Backpacker Radio

The Trek

From 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.

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Mar 1, 2019 · 2 hr
#30 | Gummy Bear on Being a Gay, Plus-Sized Hiker, PCT 2019 PSA, and Things to Freak Out About Before a Thru-Hike
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, we are joined by Gummy Bear, a 2018 PCT hiker and all around awesome dude. We do a deep dive on his experience of being a gay and plus size hiker in the trail community. We chat some about his upcoming Arizona Trail hike. Chaunce and I deliver the PCT class of 2019 a warning for what they can expect to see in the Sierra this year and why you might want to consider hiking southbound. We do a triple crown of things to freak out about before leaving for a thru-hike. Basically we touch on all the reasons why you should never leave your house (not actually). This is a meaty show, so find a comfortable place to sit, lay, or meander down the trail. Subjects discussed in today's show include: Recorded at Wayfinder in Denver, CO Use Code "Trek10" at Greenbelly.co to save 10% off your order. Sawyer Micro Sawyer Micro vs. Sawyer Squeeze Video The Sierra is snowy Chaunce's PCT 2017 Video As It Happens Start interview with Evan Haut aka Gummy Bear Trail name origin What drew you to hike the PCT - love of travel, liked camping better than partying aspects of festivals he had been going to Gay pride bandana attached to pack - important to have it on there after talking to other hikers in town who were hesitant/uncomfortable being open - prior to flag, felt like only gay person on trail, post flag, had a lot of people opening up and talking to him about it - 'was nice to know they had someone they could talk to about it' Discouragement and doubt around ability to be successful based on his weight - people becoming more supportive once he reached KM bc they stopped doubting as much Hard to find clothing for his size (3XL) Columbia and New Balance do good jobs of accommodating big/tall people Highest mile day: 24 How he trained - day hiking, this year: 3-4hrs a day at the gym (quit job and just training now) Section hike of the PCT - what's done and what's left Water carries for a slower/heavier hiker: how much he carried, obstacles, having to skip sections due to inability to carry enough water Deciding to be a section hiker, and feelings around that Clothing carried Smartwool 250g top and bottoms Outdoor Helium II Things he would've changed if he could re-prep for PCT Start in trail runners, doing the trail sooner - wouldn't have had the motivation to train the way he needed to do it bc he wouldn't have known what he was signing up for Fitness vs budget - one of the biggest downfalls yo hiking slow Vegan on trail apart from beef jerky Northbay Trading Co. Mother Earth Foods Section hikers were less arrogant, but didn't realize that until Washington Reasons why other hikers ask about start dates Theory on why he had worse reactions as an overweight hiker than a gay hiker The different ways long distance hiking takes a toll on your body when you're overweight AZT as prep for PCT Quick overview of the Arizona Trail Ways the hiking community can be more accepting to section hikers / plus sized hikers / gay hikers LGBTQ Facebook Group Use code "TREK5" to save 5% at zpacks.com Triple crown of things to freak out about before leaving for a thru-hike Mailbag Pacific Crest Trail Resupply Guide by Maggie Wallace Check out Trail Correspondents! Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Stitcher and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Michael W Hinkley, S11N, Sawyer Products, and Travis Smith A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Gregory Gardner and Peter Leven Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Gummy Bear on Facebook. Follow The Trek on Facebook, Twitter and sign up for our newsletter. Intro music via.
Feb 22, 2019 · 33 min
BPR Community Show #1 | Advice to Prospective Thru-Hikers
Today's show is a special edition, an experiment, and a community-sourced show, all rolled into one giant tortilla, hiker trash style. A few months ago, we put a call out to The Trek's bloggers and vloggers to share their top tips for someone who's about to embark on a thru-hike. Tis the season. As you will see, this advice runs the gamut, and can often even be contradictory to one another. The reason for this is simple, there is no one single approach to successfully thru-hiking. That said, I do think there's tremendous value in listening to the insight of those who've walked the walk, as you can pick and choose what resonated with you, test different approaches, keep what works, and discard the rest. Additional resources: Apply to be a Trek Blogger or Vlogger (upcoming or current thru-hiker) Apply to be a Trek Writer (completed thru-hiker or equivalent experience) In today's show, you hear advice from: Me Chaunce Danny Strayer Audrey Payne Grizzly Melanie Harsha Jennifer Gardner Allison DiVerde Christy Kintzel Jenni Thompson Rebecca Burns Brandon Chase Kate Emmons Sarah Legg Kate Mueller Katie Elder Kelsy Filler Meredith Johnson Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Stitcher and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Michael W Hinkley, S11N, Sawyer Products, and Travis Smith A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Gregory Gardner and Peter Leven Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow The Trek on Facebook, Twitter and sign up for our newsletter. Music via.
