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, brought to you by goodr, we are joined by more AT Hiker Trash! This is volume II of our thru-hiker interviews from AT Trail Days 2022. This one concludes with a trail name origin story that is borderline too insane to believe.
We wrap the show with some very sad news of a hiker's tragic fall from McAfee Knob, a Triple Crown of Passive Aggressive Statements Used in Work Emails, and how Badger's TRT plans almost fell through once again, as per tradition.
Goodr: Use code "backpacker15" for 15% off at goodr.com/backpacker15.
Gossamer Gear: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at gossamergear.com.
Enlightened Equipment: Use code "thetrek10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com.
Point6: Use code "point6trek" for 30% off point6.com.
[divider]
Interview with more current AT hikers!
Time stamps & Questions
00:04:17 - QOTD: What was the highlight from your Memorial Day weekend?
00:11:10 - Interview with Take Three
00:19:29 - Interview with Ibex
00:25:32 - Interview with Nomad
00:33:10 - Interview with Turtle
00:38:09 - Interview with Pink and Flash
00:48:04 - Interview with Sweets
00:57:26 - Interview with Stove Top
01:05:55 - Interview with Dipper
01:14:47 - Interview with Fifty Cal
01:25:37 - Interview with Boston
01:31:52 - Interview with Smash
SEGMENTS
Trek Propaganda
Triple Crown of passive aggressive statements used in work emails
Mail Bag
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross.
Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.
Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.
Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.
Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.
A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, and Greg Mac.
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, brought to you by goodr, we are joined by peakbagger, author, search and rescuer, and all around awesome human, Nancy East. We go through Nancy's impressive list of thru-hikes, how she manages all the backpacking with a family who only sometimes joins her, we chat in depth about her search and rescue experiences and what advice all hikers can glean from the perspective of someone trying to rescue you, and we learn all about Nancy's book "Chasing the Smokies Moon: An audacious 938-mile hike fueled by love, loss, laughter, and lunacy". As recent guest Caet Cash put it, Nancy East is a beast. On the trail, this is 100% true. In talking with Nancy, the opposite is the case- Nancy is one of the nicest people you'll ever encounter and we had a great time chatting with her.
We wrap the show with some more highlights from Trail Days, the triple crown of board games, and that the first and biggest magazine for Backpackers is significantly scaling back its operations.
Goodr: Use code "backpacker15" for 15% off at goodr.com/backpacker15.
Gossamer Gear: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at gossamergear.com.
Organifi: Use code "backpacker" for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker.
[divider]
Interview with Nancy East
Time stamps & Questions
00:04:38 - QOTD: What was your personal highlight on the last day of Trail Days?
00:16:02 - Introducing Nancy
00:16:43 - What's the origin story of your trail name?
00:18:55 - Was that event particularly stressful since you had your kids with you?
00:19:32 - How does Chaunce know Nancy?
00:20:22 - At what point did you learn of Nancy's legendary status?
00:21:54 - Tell us your trail resume.
00:23:56 - What advice do you have for someone who's looking to hike the Tahoe Rim Trail?
00:26:40 - Tell us about the Bartram Trail.
00:28:37 - Tell us about the Tour de LeConte.
00:29:38 - Do you leave your pack at the top or carry it the whole time?
00:30:51 - Tell us about setting the FKT on the Tour de LeConte.
00:31:54 - Is there a strategy to which trails you go up and which trails you go down?
00:34:05 - Bloody Mary check-in.
00:35:07 - Tell us about the Foothills Trail.
00:37:10 - How old were your kids when they hiked with you and how did they like the trail?
00:39:30 - Tell us about the Four Pass Loop.
00:42:14 - Tell us about the West Highland Way.
00:44:20 - Tell us about your blog.
00:45:36 - Tell us about the Tour du Mont Blanc.
00:48:10 - Tell us about the Trans Catalina Trail.
00:53:10 - Tell us about the Wonderland Trail.
00:54:39 - Tell us about the Timberline Trail.
00:56:05 - Tell us about the Palmetto Trail.
00:59:31 - Tell us a synopsis of your new book.
01:06:35 - Tell us more about how you got into search and rescue and lost person behavior.
01:10:08 - What are some of the most memorable rescues you've done?
01:14:14 - What are the most common traits of lost person behavior?
01:16:30 - Do you have strong thoughts about Gerry Largay?
01:18:40 - Give us some of the highlights and lowlights of your Smokies map hike.
01:23:04 - Did you know before the hike that you would write a book about it?
01:25:49 - How did you plan the hike?
