Stay ConnectedFrom 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.
Copyright: © The Trek
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we get the full rundown on Chaunce and Fireball's recent thru-hike of the Ozark Highlands Trail. Not only do we get a day-by-day run-through of this adventure, but we learn all about the trail's unique features, including the intense water crossings, its extremely remote nature, how they handled resupply, what they liked and didn't like about the trail, an epic trail angel stay, and more.
We wrap the show with some news that affects all trekkers in the country of Nepal, a triple crown of things that get your goat, and a new gross or not gross.
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 "EETREK10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com.
Goodr: Use code "BACKPACKER" for free shipping on your first order at goodr.com/backpacker.
RTIC Outdoors: Shop at rticoutdoors.com.
[divider]
Interview with Chaunce & Mims
Time stamps & Questions
00:04:50 - QOTD: What's it called if you hike near/with someone solely because they have an awesome dog?
00:07:10 - Introducing Chaunce & Mims!
00:10:40 - Would you say someone should skip the northern section?
00:13:16 - What was the inspiration to hike this trail?
00:15:00 - Discussion about the trail conditions and weather
00:15:58 - Does the time change affect you on trail?
00:17:44 - Overview of the trail logistics
00:19:45 - How did you cache/store food?
00:23:40 - Discussion about the trail itinerary
00:24:37 - How hard are the miles on the OHT?
00:27:16 - Is it nerve wracking to hike separately during the day?
00:32:00 - Have you heard of anyone being attacked by a boar?
00:35:02 - What was the weather like?
00:37:40 - Discussion about Day 3
00:38:52 - Would you hike it again?
00:40:15 - Discussion about the water crossings
00:52:53 - Discussion about Stan the trail angel
00:58:25 - Story about Big Bertha the massage chair
01:02:51 - More about Stan
01:06:30 - Discussion about Chaunce's birthday on trail
01:16:42 - Discussion about latter half of the trail
01:19:04 - Discussion about Chaunce's shoes
01:21:30 - Discussion about the second to last day of trail
01:29:00 - Discussion about finishing the trail
01:31:40 - What was the cell service like?
01:33:45 - Would you bring a dog on the trail?
SEGMENTS
Trek Propaganda
Triple Crown of things that get your goat
Gross or Not Gross
Premature Gear Evaluations
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.Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.
Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.
Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.
Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.
A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Austin Ford, Brad & Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Brent Stenberg, Cameron Brown, Christopher Marshburn, Dayne, DoGoodPantry, Greg McDaniel, Kristina Diaz, Matt Soukup, Mike Poisel, Morgan Luke, Patrick Cianciolo, Sawyer Products, Timothy Hahn, 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.
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Catra Corbett. Catra is an accomplished ultrarunner, former meth addict, author, and overall force for positivity. We go through Catra's many long distance accomplishments including being the first American woman to run over 100 miles on more than 100 occasions, her fastest known double time for the 425-miles John Muir Trail, and her streak of running every day for the last 10 years. We learn about the process of overcoming addiction and starting a new life, how Catra maintains a positive mindset while managing her depression and anxiety, her favorite trail races, including a fuck marry kill of the best 100 mile races, and much more. This was a fun lively chat, you will enjoy it, or else, we will find you.
We wrap the show with a triple crown of random facts, reasons why you should SOBO thru-hike the CDT, a new patent-pending, and some last minute thoughts before Chaunce hits the Ozark Highlands Trail.
Enlightened Equipment: Use code "EETREK10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com.
OnX Backcountry: Use code "BACKPACKERRADIO20" for 20% off a Premium or Elite Membership at onxmaps.com.
Gossamer Gear: Use code "TAKELESSTREKMORE" for 15% off at gossamergear.com.
RTIC Outdoors: Shop at rticoutdoors.com.
[divider]
Interview with Catra Corbett
Time stamps & Questions
00:09:57 - QOTD: Predictions for Zach with twins!
