Backpacker Radio The Trek

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Lt Cookoo Bird. Cookoo's a name you've heard on this podcast before, he's been a hiking partner of Jabba's for many years and he was the third member of our Wind River High route trek in 2019. Today's episode is a certified marathon, as Cookoo delights us with tales from trails all over the country, including the time he got a hitch from a prostitute, tindering his way along the West Coast, cycling from Oregon to Maine with his mom, befriending countless strangers, and much more. This one is an instant Backpacker Radio classic.
We wrap the show with a triple crown of non-traditional burger toppings, confirmation that boxers are in fact the dumbest dog breed, and some tips for hiking in the rain on the Appalachian Trail.
Enlightened Equipment: Use code “TREKPOD10” for 10% off Enlightened Equipment’s Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com.
Gossamer Gear: Use code “BACKPACKERRADIO” for 15% off at gossamergear.com. 
RTIC Outdoors: Shop at rticoutdoors.com.
[divider]
Interview with Lt. Cookoo Bird
Bruce's Instagram Time stamps & Questions
00:05:35 - QOTD: What is the appropriate amount of time to wait to ask to eat someone’s pickle?
00:08:20 - Reminders: Vote for BPR in the Sports Podcast Awards!
00:09:25 - Introducing Bruce
00:10:08 - Tell us your trail name origin story.
00:13:40 - Why did you start with the Long Trail?
00:15:45 - Would you say the Appalachian Trail was your most formative hike?
00:16:30 - Tell us about your vow of silence on the AT.
00:21:39 - What was Jabba like in 2013?
00:23:10 - Any other standout stories from the AT?
00:25:02 - Give us the background on hiker gangs.
00:28:15 - Discussion about Riff Raff
00:36:39 - What are the different groups like?
00:38:48 - What is the interaction like between groups?
00:40:40 - Tell us about the Adirondack 46ers.
00:45:00 - How did the Adirondacks compare to trails you’d done before?
00:46:02 - Was the Sierra High Route next?
00:47:00 - Getting to the Lost Coast Trail
01:01:50 - Tell us about the Lost Coast Trail
01:05:50 - Getting to the Sierra High Route
01:12:20 - Tell us about the Sierra High Route.
01:16:54 - What is camping like on the Sierra High Route?
01:18:15 - How much is on trail versus off?
01:19:44 - Tell us the story of almost getting kicked off a bus.
01:26:55 - Tell us about the bike tour with your mom.
01:30:45 - What did you learn about your mom while biking from coast to coast?
01:32:02 - How would you describe your relationship to your mom prior to the trip?
01:34:22 - Did your relationship change over the course of the trip?
01:38:17 - How did the bike trip compare to your thru-hikes?
01:41:24 - Anything else to share from the ride?
01:42:30 - Tell us about your adventures in 2017.
01:52:00 - Discussion about Mt. Washington
01:53:58 - Biking around Lake Superior
02:00:50 - Disassembling a barn in Iowa
02:02:00 - Trying MCT oil
02:04:30 - Discussion about Bruce’s love life
02:06:30 - Tell us about the first attempt of the Hayduke in 2019
02:14:30 - Story about burning his foot on the Hayduke
02:27:10 - Switching to hike with Jabba in Escalante 
02:29:40 - Interview pause: twin update
02:32:49 - Tell us about the Wind River High Route
02:43:00 - Story about bailing off the Wind River High Route
02:50:00 - Tell us about redeeming yourself with a class 5 climb in the Tetons
SEGMENTS
Trek Propaganda
12 Helpful Tips for Dealing With Rain While Hiking the Appalachian Trail by Kelly Floro Patent Pending
Triple Crown of non-traditional burger toppings
Mail Bag
5 Star Review
[divider]
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In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are yet again talking all things hiking the PCT in a high snow year. This episode was recorded in early March, now that we have a clearer picture of what the 2023 hiking season will look like, and it is historically snowy. Today's episode features a pair of interviews- first we are joined by Daniel Winsor, 2017 PCT NOBO thru-hiker and author of "Crunch: A Million Snowy Steps Along the Pacific Crest Trail". Daniel was one of the first people through the Sierra in 2017, another historically high snow year, and shares in detail what his experience looked like, including his preferred traction, how to safely navigate high water crossings, the importance of traveling with a group, the schedule necessary for making miles, his close calls, and more. We are then joined by Ned Tibbits, founder of Mountain Education, a non-profit, public charity wilderness school that has been teaching people how to safely backpack year-round since 1982. Ned gives us even more nitty gritty detail about his advice for navigating the Sierra in high snow, including the safest time to enter the Sierra, the proper traction equipment, managing water crossings, and more. A lot of Ned and Daniel's advice overlaps, some of it deviates.
