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
OnX Backcountry: Use code "TREK70" for 70% off at onxmaps.com
LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.
Segments
Trail Goss Episode 3
Trek Propaganda:
I Hiked 27.5 Miles Every Day for a Year: Here's Everything I Did To Thru-Hike Faster by Peg Leg
Day 154 – This is Where I Leave You by Brock "Dubs" Miller
QOTD: What is the worst thing you've ever smelled?
Triple Crown of the most annoyed professions
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 Bob Peoples Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Go Bills, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Bret Mullins aka TakeOff, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, JaredNotFromSubway, Jason Kiser, Jason "I Miss Chaunce" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Nathan, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, Thirteen Adventures, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ack, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jacob Cheely, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lucas Hamilton, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, Salt Stain, and Tyler Powers.
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by onX Backcountry and LMNT, we are joined by Michael "Broadway" Grant, a world traveler who has visited 56 countries, cycled across America, and is currently daily-vlogging his way through the PCT.
In this one, Broadway dives into getting bitten in the face by a six-pound chihuahua while hitching a ride to PCT Trail Days, his terrifying pitch-black 11:00 PM alpine start up Mount Whitney's snow chutes, and his infamous "Day 50" meltdown in the Sierra, where he melted a carbon trekking pole, burned holes through his sleeping bag, found two more in his tent, and sobbed on camera.
We also cover his epic Yosemite side quest featuring last-minute Half Dome permits and hot-tubbing with a park employee, how losing his mother to brain cancer shaped his reasons for being out here, and his hot takes on why catholes beat toilets and why ultralight gear isn't a requirement for thriving on trail.
We wrap the show with Pegleg's tips for covering bigger miles and a shout-out to Trek blogger Brock "Dubs" Miller finishing on Katahdin, a Question of the Day on the absolute worst things we've ever smelled, a Triple Crown of the most annoyed professions in existence, and we give news on a new job opening at The Trek.
OnX Backcountry: Use code "TREK70" for 70% off at onxmaps.com
LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.
Gossamer Gear: Use code "BPR10" for 10% off shelters at gossamergear.com.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear: Use code "BPRADIO15" for 15% off at hyperlitemountaingear.com
57 Hours: Use code "TREK100" for $100 off your booking at 57hours.com
[divider]
Interview with Michael "Broadway" Grant
Time stamps & Questions
00:06:55 - Reminders: Apply to vlog or blog for the Trek, take the 2026 AT Thru-Hiker survey, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!
00:13:04 - Introducing Broadway
00:16:45 - How has working through your thru-hike impacted the experience?
00:17:54 - Tell us about getting bitten in the face by a chihuahua
00:22:14 - Tell us about quitting your job to travel the world for 13 months
00:25:58 - Discussion about the Camino de Santiago and West Highland Way
00:30:13 - How did you get into long distance cycling across America?
00:32:10 - Fuck, marry, kill: thru-hiking, cycling, and adventure travel
00:34:59 - Tell us about the start of your PCT thru-hike
00:38:48 - What's it been like growing your following on Instagram?
00:43:46 - Discussion about Gen Z lingo and gay lingo
00:48:45 - What has it been like being a gay man on the PCT?
00:51:21 - Tell us about your epic Yosemite side quest
00:55:19 - Discussion about masculinity and thru-hiking culture
00:57:47 - How has the PCT given you more time to reflect than other adventures?
01:02:47 - When did grief turn into motivation?
01:06:53 - Discussion about Cheryl Strayed's Wild as inspiration
01:10:01 - Tell us about your terrifying Mount Whitney sunrise side quest
01:14:00 - Tell us about gear you've been loving
01:21:08 - Tell us about your infamous day 50 meltdown in the Sierra
01:28:38 - Discussion about sun hoodies
01:30:00 - Tell us your poop story
01:32:47 - What's been the best 3 day stretch of trail for you?
01:36:19 - Have you met other gay hikers on trail?
01:41:00 - What advice would you offer someone who wants to follow in your footsteps?
01:43:00 - Stay Salty Question: What's your hottest take in the world of backpacking?
Segments
Trek Propaganda:
QOTD: What is the worst thing you've ever smelled?
