Backpacking & Blisters: A Hiking, Backpacking, and Adventure Show

Carl Mandrioli, Bleav
  • 4.6 (352)
  • Sports
  • Updated Weekly

Backpacking and hiking tips and tales...with a sense of humor. This is your one-stop show for backpacking, hiking and adventure entertainment. From backpacking gear to the trail situations you will encounter to popular guests, this podcast will deliver. Derek and Carl will hit on all of the backpacking and hiking topics you want with decades of good (and horrendous) experience.

  1. 10 LIES the "Backpacking Experts" Told You

    3d ago

    10 LIES the "Backpacking Experts" Told You

    Who are these “backpacking experts” that are telling us lies? And have what lies have we believed that should be cleared up? Jesse and Carl discuss 10 lies from a variety of sources that we should all stop believing. From backpacking gear to reviews to secret agendas to items you “have to” bring. Some of Topics Discussed -Ultralight Sleeping Pads -Sleeping Bag Nonsense -Gear Reviews You Can’t Trust If you’re interested in joining us for the monthly B&B Bible Study, please reach out to Carl: backpackingblisters@gmail.com The ‘SUMMIT ANSWER’ comes from our latest partner, Summit Something! Get your sustainable, keepsake summit flags here! Check out Magnet Designs for the best, US-made backpacking clothing on the market! Enlightened Equipment: Check out the best Ultralight Quilts on the market! GET BONUS SEGMENTS & EPISODES ON PATREON: There are over 50 BONUS episodes of B&B that you can get by supporting us on Patreon. It's safe and secure and it helps us put out more content. To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on… Facebook Instagram: @BackpackingAndBlistersPodcast Email: backpackingblisters@gmail.com Please check out our website: backpackingandblisters.com Our Favorite Gear Quilt: Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt Sleeping Bag: Thermarest Parscec 20 Ultralight Backpack: Zpacks Arc Haul Full Comfort Backpack: Gregory Baltoro Free-Standing Tent: MSR Hubba Hubba HD Ultralight Tent: Nemo Hornet  Sleeping Pad: Nemo Tensor Sleeping Pad Full Comfort Pad: Therm-a-Rest Neo Loft Stove: MSR Pocket Rocket 2 Water Filter: Katadyn BeFree Multi-Use Layer: Magnet Designs Bend Alpha 90 Hoodie Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot PLB: Garmin inReach Mini 3 Plus Watch: Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Watch Down Jacket: Zulu Jacket   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    48 min
  2. Thru-Hikers vs. REAL BACKPACKERS with Vince Strawbridge (Bonus Thursday)

    May 28

    Thru-Hikers vs. REAL BACKPACKERS with Vince Strawbridge (Bonus Thursday)

    Vince Strawbridge joins the show to debate this very issue. Carl and Vince make strong accusations at one another in this semi-heated debate. Check out Vince Strawbridge's Book "Pretty Good at Walking". If you’re interested in joining us for the monthly B&B Bible Study, please reach out to Carl: backpackingblisters@gmail.com The ‘SUMMIT ANSWER’ comes from our latest partner, Summit Something! Get your sustainable, keepsake summit flags here! Check out Magnet Designs for the best, US-made backpacking clothing on the market! Enlightened Equipment: Check out the best Ultralight Quilts on the market! GET BONUS SEGMENTS & EPISODES ON PATREON: There are over 50 BONUS episodes of B&B that you can get by supporting us on Patreon. It's safe and secure and it helps us put out more content. To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on… Facebook Instagram: @BackpackingAndBlistersPodcast Email: backpackingblisters@gmail.com Please check out our website: backpackingandblisters.com Our Favorite Gear Quilt: Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt Sleeping Bag: Thermarest Parscec 20 Ultralight Backpack: Zpacks Arc Haul Full Comfort Backpack: Gregory Baltoro Free-Standing Tent: MSR Hubba Hubba HD Ultralight Tent: Nemo Hornet  Sleeping Pad: Nemo Tensor Sleeping Pad Full Comfort Pad: Therm-a-Rest Neo Loft Stove: MSR Pocket Rocket 2 Water Filter: Katadyn BeFree Multi-Use Layer: Magnet Designs Bend Alpha 90 Hoodie Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot PLB: Garmin inReach Mini 3 Plus Watch: Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Watch Down Jacket: Zulu Jacket   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    39 min
  3. We Tested the NEWEST, Most POPULAR Packs. Which One is BEST?

