Backpacker Radio

The Trek
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Backpacker Radio

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.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    Backpacker Radio LIVE with Kyle Hates Hiking: A New Trail Mystery, Shaving Jabba's Beard, and Kyle's Reddit Haters

    In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined yet again by Kyle O’Grady of Kyle Hates Hiking for our 2nd live podcast, recorded at the Skylark Lounge in Denver. This episode is action-packed. We kick off the episode by shaving Viking’s beard. The beard shaving is the ultimate entertainment,  we encourage you to check this one out on YouTube.  Kyle then shares an exclusive trail mystery about a local Colorado man who disappeared while pursuing another man who also vanished under mysterious circumstances. We also talk shop about YouTube, discussing how Kyle has grown his channel to over half a million subscribers, and he breaks down some of the most intriguing mysteries he’s covered in the past year. And we take some questions from the audience.  We wrap the show by debating the largest animal we could take in a fight, the Triple Crown of Euphemisms for Masturbating, acknowledging the ceiling’s butt plugs, and much more. LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek. Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com.  Sierra Club Outings: Use code “BACKPACKER” for $100 off at outings.sierraclub.org. Timeline: Get 33% off your first order at timeline.com/backpacker33. [divider] Interview with Kyle O’Grady Kyle's Instagram Kyle's Youtube Time stamps & Questions 00:07:00 - The Shaving of the Beard 00:19:20 - Reminders: Subscribe to our newsletter, get tickets to our live show in Austin on April 17, and support us on Patreon! 00:20:53 - Introducing Kyle 00:23:30 - What has led to the growth in your channel over the past year? 00:26:55 - Kyle’s new outdoors mystery 00:56:15 - How many trail mysteries have you covered thus far? What are the themes? 01:01:28 - What are the meanest things people say about you? 01:03:15 - Discussion about Youtube thumbnails and strategy 01:05:55 - Do you really hate hiking? 01:11:20 - A second trail story from Kyle! 01:21:25 - When are you hiking the CDT? 01:23:10 - How long does each portion of a Youtube video take? 01:27:30 - How did your PCT miles go this year? 01:31:55 - Should hikers prepare their own missing posters? 01:35:10 - What are your favorite ultralight jerk pro tips? 01:40:28 - What inspired you to start your Youtube channel? 01:45:00 - What’s your most popular video and why do you think that is? 01:46:35 - What is your most overrated ultralight luxury? 01:48:05 - Are you planning to hike the AZT? 01:49:35 - Discussion about desert hiking 01:52:25 - How do you keep your hobby separate from your job? 01:55:50 - Stay Salty Question: What’s your hottest take in the world of backpacking? Segments QOTD: What’s the largest animal you could beat in a fight? Triple Crown of euphemisms for masturbating Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee. 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. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.  Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Mud Tom, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.

    2h 27m

  2. 30/12/2024

    Thru-Hiking, Running an AT Hostel, and Living in a 300 Sq Ft Alaskan Cabin with Patrice & Justin La Vigne

