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 are joined by Joshua and Amber Niven. Joshua and Amber are the co-authors of "Discovering the Appalachian Trail: A Guide to the Trail's Greatest Hikes." Appropriately, we chat all about the AT including some fun historical facts, their favorite day hikes, the most underrated spots on the trail, the hardest hikes on the trail, and much more.
We wrap the show with a triple crown of things we're NOT looking forward to this holiday season, a preview of some QA episodes we're putting together, 10 things someone ought to know before hiking the CDT, and more!
RTIC Outdoors: Shop at rticoutdoors.com.
Organifi: Use code "BACKPACKER" for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker.
Enlightened Equipment: Use code "ULTRALIGHT10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com.
Gossamer Gear: Use code "TAKELESSTREKMORE" for 15% off at gossamergear.com.
[divider]
Interview with Amber & Joshua Niven
Time stamps & Questions
00:04:58 - QOTD: What things baffle you about the opposite sex?
00:16:27 - Reminders: Patreon Q&A video episodes will be coming out in 2023
00:17:37 - Introducing Amber & Joshua Niven
00:18:20 - How long was Joshua in Germany?
00:19:40 - When did Zach and Joshua first meet?
00:20:19 - How did Amber and Joshua meet?
00:22:26 - Tell us about the printing shed and business.
00:24:19 - What's the strangest thing you've ever printed?
00:25:37 - Where in the journey did hiking the AT happen?
00:28:20 - Was it hard to get off trail?
00:30:30 - Tell us about your old log cabin and building a new one.
00:33:02 - Discussion about kids and parenting
00:35:36 - What is The Thru Project?
00:38:14 - Discussion about how the Thru Project transformed into the book
00:40:46 - What are some wheelchair accessible hikes along the AT?
00:43:50 - Joshua's 'what not to do on trail' story
00:48:20 - Did you two ever butt heads in the process of writing the book?
00:50:10 - What would you say is the most underrated day hike along the AT?
00:55:35 - Give us a second underrated day hike!
00:57:26 - What do you mean by secret camping?
00:59:40 - What are some really difficult day hikes?
01:03:43 - What are some easier day hikes?
01:04:55 - What's a good hike for stargazing?
01:07:07 - Tell us some interesting history facts about the AT.
01:11:55 - How much did you travel to write the book?
01:14:00 - Legend about Frog Town
01:14:52 - Discussion about hiking with kids
01:17:40 - Are you still able to appreciate nature while hiking with kids?
01:19:32 - Fuck Marry Kill: McAfee Knob, Dragon's Tooth, and Grayson Highlands
01:21:00 - Discussion about the trail in Virginia
01:22:56 - The history of Tinker Cliffs
01:23:43 - Fuck Marry Kill: New Jersey, Vermont, and Pennsylvania
01:29:00 - Duncannon stories
01:33:41 - What camera setup are you using?
01:35:50 - What are your best photography tips for thru-hikers?
01:39:23 - Do you still do your own photography?
01:40:32 - What are your favorite yoga poses and breathing techniques for hikers?
01:44:10 - Where can people get the book and follow you?
SEGMENTS
MG Check-In
Stupid Thing of the Week
Trek Propaganda
Triple Crown of things we're NOT looking forward to this holiday season
Mail Bag
5 Star Review
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @paulyboyshallcross.
Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.
Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.
Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.
Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.
A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Greg Mac, Tracy "Trigger" Fawns, Mike Poisel, Kristina Diaz, and Dayne.
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Niki Choo. Niki, alongside her partner, recently completed an expedition across Canada from ocean to ocean (Pacific Ocean in Alaska to the Arctic circle) via canoe. We learn quite a bit about what goes into this style of adventure, as this is our first interview foray into extended paddle adventures, including the challenges of canoeing upstream, through waterways with limited and sometimes inaccurate intel, doing so in such remote country, and much more. Whether you're interested in paddle adventure sports or not, we think you'll get a kick out of Niki's insane stories from this adventure.
We wrap the show with a preview of the 2023 Badger Sponsorship, a triple crown of hikes not on our bucket list, we have a couple of listener voicemails, including a Chaunce pat on the back for her improved comfort with poop talk, and more!
RTIC Outdoors: Shop at rticoutdoors.com.
Good To-Go: Use code "BF30" for 30% off at goodto-go.com.
Enlightened Equipment: Use code "ULTRALIGHT10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com.
Gossamer Gear: Use code "TAKELESSTREKMORE" for 15% off at gossamergear.com.
[divider]
Interview with Niki Choo
Time stamps & Questions
00:04:45 - QOTD: Do you feel like you're doing something incredibly naughty when you venture into the bakery section of the grocery store?
00:10:01 - Reminders: Badger Sponsorship launches on January 30, 2023 - subscribe to our newsletter!
