, 2023 15:46 - 2 hours - 158 MBIn today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Ruth Morley. Ruth, in addition to being a Trek Blogger, is an avid backpacker, having trekked the GR5 through the south of France all the way through the Netherlands, the Florida Trail, the AT, the Buckeye Trail, and most recently a thru-hike of the Colorado Trail at the ripe age of 70! We learn about Ruth’s affinity for section hiking and how it compares to thru-hiking, we get an indepth run down of her time trek...
#228 | Matt "Sheriff Woody" Berger, a Trained Botanist, on Interesting Plants of the Triple Crown Trails
November 20, 2023 16:17 - 2 hours - 166 MBIn today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Matt Berger known on trail as Sheriff Woody. If you like plants, oh boy, are you in luck today because Sheriff Woody is an experienced thru-hiker and a trained botanist who’s packed to the gills with fun flora facts. We learn about some of the standout plant species along each of the triple crown trails, how to know if a berry is edible or deadly, some of the rarest flowers along the triple crown trails, interesti...
#227 | Brady Geilenfeldt on Hiking the Colorado Trail as a Deaf Person
November 13, 2023 14:27 - 2 hours - 180 MBIn today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Brady Geilenfeldt. Brady, known on trail as Undies, thru-hiked the Colorado Trail this year. What makes Undies story especially interesting is that he is deaf. We learn all about Brady’s inspiring story, the incredible technology that is cochlear implants, what challenges a deaf hiker has to overcome, Brady's highlights from the CT, some of the non-obvious benefits of being a deaf hiker, Brady’s future trail ambit...
#226 | Dr. Morgan Brosnihan on Training for a Thru-Hike, Injury Prevention, and Helping Hikers on the PCT
November 06, 2023 16:51 - 2 hours - 170 MBIn today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Dr. Morgan Brosnihan. Dr. Brosnihan runs Blaze Physio, a mobile physical therapy service, from her van, where she helps ailing hikers along the Pacific Crest Trail. We learn all about this novel business idea and go deep on everything to do with injury and injury prevention, including the best training regimen, the biggest mistakes thru-hikers make in terms of inciting injury, which gizmos and gadgets she recommen...
#225 | Andrea Lankford on the PCT's Three Missing Hikers
October 30, 2023 14:40 - 2 hours - 146 MBIn today’s very spooky episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Andrea Lankford, author of “Trail of the Lost: The Relentless Search to Bring Home the Missing Hikers of the Pacific Crest Trail.” Andrea’s book, and thus our conversation, keys in on the story of three missing hikers on the PCT, all happening in consecutive years between 2015 and 2017. We talk about the specific details of each of these cases, how the official authorities could’ve done better in their...
#224 | Pony 4.0: The Cape Wrath Trail, A Challenging CDT Section, and Retiring from Multi-Month Backpacking
October 23, 2023 14:30 - 2 hours - 175 MBIn today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are re-re-re joined by listener favorite and our pal, Clay Bonnyman Evans, aka Pony. We catch up on all that Pony's been up to since his last appearance on the show including a thru-hike of the Cape Wrath Trail, which he refers to as the AT of the UK, his trek from Edinburgh to Glasgow, his stint as a caretaker at Woods Hole Hostel, and his latest section hike of the Continental Divide Trail, which he cites as his most psycho...
#223 | Snakes 101: Bites, Myths, and Antivenom with Dr. Nick Brandehoff and Dr. Bryan Wilson
October 16, 2023 14:45 - 2 hours - 145 MBIn today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Dr. Nick Brandehoff and Dr. Bryan Wilson of The Asclepius Snakebite Foundation to of course talk all things snakes. We cover everything you could want to know about dealing with snakes and snake bites including what to do if bitten by a snake in the backcountry in a variety of circumstances, what to do if your kid or dog is bitten by a snake, common myths about snakes and snake bites, a fornicate marry kill of sna...
#222 | How to Choose a Backpack for Thru-Hiking with Owen Eigenbrot
October 09, 2023 14:18 - 2 hours - 154 MBIn today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are giving you an in depth run through on how to choose a backpack for thru-hiking. We are joined today by The Trek's Managing Editor, serial thru-hiker, and certified gear nerd, Owen Eigenbrot. We walk you through all the features, terminology, material types, sizing tips, and more to give you a foundational knowledge on making an educated decision when purchasing a pack for the purpose of a long-distance backpacking trek. We ...
