Backpacker Radio

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by someone you are likely already following on Instagram, Matt Lyons known on trail as "Schmutz". Schmutz is a thru-hiker, social media comedian and celebrity. He gives us an overview on his process for making short comedic skits, how life has changed during his rise to fame, and all that's gone into growing his Instagram and TikTok to nearly a half million followers. We also learn about Matt's backpacking journey, including the time he had to tearfully chase a fellow thru-hiker who was carrying his tent in the wrong direction. Schmutz also gives us a preview of his forthcoming documentary about southbound thru-hiking the PCT. We wrap the show opining on why there aren't wild chickens, the triple crown of things that have made us question our own IQs, and some details about how you can get your hands on Backpacker Radio's infamous hair wall. Sawyer Products: Check out Sawyer’s Permethrin Pump at REI. Gossamer Gear: Use code “TAKELESST

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by the very highly requested Kyle O'Grady, known in the world of YouTube as Kyle Hates Hiking. Kyle is an experienced backpacker, having hiked the Long Trail, Appalachian Trail, Northville Placid Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Ouachita Trail, amongst many others. In addition to learning about his many trail tales, we dive deep into his passion for video creation especially on the subjects of true crime and trail mysteries. From humble beginnings as a Writer for AppalachianTrials.com to having more than 300,000 subscribers on YouTube, this is an entertaining detailing of Kyle's rise in the world of backpacking media. We wrap the show with some details about the impending sale of Backpacker Radio's famous hair wall, what we would do with an elephant, and the triple crown of social media hiking stereotypes. Ka’Chava: Get 10% off at kachava.com/backpacker. Appalachian Gear Company: Use code “BPRADIO20” for 20% off at appalachiangearcomp

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Nicole “ShotGun” Kulovitz. Nicole only recently began long distance backpacking, but in just the last few years, has thru-hiked the CDT, Arizona Trail, Florida Trail, Hayduke, Pacific Northwest Trail, Oregon Desert Trail, Grand Enchantment Trail, Long Trail, Timberline Trail, Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail, and the Low to High Trail. In other words, she somehow has packed a lifetime of miles into a four year span. We learn all about her instant infatuation with backpacking, learning lessons from a failed thru-hike attempt, how she financially is able to make long distance backpacking a lifestyle, her experiences as a wildland firefighter, some epic stories of degeneracy, and more. This is a fun chat, good news for the sort of person who’s into fun. We wrap the show with some standout winter thru-hikes for those who hate snow, our go-to Taco Bell orders, a triple crown of undesirable camp chores, and a fun pee story courtesy o

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Lauren Roerick. Lauren has hiked both the Colorado Trail and Sunshine Coast Trail along with a solid chunk of the PCT, but the focus of today’s episode is her recent thru-hike of the nearly 1,900-mile HexaTrek across France. Lauren gives us an in-depth run down of her trek and the trail at large, including the HexaTrek’s specific geography, the resupply and vibe of the country's quaint villages, the unique, French cultural quirks (including happening upon a nudist camp), the campsites, hitchhiking in France, the food and wine, camping next to castles and on ridgelines in the Alps, and much more. In a nutshell, this trail which you’ve likely never heard of is about to rocket up your bucket list. You’ve been warned. We wrap the show with our predictions and hopes for 2024, the triple crown of things we hoard, and how an iconic point of the AT's viewshed was saved by a former guest of the podcast. Appalachian Gear Company: Use code “B

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Liz Thomas, known on trail as “Snorkel.” Liz has backpacked more than 20,000 miles, including an FKT on the AT, many trails internationally, and is likely the most experienced “urban hiker” on earth. We learn Snorkel’s top advice on how to pull big miles, her current gear favorites, what she considers to be the hardest hike in the US, how she advises to backpack often while keeping a desk job, and more. We also dive deep on Snorkel’s many urban hikes, which essentially amount to long-distance treks through some of the biggest cities in the US, including how she chooses her routes, which hikes have been her favorites, elements to avoid, and more. We wrap the show Badger drinking Chaunce’s toe juice, and yes that’s likely as gross as it sounds, how to stay safe in a lightning storm while in the backcountry, the Christmas gift we were most excited to receive or gift this year, the triple crown of holiday traditions, and an epic listen

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Nick Fowler. Nick went from 1-2 mile day hikes in 2019 to setting the self supported PCT FKT in 2023, with many learning lessons, mistakes, and miles in the four year span in between. We learn all about his experiences on the Hayduke, Pacific Northwest trail (which was another FKT hike for him), the Arizona Trail, and of course go deep on his PCT hike from this year. We also learn about how Nick is able to financially swing being basically full-time hiker trash, outlining how some specific entrepreneurial decisions and savings strategies enable him to dirtbag around the clock. Even if FKTs aren’t your jam, we think you’ll really enjoy this conversation, as we feel it does a good job of normalizing this extreme style of trekking. We wrap the show with how Zach endangered his family with a black widow, news of the removal of an iconic AT shelter, things that are normal at 3pm but terrifying at 3am, and the triple crown of drunk regre

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Ryan Sylva, known on trail as Dirtmonger. Let me tell you, this one is an instant classic. Dirtmonger has so many miles under his trail runners that he’s lost count, but it’s comfortably deep into the 5-digit range. We learn about all the trails and routes Dirtmonger has tackled, including the PCT, CDT, Vagabond Loop, Low to High Route, the Great Basin Traverse, Sky Island Traverse, and more. But in addition to and likely more importantly, we go deep into the inspiration and philosophy behind Dirtmonger’s backpacking career, which sheds some really interesting new perspectives into this wild world of long-distance walking. This one will eventually be a two-parter, and we’re supremely confident that you’ll enjoy this first edition. We wrap the show by learning about the marathon for cake on the AT in Virginia, where we're hiding our FBI's most wanted paperclip, and I get another vote of confidence in my highly anticipated rumble wit

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Bennett Lee, an avid caver, backpacker, and photographer. This year Bennett attempted the calendar year triple crown, completing half of it, which he dubbed the Calendar Year Half Triple Crown. In typical backpacker radio fashion however, we swerve, spending much of our time chatting about the wacky world that is caving. We go deep, learning what draws someone into caving, why people in his community don’t call it spelunking, the nude calendars he’s shot in caves, some harrowing stories from situations gone awry (including a time where the search party had already begun the process of looking for his body), another time where he was caught in a collapsing cave next to a rattlesnake, an assortment of fun cave facts, including how someone’s sleep schedule changes when doing multi-day caving trips, and much more. You will leave this conversation delighted, entertained, and possibly at times, a bit disturbed - in the best way possible.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Ruth Morley. Ruth, in addition to being a Trek Blogger, is an avid backpacker, having trekked the GR5 through the south of France all the way through the Netherlands, the Florida Trail, the AT, the Buckeye Trail, and most recently a thru-hike of the Colorado Trail at the ripe age of 70! We learn about Ruth’s affinity for section hiking and how it compares to thru-hiking, we get an indepth run down of her time trekking the GR5, and Ruth dives deep into her passion for her whole food plant based diet, in which she adds zero salt, oil, or sugar to. Zach and Chaunce’s dietary guilt is at an all-time high in this episode. We wrap the show with an overview of the guy who hiked the AT and PCT carrying a 20-lb log over his shoulders, activities we didn't realize would consume so much of our time as adults, the triple crown of jingles, taglines, and mottos, and more. Vargo Outdoors: Use code “BACKPACKERRADIO” for 20% off at vargooutdoors.co

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Matt Berger known on trail as Sheriff Woody. If you like plants, oh boy, are you in luck today because Sheriff Woody is an experienced thru-hiker and a trained botanist who’s packed to the gills with fun flora facts. We learn about some of the standout plant species along each of the triple crown trails, how to know if a berry is edible or deadly, some of the rarest flowers along the triple crown trails, interesting facts about cacti, pine cones, and trees along these trails, and much, much more. Even if you aren’t a plant person, we are guaranteeing 100% satisfaction with this interview or your money back. We wrap the show with our favorite grocery impulse buys, a shoutout to Kelly Floro who recently completed the Pyrenean Haute Route, a Triple Crown of mid life crisis hobbies, our preferred noise to mask a public dump, and more. Vargo Outdoors: Use code “BACKPACKERRADIO” for 20% off at vargooutdoors.com. Zoleo: Use code “BACKPACK