Importantly- the advice issued in today's show is for informational purposes only. This is not intended to and should not be relied upon solely for how to navigate dangerous, backpacking conditions, which the PCT is sure to offer this year and beyond. Please seek the guidance of a skilled instructor for learning how to backpack through high snow and do not rely solely on any podcast, this one included.
We wrap the show with two very embarrassing stories for ole Badger.
Gossamer Gear: Use code “BACKPACKERRADIO” for 15% off at gossamergear.com. 
Organifi: Use code “BACKPACKER” for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker.
Enlightened Equipment: Use code “TREKPOD10” for 10% off Enlightened Equipment’s Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com.
RTIC Outdoors: Shop at rticoutdoors.com.
Treecard: Use code “BACKPACKER” for 1,000 free reward points at treecard.org.
[divider]
Interview with Daniel Winsor and Ned Tibbits
Daniel’s book: Crunch: A Million Snowy Steps Along the Pacific Crest Trail Daniel’s Instagram Ned’s Courses: Mountain Education Mountain Education Facebook Page Time stamps & Questions
00:05:54 - QOTD: Do you prefer dry food or wet food?
00:09:42 - Reminders: Take our listener survey! Support us on Patreon!
00:11:23 - Introducing the episode and Daniel
00:13:47 - Tell us your outdoors experience.
00:16:52 - What prep did you do before hiking the PCT in 2017?
00:20:19 - How much of your prep was self-taught versus watching tutorials?
00:23:50 - Tell us your start date and when you reached Kennedy Meadows.
00:26:00 - What was your mindset at the start of the Sierra?
00:29:49 - What were other people’s mindsets at the start of the Sierra?
00:36:10 - Did you encounter sketchy parts of trail prior to reaching the Sierra?
00:39:05 - Which conditions are better for crampons versus microspikes?
00:43:30 - What are your opinions on snowshoes or skis?
00:48:08 - What other gear changes did you make going from desert to snow?
00:55:00 - What were the snow conditions like given that you were so early in the season?
01:03:10 - Discussion about 2017 Sierra incidents
01:18:30 - Can you talk about your approach to water crossings?
01:23:06 - Was there a chain of command within your group?
01:27:38 - What other non-obvious advice do you have?
01:29:42 - Walk us through the schedule of your typical day in the Sierra. 
01:32:30 - What other elements were particularly difficult to deal with?
01:36:15 - What signs did you look for to indicate if you were walking over water?
01:39:23 - If someone was on the fence about the Sierra this year, what should their thought process be?
01:42:25 - Where

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Alex Brown, known on trail as GPS. In addition to thru-hiking the CDT- with a Nolans 14 bonus- and more recently, the Pfiffner Traverse, we go deep on gear talk with GPS, as he is a certified gear nerd with a passion and deep knowledge of material sciences. We talk about some of the drawbacks of Dyneema Composite Fabric, what gear fabrics he's most excited about, when ultralight goes too far, and more. We wrap the chat with a discussion around the Ethics of Geotagging on Social Media.
We close out the show with a new patent-pending, the triple crown of small things that are never not funny, and a new stupid thing of the week.
Enlightened Equipment: Use code “TREKPOD10” for 10% off Enlightened Equipment’s Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com.
Gossamer Gear: Use code “BACKPACKERRADIO” for 15% off at gossamergear.com.
RTIC Outdoors: Shop at rticoutdoors.com.
Treecard: Use code “BACKPACKER” for 1,000 free reward points at treecard.org.
[divider]
Interview with Alex “GPS” Brown
Alex's Instagram Alex's Trek Profile Time stamps & Questions
00:04:48 - QOTD: What’s something you can’t find at a store that’s been driving you crazy lately?
00:11:18 - Reminders: Vote for BPR in the Sports Podcast Awards! 
00:12:53 - Introducing GPS
00:13:27 - Tell us about architecture!
00:16:15 - Why did you want to become an architect?
00:17:26 - What got you into backpacking?
00:19:00 - What did you learn in the Boy Scouts?
00:20:38 - Where did the Long Trail come on your radar?
00:22:52 - What made you decide to hike the CDT as your first thru-hike?
00:24:18 - How did you prepare for the CDT?