Triple Crown of the most annoyed professions
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 Bob Peoples Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Go Bills, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Bret Mullins aka TakeOff, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, JaredNotFromSubway, Jason Kiser, Jason "I Miss Chaunce" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Nathan, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, Thirteen Adventures, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ack, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jacob Cheely, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lucas Hamilton, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, Salt Stain, and Tyler Powers.
OnX Backcountry: Use code "TREK70" for 70% off at onxmaps.com
Hyperlite Mountain Gear: Use code "BPRADIO15" for 15% of hyperlitemountaingear.com
Segments
Trail Goss: Nick Fowler's PCT FKT
Trek Propaganda: Fastest PCT Hike in History: Nick Fowler's 45-Day Thru-Hike Sets New Overall FKT by Katie Jackson
QOTD: Predict one aspect of the Zeitgeist in 2040
Fantasy Football Thing of the Week
Triple Crown of emojis
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 Bob Peoples Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, JaredNotFromSubway, Jason Kiser, Jason "I Miss Chaunce" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Thirteen Adventures, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ack, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lucas Hamilton, 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 OnX Backcountry and Topo Athletic, we are joined yet again by our pal Whitney LaRuffa, known on trail as AllGood. AllGood has hiked thousands of miles with his K-9 companions over the years, including his first thru-hike of the AT way back in 1996. AllGood is one of the most entrenched figures in the world of hiker trash, with several thru-hikes under his belt, serving as former president of ALDHA-West, and having worked for several prominent brands in the industry, he eats, breathes, sleeps, and poos all things thru-hiking.
In this one, AllGood gives his take on Durston Gear's rapid rise, Big Agnes's early misstep pairing Dyneema tents with heavy buckles, and the challenge he foresees with Osprey's sewn in hip belt on their new UL pack, he breaks down the cost tradeoffs between Alula, DCF, and Robic pack fabrics, and he tells the story of how the Ultralight subreddit's roughly half million members helped sink a quilt brand's business, and why even a three person company needs a PR plan for when things go sideways online.
We also cover his philosophy that rain gear on trail is about staying warm rather than staying dry, why he still hasn't finished his Triple Crown despite years spent handing out certificates as ALDHA-West president, his love affair with Jolly, how he balances long-distance hiking with marriage and aging by leaning into shorter trips as his priorities shift, and his personal bucket list of trails.
We wrap the show with some big PCT FKT news, Katie devours a Big Mac as fast as she can in the name of improving her fantasy football draft slot, the triple crown of emojis, and we opine on what we think the zeitgeist will look like in the year 2040- flush with intentional grammar mishaps and shaming the shamers.
OnX Backcountry: Use code "TREK70" for 70% off at onxmaps.com
Topo Athletic: Use code "TREK15TOPO" at topoathletic.com.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear: Use code "BPRADIO15" for 15% of hyperlitemountaingear.com
57 Hours: Use code "TREK100" for $100 off your booking at 57hours.com
Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKERRADIO" for $20 off LT5 Trekking Poles at gossamergear.com.
[divider]
Interview with Whitney La Ruffa aka Allgood
Time stamps & Questions
00:06:00 - Reminders: Use code "donttrustafart" for 15% off hats at the Trek's store, sign up for the Trek's newsletter, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon And 2026 AT thru-hikers: take the 2026 AT Hiker Survey here!!
00:10:50 - Introducing Allgood
00:12:30 - What's something you feel passionate about in the outdoor industry right now?
00:15:40 - Is it a net positive for the ultralight trend to become more mainstream?
00:19:40 - What's been your go-to pack recently?
00:21:12 - What are your thoughts on Durston Gear?
00:25:20 - Have you tested the Mountainsmith Zerk?
00:26:20 - What is your take on Alula?
00:31:25 - Discussion about rain gear
00:34:35 - Discussion about natural fibers vs plastic
00:38:00 - Is there a stinkiest fish?
00:38:50 - What's the product you've pushed for the most since joining Gossamer Gear?
00:43:05 - Is Alula more or less expensive than DCF?
00:46:00 - Discussion about gear longevity
00:49:15 - What's your take on the ultralight subreddit?
00:59:11 - Why haven't you hiked the PCT?
01:04:00 - Describe ALDHA-West and your role
01:06:30 - Discussion about the feeling of completing the Triple Crown
01:11:50 - Discussion about shorter vs longer trails
01:13:34 - How do you balance your hiking and your marriage?