    In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, we’re joined by Patrice and Justin La Vigne. Over the past decade-plus, Patrice and Justin have traded their corporate grind for, in their words, “a life less ordinary.” From their first thru-hike of the AT in 2011 (drink), to managing a hostel, embarking on multiple van tours to spread the thru-hiking gospel, thru-hiking the TA in New Zealand, and now living in a 300-square-foot cabin on the outskirts of Denali National Park in Alaska—they’ve done it all.  We dive into how they restructured their lives around adventure, what it’s really like living in a tiny cabin in remote Alaska, why moose are jerks, the challenges of thru-hiking with Crohn’s, and much more. We wrap the show with the story of a man accused of staging a bear attack to cover up a murder, what the funniest sounding fart is (and introducing Chaunce to the world of covering your farts), and the triple crown of New Year's Resolutions.  Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com.  CTDC: Donate $35 or more or sign up for monthly donations at cdtcoalition.org. PATH Projects: Use code “THETREK10”  for 10% off at pathprojects.com/thetrek. [divider] Interview with Patrice & Justin La Vigne Patrice & Justin's Website Patrice & Justin's Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:03:30 - Reminders: Support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content AND ad-free episodes and apply to be a 2025 blogger OR vlogger! And grab a ticket to our live show in Austin on April 17! 00:10:00 - Introducing Patrice and Justin La Vigne 00:11:00 - What was the inspiration to hike the AT in 2011? 00:14:25 - What’s the school experience like at ASU and Disney University? 00:19:53 - Tell us about your shakedown hike on the Long Trail 00:23:30 - Why did you decide to go southbound? 00:28:00 - What was your standout insect story on the AT? 00:31:37 - How did the AT lead to your “life less ordinary”? 00:34:20 - What other Disney skills did you carry over to running a hostel? 00:37:46 - At what point did you decide not to return to your careers? 00:48:17 - Which is more glamorous, the van or the hostel? 00:53:00 - How did you end up on the Te Araroa? 00:57:40 - What stood out about the people and culture of New Zealand? 01:01:10 - How long were you in New Zealand? 01:02:37 - What did you between the TA and your van tour? 01:07:30 - Is it more rewarding to travel around doing education than selling gear? 01:10:25 - Tell us about moving to a dry cabin in Alaska 01:18:04 - How do you handle not having running water? 01:22:10 - How do you manage the outhouse? 01:23:20 - What is the town like? 01:25:29 - What is the winter like? 01:29:10 - How do you prevent getting cabin fever in the winter? 01:31:00 - How do you get internet? 01:34:30 - Discussion about the yurt and Alaska amenities 01:35:40 - Have you climbed Denali? 01:44:00 - Discussion about Justin’s Crohn’s disease 01:46:02 - Tell us more about Crohn’s disease on the AT 01:48:32 - Discussion about carrying everything out on Denali 01:52:02 - Do you foresee returning to the corporate lifestyle? 01:54:02 - What’s the next chapter for you? 01:57:40 - Discussion about grizzly bears and moose 02:04:07 - Do you hear stories of people getting attacked? 02:06:58 - Where can people keep up with you? Segments Trek Propaganda: Man Accused of Staging Fake Bear Attack To Cover Up a Murder Has Been Arrested by Kelly Floro QOTD:  What is the funniest-sounding fart? Wedding Dress of the Week Triple Crown of New Year’s resolutions Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee. 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. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.  Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Mud Tom, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.

    2h 42m

  3. 23/12/2024

    Hiking the Calendar Year Triple Crown, Crashing a Motorcycle, and Cycling the Southern Tier Bicycle Route with Carson "Anita" Oliver

