Backpacker Radio The Trek

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Henry “Moose Juice” Lewis. In addition to hikes of the AT, Teton Crest Trail, Colorado Trail, and the PCT, Moose Juice spent a few seasons shaking down starry eyed aspiring thru-hikers at Mountain Crossings. Henry gives us a rundown of these hikes, the funniest stories from these shakedowns, including happening onto vibratos and guns, tips on how to fix a leaking inflatable sleeping pad, doing champagne shoey, and his terrifying encounter with an angry bull moose, which helped him earn his trail. 
We wrap the show with an argument for starting your AT hike on the Benton Mackaye Trail, why or why not a ghost and zombie can come from the same person, and the triple crown of non-obvious smartphone apps.
Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com. 
Outdoor Vitals: Get 17% off the Ventus plus a free backpacking pillow at outdoorvitals.com/thetrek.
LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.
Shady Rays: Use code “TREK20” for $20 off polarized sunglasses at shadyrays.com.
Danner: Use code “TREK15” for 15% off Mountain 600 boots at danner.com.
[divider]
Interview with Henry “Moose Juice” Lewis
Henry's Trek Author Page Henry's Instagram Time stamps & Questions
00:03:45 - Reminders: Attend our live podcast in Denver next week! Apply to be a blogger for the Trek!
00:06:47 - Introducing Moose Juice
00:07:20 - Tell us about your champagne shoey
00:09:33 - Tell us the origin of your trail name
00:13:02 - Did you try to gain weight prior to the AT?
00:15:46 - We Love Love: Tell us about meeting your girlfriend on trail
00:19:50 - Why were you so oblivious to all the signs?
00:23:24 - Where did the AT and thru-hiking come onto your radar?
00:26:42 - Why did you choose to go southbound?
00:31:05 - How did starting with the Whites impact your mindset?
00:33:34 - Tell us your worst moment on the trail
00:36:40 - Discussion about packs
00:40:00 - Tell us about your experience working at Mountain Crossings
00:46:20 - Do they prepare you for working with tons of thru-hikers during the bubble?
00:47:48 - Are Mountain Crossings employees incentivized to sell gear?
00:50:00 - What can people do better while preparing to minimize needing to buy new gear during the hike?
00:52:30 - Is having a big personality a trait Mountain Crossings recruit for?
00:54:55 - Are there standout stories of people carrying outlandish things?
01:00:25 - Tell us about the Teton Crest Trail
01:08:09 - Tell us about the Colorado Trail
01:08:45 - When did you decide to hike the PCT?
01:12:06 - Did you hike all the way through the Sierra?
01:18:40 - Was she okay after going to the hospital?
01:19:55 - What is High Altitude Pulmonary Edema?
01:22:32 - Would you rather do the Sierra in high snow or low snow conditions?
01:24:54 - What were the highlights of the rest of the PCT?
01:26:24 - Tell us about your mountain lion encounter
01:31:12 - What are the steps for fixing an inflatable air pad hole?
01:34:00 - What’s the ideal start date for the AT?
01:37:25 - Kumo Question: Do you have any strange superstitions?
Segments
Impromptu Chaunce Poop Story
Trek Propaganda: The AT Is Crowded. Why Not Start Your Thru-Hike on the Benton Mackaye Trail Instead? by Kelly Floro
QOTD: Can a ghost and a zombie come from the same person?
Triple Crown of non-obvious apps on your phone
Patent Pending
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
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Our theme song is Walking

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Eeland Stribling. Eeland, who’s known as the "Black Steve Iriwn" and “The Fliest Fisherman” is a wildlife biologist, educator, standup comedian, and the host of “Comedians on the Fly.” We dive deep into the world of standup comedy, including the various hazing routines, what it’s like to eat shit during an open mic, how things change as you climb the ranks, the process of crafting a joke, and more. Eeland also educates us with some fun facts about black bears and mountain lions and gives us a thorough primer on how to get started with fly fishing. This chat was both fun and informative, you will not be disappointed. 
We wrap the show with five word sentences that are guaranteed to start a fight, the triple crown of shows to fall asleep to, and we have more details of our live podcast in Denver. The link to get tickets is in the show notes. Taking a pause here to give you time to snag yours. 
Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com. 
Jenna Davis: Email jenna@firstsummitrealty.com or call 303-946-9476 to get a free consultation.