00:11:12 - Introducing Niki
00:11:49 - How does someone get into whitewater kayaking at 14 years old?
00:13:38 - Tell us more about your background growing up.
00:15:50 - What makes Whistler such a special destination?
00:17:50 - Give us the basic plan of your trip and discussion about leaving Niki's dog behind.
00:22:17 - How did you move if you didn't ski?
00:23:42 - What were the weather windows and the mileage you did?
00:25:20 - Were you the first ones to do this trip?
00:27:48 - What was the inspiration for the trip?
00:30:25 - Did you have experience doing pioneering trips like this before?
00:31:42 - Discussion about the length of days in the Arctic and sleeping in the light
00:33:30 - Discussion about wildlife
00:36:00 - Tell us about your gear and canoe modifications.
00:39:38 - What would you do if your canoe breaks?
00:42:53 - How did you go about finding emergency contacts in small towns?
00:45:35 - What is the culture like where you were?
00:51:37 - Tell us about the upstream section and returning to Dawson.
00:56:16 - What were some of the high consequence moves you had to make?
01:05:46 - How do you portage a 1,000 pound boat?
01:07:45 - Discussion about muskeg
01:10:24 - How did you ultimately get out of that situation?
01:11:22 - What did the route look like from there forward?
01:12:40 - Discussion about upstream paddling
01:17:50 - What did your diet look like on this adventure?
01:20:37 - What were some of your treat-yourself meals?
01:22:30 - Did you send a lump of coal to the person who gave you bad beta?
01:23:56 - Tell us about the scariest night of the trip.
01:33:04 - How well did you sleep that night?
01:35:17 - What were the redeeming qualities of the trip?
01:38:54 - How did your relationship fare during the stressful parts of the trip?
01:41:40 - The proposal story!
01:44:55 - Tell us about your startup.
01:47:48 - Do you have any ambitions to bring it back sometime in the future?
01:49:28 - Tell us about pingos and the effects of climate change you saw on your trip.
01:51:07 - Discussion about human behavior and helping the environment
01:54:17 - Any parting words?
SEGMENTS
MG Check-In
Stupid Thing of the Week
Trek Propaganda
Triple Crown of hikes NOT on our bucket list
Listener Voicemails (and leave us your own!)
Mail Bag
5 Star Reviews
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @paulyboyshallcross.
Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.
Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.
Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.
Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.
A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, Greg Mac, Tracy "Trigger" Fawns, Mike Poisel, and Kristina Diaz.
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Leonard Adkins. Leonard is a backpacking legend and author of more than twenty books, including several guide books, a book about the flora, fauna, and geology on the the Appalachian Trail, and his most title, "All About the Appalachian Trail" the first and only book for children grades 4-8. We go in depth on Leonard's backpacking history, which includes more than 20,000 miles dating back to the early 80s. We learn what it was like to be one of the first to hike the Pacific Northwest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and the first (alongside his wife) to hike the Allegheny Trail. We learn some fun facts about the plants along the AT. And we get the ultimate endorsement for this interview from Leonard himself, who says, "I enjoyed that more than I was expecting." We were flattered.
We wrap the show with the worst all-time Christmas songs, the triple crown of baked goods, a new stupid thing of the week, and more.
RTIC Outdoors: Shop at rticoutdoors.com.
Organifi: Use code "BACKPACKER" for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker.
Enlightened Equipment: Use code "ULTRALIGHT10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com.
Gossamer Gear: Use code "TAKELESSTREKMORE" for 15% off at gossamergear.com.
[divider]
Interview with Leonard Adkins
Time stamps & Questions
00:05:15 - QOTD: What is the all-time worst Christmas song?
00:13:52 - Reminders: Hiker Meetup, Saturday December 10!
00:17:08 - Reminders: apply to blog in 2023, shop the Trek's new shorts and hats!
00:18:34 - Introducing Leonard
00:19:19 - What's your origin story?
00:22:56 - How popular was the trail in 1980?
00:26:18 - How was the trail or route different in 1980?
00:29:14 - Did you hike the trail to research for your books or did your books result from hiking?
00:31:55 - How much time did you spend on your first book?
00:33:33 - Tell us more about hiking the AT in 1980.
00:37:50 - If you could backpack the AT today or in the 80's again, which would you pick?
00:40:11 - Do you remember your original backpacking gear?
00:44:29 - Tell us about the Allegheny Trail.
00:50:42 - How long do you think it would take the average thru-hiker to complete?
00:54:30 - What was the Pacific Northwest Trail like in 1983?
00:57:54 - How did you know about these trails to hike them before they were completed?
01:00:22 - How did you plan your hikes without guide books or maps?