    In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, we are joined by Carson Oliver, known on trail as Anita. Carson is an accomplished thru-hiker, cyclist, and adventurer. Following up his 2019 PCT thru-hike, Carson completed the Calendar Year Triple Crown in 2023. We of course learn all about this remarkable trek, his circuitous route to make it happen, highlights and lowlights from each trail, and much more. Carson also shares some personal stories, including the tragic loss of his father, who was murdered, and how this has shaped his perspective on life. We wrap the show with news of the oldest woman to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail and a clarification of what it means to thru-hike the AT, and things we wish were holiday traditions, and the triple crown of cringy holiday moments. Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com.  Holiday Book Bundle: Get Badger & Chaunce’s signed book package here. CTDC: Donate $35 or more or sign up for monthly donations at cdtcoalition.org. Duer: Get 20% off your first purchase at shopduer.com/backpacker. [divider] Interview with Carson Oliver Carson's Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:03:30 - Reminders: Support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content and apply to be a 2025 blogger OR vlogger! 00:06:05 - Introducing Carson 00:08:45 - How would you describe yourself? 00:10:22 - Where did you grow up? 00:14:27 - Where do you suspect your sense of adventure came from? 00:16:15 - Did you ride motorbikes in Vietnam? 00:18:20 - Did you find the north to south journey to be dangerous? 00:20:40 - How did your father’s death influence your future adventures? 00:24:38 - How did the PCT interface with processing your grief? 00:26:00 - Tell us about hitting a deer at 75 miles per hour 00:31:20 - Were you afraid to get back on a bike after the accident? 00:36:36 - Tell us about getting your hiking gear in Vietnam 00:40:30 - What’d you get rid of during your hike? 00:41:12 - What was it like to hike through the Sierra during a high snow year? 00:45:00 - Was it hard to split your group in the Sierras? 00:47:40 - Were you happy or sad to reach the end of the snow? 00:49:30 - Tell us about biking across the country 00:53:00 - Were you nervous to mountain bike after the deer accident? 00:55:40 - How do you assess the risk level of mountain biking vs motorcycles? 00:57:22 - How long did your ride take and what route did you take? 01:01:20 - How did your biking experience compare to the PCT? 01:03:00 - Why’d you stop being vegan? 01:04:02 - What was the inspiration for the Calendar Year Triple Crown? 01:07:35 - When and where did you start the trail? 01:13:00 - Was leaving Vermont the first time Type 1 or Type 2 fun? 01:15:45 - Were you stressed out going through the Whites? 01:18:18 - Tell us about being on Franconia Ridge 01:22:40 - Did you sleep in the huts in the Whites? 01:23:30 - How did southern Maine compare to the Whites? 01:25:30 - How was completing the AT and moving to the next trail? 01:30:30 - Did you hike southbound on the CDT and PCT? 01:33:30 - What stories standout from the CDT? 01:35:50 - Did you use your umbrella more for rain or sun? 01:38:00 - Did you ever get the doldrums during your CYTC? 01:40:45 - Any good poop stories? 01:43:35 - What was it like hiking north on the PCT? 01:44:52 - Were you relieved to complete the Sierras? 01:48:15 - What was the highlight of your year? 01:51:05 - Do you have any advice for someone interested in the CYTC? 01:53:40 - Fuck Marry Kill: PCT, CDT, AT and backpacking, motorbiking, and mountain biking 01:55:15 - Kumo Question: What is your favorite historical period and why? Segments Trek Propaganda: Linda “Nana” Vanderloop Just Became the Oldest Woman To Thru-Hike the Appalachian Trail by Kelly Floro QOTD: What do you wish was a holiday tradition? Triple Crown of cringy holiday moments Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee. 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. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.  Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Mud Tom, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.

    2h 23m

  4. 16/12/2024

    Birds 101 with Alison Kondler: Bird Calls, Birding Tips, Bird Feeders, Myths, and More

    In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, we’re joined by Alison Kondler, an Audubon Master Birder—or as we like to call it, a certified bird guru. Alison wows us with her eerily accurate bird calls and shares her immense birding knowledge. We chat about the rarest birds you can spot in Colorado, the best apps for bird identification, why the American Ornithological Society (AOS) is renaming North American birds that are named after people, how to squirrel-proof your bird feeder, tips for turning your yard into a borderline bird sanctuary, and she finally settles the debate on whether birds are in fact government drones. If you’re a bird lover—or even bird curious—this episode is for you. We wrap the show with a lively debate about whether thru-hiking belongs in the Olympics, the triple crown of underrated wildlife, a former guest obliterating the Arizona Trail FKT, and a generous dose of shameless self-promotion. Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com.  Holiday Book Bundle: Get Badger & Chaunce’s signed book package here. Sierra Club Outings: Use code “BACKPACKER” for $100 off at outings.sierraclub.org. LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek. [divider] Interview with Alison Kondler Alison's Instagram Alison's Facebook Alison's TikTok Alison's Youtube Alison's LinkedIn Time stamps & Questions 00:03:30 - Reminders: Support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content and apply to be a 2025 blogger OR vlogger! 00:11:14 - Introducing Alison 00:11:50 - What is an Audubon Master Birder? 00:13:45 - What does someone do with this certification? 00:15:10 - Was your family very into birds? 00:16:07 - When did you first interact with birds? 00:17:10 - What’s the outcome of interacting with birds? 00:20:30 - How long did it take you for your calls to be indistinguishable from birds? 00:22:20 - Can you make other animal sounds? 00:25:19 - What are the most common birds you’ll hear in Colorado? 00:27:45 - What are the rarest birds you’ll hear in Colorado? 00:29:40 - Discussion about the common ages of birders 00:30:37 - What’s your take on the movie The Big Ear? 00:31:50 - How do you prove that you’ve seen all the birds you claim? 00:32:57 - What Colorado birds would people travel from out of state to see? 00:33:50 - What’s your take on pet birds? 00:34:17 - Which birds are the asshole birds? 00:35:44 - What’s the easiest bird call to teach to others? 00:37:40 - How do you pick the right bird feeder for your yard? 00:39:35 - On a scale of 1 to 10, where do you stand on squirrels? 00:41:45 - What is the prettiest bird call? 00:43:20 - Bird call trivia 00:45:35 - How do you get rid of woodpeckers on your house? 00:47:40 - What’s your view on crows? 00:49:30 - Are you familiar with bird folklore? 00:51:05 - Bird call trivia round 2 00:53:05 - Why is the American Ornithological Society changing the names of many birds? 00:57:55 - What’s some hot gossip in the bird world? 00:59:20 - What makes a good area to go birding? 01:00:45 - What are some fun facts about ducks? 01:02:10 - Fuck Marry Kill: Ducks, geese, swans 01:03:50 - Aside from Colorado, where else do you love to watch birds? 01:05:00 - What’s your best bird story? 01:07:00 - Discussion about rescuing birds 01:08:55 - What’s the best birding app? 01:10:30 - Are there any endangered birds in Colorado? 01:11:50 - Are there any organizations dedicated to preserving birds? 01:12:48 - Do you think there’s more to owls than meets the eye? 01:13:40 - Do you think birds might be drones? 01:15:10 - What makes the best bird ecosystem in your backyard? 01:16:47 - Discussion about European starlings 01:19:16 - What bird product is a total scam? 01:21:45 - Any good tips for hummingbird feeders? 01:23:58 - If you could pick one bird to fill the world with, which one would you pick? 01:24:20 - Do you have a strong stance on wind turbines? 01:25:30 - How can people minimize harm to birds in their yard? 01:26:30 - Tell us about your social media following 01:27:53 - What are the best flowers for hummingbirds? 01:29:20 - What are the most common questions you get on social media? 01:31:01 - Kumo Question: What is the strangest dream you’ve ever had? 01:32:32 - What upcoming events are you hosting? Segments Trek Propaganda Nick Fowler Decimates Fastest Known Time on the Arizona Trail by Katie Jackson The Backpacker and Hiker Gift Guide: Under $50 by the Editors QOTD: Should thru-hiking be an Olympic sport? Triple Crown of underrated wildlife Mail Bag (Wade’s Adventures) 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee. 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. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.  Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Mud Tom, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.

    2h 17m

  5. 09/12/2024

    Madison "Peg Leg" Blagden on the Eastern Continental Trail and the Pros and Cons of Trail Fame