00:11:58 - Reminders: Take our listener survey! Trail
00:13:30 - Introducing Catra
00:14:16 - Give us your full background on getting into sports
00:18:44 - Did you have any trauma that turned you towards substances?
00:21:37 - Is it almost a benefit to have gone through past hardships while being an ultrarunner?
00:23:00 - Tell us about being a go-go dancer!
00:25:40 - Do you think you needed to process your trauma prior to starting running?
00:26:48 - Can you talk about how hard it was to stay clean and focus on running?
00:30:28 - How did you cut ties with your former friends?
00:32:02 - Tell us about setting the JMT yo-yo FKT
00:45:50 - What did the FKT culture look like in 2002?
00:49:55 - Have you had any hallucinations?
00:54:26 - Tell us about the Triple Crown of 200s
00:57:18 - Have you noticed a change in the 200-mile race scene since Courtney's win?
01:01:45 - What would you say is the line between oversleeping and undersleeping?
01:06:25 - Do you have any general advice for people looking to learn from you?
01:07:46 - Is it possible for running to become too much of a good thing?
01:12:17 - Is there an established time for a JMT triple?
01:12:45 - How do you get a permit for an FKT on the JMT?
01:14:35 - How does your approach differ based on the length of your race?
01:16:10 - Fuck Marry Kill: 100-mile races
01:18:45 - How did you get your trail name?
01:21:44 - Tell us about your shoes
01:23:06 - Tell us about getting stalked by animals and nearly dying
01:30:55 - Do you alter your course if you see storms coming?
01:31:43 - Tell us about writing the book
01:33:33 - Trigger warning: do you want to tell us about when you attempted suicide?
01:38:30 - What mindset skills do you use?
01:41:30 - Where can people go to follow you?
SEGMENTS
Trek Propaganda
Stupid Thing of the Week
Patent Pending
Triple Crown of random facts
Mail Bag (submit a guest for the show!)
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.Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.
Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.
Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.
Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.
A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Austin Ford, Brad & Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Brent Stenberg, Cameron Brown, Christopher Marshburn, Dayne, DoGoodPantry, Greg McDaniel, Kristina Diaz, Matt Soukup, Mike Poisel, Morgan Luke, Patrick Cianciolo, Sawyer Products, Timothy Hahn, 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.
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek we are joined by Tim Ernst, renowned wilderness photographer and the founder and former president of the Ozark Highlands Trail. This one is dedicated to the Ozark Highlands Trail, serving as an in-depth trail profile of this 200-mile(ish) backpacking trail through the state of Arkansas. We learn all about what makes this trail special, the best time of the year to hike, who it's for, some of the trail's highlights, wildlife, resupply strategy and more.
We wrap the show with our ride or die beer choices, a new stupidest thing of the week, a brief preview of the lost sierra trail, the triple crown of things we do that we're ashamed of, and more.
Enlightened Equipment: Use code "EETREK10" 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.
RTIC Outdoors: Shop at rticoutdoors.com.
OnX Backcountry: Use code "BACKPACKERRADIO20" for 20% off a Premium or Elite Membership at onxmaps.com.
[divider]
Interview with Tim Ernst
Time stamps & Questions
00:05:28 - QOTD: What one beer would you drink for the rest of time?
00:07:30 - Reminders: Support us on Patreon to listen to our exclusive Q&A episodes!
00:09:50 - Introducing Tim
00:10:35 - What got you into the outdoors and photography?
00:13:50 - You hiked across the state with no maps?
00:14:57 - How long did the first traverse take?
00:16:07 - Tell us more about your background in photography
00:23:37 - What is the basic layout of the Ozark Highlands Trail?
00:28:40 - What do people do for that 16 mile gap?
00:33:35 - Discussion about reasons to hike the OHT
00:36:44 - How do you decide how long a trail should be?
00:41:56 - What's the official distance of the trail?