01:03:30 - Discussion about hiking the Continental Divide Trail in 1987
01:05:26 - How many maps did you carry on the CDT and how did you get them?
01:07:37 - What does your navigation setup look like today?
01:10:05 - What shorter trail stands out from the ones we haven't talked about yet?
01:11:54 - Would you describe your hiking experience as Type I or Type II fun?
01:12:50 - What was your most challenging day of backpacking?
01:14:58 - What percent of your time is spent hiking, researching, and writing books?
01:16:21 - If you could hike one of your international trails again, which would it be?
01:21:39 - Did you re-hike sections of the trail to write your books?
01:25:37 - What's your favorite story about nature that's in your books?
01:27:44 - What's your favorite story about the animals you researched?
01:29:43 - Tell us more about your educational and professional background.
01:32:08 - What are the best overnight hikes on the AT?
01:34:06 - Are the ponies in Grayson Highlands wild or feral?
01:35:41 - Tell us about your wife getting struck by lightning.
01:40:14 - Was the pain localized to her foot?
01:42:00 - Laurie's perspective on the story
01:42:55 - What was the inspiration for writing a book for kids?
01:45:42 - What feedback have you gotten on the book?
01:47:50 - Do you have a larger mission for writing books?
01:48:53 - Where can people follow you and get your books?
SEGMENTS
MG Check-In
Trek Propaganda
Stupid Thing of the Week
Triple Crown of baked goods
Mail Bag
5 Star Review
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @paulyboyshallcross.
Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.
Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.
Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.
Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.
A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, Greg Mac, Tracy "Trigger" Fawns, Mike Poisel, and Kristina Diaz.
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by our long lost former intern turned Production Assistant who ABANDONED the podcast to go for a silly little hike, called thru-hiking the CDT, Elise "SOS" Ott alongside her fiancé, Josh "Kid" Gribble.
This is a Sunday morning interview, which of course means mimosas are involved, setting the mood perfectly to learn all about Elise and Josh's adventures on the CDT. We chat in depth about their epic proposal (spoiler alert), the highs and lows of their trek, we get a thorough primer of fly fishing, especially in the context of backpacking, and much more. It goes without saying, but this is a fun conversation amongst pals and if you disagree you are wrong.
We wrap the show with a triple crown of spices, our top food buzzwords, and some details of the Holiday Hiker Meetup Extravaganza that we're hosting on December 10th in Golden (head to our Instagram to get the full deets).
RTIC Outdoors: Shop at rticoutdoors.com.
Organifi: Use code "backpacker" for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker.
Enlightened Equipment: Use code "trekit20" for a 2 day head start to 20% off and free shipping on November 3 and November 17 at enlightenedequipment.com.
Gossamer Gear: Use code "takelesstrekmore" for 15% off at gossamergear.com.
[divider]
Interview with Elise & Josh
Time stamps & Questions
00:05:24 - QOTD: What are your food buzzwords?
00:14:28 - Reminders: Hiker Meetup, Saturday December 10!
00:15:34 - More Reminders: Badger Sponsorship launching in January - sign up for The Trek's newsletter!
00:16:20 - Introducing Elise & Josh
00:17:08 - The engagement story
00:19:00 - The engagement story actually starts
00:31:16 - How did Josh get the ring size?
00:33:02 - Discussion about trail runners
00:35:22 - Who's taking whose last name?
00:37:20 - What is Zach's wedding advice?
00:40:14 - What are your honeymoon ideas?
00:43:37 - Elise's trail resume & BPR resume
00:46:41 - Josh's trail resume
00:47:35 - Josh's trail name story
00:51:44 - Tell us about fly-fishing on the CDT.
00:55:28 - What are the appropriate questions to ask people who fish?
00:58:27 - Tell us about the rod you used.
00:59:21 - Tell us about backcountry fishing gear.
01:02:09 - What's the difference between fly fishing and regular fishing?
01:07:50 - Floating versus sinking bait
01:10:01 - What's the appeal of fishing?
01:13:25 - Are there certain fish that are notorious?
01:15:44 - Do you have any universal backcountry fishing truths?
01:16:44 - Tell us about bait and flies.
01:21:40 - How do you gut and cook a fish in the backcountry?
01:28:03 - Do different types of trout taste different?
01:30:12 - Tell us about the fires in New Mexico.
01:44:42 - Tell us about the National Forest fire closure and getting to Colorado.
01:47:50 - Tell us about hiking through the snow in the San Juans.
01:55:12 - Did you ever consider skipping the snow section?
01:57:02 - Did you seriously consider quitting the trail?
01:58:33 - Discussion about cow/grizzly closure in Glacier
01:59:20 - Quadzilla's quads
02:00:46 - Discussion about grizzlies on the CDT
02:07:43 - What thoughts about gear did you take away from the trail?