01:28:18 - What food do you pick to bring to a lost person?
01:30:13 - Has anyone flirted with you during a rescue?
01:31:02 - What's the strategy for making kids love backpacking?
01:35:32 - What are the essential skills you've ensured your kids know?
01:37:30 - Are they proficient with navigation?
01:38:42 - Where can people find you?
01:39:16 - What adventures do you have coming up?
01:39:54 - Where can people find the book?
01:40:38 - Thank you!
SEGMENTS
Trek Propaganda
Triple Crown of board games
Mail Bag
5 Star Review
Dad Joke
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross.
Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.
Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.
Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.
Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.
A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, and Greg Mac.
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek brought to by Goodr, we are joined by a gaggle of AT Hiker Trash. Today's episode comes to you from Trail Days, where we go through a series of rapid fire questions with hikers who are in the midst of their 2022 AT thru-hikes. This one is the predictable amount of chaos.
We wrap the show joined alongside Mara and Leah for our favorite moments from the AT road trip, a triple crown of fast food restaurants, and a listener educates us on plant water.
Goodr: Use code "backpacker15" for 15% off at goodr.com/backpacker15.
Gossamer Gear: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at gossamergear.com.
Greenbelly: Use code "trek2022" for 10% off at greenbelly.co.
Interviews with current AT hikers!
Time stamps & Questions
00:04:47 - QOTD: What was your favorite moment from Trail Days Day 1?
00:16:48 - Scavenger hunt discussion
00:19:21 - Interview with Painkiller
00:24:35 - Interview with Platinum
00:32:14 - Interview with El Humidor and Footloose
00:44:10 - Interview with trek blogger Sidetrack
00:51:19 - Interview with trek blogger Catchup
00:59:51 - Interview with Good Zen
01:05:20 - Interview with Catchup
01:10:05 - Interview with Mindwell
01:16:02 - Interview with Ulasidena
01:21:05 - Interview with Mary Poppins
SEGMENTS
Triple Crown of fast food restaurants
5 Star Review
Follow Leah and Mara on Instagram!
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross.
Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.
Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.
Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.
Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.
A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, and Jason Snailer.
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek brought to you by Goodr, we are joined by Caet Cash. Caet first discovered backpacking back in 2014 and has been on an absolute tear ever since. We chat about why she prefers to hike SOBO, including some SOBO specific elements of both the AT and PCT, her insane list of peakbagging feats in the Adirondacks and southern Appalachians, redlining (aka mapping) the Smokies, and much more. Caet also details how her backcountry goals have shifted since being diagnosed with Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, how she manages EDS, and why she thinks it's important to be vocal about this chronic condition. We wrap the show with an overview of our AT road trip thus far including Chaunce's absurd sun burn, a triple crown of emotional high points on trail, a listener voicemail, and a listener educates us on the Philmont Poop Rating.
Goodr: Use code "backpacker15" for 15% off at goodr.com/backpacker15.
Gossamer Gear: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at gossamergear.com.
Greenbelly: Use code "trek2022" for 10% off at greenbelly.co.
Interview with Caet Cash
Time stamps & Questions
00:04:32 - QOTD: What's been the best part of the road trip thus far?
00:14:53 - Introducing Caet
00:15:10 - Discussion about Caet's trail name.
00:16:03 - What's the origin of your trail name?
00:18:37 - How mad are you going to be about Zach's pronunciation of Appalachian?
00:19:02 - Do you remember where you first met Zach?
00:21:07 - Tell us your backpacking resume.
00:22:45 - Tell us about the Northville Placid Trail.
00:24:26 - What's the best season to do the Northville Placid Trail?
00:25:45 - Do most people start in Northville?
00:26:00 - What type of wildlife do you see?
00:27:05 - Have you done any of the Finger Lakes Trail?
00:27:52 - What put the Appalachian Trail on your radar and why did you choose southbound?
00:29:19 - Was your marathon pain related to your future diagnosis?
00:30:10 - Anything else you want to share from the AT?
00:32:25 - Chaunce's story.
00:34:52 - At one point did you feel like you got into the hiking rhythm?
00:38:20 - Does any part of the trail feel hard after you've completed the Whites?
00:39:30 - Anything else you want to share from the CT?
00:40:36 - Tell us about connecting your footsteps on the PCT.
00:43:54 - How did you decide to go southbound on the PCT?
00:44:30 - How did you handle sleeping alone?
00:46:35 - How many times have you seen bears at night?
00:47:30 - Discussion of purism differences between the AT and PCT.
