The Backpacking Podcast presented by Outdoor Vitals

John Kelley, Jeremiah Stringer
  • 4.5 (233)
  • Wilderness
  • Updated Weekly

Be prepared to listen to great stories, hear from incredible guests, and laugh until your stomach hurts. Jeremiah Stringer and John Kelley share from experiences and knowledge from the trail while bringing the fun back to backpacking podcasts. The main goal here is to make you smile, and you'll quickly realize that Wednesdays are the best day of the week.

  1. 4h ago

    333 A Naked Man, a Missing Nun & The Park Ranger Who SAW IT ALL w/Kristy Slaven

    Outdoor Vitals Tern Merino Wool Hoodie & Tee: https://alnk.to/bEmXZ6e In this episode, we sit down with retired park ranger Kristy Slaven to hear some of the strangest, funniest, and most unbelievable experiences from her time working in and around the great outdoors. From bizarre encounters with people in the wilderness to mysterious situations and stories that sound almost too strange to be true, Kristy shares what life was really like as a park ranger. If you've ever wondered what park rangers actually deal with, what can happen in the woods, or what kinds of strange people and situations they encounter, you're going to enjoy this conversation. In this episode: 🏞️ What life is really like as a park ranger 🌲 Strange encounters in the wilderness 😳 The story of the naked man ❓ The mystery surrounding a missing nun 🚨 Unusual situations park rangers have to handle 🥾 Life, work, and adventure in the outdoors 😂 Funny, bizarre, and unforgettable stories from the field What is the strangest thing you've ever experienced in a park or out in the wilderness? Let us know in the comments! 00:00 - A Naked Man & a Missing Nun 01:35 - Meet Retired Park Ranger Kristi Slaven 05:10 - What Does a Park Ranger Actually Do? 10:02 - Life Working in the Parks 15:18 - The People You Meet in the Wilderness 20:36 - The Naked Man Story 27:42 - Strange Things Park Rangers Deal With 33:48 - The Missing Nun Mystery 41:10 - Unforgettable Stories From the Job 47:35 - What It's Really Like Working Outdoors 53:20 - The Funniest & Craziest Moments 58:05 - Final Thoughts 👍 If you enjoyed this conversation, hit LIKE 💬 Share your craziest outdoor story in the comments 🔔 SUBSCRIBE for more conversations, stories, and fascinating guests! #ParkRanger #ParkRangerStories #MissingPerson #WildernessStories #OutdoorStories

  2. Aug 14

    332 I Thought Bigfoot Was a Joke… Until This - w/ MK Ultra (Michael Kirkpatrick)

    What if the thing you thought was just a legend actually changed the way you look at the wilderness?In this episode, we dive deep into Bigfoot, strange encounters, backpacking, camping, the wilderness, and the unsettling stories that make you question what might really be out there. What starts as a conversation about Bigfoot quickly becomes a fascinating look at the experiences, evidence, and questions surrounding one of the most famous mysteries in the world.Joining the conversation is Michael Kirkpatrick (MK Ultra) as we talk about Bigfoot sightings, unexplained encounters, what people have experienced in the woods, and why the subject continues to fascinate—and frighten—so many people.Whether you're a Bigfoot believer, skeptic, backpacker, hunter, outdoorsman, paranormal enthusiast, or simply curious about unexplained phenomena, there's plenty here to make you think.⚠️ After this conversation, you might never look at a dark trail or campsite the same way again.Michael's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4UBmF8IUlXjKXBvIL10Sgg

  3. Aug 7

    331 Backpack or Send It Back

    Tushar Rain Jacket from Outdoor Vitals: https://alnk.to/3U5xxk6 John Kelley and Jeremiah Stringer go live for a wide-ranging backpacking hangout packed with trail talk, gear opinions, and chat-driven detours. They compare trusted weather sources, weigh the changing role of satellite messaging, and put new gear through a round of “Backpack or Send It Back”—including Yeti’s active packs, a high-powered Petzl headlamp, and HydroPak’s updated filter cap.The conversation also covers Garmin subscription changes, favorite trail meals, fast-food fries and chicken sandwiches, plus a preview of what’s ahead for the Backpacking Podcast’s upcoming season refresh.

  4. Jul 31

    330 Even This Won't Stop a Bear

    In this episode, Jeremiah Stringer and JK discuss bear activity updates along the Appalachian Trail, creative and humorous bear deterrent ideas, and share personal stories about neighbors, HOA regulations, and hiking injuries. They also send heartfelt prayers to Danny Warnock after his son's passing.

  5. Jul 24

    329 We Slept In 1 Sleeping Bag Together For 150 Nights w/ Justin C. (Let's Hit The Trail - YouTube)

    Let's Hit The Trail YT https://www.youtube.com/@JustinAndAnna key topics Trail partnership secrets: communication and honesty Wildlife encounters: bears, sheep, and more Trail mishaps: poops, gear, and surprises Long-distance hiking: PCT, Wonderland Trail, Santa Fe to Taos Trail gear and camping setups for comfort and safety Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Justin and his trail adventures 01:58 Justin's recent hikes: Santa Fe to Taos and PCT 03:56 Secrets to successful trail partnerships 05:58 The story of losing each other on the trail 07:53 Wildlife encounters: bears, sheep, and deer 12:14 Trail mishaps: poop stories and gear mishaps 16:02 Sharing gear and sleeping setups 20:03 Trail conditions and best times to hike 24:11 Dealing with cold, drafts, and gear choices 28:04 Trail food, water treatment, and safety tips 32:07 Reflections on solo vs. partner hiking 35:54 The beauty of wilderness and wildlife experiences 39:56 Humorous trail stories and lessons learned 43:54 Justin’s online presence and future plans

  6. Jul 17

    328 Ultimate Vibe Killers Of The Outdoors

    Barking dogs, fire bans, and snoring campers.....oh my! JK and Jeremiah discuss the things that can derail the vibe of any backpacking trip .

  7. Jul 10

    327 They Hiked For Children With Cancer

    They just hiked 10 miles in 10 days in 10 states!!! And we get the lowdown on all of it. Welcome Rugged Mountain Dad, Sister and Mister to the show, otherwise known as DMS Adventures.Be sure to give to St. Jude on behalf of DMS Adventures: https://tiltify.com/@dmsadventures2020/backpacking-10-10-10-challenge?origin=dashboard

  8. Jul 3

    326 When Nature Calls... But You're Too Late w/ Marion Outdoors

    Coach's Website: https://www.marionoutdoors.com/ Coach's Social Media: @MarionOutdoors Join us as we chat with Coach Livingston from Marion Outdoors about his journey from theater to outdoor outfitter, the importance of community in hiking, and practical tips like using a backpacking bidet. Discover how passion, family, and a love for the outdoors come together in this inspiring episode.

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4.5
out of 5
233 Ratings

About

Be prepared to listen to great stories, hear from incredible guests, and laugh until your stomach hurts. Jeremiah Stringer and John Kelley share from experiences and knowledge from the trail while bringing the fun back to backpacking podcasts. The main goal here is to make you smile, and you'll quickly realize that Wednesdays are the best day of the week.

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