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 LMNT, Jess and Chaunce are joined by Lyndsay "Wreckage" Monsen. Wreckage is a pastor in training and civil rights advocate and she reflects on what it means to bring spirituality into the backcountry in a way that resonates even with those wary of organized religion. We also touch on formative spiritual moments in Colorado, why the Superior Hiking Trail earned a spot on her hate list, and how her foot got fudged up real good on the Long Trail, complete with photographic evidence.
We wrap the show with news of a climber who's accused of manslaughter after leaving his girlfriend near a mountain summit, we discuss whether my getting a carwash is diva behavior, the triple crown of pies, and an unhinged tangent into the subject of AI.
LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.
Mountainsmith: Use code "TAKEAHIKE" for 20% off at mountainsmith.com.
[divider]
Interview with Lyndsay "Wreckage" Monsen
Time stamps & Questions
00:08:25 - Reminders: Sign up for the Trek's newsletter, subscribe to The Trek's Youtube, apply to vlog or blog for the Trek, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!
00:13:39 - Introducing Lyndsay
0:17:10 - Do your hikes help you in any way in your seminary work?
0:18:25 - Have any of your religious beliefs changed based on your hiking?
0:19:25 - Tell us about who you were when starting the AT
0:24:45 - What are your thoughts on body image as it relates to thru-hiking?
0:28:37 - What other standout moments did you have on the AT?
0:32:05 - What is seminary school?
0:39:55 - Tell us about doing the Long Trail
0:43:57 - Did you find that you were more spiritually challenged on the Long Trail?
0:45:35 - Tell us about the connection between the outdoors and spirituality
0:51:10 - What are your dates more shocked by?
0:52:25 - Discussion about the Lake City Hiker Center
1:00:31 - Did you find that your discussions on trail naturally veer towards spirituality?
1:05:09 - What was your confession at the Priest Shelter?
1:11:55 - What did you think about the Superior Hiking Trail?
1:22:05 - Tell us about the Colorado Trail
1:30:25 - Tell us your pee story
1:37:37 - Any standout stories from the Colorado Trail?
1:40:45 - Lyndsay's raccoon story
1:43:55 - Tell us about the relationship between nature access and church attendance
1:55:40 - What are your thoughts about the concept of sex?
1:58:00 - What are your future hiking plans?
2:00:25 - Tell us about getting arrested
2:11:55 - Stay Salty Question: What is your hottest take in the world of backpacking or the outdoors at large?
Segments
Trek Propaganda
Climber Accused of Manslaughter After Leaving Girlfriend Near Summit of Austria's Highest Peak by Kelly Floro
Hiker Rescued From Appalachian Trail in the Smokies After Emergency SOS by Katie Jackson
QOTD: Is getting a car wash diva behavior?
Triple Crown of pies
Mail Bag
5 Star Review
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.
Sign up for the Trek's newsletter
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: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, Jason Kiser, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lloyd Harris, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek brought to you by LMNT, we are breaking things down for the class of 2026 PCT thru-hikers with another edition of our top tips for hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. Chaunce and I are joined by everyone's favorite sauce/SOS, Elise Ott to share some brand new tips for trekking between Mexico and Canada, including advice about managing the sun, thoughts for approaching the trail during a high snow year, tips for dealing with wildfire, the beauty of cowboy camping, the importance of rolling with the punches, and much more.
We wrap the show with some important news from the PCT southern terminus, the most overrated month for backpacking, the bucket list of animal sightings, and I give my one minute gear reviews on a slew of new items I tested on the SDTCT, including the a new pack, shelter, and trekking poles.
LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.
Mountainsmith: Use code "TAKEAHIKE" for 20% off at mountainsmith.com.
[divider]
Panel with Elise "SOS" Ott
Time stamps & Questions
00:05:25 - Reminders: Apply to vlog or blog for the Trek, sign up for the Trek's newsletter, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!
00:08:17 - Introducing Elise
00:13:53 - Tell us about your upcoming running goals
00:22:30 - Introducing today's panel
00:24:01 - Elise's Tip #1: Roll with the punches
00:27:06 - Chaunce's Tip #1: Look up side quests in advance
00:30:41 - Zach's Tip #1: Have a plan for the sun
00:34:44 - Elise's Tip #2: Save more money than you think you need
00:36:45 - Chaunce's Tip #2: Prepare for encountering wildfires
00:48:40 - Zach's Tip #2: Consider going southbound in high snow years
00:56:05 - Elise's Tip #3: See it for yourself before making decisions
01:03:15 - Chaunce's Tip #3: Cowboy camp if you haven't yet
01:05:40 - Zach's Tip #3: Break it down into small sections
01:08:00 - Honorable mentions
01:13:52 - Stay Salty Question: What is your hottest take in the world of backpacking?