Feb 14, 2019 · 1 hr 17 min
#29 | Valentine's Day 2.0 with Grizzly + Jenna, Tent Orgies, and How to Hike 30-Miles in a Day
In today's special Valentine's Day episode of Backpacker Radio, we sit down with Grizzly and Jenna, a couple due to hike the Pacific Crest Trail and Colorado Trail this year. We learn about how they plan to keep the love alive in the midst of 3,000 miles of backpacking. We also breakdown how to hike 30 miles in a day, and talk a whole lot about orgies on trail. It's a very sexy show, so grab the chocolate and the oysters, and pull up a seat. Subjects discussed in today's show include: Gossamer Gear Anniversary Video Use code "TREK15" at GossamerGear.com to save 15% Sawyer Permethrin Sawer Micro vs. Sawyer Squeeze TRAIL CORRESPONDENTS! AT FAQ: Resupply boxes? How many and where do I send them? Where to send resupply boxes on the Appalachian Trail Thru-hiking = many section hikes Interview with Michael "Grizzly" Ivey and Jenna Duesterhoeft Backpacking backgrounds Jenna: Superior Hiking Trail Grizzly: JMT, PCT, CT, SHT, part of CDT / upcoming: PCT then CT Having to push back the PCT from 2018 to 2019 due to illness How they're preparing Concerns for their relationship? That time Grizzly chased a grizzly bear Considerations that tall hikers (6'5) that rest of us don't have to think about Big 3: Grizzly: Zpacks Duplex, Pa'lante Simple Pack, Katabatic Sawatch Jenna: Sharing tent, Katabatic Sawatch, Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest, Therm-a-rest NeoAir Xlite Stoveless backpacking and cold soaking method / foods Time constraints to accomplish both the PCT and CT in one summer Concerns of burning out by CT? Trek propaganda How to conquer 30 mile days regardless of hiking speed Thermarest Uberlite Review / Comparison Video The 4-state challenge Questions from Chaunce's sorority sisters Tent orgies 5 star reviews Jenna's SHT profile Jenna's Canyonlands profile Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Stitcher and Google Play. Support us on Patreon! A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Michael W Hinkley, S11N, Sawyer Products, and Travis Smith A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Gregory Gardner and Peter Leven Follow Grizzly, Jenna, Backpacker Radio, The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow The Trek on Facebook, Twitter and sign up for our newsletter. Intro music via.
Feb 5, 2019 · 1 hr 36 min
#28 | The Continental Divide Trail Episode featuring Teresa Martinez, Layering for the Appalachian Trail, and Vlogging Etiquette
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, we sit down with Teresa Martinez, the executive director at the Continental Divide Trail Coalition. We talk all things CDT, including the future of the trail, the biggest threats to its continued development, Teresa's favorite stretch of trail, and way more. We also talk through some layering strategies for the Appalachian Trail, and Chaunce gives us a primer on vlogging etiquette. We close out the show by featuring your questions via Instagram. Subjects discussed in today's show include: Gossamer Gear Anniversary Video Use code "TREK15" at GossamerGear.com to save 15% Sawyer Permethrin Sawer Micro vs. Sawyer Squeeze Recommended AT base layer options for guys and ladies. Interview with Teresa Martinez of the Continental Divide Trail Coalition Worked at the ATC Transition from the CDTA to CDTC The CDT is 3100 miles long, starts in boot heel of New Mexico to Glacier National Park in Montana - Mexico to Canada Logistics of entering Canada after CDT vs PCT What does job look like as executive director of CDTC Why there are fewer people on the CDT than on the PCT or AT Differences between the ATC and CDTC "Focus on protecting the corridor and everything else will follow" The CDT Corridor: congress created the CDT and said from the physical 18-24 inch tread of the trail, a 1/2 mile from either side of it - 1 mile wide - 1.9 million acres of land to protect experience around CDT What percent of the trail is complete today What are the threats to the trail Teresa's favorite section of CDT That time Teresa had a gun pulled on her CDT Kickoff - April 26-28 Favorite book: Desert Solitaire by Edward Abbey Head to continentaldividetrail.org to donate or learn how you can volunteer Land and Water Conservation Fund New sponsor! Greenbelly.co Use code "TREK15" at checkout to save 15% Trek Propaganda Vlogging Etiquette (by Chaunce!): Tips to not let your vlog affect other hikers' experiences Emergency Q&A Mail Bag 5 Star Reviews KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR TRAIL CORRESPONDENTS TO DROP ON 2/8/19!!! Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Stitcher and Google Play. Support us on Patreon! A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Sawyer Products, Travis Smith, and S11N. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Gregory Gardner, Andre Oosthuizen, Randy Harter, and Peter Leven Follow The Continental Divide Trail Coalition, Backpacker Radio, The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow The Trek on Facebook, Twitter and sign up for our newsletter. Intro music via.