Shady Rays: Use code “TREKREACT” for 2 lenses free when you buy React frames at shadyrays.com.
Danner: Use code “TREK15” for 15% off Mountain 600 boots at danner.com.
[divider]
Interview with Eeland Stribling
Eeland's Instagram Eeland's Website Comedians on the Fly Brown Folks Fishing Time stamps & Questions
00:03:42 - Reminders: Get tickets to our live show in Denver on April 23!
00:04:44 - Introducing Eeland
00:05:37 - What got you into comedy?
00:09:15 - How would you describe your style of comedy?
00:14:18 - What is the easiest animal to make fun of?
00:15:45 - Tell us about your experience as a nuisance animal technician
00:18:58 - Tell us about tranquilizing and relocating bears
00:22:08 - What was the smartest bear encounter you had?
00:25:40 - How did your mountain lion work compare to that with bears?
00:28:00 - Is there an area that’s notorious for problematic bears?
00:33:31 - Are there notable comedians you’ve opened for?
00:38:05 - What is it like to hang out with comics in the green room?
00:43:20 - What’s the best advice other comedians have given you?
00:46:55 - Tell us about how you write jokes
00:48:55 - What’s it like when jokes bomb?
00:53:00 - How does a set hit with some crowds and not with others?
00:58:04 - Can you read us the most recent lines in your notebook?
01:02:17 - How frequently are you improvising on stage with new bits?
01:04:45 - When are your upcoming shows in April?
01:06:04 - Tell us about your show, Comedians on the Fly
01:09:20 -  How did you get into fly fishing?
01:12:37 - Tell us about your phone incident while saltwater fishing
01:15:55 - How do you know what flies are needed for certain areas?
01:18:00 - Are you reluctant to share your favorite tips or places?
01:23:56 - How much of fly fishing is skill vs. knowledge vs. luck?
01:27:30 - Discussion about paralells between comedy and fishing
01:31:40 - Can you talk to us about Brown Folks Fishing and why their work matters?
01:34:30 - Kumo Question: If you could live in any era of history, what would you pick?
01:37:18 - What do you recommend for someone who wants to get started in fly fishing?
01:46:06 - Do you exclusively do catch and release?
01:52:00 - Discussion about protecting released fish
01:54:00 - Where can people find you?
Segments
Trek Propaganda: 2024 Badger Sponsorship Winners by Kendra Slagter
QOTD: In 5 words or less, start a fight without politics
Listener Voicemail (leave us your own!)
Triple Crown of shows to fall asleep to
Plug Me: Glen Van Peski’s  Take Less. Do More: Surprising Life Lessons in Generosity, Gratitude and Curiosity from an Ultralight Backpacker
Mail Bag
5 Star Review
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/.
Leave us a voicemail!
Subscribe to this pod

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are chatting all things Colorado Trail. Rachel, who filled in for Zach, and Chaunce are joined by David Fanning, who has seven complete hikes of the Colorado Trail, which is tied for the record we think. Topics covered today include the pros and cons of hiking the CT both east and westbound, the best weather windows, transportation to the trail, recommended gear, information about the campsites, water availability, the best towns, resupply strategy, preparation strategies, how to navigate the trail, wildlife, comparing the Collegiate East and West, and more.
We wrap the show with the official details of our upcoming LIVE podcast in Denver, how to cook corn, and the triple crown of bread.
Gossamer Gear: Use code “DINGLEBERRY” for 20% off packs at gossamergear.com. 
Danner: Use code “TREK15” for 15% off Mountain 600 boots at danner.com.
LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.
Shady Rays: Use code “TREK20” for $20 off polarized sunglasses at shadyrays.com.
[divider]
Panel with David Fanning
David's Website Time stamps & Questions
00:06:14 - Reminders: Come attend BPR live in Denver on April 23! Apply to be a Trek blogger or Ambassador and suggest a potential Trail Days guest for BPR!
00:07:37 - Introducing the Colorado Trail panel
00:08:54 - Introducing David Fanning
00:12:04 - How did you go from the PCT to CT?
00:14:20 - When was the first year you hiked the Colorado Trail?
00:15:52 - Do you think having that conversation with the doctor turned out to be a blessing?
00:20:25 - Colorado Trail basics
00:22:40 - Hiking season and weather
00:30:10 - What crazy weather have you seen across 7 hikes?