    In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Madison Blagden, known on trail as Peg Leg. Peg Leg is a thru-hiking powerhouse and a Trek blogging all-star. Over the past 1.5 years, Madison has logged 8,600 miles while cranking out nearly 300 blogs, documenting almost every single day of her journeys on the Eastern Continental Trail and the CDT. Peg Leg dives deep into her epic ECT adventure, including how she became just the second woman to complete the entire trail. We get into the nitty-gritty of the International AT, dealing with creepy fellas in Florida, and the time she drank booze through her hiking sock. Madison also gives us the lowdown on her CDT hike this year, sharing a terrifying story of a near-death flash flood experience, what it’s like to be recognized on trail so often, and her big hiking plans for 2025. We wrap the show with a fuck marry kills of oceans rivers and lakes, the triple crown of genie wishes, and we're blessed with a wonderful listener poop story. Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com.  Holiday Book Bundle: Get Badger & Chaunce’s signed book package here. [divider] Interview with Madison “Peg Leg” Blagden Peg Leg's Trek Profile Peg Leg's Instagram Peg Leg's Youtube Time stamps & Questions 00:04:00 - Reminders: Support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content and apply to be a 2025 blogger! 00:09:00 - Introducing Peg Leg 00:09:50 - How many blog posts have you written for the Trek? 00:10:51 - What’s your process for blogging? 00:15:15 - What’s your preference between writing and videos? 00:16:00 - How did you end up on the PCT in 2017? 00:18:50 - What were some of your first time backpacking mistakes? 00:21:05 - Was it hard to get off in the middle of the trail? 00:23:20 - Discussion about going through the Sierra in 2017 00:25:30 - Tell us about doing the PCT in 2022 00:28:40 - How long did your IT band issue persist? 00:30:20 - How did your gear evolve from 2017 to 2022? 00:33:12 - Tell us about your initial hiking vision for 2023 00:36:00 - What were your first impressions of hiking in the east? 00:37:30 - Was it hard to incorporate blogging into your day during the hike? 00:41:00 - What stands out to you from your AT hike? 00:44:00 - Tell us about getting norovirus 00:46:02 - Discussion about trail magic 00:47:50 - What does it mean to be on time for the hunting season? 00:49:27 - How did you decide to do the international portion? 00:50:55 - How did you go from Katahdin to the Canadian border? 00:52:28 - Was it hard to go from hiking with people to hiking alone? 00:54:00 - Is there a FarOut map for the IAT? 00:56:00 - What were the towns like? 00:57:50 - You saw a hiker with a cat? 00:59:15 - You saw a Canadian lynx? 01:01:00 - Tell us about seeing a caribou 01:05:00 - Discussion about using ropes 01:06:35 - Reindeer facts 01:08:13 - Did you hike the IAT with a partner? 01:09:40 - What was your week off like in Canada? 01:11:16 - What’s your go to town meal? 01:12:45 - Tell us about the island hopping portion of the IAT 01:14:30 - How did the vibe of your hike change once you joined with more people? 01:17:00 - When did you decide to go back to do the Florida portion? 01:18:45 - Discussion about Peg Leg’s injury 01:19:50 - How long was the Canadian portion of the IAT and how long did it take you? 01:21:35 - When did you start the Pinhoti and when did you get to Key West? 01:24:30 - Discussion about road walking through Alabama 01:25:30 - Did you adjust to the road walking okay? 01:27:20 - Tell us about reaching the Florida Trail 01:29:00 - Tell us about being followed on the trail 01:40:50 - Is being trail famous a net positive or a net negative? 01:41:26 - What would you want to relay to any fans of yours? 01:46:20 - Do you have any advice for people who want to do their hike publicly? 01:48:24 - Tell us about falling in deep water on the Florida Trail 01:52:00 - How do you know if something is in the water or not? 01:55:45 - What should you do if you get attacked by an alligator? 01:58:50 - Did you see any scary animals? 02:00:28 - What was it like to finish in Key West? 02:01:48 - Tell us about doing a sock-ey at the end of your hike 02:04:02 - How did you feel at the end, and had you already planned to hike the CDT? 02:07:57 - Did anybody recognize you while you were off trail? 02:08:19 - How did you decide to go southbound on the CDT and find your group? 02:09:45 - Tell us about the beginning of the CDT 02:11:25 - What are your standout stories from the CDT? 02:12:30 - Tell us about your dicey moment in the Winds? 02:16:04 - How did your group fluctuate over the trail? 02:18:19 - Tell us about your flash flood moment on the CDT 02:25:55 - Was that the scariest moment of your thru-hiking career? 02:26:50 - Was the end of the CDT anticlimatic? 02:27:34 - What’s next for you? 02:30:12 - Are you excited about your future plans or nervous? 02:31:27 - Kumo Question: What is your favorite movie soundtrack? Segments Trek Propaganda: You’ll Kick Yourself if You Make Any of These Common Thru-Hiker Mistakes by Kelly Floro QOTD:  Fuck Marry Kill: Oceans, rivers, lakes Triple Crown of genie wishes Listener Voicemail (and leave us your own!) Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee. 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. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.  Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Mud Tom, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.

