Backpacker Radio

The Trek
  • 0.0 (0)
  • WILDERNESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
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. 2 DAYS AGO

    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

    2h 51m

  2. 18 NOV

    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 T

    2h 27m

  3. 11 NOV

    Poop in the Backcountry: Wag Bags, Cat Holes, and Statistics with Shari Edelson

    In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Shari Edelson. Shari is a PhD student researching human impacts in wilderness areas, specifically the impacts of human dookie in the backcountry. We chat about in which circumstances wagbags are warranted, the challenges with compliance when they are, when it's perfectly okay to bury your shit, and how future conservation efforts should be allocated to making this easier to understand for hikers. We also chat about Shari's thru-hike of the TA and are blessed with some plant fun facts, stemming from their background as a horticulturist. We wrap the show with how to score the most competitive long trail permits in 2025, if farts are pushing out poop or if poop is pushing out farts, and the triple crown of things that happen all the time but no one sees. Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com.  Duer: Get 20% off your first purchase at shopduer.com/backpacker. [divider] Interview with Shari Edelson Shari's Trek author page Shari’s email: sedelson@psu.edu Time stamps & Questions 00:02:27 - Reminders: Support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content, join us in Denver on December 7th and apply to be a 2025 blogger! 00:07:00 - Introducing Shari 00:08:05 - What’s the coolest plant fact you know? 00:11:30 - Do you have a favorite house plant? 00:13:16 - Tell us about your career managing public landscapes and gardens 00:16:40 - Is there a different soil type for a vegetable garden versus an arboretum? 00:17:40 - What tips do you have for someone who wants to start a vegetable garden? 00:20:20 - Tell us about hiking the Te Araroa in 2023 00:24:15 - What’s your elevator pitch for hiking northbound on the Te Araroa? 00:27:15 - Discussion about Shari blogging for the Trek on the TA 00:28:40 - What’s your background in studying poop? 00:35:00 - What were your interviews like on Longs Peak? 00:37:22 - Do people poop on day hikes? 00:42:22 - What did you learn about how many people were burying it? 00:46:20 - Discussion about the usage of wag bags 00:52:00 - What do you know about mycelium tabs? 00:55:06 - What was the conclusion of the Mt. Elbert study? 00:57:40 - Would it be feasible to have maps of poop zones? 00:59:37 - Has this been evaluated on backpacking trails? 01:02:40 - What’s the next phase of the study? 01:04:20 - Discussion about where to carry out wag bags 01:06:53 - What do you want the listener’s take away to be? 01:10:15 - Kumo Question: If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Segments Trek Propaganda: How To Score 9 of the Most Competitive US Hiking Permits in 2025 by Ariella Nardizzi QOTD:  Are farts pushing out poop or is poop pushing out farts? Triple Crown of things that happen all the time but no one sees 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, Old Man Murph’s Coffee Roasters, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Co

    1h 27m

  4. 4 NOV

    Tara Dower on Her Appalachian Trail FKT, Falling 200+ Times, and Her Crew

    In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we're joined by Tara Dower, the new holder of overall Fastest Known Time on the Appalachian Trail. Tara gives us the low down on every aspect of her recent record-breaking trek, including how she fell wildly behind pace after the first two states, her nutrition, her sleep habits (or lack thereof), how vital her crew was in her success, the criticism she's faced for "hiking too fast", running a 100-mile race just a few weeks prior to the attempt, and much more. Tara also goes into more depth on her backpacking and FKT background and we subject her to a pair of brutally awkward fornicate, marry, kill questions. Fun times all around.   We wrap the show with our triple crown of guilty pleasure songs, a stupid thing of the week (Zach hurts himself again), and the most unrealistic thing we thought we could be when we were kids. Raise $10,000 and the Real Hiking Viking Will Do the Unthinkable… Topo Athletic: Use code “THETREK15” at topoathletic.com. 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. [divider] Interview with Tara “Candy Mama” Dower Tara's Instagram Tara's Website Tara's Youtube Time stamps & Questions 00:05:55 - Reminders: 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 Tara 00:09:29 - Are you still recovering? 00:10:45 - What mantras did you have? 00:13:00 - What was your origin story in the outdoors? 00:17:12 - When did you decide to pursue the Mountains to Sea Trail FKT? 00:19:00 - Did you impress yourself at that moment? 00:21:30 - Tell us about getting off the AT because of anxiety 00:23:05 - How do you manage anxiety during an FKT attempt? 00:24:25 - Were you tough growing up? 00:26:45 - What inspired you to want to continue pursuing FKTs? 00:29:55 - Tell us about the John Muir Trail 00:31:20 - What part of running do you dislike the most? 00:32:30 - Tell us about the Benton MacKaye Trail FKT 00:34:40 - Tell us about the Colorado Trail FKT 00:36:20 - Discussion about support classifications 00:40:25 - How do you deal with critics? 00:44:30 - How did the Colorado Trail change your outlook on future FKTs? 00:46:00 - When did you decide to go after the AT FKT? 00:48:38 - Did you initially plan to beat the overall record? 00:50:08 - Were you intimidated by others who tried and failed to beat the record? 00:51:30 - Did you notice a transition in social media as you were running? 00:55:18 - Why did your anxiety influence which direction you went? 00:57:20 - How long before you started was the Hard Rock? 01:00:00 - What was it like going through Mahoosuc Notch at FKT pace? 01:01:44 - Tell us about being behind pace at first 01:05:27 - How did your crew chief motivate you? 01:07:03 - Did you ever disagree about decisions? 01:08:00 - How much of a trail was solo or with a pacer? 01:09:50 - What was your adjustment like after the FKT? 01:12:45 - How has your nutrition changed over the years? 01:18:55 - Did you have any near injuries? 01:19:40 - Can you pinpoint a low moment? 01:23:30 - Did you hallucinate? 01:26:45 - Tell us about your average mileage and sleep during the FKT 01:30:40 - Is Rascal’s position a paid position? 01:31:34 - Did you have any paid sponsorship during this run? 01:32:26 - When did you know you had it? 01:35:02 - Did you conceptualize how big of a deal it was going to be? 01:36:35 - Tell us about raising money for Girls on the Run 01:38:20 - Fuck Marry Kill: thru-hiking, FKTs, ultraracing 01:39:31 - Fuck Marry Kill: Outside Magazine, Washington Post, The Trek 01:40:34 - Kumo Question: What’s something you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t had the courage to do yet? Segments Trek Propaganda: Tara Dower Sets Overall Fastest Known Time o

    2h 10m

  5. 28 OCT

    The Real Hiking Viking & Lt. Cookoo Bird on Bikepacking Across Iceland, Patagonia, and the Ragbrai

    In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are joined by Jabba and Lt Cookoo for another BPR classic. This one, in expected fashion, is all over the map. We start by getting a brief update of what Cookoo has been up to since his last appearance on the show followed by a more detailed update from Jabba, primarily about a once-in-a-lifetime bikepacking trip through Iceland, a trip that nearly robbed his soul in the best and worst way possible. We then dive into a QA format, including the top advice they'd give to themselves before their first backpacking trip, their favorite treks that take one month or less, the best stories from the trails they've hiked together, the inevitable point at which they butt heads and much more. The boys stick around for segments, which is also predictably weird. We provide our wiping techniques in alarming detail, the triple crown of things a dentist can say but not a gynecologist, and Viking gives Chaunce wedding advice.  Topo Athletic: Use code “THETREK15” at topoathletic.com. Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com.  Duer: Get 20% off your first purchase at shopduer.com/backpacker. [divider] Interview with Jabba & Lt. Cookoo Bird Jabba's Instagram Cookoo's Instagram Backpacker Radio #194 | Bruce “Lt. Cookoo Bird” Lynn on the Sierra High Route, Wind River High Route, Hayduke, Biking Across the Country, and More Time stamps & Questions 00:04:45 - Reminders: Support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content, join us in Denver on December 7th and apply to be a 2025 blogger! 00:07:47 - Introducing Jabba & Lt. Cookoo Bird 00:09:30 - Is Jabba still sober? 00:11:35 - Zach & Jabba’s fantasy football punishments 00:14:50 - What adventures has Cookoo done in 2024? 00:18:50 - Cookoo’s self-arresting technique 00:20:15 - Cuckoo on the Teton Crest Trail 00:21:54 - Cookoo’s mountaineering 00:23:19 - What adventures has Jabba done in 2024? 00:28:20 - Why don’t comfier bike seats exist? 00:33:30 - Jabba hiking the other half of the CDT 00:39:01 - Jabba’s Ragbrai trip 00:47:20 - Jabba’s Iceland trip introduction 00:50:30 - Iceland route description 00:52:54 - Jabba’s (lack of) trip preparation 00:59:00 - How did you get your bike to Iceland? 01:00:00 - Iceland’s singletrack trail difficulty 01:04:00 - Jabba’s mindset while biking 01:06:15 - End of Day 1 01:08:55 - Day 2 01:12:38 - How much were you walking your bike versus riding your bike? 01:16:07 - Is it Type 2 fun? 01:19:45 - End of Day 2 01:24:20 - Discussion about hiking in sand 01:31:05 - Going back to get the AirPods 01:34:35 - Day 3 01:42:49 - What would you do differently if you did this trip again? 01:45:00 - Getting to the end location of Day 3 01:49:35 - Day 5 01:58:24 - End of Day 5 02:02:50 - Have you been in contact with Chris since the trip? 02:04:30 - What’s the best one month or shorter hike you’ve ever done? 02:13:31 - If you could go back in time to your first thru-hike, what would you do differently? 02:16:46 - How do you figure out footwear faster? 02:22:16 - What is your best story about the other story? Segments Trek Propaganda: “I Just Had To Skip So Many Miles”: How 2024 PCT Thru-Hikers Are Adapting to Fires and Trail Closures by James Townsend QOTD:  Does your butt stay on the toilet seat when you wipe? Triple Crown of things a dentist can say, but not a gynecologist 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 the