    May 25

    We Tested the NEWEST, Most POPULAR Packs. Which One is BEST?

    We’ve got the latest, greatest, most popular packs and we’ll tell you which ones are worth investing in, who they’re best for and our personal experiences with them. Michael from the ‘Open Air Problems’ joins the show to provide his thru-hiking, gear testing expertise. From Durston to Zpacks to Gossamer Gear to Gregory (and more) – which one is best for you? Some of Backpacks Discussed -Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 -Gregory Baltoro -Mountain Hardwear Alakazam -Gossamer Gear Murmur 36 --Durston Wapta 30 Check out Michael’s Awesome YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Isuckathiking If you’re interested in joining us for the monthly B&B Bible Study, please reach out to Carl: backpackingblisters@gmail.com The ‘SUMMIT ANSWER’ comes from our latest partner, Summit Something! Get your sustainable, keepsake summit flags here! Check out Magnet Designs for the best, US-made backpacking clothing on the market! Enlightened Equipment: Check out the best Ultralight Quilts on the market! GET BONUS SEGMENTS & EPISODES ON PATREON: There are over 50 BONUS episodes of B&B that you can get by supporting us on Patreon. It's safe and secure and it helps us put out more content. To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on… Facebook Instagram: @BackpackingAndBlistersPodcast Email: backpackingblisters@gmail.com Please check out our website: backpackingandblisters.com Our Favorite Gear Quilt: Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt Sleeping Bag: Thermarest Parscec 20 Ultralight Backpack: Zpacks Arc Haul Full Comfort Backpack: Gregory Baltoro Free-Standing Tent: MSR Hubba Hubba HD Ultralight Tent: Nemo Hornet  Sleeping Pad: Nemo Tensor Sleeping Pad Full Comfort Pad: Therm-a-Rest Neo Loft Stove: MSR Pocket Rocket 2 Water Filter: Katadyn BeFree Multi-Use Layer: Magnet Designs Bend Alpha 90 Hoodie Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot PLB: Garmin inReach Mini 3 Plus Watch: Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Watch Down Jacket: Zulu Jacket   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    44 min
  4. ERIC HANSON: REI's Best Selling Gear - What Passes? What Fails?

    May 18

    ERIC HANSON: REI's Best Selling Gear - What Passes? What Fails?

    TV host, YouTuber Eric Hanson joins the show to discuss REI’s best-selling gear. Which items will he bring on future trips that will earn a ‘pass’ and which does he ‘fail’? And Carl, of course, will weigh in with his own opinions. Eric also shares some very compelling stories from a wide variety of adventures – including his brush with the law. Some of the Topics Discussed -REI’s Best-Selling Backpacking Gear -Ultralight Backpacking Gear Alternatives -Showdown in court with the National Park System Check out Eric Hanson’s Awesome YouTube Channel! If you’re interested in joining us for the monthly B&B Bible Study, please reach out to Carl: backpackingblisters@gmail.com The ‘SUMMIT ANSWER’ comes from our latest partner, Summit Something! Get your sustainable, keepsake summit flags here! Check out Magnet Designs for the best, US-made backpacking clothing on the market!   Enlightened Equipment: Check out the best Ultralight Quilts on the market! GET BONUS SEGMENTS & EPISODES ON PATREON: There are over 50 BONUS episodes of B&B that you can get by supporting us on Patreon. It's safe and secure and it helps us put out more content. To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on… Facebook Instagram: @BackpackingAndBlistersPodcast Email: backpackingblisters@gmail.com Please check out our website: backpackingandblisters.com Our Favorite Gear Quilt: Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt Sleeping Bag: Outdoor Vitals Summit Down Sleeping Bag Ultralight Backpack: Zpacks Arc Haul Full Comfort Backpack: Gregory Baltoro Free-Standing Tent: MSR Hubba Hubba HD Ultralight Tent: Nemo Hornet  Sleeping Pad: Nemo Tensor Sleeping Pad Full Comfort Pad: Therm-a-Rest Neo Loft Stove: MSR Pocket Rocket 2 Water Filter: Katadyn BeFree Multi-Use Layer: Magnet Designs Bend Alpha 90 Hoodie Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot PLB: Garmin inReach Mini 3 Plus Watch: Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Watch Down Jacket: Zulu Jacket   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    46 min
  5. 10 Ways to Go Super Duper Extra Ultralight Backpacking w/ Brad 'Crow' Felton