Jan 17, 2019 · 1 hr 8 min
#27 | The Colorado Trail Episode with Bill Manning, Chaunce's Big Reveal, and The Top Sleeping Bags on the Appalachian Trail
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, the Cinnamon Connection catches up with Bill Manning, the Executive Director at the Colorado Trail foundation. We do a deep dive on all things Colorado Trail related, including the best time to hike the trail, the biggest mistakes aspiring thru-hikers make, and the inner workings for keeping such a beautiful trail afloat. Chaunce lets us in on a mega surprise, and we cover the most popular sleeping bags used on the AT last year. Subjects discussed in today's show include: Gossamer Gear Anniversary Video Sawyer Permethrin Sawer Micro vs. Sawyer Squeeze Chaunce's big reveal How to Get to Springer Mountain Barefoot Hills Hostel (formerly Hiker Hostel) NikWax Down Wash DownTek Products Ursack Loksak Opsak Bill Manning interview Bill's backpacking experience - has done full length of the CT split between horse, bike, and hike Difference between cycling and hiking route Do you notice tension between the bikers and hikers How he got involved with Colorado Trail Foundation Responsibilities as executive director Difference between Trail Crews and Adopt-a-Trail Why do Trail Crews cost money? What kind of skills does someone need to work on a trail crew? The biggest challenges the CT currently faces? Biggest mistakes Bill sees people make who want to thru-hike the CT Recommendations for dealing with altitude NOBO / SOBO/ SWOBO / NEBO? How has the trail changed since Bill's involvement with the CTF How have hikers changed Story of Gudy Gaskill Collegiate East vs Collegiate West Bill's favorite section of trail What does the future of the Colorado Trail look like? What to do if you see a moose. What's the most bizarre story Bill's heard on trail? Ideal time to start the trail Ctf@coloradotrail.org Colorado Trail Photos Trek propaganda The Top Sleeping Bags, Quilts and Pads on the Appalachian Trail TOP BRANDS 1. Enlightened Equipment 2. Rei 3. Kelty and Big Agnes TOP SLEEPING BAG MODELS 1. Kelty Cosmic 2. Zpacks Classic (hybrid quilt and sleeping bag) 3. REI Joule and REI Magma TOP QUILTS 1. EE Revelation TOP SLEEPING PADS Therm-a-Rest NeoAire Xlite, followed by the Z-lite Fan mail (podcast@thetrek.co) 5-Star Reviews Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Download this podcast. Find us on Stitcher and Google Play. Support us on Patreon! A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Sawyer Products, Travis Smith, and S11N. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Gregory Gardner, Andre Oosthuizen, Randy Harter, and Peter Leven Follow The Colorado Trail Foundation, Backpacker Radio, The Trek, Chaunce, and Badger on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow The Trek on Facebook, Twitter and sign up for our newsletter.
Jan 7, 2019 · 1 hr 16 min
#26 | Scout + Frodo, The Top Tents on the Appalachian Trail, & Forgotten Internet Holidays
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, Chaunce sits down with famed PCT trail angels, Scout and Frodo. We get an in depth look at Scout's new book, "The Continental Divide Trail: Exploring America's Ridgeline Trail", his passion for writing, and we learn about the first person to hike the Continental Divide. We also cover the most popular tents used by 2018 Appalachian Trail thru-hikers, and get into a new segment, Forgotten Internet Holidays. Subjects discussed in today's show include: Gossamer Gear Anniversary Video Barney Scout's website The Pacific Crest Trail: Exploring America's Wilderness Trail PCT fun fact: Three deepest lakes in the US also cross paths with the PCT - Lake Tahoe, Crater Lake , and Lake Chelan Interview with Scout and Frodo Nepal trip - Everest basecamp Everest basecamp route - about two weeks, most popular route Three passes route - includes Chola pass Scout's new book - The Continental Divide Trail: Exploring America's Ridgeline Trail The Top Tents on the Appalachian Trail Top brands 1) Big Agnes 2) Zpacks 3) Nemo Top 1 person Tents 1) Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL1 2) REI Quarterdome 3) Six Moons Designs Lunar Solo Top 2 person Tents: 1) Z-Packs Duplex 2) Big Agnes Fly Creek UL2 3) Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 Watch out for the Tiger Wall Forgotten Internet Holidays Jan 4 - National Spaghetti Jan 8 - National Double Chin Day Jan 12 - National Kiss a Ginger Day Feb 10 - Selfie Next to a Toilet Day Feb 20 - National Love Your Pet Day March 9 - International Flirtini Day March 14 - Steak and BJ Day April 8 - Steal a Dollar from Your Friend Day April 14 - Cake and Cunnilingus Day April 20 - Lima Bean Respect Day June 4 - International Crossdress on Trail Day Sept 15 - National Let Your Dog Lick Your Open Mouth Day October 13 - National No Bra Day Nov 17 - World Danny Devito Appreciation Day Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Stitcher and Google Play. Support us on Patreon! A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Sawyer Products and Tama Lama Ding Dong. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Gregory Gardner, Andre Oosthuizen, Randy Harter, and Peter Leven Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek, Chaunce, and Badger on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow The Trek on Facebook, Twitter and sign up for our newsletter.