#221 | Al "Lookout" Marriott on Hiking Through the Sierra in a Record Snow Year (PCT 2023)
October 02, 2023 16:27 - 2 hours - 198 MBIn today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Al Marriott, known on trail as Lookout. Lookout is a 2023 PCT thru-hiker, and one of the very few who was able to connect their footsteps on a continuous northbound hike through the Sierra. This is the main course of our conversation today as we learn all about the wild conditions Lookout and his crew of 6 fellow hikers endured, including some very close call water crosses, how slow and draining the snow travel wa...
#220 | How to Choose a Tent for Backpacking with Owen Eigenbrot
September 25, 2023 14:20 - 2 hours - 175 MBIn today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are giving you a thorough breakdown on all things backpacking tent related. We are joined by The Trek's Managing Editor, accomplished thru-hiker, and gear encyclopedia, Owen Eigenbrot. We introduce today's panel by giving you a thorough run-through on everything you need about backpacking tents, including the various types of tents, feature sets, terminology, material options, and more. We then do a roundtable offering our top ...
#219 | Jonathon Stalls on his 242-Day Walk Across the United States, Pedestrian Dignity, and Healing in Nature
September 18, 2023 12:55 - 2 hours - 174 MBIn today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Jonathon Stalls. Jonathon is a wildly interesting character who, in 2010, in search of meaning and healing, decided to walk across the length of the country. We learn all about this transformative journey, some of the standout stories along the way- including some instances of the unforeseen kindness of strangers, his alter ego of Cate Blanchett flaring up through the desert, how he was able to fund this journey, ...
#218 | Ultralight Backpacking Tips with Carl "Professor" Stanfield
September 11, 2023 11:47 - 3 hours - 208 MBIn today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are talking all things ultralight backpacking. We're joined by our pal and thru-hiker extraordinaire, Carl Stanfield aka "Professor", as the three of us share some of our top tips for reducing pack weight. The advice in this episode covers the full spectrum, from broad-based philosophical ways to approach what should and should not be in your pack, to more granular tips for simple and cost-effective ways of going UL. Whether yo...
#217 | Gillian Larson aka the Thru-Rider on Covering 10,000 Miles on Horseback: Logistics, Advice, and Favorite Stories
September 04, 2023 13:00 - 2 hours - 172 MBIn today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by long-distance thru-rider Gillian Larson. Yes, thru-rider. Gillian has more than 10,000 backcountry wilderness miles via horseback, including two thru-rides of the Pacific Crest Trail, the Continental Divide Trail, the Arizona Trail, and the Colorado Trail. Gillian was the youngest person to solo-thru ride the PCT in 2014, and became the first person to thru-ride both the PCT and CDT. We of course ambush Gillian wi...
#216 | Sara "Tide Walker" Leibold on 10,000 Solo Human-Powered Miles, Rowing the Mississippi River, and Working at ESPN
August 28, 2023 12:55 - 2 hours - 167 MBIn today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Sara Leibold. Sara is a solo adventurer, thru-hiker, writer, and vlogger with more than 10,000 human-powered miles under her belt. Her adventures include several thru-hikes, for which we zoom in on her hikes of the AT, Benton MacKaye, and most recently, the Hayduke. We also learn about her wild adventure of rowing the length of the Mississippi River, from source to sea. And we get a run down on Sara's many odd job...
#215 | Heidi Nisbett on Her Thru-Hiking Art, Being a Hiking Guide, and A Wild Rescue Story from the CDT
August 21, 2023 14:57 - 2 hours - 186 MBIn today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Heidi Nisbett aka Sketch. Heidi is a thru-hiker, hiking guide, and an exceptionally talented artist, having recently been commissioned to paint a giant mural at the Trail Center in Damascus. Heidi gives us the lowdown on why she loved the Foothills Trail, the Superior Hiking Trail, Pinhoti Trail, and more. We also go in-depth on Heidi's journey as an artist, how she fell in love with it as a kid, fell out of love ...