    2h 49m

  6. 21 OCT

    Northville Placid Trail: 138 miles Through New York’s Adirondack Park

    In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to by LMNT, we are breaking down our recent hike of the Northville Placid Trail. Chaunce, Elise, and yours truly recently set out south from Lake Placid to trek as much of the trail as we could in a 5-day period. Spoiler alert- I was forced off trail first, Chaunce did the full thing, Elise split the difference between the two of us. We give you a day by day breakdown of our trek, including a not so fun first day, a family fight on day two featuring a midday meltdown, our favorite moments from the trail (like an epic campsite off Long Lake) and much more. We also give you the rough and dirty on the NPT, including the distance, elevation gain, resupply options, terrain, water, etc yatta yatta. We wrap the show with the triple crown of John Travolta movies, whether we'd prefer the perfect stick or the perfect rock, and a one-minute gear review! 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.  Hikerkind: Use code “BPR15” for 15% off at hikerkind.com. [divider] Panel with Zach, Chaunce, and Elise Chaunce's Instagram Badger's Instagram Elise's Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:05:00 - Reminders: Support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content, join us in Denver on December 7th and apply to be a 2025 blogger! 00:09:40 - Introducing the NPT Panel 00:11:30 - Northville Placid Trail basics 00:13:30 - Hiking direction 00:15:05 - Day 1 of hiking 00:27:00 - Night 1 00:32:55 - Bugs, darkness, and mileage 00:42:30 - Day 2 00:47:45 - The family fight 00:58:00 - Night 2 01:02:15 - Day 3 01:06:40 - Zach’s incident 01:11:05 - Odds games 01:22:02 - Zach’s second incident 01:23:40 - Getting off trail 01:27:05 - Night 3 01:32:13 - Day 4 01:51:25 - Zach’s day 4 01:54:00 - Day 5 01:59:55 - Elise’s weird encounters 02:08:20 - Zach’s day 5 02:10:45 - Stay Salty: If you could turn any everyday activity into an Olympic sport, what would you win gold in? Segments QOTD: Would you rather find the perfect stick or the perfect rock? Triple Crown of John Travolta Movies One Minute Gear Reviews Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/. 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, Dayne, 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, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bonnie Ackerman, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Joann Menzer, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, and Ruth S.

    2h 30m

  7. 14 OCT

    James Appleton on Hiking and Peakbagging in the Adirondacks

    In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by James Appleton. James is a walking encyclopedia on all things Adirondacks, hosting a podcast dedicated to the park, having authored a book about its lore, and he serves as a hiking guide throughout the region. James gives us the rundown on these rugged 46ers, including superlatives like his favorite, the most underrated, the most overrated, and the best for beginners. He also provides a primer on the Northville-Placid Trail, shares the best and worst times to experience the park, and offers an overview of the Lake Placid 9’er, a challenge he created. James also gives us the lowdown of how awkward it is to be on a film set during a sex scene.  We wrap up the show with the news of Hurricane Helene's historic destruction throughout the southern Appalachias, and how people can contribute to the relief and recovery efforts, the triple crown of commercials (including how our editor's dad is the commercial GOAT), whether you'd rather find cockroaches or a body in your attic, and the full rundown of going to Buffalo for the MNF Bills game. 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.  Hikerkind: Use code “BPR15” for 15% off at hikerkind.com. Duer: Get 20% off your first purchase at shopduer.com/backpacker. [divider] Interview with James Appleton James' Instagram 46 Outdoors Co Website Seek To Do More Website Time stamps & Questions 00:06:15 - Reminders: Join us in Denver on December 7th! Apply to be a 2025 blogger and support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content! 00:12:05 - Introducing James 00:12:53 - What was your introduction to the outdoors? 00:15:27 - What are the hot spots in Lake Placid? 00:18:05 - Tell us about the Blue Line Bakery 00:20:00 - Tell us about working in the film industry 00:23:00 - What’s the coolest movie you’ve worked on? 00:24:30 - Tell us about working on a sex scene 00:27:25 - Is it difficult to hike peaks with a lot of muscle on your upper body? 00:31:30 - Discussion about Adirondack hiking culture 00:36:20 - What are the most common 46ers to start off with? 00:38:35 - Do you need map and compass skills? 00:40:31 - Tell us about the Lake Placid 9er 00:42:20 - What led you into losing weight and how did it work for you? 00:44:57 - What was your guilty pleasure snack? 00:46:30 - Was it hard to workout while cutting carbs out? 00:48:27 - What are the highlights of the Northville Placid Trail? 00:53:00 - Discussion about James’ podcast 00:54:42 - What equipment do you bring onto the trail for recording audio? 00:56:00 - Do you have free time? 00:59:41 - What goes into becoming a guide? 01:02:03 - What are your favorite peaks to hike? 01:04:00 - Which peaks do people put off hiking? 01:05:00 - What’s the best peak for beginners? 01:06:15 - What are some underrated mountains that are not 46ers? 01:07:00 - What peak have you done the most? 01:08:00 - What’s the wet season in the Adirondacks? 01:09:40 - What are the shelters like on the NPT? 01:12:20 - When should people visit the Adirondacks if they had any week of the year? 01:13:35 - When are hikers normally done with the NPT by? 01:16:00 - Discussion about bugs 01:18:06 - Do you have plans to hike in other areas? 01:21:15 - Tell us about your upcoming book 01:22:40 - Can you give us a quick campfire story? 01:26:31 - Stay Salty Question: What’s your outdoors hot take? 01:28:00 - Where can people keep up with you? Segments Trek Propaganda: Want To Help AT Communities Recover From Hurricane Helene? Here’s How by Kelly Floro QOTD: Which would you rather find living in your attic, 1000 roaches or a person? Triple Crown of commercials Mail Bag 5 Star Review Road Trip Update [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee. Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to