00:44:08 - What's an overview of the trail's terrain?
00:50:00 - Trail history
00:52:50 - What type of pace and water crossings should thru-hikers expect?
00:56:00 - When's the best time to hike the OHT?
00:57:50 - Is the guidebook the recommended form of navigation?
01:00:00 - Discussion about how busy the trail is
01:01:42 - What is the camping situation like?
01:05:13 - What are the resupply options like?
01:12:12 - Do you hike with the bear can that you use to stash food?
01:15:07 - What would you say is the highlight stretch of the trail?
01:20:05 - What kind of wildlife should someone expect to see at different times of year?
01:23:15 - What could someone expect as highs and lows for each season?
01:31:16 - Can this hike be done in full with a dog?
01:34:00 - Sell someone on the Ozark Highlands Trail!
01:36:55 - Where can someone get more information?
SEGMENTS
Trek Propaganda
Gross or Not Gross
Listener Voicemail (and leave us your own!)
Triple Crown of things you do you're ashamed of
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.Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.
Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.
Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.
Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.
A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Austin Ford, Brad & Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Brent Stenberg, Cameron Brown, Christopher Marshburn, Dayne, DoGoodPantry, Greg McDaniel, Kristina Diaz, Matt Soukup, Mike Poisel, Morgan Luke, Patrick Cianciolo, Sawyer Products, Timothy Hahn, 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.
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Felecia Moran, known on trail as Dora the Explorer. We talk about Dora's many thru-hikes, including the PCT, Wonderland Trail, Colorado Trail, CDT, AT SOBO, and more. We touch on what it's like to backpack with an eating disorder and body dysmorphia. Dora is especially candid about this subject and we hope it provides value to others who may be battling the same or similar issues.
We wrap the show with a quick overview of some of the best down jackets for thru-hiking, a triple crown of hipster baby names, a premature gear evaluation of a popular hiking boot, and more.
OnX Backcountry: Use code "BACKPACKERRADIO20" for 20% off a Premium or Elite Membership at onxmaps.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.
RTIC Outdoors: Shop at rticoutdoors.com.
[divider]
Interview with Dora the Explorer
Time stamps & Questions
00:05:01 - QOTD: What's the appropriate celebration for spring equinox?
00:10:30 - Introducing Dora
00:11:47 - What got you into the outdoors?
00:14:16 - What made you pick the PCT instead of the AT?
00:15:26 - What went wrong in 2012?
00:16:30 - Have you had different trail romances?
00:19:31 - Was it love at first sight with thru-hiking?
00:20:20 - What hardships did you go through on the PCT?
00:21:20 - Tell us about hiking in sandals
00:25:30 - Discussion about treating water
00:27:08 - What gear have you added back in that you might have trimmed in the beginning?
00:30:05 - What gear do you still want to upgrade?
00:35:27 - Did you know right after finishing the PCT that you'd thru-hike again next year?
00:36:32 - How do you make thru-hiking sustainable from a job perspective?
00:41:48 - Tell us about the Wonderland Trail
00:44:15 - Tell us about the Timberline Trail
00:45:50 - What were your experiences like with the water crossings?
00:46:40 - Tell us about the Colorado Trail
00:47:33 - How would you differentiate the Colorado Trail from the CDT?
00:48:30 - Tell us about your section hike of the PCT in 2015
00:49:08 - At what point did you move into the minivan?
00:51:30 - Discussion about going back and forth from the trail to nannying
00:53:22 - Tell us about your relationship with Instagram in the context of backpacking
00:58:40 - Tell us about the Continental Divide Trail in 2016
01:01:40 - How do eating disorders and body dysmorphia interact with backpacking?
01:04:00 - In what way has thru-hiking been helpful?
01:07:19 - Do you have any advice for someone who struggles with eating disorders?
01:09:57 - Anything else you want to share on this subject?
01:10:44 - Is the binging culture on trail potentially triggering?