Segments
Trek Propaganda: Barrier Construction Set To Begin at CDT Southern Terminus by Kelly Floro
QOTD: What's the most overrated month for backpacking?
Triple Crown of bucket list animal sightings
One-Minute Gear Reviews
Mail Bag
5 Star Review
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.
Sign up for the Trek's newsletter
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: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, Jason Kiser, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lloyd Harris, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, myself, along with Jabba, Jolly, and Jess are giving you a rundown of our recent hike of the San Diego Trans County Trail. And this one is about as long as the trail itself, as we give a detailed daily overview of our hike, including the standout LOL stories, the biggest challenges associated with this trail - namely the amount of private land the route takes you though, the highlights- including some gorgeous desert terrain, an epic western terminus, and how our torrid hiking pace and some mismanaged fueling lead to the on-trail demise of our beloved Sassafras. Buckle in.
We wrap the show with the triple crown of jobs if money weren't an issue and whether a 30-second random drop in the ocean every day for 5 years is worth a $100 million.
Topo Athletic: Use code "TREKWINTER15" at topoathletic.com.
Mountainsmith: Use code "TAKEAHIKE" for 20% off at mountainsmith.com.
[divider]
Interview with Jabba, Jolly, and Jess
Time stamps & Questions
00:05:35 - Reminders: Apply to vlog or blog for the Trek, subscribe to The Trek's Youtube, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!
00:12:42 - Introducing the SDTCT hikers
00:13:40 - Why wasn't Chaunce invited?
00:16:14 - How did you choose to hike this trail?
00:19:00 - What are the fast stats of the SDTCT?
00:30:00 - Discussion about the water cache situation
00:36:05 - How do you get to and from the trail?
00:40:40 - What's the ideal season to hike this trail?
00:42:30 - SDTCT Day 1
00:54:14 - How do you handle navigation on this trail?
01:00:20 - What were the vibes at the end of day 1?
01:03:26 - How did Jess get so many blisters?
01:10:00 - Guess the Day 1 elevation
01:14:30 - SDTCT Day 2
01:44:30 - SDTCT Day 3
01:52:40 - Jolly's rash
01:56:10 - Zach's most difficult stretch of the trail
02:05:00 - Second half of day 3
02:09:00 - The end of day 3
02:17:00 - SDTCT Day 4
02:20:00 - Discussion about the cold and hand warmers
02:25:40 - Day 4 elevation guesses
02:26:30 - Jess's demise
02:39:40 - Zach's perspective of Jess's demise
02:45:25 - Night 4
02:55:00 - Chaunce's patent pending
02:56:16 - The end of day 4
03:03:52 - SDTCT Day 5
03:11:00 - Discussion about ticks
03:12:45 - Ramona Creek Trailhead
03:19:00 - SDTCT Day 6
03:36:50 - Discussion about the private land portions of the trail
03:50:40 - SDTCT Day 7
03:54:45 - Debate about publicizing the SDTCT
04:01:25 - Discussion about the final 40 miles of the trail
Segments
QOTD: $100 million but you have to survive 30 seconds in the ocean every day
Triple Crown of jobs if money wasn't an issue
Mail Bag
5 Star Review
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.
Sign up for the Trek's newsletter
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: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jason Kiser, Krystyn Bell, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are once again firing off our best advice for the upcoming class of Appalachian Trail thru-hikers.
Chaunce and I are joined by Trek Community Ringleader, Jess Stone, to bring you 9 tips for thru-hiking the AT in 2026. Because this is not the first time we've done this subject, Chaunce and I are unveiling brand new advice for this one (with an asterisks)- and today's tips cover advice to ensure you don't lose your precious media (which is more common than you might think), trail name advice, the importance of training, how to maximize the adventure, how to be intentional about getting what you want out of this experience, and much more.
We wrap the show with the top tents used on the Appalachian Trail in 2025, what two week Trek Chaunce should take on at the end of March, the triple crown of things that get our goat (v2), and why food delivery services might be pure evil.
LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.
Mountainsmith: Use code "TAKEAHIKE" for 20% off at mountainsmith.com.