00:25:19 - How did you decide to use a tarp tent?
00:27:30 - Is DCF overrated? Read Alex’s Trek article on the subject
00:30:12 - How does your interest in this overlap with your architecture skills?
00:32:19 - Is it bad to fold up your tent?
00:33:10 - What tents would you recommend for a modest budget?
00:34:37 - Do you think there will be a future material that surpasses what’s currently available?
00:38:55 - Are there any companies that are using the ultra fabric?
00:40:54 - How do you recommend people store their tents?
00:43:28 - Did you get a chance to test the Big Agnes DCF tent?
00:46:05 - Tell us about your CDT pack
00:51:23 - Tell us about your sleeping bag and pad
00:55:25 - Tell us about the Nolans 14 portion of the CDT
00:56:01 - Give us the Nolans 14 basics
00:57:55 - What was the inspiration for making the CDT more difficult?
00:59:04 - Discussion of the Wind River High Route
01:00:12 - Were you surprised by how smooth things had gone?
01:00:48 - How did you manage your weight and diet on the CDT?
01:03:30 - What did your town days look like?
01:05:30 - How would Chaunce eat 5,000 calories in a day?
01:07:57 - What were the highlights from New Mexico?
01:09:08 - What was your longest mile day on the CDT?
01:11:19 - Tell us about the Pfiffner Traverse
01:15:07 - Was it nerve-wracking to do your first solo trip with paper maps?
01:16:05 - Who would you recommend to the Pfiffner Traverse?
01:17:03 - What are you planning for 2023?
01:17:40 - What do you do on the weekends near Aspen?
01:19:25 - What’s your stance on geotagging? Read Alex’s Trek article on the subject
01:25:10 - Discussion about age and use of social media
01:29:09 - What do you love about the X-Mid?
01:30:50 - Have you thought about designing your own gear?
01:31:27 - What does your ideal kit look like?
01:35:26 - Tell us about shoes
01:39:58 - What are some examples of stupid light? Read Alex’s Trek article on the subject
01:42:38 - Why do you say you don’t need to overplan for a thru-hike?
01:45:41 - How did you get your trail name?
SEGMENTS
Trek Propaganda
The Top Sleeping Bags, Quilts, and Pads on the Appalachian Trail: 2022 Thru-Hiker Survey by Kate Richard Patent Pen

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are chatting all things Pacific Crest Trail, round two. We are joined by our pal and two-time PCT thru-hiker, Michael "Grizzly" Ivey to talk through our top advice for hiking the PCT, with a special emphasis on doing so during a high snow year, which 2023 is shaping up to be. We go through suggestions for traveling through a snowy Sierra, including estimating food carries, how to approach water crossings, grouping, self-arresting skills, and more. We also chat through some more general tips including how to budget zero days, evaluating what type of hiker you are, and how to mentally approach the hike overall during a year with a large potential for chaos. We wrap the panel by breaking down how our gear changed from one section to the next during our own PCT hikes.
If you like the PCT, we think you'll love this episode.
Gossamer Gear: Use code “BACKPACKERRADIO” for 15% off at gossamergear.com. 
Organifi: Use code “BACKPACKER” for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker.
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Enlightened Equipment: Use code “TREKPOD10” for 10% off Enlightened Equipment’s Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com.
[divider]
PCT Panel with Chaunce, Badger, and Grizzly
Grizzly's Instagram Time stamps & Questions
00:05:04 - QOTD: If you worked in fast food, would you prioritize the drive-thru orders or the in-store orders?
00:08:20 - Reminders: Vote for BPR in the Sports Podcast Awards! Replace sweet sweet Leah and become our video person!
00:12:53 - Introducing Grizzly
00:15:33 - Zach Tip #1: Be ready for everything that comes with a high snow year
00:18:10 - Daniel’s 2017 High Snow Year Trek post
00:21:10 - Zach Tip #1a: You can’t carry too much food
00:25:38 - Zach Tip #1b: Creek crossings in swift water above your mid-thigh are dangerous
00:30:26 - Discussion about snow bridges
00:33:01 - Zach Tip #1c: Avoid hiking solo, especially at water crossings
00:39:31 - Chaunce Tip #1: Know your own limitations
00:43:27 - Grizzly’s trail resume
00:47:10 - Grizzly Tip #1: Identify what kind of hiker you are and how that will affect your hike
00:50:51 - Zach Tip #2: Go into your hike with a flexible mindset
00:59:00 - Chaunce Tip #2: Learn how to self-arrest and practice it before getting on trail
01:05:25 - Grizzly Tip #2: No matter how dialed in your gear is, you’ll learn something new
01:14:03 - Chaunce Tip #3: Budget your zero days
01:23:37 - Zach Tip #3: Sun umbrellas are the shit
01:29:03 - Shoutout to Rachel!