01:13:10 - How did the spirit of your hike change once your partner joined you?
01:15:50 - Why did you need to upgrade your mental game on the CDT?
01:18:22 - What do you attribute to the Colorado Blues?
01:19:08 - Tell us about the AT
01:23:40 - How many bugs did you experience?
01:25:13 - How did you feel about completing your Triple Crown?
01:26:30 - Why do you think you've gotten less social while hiking?
01:28:00 - Tell us about the bikepacking routes you've done
01:31:35 - Talk someone into bikepacking
01:33:52 - What parting messages do you want to share?
SEGMENTS
Trek Propaganda
Triple Crown of hipster baby names
Premature Gear Evaluation
Listener Voicemail (and leave us your own!)
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.Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.
Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.
Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.
Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.
A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Austin Ford, Brad & Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Brent Stenberg, Cameron Brown, Christopher Marshburn, Dayne, DoGoodPantry, Greg McDaniel, Kristina Diaz, Matt Soukup, Mike Poisel, Morgan Luke, Patrick Cianciolo, Sawyer Products, Timothy Hahn, 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.
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined once again by Quadzilla. We of course go deep on his calendar year triple crown from last year, getting a play-by-play of his standout highlights, lowlights, and everything in between from his epic 8,000-mile adventure. Much like Quadzilla's first appearance, this one is full of sage advice for on trail and off, including how he handles isolationism, dealing with the doldrums, and the importance of staying present. This one of course does not disappoint.
We wrap the show with the Triple Crown of previously held backpacking convictions you've changed your mind on, some news on Mt Washington's recent -108 degree day, and a new stupid thing of the week.
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 "EETREK10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com.
RTIC Outdoors: Shop at rticoutdoors.com.
[divider]
Interview with Jack "Quadzilla" Jones
Time stamps & Questions
00:04:53 - QOTD: Should Kraft mac n' cheese be eaten with a fork or a spoon?
00:07:15 - Reminders: Future of BPR :(
00:12:20 - Introducing Quadzilla
00:13:45 - Introduce us to the Calendar Year Triple Crown and what inspired you to do it
00:15:44 - Have we crossed any boundaries talking about your quads?
00:17:27 - Tell us about your ideal weight and your trail diet
00:19:40 - Give us some background on the general CYTC facts
00:22:18 - Tell us about the winter weather you experienced on the AT
00:27:44 - Did you have anything to self-arrest with?
00:28:26 - Did your weightlifting background give you an advantage in the snow?
00:29:14 - Was Vermont the first place you consistently saw winter weather?
00:31:01 - Was there any part of you that wished you got off and switched trails?
00:32:28 - What was your camera setup?
00:34:57 - Have you ever considered making a quads calendar or OnlyFans?
00:36:35 - Do you have any trail photography hacks?
00:38:07 - Tell us about your wildlife encounters and photos
00:40:56 - Why did you also take video clips?
00:44:05 - Were you intentionally more introspective in what you shared about your journey?
00:47:28 - How do you process everything publicly?
00:49:30 - Tell us about battling isolationism
00:53:38 - Do you have thoughts on what a cure could be?
00:57:39 - Tell us more about recognizing when you're in the doldrums of a hike
01:01:36 - How would you compare the AT?
01:04:10 - Did you consider timing where you would be during a potential low point?
01:07:00 - What are your top "holy shit" moments from the CYTC?
01:09:08 - Quadzilla's poop story
01:10:00 - Did you hike with other people at any point?
01:12:45 - How did you then pull away from the social aspect and return to hiking solo?
01:14:36 - How often did you get recognized?
01:18:02 - Did that experience make you rethink the next hitch?
01:21:03 - If you could go back and relive a day from each of the trails, which would it be?
01:23:10 - When you got past the San Juans, was there a big sigh of relief?
01:25:27 - What kind of gear did you carry over the course of the year?
01:29:22 - Do you have the layering company to hike in cold temperatures?