    May 11

    10 Ways to Go Super Duper Extra Ultralight Backpacking w/ Brad 'Crow' Felton

    If you’ve heard all of the ultralight backpacking tips out there, then this episode is for you! We’ve got 10 super duper extra ultralight hacks that will shave pounds off of your pack. Brad ‘Crow’ Felton joins me in discussing ideas you’ve simply never heard of. Some of the Topics Discussed -Ultralight Backpacking Gear -Ultralight Backpacking Strategies -Weird Ideas Follow Crow on his awesome YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING If you’re interested in joining us for the monthly B&B Bible Study, please reach out to Carl: backpackingblisters@gmail.com The ‘SUMMIT ANSWER’ comes from our latest partner, Summit Something! Get your sustainable, keepsake summit flags here! Check out Magnet Designs for the best, US-made backpacking clothing on the market! Enlightened Equipment: Check out the best Ultralight Quilts on the market! GET BONUS SEGMENTS & EPISODES ON PATREON: There are over 50 BONUS episodes of B&B that you can get by supporting us on Patreon. It's safe and secure and it helps us put out more content. To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on… Facebook Instagram: @BackpackingAndBlistersPodcast Email: backpackingblisters@gmail.com Please check out our website: backpackingandblisters.com Our Favorite Gear Quilt: Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt Sleeping Bag: Outdoor Vitals Summit Down Sleeping Bag Ultralight Backpack: Zpacks Arc Haul Full Comfort Backpack: Gregory Baltoro Free-Standing Tent: MSR Hubba Hubba HD Ultralight Tent: Nemo Hornet  Sleeping Pad: Nemo Tensor Sleeping Pad Full Comfort Pad: Therm-a-Rest Neo Loft Stove: MSR Pocket Rocket 2 Water Filter: Katadyn BeFree Multi-Use Layer: Magnet Designs Bend Alpha 90 Hoodie Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot PLB: Garmin inReach Mini 3 Plus Watch: Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Watch Down Jacket: Zulu Jacket   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    36 min
  6. How Much Weight Can You Shave with $150? with JUSTIN OUTDOORS (Throwback Thursday)

    May 7

    How Much Weight Can You Shave with $150? with JUSTIN OUTDOORS (Throwback Thursday)

    Justin Outdoors joins the show to discuss how to upgrade a gear setup and shave weight with $150. Just how much weight can you reduce with $150 these days? Let’s find out from the best gear expert going. Some of the topics discussed in this week’s episode: -Reducing pack weight -Budget Backpacking Gear -The best backpacks, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, tents & more -Using Pack Wizard to shop for the perfect piece of gear If you’re interested in joining us for the monthly B&B Bible Study, please reach out to Carl: backpackingblisters@gmail.com The ‘SUMMIT ANSWER’ comes from our latest partner, Summit Something! Get your sustainable, keepsake summit flags here! Check out Magnet Designs for the best, US-made backpacking clothing on the market! Enlightened Equipment: Check out the best Ultralight Quilts on the market! GET BONUS SEGMENTS & EPISODES ON PATREON: There are over 50 BONUS episodes of B&B that you can get by supporting us on Patreon. It's safe and secure and it helps us put out more content. To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on… Facebook Instagram: @BackpackingAndBlistersPodcast Email: backpackingblisters@gmail.com Please check out our website: backpackingandblisters.com Our Favorite Gear Quilt: Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt Sleeping Bag: Outdoor Vitals Summit Down Sleeping Bag Ultralight Backpack: Zpacks Arc Haul Full Comfort Backpack: Gregory Baltoro Free-Standing Tent: MSR Hubba Hubba HD Ultralight Tent: Nemo Hornet  Sleeping Pad: Nemo Tensor Sleeping Pad Full Comfort Pad: Therm-a-Rest Neo Loft Stove: MSR Pocket Rocket 2 Water Filter: Katadyn BeFree Multi-Use Layer: Magnet Designs Bend Alpha 90 Hoodie Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot PLB: Garmin inReach Mini 3 Plus Watch: Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Watch Down Jacket: Zulu Jacket   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    58 min
  7. Get Out of Camp in 30 MINUTES! Here's How!

    May 4

    Get Out of Camp in 30 MINUTES! Here's How!