[divider]
Panel with Jess Stone
Time stamps & Questions
00:10:40 - Reminders: Apply to vlog or blog for the Trek, subscribe to The Trek's Youtube, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!
00:16:45 - Introducing today's panel
00:18:45 - Summarizing past advice
00:23:20 - Jess's Tip #1: Find a meaningful way to document your hike and commit to it
00:26:20 - Chaunce's Tip #1: Regularly upload your photos and videos to the cloud
00:29:45 - Zach's Tip #1: Don't start with a trail name
00:34:10 - Jess's Tip #2: Train. Just train.
00:39:43 - Chaunce's Tip #2: Don't marry your start date
00:44:10 - Zach's Tip #2: Wean yourself off your phone addiction
00:47:14 - Jess's Tip #3: Embrace the new and the weird
00:50:55 - Chaunce's Tip #3: Group listen to audiobooks
00:58:40 - Zach's Tip #3: Mentally prepare
01:11:10 - Stay Salty Question: What is your hottest take in the world of backpacking or the outdoors at large?
Segments
Trek Propaganda: Top Tents and Shelters on the Appalachian Trail: 2025 AT Thru-Hiker Survey by Katie Jackson
QOTD: What soft hiking can Chaunce do at the end of March?
Triple Crown of things that get your goat
Mail Bag
5 Star Review
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.
Sign up for the Trek's newsletter
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: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jason Kiser, Krystyn Bell, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, in honor of Valentine's Day, we are once again putting love front and center-stage.
We're joined by Annie and Jake, known on trail as Pistol and Lobo, who met at mile 166 of the Appalachian Trail in 2021 and are about to come full circle, getting married at Fontana Dam, the exact spot where they first met.
We get the low down on how this romance was absolutely love at first sight, how and where things evolved from flirtation to romance to a full-blown committed relationship on trail, moving into a school bus post-trail, their attempt at recreating the magic on the PCT a few years later (spoiler alert: it was less magical), and tips to aspiring romantic hiker trash on how to find and sustain love on trail.
We wrap the show with which pieces of gear a Trek Writer with more than 10,000 miles has eliminated from her pack, our internal dialogue while eating ice cream (and why maybe I have a problem), my ENEMY of the week (fitness influencer edition), and the triple crown of relationship hacks.
Topo Athletic: Use code "TREKWINTER15" at topoathletic.com.
Mountainsmith: Use code "TAKEAHIKE" for 20% off at mountainsmith.com.
[divider]
Interview with Annie & Jake
Time stamps & Questions
00:09:05 - Reminders: Apply to vlog or blog for the Trek, enter the Badger Sponsorship, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon, and subscribe to The Trek's Youtube!
00:11:50 - Introducing Annie & Jake
00:14:22 - Discussion about wedding planning
00:17:55 - How did you each individually get into the outdoors?
00:22:35 - Walk us through the first parts of your hikes
00:28:20 - Did you have any major fuckups at the beginning of your hike?
00:29:45 - Tell us about the day you met
00:32:14 - Did you have a conversation about making it "one tent official"?
00:34:00 - More about the day Annie & Jake met
00:37:46 - Walk us through your first meeting to your first kiss
00:42:25 - What was the next level up in your relationship?
00:45:10 - Did it feel like you were venturing into real relationship territory?
00:46:25 - Why do you think you vibed together so quickly?
00:49:20 - How soon did you start discussing your plans for after the trail?
00:53:50 - Discussion about living in a bus over the winter
00:55:24 - What are green flags or red flags for couples approaching the end of a trail?
01:00:00 - What advice do you have for fellas to court a fellow thru-hiker?
01:03:00 - Did you have any moments where you unexpectedly learned a lot about the other person?
01:06:20 - Do you have advice for managing petty arguments on trail?
01:11:40 - What grocery store recommendations do you have?
01:16:00 - Tell us about doing the half gallon challenge
01:17:40 - Tell us about your scariest day on trail
01:23:00 - In what ways is your second thru-hike different from the first?
01:26:10 - Were you on the same page about leaving the PCT?
01:27:00 - Are you interested in trying the PCT again?
01:29:45 - What questions should someone ask their partner on trail?
01:34:20 - Do you plan on having kids?
01:35:10 - Peak Performance Question: Do you have a top performance enhancing or backpacking hack?
01:36:20 - Tell us your proposal story
Segments
Trek Propaganda: After 10,000 Miles on Trail, These Are the 10 Pieces of Gear I'll Never Carry Again by Livvy Weld
QOTD: What is your internal dialogue while eating ice cream?
Enemy Thing of the Week
Triple Crown of relationship hacks
Mail Bag
5 Star Review
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.
Sign up for the Trek's newsletter
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: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jason Kiser, Krystyn Bell, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined once again by outdoor filmmaker and long-distance backpacker, Lauren "Longway" Roerick.
Lauren shares the highs and lows of a massive year of international backpacking and adventure, including dragging her "indoor cat" brother along on the 88 Temple Pilgrimage in Japan and her not in such great shape dad on the Camino del Norte in Spain, her less than stellar experience on the Via Dinarica and how one especially unfortunate stretch in Montenegro ultimately forced her off trail, quickly rinsing the palette with some gorgeous hiking on the Transcaucasian Trail in Georgia, and her experience hiking the Santa Fe to Taos Trail as part of our "get paid to thru-hike" sponsorship. We also learn more about Lauren's background, including a chaotic international divorce, learning calculus in Chinese, and how she once sang opera although refuses to do so for you- we forgive her and this is a fun, inspirational chat regardless.
We wrap the show with a hidden gem thru-hike in New York, a Triple Crown of Pop (not SODA!), and what trail traditions should be celebrated on spring equinox.
LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.
[divider]
Interview with Lauren Roerick
Time stamps & Questions
00:04:57 - Reminders: Apply to vlog or blog for the Trek and apply for the Badger Sponsorship!
00:09:10 - Introducing Lauren Roerick.
00:10:10 - Discussion about Te Araroa
00:13:30 - Discussion about a near hypothermia experience in the Tararua Mountains
00:19:10 - Give us an overview of the Santa Fe to Taos Trail
00:26:45 - Any standout stories from the Tahoe Rim Trail?
00:27:55 - Tell us about the 88 Temple Pilgrimage in Japan
00:35:00 - Discussion about Lauren's tea ceremony experience
00:37:20 - What did you do during your three years living in Taiwan?
00:39:20 - Did you really move to California to study and sing opera?
00:43:30 - Discussion about Lauren moving frequently
00:47:35 - Tell us about your hometown
00:49:50 - Tell us about starting a sales agency
00:55:20 - Who is the 88 Temple Pilgrimage for?
00:58:20 - Tell us about bikepacking around Taiwan
01:05:50 - What's the least safe you felt during your international travels?
01:21:15 - Tell us the good parts of the Via Dinarica
01:28:35 - Tell us about hiking in Georgia
01:35:35 - How often do you get recognized?
01:37:00 - Was the Santa Fe to Taos Trail boring in comparison?
01:39:08 - Tell us about the trail you hiked with your dad
01:43:40 - How did the Camino rank against other trails you hiked last year?
01:46:24 - Discussion about
01:51:45 - Do you have general tips for international travel and hiking?
01:58:35 - What is next on your hiking schedule for 2026?
02:03:15 - Stay Salty Question: What is your hottest take in the world of backpacking?
Segments
Trek Propaganda: The Epic 358-Mile Thru-Hike in New York You've Never Heard Of by Alex McClain
QOTD: Summer solstice is hike naked day. What should spring equinox be?
Fear of the Week
Triple Crown of pop/soda
Mail Bag
5 Star Review
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.
Sign up for the Trek's newsletter
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: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jason Kiser, Krystyn Bell, Luke Netjes, Matt from Gilbert, AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, SPAM, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic…today's episode is pure chaos.
If you've listened to any of our Hiking Viking episodes, you already know what I'm talking about.
After four "Girl Stuff" episodes, Chaunce figured it was only fair to balance the scales with what we're officially calling the Guy Stuff episode, a panel-style conversation that goes off the rails almost immediately, featuring Jabba and Lt Cookoo Bird.
We cover everything from trail grooming strategy (aka pube management), to whether you'd rather have boobs or a vagina for 24 hours, to making Backpacker Radio condoms as trail swag, Chaunce has a beard, and Jabba bites Chaunce's toes.
If you're looking for polished thru-hiking advice… this ain't it. This is a circus. Enjoy the ride.
Topo Athletic: Use code "TREKWINTER15" at topoathletic.com.
[divider]
Interview with Jabba and Cookoo
Time stamps & Questions
00:08:15 - Reminders: Apply to vlog or blog for the Trek, apply to be a Trail Correspondent, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon, and subscribe to The Trek's Youtube!
00:12:20 - Introducing Jabba and Cookoo
00:16:35 - Cuckoo, what have you been up to since you were last on the podcast?
00:26:54 - Do you think your urge to hike quickly is a macho trait?
00:29:10 - Discussion about working out
00:32:40 - Chaunce's BPR condoms idea
00:39:10 - Jabba, what have you been up to since you were last on the podcast?
00:50:35 - Discussion about PCT Days
00:59:20 - You have 24 hours - do you want to have boobs or a vagina?
01:05:00 - Discussion about trail grooming strategy
01:16:50 - Jabba's Roku stick story
01:18:32 - Discussion about blue balls
01:24:25 - How could a woman mess with a group of men on trail?
01:30:45 - Have you Tinder-blazed?
01:35:55 - What's your most interesting trail hookup story?
01:53:45 - What do you do differently when you're interested in someone on trail?
01:56:50 - How do you deal with swamp sack?
02:01:30 - How do you maintain personal hygiene?
02:11:00 - What are some things you've learned as you've hiked?
02:14:00 - Is chafing inevitable?
02:18:30 - How do you maintain your upper body while hiking?
02:25:00 - Discussion about supplements on trail
02:28:35 - Is anyone taking testosterone on trail?
02:31:20 - What upcoming hiker fashion trends do you foresee?
02:35:05 - Would you rather encounter a man or bear in the woods?
02:47:25 - How long would you wait to tell someone you're completely lost?
02:50:57 - What's the most vulnerable moment you've had on trail?
02:59:15 - What's the best way to break the ice to a new date that you hike four months per year?
03:03:12 - Who has the better fantasy team?
03:05:30 - Peak Performance Question: What's your top performance-enhancing or backpacking hack?
03:21:40 - When do you choose trail runners versus boots?
Segments
Trek Propaganda:
QOTD: They're a 10 but they like to turn off the game in the 4th quarter - can you make the relationship work?
Triple Crown of unsung technological advancements
Mail Bag
5 Star Review
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.
Sign up for the Trek's newsletter
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.
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Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.
A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jason Kiser, Krystyn Bell, Luke Netjes, Matt from Gilbert, AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, SPAM, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined yet again by our pal and Hall of Fame trail name holder Marla Davidson, better known as "Fancy Feast".
Fancy Feast is a wealth of knowledge and unfortunate and embarrassing stories. She shares a nasty medical mishap involving poodle dog bush on the PCT, we look back at her time with the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps, where she and other "malnourished minors" subsisted on moldy bread and Sriracha, which was presented as a vegetable.
Fancy Feast gives us an overview of her 2024 calendar hikes of the PCT and CDT, her experience navigating the Hayduke Trail with Horsepower (former guest) after he convinced her with a PowerPoint presentation, and the hilarious mismatch in hiking styles from this somewhat random pairing.
She details what it's like being a PNTA crew lead, and the challenges associated in light of funding cuts and crews being reduced to a skeleton staff.
Feast also shares standout stories from her international travels, including a "pig water" disaster in the Andes, her time at the Green Mountain Club with a persistent bear that turned her food box into a rolling pinata, and her hot takes on thru-hiker "main character energy" and entitlement.
We wrap the show with whether we'd rather have three butt cheeks or just one, the triple crown of mild yet particular icks or phobias, and the news of how one Hayduke hiker got caught in quicksand. Yes, really.
LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.
[divider]
Interview with Marla Davidson aka Fancy Feast
Time stamps & Questions
00:05:05 - Reminders: Apply to vlog or blog for the Trek, apply to be a Trail Correspondent, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon, and subscribe to The Trek's Youtube!
00:10:00 - Introducing Fancy Feast
00:14:00 - Remind us of your trail name origin story
00:19:25 - What was the first trail you hiked after you were on the podcast?
00:22:50 - Tell us about your encounter with poodle-dog bush
00:31:55 - What was worse, poodle-dog bush or poison ivy?
00:33:17 - How was your experience in the conservation corps?
00:37:40 - Tell us your bear story
00:42:20 - How did you handle the CDT when you don't like black bears?
00:45:50 - What is the ManHump/HumpMan challenge?
00:50:00 - Discussion about Fancy Feast's Allegheny Trail FKT attempt
00:52:30 - Why do you think you should have dropped out of school to do seasonal work?