01:31:25 - Discussion about waterproof socks
01:31:50 - Days Quadzilla would relive on the AT and CDT
01:34:16 - Discussion about smashing watermelons
01:38:40 - How did the CDT this year compare to the first time you hiked it?
01:41:40 - Are there certain restaurants or towns you knew you wanted to visit a second time?
01:44:42 - Did you keep track of your food or macros while hiking?
01:45:53 - Did any particular food item keep your interest for the entire journey?
01:47:23 - Did you take any supplements?
01:50:24 - What did your 5,000 calories consist of?
01:52:16 - Did you intentionally drink a certain amount of water?
01:53:50 - Tell us about getting sponsored for your hike
01:55:08 - Did you find any romance on the trail?
01:58:01 - What plans do you have for this year?
02:01:00 - Where can people buy your book?
02:02:30 - Anything else to share before you leave?
SEGMENTS
Trek Propaganda
Stupid Thing of the Week
Triple Crown of previously held backpacking convictions you've changed your mind on
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.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.
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Lt Cookoo Bird. Cookoo's a name you've heard on this podcast before, he's been a hiking partner of Jabba's for many years and he was the third member of our Wind River High route trek in 2019. Today's episode is a certified marathon, as Cookoo delights us with tales from trails all over the country, including the time he got a hitch from a prostitute, tindering his way along the West Coast, cycling from Oregon to Maine with his mom, befriending countless strangers, and much more. This one is an instant Backpacker Radio classic.
We wrap the show with a triple crown of non-traditional burger toppings, confirmation that boxers are in fact the dumbest dog breed, and some tips for hiking in the rain on the Appalachian Trail.
Enlightened Equipment: Use code "TREKPOD10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com.
Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKERRADIO" for 15% off at gossamergear.com.
RTIC Outdoors: Shop at rticoutdoors.com.
[divider]
Interview with Lt. Cookoo Bird
Time stamps & Questions
00:05:35 - QOTD: What is the appropriate amount of time to wait to ask to eat someone's pickle?
00:08:20 - Reminders: Vote for BPR in the Sports Podcast Awards!
00:09:25 - Introducing Bruce
00:10:08 - Tell us your trail name origin story.
00:13:40 - Why did you start with the Long Trail?
00:15:45 - Would you say the Appalachian Trail was your most formative hike?
00:16:30 - Tell us about your vow of silence on the AT.
00:21:39 - What was Jabba like in 2013?
00:23:10 - Any other standout stories from the AT?
00:25:02 - Give us the background on hiker gangs.
00:28:15 - Discussion about Riff Raff
00:36:39 - What are the different groups like?
00:38:48 - What is the interaction like between groups?
00:40:40 - Tell us about the Adirondack 46ers.
00:45:00 - How did the Adirondacks compare to trails you'd done before?
00:46:02 - Was the Sierra High Route next?
00:47:00 - Getting to the Lost Coast Trail
01:01:50 - Tell us about the Lost Coast Trail
01:05:50 - Getting to the Sierra High Route
01:12:20 - Tell us about the Sierra High Route.
01:16:54 - What is camping like on the Sierra High Route?
01:18:15 - How much is on trail versus off?
01:19:44 - Tell us the story of almost getting kicked off a bus.
01:26:55 - Tell us about the bike tour with your mom.
01:30:45 - What did you learn about your mom while biking from coast to coast?
01:32:02 - How would you describe your relationship to your mom prior to the trip?
01:34:22 - Did your relationship change over the course of the trip?
01:38:17 - How did the bike trip compare to your thru-hikes?
01:41:24 - Anything else to share from the ride?
01:42:30 - Tell us about your adventures in 2017.