    2h 58m

  6. 02/12/2024

    Andrew Skurka 5.0: Smartphone Satellite Messaging, Assessing Skill Level for Guided Trips, and Being Childfree

    In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek we are joined once again by our pal and backpacking legend, Andrew Skurka. We cover a host of new subjects including the future of dedicated satellite communicators with smartphones introducing satellite texting capabilities, what he foresees for the fate of rain gear in light of the move away from PFAS, how the first season of guiding trips went in Yellowstone, his favorite backpacking destinations in each of the lower 48s four time zones, and he gives Chaunce a live, in-person questionnaire to match her with the appropriate backpacking route, like an old school Facebook quiz. We're also joined by Andrew's wife, Amanda, and we chat about more relationship and personal topics like what it's like for your spouse to be in the backcountry for several months of the year, the challenging decision between having kids or not, the benefits of a DINK lifestyle, and much more. This is a wide-ranging conversation, from technical backpacking subjects to more intimate, personal topics, and I think and hope you'll really enjoy it.  We wrap the show with how one unlucky hiker realized Badger's near fate of being wedged between boulders for several hours in pursuit of her phone, our biggest low stakes conspiracy theories, Chaunce ran a marathon, and the triple crown of cocktails. Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com.  LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek. Trailbrush: Use code “TREK20” for 20% off trailbrush.com.  [divider] Interview with Andrew Skurka Skurka's Website Skurka's Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:02:50 - Reminders: Help us make Jabba shave his beard, support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content, join us in Denver on December 7th and apply to be a 2025 blogger! 00:08:52 - Introducing Skurka 00:10:10 - What’s your take on PFAS leaching from GoreTex? 00:16:07 - Do you sleep with your food? 00:19:39 - What are your thoughts on bear canisters on the AT? 00:20:20 - How were the first trips out of Yellowstone? 00:23:22 - Discussion about fitness level on Skurka’s trip applications 00:26:56 - Chaunce’s sample application 00:32:51 - If you had one week to backpack in each of the four time zones in the lower 48, where would you go and why? 00:40:00 - Discussion about birds 00:45:20 - What are Skurka’s other hobbies? 00:48:06 - What are the top three shoes to get you through a year? 00:52:35 - Pacific Time zone backpacking 00:53:30 - Do you have any trips in the Cascades or Olympics next year? 00:54:50 - How experienced do you have to be to do the Wind River High Route? 00:59:58 - Best toilet paper alternatives 01:05:50 - What was your reaction when you first learned about the backcountry bidet? 01:06:45 - How much do you backpack together? 01:12:00 - How did you two meet? 01:19:00 - Discussion about Skurka’s risk tolerance 01:21:38 - What’s Amanda’s perspective on satellite communication from home? 01:23:55 - How many days would Amanda want Andrew to be traveling? 01:25:44 - Do you foresee phasing yourself out of the guiding trips? 01:27:00 - Discussion about relationship dynamics 01:32:05 - What’s your take on iPhones’ new satellite texting feature? 01:40:00 - What’s a new Skurka hot take? 01:45:50 - What happened with GoLite? 01:53:40 - How did you decide not to have kids? 02:01:05 - What are the advantages of a DINK lifestyle? 02:12:50 - What advice would you give to someone trying to decide whether to have kids? 02:18:58 - What trips are open for 2025? 02:21:00 - Which of your guides do you want to shout out? 02:26:05 - Do you still have the scholarship program? 02:36:35 - What signature trips are offered in 2025? 02:30:10 - Kumo Question: What is the one skill you wish you had mastered? What’s the weirdest job you ever had? Segments Trek Propaganda Hiker Trying To Retrieve Dropped Phone Spends 7 Hours Wedged Upside Down in a Crevice by Katie Jackson CDT Thru-Hike Stats: Showers Make Thru-Hikers Sad and Other Data-Driven Insights From the Trail by Katie Jackson QOTD:  What’s your biggest low-stakes conspiracy theory? Stupid Thing of the Week Triple Crown of cocktails Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee. 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. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.  Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Mud Tom, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, and Ruth S.