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Brady Geilenfeldt. Brady, known on trail as Undies, thru-hiked the Colorado Trail this year. What makes Undies story especially interesting is that he is deaf. We learn all about Brady’s inspiring story, the incredible technology that is cochlear implants, what challenges a deaf hiker has to overcome, Brady's highlights from the CT, some of the non-obvious benefits of being a deaf hiker, Brady’s future trail ambitions, and much more. Brady is an inspiring young man and we think you’ll really enjoy this chat. We wrap the show with things we're convinced people pretend to enjoy, a triple crown of things that are the new black, some new poop news, and we finally have the details for our Denver holiday hiker meetup, and you are invited. Vargo Outdoors: Use code “BACKPACKERRADIO” for 20% off at vargooutdoors.com. RTIC Outdoors: Shop at rticoutdoors.com. Darn Tough: Use code “DTLOVE-BACKPACKERRADIO” for 10% off plus free shipping at dar

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Dr. Morgan Brosnihan. Dr. Brosnihan runs Blaze Physio, a mobile physical therapy service, from her van, where she helps ailing hikers along the Pacific Crest Trail. We learn all about this novel business idea and go deep on everything to do with injury and injury prevention, including the best training regimen, the biggest mistakes thru-hikers make in terms of inciting injury, which gizmos and gadgets she recommends for hikers, exercises hikers should focus on both before trail and during, and much more. If you’re into exercise science at all, you will enjoy this one. We wrap the show with some news of a grizzly attack in Banff National Park, the weirdest thing we refuse to buy, and a Triple Crown of little things that make you irrationally happy. Darn Tough: Use code “DTLOVE-BACKPACKERRADIO” for 10% off plus free shipping at darntough.com. Vargo Outdoors: Use code “BACKPACKERRADIO” for 20% off at vargooutdoors.com. Katabatic Gear

In today’s very spooky episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Andrea Lankford, author of “Trail of the Lost: The Relentless Search to Bring Home the Missing Hikers of the Pacific Crest Trail.” Andrea’s book, and thus our conversation, keys in on the story of three missing hikers on the PCT, all happening in consecutive years between 2015 and 2017. We talk about the specific details of each of these cases, how the official authorities could’ve done better in their searches, how the community rallied to offer their assistance, Andrea’s speculation of what ultimately happened in each case, specific search and rescue tactics, and much more. We wrap the show by sharing a couple of stories about spooky incidents that have happened to us on trail, the triple crown of Halloween songs that slap, and we offer some details of the holiday hiker meetup. We also touch on the deeply saddening news of Donna Sauffley's passing, who was not only a beloved guest on this podcast but also a renowned t

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are re-re-re joined by listener favorite and our pal, Clay Bonnyman Evans, aka Pony. We catch up on all that Pony's been up to since his last appearance on the show including a thru-hike of the Cape Wrath Trail, which he refers to as the AT of the UK, his trek from Edinburgh to Glasgow, his stint as a caretaker at Woods Hole Hostel, and his latest section hike of the Continental Divide Trail, which he cites as his most psychologically challenging hike to date. In typical Pony fashion, this chat is wild- we get an extended Scottish accent, some explicit poop stories, and we are introduced to the erotic world of hedging. You might be able to guess what that is, either way, you’re soon about to find out. We wrap the show with a feature from a Trek blogger about how backpacking made her less independent, a triple crown of bummer places to be, and Chaunce triggers the internet. Vargo Outdoors: Use code “BACKPACKERRADIO” for 20% off at vargooutdoors.c

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Dr. Nick Brandehoff and Dr. Bryan Wilson of The Asclepius Snakebite Foundation to of course talk all things snakes. We cover everything you could want to know about dealing with snakes and snake bites including what to do if bitten by a snake in the backcountry in a variety of circumstances, what to do if your kid or dog is bitten by a snake, common myths about snakes and snake bites, a fornicate marry kill of snake species, what resources people ought to be aware of in dealing with snake safety, and much more. We wrap the show with the best excuses to get out of work, a triple crown of items over $1,000 that aren't living, and are small enough to be manually lifted, a new segment, trigger warning, a horseback DUI, and more! Vargo Outdoors: Use code “BACKPACKERRADIO” for 20% off at vargooutdoors.com. Katabatic Gear: Use code “BPR15” for 15% off at katabaticgear.com. Gossamer Gear: Use code “TAKELESSTREKMORE” for 15% off at gossame