01:52:00 - Discussion about Mt. Washington
01:53:58 - Biking around Lake Superior
02:00:50 - Disassembling a barn in Iowa
02:02:00 - Trying MCT oil
02:04:30 - Discussion about Bruce's love life
02:06:30 - Tell us about the first attempt of the Hayduke in 2019
02:14:30 - Story about burning his foot on the Hayduke
02:27:10 - Switching to hike with Jabba in Escalante
02:29:40 - Interview pause: twin update
02:32:49 - Tell us about the Wind River High Route
02:43:00 - Story about bailing off the Wind River High Route
02:50:00 - Tell us about redeeming yourself with a class 5 climb in the Tetons
SEGMENTS
Trek Propaganda
Patent Pending
Triple Crown of non-traditional burger toppings
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.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.
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are yet again talking all things hiking the PCT in a high snow year. This episode was recorded in early March, now that we have a clearer picture of what the 2023 hiking season will look like, and it is historically snowy. Today's episode features a pair of interviews- first we are joined by Daniel Winsor, 2017 PCT NOBO thru-hiker and author of "Crunch: A Million Snowy Steps Along the Pacific Crest Trail". Daniel was one of the first people through the Sierra in 2017, another historically high snow year, and shares in detail what his experience looked like, including his preferred traction, how to safely navigate high water crossings, the importance of traveling with a group, the schedule necessary for making miles, his close calls, and more. We are then joined by Ned Tibbits, founder of Mountain Education, a non-profit, public charity wilderness school that has been teaching people how to safely backpack year-round since 1982. Ned gives us even more nitty gritty detail about his advice for navigating the Sierra in high snow, including the safest time to enter the Sierra, the proper traction equipment, managing water crossings, and more. A lot of Ned and Daniel's advice overlaps, some of it deviates.
Importantly- the advice issued in today's show is for informational purposes only. This is not intended to and should not be relied upon solely for how to navigate dangerous, backpacking conditions, which the PCT is sure to offer this year and beyond. Please seek the guidance of a skilled instructor for learning how to backpack through high snow and do not rely solely on any podcast, this one included.
We wrap the show with two very embarrassing stories for ole Badger.
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.
RTIC Outdoors: Shop at rticoutdoors.com.
Treecard: Use code "BACKPACKER" for 1,000 free reward points at treecard.org.
[divider]
Interview with Daniel Winsor and Ned Tibbits
Time stamps & Questions
00:05:54 - QOTD: Do you prefer dry food or wet food?
00:09:42 - Reminders: Take our listener survey! Support us on Patreon!
00:11:23 - Introducing the episode and Daniel
00:13:47 - Tell us your outdoors experience.
00:16:52 - What prep did you do before hiking the PCT in 2017?
00:20:19 - How much of your prep was self-taught versus watching tutorials?
00:23:50 - Tell us your start date and when you reached Kennedy Meadows.
00:26:00 - What was your mindset at the start of the Sierra?
00:29:49 - What were other people's mindsets at the start of the Sierra?
00:36:10 - Did you encounter sketchy parts of trail prior to reaching the Sierra?
00:39:05 - Which conditions are better for crampons versus microspikes?
00:43:30 - What are your opinions on snowshoes or skis?
00:48:08 - What other gear changes did you make going from desert to snow?
00:55:00 - What were the snow conditions like given that you were so early in the season?
01:03:10 - Discussion about 2017 Sierra incidents
01:18:30 - Can you talk about your approach to water crossings?
01:23:06 - Was there a chain of command within your group?
01:27:38 - What other non-obvious advice do you have?
01:29:42 - Walk us through the schedule of your typical day in the Sierra.
01:32:30 - What other elements were particularly difficult to deal with?
01:36:15 - What signs did you look for to indicate if you were walking over water?
01:39:23 - If someone was on the fence about the Sierra this year, what should their thought process be?
01:42:25 - Where to find Daniel's book
01:44:15 - Introducing Ned Tibbits
01:45:53 - Tell us about hiking the PCT in 1974.
01:51:00 - How did you plan your PCT hike?
01:54:18 - Were there other people on the trail?