01:19:15 - What trails and routes are currently at the top of your bucket list?
01:26:00 - Discussion about She-ra and the impact of wildfire smoke
01:35:27 - Peak Performance Question: What is your top performance enhancing or backpacking hack?
Segments
Trek Propaganda: Fastest PCT Hike in History: Nick Fowler's 45-Day Thru-Hike Sets New Overall FKT by Katie Jackson
QOTD: Predict one aspect of the Zeitgeist in 2040
Fantasy Football Thing of the Week
Triple Crown of emojis
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 Bob Peoples Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, JaredNotFromSubway, Jason Kiser, Jason "I Miss Chaunce" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Thirteen Adventures, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ack, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lucas Hamilton, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear: Use code "BPRADIO15" for 15% of hyperlitemountaingear.com
OnX Backcountry: Use code "TREK70" for 70% off at onxmaps.com
Segments
OR Echo Hoodie Review
Trek Propaganda
10 Women-Owned Ultralight Gear Brands We Love by Katie Jackson
This Fitness App Lets You Bet Cash on Your Own Steps. Are We All About To Be Rich? by Kelly Floro
Katie's Engagement Story
QOTD: What's your go to wedding dance move?
Dilemma Thing of the Week
Triple Crown of conditions you'd opt out of backpacking due to
Listener Voicemail (and leave us your own!)
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 Bob Peoples Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, JaredNotFromSubway, Jason Kiser, Jason "I Miss Chaunce" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Thirteen Adventures, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ack, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lucas Hamilton, 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 onX Backcountry and LMNT, we are joined by Bee Corrado, a backpacker, public school Spanish teacher, and outdoor content creator currently pushing her way through the Pacific Crest Trail.
In this one, we dive into how Bee almost adopted the trail name "crack sniffer", a bloody Sierra water crossing that almost earned her another trail name "sporin", and her midnight hike over Forester Pass in total darkness and snow.
Bee also shares why every thru-hiker should ditch their tramily for a period of time, her definitive trail cinnamon roll rankings, and why she's embracing her feral side and embracing her body hair.
We wrap the show with a rundown of the remainder of the PNW road trip, including an epic Seattle Hiker Meetup, Katie's breakdown of 10 women-owned ultralight gear brands, our go-to open bar wedding dance moves featuring Katie's on-camera worm, a Triple Crown of conditions that will force us to cancel a backpacking trip, a 10-year anniversary update from a former Badger-sponsored hiker, and a listener calls me out for shaming cold-soakers at the Seattle meetup.
OnX Backcountry: Use code "TREK70" for 70% off at onxmaps.com
LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.
Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKERRADIO" for $20 off LT5 Trekking Poles at gossamergear.com.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear: Use code "BPRADIO15" for 15% of hyperlitemountaingear.com
[divider]
Interview with Bee Corado
Time stamps & Questions
00:06:50 - Road Trip Recap
00:14:20 - Reminders: Listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!
00:15:50 - Introducing Bee
00:20:26 - What is your hygiene routine on the trail?
00:26:01 - What is your entryway into the outdoors?
00:29:03 - How did you learn about thru-hiking?
00:32:17 - Did the JMT permit come through for you?
00:33:35 - Why didn't you believe the PCT would become a reality?
00:38:06 - How do you find time for blogging, YouTube, and social media while hiking?
00:42:38 - Fuck, marry, kill: blogging, YouTube, short-form video?
00:46:05 - Tell us about your intentions to write a book
00:50:47 - Do you foresee thru-hiking remaining a part of your future?
00:56:42 - Tell us about the Rae Lakes Loop
01:03:20 - Did the Tahoe Rim Trail build your confidence that the PCT was attainable?
01:05:32 - Walk us through the PCT permit process
01:09:09 - What was the snow situation like when you entered the Sierra?
01:15:29 - Tell us about the midnight hike over Forester Pass in total darkness
01:21:29 - Discussion about getting stuck in Bishop with your Sierra tramily
01:24:03 - What are the best cinnamon rolls on the PCT?
01:31:13 - What sort of taste did the Sierra leave in your mouth?