01:00:50 - Why did you go to Peru?
01:11:50 - Tell us about dumpster diving
01:19:12 - How did you like the Oregon Coast Trail?
01:30:11 - At what point did you get a job with the PNTA?
01:36:25 - What's the deal with mayonnaise?
01:41:38 - What's your best chafe prevention strategy?
01:42:53 - Tell us more about your trail maintenance work and the current state of the PNT
01:46:08 - What volunteer opportunities are there with the PNTA?
01:48:11 - Tell us about working smarter and harder
01:53:55 - How would a former thru-hiker get involved with volunteering?
02:03:30 - How did you end up on the Hayduke?
02:13:50 - What was it like hiking with Horsepower?
02:16:15 - Did the Hayduke make you want to do more off trail routes?
02:20:10 - What questions should you ask someone you might hike with?
02:27:25 - Tell us about the Ice Age Trail
02:42:10 - Stay Salty Question: What's your hottest take in the world of backpacking?
Segments
Trek Propaganda: Hiker Trapped in Quicksand on Hayduke Trail: "Nothing About It Seemed Unusual or Dangerous" by Kelly Floro
QOTD: Would you rather have one butt cheek or three butt cheeks?
Triple Crown of mild yet particular icks or phobias
Mail Bag
5 Star Review
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.
Sign up for the Trek's newsletter
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: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jason Kiser, Krystyn Bell, Luke Netjes, Matt from Gilbert, AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, SPAM, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are joined yet again by our pal Andrew Skurka and wayyyyy back former guest and now co-director of Skurka Adventures, Katie Gerber aka "Salty". Today's episode covers a lot of ground.
Today's conversation is part backpacking advice, part gear nerd chat, part a glimpse inside the operation at Skurka Adventures.
We first dive into Katie's list of the five biggest mistakes she made as a beginner backpacker and her take on why she loves her alcohol stove- after a decade of use.
Andrew gives us an overview of vapor barrier layers and moisture management for cold-weather backpacking, the Ursack versus bear canister debate, he gives a framework for deciding exactly when it's time to hit the SOS button on your satellite communicator, the ethics of publicizing GPS tracks in these high consequence and fragile regions, and he shares his two cents on one of the most detailed bear-safety questions we've ever received.
The duo also give us some standout stories from their years of working together, including a nightmarish and somehow hilarious story of surviving a Mojave Desert traffic jam in triple-digit heat.
We wrap the show with a call for Trail Correspondents, if setting up your tent in the airport makes you a genius or an A-hole, the triple crown of winter drinks, and some fun Ibex facts from a listener.
Topo Athletic: Use code "TREKWINTER15" at topoathletic.com.
[divider]
Interview with Andrew Skurka & Katie Gerber
Time stamps & Questions
00:05:05 - Reminders: Apply to vlog or blog for the Trek, apply to be a Trail Correspondent, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon, and subscribe to The Trek's Youtube!
00:10:00 - Introducing Andrew and Katie
00:13:10 - Are you still passionate about nutrition?
00:19:40 - Tell us about your recent Grand Canyon trip with Eric
00:22:45 - How did you get started on off trail routes?
00:24:10 - How did you two start working together?
00:30:50 - Describe your current role
00:33:25 - What are some things people don't know about Skurka?
00:36:40 - Discussion about beginner backpacking mistakes
00:53:20 - What are some new things you've been thinking about?
00:56:50 - What trip is in the highest demand, and what's the most underrated?
00:58:50 - How do you balance protecting sensitive environments with leading trips for your business?
01:08:35 - How do you pick who guides each route?
01:10:35 - Do you have any new guides you're really excited about?
01:12:40 - What are some tips for someone who wants to get into guiding?
01:20:45 - Grand Canyon or Escalante?
01:23:00 - Tell us your thoughts on vapor barrier layers
01:27:55 - Discussion about the backcountry bidet
01:30:30 - How many cats until you're a crazy cat dude?
01:33:14 - How do you like using an alcohol stove and how did you like the Great Basin Trail?
01:35:23 - What are the biggest differences between hiking with Dirtmonger and Andrew?
01:40:15 - Have you used AI in your business?
01:44:14 - How should a campsite be set up?
01:50:00 - What are the pros and cons of hard sided bear canisters and Ursacks?
01:52:20 - Is there a new piece of gear you're excited about?
01:56:00 - Discussion about phone technology in the backcountry
02:01:18 - What are your thoughts on plastic water bottles?