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are giving you an in depth run through on how to choose a backpack for thru-hiking. We are joined today by The Trek's Managing Editor, serial thru-hiker, and certified gear nerd, Owen Eigenbrot. We walk you through all the features, terminology, material types, sizing tips, and more to give you a foundational knowledge on making an educated decision when purchasing a pack for the purpose of a long-distance backpacking trek. We then share some of our top tips and offer a few specific product recommendations at the end of the panel. Whether you're just getting started in the world of backpacking, you're looking to level up your gear for future trips, or you're just curious to expand your knowledge in the world of backpacks, this podcast has got something for you. We wrap the show with a shoutout to the class of 2023 AT thru-hikers, a new segment - poop news of the week, a miserably embarrassing stupid thing of the week, and a triple crown of our p

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Al Marriott, known on trail as Lookout. Lookout is a 2023 PCT thru-hiker, and one of the very few who was able to connect their footsteps on a continuous northbound hike through the Sierra. This is the main course of our conversation today as we learn all about the wild conditions Lookout and his crew of 6 fellow hikers endured, including some very close call water crosses, how slow and draining the snow travel was, what snow traction worked best for his group (and it might not be what you expect), the energy requirements for this style of trekking, and the group dynamics of traveling in such close proximity for such a long time through such stressful conditions. This one is a doozy. We wrap the show with a quick overview of how much experience is needed to hike the AT, things that get less appetizing as we get older, and a triple crown of the best places for people watching. CTUG: Use code “BACKPACKERRADIO” for 15% off at chickent

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are giving you a thorough breakdown on all things backpacking tent related. We are joined by The Trek's Managing Editor, accomplished thru-hiker, and gear encyclopedia, Owen Eigenbrot. We introduce today's panel by giving you a thorough run-through on everything you need about backpacking tents, including the various types of tents, feature sets, terminology, material options, and more. We then do a roundtable offering our top actionable advice for picking a tent, considerations to make, and a few of our favorite specific models. Whether you're new to backpacking, are looking to level up your gear, or are curious about the various nuances of the world of tents, this podcast has something for you. We wrap the show with a triple crown of Taylor Swift songs (Owen is a certified Swiftie), we share some of our strangest beliefs, and we offer a not-so-happy update on the status of Backpacker Radio's Iceland Trip. Gossamer Gear: Use code “TAKELESSTREKM

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Jonathon Stalls. Jonathon is a wildly interesting character who, in 2010, in search of meaning and healing, decided to walk across the length of the country. We learn all about this transformative journey, some of the standout stories along the way- including some instances of the unforeseen kindness of strangers, his alter ego of Cate Blanchett flaring up through the desert, how he was able to fund this journey, an epic poop story, how this expedition turned into his book "WALK: Slow Down, Wake Up, and Connect at 1-3 Miles Per Hour." and his current advocacy work in making urban spaces more pedestrian friendly. This is a deep and honest conversation- and we’d like to offer a trigger warning to listeners that the following interview touches on talks of suicide.  We wrap the show with a triple crown of TV shows and movies we've watched recently, a brief comparison of the Colorado Trail vs. the John Muir Trail, and a stupidest thing

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are talking all things ultralight backpacking. We're joined by our pal and thru-hiker extraordinaire, Carl Stanfield aka "Professor", as the three of us share some of our top tips for reducing pack weight. The advice in this episode covers the full spectrum, from broad-based philosophical ways to approach what should and should not be in your pack, to more granular tips for simple and cost-effective ways of going UL. Whether you're hoping to thru-hike a triple crown trail or lighten the load a bit for your weekend outing, this one has insightful and practical pointers for you. We wrap the show with a quick overview of a new ultralight material being used for tarps and tents- and the relative pros and cons, but more importantly, we do the triple crown of the top benefits of an alien invasion which devolves into the most insane debate in Backpacker Radio history. Chaunce goes pure red face.   CTUG: Use code “Backpackerradio” to save 15% on your or