02:14:19 - How does the CDT compare to the PCT and AT?
02:15:49 - Josh, what are the best and worst things about hiking with Elise?
02:17:45 - Elise, what are the best and worst things about hiking with Josh?
02:19:30 - Can you give us some impromptu trail related vows?
02:20:49 - How did your pre-trail anxieties live up to your expectations?
SEGMENTS
Triple Crown of spices
5 Star Reviews
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @paulyboyshallcross.
Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.
Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.
Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.
Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.
A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, Greg Mac, Tracy "Trigger" Fawns, Mike Poisel, and Kristina Diaz.
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by friend of the podcast, renaissance woman, and Executive Director of the Continental Divide Trail Coalition, Teresa Martinez. Teresa feeds us prickly pear margaritas and shares some of the key achievements of the CDT since our last chat, including the recent National Monument designation of Camp Hale in which she got to meet President Biden. We get the full story of her interaction with the POTUS, including some well-earned water works, she reflects on what work has gone into growing the CDTC into thriving organization that it is today, what challenges and opportunities lie ahead, the process of turning trail towns into gateway communities, how climate change is impacting the thru-hikability of the trail, and much more. Teresa is the best and this conversation offers a very clear reminder of why this is true.
We wrap the show with some new segments! We introduce backcountry meal critics, where Chaunce and I sample new dehydrated meals and offer our reviews. We also introduce "Stupid Thing of the Week", which likely needs no explanation. We check in with some former guests of the podcast. And we get another update from MG!
RTIC Outdoors: Shop at rticoutdoors.com.
Good To-Go: Use code "BF30" for 30% off at goodto-go.com.
Enlightened Equipment: Use code "trekit20" for a 2 day head start to 20% off and free shipping on November 3 and November 17 at enlightenedequipment.com.
Gossamer Gear: Use code "takelesstrekmore" for 15% off at gossamergear.com.
[divider]
Interview with Teresa Martinez
Time stamps & Questions
00:05:04 - QOTD: How was Mexico?
00:12:53 - Reminders: apply to blog for the Trek, check out our new stretch shorts, apply to be the Trek's Youtube personality, Hiker Trash Meetup December 10!
00:17:53 - Introducing Teresa
00:22:38 - What does the 10 year anniversary of the CDTC feel like?
00:24:31 - Tell us about meeting the President.
00:29:39 - How have your fears for the organization changed?
00:25:47 - What are some of the things you're doing that could be considered risky?
00:39:48 - Are there certain organizations you're modeling the CDTC after?
00:44:11 - What elements of your ATC work did you bring to the CDTC versus improve upon?
00:52:31 - Tell us about the Camp Hale designation.
00:59:00 - What are the primary benefits of it becoming a National Monument?
01:04:29 - What would you consider some of the other major accomplishments of the CDTC?
01:08:19 - Do CDT purists get mad when signs are added?
01:13:40 - What's your take on mapping and navigation?
01:18:28 - How did the Imbibe the Divide events go?
01:20:23 - What is your favorite pie flavor in Pie Town?
01:24:45 - How much of building a trail community happens organically versus planned?
01:29:47 - Is community fostering getting easier with people migrating into the mountain west?
01:34:48 - How has the percentage of completed trail increased since we last spoke?
01:38:09 - What does it take to galvanize communities to maintain remote sections of the trail?
01:41:55 - Tell us about the 10 for 10 Themes and October's theme of hunting.
01:46:20 - Tell us about climate change impacts to the CDT.
01:49:00 - What's your take on the future of thru-hiking?
01:52:45 - Tell us about the floods.
01:56:02 - Does water used to put out a fire ever cause flooding?
01:57:17 - Fuck Marry Kill: snow, fire, flood
01:58:33 - If we wanted to open a hiker hostel for CDT hikers in Colorado, what areas or towns would you recommend?
02:00:11 - Would the CDTC consider making a "trail alert" social media page for current trail status?
02:01:30 - Is it better to NOBO or SOBO?
02:02:25 - Does the CDTC have any professional full time trail crews?
02:03:33 - Any parting messages?
SEGMENTS
MG Check-In
Backcountry Meal Critics: Packit Gourmet
Trek Propaganda
Stupid Thing of the Week
Previous Guest Voicemails (leave us a voicemail!)
Mail Bag
5 Star Review
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @headnodculture.
Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.
Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.
Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.
Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.
A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, Greg Mac, Tracy "Trigger" Fawns, Mike Poisel, and Kristina Diaz.
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Nick Van Buer. Nick is an associate professor specializing in hard-rock geology at Cal Poly Pomona and recently completed a 530-mile hike across the Mojave Desert on what he's dubbed as the Mojave Wilderness Route. We obviously nerd out on rocks, learn more about the history and science of geology at large, and talk in depth about Nick's trek across the most remote parts of the Mojave Desert.