00:31:45 - Discussion about keeping gear dry and rain gear
00:36:42 - What experience have you had with snow on the trail?
00:39:14 - Have you had any sketchy experiences with lightning? (NOLS lightning resources)
00:41:56 - Discussion about dead tree fall
00:43:15 - Hiking NOBO or SOBO
00:49:08 - Trail termini
00:51:00 - Discussion about taking the train from Grand Junction to Denver
00:52:12 - Resupplies and towns
00:53:18 - Discussion about hitching
00:59:50 - Trail towns: Bailey, Conifer, Jefferson, and Fairplay (See The Colorado Trail Guide: Resupply and Towns on the Colorado Trail)
01:04:04 - Trail towns: Breckenridge, Frisco, and Copper
01:05:45 - Sending resupply boxes
01:06:53 - Trail towns: Leadville
01:09:54 - Trail towns: Twin Lakes
01:10:35 - Collegiate East vs West
01:17:05 - Trail towns: Buena Vista and Salida
01:19:05 - The Cochetopa section
01:24:10 - Trail towns: Gunnison, Lake City
01:31:56 - Discussion about sheepdogs
01:34:06 - Trail towns: Silverton and the scenic train
01:38:40 - Discussion about the section between Lake City and Silverton
01:40:20 - Discussion about wildlife encounters
01:48:00 - Food storage on the CT
01:50:04 - Shelter considerations on the CT
01:54:15 - Discussion about campsites and Chaunce’s scary story
01:58:45 - Navigation on the CT
02:00:48 - Dogs and bikes on the CT (Backpacker Radio #214 | Tisha McCombs, Executive Director at the Colorado Trail Foundation)
02:03:30 - What has changed the most over your many hikes?
02:07:00 - Section hiking versus thru-hiking
02:14:02 - What’s your elevator pitch for the Colorado Trail?
02:17:04 - Physical preparation on the CT
02:21:25 - Discussion about food and appetite
02:21:55 - Tell us about Voices of the Colorado Trail
Segments
Trek Propaganda
Tisha McCombs is Leaving the Colorado Trail Foundation Best Trekking Poles for Backpacking in 2024 by Katie Kommer QOTD: How do you cook corn?
Triple Crown of bread
Plug Me: Old Man Murph's Coffee Roasters
Mail Bag
5 Star Review
[divider]
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Leave us a voicemail!
Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.
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In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are bringing you another edition of Girl's Stuff! Today, Chaunce along with guest panelists, Rachael "Rabbit" Delano and Marie "Basecamp" Black answer your burning questions related to female-specific topics in the backcountry. Topics including the feasibility of bringing a vibrator, how to court a guy during a thru-hike (and advice for guys on how to do the courting), female urination devices, the Kula Cloth, what body parts get the razor treatment and which parts are neglected, managing a period on trail and birth control options, how to deal with fear and fear mongering, trail family dynamics, and much much more.
We wrap the show with the top stoves, filters, and rain gear from the AT, which is more exciting between new school supplies and new backpacking gear, the triple crown of nicknames that get your goat, and more.
Mountainsmith: Use code “TREKZERK24” for 40% off at mountainsmith.com.
Danner: Use code “TREK15” for 15% off Mountain 600 boots at danner.com.
Ka’Chava: Get 10% off at kachava.com/backpacker.
Shady Rays: Use code “TREK20” for $20 off polarized sunglasses at shadyrays.com.
[divider]
Panel with Rachel “Rabbit” Delano and Marie “Basecamp” Black
Rabbit's Instagram Backpacker Radio 113 | Rachael “Rabbit” Delano Basecamp's Instagram Wes and Marie Black on Sex During a Thru-Hike, Hiking the PCT as a Married Couple, and Arguing on Trail (BPR #240) Time stamps & Questions
00:04:53 - Reminders: Apply to blog for the Trek or become a Trek Ambassador!
00:06:32 - Introducing Rachel
00:08:28 - Introducing Basecamp
00:13:27 - Should I bring my travel size vibrator?
00:21:30 - Discussion about pink blazing
00:29:50 - Is it a turnoff to be in a situation where you have to make the first move?
00:33:00 - Discussion about sharing a hotel bed
00:38:30 - What are your tells if you’re interested in someone on trail?
00:44:00 - Which is the better trail for hooking up?
00:48:15 - Do micro clues still apply on trail?
00:51:54 - What’s your strategy for managing periods on trail?
00:59:00 - Discussion about iron supplements
01:00:50 - How do you deal with feeling weak while on your period?
01:03:07 - Chaunce’s strategy
01:07:25 - Chaunce’s Foothills Trail story
01:20:20 - Anything else period related?
01:23:30 - Discussion about shaving
01:33:15 - Have you ever tried or used a pee funnel?
01:44:00 - How do you prevent UTIs on trail if you’re prone to them?
01:50:00 - Do you use Kula Cloths?
01:56:35 - Discussion about fear mongering
02:11:00 - Discussion about mansplaining
02:16:23 - How can girls be fearless on trail?
02:25:20 - Have your fears changed or lessened since you first started thru-hiking?
02:29:00 - How do you manage backpacking and hiking as a mom?
02:33:13 - How did you come to terms with the fact that your backpacking will forever be different?
02:35:00 - Are there ways to make the transition to motherhood smoother as a hiker?
02:37:57 - Do you find that people interact with you differently on trail?
02:39:00 - Would you advise couples Triple Crown before kids if that’s their goal?
02:41:38 - Discussion about girl relationships on trail
02:53:45 - What are the best bras for long hikes?
03:04:20 - Have you ever tasted your own milk?
Segments
Trek Propaganda: Top Stoves, Filters, Rain Gear, and More on the Appalachian Trail: 2023 Thru-Hiker Survey by Kate Richard
QOTD: What is better: brand new backpacking gear or new school supplies?
Triple Crown of names you don’t like being called
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
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In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Maggie Slepian aka Honey Badger. Maggie is the former Managing Editor at The Trek and their first full-time employee, a thru-hiker, and a prolific freelance writer and editor. We learn all about Maggie’s treks, including her hikes of the AT, Ouachita Trail, Colorado Trail, some recent postcard hikes in Madeira and Malta, and Maggie shares what it was like to have her first “failed” thru-hike attempt on the Arizona Trail. We also chat about nude modeling, what it’s like to have an article to mega-viral, and how misogyny in the backcountry has improved since her first thru-hike.
We wrap the show with some Hitchhiking Advice for Women, we learn how common or uncommon it is to be able to unfocus your eyesight on command, and the triple crown of one-hit wonder songs featuring Chaunce's boyfriend Garrett. 
Mountainsmith: Use code “TREKZERK24” for 40% off at mountainsmith.com.
Danner: Use code “TREK15” for 15% off Mountain 600 boots at danner.com.
LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.
Appalachian Gear Company: Use code “BPRADIO20” for 20% off at appalachiangearcompany.com.
Ka’Chava: Get 10% off at kachava.com/backpacker.
[divider]
Interview with Maggie “Honey Badger” Slepian
Instagram  Website Substack Backpacking Routes  Time stamps & Questions
00:05:05 - Reminders: Apply to blog for the Trek or become a Trek Ambassador and use code “gingerstuff” for an exclusive discount at the Trek’s store!
00:06:35 - Introducing Maggie
00:09:12 - How did you get involved with the Trek?
00:14:06 - Tell us about nude modeling
00:19:55 - How did the AT fall on your map?
00:21:25 - What gear did you bring on the AT for your first hike?
00:24:08 - Tell us about hiking the trail with a partner and the way people perceived you
00:28:45 - What were your top honey badger moments?
00:30:49 - How have you seen misogyny in the backcountry change over time?
00:37:08 - Are you more or less spicy in business or personally?
00:40:00 - Tell us about hiking the Ouachita Trail in 2020
00:46:19 - What considerations did you make when picking which direction to hike?
00:48:50 - What type of preparation did you do for the Ouachita Trail?
00:52:29 - Tell us the highlights of the Ouachita Trail
00:54:14 - Discussion of the Ouachita Trail logistics and resupplies
00:56:30 - Story about meeting Warren Doyle
00:58:27 - What’s the best season for this trail?
00:59:11 - What portions of the Oregon Coast Trail have you done?
01:01:01 - Any highlights from the Colorado Trail?
01:02:27 - Tell us about the Arizona Trail
01:06:39 - Discussion about sun poisoning
01:12:06 - Do you feel liberated because you quit the Arizona Trail?
01:17:27 - Tell us about Madeira
01:23:14 - How many of the hikes are approachable for someone with a fear of exposure?
01:24:18 - What other European treks did you do?