Dec 20, 2018 · 1 hr 44 min
#25 | Bethany "Fidgit" Hughes on Trekking the Length of the Americas
A life changing adventure is merely a decision away. That's the takeaway lesson from today's interview with Bethany Hughes, who just a few years ago, was running the books at her local H&R Block and miserable for it. Fast forward to December 2018- she just completed trekking the length of South America- just the first piece of her goal to travel the length of the Americas by non-motorized means. We learn all about this adventure and all the the incredible stories and lessons that come with it. We also get into some Trek Propaganda featuring the top footwear amongst 2018 Appalachian Trail thru-hikers, the triple crown of under-appreciated gear items, and a listener enlightens us about Norwegians preferred alcohol. Subjects discussed in today's show include: Gossamer Gear Anniversary Video Sawyer Micro Squeeze vs. Sawyer Squeeze Wayfinder Her Odyssey Website Missions statement: "Traversing the length of the Americas by non motorized means, connecting stories of the land and its inhabitants." Beagle channel Tierra del Fuego 300km practice Greater Patagonia Trail Qhapaq Ñan - ancient Incan road system - took this all the way up to panama Current task: figure out how to safely cross Central America Fidgit to hike the CDT through USA and Neon bikepacks Great Divide Trail Possibly paddling McKenzie river up to Alaska then following the pipelines to the northern most point How she got this idea - back to Kansas City working at HR Block and had moment reading where it came to her - grew up and was raised in the mountains of South America, spent time in North America running sled dogs in Alaska Stories that have stood out to her Man with bread on horse at Christmas Family giving them coffee and took off their socks to dry in Patagonia Long distance journeys and having / letting go of plans Being a white woman in South America and the privilege that comes with it Advice: Trust your instincts and listening to your gut Scary stories and their "rules" to not look vulnerable Reasoning to bike Mexico Highlights thus far Ratio trail to road to route finding Stealth camping Coca leaves leaves in Columbia Dealing with concerned family members Financials and funding Big 3: Hyperlite Southwest Pack Hyperlite shelter (prototype) Feathered Friends crossover sleeping bag quilt Prior backpacking experience South America growing up with her dad taking her into mountains Guided for Boy Scouts PCT How the outdoors helped her mental health and replaced medications How she got her trail name Trek Propaganda: The Top Footwear on the Appalachian Trail Top brands: Altra Salomon Brooks Top Models: Lone Peak Merrell Moabs Brooks Cascadia Mt Rushmore of under-appreciated gear items Leukotape Gossamer Gear shoulder strap pocket Asian street market spoons Plastic Vargo Bot Ziplock bags Nail clippers Caffeine supplements Hyperlite Mountain Gear Pods Honorable mentions: Extra socks Zpacks stuff sack with fleece lining "Pillow Bag" Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Stitcher and Google Play. Support us on Patreon! A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Sawyer Products and Tama Lama Ding Dong. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Gregory Gardner, Andre Oosthuizen, Randy Harter, and Peter Leven Follow Her Odyssey, Backpacker Radio, The Trek, Chaunce, and Badger on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow The Trek on Facebook, Twitter and sign up for our newsletter.
Dec 6, 2018 · 1 hr 19 min
#24 | Mike "Kickstand" Papadatos, from Backpacking Novice to the Calendar Triple Crown
Starting a thru-hike without any prior backpacking experience, although not entirely rare, is a brave endeavor. To string three consecutive thru-hikes back-to-back-to-back is a whole other level of insanity. Today's guest accomplished just that. Without any prior backpacking experience, Mike "Kickstand" Papadatos decided that instead of starting with the AT, PCT, or CDT, that he'd string them all together in a calendar year. The Paprika Pals sat down to learn what inspired him to jump headfirst into the world of extreme long distance backpacking, the challenges he faced along the way, and the evolution of his gear throughout the journey. We then touch on some thru-hiker transformations in The Trek Propaganda segment and learn about the trio's Triple Crown Of hangover remedies. Subjects discussed in today's show include: New Sponsor: Gossamer Gear. Use coupon code TREK15 at checkout to save 15% at GossamgerGear.com Sawyer Micro Squeeze Filter Sawyer Micro Squeeze vs Sawyer Squeeze Filter Comparison Video Animal Years (the awesome band behind Walking Slow) 2019 Trail Correspondents Application Kickstand poop pose Gear changes depending on trail Started on AT on Jan 31st The logistics: AT Jan 31 start date, bailed from snow, flew to New Mexico Started CDT April 14, got off in Creede (1300ish miles) Started PCT May 14, finished PCT in 80 days + 7 days off (August 11 end date) Finished 520 miles of AT, 92 days total SOBO'd remainder of CDT, finished October 26 Spent $15k total Four Calendar Triple Crowners in 2018 Biggest mile day (57), 11 total zeros Fire closures and snow and road walks Gear: Pack: Hyperlite Mountain Gear 2400 Southwest Tent: Big Agnes Flycreek 1 Quilt: Katabatic Flex 22 Footwear: Altra Lone Peak 3.5s Follow Kickstand on Instagram Thru-Hiker Transformations Triple crown of hangover remedies Thrive Hangover Pills Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Stitcher and Google Play. Support us on Patreon! A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Sawyer Products and Tama Lama Ding Dong. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Gregory Gardner, Andre Oosthuizen, Randy Harter, and Peter Leven Follow Mike Papadatos, Backpacker Radio, The Trek, Chaunce, and Badger on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow The Trek on Facebook, Twitter and sign up for our newsletter.