01:32:53 - Tell us about the water crossings in the Sierra
01:34:44 - Discussion about your competitive gymnast background
01:37:30 - How else have you changed how you feel about your body?
01:38:45 - Discussion about the NorCal blues and burn sections
01:40:25 - How are you handling the Washington trail closures?
01:47:29 - What advice would you give to someone on the fence about thru-hiking?
01:50:03 - Stay Salty Question: What is your hottest take in the world of backpacking?
01:53:41 - Tell us about your hellacious morning (the slug and sprinkler incident)
Segments
Trek Propaganda
Katie's Engagement Story
QOTD: What's your go to wedding dance move?
Dilemma Thing of the Week
Triple Crown of conditions you'd opt out of backpacking due to
Listener Voicemail
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 Bob Peoples Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, JaredNotFromSubway, Jason Kiser, Jason "I Miss Chaunce" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Thirteen Adventures, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ack, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lucas Hamilton, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear: Use code BPRADIO15 for 15% off at hyperlitemountaingear.com.
OnX Backcountry: Use code "TREK70" for 70% off at onxmaps.com. Get a free 3-month trial of Elite here (no credit card required).
Segments
0:00 – Intro & Triple Crown survey discussion begins
26:02 – Tribute to Will Standish (CDT hiker who passed away)
36:08 – Bonus segment / gear talk begins
42:26 – Pacific Northwest trip best/worst stories
1:00:42 – Triple Crown of Foods You Can't Stop Eating
1:28:59 – Mailbag segment
1:31:29 – Five-star review shoutout
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 Bob Peoples Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, JaredNotFromSubway, Jason Kiser, Jason "I Miss Chaunce" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Thirteen Adventures, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ack, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lucas Hamilton, 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 onX Backcountry and Topo Athletic, we are joined by Miranda Webster, the creator behind Miranda Goes Outside- a former 12-year REI employee turned full-time outdoor content creator.
In this one, Miranda breaks down her journey from an outdoorsy novice working as an REI cashier to amassing over 200,000 YouTube subscribers, the detailed process of designing her popular Migo water bottle to fix the smart water bottle's flaws, and why she firmly believes creators should never gatekeep public land locations.
We also cover her tactics for managing POTS and chronic migraines in the backcountry, her go-to fueling strategy of packing tinned fish and liquid meal replacements, some of her standout current favorite backpacking gear, and her golden rules for creating YouTube content without selling out for cheap clicks.
We wrap the show with covering our personal bests and worsts from our Pacific Northwest road trip, a breakdown of the gear Katie relies on when she's not testing new products, I update my sun hoodie rankings with a new score for The North Face Summit Series, a Triple Crown of foods you physically can't stop eating once you start- including the incident with Jabba's burning penis, a of course a listener shares their poop story.
OnX Backcountry: Use code "TREK70" for 70% off at onxmaps.com. Get a free 3-month trial of Elite here (no credit card required).
Topo Athletic: Use code "TREK15HIKE" at topoathletic.com.
Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKERRADIO" for $20 off LT5 Trekking Poles at gossamergear.com.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear: Use code "BPRADIO15" for 15% of hyperlitemountaingear.com
Interview with Miranda WebsterReminders: 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!
10:33 – Miranda's origin story: from city kid to REI cashier
26:32 – Her gear philosophy and love of colorful gear
30:51 – Managing chronic migraines and POTS on trail
37:12 – The gatekeeping/geotagging debate
42:48 – How the YouTube channel started with Rainer at REI
56:03 – Designing the Migo water bottle
70:40 – Transition from REI scripted videos to her own brand
86:30 – Lessons from Rainer on YouTube success
1:41:02 – Peak performance/fueling: tinned fish and hydration
1:53:00 – Pacific Northwest road trip bests and worsts
2:11:03 – Triple Crown of foods you can't stop eating
2:39:30 – Listener mailbag and poop story
Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly and his coffee. Sign up for the Trek's newsletter Leave us a voicemail! 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 Bob Peoples Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, JaredNotFromSubway, Jason Kiser, Jason "I Miss Chaunce" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Thirteen Adventures, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ack, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lucas Hamilton, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.
Segments
Fun Nutritional Facts
Trek Propaganda:
Missing CDT Thru-Hiker Found Dead in Tetons by Kelly Floro
Ch. 64 – Vermilion Valley & Vitamin I by Starlight
QOTD: If you could only eat one continent's cuisine for the rest of time, what would it be?