01:27:27 - Tell us about your most viral article
01:32:47 - What other articles of yours have gone viral?
01:37:00 - Discussion about being recognized in the real world
01:41:20 - How do you handle your privacy?
01:43:50 - What’s your experience with hunting?
Segments
Trek Propaganda: After 9,500 Miles on Trail, Here’s My Top Hitchhiking Advice for Women by Peg Leg
QOTD: Can you unfocus your eyesight on command?
Triple Crown of one hit wonder songs
Mail Bag
5 Star Review
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @paulyboyshallcross.
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 o

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by The Trek’s Managing Editor, Kelly “Ibex” Floro. We learn all about what it’s like to have Zach as a boss, Kelly’s top tips for how to afford a thru-hike, and she shares insights from her own thru-hiking adventures including the AT, Wind River High Route, and we dive especially deep into Kelly’s most recent thru-hike of the Pyrenean Haute Route through the Pyrenees, straddling the border between Spain and France. Kelly gives us an in-depth run-through of this epic route, including when to hike, which direction, navigation challenges, resupply strategy, the various geographic highlights, the culture surrounding the trail, and much more.
We wrap the show with useful smartphone apps for your next thru-hike, how Zach got concussed recording a podcast, and the triple crown of short off-season thru-hikes.
Mountainsmith: Use code “TREKZERK24” for 40% off at mountainsmith.com.
Ka’Chava: Get 10% off at kachava.com/backpacker.
Appalachian Gear Company: Use code “BPRADIO20” for 20% off at appalachiangearcompany.com.
[divider]
Interview with Kelly Floro
Kelly's Trek bio Time stamps & Questions
00:05:15 - Reminders: Get your tickets for a live BPR podcast in Denver on April 23, support us on Patreon, and suggest a potential guest who will be at Trail Days this year!
00:09:15 - Introducing Kelly
00:12:27 - How do you like working for Zach?
00:17:55 - How did you start thru-hiking?
00:19:52 - At what point did you consider yourself a good writer?
00:20:30 - Do you have tips for someone who wants to blog their hike?
00:25:45 - Was the AT your first backpacking trip?
00:27:12 - What did you learn on that hike?
00:29:45 - What were you thinking about career wise when you hiked the AT?
00:32:40 - When did you realize you wanted to do more thru-hikes?
00:33:15 - What surprised you despite all the preparation you did?
00:36:20 - Tell us about dealing with poison ivy on the AT
00:41:27 - Discussion about flip flopping the AT
00:45:24 - Do you have tips for someone considering a flip flop hike on the AT?
00:51:00 - Would you recommend flip flopping the AT?
00:55:20 - Tell us about hiking the Colorado Trail
00:57:22 - Tell us about the Wind River High Route
00:59:23 - What are the differences between the two route options?
01:02:55 - What’s the most challenging part of the Adventure Alan route?
01:05:45 - What tips would you give to someone who wants to try backcountry navigation?
01:09:20 - What navigational resources were available for the route?
01:11:14 - How much did you enjoy this style of hiking?
01:12:38 - Any non obvious advice for the Wind River High Route?
01:15:00 - Tell us about the Pyrenean Haute Route
01:20:00 - Discussion about the refuges on the HRP
01:21:48 - How and why did you choose this route?
01:24:55 - Which direction do you hike?
01:27:11 - What were the standout towns?
01:32:09 - How crowded was the trail?
01:35:14 - What do the resupplies look like?
01:40:40 - Tell us about the wine you had along the HRP
01:41:42 - Are there any ‘must zero’ places?
01:43:27 - Can you describe the Pyrenean mountains?
01:45:53 - Tell us the story about throwing your phone off a cliff
01:48:22 - How did you manage the rest of your gear for your Europe trip?
01:50:20 - Tell us about Bulgaria
01:53:05 - Have you heard of the Peaks of the Balkans trail?
01:54:49 - What do you have for health insurance in Europe?
01:56:18 - What have you learned while traveling in Europe?
01:57:25 - What are your current big 5 gear items?
01:59:20 - What gear has surprised you recently?
02:00:20 - What goes into a standout gear review?
02:01:40 - What stands out to you about thru-hiking affordably?
02:04:27 - What are some of your favorite hidden gems in Olympic National Park?
Segments
Trek Propaganda: 13 Useful Smartphone Apps for Your Next Thru-Hike by Danielle Krolewicz
QOTD: What’s the longe