We wrap the show with a triple crown of non alcoholic drinks, we are blessed with a wonderful listener poop story via voice mail, and discuss the appropriate time to start and stop sending nudes.
RTIC Outdoors: Shop at rticoutdoors.com.
Organifi: Use code "backpacker" for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker.
Enlightened Equipment: Use code "trekit20" for a 2 day head start to 20% off and free shipping on November 3 and November 17 at enlightenedequipment.com.
Gossamer Gear: Use code "takelesstrekmore" for 15% off at gossamergear.com.
[divider]
Interview with Nick Van Buer
Time stamps & Questions
00:05:05 - QOTD: At what point in a relationship do you start and stop sending nudes?
00:15:49 - Reminders: Apply to blog or video-blog for the Trek! And check out our new shorts.
00:17:37 - Introducing Nick
00:18:45 - What got you interested in geology?
00:20:51 - Give us a taste of the professor life.
00:23:14 - How do you grind up a rock and find out how old it is?
00:25:38 - Do your students want to take geology?
00:27:20 - What are the most common geology careers?
00:28:37 - Did you use your geology skills during your hike?
00:29:37 - What are the best excuses you've gotten for people not coming to class or turning work in late?
00:31:20 - Can you teach us the basics of your research focus?
00:35:07 - Given your knowledge, on a scale of 1 to 10, what is your earthquake fear level?
00:38:33 - What was the process to get your sabbatical approved?
00:40:00 - Can you paint us a picture of the history of the Mojave Desert?
00:41:42 - Did you have a wishlist of things you were hoping to find during your hike?
00:43:41 - Did you develop the route?
00:45:44 - How long were your water carries and how did you carry it?
00:47:52 - Tell us about the weather you experienced.
00:48:38 - How did you know you'd be able to find water?
00:50:55 - Tell us about hiking through wilderness areas or passing notable interest points?
00:52:39 - Tell us about your previous backpacking experience.
00:55:07 - Were you nervous going into this hike?
00:56:33 - What kind of wildlife did you see?
00:57:35 - Describe to Zach what a geological map looks like.
01:00:40 - Is there one standout rock encounter?
01:03:15 - How often are there large paradigm shifts in geology?
01:04:57 - Was there anything in this hike that surprised you?
01:08:29 - Do you have any hot takes about currently accepted geological ideas?
01:10:39 - What's the process for proving your theory?
01:13:22 - Tell us about the peer review process.
01:14:43 - Have you witnessed a lot of politicking within geology?
01:15:40 - Are there any fun geological facts you can relay to PCT hikers?
01:16:43 - How do you decide to take rocks from the field?
01:20:00 - What part of you just loves the desert, and what part of this is just public service?
01:20:56 - Tell us about swimming across the Colorado River.
01:25:50 - Tell us about the Youtube series that you made.
01:27:39 - Were there any standout stories you got more feedback on?
01:30:20 - How much weight in samples did you take?
01:31:54 - If these people were rocks, what rocks would they be and why?
01:35:01 - Do you have any other backpacking routes you'd like to do?
SEGMENTS
MG Check-In
Trek Propaganda
Triple Crown of non-alcoholic drinks
Listener Voicemails (leave us your own!)
Mail Bag
5 Star Review
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @headnodculture.
Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.
Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.
Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.
Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.
A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, Greg Mac, Tracy "Trigger" Fawns, Mike Poisel, and Kristina Diaz.
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are answering your burning backpacking questions! Chaunce and I tackle a wide array of Backpacker Radio listener questions - everything from how we plan our nutrition for a backpacking trip, to how we deal with the fading of trail friends after a thru-hike, when and where we recommend using a bear canister and what our go-to bear prevention strategies are, what qualities you should look for in a tent if you're backpacking with your dog, what innovations we foresee happening in the world of backpacking, and much much more. We also catch up with Backpacker Radio team members Leah and Rachel on their recent backpacking trips of the Colorado Trail and the Four Pass Loop, respectively. Also, if you get far enough into the episode, you'll be blessed with a BIG SURPRISE. This is a marathon show fueled on beer, strap in.
Gossamer Gear: Use code "backpackerradio" for 15% off at gossamergear.com.
RTIC Outdoors: Shop at rticoutdoors.com.
Enlightened Equipment: Use code "trekit20" for a 2 day head start to 20% off and free shipping on November 3 and November 17 at enlightenedequipment.com.
Green Chef: Use code "backpacker599" for free shipping on your first $5.99 meal at greenchef.com/backpacker599.
[divider]
Drunk Q&A!
Time stamps & Questions
00:04:50 - QOTD: How drunk are you?