Dec 3, 2018 · 1 hr 14 min
Trail Correspondents #17: Life After the Trail
This is it. The end. Our final episode of the season. A thru-hike is- typically speaking- a half year adventure. In the midst of this journey, that feels like a very long time. Certainly long enough to adapt to an entirely different way of life. In the spectrum of one's life, however, it's just a blink of an eye (God willing). Which is why I think today's episode might be my favorite yet. Today we hear from our hikers a couple weeks (or more) removed from their treks. We learn how the lessons and habits of their former lives have bled over into "the real world". Of course soaking up the adventure for what it is, while it's happening, is of utmost importance- but in my perspective, it's how these hikes alter someone's world long after they've left the trail that's of most interest. Our correspondents reflects back on their hikes and the chasm between this former world and their current. And lastly- we'll hear from Jeffrey Garmire aka Legend, who recently completed The Great Western Loop. His update is brief, but the emotion is strong, you can hear it especially in his sign-off. In today's show, we hear from: Jacob Beaver Kate Mueller aka Sassafras IBTAT Madeline Newel Miles to Go Kate Emmons Lukas Isaacson Sarah Mowery Rachael "Rabbit" DeLano Jeffrey "Legend" Garmire APPLICATION FOR 2019 TRAIL CORRESPONDENTS You can support the show through our Patreon page, which helps us to publish episodes more frequently. Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Download this podcast. Find us on Stitcher and Google Play. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek, Chaunce, and Badger on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube Follow The Trek on Facebook, Twitter and sign up for our newsletter. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Sawyer Products and Tama Lama Ding Dong. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Gregory Gardner, Andre Oosthuizen, Randy Harter, and Peter Leven Episode produced by Pauly Boy Shallcross. Check out his coffee roaster, Old Man Murph's. Music via.
Nov 21, 2018 · 57 min
#23 | Heather "Anish" Anderson on Her Calendar Triple
Today's guest is very fitting for our 23rd episode, since she is arguably the Michael Jordan of backpacking. In a world where setting just one FKT (fastest known time) is a lifetime achievement, Heather "Anish" Anderson has set the self-supported FKT on the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Arizona Trail. She is also in a small, exclusive club of triple triple crowners- those who've hiked each of the triple crown trails three times each. And most recently, she became the newest member of the Calendar Triple club, to hike all three triple crown trails in a single calendar year. And this is just the tip of her backpacking resume iceberg. In other words, Anish is the GOAT, and we were blessed to borrow a few minutes of her time to talk about her current 8,000 mile journey. Additionally, we get into a bit of Trek propaganda, get into the 2nd edition of Patent Pending, and we hear from friend of the show Steven "Twinkle" Shattuck, as he dirtbags across the globe with his wife. Subjects discussed in today's show include: New Sponsor: Gossamer Gear. Use coupon code TREK15 at checkout to save 15% at GossamgerGear.com Sawyer Micro Squeeze Filter Sawyer Micro Squeeze vs Sawyer Squeeze Filter Comparison Video Michael Jordan Episode The Grayson Highland's Wild Ponies aren't so "Wild" 21 Fascinating Appalachian Trail Facts Heather "Anish" Anderson FKT = fastest known time- jargon for speed record Calendar Triple Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite vs. Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite Patent Pending Steven Twinkle Shattuck on Episode 6 Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Stitcher and Google Play. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Sawyer Products and Tama Lama Ding Dong. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Gregory Gardner, Randy Harter, Clint "DuctTape" Sherbet, and Peter Leven Intro music via.
Nov 18, 2018 · 1 hr 23 min
Trail Correspondents #16: The End
If this episode doesn't give you goosebumps, seek medical attention. Today we hear from our hikers at the end of their journeys. More specifically, they give us two different check ins- the night before their last day on trail, and from the summit itself. As you can imagine, this is an emotional moment for any thru-hiker. Although the journey is the destination, the destination is the goal, to succeed at this near half-year pursuit toward a single, tangible end is good reason for a heart-felt outpour. In today's show, we hear from: Jacob Beaver Kate Mueller aka Sassafras IBTAT Madeline Newel Kate Emmons Lukas Isaacson Sarah Mowery Rachael "Rabbit" DeLano You can support the show through our Patreon page, which helps us to publish episodes more frequently. Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Download this podcast. Find us on Stitcher and Google Play. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek, Chaunce, and Badger on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube Follow The Trek on Facebook, Twitter and sign up for our newsletter. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Sawyer Products and Tama Lama Ding Dong. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Gregory Gardner, Randy Harter, Clint "DuctTape" Sherbet, and Peter Leven Episode produced by Pauly Boy Shallcross. Check out his coffee roaster, Old Man Murph's. Music via.
