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The Backpacking Podcast presented by Outdoor Vitals

John Kelley, Jeremiah Stringer

Be prepared to listen to great stories, hear from incredible guests, and laugh until your stomach hurts. Jeremiah Stringer and John Kelley share from experiences and knowledge from the trail while bringing the fun back to backpacking podcasts. The main goal here is to make you smile, and you'll quickly realize that Wednesdays are the best day of the week.

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  • 20 episodes
  • Updated Friday

Episodes20

Newest first
  • Friday · 42 min

    330 Even This Won't Stop a Bear

    In this episode, Jeremiah Stringer and JK discuss bear activity updates along the Appalachian Trail, creative and humorous bear deterrent ideas, and share personal stories about neighbors, HOA regulations, and hiking injuries. They also send heartfelt prayers to Danny Warnock after his son's passing.

  • July 24 · 49 min

    329 We Slept In 1 Sleeping Bag Together For 150 Nights w/ Justin C. (Let's Hit The Trail - YouTube)

    Let's Hit The Trail YT https://www.youtube.com/@JustinAndAnna key topics Trail partnership secrets: communication and honesty Wildlife encounters: bears, sheep, and more Trail mishaps: poops, gear, and surprises Long-distance hiking: PCT, Wonderland Trail, Santa Fe to Taos Trail gear and camping setups for comfort and safety Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Justin and his trail adventures 01:58 Justin's recent hikes: Santa Fe to Taos and PCT 03:56 Secrets to successful trail partnerships 05:58 The story of losing each other on the trail 07:53 Wildlife encounters: bears, sheep, and deer 12:14 Trail mishaps: poop stories and gear mishaps 16:02 Sharing gear and sleeping setups 20:03 Trail conditions and best times to hike 24:11 Dealing with cold, drafts, and gear choices 28:04 Trail food, water treatment, and safety tips 32:07 Reflections on solo vs. partner hiking 35:54 The beauty of wilderness and wildlife experiences 39:56 Humorous trail stories and lessons learned 43:54 Justin’s online presence and future plans

  • July 10 · 57 min

    327 They Hiked For Children With Cancer

    They just hiked 10 miles in 10 days in 10 states!!! And we get the lowdown on all of it. Welcome Rugged Mountain Dad, Sister and Mister to the show, otherwise known as DMS Adventures.Be sure to give to St. Jude on behalf of DMS Adventures: https://tiltify.com/@dmsadventures2020/backpacking-10-10-10-challenge?origin=dashboard

  • July 3 · 1 hr

    326 When Nature Calls... But You're Too Late w/ Marion Outdoors

    Coach's Website: https://www.marionoutdoors.com/ Coach's Social Media: @MarionOutdoors Join us as we chat with Coach Livingston from Marion Outdoors about his journey from theater to outdoor outfitter, the importance of community in hiking, and practical tips like using a backpacking bidet. Discover how passion, family, and a love for the outdoors come together in this inspiring episode.

  • June 19 · 45 min

    324 When Hammock Camping Goes Wrong

    Jeremiah shares his most recent hammock camping experience on his wife's first night in a hammock. Of course, things go off the rails, and we even share some hammock camping tips. Check out the Stormloft Topquilt from Outdoor Vitals: https://alnk.to/cm1DdTd

  • June 12 · 1 hr 2 min

    323 Best Backpacking Gear Is NOT In Stores... w/ Ben McMillen

    Founder's Sale by Outdoor Vitals (Early-Bird List): https://bit.ly/4v2qWkY Jeremiah and John sit down with Ben McMillen, owner of Hilltop Packs, to talk about the world of cottage gear, building a backpacking business, and what sets small outdoor brands apart from the big manufacturers. Ben shares the story behind Hilltop Packs, the importance of customer connection, company culture, American-made gear, tariffs, product innovation, and the surprising item that became one of Hilltop's biggest sellers. Whether you're a gear nerd, small business supporter, or backpacker looking for insight into the outdoor industry, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most recognizable cottage brands in backpacking. #Backpacking #HilltopPacks #CottageGear #BackpackingPodcast #HikingGear #ThruHiking #OutdoorIndustry

  • June 5 · 58 min

    322 The POOP EPISODE

    It's all about number 2 and how it affects our time in the outdoors. We're discussing "would you rather" scenarios and revealing personal moments on trail.Check out the Outdoor Vitals StormLoft Down TopQuilt: https://alnk.to/aARYkpC

  • May 29 · 1 hr 9 min

    321 Best Backpacking Gear of 2026

    What is the best tent, backpack, sleeping bag, and more on this episode of the Backpacking Podcast.If you want to check out two of our favorite backpacks, go over to Outdoor Vitals: https://alnk.to/aARVPc7