00:06:24 - Reminders: Apply to join the Trek!
00:08:44 - What is the best beginner east coast trail and beginner west coast trail? @sduugs
00:15:37 - Have you made your own dehydrated meals? If so, which ones?
00:19:35 - What is the best trail for learning navigational skills and off-trail hiking? @tales_on_trail
00:24:25 - Do you have a favorite electrolyte powder? @jacob_neary_
00:30:30 - Zach, tell us more about how you plan meals and caloric intake before a long hike?
00:33:28 - What do your meals look like for a typical day on trail?
00:43:43 - How do you cope with post-trail friendships fading? @imhikinghere
00:51:19 - Is it challenging to find full-time work with a thru-hiking gap on your resume?
00:59:18 - Is a bear bag or bear canister better? Pros and cons of each? @wyatthart_9b
01:06:24 - How do you hang an Ursack?
01:07:21 - Thoughts on the DIY ultralight community? Have you built anything for hiking in a DIY spirit? @balkenbrij_
01:12:18 - What tents are best when bringing a dog? @hunter_clark_4
01:23:40 - What will the next big leap forward in backpacking innovation/technology be? @jasonhikedsunedited
01:26:55 - Drone resupply in the backcountry: good or evil? @reedinthewind
01:29:39 - What do you look for when picking a spot to pitch a tent? @guerrero403
01:33:09 - What's a reasonable water carry for the southern terminus of the CDT? I always bring too much. @bryce.294
01:37:10 - Can you talk about how different thru-hiking would be without trail magic or trail angels, specifically in reference to the AT?
01:46:30 - If you had to fuel your hike with PBR, how many miles per PBR would you average? Would it change once you blacked out?
01:55:15 - Triple Crown of hikers/previous podcast guests who you would want to be with you during a zombie apocalypse @trinitymarie.b
01:58:55 - While thru-hiking, what's the craziest and most desperate fantasy you've had? @steven__cannon
02:01:49 - What is the most disgusting, hiker trash thing you've done on trail that would be totally unacceptable off trail? @chandlersam_
02:06:24 - What is the weirdest/spookiest thing you've encountered hiking or backpacking at night? @jerry.ellsworth
02:17:35 - What's your worst hiking fear? @staticmuscial
02:22:04 - Triple Crown of what you put in your fanny pack @riley.seeholzer
02:25:06 - Who is having the next kid, Zach or Chaunce? @jameswashburn
02:28:14 - What's your tattoo? @mr_siewruk
02:28:37 - It's okay to kind of hate hiking alone, right? @russelltee
SEGMENTS
Leah's Colorado Trail Hike
Rachel's Four Pass Loop Hike
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @headnodculture.
Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.
Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.
Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.
Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.
A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, Greg Mac, Tracy "Trigger" Fawns, Mike Poisel, and Kristina Diaz.
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Carl Stanfield aka "Professor". Professor is in the midst of attempting to hike the most known miles over the course of a single calendar year, including a calendar year triple crown. We of course dive deep into his journey including his Florida Trail hike in January, hiking through frigid temps on the AT, yet- how he's gotten incredibly lucky with weather throughout his trek at large, we learn how he's managed to prioritize the overall experience above making miles, the number of free beers he's accumulated over his many miles, and much more. And, because Professor is a major gear nerd, we dissect his pack, his apparel, and what changes he's made throughout the course of his journey. It was a ton of fun to have Carl in studio for this show, we hope you enjoy the chat as much as we did.
We wrap the show with a triple crown of non R-rated insults, Chaunce has her mind exploded about the proper way to use coffee ice cubes, and we get yet another update from our intrepid adventurer MG.
RTIC Outdoors: Shop at rticoutdoors.com.
Enlightened Equipment: Use code "trekit20" for a 2 day head start to 20% off and free shipping on November 3 and November 17 at enlightenedequipment.com.
Gossamer Gear: Use code "takelesstrekmore" for 15% off at gossamergear.com.
[divider]
Interview with Carl "Professor" Stanfield
Time stamps & Questions
00:03:26 - QOTD: What's the proper way to use coffee ice cubes?
00:08:43 - Reminders: Shop the Trek's shorts, apply to join the Trek, and support us by subscribing wherever you listen!
00:10:57 - Introducing Professor
00:11:53 - How tired are you?
00:14:00 - Define your hiking goals for us.
00:17:03 - Did you expect to complete your goal at the beginning?
00:18:33 - Did you reach out to the Guinness Book of World Records?
00:20:10 - What was your backpacking background prior to this year?
00:23:19 - What did you go to school for and what jobs did you aim to get afterwards?
00:25:10 - Discussion about Carl's gear reviews for the Trek
00:26:05 - Tell us about the Florida Trail!