#214 | Tisha McCombs, Executive Director of the Colorado Trail Foundation
August 14, 2023 14:14 - 2 hours - 170 MBIn today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek we are joined by new Executive Director at the Colorado Trail Foundation, Tisha McCombs. Tisha gives us a rundown on her journey to becoming the head at the CTF, what her vision is for the Colorado Trail moving forward, all that goes into maintaining the CT and where help is most needed, and much more. We also chat a bit about the role mountain biking plays into sustaining many trails throughout Colorado, what her top advice is to ...
#213 | Andrew Terrill on his 7,000 mile journey from southern Italy to northern Norway, encounters with The Mafia, and battling snow in the Alps
August 07, 2023 14:36 - 2 hours - 143 MBIn today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by fellow Goldenite, Andrew Terrill. Starting in 1997, Andrew walked more than 7,000 miles from the southernmost point of Italy to northern Norway, an 18-month journey across the wild parts of Europe. Needless to say, learning about this unique and fascinating trek is the focus of today's chat, as we learn what inspired Andrew to take on this route that no one had ever done previously, how he was received by locals t...
#212 | Mandy "Veggie" Redpath and Kevin "Karma" Savage on 30,000+ Trail Miles, the Low to High Route, Scottish National Trail, and Camino de Santiago
July 31, 2023 17:41 - 3 hours - 237 MBIn today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek we are joined by Mandy "Veggie" Redpath and Kevin "Karma" Savage. Combined, the pair have accumulated more than 30,000 trail miles, and an endless number of stories to boot. We get a detailed breakdown comparing a few different variations of Camino de Santiago- Frances, del Norte, and Primativo, a serendipitous hitchhike which kick-started their romantic journey, their first shared trek on the Pacific Northwest Trail, the Hayduke...
#211 | Matteo Volpi on Starting a UL Gear Company in Mexico, Entrepreneurship Lessons, and Backpacking in the US
July 24, 2023 15:35 - 2 hours - 140 MBIn today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Matteo Volpi, the CEO of Volpi Outdoor Gear, the Mexico-based UL gear company. We talk about what it's like to run a cottage gear company out of Mexico, a country without much of a long-distance backpacking culture. We learn about what goes into starting and running a new business, how he designs the products he uses and sells, the challenges of managing a team, and much more. We also talk about Matteo's hikes ...
#210 | Lyla Harrod: Thru-Hiking while Trans, Sober, and Queer
July 17, 2023 14:33 - 2 hours - 169 MBIn today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Lyla Harrod. Lyla is is a sober, queer, transgender woman currently on the last leg of her triple crown and has accrued an absurd amount of trail miles in just the last 2.5 years. She swings by the studio in the midst of her CDT thru-hike to share her journey of coming out as trans, how that's interfaced with her many thru-hiking miles, establishing the FKT on the Bay Circuit Trail, her love affair with the Hayduk...
#209 | The Daley Family on Thru-Hiking with Three Young Kids: Motivation, Gear, Meltdowns, and More
July 10, 2023 14:48 - 2 hours - 175 MBIn today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by the Daley Family. Marketa and David Daley have been avid backpackers for many years, and have not let the addition of their three kids Sequoia (age 6), Joshua (age 4), and Standa (age 3) slow them down in the slightest. Their recent treks include thru-hikes of the Tahoe Rim Trail, 1,300 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail, and 250 miles of the Appalachian Trail this year. Although we've interviewed thru-hiking famili...
#208 | Alina "Abstract" Drufovka on Creating Trail-Themed Art, Exploring Her Latina-Jewish Heritage, and Meeting Her Partner on Trail
July 03, 2023 14:37 - 2 hours - 163 MBIn today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Alina Drufovka aka Abstract. In addition to being a thru-hiker and adventurer, you're likely already familiar with the name Abstract because of her incredible and unique outdoor-themed artwork. We learn all about Alina's transformation from thru-hiker to now full-time artist, her time on the AT, PCT, and Israel National Trail, her current gig as an Ambassadors on the Get Outside Tour where she travels the country ...