    How do you go from waking up to on the trail in 30 minutes? Carl will tell you how. Why could this be a bad idea? Jesse will tell you that too. Who’s morning routine is better? And Carl and Jesse also debate whether Outdoor Vitals is a premium brand (like it says) or not. Some of the Topics Discussed -Efficient Backpacking Strategies and Skills -Backpacking Gear that has straight up broken -Outdoor Vitals Gear: Premium or Mid Level If you’re interested in joining us for the monthly B&B Bible Study, please reach out to Carl: backpackingblisters@gmail.com The ‘SUMMIT ANSWER’ comes from our latest partner, Summit Something! Get your sustainable, keepsake summit flags here! Check out Magnet Designs for the best, US-made backpacking clothing on the market! Enlightened Equipment: Check out the best Ultralight Quilts on the market! GET BONUS SEGMENTS & EPISODES ON PATREON: There are over 50 BONUS episodes of B&B that you can get by supporting us on Patreon. It's safe and secure and it helps us put out more content. To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on… Facebook Instagram: @BackpackingAndBlistersPodcast Email: backpackingblisters@gmail.com Please check out our website: backpackingandblisters.com Our Favorite Gear Quilt: Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt Sleeping Bag: Outdoor Vitals Summit Down Sleeping Bag Ultralight Backpack: Zpacks Arc Haul Full Comfort Backpack: Gregory Baltoro Free-Standing Tent: MSR Hubba Hubba HD Ultralight Tent: Nemo Hornet  Sleeping Pad: Nemo Tensor Sleeping Pad Full Comfort Pad: Therm-a-Rest Neo Loft Stove: MSR Pocket Rocket 2 Water Filter: Katadyn BeFree Multi-Use Layer: Magnet Designs Bend Alpha 90 Hoodie Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot PLB: Garmin inReach Mini 3 Plus Watch: Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Watch Down Jacket: Zulu Jacket   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    43 min
  8. 2026 *NEW* Backpacking Gear You Should Check Out! with DEVIN ASHBY

    Apr 27

    2026 *NEW* Backpacking Gear You Should Check Out! with DEVIN ASHBY

    Devin, from Backcountry Exposure, joins the show to discuss 10 new pieces of 2026 backpacking gear including: sleeping bags, a sleeping pad, a backpack, tents, a stove, etc. Which ones are worth the investment? Which ones might end up on the clearance rack? Some of the Gear Discussed -Bear Vault BV One -Nemo Eclipse -MSR Hubba Hubba HD Tent -Mountain Hardwear Ghoul 20 Sleeping Bag -Outdoor Vitals Zulu Jacket -Jetboil Java 1.8L -Baffin Bruce Mid Boots Check out Devin’s lineup of gear: https://www.garagegrowngear.com/products/ditty-bag-by-backcountry-exposure?_pos=1&_sid=e3e8612b3&_ss=r Check out Backcountry Exposure, Devin’s awesome YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BackcountryExposure If you’re interested in joining us for the monthly B&B Bible Study, please reach out to Carl: backpackingblisters@gmail.com The ‘SUMMIT ANSWER’ comes from our latest partner, Summit Something! Get your sustainable, keepsake summit flags here! Check out Magnet Designs for the best, US-made backpacking clothing on the market! Enlightened Equipment: Check out the best Ultralight Quilts on the market! GET BONUS SEGMENTS & EPISODES ON PATREON: There are over 50 BONUS episodes of B&B that you can get by supporting us on Patreon. It's safe and secure and it helps us put out more content. To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on… Facebook Instagram: @BackpackingAndBlistersPodcast Email: backpackingblisters@gmail.com Please check out our website: backpackingandblisters.com Our Favorite Gear Quilt: Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt Sleeping Bag: Outdoor Vitals Summit Down Sleeping Bag Ultralight Backpack: Zpacks Arc Haul Full Comfort Backpack: Gregory Baltoro Free-Standing Tent: MSR Hubba Hubba HD Ultralight Tent: Nemo Hornet  Sleeping Pad: Nemo Tensor Sleeping Pad Full Comfort Pad: Therm-a-Rest Neo Loft Stove: MSR Pocket Rocket 2 Water Filter: Katadyn BeFree Multi-Use Layer: Magnet Designs Bend Alpha 90 Hoodie Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot PLB: Garmin inReach Mini 3 Plus Watch: Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Watch Down Jacket: Zulu Jacket   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    41 min
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4.6
out of 5
352 Ratings

About

Backpacking and hiking tips and tales...with a sense of humor. This is your one-stop show for backpacking, hiking and adventure entertainment. From backpacking gear to the trail situations you will encounter to popular guests, this podcast will deliver. Derek and Carl will hit on all of the backpacking and hiking topics you want with decades of good (and horrendous) experience.

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