01:29:20 - Grizzly’s PCT gear swaps
01:36:25 - Discussion about shoes
01:39:35 - Chaunce’s PCT gear swaps
01:40:50 - Zach’s PCT gear swaps
01:46:00 - Favorite spots in the desert
01:52:00 - Discussion about trail angels near the southern terminus
01:54:44 - Favorite spots in the Sierra/NorCal
01:59:20 - Favorite spots in Oregon
02:02:40 - Favorite spots in Washington
SEGMENTS
5 Star Review
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @paulyboyshallcross.
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.
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A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Austin Ford, Brad & Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Brent Stenberg, Christopher Marshburn, Dayne, DoGoodPantry, Greg McDaniel, Kristina Diaz, Matt Soukup, Mike Poisel, Morgan Luke, Patrick Cianciolo, Sawyer Products, and Tracy “Trigger” Fawns.
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Dcnerdlet, Jacob Northr

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Brian Tanzman, known on trail as Buck-30. Buck-30 has amassed more than 45,000 trail miles since getting into backpacking two decades ago. We go through his immense trail resume, including all the trails you've heard of and some you haven't such as the Bigfoot Trail, Israel National Trail, the Hot Springs Trail, Great Himalaya Trail, the Desert Trail, the Deseret Hiking Route, and more. Much like Buck-30 himself, this interview covers a lot of ground- if you love thru-hiking you will get some solid insight and entertainment from this conversation.
We wrap the show with the top sleeping bags and quilts used on the Appalachian Trail, the triple crown of features of a dream house, a new stupidest thing of the week, and more.
Gossamer Gear: Use code “BACKPACKERRADIO” for 15% off at gossamergear.com. 
Good To-Go: Use code “TREK25” for 25% off at goodto-go.com.
Treecard: Use code “BACKPACKER” for 1,000 free reward points at treecard.org.
Enlightened Equipment: Use code “TREKPOD10” for 10% off Enlightened Equipment’s Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com.
[divider]
Interview with Brian “Buck-30” Tanzman
Buck-30's Postholer Buck-30's Instagram Time stamps & Questions
00:04:24 - QOTD: What do you wish you knew more about?
00:07:28 - Reminders: Apply to blog for the Trek, check out our latest merch, and support us on Patreon!
00:09:00 - Introducing Buck-30
00:09:55 - How did you get into the outdoors?
00:12:05 - At what point did the appeal of long distance hiking sink in?
00:15:19 - Did 9/11 have anything to do with starting hiking?
00:16:58 - How do you make this lifestyle work with your career?
00:21:23 - What standout stories do you have from the Triple Crown trails?
00:24:30 - Why do you call yourself “old, grumpy, and opinionated”?
00:28:45 - Tell us about marrying and divorcing another Triple Crowner.
00:33:30 - Discussion about the Arizona Trail
00:35:17 - Discussion about the Australian trails
00:39:20 - Did you see any interesting wildlife in Australia?
00:43:20 - What does the terrain look like in Australia?
00:44:10 - Tell us about the San Diego Sea to Sea
00:46:23 - Did you hike both islands on the Te Araroa?
00:49:30 - Is there an exclusive group chat for people who’ve hiked all of the Scenic Trails?
00:50:32 - Backpacker Radio Missed Connection!
00:52:18 - Tell us about the Pacific Northwest Trail
00:55:22 - What did you hate about the Ice Age Trail?
01:01:13 - Tell us about your experience of the Hayduke
01:02:17 - At what point in your hiking career did you start using a GPS device?
01:05:50 - Tell us about the Bigfoot Trail
01:06:30 - Tell us about the Finger Lakes Trail
01:08:33 - Tell us about the Lowest to Highest Route
01:11:25 - Tell us about the Israel National Trail
01:14:42 - Tell us about hiking in Patagonia
01:17:35 - Tell us about the Hot Springs Trail
01:21:42 - Are the hot springs right along the trail or off-trail?
01:23:20 - How much nudity did you see on this trail?
01:24:40 - How much of the route is trail, road-walking, or route-finding?
01:25:45 - If someone wanted to do a 300-400 mile section, what would you recommend?