00:31:44 - What kind of mileage did you do on your first thru-hikes?
00:33:25 - Tell us about spending half your AT nights indoors.
00:35:11 - Are you socially or physically tired when staying with strangers?
00:37:11 - Have you had to scale back on the social events to meet your mileage goals?
00:38:19 - Do you have a standout social experience that stands out?
00:42:49 - Discussion about intense emotions on trail
00:46:28 - Let's talk about cold and snow on the AT!
00:49:22 - Why wasn't the cold too bad for you?
00:51:09 - Why was the AT physically harder than you expected?
00:52:14 - What advice would you give to someone who wants a similar indoor experience?
00:56:20 - How did the AT wrap up?
00:59:47 - Was it stressful or nice to take time off?
01:02:09 - Were there other people around when you started the Sierras on the PCT?
01:03:54 - Was there a shock level being thrust into the Sierra landscape from the AT?
01:04:42 - How many fires did you encounter on the PCT?
01:06:59 - Did the social element from the AT maintain on the PCT?
01:08:10 - What kind of food were you craving for dinner or in town?
01:11:09 - How did you save up to do this hike?
01:12:42 - Discussion about Carl's frugality.
01:15:01 - Discussion about experiences with people and Quadzilla's Quads.
01:19:54 - What happened after the northern terminus of the PCT?
01:20:50 - Breakfast buffet benders
01:24:25 - Tell us about the CDT so far.
01:27:43 - What types of things are you tracking?
01:31:18 - Have you had any grizzly encounters?
01:31:59 - What else has happened on the CDT?
01:33:47 - What remains of your hike now?
01:37:52 - What's the bigger goal: the calendar year triple crown or the mileage record?
01:38:34 - What qualifies as miles that count toward your goal?
01:40:28 - What are your big 3?
01:46:42 - Tell us about your footwear.
01:49:17 - Fuck Marry Kill: your gear
01:51:06 - Tell us about your shirt.
01:54:24 - What else is worth talking about in your gear?
01:57:18 - Any other gear you want to talk about?
01:58:47 - What have been the major takeaways of your journey so far?
SEGMENTS
MG Check-In
Trek Propaganda
Triple Crown of non R-rated insults
5 Star Review
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @headnodculture.
Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.
Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, Leah, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.
Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.
Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.
A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, Greg Mac, Tracy "Trigger" Fawns, Mike Poisel, and Kristina Diaz.
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Minus33, we are joined by Sarah Dramis. Sarah is a triple crowner turned ultrarunner, a fitness coach, former VIP travel family manager and nanny, and the survivor of a serious back injury resulting in several broken vertebrae. We go deep on Sarah's backpacking career, including some of the standout highs and lows from each of her backpacking trips, we do a fuck marry kill on the triple crown trails, we learn about Sarah's passion for strength training and fitness in general, her failed attempt at the Colorado Trail FKT, and much more.
We wrap the show with a triple crown of rainy day activities, we hear from a fan of the show who was viciously lied to by Chaunce, and we chat about some of our favorite trail meals.
Minus33: Use code "backpacker22" for 15% off at minus33.com.
Organifi: Use code "backpacker" for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker.
Enlightened Equipment: Use code "ultralight10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com.
Gossamer Gear: Use code "takelesstrekmore" for 15% off at gossamergear.com.
[divider]
Interview with Sarah Dramis
Time stamps & Questions
00:04:46 - QOTD: What is your favorite trail meal?
00:06:57 - Reminders: Support the PNTS at bellsbeer.com/trails, apply to join the Trek, and support us by subscribing wherever you listen!
00:09:17 - Introducing Sarah
00:09:57 - How'd you get your trail name?
00:10:30 - What's the backpacking scene like in Hawaii?
00:11:50 - What put the PCT on your radar?
00:13:05 - Tell us about breaking your back.
00:16:36 - Discussion about the rod in Sarah's back.
00:20:00 - How did the rod protect you when you got hit by a car?
00:22:06 - What was it like transitioning to long-distance hiking?
00:23:35 - How did you know how to train your body?
00:24:50 - How much was strength training a part of your routine before thru-hiking?
00:27:23 - How did thru-hiking change your wiring?
00:28:50 - Where does fearless Sarah come from?
00:30:00 - Tell us about getting frostbite and hypothermia.
00:34:58 - Tell us about doing the Colorado Trail in 2016.
00:36:48 - Was there any challenge to thru-hiking with your best friend?
00:39:50 - Tell us about the Annapurna Circuit.
00:43:35 - Was the person you did the circuit with a love interest?
00:45:00 - Tell us about the Appalachian Trail.
00:47:58 - Are you more of a solo hiker or a group hiker?
00:49:28 - Tell us about rain on the AT.