02:03:40 - How far do you need to pee from your campsite?
02:04:45 - How do you decide to press the SOS button?
02:08:20 - What are your thoughts on polartech?
02:09:50 - Are broth cubes a thing?
02:13:54 - What should people know about the upcoming guiding season?
02:20:20 - Peak Performance Question: What is your top performance-enhancing or backpacking hack?
Segments
Trek Propaganda:
QOTD: Is it cringe or genius to set up your tent in the airport?
Triple Crown of winter drinks
Mail Bag
5 Star Review
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.
Sign up for the Trek's newsletter
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: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jason Kiser, Krystyn Bell, Luke Netjes, Matt from Gilbert, AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, SPAM, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by Eric Volk, who we attempt to trail name "5-16."
In just six years, Eric went from novice hiker to expert off-trail adventurer, completing his own custom routes across the Sierra, Grand Canyon, North Cascades, and Alaska, including his Brooks Range Traverse and Arctic thru-hike. He is believed to be the first or second person to hike from the Canadian border to the Arctic Ocean entirely on foot.
Today, we're getting an in-depth tutorial on all things off-trail and route-based hiking. Eric gives a detailed overview of how to get started with off-trail adventuring, the biggest differences between hiking on trail and off, recommended "beginner" routes, key gear considerations, the navigational skills required (including the specific tools he uses and recommends), the wide variety of terrain you might encounter, weather considerations, the importance of doing your due diligence, and much more.
Eric also shares some fun stories from his routes, including trekking through the mathematically most remote place in the U.S., incredible wildlife encounters with caribou, grizzlies, musk ox, and mountain lions, and the ethics of publicizing GPX tracks.
LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.
[divider]
Interview with Eric Volk
Time stamps & Questions
00:07:20 - Reminders: Apply to vlog or blog for the Trek, apply to be a Trail Correspondent, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon, and subscribe to The Trek's Youtube!
00:11:00 - Introducing Eric
00:11:50 - How did you initially get into outdoor adventuring?
00:15:07 - Was it easier to start the Lost Coast trail because someone encouraged you?
00:16:52 - Do you like to level up difficulty in other aspects of life?
00:19:42 - What's your route resume?
00:21:40 - Do off-trail routes spoil you for thru-hiking?
00:22:45 - Where should someone start if they want to start doing off-trail routes?
00:25:15 - What does the class system generally mean?
00:32:10 - What are some navigation skill requirements?
00:45:55 - What are some of the navigation apps you've tried?
00:52:00 - What are some tips for someone starting with CalTopo?
00:56:20 - How should someone transition from a GPX track to the real world?
01:02:00 - Discussion about additional navigation tips
01:04:10 - How would someone construct beta for their route?
01:15:45 - What are the gear differences to consider for going off-trail?
01:25:30 - Discussion about the benefits of ultralight and compactness in gear
01:28:25 - Has your first aid kit changed at all?
01:31:20 - What's the minimum amount of bushwacking that would necessitate pants?
01:37:40 - What's your sun protection strategy?
01:40:12 - How do you handle weather?
01:45:45 - How structured are your days when routefinding?
01:48:50 - How do you confidently know where to find water?
01:53:45 - What other tips do you have for learning about your surroundings?
01:56:00 - What are some of your standout wildlife encounters?
02:08:35 - Tell us about your Black Belt Triple Crown
02:17:00 - Discussion about Eric's Alaska route
02:22:30 - Is there a rating scale for remoteness?
02:24:15 - What are the three most challenging elements of this route?
02:29:00 - How much of this route was Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3 fun?
02:30:10 - Tell us about the Super Sierra High Route
02:38:20 - Tell us about following the North Rim of the Grand Canyon
02:40:50 - What are the three most challenging elements of this route?
02:46:35 - Discussion about the ethics of hiking around the Grand Canyon
03:01:00 - Discussion about sharing information about routes publicly
03:03:30 - Stay Salty Question: What's your hottest take in the world of backpacking?
03:05:35 - What's next for you?
Segments
Trek Propaganda: Fewer People Thru-Hiked the AT in 2025. Is the Trail's Popularity on the Decline? By Katie Jackson
Thing of the Week
Triple Crown of soups/chilis
Mail Bag
5 Star Review
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.
Sign up for the Trek's newsletter
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: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jason Kiser, Krystyn Bell, Matt from Gilbert, AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, SPAM, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, and Spencer Hinson.
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