    3h 12m

  7. 25/11/2024

    Katie "Double Dip" Jackson on Hiking the CDT as Her First Triple Crown Trail

    In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by thru-hiker and Trek Writer, Katie Jackson, known on trail as Double Dip. Katie gives us an in depth breakdown of her recent thru-hike of the Continental Divide Trail, including why she advocates that hikers not take the Creede cutoff, her experience of a wild storm so intense that lightning struck and killed nearby cows, the challenge of losing her hiking partner early on, hiking on an injured foot for hundreds of miles- and how it was miraculously healed in some hot springs, waking up to grizzles in her camp, and much more. Katie also gives some of her backpacking hot takes, including how the Colorado Trail is superior to the JMT. We wrap the show with whether it'll be possible to thru-hike the AT in 2025, the incredible phenomenon that is Frito feet, my new depressing thing of the week, and the triple crown of places where a long trail should exist. Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com.  Trailbrush: Use code “TREK20” for 20% off trailbrush.com.  [divider] Interview with Katie “Double Dip” Jackson Katie's Trek author page Katie's Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:02:46 - Reminders: Help us make Jabba shave his beard, support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content, join us in Denver on December 7th and apply to be a 2025 blogger! 00:07:55 - Introducing Katie 00:08:40 - What’s your outdoors origin story? 00:11:15 - What’s your 9 to 5? 00:14:24 - Would you recommend consulting to people interested in thru-hiking? 00:16:05 - How does your engineering brain manifest while hiking? 00:18:37 - Did you plan anything on the Colorado Trail that you did not plan for the CDT? 00:19:30 - How many boxes did you send yourself on the CDT? 00:21:35 - What other regrets do you have from hiking the Colorado Trail? 00:27:07 - How did your eating strategy evolve over the CT? 00:31:00 - Discussion about the Cochetopa section of the CT 00:36:12 - What led you to the John Muir Trail in 2023? 00:38:02 - Which trail is better between the CT and JMT? 00:40:00 - Why didn’t you love the Winds? 00:41:18 - Was your dad okay with you doing the CDT in 2024? 00:42:10 - Did you ever have any issues with satellite messages not going through? 00:43:35 - How was New Mexico? 00:44:40 - Tell us about losing your hiking partner early on 00:49:54 - Would you feel comfortable starting the CDT alone now? 00:52:45 - How was the water in New Mexico? 01:02:45 - How would you rate New Mexico 1 out of 10? 01:05:00 - How much snow did you encounter? 01:08:10 - When did you use your ice axe? 01:10:30 - Were most people getting beaten up? 01:14:30 - What advice do you have to avoid silly mistakes? 01:18:35 - What were your top 5 snacks? 01:21:20 - Discussion about Katie’s backpack 01:23:25 - Tell us about the next stretch of trail and your foot injury 01:26:45 - What was the diagnosis from the doctor? 01:28:35 - Story about stopping in Granby 01:33:00 - How did your foot eventually heal? 01:35:40 - Tell us about taking the cutoff around Rocky Mountain National Park 01:36:50 - If you did the CDT again, would you do any different alternates? 01:38:45 - Did you experience judgment because you hadn’t done another long trail before? 01:42:00 - Discussion about unsolicited advice 01:43:30 - How was the mental aspect of the trail compared to your expectations? 01:45:00 - Tell us about Wyoming and adding whimsy to the trail 01:48:25 - Why didn’t you love the Winds? 01:49:27 - Tell us about the Idaho-Montana border 01:51:50 - Would you do the trail again SOBO? 01:53:05 - Tell us about almost getting hit by lightning 02:01:20 - What was the best trail magic of the CDT? 02:05:05 - Tell us about the Montana section 02:06:37 - How did you manage your long distance relationship? 02:08:10 - Did Montana meet your expectations? 02:11:50 - Did you see any grizzlies? 02:14:47 - What was it like to get to the terminus? 02:17:36 - Kumo Question: What is your favorite book and why? 02:20:17 - Where can people follow you? Segments Trek Propaganda Will It Even Be Possible To Thru-Hike the AT in 2025? by Kelly Floro Why I’m NEVER Hiking in a Dress Again by Kelly Floro QOTD:  Do you know about Frito feet? Depressing Thing of the Week Triple Crown of where a long trail should be Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee. 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. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.  Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Mud Tom, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, and Ruth S.

