How to Prepare for the PCT Sobo

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we get the full rundown on Chaunce and Fireball's recent thru-hike of the Ozark Highlands Trail. Not only do we get a day-by-day run-through of this adventure, but we learn all about the trail's unique features, including the intense water crossings, its extremely remote nature, how they handled resupply, what they liked and didn't like about the trail, an epic trail angel stay, and more.

We wrap the show with some news that affects all trekkers in the country of Nepal, a triple crown of things that get your goat, and a new gross or not gross.

Gossamer Gear: Use code “BACKPACKERRADIO” for 15% off at gossamergear.com. 

Organifi: Use code “BACKPACKER” for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker.

Enlightened Equipment: Use code “EETREK10” for 10% off Enlightened Equipment’s Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com.

Goodr: Use code “BACKPACKER” for free shipping on your first order at goodr.com/backpacker.

RTIC Outdoors: Shop at rticoutdoors.com.

[divider]

Interview with Chaunce & Mims

• Fireball's Instagram

Time stamps & Questions

00:04:50 - QOTD: What’s it called if you hike near/with someone solely because they have an awesome dog?

00:07:10 - Introducing Chaunce & Mims!

00:10:40 - Would you say someone should skip the northern section?

00:13:16 - What was the inspiration to hike this trail?

00:15:00 - Discussion about the trail conditions and weather

00:15:58 - Does the time change affect you on trail?

00:17:44 - Overview of the trail logistics 

00:19:45 - How did you cache/store food?

00:23:40 - Discussion about the trail itinerary

00:24:37 - How hard are the miles on the OHT?

00:27:16 - Is it nerve wracking to hike separately during the day?

00:32:00 - Have you heard of anyone being attacked by a boar?

00:35:02 - What was the weather like?

00:37:40 - Discussion about Day 3

00:38:52 - Would you hike it again?

00:40:15 - Discussion about the water crossings

00:52:53 - Discussion about Stan the trail angel

00:58:25 - Story about Big Bertha the massage chair

01:02:51 - More about Stan

01:06:30 - Discussion about Chaunce’s birthday on trail

01:16:42 - Discussion about latter half of the trail

01:19:04 - Discussion about Chaunce’s shoes

01:21:30 - Discussion about the second to last day of trail

01:29:00 - Discussion about finishing the trail

01:31:40 - What was the cell service like?

01:33:45 - Would you bring a dog on the trail?

SEGMENTS

Trek Propaganda

• Nepal To Ban Solo Trekkers Throughout the Country (Yes, That Includes the Annapurna Circuit) by Kelly Floro

Triple Crown of things that get your goat

Gross or Not Gross

Premature Gear Evaluations

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @paulyboyshallcross.

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

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: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Austin Ford, Brad & Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Brent Stenberg, Cameron Brown, Christopher Marshburn, Dayne, DoGoodPantry, Greg McDaniel, Kristina Diaz, Matt Soukup, Mike Poisel, Morgan Luke, Patrick Cianciolo, Sawyer Products, Timothy Hahn, and Tracy “Trigger” Fawns.

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Dcnerdlet, Jacob Northrup, Jeff LaFranier, Keith Dobie Jr, Liz Seger, and Peter.