01:55:20 - How did you stay so connected to the trail all this time?
01:59:15 - Have you ever estimated how many hours you've spent traveling on snow?
02:01:35 - Can you put into context what we're looking at for the 2022-2023 winter?
02:09:38 - Is March the right time to start, or no?
02:15:58 - Do you have thoughts on the safest window for entering the Sierra?
02:20:28 - What day would be Ned Day?
02:24:14 - What are the requisite skills a PCT hiker should have before arriving at Campo?
02:29:50 - Can you talk about an ice ax versus a whippet?
02:38:00 - Is using a whippet ever risky during water crossing scenarios?
02:49:10 - Discussion about traction
03:01:10 - What's your take on the appropriateness of snowshoes?
03:06:27 - Can you talk about pitching a tent in snow?
03:11:30 - What's your top advice for dealing with water crossings in a high snow year?
03:25:29 - For river crossings in general, what shoes should I wear?
03:31:51 - Where can people find more information from you?
SEGMENTS
Stupid Thing of the Week
[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.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.
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Alex Brown, known on trail as GPS. In addition to thru-hiking the CDT- with a Nolans 14 bonus- and more recently, the Pfiffner Traverse, we go deep on gear talk with GPS, as he is a certified gear nerd with a passion and deep knowledge of material sciences. We talk about some of the drawbacks of Dyneema Composite Fabric, what gear fabrics he's most excited about, when ultralight goes too far, and more. We wrap the chat with a discussion around the Ethics of Geotagging on Social Media.
We close out the show with a new patent-pending, the triple crown of small things that are never not funny, and a new stupid thing of the week.
Enlightened Equipment: Use code "TREKPOD10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com.
Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKERRADIO" for 15% off at gossamergear.com.
RTIC Outdoors: Shop at rticoutdoors.com.
Treecard: Use code "BACKPACKER" for 1,000 free reward points at treecard.org.
[divider]
Interview with Alex "GPS" Brown
Time stamps & Questions
00:04:48 - QOTD: What's something you can't find at a store that's been driving you crazy lately?
00:11:18 - Reminders: Vote for BPR in the Sports Podcast Awards!
00:12:53 - Introducing GPS
00:13:27 - Tell us about architecture!
00:16:15 - Why did you want to become an architect?
00:17:26 - What got you into backpacking?
00:19:00 - What did you learn in the Boy Scouts?
00:20:38 - Where did the Long Trail come on your radar?
00:22:52 - What made you decide to hike the CDT as your first thru-hike?
00:24:18 - How did you prepare for the CDT?
00:25:19 - How did you decide to use a tarp tent?
00:27:30 - Is DCF overrated? Read Alex's Trek article on the subject
00:30:12 - How does your interest in this overlap with your architecture skills?
00:32:19 - Is it bad to fold up your tent?
00:33:10 - What tents would you recommend for a modest budget?
00:34:37 - Do you think there will be a future material that surpasses what's currently available?
00:38:55 - Are there any companies that are using the ultra fabric?
00:40:54 - How do you recommend people store their tents?
00:43:28 - Did you get a chance to test the Big Agnes DCF tent?
00:46:05 - Tell us about your CDT pack
00:51:23 - Tell us about your sleeping bag and pad
00:55:25 - Tell us about the Nolans 14 portion of the CDT
00:56:01 - Give us the Nolans 14 basics
00:57:55 - What was the inspiration for making the CDT more difficult?
00:59:04 - Discussion of the Wind River High Route
01:00:12 - Were you surprised by how smooth things had gone?
01:00:48 - How did you manage your weight and diet on the CDT?
01:03:30 - What did your town days look like?
01:05:30 - How would Chaunce eat 5,000 calories in a day?
01:07:57 - What were the highlights from New Mexico?
01:09:08 - What was your longest mile day on the CDT?
