Cam Bostock on Amassing 600K+ Instagram Followers, Adventuring in Australia vs. the USA, and Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Cam Bostock. With more than 600K Followers, Cam is a bonafide Instagram hiking celebrity. Cam teaches us all about his home, the great country of Australia, including his adventures on the Bibbulmun Track and Munda Biddi Trail, in addition to how often someone needs to fistfight a kangaroo, the frequency of deadly snake encounters, and other stereotypically dumb American questions. We also learn all about Cam's PCT trek, including all that goes into creating a polished Instagram Reel for every day of his hike, his favorite moments from the trail, and the biggest cultural differences between hiking in the US and Australia.

We wrap the show with an overview of our time at PCT Trail Days, hint: we were dangerously close to Thunder Island Brewing, if Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays are odd or even, and the triple crown of meat.

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Katabatic Gear: Use code “BPR15” for 15% off at katabaticgear.com.

Zoleo: Use code “BACKPACKERRADIO” for free device activation at zoleo.com. 

LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.

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Interview with Cam Bostock

• Cam's Instagram
• Cam's Youtube

Time stamps & Questions

00:02:30 - PCT Days Recap

00:24:40 - Reminders: Join us in Brooklyn on September 16 and support us on Patreon for bonus content!

00:28:00 - Introducing Cam

00:30:43 - Do you have a trail name?

00:31:45 - What was your intro into long distance backpacking?

00:32:23 - What are the basics of the Bibbulmun Track?

00:34:00 - Discussion about Australian wildlife

00:40:04 - What’s the ideal season for the Bibbulmun Track?

00:42:15 - How popular is the Bibbulmun Track?

00:42:53 - How does the culture of long distance hiking in Australia compare to the US?

00:45:20 - Discussion about vegemite

00:46:30 - What other cultural differences have you noticed in the US?

00:47:35 - How did you choose the PCT?

00:48:16 - Tell us about the Munda Biddi Trail

00:50:28 - What other Australian trails are you interested in?

00:53:10 - Tell us about stand up paddleboard touring

00:56:04 - What’s the culture around outdoor sports in Australia?

01:01:50 - Do you have standout stories from the Te Araroa?

01:05:28 - Who’s the biggest Australian celebrity?

01:06:50 - FMK: stand up paddleboarding, backpacking, and mountain biking

01:07:45 - How did you get so many Instagram followers?

01:10:10 - What do you think attributes to that many followers?

01:11:20 - How do you manage your content creation while hiking every day?

01:13:00 - What apps do you use?

01:14:35 - Do you think content creation adds or takes away from your hike?

01:16:50 - Discussion about monetizing content

01:18:00 - How long have you been with your tramily?

01:22:00 - What’s the strangest outreach you’ve gotten while on the PCT?

01:25:07 - What do you miss most about your wife?

01:27:05 - How have you been dealing with the fire situation on the PCT?

01:31:00 - Have you thought about hiking the Oregon Coast Trail?

01:34:02 - What is your approach to social media content?

01:37:02 - What are your top 2 or 3 stories from the PCT?

01:40:20 - What has been your best day o