Batty Thing of the Week
Triple Crown of summer drinks
One-Minute Gear Review
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 Bob Peoples Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, JaredNotFromSubway, Jason Kiser, Jason "I Miss Chaunce" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Thirteen Adventures, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ack, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lucas Hamilton, 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 our longtime pal Elise Ott, aka Sauce, who recently completed the 94-mile Yosemite High Route. She breaks down the realities of off-trail High Sierra travel, from navigating 7,000-foot vertical climb days to the difficulty (or lack thereof) of route-finding without a GPX line.
In this one, Elise gives us a full breakdown on Skurka's new(ish) route through Yosemite- including everything you need to know regarding navigation, camping, water, difficulty, highlight views, and more. Elise also shares some fun anecdotes from her hike, including waking up with some mysterious edema that blew her face and feet up like balloons, her emotional breakdown on day four after a massive granite boulder crumbled under her weight, the nightmare of scrambling up the steep, loose gravel of "Lemonade Pass" after breaking both of her trekking poles, and the agony of cold-soaking a beef stroganoff Knorr Pasta side in the dark after running out of stove fuel.
We wrap the show with the sad news of the passing of a CDT in the Tetons, a shout-out to Trek blogger Starlight, which continent's cuisine we would choose eat forever, a story where I recently maybe got rabies, a Triple Crown of summer drinks, a one-minute gear review on Jess testing a backcountry bidet on the JMT, and a listener shares a story about meeting two hikers tripping on acid on the Tahoe Rim Trail.
LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.
Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKERRADIO" for $20 off LT5 Trekking Poles at gossamergear.com.
Shady Rays: Use code "TREK" for 40% off two or more pairs of sunglasses at shadyrays.com.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear: Use code "BPRADIO15" for 15% of hyperlitemountaingear.com
[divider]
Interview with Elise Ott aka SOS
Time stamps & Questions
00:05:20 - Reminders: Apply to work for the Trek, check out The Trek: On Trail on Youtube, and listen to our episodes ad-free (and bonus content!) on Patreon!
00:08:39 - Introducing Elise
00:09:00 - Tell us about your puppy
00:15:42 - What was the inspiration to do the Yosemite High Route?
00:18:45 - What permit did you need for Yosemite backcountry?
00:21:22 - Give us the fast facts overview on the route
00:26:27 - How do you plan your days on a high route?
00:30:00 - What does using a Skurka guide entail?
00:35:27 - Were you feeling good or nervous going into it?
00:36:55 - Is the route a figure eight shape?
00:39:35 - What was so rough about the first few days and when did things turn around?
00:47:47 - What was the timeline of your hike?
00:50:07 - What were the conditions like on the trail?
00:52:44 - What did that conversation with your hiking partner look like?
00:56:26 - Tell us about the mysterious swelling and edema
00:59:40 - Discussion about navigation, map layers, and campsite planning
01:02:04 - Do you attribute your foot issues to the footwear itself?
01:03:30 - Is this all type two fun? Tell us about Lemonade Pass
01:05:53 - Rank the three Skurka routes by difficulty and walk us through the terrain
01:11:03 - What was the most beautiful part of the route?
01:14:53 - Any alpine dips on the route?
01:16:42 - Walk me through the water carry situation
01:18:47 - Did you do anything specific gear-wise for this route?
01:21:39 - Did you experiment with iPhone satellite texting?
01:24:54 - What about wildlife on the route?
01:31:30 - Tell us about breaking both your trekking poles
01:34:11 - Tell us about running out of fuel and cold soaking beef stroganoff
01:37:38 - Discussion about potentially submitting an FKT
01:39:43 - Discussion about reflecting on the overall experience
01:42:20 - Where can folks keep up with you?
Segments
Trek Propaganda:
QOTD: If you could only eat one continent's cuisine for the rest of time, what would it be?
Batty Thing of the Week
Triple Crown of summer 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 Bob Peoples Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, JaredNotFromSubway, Jason Kiser, Jason "I Miss Chaunce" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Thirteen Adventures, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ack, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lucas Hamilton, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.
Our TOPPODCAST Picks 