01:11:19 - Tell us about the Pfiffner Traverse
01:15:07 - Was it nerve-wracking to do your first solo trip with paper maps?
01:16:05 - Who would you recommend to the Pfiffner Traverse?
01:17:03 - What are you planning for 2023?
01:17:40 - What do you do on the weekends near Aspen?
01:19:25 - What's your stance on geotagging? Read Alex's Trek article on the subject
01:25:10 - Discussion about age and use of social media
01:29:09 - What do you love about the X-Mid?
01:30:50 - Have you thought about designing your own gear?
01:31:27 - What does your ideal kit look like?
01:35:26 - Tell us about shoes
01:39:58 - What are some examples of stupid light? Read Alex's Trek article on the subject
01:42:38 - Why do you say you don't need to overplan for a thru-hike?
01:45:41 - How did you get your trail name?
SEGMENTS
Trek Propaganda
Patent Pending
Triple Crown of small things that are never not funny
5 Star Review
New Chuck Norris Award Patron Benefit
[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.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.
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are chatting all things Pacific Crest Trail, round two. We are joined by our pal and two-time PCT thru-hiker, Michael "Grizzly" Ivey to talk through our top advice for hiking the PCT, with a special emphasis on doing so during a high snow year, which 2023 is shaping up to be. We go through suggestions for traveling through a snowy Sierra, including estimating food carries, how to approach water crossings, grouping, self-arresting skills, and more. We also chat through some more general tips including how to budget zero days, evaluating what type of hiker you are, and how to mentally approach the hike overall during a year with a large potential for chaos. We wrap the panel by breaking down how our gear changed from one section to the next during our own PCT hikes.
If you like the PCT, we think you'll love this episode.
Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKERRADIO" for 15% off at gossamergear.com.
Organifi: Use code "BACKPACKER" for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker.
Good To-Go: Use code "TREK25" for 25% off at goodto-go.com.
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]
PCT Panel with Chaunce, Badger, and Grizzly
Time stamps & Questions
00:05:04 - QOTD: If you worked in fast food, would you prioritize the drive-thru orders or the in-store orders?
00:08:20 - Reminders: Vote for BPR in the Sports Podcast Awards! Replace sweet sweet Leah and become our video person!
00:12:53 - Introducing Grizzly
00:15:33 - Zach Tip #1: Be ready for everything that comes with a high snow year
00:18:10 - Daniel's 2017 High Snow Year Trek post
00:21:10 - Zach Tip #1a: You can't carry too much food
00:25:38 - Zach Tip #1b: Creek crossings in swift water above your mid-thigh are dangerous
00:30:26 - Discussion about snow bridges
00:33:01 - Zach Tip #1c: Avoid hiking solo, especially at water crossings
00:39:31 - Chaunce Tip #1: Know your own limitations
00:43:27 - Grizzly's trail resume
00:47:10 - Grizzly Tip #1: Identify what kind of hiker you are and how that will affect your hike
00:50:51 - Zach Tip #2: Go into your hike with a flexible mindset
00:59:00 - Chaunce Tip #2: Learn how to self-arrest and practice it before getting on trail
01:05:25 - Grizzly Tip #2: No matter how dialed in your gear is, you'll learn something new
01:14:03 - Chaunce Tip #3: Budget your zero days
01:23:37 - Zach Tip #3: Sun umbrellas are the shit
01:29:03 - Shoutout to Rachel!
01:29:20 - Grizzly's PCT gear swaps
01:36:25 - Discussion about shoes
01:39:35 - Chaunce's PCT gear swaps
01:40:50 - Zach's PCT gear swaps
01:46:00 - Favorite spots in the desert
01:52:00 - Discussion about trail angels near the southern terminus
01:54:44 - Favorite spots in the Sierra/NorCal
01:59:20 - Favorite spots in Oregon
02:02:40 - Favorite spots in Washington
SEGMENTS
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.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.
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
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
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.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.
Our TOPPODCAST Picks 