#207 | Renee "She-ra" Patrick on the Blue Mountains Trail, Ground Truthing New Routes, & Consulting Trail Organizations
June 26, 2023 16:10 - 1 hour - 124 MBIn today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are re-joined by friend of the show, Renee "She-ra" Patrick. She-ra is a triple crowner whose backpacking experience you heard all about in episode 44, today we catch up on all she's been up to since last being on the show, including hikes on the Blue Mountains Trail, the Corvallis to Sea Trail, re-visiting the AT as a southbounder, and more. Renee also walks us through her latest endeavor and mission to help long-distance orga...
#206 | Briana DeSanctis on Hiking the 6,800 Mile American Discovery Trail
June 19, 2023 14:30 - 3 hours - 222 MBIn today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Briana DeSanctis aka Rocky Mountain High. Briana is currently hiking the 6,800 mile American Discovery Trail and upon completing this trail, she will be the first solo woman to ever accomplish this feat. We obviously swan dive deep on everything to do with hiking the ADT, including the specifics of the route, how much of it is on single track vs road, some of the highlight stops along the trail, how she manages re...
#205 | Warren Doyle: Appalachian Trail Legend on His Record 18 Completed AT Traverses
June 12, 2023 15:29 - 1 hour - 133 MBIn today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Warren Doyle. Warren is a legend. With 18 traverses of the entire Appalachian Trail accounting for more than 38,000 miles, no one on earth has completed the AT more times than Warren. In addition to his vast knowledge and infatuation with this trail, Warren is a fascinating character, with outspoken beliefs on culture, disobedience, and philosophy. Chaunce and I really enjoyed our chat with Warren and we think you...
#204 | Little Skittle, Travis Avery, and Trail Days 2023
June 05, 2023 13:34 - 1 hour - 140 MBIn today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Sawyer Products, we are bringing you a certified smorgasbord of backpacking goodness. We kick off the show with a somewhat impromptu interview with Instagram and YouTube sensation, Little Skittle. We learn about the last leg of her triple crown, how she embraced the brutality of the CDT, and of course the requisite fuck, marry, kill of the triple crown trails. We then catch up with Travis Avery of Sawyer Products...
#203 | Darwin Returns to Talk Evolved Supply Co., Documenting Sawyer's Philanthropy in Fiji, and Hosting a Travel Show
May 29, 2023 17:33 - 2 hours - 147 MBIn today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Sawyer Products, we are joined once again by Darwin Rakestraw, of Darwin on the Trail YouTube fame. We catch up on the past year of Darwin's adventures, including learning all about his new gear company, Evolved Supply Co., the inspiration for how he builds products, which products he chooses, what offerings might be in the pipeline, and more. We also learn about a brand new documentary featuring Brew and Jennife...
#202 | Anna McKinney on Finding Her Fiancé on the AT, Guiding in the Smokies, and Battling Imposter Syndrome
May 22, 2023 15:33 - 2 hours - 184 MBIn today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Anna McKinney. Anna is an AT thru-hiker (where she met her fiancé), a hiking guide in the Smokies, a Trek Writer, and an all around giver of good vibes. We get the full scoop on how her budding trail romance evolved to impending wedding bells- and Chaunce gives us a detailed breakdown on the stages of love on trail, we learn about some of the more interesting flora and fauna in the Smokies, battling imposter syn...
#201 | American Perimeter Trail with Rue McKenrick
May 15, 2023 15:31 - 2 hours - 140 MBIn today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Rue McKenrick. Rue is an accomplished long-distance hiker and the Executive Director of the American Perimeter Trail Conference, an ambitious project to create a 14,000 mile loop that circumnavigates the continental U.S. We learn all about Rue's scouting of this trail- as he's hiked 12,000 miles of the route in search of the best course already, his inspiration for this project, the challenges he anticipates in ...
#200 | Lyme Disease Symptoms, Treatments, and Prevention with Dr. Brian Fallon and Noah Johnston
May 08, 2023 14:19 - 2 hours - 151 MBIn today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Dr. Brian Fallon and Noah Johnston of Project Lyme to discuss all things deer ticks and Lyme disease. We dive into just about everything one would want to know including Lyme disease prevalence, prevention strategies, treatment for Lyme and chronic Lyme, the latest in medical advancements including prospects for future vaccines, where Lyme is most problematic geographically, how to manage your pet on trail, and mu...