Impossible Odds

Sammy Potter
  • 5.0 (111)
  • PLACES & TRAVEL
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Impossible Odds

To thru-hike just one of America’s long trails is to accomplish a lifelong dream for many hikers. To tackle all three—the AT, PCT, and CDT—is to enter an exclusive club of Triple Crowners and gain hiking superstar status. And to hike all three in a year? That’s nothing short of legendary. In 2021, college students Sammy Potter and Jackson Parell are hitting the trail—er, trails—in an attempt at becoming the newest and the youngest members of that elite group. Join Sammy and Jackson as they cover nearly 8,000 miles against a ticking clock. Will they make hiking history before the year is up? Tune in to find out.

Episodes

  1. 12/22/2021

    One Last Hurrah

    With only a few hundred miles left, Sammy and Jackson continue to face unexpected challenges: a surprise roadwalk, and existential questions about what's next.

    22 min

  2. 12/15/2021

    On the Edge

    Sammy grapples with his decision to take an alternate route on the CDT, and learns some difficult family news that makes finishing more important than ever

    32 min

  3. 12/08/2021

    Physical Breakdown

    Heading into the heart of summer, Sammy and Jackson aim to polish off the CDT. An unexplained sickness almost throws a wrench in their plans.

    32 min

  4. 12/01/2021

    Going it Alone

    Sammy and Jackson decide to split up and embark on 200 miles of solo hiking. Then, Sammy finds himself in the most dangerous situation of the Triple Crown yet.

    28 min

  5. 11/24/2021

    Chill Hiking Never Lasts Long

    Springtime sees Sammy and Jackson back on the east coast as they aim to tick off the rest of the Appalachian Trail. But New Hampshire and Maine dish up plenty of hurdles on their path to Mt. Katahdin.

    26 min

  6. 11/17/2021

    Desert Tribulations

    Sammy & Jackson transfer trails to stay on pace, but desert hiking doesn't mean smooth sailing for the pair. Then, on the first leg of the Pacific Crest Trail, they must learn to balance their safety with their speed.

    28 min

  7. 11/10/2021

    Hiking Straight Towards Winter

    Sammy & Jackson set out on their first of the three major long trails, the Appalachian Trail. But there's a reason most thru-hikers start their journey in spring, and the incessant snow forces them to question their plans.

    23 min

  8. 11/03/2021

    The Calendar Year Triple Crown

    In the midst of a global pandemic Sammy Potter and Jackson Parrell resolve to become the youngest duo to complete the calendar year triple crown of hiking. But before they even get out on the trail they must contend with the feat of planning everything from permits, gear, meals, and training.

    23 min

  9. SEASON 1 TRAILER

    Impossible Odds Episode 1 Teaser

    First listen to Backpacker's new podcast: Impossible Odds, brought to you by Merrell.

    1 min

Trailer

5
out of 5
111 Ratings

About

To thru-hike just one of America’s long trails is to accomplish a lifelong dream for many hikers. To tackle all three—the AT, PCT, and CDT—is to enter an exclusive club of Triple Crowners and gain hiking superstar status. And to hike all three in a year? That’s nothing short of legendary. In 2021, college students Sammy Potter and Jackson Parell are hitting the trail—er, trails—in an attempt at becoming the newest and the youngest members of that elite group. Join Sammy and Jackson as they cover nearly 8,000 miles against a ticking clock. Will they make hiking history before the year is up? Tune in to find out.

Information

  • Creator
    Sammy Potter
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Backpacker 2021
  • Show Website
    Impossible Odds

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada