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. 5 DAYS AGO

    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 a*****e 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

  2. DEC 9

    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:  F**k 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

  3. DEC 2

    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

  4. NOV 25

    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

  5. NOV 18

    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

  6. NOV 11

    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 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.

    1h 27m

  7. NOV 4

    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 - F**k Marry Kill: thru-hiking, FKTs, ultraracing 01:39:31 - F**k 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 on Appalachian Trail by Kelly Floro QOTD:  What is the most unrealistic thing you thought you could be when you were a kid? Stupid Thing of the Week Triple Crown of guilty pleasure songs 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 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 10m

  8. OCT 28

    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 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 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 49m
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Hosts & Guests

4.6
out of 5
1,607 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 - 2024
  • Episodes
    304
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © The Trek
  • Show Website
    Backpacker Radio

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