    2h 51m

  8. 18/11/2024

    Bennett "Jolly" Fisher, Founder of Jolly Gear, on Triple Crowning and the Evolution of His Signature Shirts

    In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we’re joined by Bennett “Jolly” Fisher, the founder and visionary behind Jolly Gear. We learn all about Jolly's entry into backpacking, including his first thru-hike at just 18 years old alongside his dad, hiking 300 miles of the PCT on a broken ankle, and some hilariously embarrassing Jabba stories from their recent hike on the CDT. We, of course, dive deep into his apparel company, Jolly Gear, and how he's flipped the thru-hiking fashion world on its head with his unique sun hoodie button-downs. We chat about the biggest challenges associated with running an apparel business, how a misunderstanding lead to his early signature design, how he manages the business while backpacking, his process for sourcing new designs, and much more. We close the show with the triple crown of cringeworthy things, a discussion of what should be free but isn’t, an impromptu drop-in from Jabba, and an AT conditions update courtesy of Quadzilla. Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com.  LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek. Trailbrush: Use code “TREK20” for 20% off trailbrush.com.  [divider] Interview with Bennett “Jolly” Fisher Jolly Gear Website Jolly Gear Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:02:50 - Reminders: Help us make Jabba shave his beard, support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content, join us in Denver on December 7th and apply to be a 2025 blogger! 00:08:00 - Introducing Jolly 00:12:38 - We Love Love: Tell us your engagement story 00:16:05 - What was your entry into backpacking? 00:21:20 - Did you consider quitting early on in the AT hike? 00:23:00 - What was your social experience like on the AT? 00:24:15 - How’d you get your trail name? 00:27:00 - Has your dad hiked again since the AT? 00:28:30 - How did your parents support you starting out on the PCT? 00:30:15 - At what point did you get into shirt research? 00:33:00 - How far did you get on the PCT in 2017? 00:34:00 - Why’d you get off the trail in 2017? 00:39:10 - Tell us about your foot injury in 2021 00:45:42 - Are you still adjusting your footwear? 00:50:13 - At what point did you first want to design a hiking shirt? 00:53:00 - Discussion about the Outdoor Product Development program 00:56:14 - Did your first shirt have your signature design? 01:01:12 - Do you get good feedback about having women’s sizes? 01:02:00 - Was there anything functionally different between your prototype and what was on the market? 01:05:09 - How did the style evolve? 01:11:00 - Are all the shirts the same UPF? 01:12:23 - What material is the shirt? 01:15:23 - Have you ever thought about making shorts? 01:19:40 - What’s your day to day like? 01:21:40 - Do you have a vision for where you want the brand to be in 5 years? 01:24:54 - Are you planning to ever use the snap buttons? 01:27:00 - Discussion about pursuing a denim shirt 01:29:50 - How do you decide on future patterns? 01:30:54 - What’s the biggest challenge of your job? 01:32:43 - Have you seen other brands imitating some of your patterns? 01:34:50 - What’s the best Jabba story you have? 01:44:40 - Kumo Question: What is the one thing you wish you were better at? 01:47:13 - What’s next for you? Segments Trek Propaganda:  Trek for Trevor: Get 20% off a pair of microspikes before you hike through the San Jacinto Mountains on the PCT.  Jack “Quadzilla” Jones: On-the-Ground Hurricane Helene Status Update and 2025 Predictions by Kelly Floro QOTD:  What should be free but isn’t? Triple Crown of cringy things Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee. 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. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.  Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Mud Tom, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, and Ruth S.

    2h 27m
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Hosts & Guests

Ratings & Reviews

4
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    The Trek
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2025
  • Episodes
    307
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © The Trek
  • Show Website
    Backpacker Radio

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