  • May 22 · 59 min

    320 Is AI Ruining the Appalachian Trail?

    700 Acres of land are being used to build an AI data center, only 1/3 of a mile from the Appalachian Trail. What will this do to scenic views, pollution, and noise on trail? Was the ATC even contacted about it?Check out our friends at Outdoor Vitals and their Carbon EVO 50 Backpack: https://alnk.to/8PIgYvd

  • May 15 · 50 min

    319 Should We Fear BEAVER ATTACKS on Trail?

    Do you have to be a person of privilege to thru-hike? Should we be worried about beaver attacks? This and more on today's episode. Check out this great gear from Outdoor Vitals:Pursuit Hybrid Fleece: https://alnk.to/gKUn7dSVentus Hoodie: https://alnk.to/31vgBB4Carbon EVO 50 Backpack: https://alnk.to/8PIgYvd

  • May 8 · 1 hr 7 min

    318 We're Spraying ROUNDUP in our National Forests?

    Is the Forest Service really spraying Round Up in our forests? Is the Garmin InReach Mini 3 worth the money you'd spend on it? How likely are you to be attacked by a grizzly bear in Yellowstone? All this and more in this episode of the Backpacking Podcast.Get signed up for the Live Ultralight Membership at Outdoor Vitals: https://alnk.to/fSkxDxLGive us your thoughts on this article: https://www.backpacker.com/stories/essays/opinion/thru-hiking-demands-sacrifice-but-it-still-favors-privilege/

  • May 1 · 1 hr 1 min

    317 Jessica "Dixie" Mills - Mom-Life and Getting Eaten by Coyotes

    In this episode, we have the honor of spending an hour with a true treasure in the backpacking world, Jessica Mills, AKA "Dixie". We'll be talking about everything from her new podcast to the challenges of Backpacking as a new mom.Looking for a new backpack? Check out the new Showdowlight Carbon 60 from Outdoor Vitals: https://alnk.to/cHQRrZL

  • April 24 · 57 min

    316 Horse Diapers On Trail? Hut to Hut Backpacking, and Wildfires in KY

    Wildfires in KY? Should horses have doggy bags for on trail? Hut to Hut Backpacking. Is this really a thing? All this and we find out who has the most rock and roll knowledge in this episode of the Backpacking Podcast.Get your hands on the Pursuit Hybrid Fleece over at Outdoor Vitals: https://alnk.to/cHQOQG7

  • April 17 · 1 hr 5 min

    315 Has Government Overreach Finally Happened in the Outdoors?

    What happened on Jeremiah's Top Secret Vacation? Is the US Forest Service being dismantled, and what happened to the Trek correspondent who died on the PCT? All this and more on the Backpacking Podcast.The Satu Adventure Pants are on an insane sale right now! Check them out over at Outdoor Vitals: https://alnk.to/8PI6JGr

  • April 10 · 33 min

    314 Jeremiah's Spirit Animal, Poisonous Snakes, and Mystery Vacations

    Jeremiah daydreams about singing on The Voice. Are "surprise" vacations a GOOD thing? What are the most poisonous snakes in the world? All of this and more on an unexpected livestream episode of the podcast.Check out Outdoor Vitals' most recent piece of gear, the Cirq Tent: https://alnk.to/3nkuzzm

  • April 3 · 58 min

    313 - Our FINAL Livestream - April 1st Edition

    All things must come to an end, and that includes this podcast. What does the future hold for the BPP and its hosts, John Kelley and Jeremiah Stringer?Check out the Cirq Tent: https://alnk.to/3nkuzzm

  • March 27 · 55 min

    312 JK Hates Hammocks?!?!?!?!?!

    Today, some of your favorite backpacking gear is going to court.....TRAIL COURT! What gear comes out better on the other side, and what fails to live up to the hype? Find out on today's livestream. Cirq Tent Deep Dive with OV: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuWEYDjQneACheck out the Cirq Tent: https://alnk.to/3nkuzzmSign up for the OV 100 Mile Challenge: https://alnk.to/5joN1Jm

  • March 20 · 1 hr 1 min

    311 Worst Meals, Cabin Break-ins, and Squeaky Backpacks - a BPP Q&A

    You send in the questions, and we answer them....probably in the worst way possible. In this episode, we open ourselves up to answer questions sent in by BPP fans, and the results are hilarious. Cirq Tent Deep Dive with OV: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuWEYDjQneACheck out the Cirq Tent: https://alnk.to/eDUX0X4Sign up for the OV 100 Mile Challenge: https://alnk.to/5joN1Jm