Nov 1, 2018 · 1 hr 41 min
#22 | "Guthook" on Building the Most Popular Thru-Hiking App
What's it like to build the most ubiquitous in the hiking community? Today we learn that answer as we're joined by Ryan Linn, more commonly known as Guthook, one of the people behind the "Guthook App", the uber-popular navigation app, especially amongst thru-hikers. He shares his background in backpacking and thru-hiking, the inspiration for the creation of the app, his coding background, and what lies in store for the future of the app. We also talk about Jennifer Pharr Davis' wonderful article on Health Insurance Options for Thru-Hikers, an illustration outlining five ways to poop in the woods, and the ranking of New Hampshire's 48 4,000 foot peaks. We close out the show with a heated Triple Crown of Thanksgiving Foods and some mailbag questions. Subjects discussed in today's show include: Sawyer Micro Squeeze Filter Let's talk about Treks, baby! (also poo and pee) Chaunce stole my ice axe Chaunce is a segment short of finishing the CT Guthook's Apps AWOL's Guide Guthook or Guthooks? [VOTE] Health Insurance Options for Long Distance Backpackers APPLY to be a Trek Blogger or Vlogger 5 Ways to Poop in the Woods, an Illustration New Hampshire's 48 4,000-Footers, Ranked Triple Crown of Thanksgiving Foods Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Download this podcast. Find us on Stitcher and Google Play. Support us on Patreon! A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Sawyer Products, Tama Lama Ding Dong A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Gregory Gardner, Kate Hurley, Clint "DuctTape" Sherbet, Randy Harter and Peter Leven. Follow Guthook's Apps, Backpacker Radio, The Trek, Chaunce, and Badger on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow The Trek on Facebook, Twitter and sign up for our newsletter.
Oct 26, 2018 · 1 hr 23 min
Trail Correspondents Episode #15: Diversity on the Trail
Diversity on the trail is a heavy, but important subject. It's impossible to do this subject justice in the span of an hour long podcast, but it's a conversation worth having nonetheless. Our correspondents share their thoughts about the diversity -or lack thereof- that they've encountered on trail. Our hikers also ponder ways the community can encourage under-represented groups to get onto the trail. Admittedly- our correspondents largely follow the demographics of the thru-hiking community at large- which is to say young and white. Though one of our hikers is visiting from across the pond and another is gay- and we've got more female correspondents than male when the trail skews the other way. But in terms of racial diversity, there's none. We were fortunate to get the input of Elsye "Chardonnay" Walker, who's one of the few (if not the only) black woman to hike the triple crown. She shares her take on these same questions, which offers some interesting contrast to the other stances offered in this episode. Lastly, we get an update from Jeffrey "Legend" Garmire, who's on the tail end of his Great Western Loop journey, a 6,875-mile footpath across the western half of the USA. The path, popularized by Andrew Skurka, links five existing trails, including the Pacific Crest Trail, Pacific Northwest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, Grand Enchantment Trail, & Arizona Trail, as well as some route finding through the Sonoran and Mojave Deserts. In today's show, we hear from: Jacob Beaver Kate Mueller aka Sassafras IBTAT Madeline Newel Kate Emmons Lukas Isaacson Sarah Mowery Rachael "Rabbit" DeLano You can support the show through our Patreon page, which helps us to publish episodes more frequently. Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Stitcher and Google Play. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek, Chaunce, and Badger on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube Follow The Trek on Facebook, Twitter and sign up for our newsletter. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Sawyer Products. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Gregory Gardner, Kate Hurley, Clint "DuctTape" Sherbet, Peter Leven Episode produced by Pauly Boy Shallcross. Check out his coffee roaster, Old Man Murph's. Music via.