01:27:00 - Tell us about the Great Himalaya Trail
01:30:30 - Discussion about not treating water and getting sick in Nepal
01:33:45 - Tell us about the New England National Scenic Trail
01:35:26 - Ranking the National Scenic Trails 1-7
01:43:22 - Discussion about encountering angry dogs on trail
01:46:00 - Ranking the National Scenic Trails 8-11
01:50:29 - Tell us about the Mongollon Rim Trail
01:51:20 - Tell us about the Desert Trail
01:53:37 - Do you have any tips for people new to hiking in the desert?
01:56:02 - Tell us about the Oregon Coast Trail
01:59:45 - Tell us about the Desert Hiking Route
02:03:54 - Tell us about the Great Basin Trail
02:05:34 - Buck-30’s poop story
02:10:15 -

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Christine Reed.  Christine is a backpacker, climber, runner, and author.  Her book, Alone in Wonderland, is a memoir covering not only her thru-hike of the Wonderland Trail, but also the emotional and gripping story of her life and foray into backpacking.  Today's subject matter is vast, including but not limited to Christine's mom unexpectedly passing during her attempted AT thru-hike, polyamory, van life, logistics of thru-hiking the Wonderland Trail, and how Christine deals with POTS- a medical acronym that I refuse to butcher but it pertains to reduced blood volume and makes exercising much more challenging.  
We wrap the show with advice from AT ridge runners, a triple crown of old people's names, a fresh stupid thing of the week, and more!  
Gossamer Gear: Use code “BACKPACKERRADIO” for 15% off at gossamergear.com. 
Organifi: Use code “BACKPACKER” for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker.
Enlightened Equipment: Use code “TREKPOD10” for 10% off Enlightened Equipment’s Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com.
Treecard: Use code “BACKPACKER” for 1,000 free reward points at treecard.org.
[divider]
Interview with Christine Reed
Christine's Instagram Alone in Wonderland Website Time stamps & Questions
00:05:05 - QOTD: How’s dry January going?
00:12:24 - Reminders: Check out our Stay Feral shirts!
00:16:07 - Introducing Christine
00:17:55 - How and when did you get interested in the AT?
00:19:42 - What was your preparation strategy?
00:20:44 - What were the circumstances in your life at that time?
00:22:10 - How did you handle your parents not being supportive of your hike?
00:26:11 - What did the right gear look like in 2013-2015?
00:28:18 - Did your parents eventually warm up to the idea?
00:30:52 - What was it like to get back on trail after that?
00:33:00 - Tell us about the end of your hike and how you felt about it.
00:37:23 - What did your life look like after the AT?
00:39:33 - Have you ever considered going back to hike more of the AT?
00:41:05 - What was the inspiration to hike the Wonderland Trail?
00:43:45 - How many caches do you need for the Wonderland Trail?
00:44:34 - Tell us about the themes of isolation and loneliness in your book.
00:47:28 - Tell us about polyamory.
00:56:30 - How did polyamory interact with your hiking experiences?
00:59:25 - Were you always good at setting boundaries?
01:00:12 - Is there a difference between perceptions of men and women in polyamory?
01:01:52 - Tell us about the process of getting a walk up permit for the Wonderland Trail.
01:04:23 - Discussion about the Wonderland Trail campsites
01:06:10 - What led you to make this hike the subject of a book?
01:10:00 - Tell us about getting your spine fused.
01:13:21 - Is the PT all you needed to hike without issue?
01:14:34 - What is POTS and how does it affect your hiking?
01:18:36 - Does POTS put you at higher risk for a cardiac event?
01:21:57 - Are there any medications for POTS?
01:26:00 - How did the Ouachita FKT attempt go?
01:31:26 - Can you compare and contrast the physical experience of doing a FKT or a 50K?
01:33:13 - What are some of your favorite hiking foods?
01:35:23 - What should someone know about vanlife who’s considering it?
01:37:40 - What challenges often catch people off guard?
01:42:08 - Do you have any other vanlife hacks?
01:44:03 - Do you have any simple products you recommend for vanlifers?
01:46:06 - What’s on the horizon for you?
SEGMENTS
Backcountry Meal Critics: Bushka’s Kitchen
Stupid Thing of the Week
Trek Propaganda
4 Ridgerunners Share Their Top Advice for AT Thru-Hikers by Ann Marie White Triple Crown of old person names
Mail Bag
5 Star Review
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @paulyboyshallcross.
Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and