00:48:35 - When did you finish the PCT and what was the Sierra like?
00:50:15 - Tell us about what you thought of the PCT views and scenery.
00:52:02 - Do you prefer the scenery of the AT?
00:53:20 - Do you think list-making is more of a personality trait of people in the Northeast?
00:54:11 - Tell us about the South Beyond 6,000 grid.
00:55:36 - Can you give us more detail on the SB6K guidelines?
00:57:14 - What's your strategy in accomplishing the SB6K?
00:58:14 - How do you hike all of them in a month?
00:59:25 - What are your top 3 favorite peaks from the SB6K?
01:00:49 - Tell us about the Adirondack 46.
01:02:03 - How many of the SB6K peaks are accessible from or on the AT?
01:03:03 - Have you done Mt. Rogers?
01:03:47 - If there's no view, is the appeal strictly accomplishing the list?
01:04:20 - Has anyone else done the SB6K grid?
01:07:02 - Tell us about redlining the Smokies.
01:09:12 - How much do you have to plan for a redlining project versus winging it?
01:09:41 - Are there any resources for helping someone plan a redline?
01:10:45 - How long did it take you to redline the Smokies?
01:11:44 - Tell us about your hip injury.
01:16:01 - Tell us about Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome.
01:18:19 - Have you ever dislocated your shoulder?
01:19:01 - What differentiates this disease from someone with other flexibility or hypermobility?
01:19:41 - How do you cope with or reduce chronic pain?
01:22:22 - How has EDS modified your future plans or goals?
01:24:29 - How common is EDS?
01:25:51 - What else in your lifestyle has changed to pursue your health goals?
01:27:18 - Has it been tough to recalibrate your goals?
01:28:28 - Did you ever wonder if your pain was similar to other hikers'?
01:29:58 - Would cycling be a possible activity for you?
01:31:52 - Tell us about your sister and hiking with her.
01:32:55 - What's your big 3 these days?
01:34:14 - Hype up van life for us.
01:36:18 - What do you want to share about guiding?
01:37:12 - How did you like working with Jennifer Pharr Davis?
01:38:00 - Anything else you want to share?
01:39:08 - Thank you!
SEGMENTS
Trek Propaganda
Triple Crown of emotional high points on trail
Listener Voicemail
Mail Bag
5 Star Review
[divider]
Check out our sound g uy@Paulybooyshallcross.
Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave 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, and Jason Snailer.
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by YouTube sensation, Darwin. We learn all about Darwin's rise to fame, including the turning point from when he went from a novice content creator to a full-blown trail celebrity, his advice to aspiring YouTube trail personalities, and why he ultimately fell out of love with the platform. We also learn about Darwin's new media company, Outdoor Evolution, and the plethora of projects currently coming from OE, and what lies ahead.
We wrap the show by sharing the news of a gent who's about to finish walking around the world with his pup and we opine on whether we'd rather have a boring, stupid, or ugly offspring.
Gossamer Gear: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at gossamergear.com.
Organifi: Use code "backpacker" for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker.
Greenbelly: Use code "trek2022" for 10% off at greenbelly.co.
Interview with Darwin
Time stamps & Questions
00:04:25 - QOTD: Would you rather have a boring, stupid, or ugly kid?
00:06:57 - BPR Announcements: The Trek's Featured TikTok Personality
00:08:08 - Introducing Darwin
00:08:37 - What was your life pre-dirtbag adventuring?
00:09:52 - Was there one trip you saw as the tipping point to altering your lifestyle?
00:13:56 - Tell us about the timeline of leaving home.
00:14:35 - Tell us about the initial intentions of the trail.
00:16:50 - Do you think leaving the AT and returning later prepared you for future trips?
00:18:47 - When does the Youtube channel enter the picture?
00:22:46 - Was there a particular moment when the channel became something you thought you could make a career out of?
00:25:27 - Tell us about living and working in Albuquerque.
00:26:45 - What's the strangest hobby you've gotten into?
00:28:20 - Tell us about owning a restaurant.
00:29:10 - Are you a big fan of the blues?
00:30:04 - What are the top three things you would never dabble in?
00:31:40 - Tell us about cycling and bike-packing.
00:36:04 - Why do you think your bike-packing videos didn't take off?
00:36:55 - Is adventure touring more trail or more road?
00:38:58 - How is your injury affecting your upcoming plans?
00:38:33 - Do you mind if I ask how old you are?
00:40:07 - What was the next big hike after the AT?
00:41:03 - How did you like the Pinhoti Trail?