Oct 19, 2018 · 1 hr 43 min
#21 | Nathan "Puma" Bauman on His 18-Month Adventure, Photography Tips, & The Best Trail Magic Items
What does it take to turn a thru-hike turns into an 18-month adventure? That's the central theme of today's show, as the Cinnamon Connection is joined by Nathan "Puma" Bauman- who, after hiking the Appalachian Trail, next hiked on the Continental Divide Trail, Long Trail, and Pacific Crest Trail within a year and a half span. We talk about the differences between the three triple crown trails, what it's like to quit on a thru-hike, why the Long Trail is the most difficult trail Puma's encountered, and some tips for aspiring trail-photographers. We chat briefly about the 2018 AT Hiker Survey, AT completion and PCT completion photos. The show wraps up with the second edition of The Triple Crown Of, where we share our favorite trail magic items. Subjects discussed in today's show include: Sawyer Micro Squeeze Filter Intro to Puma His SOBO CDT hike How he finances hiking all the time Frugality on trail vs off trail Ultralight base weight Current Big 3 Palante Simple Pack V2 Enlightened Equipment Enigma 10 Degree SMD Deschutes Tarp Appalachian Trail Big 3 Osprey Exos 48 Nemo Hornet 1p Nemo Nocturne NeoAir Xlite Gossamer Gear The One Photography gear and why it's different to bring a real camera over an iPhone Sony A7ii 85mm 1.8f 28mm f2 Rhode mic Editing photos on Trail - lightning sd to phone port - editing RAW photos on iPhones using that converter / Adobe Lightroom mobile & editing presets (filters) to make the process easier Twerk Instagram Click Instagram His failed PCT hike 2018 Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker Survey Send Completion photos to editors@thetrek.co Anonymous hiker poop stories Top Trail magic Guy proposes in The Whites video Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Stitcher and Google Play. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Sawyer Products A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Gregory Gardner, Kate Hurley, Clint "DuctTape" Sherbet, and Peter Leven. Follow Puma, Backpacker Radio, The Trek, Chaunce, and Badger on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow The Trek on Facebook, Twitter and sign up for our newsletter.
Oct 10, 2018 · 1 hr 31 min
Trail Correspondents #14: The Evolution of Groups on Trail
In today's show, our hikers discuss the evolution of their hiking groups over the course of their journeys. Injuries occur, people grow apart, paces differ, life happens. You get to learn the ins and outs of how and why this happens directly from the mouths of our hikers. Also, we say farewell to another of our trail correspondents. You'll get to hear who's getting off- and why- at the end of our hikers' updates. In today's show, we hear from: Jacob Beaver Kate Mueller aka Sassafras IBTAT Madeline Newel Miles Bisher aka "Miles To Go" Kate Emmons Lukas Isaacson Sarah Mowery Rachael "Rabbit" DeLano You can support the show through our Patreon page, which helps us to publish episodes more frequently. Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Stitcher and Google Play. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek, Chaunce, and Badger on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube Follow The Trek on Facebook, Twitter and sign up for our newsletter. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Sawyer Products. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Gregory Gardner, Kate Hurley, Clint "DuctTape" Sherbet, Peter Leven Episode produced by Pauly Boy Shallcross. Check out his coffee roaster, Old Man Murph's. Music via.
Sep 29, 2018 · 1 hr 37 min
#20 | The Real Hiking Viking on His Colorado Trail FKT Attempt
Reoccurring guest The Real Hiking Viking joins the Turmeric Team to chat about his recent attempt at an FKT (fastest known time) on the Colorado Trail. The interview kicks off with a short discussion we had before he left for his yo-yo hike- to get a feel for his nerves going into this ambitious undertaking. We chat about what ultimately went wrong (spoiler alert), what he would do differently in his future attempt, and FKT culture and requirements. The show ends with the unveiling of a new series, "The Triple Crown of...", where we showcase the things that can most fuck up a hiker's day on trail. Subjects discussed in today's episode include: Sawyer 30 SPF Sunscreen 1 oz. tubes What food Jabba carried on his attempt Jabba's overloaded pack (below) What gear was carried Mountain Smith Jabba (official name TBD) What improvements would be made for next time Trans Adirondack Route The Barkley Marathons GPS Trackers for FKTs The FKT governing website Triple Crown of things that fuck up your day Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Download this podcast. Find us on Stitcher and Google Play. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Sawyer Products and Meg Jarboe A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Gregory Gardner, Kate Hurley, Clint "DuctTape" Sherbet, and Peter Leven. Follow Piers Ellison, Backpacker Radio, The Trek, Chaunce, and Badger on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow The Trek on Facebook, Twitter and sign up for our newsletter.
Sep 14, 2018 · 1 hr 26 min
#19 | Piers Ellison on His PCT Brown Recluse Spider Bite, Hiking with a Guitar, and Considerations for International Hikers
Before leaving for a long distance trek, it's common for people to envision worst case scenario. For Piers Ellison, on his 2016 PCT hike, this fear became a reality when he was bitten by a brown recluse spider. In episode 19, we talk in depth about this nightmare, how he hiked the entire PCT while carrying his guitar, the challenges an international hiker must confront in order to trek one of the United States' long trails, and finally, Piers delights us by playing a pair of songs from his new EP "Distance". Also, Chaunce is drunk. Subjects discussed include: Sawyer Picaridin Packets Jabba Demolishes a Z-Packs Carbon Fiber Staff [Video] Piers Soundcloud Song Piers wonderful album "Distance" available on Spotify (free) and iTunes Atom Packs in the UK UL Outdoor Gear Online Outfitter B1/B2 Visa for thru-hiking Additional Considerations for International Hikers As It Happens Documentary This is Not a Beautiful Thru-Hike Video Do More with Less Piers on Instagram Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Stitcher and Google Play. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Sawyer Products A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Gregory Gardner, Kate Hurley, Clint "DuctTape" Sherbet, and Peter Leven. Follow Piers Ellison, Backpacker Radio, The Trek, Chaunce, and Badger on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow The Trek on Facebook, Twitter and sign up for our newsletter.
Sep 10, 2018 · 1 hr 18 min
Trail Correspondents Episode #13: Technology Use on a Thru-Hike
Technology on a thru-hike. Combining these words tends to rouse some heated debate. Some people abstain entirely from technology during their hikes, opting only to keep in touch with loved ones while in town. Some are nearly constantly plugged in, listening to music and/or podcasts all day, posting Instagram updates every time they get service, constantly checking Guthook's app, even watching movies in their tents at night. Most thru-hikers fall somewhere in the middle. We check in with our hikers to get their take. Specifically how they interact with technology on trail, how they witness their fellow hikers using it, and whether it's ultimately good or bad for the hiking community at large. Their answers shine good insight on this seemingly paradoxical relationship with devices in the backcountry. In today's show, we hear from: Jacob Beaver Kate Mueller aka Sassafras IBTAT Madeline Newel Miles Bisher aka "Miles To Go" Kate Emmons Lukas Isaacson Sarah Mowery Rachael "Rabbit" DeLano You can support the show through our Patreon page, which helps us to publish episodes more frequently. Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Stitcher and Google Play. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek, Chaunce, and Badger on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube Follow The Trek on Facebook, Twitter and sign up for our newsletter. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Sawyer Products. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Gregory Gardner, Kate Hurley, Clint "DuctTape" Sherbet, Peter Leven Episode produced by Pauly Boy Shallcross. Check out his coffee roaster, Old Man Murph's. Music via.
Aug 28, 2018 · 1 hr 42 min
#18 | Andrew Downs on the Future of the Appalachian Trail, Thru-Hiker Entitlement, and Trail Maintenance
What's in store for the future of the Appalachian Trail? This is one of the primary topics in today's episode of Backpacker Radio, as the Cinnamon Connection are joined by Andrew Downs, the Central and Southwest Virginia Regional Director at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. We also talk about the unintended negative consequences of trail magic, thru-hiker entitlement, Leave No Trace, bear canister regulations on the Appalachian Trail, how people can most effectively give back to the AT, and embarrassing chaffing and poop stories. Subjects discussed include: The man who fatally fell off McAfee Knob A woman who got mauled by a bear in the Greyson Highlands How to manage chafing and ass hair (don't light it on fire) The pros and cons of more people hitting the trail Thru-hiker entitlement Trail angels and responsible trail magic Giving back with trail maintenance work What the ATC is and what it does Local clubs that maintain the trails Ridgerunners on the AT The biggest challenges the AT faces today Potential for bear canisters on AT 'Hardcore' and connecting current hikers to trail work Bob Peoples: the Chuck Norris of the AT The spending report for the ATC Golden Rules of Thru-Hikers The Thru-Hiker's Code of Conduct Mt Shasta first official PCT town article Send your question for Andrew to editors@thetrek.co Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Stitcher and Google Play. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Sawyer Products A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Gregory Gardner, Kate Hurley, Clint "DuctTape" Sherbet, and Peter Leven. Follow Andrew Downs, Backpacker Radio, The Trek, Chaunce, and Badger on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow The Trek on Facebook, Twitter and sign up for our newsletter.
Aug 24, 2018 · 1 hr 27 min
Trail Correspondents Episode #12: The Lows
Many people's perception of the thru-hiking lifestyle comes via social media, where people are more likely to portray the the cheery, positive aspects of this undertaking. You see the breathtaking views, the smiling faces, the slender bodies, and the hiker camaraderie. What you often don't see is the chafing, the injuries, dehydration, never ending rain, the heat, the cold, what it's like to get sick on trail, the attrition, loneliness, sleep deprivation, home sickness, a lack of motivation, and the bugs- oh god, the dense clouds of motherfucking mosquitoes. Well, that's the point of today's show. Thru-hiking is always rewarding, but it may not always be pretty. Here's some of its darker underbelly. In today's show, we hear from: Jacob Beaver Kate Mueller aka Sassafras IBTAT Madeline Newel Miles Bisher aka "Miles To Go" Kate Emmons Lukas Isaacson Sarah Mowery Rachael "Rabbit" DeLano You can support the show through our Patreon page, which helps us to publish episodes more frequently. Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Download this podcast. Find us on Stitcher and Google Play. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek, Chaunce, and Badger on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube Follow The Trek on Facebook, Twitter and sign up for our newsletter. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Sawyer Products. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Gregory Gardner, Kate Hurley, Clint "DuctTape" Sherbet, Peter Leven Episode produced by Pauly Boy Shallcross. Check out his coffee roaster, Old Man Murph's. Music via.