00:53:42 - What'd you do in 2018?
00:55:00 - What makes a family VIP?
00:59:12 - How much free time did you have while nannying?
01:00:30 - Tell us about the CDT in 2019.
01:02:58 - How did the CDT snow compare to the AT rain?
01:08:10 - How is it seeing 4 grizzlies in one day?
01:10:21 - What were your emotions when finishing the trail?
01:11:17 - Tell us about getting into ultrarunning.
01:14:30 - Fuck Marry Kill: the triple crown trails
01:15:47 - Tell us about the CT FKT attempt.
01:23:59 - Do you have more FKT aspirations?
01:25:03 - What are your song recommendations for climbs, running, and trail?
01:31:43 - Are there training differences between backpacking and running?
01:35:00 - Tell us about your diet and your thoughts on nutrition.
01:41:56 - Chaunce's drink
01:48:10 - Tell us about your plans for a homestead.
01:50:22 - Discussion about animals as food vs. pets
01:52:24 - Chaunce's chicken story
01:53:51 - How could someone get involved in your fitness coaching or follow your adventures?
01:56:38 - Anything else you want to share?
SEGMENTS
MG Check-In
Trek Propaganda
Triple Crown of rainy day activities
5 Star Review
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @headnodculture.
Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.
Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.
Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.
Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.
A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, Greg Mac, Tracy "Trigger" Fawns, Mike Poisel, and Kristina Diaz.
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Mike Clelland. Mike is the author of one of the preeminent UL backpacking books, "Ultralight Backpackin' Tips: 153 Amazing & Inexpensive Tips For Extremely Lightweight Camping". We go through some of his top tips for getting pack weight down, how he arrived to the world of UL backpacking, his work with NOLS, his Alaskan expeditions, and much more. We also dive into Mike's fascination with the interplay of owls and UFOs which is perhaps predictably equal parts bizarre and fascinating.
We wrap the show with a Triple Crown of things we don't like about Colorado, clichés that we think are total bullshit, and we get another update from MG.
RTIC Outdoors: Shop at rticoutdoors.com.
Gossamer Gear: Use code "backpackerradio" for 15% off at gossamergear.com.
Minus33: Use code "backpacker22" at minus33.com.
Enlightened Equipment: Use code "ultralight10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com.
[divider]
Interview with Mike Clelland
Time stamps & Questions
00:04:47 - QOTD: What is a cliche you think is total bullshit?
00:07:17 - Reminders: support the Blue Sky Fund and subscribe to Backpacker Radio!
00:08:57 - Introducing Mike
00:11:02 - When did you get into illustration and cartoons?
00:13:51 - What was your favorite toy to draw advertisements for?
00:16:29 - Was your job anything like Mad Men?
00:21:05 - How did you get into backpacking?
00:28:56 - What was your backpacking experience prior to working at NOLS?
00:30:31 - Were you apprehensive about switching to ultralight gear?
00:32:16 - What are some of the key differences between Lighten Up! and Ultralight Backpackin' Tips?
00:37:35 - Tip #3: Scrutinize Everything
00:41:40 - Tip #6: Try Something New Every Time You Go Camping?
00:46:44 - What's a recent example of something you've tweaked in your setup?
00:48:24 - How important is it for someone to have DIY skills?
00:50:56 - Tip #9: Cut Stuff Off Your Gear
00:58:07 - Why should someone go ultralight?
01:05:30 - Tip #25: Appreciate the Wilderness
01:08:17 - Tip #30: Is going ultralight more expensive?
01:11:22 - Do you scrutinize your food as much as your gear?
01:16:31 - Tip #55: Prepare a Simple First Aid Kit
01:20:44 - What's your take on torso length sleeping pads?
01:24:08 - You say a backpack can be as light as 3 ounces?!
01:26:22 - Tip #65: Choose Bold Routes
01:29:01 - Tip #100: The Humble Pillow
01:31:15 - Tip #116: Poop
01:40:44 - What are some of your favorite and least favorite natural wiping devices?
01:49:30 - Talk to us about UFOs and owls.
01:59:17 - What is hypnotic regression?
02:03:02 - Do you think these are ghost, alien, or other paranormal experiences?
02:04:45 - What percent of owls do you consider suspicious?
02:10:00 - Should we be suspicious of owls?
02:11:48 - Mike's newest owl stories
02:17:28 - Are certain types of owls more suspicious than others?
02:22:07 - Where can people go to learn more?
SEGMENTS
MG Check-In
Send Us Your Owl Stories
Trek Propaganda
Triple Crown of things we don't like about Colorado
5 Star Review
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @headnodculture.
Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.
Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.
Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.
Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.
A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, Greg Mac, Tracy "Trigger" Fawns, Mike Poisel, and Kristina Diaz.
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.
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