00:42:48 - What kind of miles are you usually hiking per day?
00:44:42 - How did your channel interface with your PCT hike?
00:48:50 - Discussion about the turning point in popularity for the channel.
00:52:43 - Can you elaborate on the closure you sought on the CDT?
01:00:56 - If you had any general advice to someone interested in growing a Youtube channel, what would you tell them?
01:05:24 - Did you develop a thicker skin toward internet comments as you made more videos?
01:09:08 - Tell us about Outdoor Evolution.
01:14:58 - How do you decide how to allocate your time?
01:16:45 - Tell us about the structure of OE.
01:17:55 - Do you and your wife plan to have any children?
01:21:35 - Tell us more about current OE projects.
01:26:25 - How much are you looking to fundraise for your public lands series?
01:27:36 - How big is your production team?
01:28:58 - Give us a sneak peak of each episode.
01:30:01 - Tell us about the other upcoming projects you have going on this year.
01:33:22 - Anything else you want to share?
01:35:12 - Thanks!
SEGMENTS
Trek Propaganda
Adrift on the Pacific Crest Trail by Clay Bonnyman Evans
Triple Crown of unlikely spaces where humans become savagely territorial
Impromptu News Story
Mail Bag
5 Star Review
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross.
Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.
Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.
Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.
Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.
A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, and Jason Snailer.
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Carly Moree. Carly is a thru-hiker, the co-author of Pacific Crest Trials, an OG Writer at The Trek, entrepreneur and a long time friend. We chat about her transition from the cushy world of finance to backpacking, her personal pitfalls of getting into a relationship on the AT, some hilarious hallucinations during her JMT FKT attempt, and learn all about her new guiding company, Rocky Mountain Hiking Company.
We wrap the show with a brief overview of some of the top day hikes on the AT, some more details of our upcoming road trip, and a dad joke of the week.
Gossamer Gear: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at gossamergear.com.
Greenbelly: Use code "trek2022" for off at greenbelly.co.
Enlightened Equipment: Use code "thetrek10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com.
[divider]
Photo credit: "Stephanie Weezer" (@stephlotus_ on IG)
Interview with Carly Moree
Time stamps & Questions
00:04:24 - QOTD: If you married to yourself, what would be the reason for the divorce?
00:05:54 - QOTD 2: What's the correct amount to tip for pickup orders?
00:13:14 - BPR Announcements: Asheville Meetup at Hi-Wire Brewing May 11, 6:30pm, Trail Days: scavenger hunt, limited edition t-shirts
00:14:20 - Introducing Carly
00:16:08 - Tell us about your introduction into the world of thru-hiking.
00:18:15 - What's your trail name origin story?
00:19:19 - Why don't you want to date on trail anymore?
00:20:39 - What attracts you to someone while on trail?
00:22:48 - Tell us about getting Lyme disease.
00:25:44 - Where did you go after the AT?
00:26:41 - Tell us about the epiphany you had about the direction your career was going.
00:28:33 - Give us an example of a crazy moment from your finance job.
00:32:04 - Tell us about the transition from your job to the AT?
00:34:27 - Tell us about deciding to hike the PCT after the AT?
00:35:30 - Did you get any grief for skipping Pennsylvania?
00:36:50 - Discussion about big mile days on the PCT.
00:37:49 - What changes did you make when deciding to date a second person?
00:38:52 - Is there anything else you want to share from the PCT?
00:41:01 - Do you feel like you were drawn to Jennifer Pharr Davis for any other reasons?
00:44:13 - Discussion about co-authoring Pacific Crest Trials.
00:47:25 - Tell us how co-authoring the book has helped your dating life.
00:47:58 - Discussion about Reddit AMA.
00:49:38 - What was your life like after the PCT?
00:51:42 - Why did you only do Mount Sanitas?
00:52:35 - Tell us about starting your PCT FKT attempt.
00:54:44 - Was it weird that you were both going for the FKT?
00:55:42 - Tell us about transitioning from the PCT FKT to the JMT FKT?
00:57:48 - The FKT was a really important moment in your life, right?
00:58:53 - Doesn't going through a breakup during lockdown suck?
01:01:00 - Discussion about training for the Grand Canyon run.
01:01:55 - What's your hiking pace?
01:02:11 - What's your aggressive hiking pace?
01:03:04 - Discussion about training for the JMT FKT.
01:04:33 - Did you plan the hike around a good weather window?
01:06:24 - Tell us the fun facts of the hike.
01:07:05 - What are the hallucinations and did you realize you were hallucinating?
01:14:03 - How do you know what you thought was real was actually real?
01:16:02 - Discussion about the end of the FKT attempt.
01:17:26 - Why do you think you couldn't feel anything until you decided to end the attempt?
01:17:58 - Discussion about getting off the trail.
01:20:38 - Discussion about getting lost and deciding to press SOS.
01:22:39 - Discussion about the SAR suitors.
01:26:18 - You had to pay for the SOS rescue?
01:27:13 - What did the rescue cost?
01:27:55 - You seemed way too comfortable with hallucinating - were you scared?
01:30:18 - Do you have any advice for the Tahoe Rim Trail?
01:32:41 - Anything else from the Tahoe Rim Trail?
01:33:40 - Tell us about your company.
01:35:40 - When did you start the company?
01:37:11 - Who is the target market for your guided hikes?
01:38:37 - How many trips have you guided so far?
01:39:08 - What are some of the challenges of running a guiding company?
01:40:28 - Who's the other guide?
01:42:25 - When is your Death Valley trip?
01:43:25 - What has been the biggest surprise in starting the company?
01:45:20 - How does hiring and paying guides work?
01:47:25 - Is it just a three person team right now?
01:48:48 - Tell us about the workshops.
01:50:00 - Tell us about the coaching element of the company.
01:53:30 - Anything else we should know about Rocky Mountain Hiking Company?
01:54:05 - Thank you!
SEGMENTS
Trek Propaganda
Dad Joke of the Week
Roan Mountain, Ghosts, and Supernatural Stories
Mail Bag
5 Star Review
Book Update
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross.
Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.
Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.
Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.
Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.
A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, and Jason Snailer.
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, we are joined by author, mountaineer, and keynote speaker, Dr. Jon Kedrowski. Dr. Jon's list of accomplishments are staggeringly long, including sleeping at the summit of all the Colorado 14'ers, multiple Everest summits, playing D-1college basketball at Valparaiso, guiding and befriending Mike Posner, and much more. We catch Dr. Jon very off-guard with a well-timed, fuck, marry, kill, we learn about the standout geography features of each of the Colorado mountain ranges, and what it's like to encounter death on Everest.
We wrap the show with a triple crown of minor injuries that hurt like fuck and we bring back a listener favorite segment — would you rather.
Gossamer Gear: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at gossamergear.com.
Organifi: Use code "backpacker" for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker.
Greenbelly: Use code "trek2022" for off at greenbelly.co.
Enlightened Equipment: Use code "ultralight10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com.
Interview with Dr. Jon Kedrowski
Time stamps & Questions
00:04:41 - QOTD: What are you most excited about for Trail Days?
00:11:13 - BPR Announcements: Trail Days Road Trip, Asheville Meetup May 11, 6:30pm, subscribe to be alerted of new BPR episodes!
00:14:30 - Introducing Dr. Jon Kedrowski
00:15:50 - Tell us your mountaineering origin story.
00:19:08 - Were you the youngest person to hike all of Colorado's 14'ers?
00:21:25 - How did you get to trailheads during high school?
00:22:24 - Tell us about being a geography professor.
00:24:20 - Was it tough to pursue mountaineering before it was a money-making profession?
00:27:30 - What's it like to be a part of March Madness?
00:28:23 - What's the overlap between being a collegiate basketball player and a successful mountaineer?
00:29:29 - For a backpacker, what's an applicable mantra or philosophy you go by?
00:32:20 - Tell us about the CDT and CT from a geographic perspective.
00:34:48 - How do you compare the San Juans and the Collegiate Peaks?
00:36:41 - If you had to pick one Colorado mountain range for the rest of your life's adventuring, which would it be?
00:38:20 - Fuck, Marry, Kill: Colorado mountain ranges.
00:40:24 - Do you actually sleep at the top of a mountain?
00:42:19 - What do you do if there's a storm while you're sleeping?
00:43:38 - Your tent got struck by lightning?
00:45:38 - Do you lead clients up Everest now?
00:46:56 - Are you in Mike Posner's new music video?
00:48:39 - Tell us a wild story from hiking with Mike Posner?
00:50:31 - What's considered good water once you become a snob about it?
00:52:00 - Did you ever not want to get in the water on video?
00:53:03 - Is there one place that stood out to you related to stargazing?
00:56:21 - Do you ever follow established routes or mainly find your own?
00:59:30 - Let's talk about Everest!
01:01:02 - What's it like when there's a tragedy on Everest?
01:03:20 - What went wrong in 2012?
01:08:02 - What's the atmosphere like when you return to the high camp?
01:08:35 - What's your personal mental state like when you have to leave someone behind?
01:10:40 - Is there any mental prep work for encountering people who will perish on Everest?
01:13:20 - At one point will Everest become a trail of bodies?
01:15:58 - Is there part of you that gets freaked out going back year after year?
01:17:32 - What would a training program for Everest look like?
01:19:14 - What training could someone do in the gym?
01:21:21 - Tell us about mountaineering gear.
01:23:22 - How much do those sleeping bags and down suits weigh?
01:24:03 - What does your pack typically weigh?
01:25:43 - What size is your pack?
01:26:20 - Tell us about your "no off days" philosophy.
01:27:40 - Are you physically preparing every single day or are you risking burnout?
01:28:42 - How old are you?
01:31:28 - Have you thought about retiring for two weeks like Tom Brady?
01:33:02 - Is part of you wanting to do a calendar Triple?
01:34:05 - What's your go-to junk food?
01:34:23 - Get a prize for buying Dr. Jon's new book!
01:36:34 - Thank you!
SEGMENTS
Trek Propaganda
Triple Crown of minor injuries that hurt like fuck
Would You Rather?
Mail Bag
5 Star Review
Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross.
Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.
Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.
Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.
Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.
A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, and Jason Snailer.
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Hazel Platt known on trail as Platypus. In addition to thru-hikes of the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Northwest Trail, Hazel also serves as the Volunteer Engagement Associate for the PCTA. Hazel is also a queer/trans hiker, going by the he/they pronouns. We go deep in this interview, learning about Hazel's emotional journey of coming out as a trans hiker during the height of lockdown in the less than welcoming environment of a conservative community in West Virginia. We also learn about the differences of Hazel's thru-hikes, where they had come out as queer prior to the AT, and trans shortly before embarking on the Pacific Northwest Trail. We chat about Hazel's love for off-trail hiking, including the highlights and lowlights of navigating on the PNT. We conclude the interview with an overview of Hazel's work at the PCTA, the importance volunteers play for the Pacific Crest Trail, and what the future beholds for the non-profit.
We wrap the show with a check-in from MG, Backpacker Radio's Sponsored hiker, as she gets ready for her SOBO AT thru-hike, we learn about a gentleman hiking the AT carrying a leafblower, and a half-baked patent-pending about how to improve nalgenes.
Gossamer Gear: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at gossamergear.com.
Greenbelly: Use code "trek2022" for off at greenbelly.co.
Enlightened Equipment: Use code "ultralight10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com.
Interview with Hazel "Platypus" Platt
Time stamps & Questions
00:04:45 - QOTD: How was the Denver Hiker Trash meetup?
00:13:05 - BPR Announcements: Trail Days Road Trip, Asheville Meetup May 11, 6:30pm
00:15:15 - Introducing Hazel
00:15:45 - What's your backpacking resume?
00:16:42 - What caused you not to finish the Long Trail?
00:17:19 - Did you feel in over your head starting the AT?
00:18:10 - Any notable stories from the AT?
00:19:40 - What was the inspiration to become sober?
00:20:40 - What would you like to share about your coming out process?
00:23:04 - What was the reception like in West Virginia or online?
00:25:35 - Can you walk us through what it was like when the pandemic started for you?
00:29:12 - Tell us about your tech career prior to hiking.
00:33:08 - Did the cloud around gender dysphoria lift at all after coming out?
00:35:35 - Can you speak to some of the common cultural challenges you're inundated with?
00:40:43 - What comes up for you when someone gets your pronouns wrong?
00:41:47 - What was your experience and reception like on the Pacific Northwest Trail?
00:46:06 - Was there a difference in your hiking experience from the AT to the PNT?
00:48:50 - What was it like going from the community of the AT to the isolation of the PNT?
00:51:04 - Did you see any grizzlies?
00:51:42 - Tell us about the time you got lost.
00:56:54 - Do you know how much more of the trail has been developed in recent years?
00:58:43 - Can you speak to the community you found on trail compared to what you expected?
01:01:24 - Are there places you'd suggest someone look for community prior to hiking?
01:04:15 - Discussion about history.
01:10:40 - Tell us a story that encapsulates the bigger picture history of the AT.
01:13:30 - Tell us a fun fact about plants.
01:15:21 - Tell Zach the story about George Washington, land surveying, and the Fairfax line.
01:20:14 - Tell us about your role with the PCTA.
01:21:20 - Can you tell us more about the role volunteers play for the PCTA?
01:22:56 - Can you speak to some of the biggest challenges of working with volunteers?
01:26:37 - What is your vision for more inclusive programs and messaging within the PCTA?
01:30:18 - How do you see yourself accomplishing your own goals within your work?
01:32:22 - Do you have any parting thoughts to share?
01:36:55 - Thank you!
SEGMENTS
MG Check-In
Trek Propaganda
Trail News
What is a hike?
Patent Pending
One Minute Gear Review
Plant, Child, and Pupdate
Mail Bag
5 Star Review
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross.
Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.
Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.
Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.
Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.
A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, and Jason Snailer.
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Nika "Early Bird" Meyers. Nika is a backpacking badass. Not only is she a triple crowner, but Early Bird has set a pair of speed records, including the unsupported FKT on the Long Trail and the self-supported FKT on the Colorado Trail, which she set last year with a time of 9 days 14 hours, and 19 minutes (keep in mind, this takes most people a full month). We get a full chronology of Nika's backpacking career, when and where the idea of attempting FKTs first entered her world, her background in competitive skiing, the most important lesson she's learned when attempting thru-hikes, her incredible artwork, and much more.
We wrap the show with a series of Elise-centric segments (as she's sitting in for Chaunce today), including how she's preparing, what gear she's using, how she's budgeting for the CDT, and much more. We also chat about some 4-6 day backpacking trips in the West to put on your bucket list, how thru-hiking has changed our lives, and we get a surprise visit from Jabba at the end of our interview.
[divider]
LISTENDownload this episode.
[divider]
Gossamer Gear: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at gossamergear.com.
Organifi: Use code "backpacker" for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker.
Enlightened Equipment: Use code "ultralight10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com.
[divider]
Interview with Nika "Early Bird" Meyers
Time stamps & Questions
00:05:11 - QOTD: What are your hiking plans for this summer?
00:07:27 - BPR Announcements: Trail Days Road Trip, Asheville Meetup May 11, 6:30pm
00:08:30 - Introducing Nika
00:08:56 - How did you get your trail name?
00:10:33 - What's relevant in your background before you started thru-hiking?
00:13:51 - Did you know right away after the Long Trail that you would do more long trails?
00:15:35 - What kind of animals use the Long Trail as a migratory corridor?
00:16:34 - If you got to list one sport on your tombstone, what would it be?
00:17:23 - Take us from the Long Trail in 2012 to the PCT in 2014.
00:19:03 - How did you manage without your parent's blessing for starting the PCT?
00:22:00 - How quickly did you hike the Long Trail and the PCT?
00:24:50 - How did you get interested in FKTs?
00:26:27 - Anything else you want to highlight from the PCT?
00:26:56 - What did you do after the PCT?
00:28:25 - What's harder, a 50-mile day or dealing with high school kids?
00:29:34 - How did you get into environmental education to begin with?
00:32:11 - What was your lifestyle like living in the Cascades?
00:32:55 - Discussion about snow on the PCT.
00:33:40 - What's your snow hiking technique?
00:35:08 - Did you do a lot of peaks in the Cascades?
00:36:08 - Are you an adrenaline junkie?
00:36:55 - Tell us about the CDT.
00:37:20 - What's your pack weight like for these hikes?
00:38:54 - What else do you want to share about the CDT?
00:41:54 - Did you feel the same way going from the CDT to AT that you did PCT to CDT?
00:45:07 - What are the biggest differences between those two trails?
00:47:10 - What's your take on the AT as your last Triple Crown trail?
00:49:02 - Was it difficult to find a way to hike by yourself?
00:51:00 - Was this pink blazing or banana blazing?
00:52:24 - Tell us your poop story.
00:57:41 - Anything notable from the Rim2Rim2Rim?
00:58:23 - What's the elevation change in the Grand Canyon?
00:58:40 - What's the R2R2R FKT?
01:00:28 - How fast did you hike the Arizona Trail?
01:00:47 - When did you get the idea of setting FKTs?
01:02:56 - How did you bridge the gap between regimented schedules and having fun?
01:05:56 - How do you plan an FKT without planning daily mileage?
01:08:14 - What was your sleep regimen like?
01:09:00 - Discussion about talking with other hikers while pursuing an FKT.
01:11:22 - Did you utilize caffeine at all?
01:13:42 - Did your appetite ever get back to normal during the Colorado Trail FKT?
01:15:12 - Did you crave anything during an FKT?
01:15:55 - Do you think this will change your food planning for future FKTs?
01:16:42 - Is any part of an FKT Type I fun?
01:18:02 - Do you get anxious about hiking in the middle of the night?
01:19:11 - What's the time difference between the Long Trail and Colorado Trail FKTs?
01:21:58 - Do you get antsy while waiting for storms to pass?
01:22:48 - Did finishing in better condition have more to do with your training or the terrain?
01:24:08 - Tell us about your art.
01:27:37 - Tell us about the watercolor t-shirt.
01:29:10 - If you could pick one piece to display in your house, which would it be?
01:30:13 - Are a lot of pieces commissioned?
01:30:45 - Where can people catch up with you?
01:31:43 - What's next for you?
01:32:54 - Thank you!
SEGMENTS
Trek Propaganda
Pre-Trail Q&A with Elise
Triple Crown of non-obvious thru-hike prep things
Mail Bag
5 Star Review
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross.
Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.
Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.
Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.
Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.
A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, and Jason Snailer.
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Linnea Delucchi, known on trail as Otter. Otter is a 2017 PCT thru-hiker, has a Masters in Adventure Education, and now serves as the Assistant Director at New Treks, an organization that teaches outdoor education to underprivileged youth. This convo covers a lot of ground, including the cognitive effects of spending time in nature and hiking specifically (and how wearing headphones could potentially negatively impact that), we get an overview of some Denver-based non-profits focused on the outdoors- including an in-depth work of Linnea's organization, and Linnea blesses us with an all-time poop story from her PCT thru-hike.
We wrap the show with a rapid fire Q&A with The Trek's new intern, Rachel, we do a triple crown of things people complain about as they get older, and Chaunce reveals herself as an Oscars slap truther.
Gossamer Gear: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at gossamergear.com.
Greenbelly: Use code "trek2022" for off at greenbelly.co.
Enlightened Equipment: Use code "ultralight10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com.
Interview with Linnea "Otter" Delucchi
Time stamps & Questions
00:04:20 - QOTD: Where were you when the news broke of Will Smith slapping Chris Rock?
00:09:25 - BPR Announcements: Asheville Meetup Hi-Wire Brewing RAD Beer Garden, May 11, 6:30pm
00:11:25 - Introducing Linnea
00:12:40 - Tell us your outdoor background.
00:14:23 - If you had to pick one outdoor sport, what would you pick?
00:15:10 - How long have you lived in Colorado?
00:15:54 - Tell us about graduate school.
00:16:37 - What direction did you think your career would go as an undergraduate?
00:17:28 - What's the craziest thing about the brain?
00:18:40 - What's the difference between people who hike with headphones and those who don't?
00:19:28 - Does it matter what you're listening to?
00:20:27 - Tell us about the study design.
00:22:23 - If you were going to run the study again, what variables would you change?
00:24:03 - What do you know about studies related to thru-hiking?
00:26:25 - Discussion about the impacts of technology in nature.
00:27:50 - Did you make a conscious decision not to listen to technology on the PCT?
00:30:15 - Tell us more about the brain.
00:33:50 - What do you think the cognitive benefits of a thru-hike are?
00:36:20 - How would you convince someone like Chaunce to get out in nature more?
00:39:25 - Do you think adrenaline junkies have less of a fear response?
00:42:25 - What turned you on to the PCT in the first place?
00:43:47 - Was backpacking a hard sell for you given the other sports you like?
00:45:42 - Do you have any crazy injury stories?
00:48:37 - Are there sports you won't try?
00:49:35 - Tell us your poop story.
00:55:06 - Tell us about New Treks.
00:57:28 - What's your role at New Treks?
00:58:20 - Do you notice different ways that the kids you work with interact with the outdoors?
01:01:18 - How do you get the kids excited for the activities?
01:02:40 - How much time do you spend with each group?
01:05:05 - How often do you see kids get really into the activities?
01:06:55 - Does one story stand out as the most meaningful?
01:09:22 - Is it tough to maintain a positive attitude?
01:12:03 - How long has New Treks been in existence?
01:12:20 - How do you start something like New Treks?
01:13:42 - Can you explain the funding side of New Treks?
01:17:04 - Tell us about the other Denver-based nonprofits you wrote about.
01:24:22 - Did you learn about these organizations recently or already know about them?
01:26:12 - Do you have advice for anyone interested in getting into outdoor education?
01:27:54 - What's next for you?
01:28:48 - Thank you!
SEGMENTS
Trek Propaganda
Triple Crown of things people start to complain about as they get older
Mail Bag
New Intern Q&A
5 Star Review
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross.
Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.
Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.
Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.
Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.
A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, and Jason Snailer.
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.
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