    2h 4m

  8. 5 OCT

    Allmansright Founders Jen Jacobsson-Melo & Livio Melo on Making Ultralight Gear in the Bronx

    In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by Jen Jacobsson-Melo & Livio Melo, co-founders of Allmansright, an ultralight gear company located in the Bronx. We learn all about their humble beginnings, including when Allmansright's gear was made in the corner of their 500-square-foot apartment, how a serendipitous run in with a fellow backpacker in Colorado's backcountry led to their first pre-order, how they've scaled up their operation, what it's like running a gear shop in the Bronx, where they draw inspiration for their designs, other small cottage brands doing interesting and good work from around the world, and much more.  We wrap the show with what the contents of our body and blood would be, the triple crown of the worst places to have raging diarrhea, and some teasers from our Northville Placid Trail Hike. 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.  Hikerkind: Use code “BPR15” for 15% off at hikerkind.com. Katabatic Gear: Use code “BPR15” for 15% off at katabaticgear.com. [divider] Interview with Livio & Jen allmansright Instagram allmansright Website REI Founders Story Time stamps & Questions 00:04:55 - Reminders: Join us in Denver on December 7th! Apply to be a 2025 blogger and support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content! 00:07:55 - Introducing Jen & Livio 00:08:45 - What is allemansrätten? 00:10:50 - Tell us about moving to the US from the Dominican Republic 00:12:32 - What is the outdoor culture like in the Dominican Republic? 00:14:20 - Do you prefer being in the Dominican Republic or the US? 00:18:55 - What was the journey to you starting to make your own gear? 00:22:20 - How did you know how to make items? 00:24:00 - Tell us about your trip to Colorado 00:25:50 - How did you make gear in your 500 sq foot apartment? 00:30:30 - How do you balance gear orders with regular life? 00:31:35 - Tell us about going to design school 00:35:00 - What other gear companies serve as inspiration for you? 00:41:00 - What piece of gear are you most proud of? 00:43:40 - Do you have any plans to make a larger version of the pack? 00:45:00 - Discussion about the Krafs Stuff Sack 00:49:00 - Do you have any plans to break into the shelter space? 00:50:00 - Tell us about your shop in the Bronx 00:51:30 - Tell us about the hiker community in NYC 00:53:30 - What are some of the cool hiking opportunities near New York City? 00:57:29 - Have you experimented with apparel at all? 00:59:40 - Are there any materials you’re excited about? 01:01:00 - Discussion about creating new products 01:03:52 - What is your goal around sustainability? 01:04:35 - Discussion about packs 01:06:17 - Stay Salty Question: What’s your outdoors hot take? Segments Trek Propaganda: 6 Gas Station Resupply Recipes for Thru-Hikers by Kimberly Fetherston QOTD: What is your body and blood? Triple Crown of the worst places to have uncontrollable diarrhea Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/. 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, Dayne, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin

    1h 33m
See All (301)

Hosts & Guests

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 - 2024
  • Episodes
    301
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © The Trek
  • Show Website
    Backpacker Radio

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada