
Trail Tales - Thru-Hiking & Backpacking
What’s it like to hike and live in the backcountry for 5 months? Host and thru-hiker & YouTuber Kyle Hates Hiking (Kyle O’Grady), who has completed every last step of the Appalachian Trail, interviews other thru-hikers, peak-baggers, and backpackers who are almost as crazy as him. Is life while thru-hiking really as glamorous as the social media stars make it out to be? Is pooping in the woods really that big of a deal? Find out these answers and more on Trail Tales.
Latest episodes

Apr 25, 2024 • 1h 9min
7 Ultralight Backpacking Gear HACKS that stupid hikers ignore (with Baker Bokorney)
Baker is back, and this time we are going over our favorite ultralight backpacking gear hacks, plus other interesting backpacking discussions! This one went off the rails a little bit, I'm not going to lie, but hopefully you're here for the goofs and the gags! Enjoy!
For guest/episode ideas, listener feedback, sponsorships, or business inquiries reach out to: trailtalespod@gmail.com
My Gear spreadsheet: https://lighterpack.com/r/9qjh18
BIG FOUR 🤘 Backpack: https://ula-equipment.9xrw.net/x9oX1x
My FAVORITE Tent: https://zpacks.com/products/plexsolo-tent?aff=99
Sleeping Pad: https://amzn.to/35rlMIw
OTHER SLEEPING STUFF 💤
Pillow: https://amzn.to/3he3mgX
FOOD & WATER 🍴
Filter: https://amzn.to/3pfZ25j
Stove: https://amzn.to/3simgd1
Cook Pot: https://amzn.to/3LSjqmJ
Spork: https://amzn.to/3shROja
Water Storage: https://amzn.to/3sinBk3
CLOTHING 👔
Shorts: https://amzn.to/3sdiQrL
Socks: https://amzn.to/3M2nPUi
Rain Jacket: https://amzn.to/3JPMBoy
Down Jacket: https://amzn.to/3UrHG2Q
ELECTRONICS 🔌
Power Bank: https://amzn.to/3t4fDds
Headlamp: https://amzn.to/3M9yrke
Wall Plug: https://amzn.to/3pa3JNJ
MISCELLANEOUS 🤘
Trekking Poles: https://amzn.to/3hqT39n
Ultralight Knife: https://amzn.to/3t0m3dL
Trowel: https://amzn.to/3CL0Ys6
Shoulder Pocket for Backpack: https://ula-equipment.9xrw.net/kjAQm0
This shownotes contains affiliate links, which means if you click on one of the product links, I'll receive a small commission at no cost to you. This helps support the podcast and allows me to continue to make episodes like this. Thank you for the support!

Apr 18, 2024 • 1h 8min
10 STUPID but Common Beginner Backpacking Mistakes (w/ Sintax77)
Sintax77 is BACK on the show, and in this episode we're going over common beginner backpacking mistakes! The reason I'm calling these 'stupid' mistakes is because, well, I'm an idiot and I've made pretty much all of these mistakes at one point or another. Sintax77 is the man, I'm so grateful he came back on the show, and I hope you enjoy!
Sintax77 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sintax77
For guest/episode ideas, listener feedback, sponsorships, or business inquiries reach out to: trailtalespod@gmail.com
My Gear spreadsheet: https://lighterpack.com/r/9qjh18
BIG FOUR 🤘 Backpack: https://ula-equipment.9xrw.net/x9oX1x
My FAVORITE Tent: https://zpacks.com/products/plexsolo-tent?aff=99
Sleeping Pad: https://amzn.to/35rlMIw
OTHER SLEEPING STUFF 💤
Pillow: https://amzn.to/3he3mgX
FOOD & WATER 🍴
Filter: https://amzn.to/3pfZ25j
Stove: https://amzn.to/3simgd1
Cook Pot: https://amzn.to/3LSjqmJ
Spork: https://amzn.to/3shROja
Water Storage: https://amzn.to/3sinBk3
CLOTHING 👔
Shorts: https://amzn.to/3sdiQrL
Socks: https://amzn.to/3M2nPUi
Rain Jacket: https://amzn.to/3JPMBoy
Down Jacket: https://amzn.to/3UrHG2Q
ELECTRONICS 🔌
Power Bank: https://amzn.to/3t4fDds
Headlamp: https://amzn.to/3M9yrke
Wall Plug: https://amzn.to/3pa3JNJ
MISCELLANEOUS 🤘
Trekking Poles: https://amzn.to/3hqT39n
Ultralight Knife: https://amzn.to/3t0m3dL
Trowel: https://amzn.to/3CL0Ys6
Shoulder Pocket for Backpack: https://ula-equipment.9xrw.net/kjAQm0
This shownotes contains affiliate links, which means if you click on one of the product links, I'll receive a small commission at no cost to you. This helps support the podcast and allows me to continue to make episodes like this. Thank you for the support!

Apr 11, 2024 • 28min
i never thought something like this could happen...
On March 3rd, 2024, my girlfriend experienced a freak accident as we started what was supposed to be an easy hike. Here's the story and what we can learn from it.
For guest/episode ideas, listener feedback, sponsorships, or business inquiries reach out to: trailtalespod@gmail.com
My Gear spreadsheet: https://lighterpack.com/r/9qjh18
BIG FOUR 🤘 Backpack: https://ula-equipment.9xrw.net/x9oX1x
My FAVORITE Tent: https://zpacks.com/products/plexsolo-tent?aff=99
Sleeping Pad: https://amzn.to/35rlMIw
OTHER SLEEPING STUFF 💤
Pillow: https://amzn.to/3he3mgX
FOOD & WATER 🍴
Filter: https://amzn.to/3pfZ25j
Stove: https://amzn.to/3simgd1
Cook Pot: https://amzn.to/3LSjqmJ
Spork: https://amzn.to/3shROja
Water Storage: https://amzn.to/3sinBk3
CLOTHING 👔
Shorts: https://amzn.to/3sdiQrL
Socks: https://amzn.to/3M2nPUi
Rain Jacket: https://amzn.to/3JPMBoy
Down Jacket: https://amzn.to/3UrHG2Q
ELECTRONICS 🔌
Power Bank: https://amzn.to/3t4fDds
Headlamp: https://amzn.to/3M9yrke
Wall Plug: https://amzn.to/3pa3JNJ
MISCELLANEOUS 🤘
Trekking Poles: https://amzn.to/3hqT39n
Ultralight Knife: https://amzn.to/3t0m3dL
Trowel: https://amzn.to/3CL0Ys6
Shoulder Pocket for Backpack: https://ula-equipment.9xrw.net/kjAQm0
This shownotes contains affiliate links, which means if you click on one of the product links, I'll receive a small commission at no cost to you. This helps support the podcast and allows me to continue to make episodes like this. Thank you for the support!

Mar 21, 2024 • 49min
20 Things I Wish I Knew BEFORE my Appalachian Trail Thru Hike...
Here are 20 things I wish I'd known before I thru hiked the Appalachian Trail. From gear choices, to social choices, to personal choices, there's always room for improvement on the Appalachian Trail, and hopefully this will be able to help YOU if you're planning on hiking the Appalachian Trail in the future. Appalachian Trail.
For sponsorships, business inquiries, or guest/episode ideas reach out to: trailtalespod@gmail.com
My Gear spreadsheet: https://lighterpack.com/r/9qjh18
BIG FOUR 🤘 Backpack: https://ula-equipment.9xrw.net/x9oX1x
My FAVORITE Tent: https://zpacks.com/products/plexsolo-tent?aff=99
Sleeping Pad: https://amzn.to/35rlMIw
OTHER SLEEPING STUFF 💤
Pillow: https://amzn.to/3he3mgX
FOOD & WATER 🍴
Filter: https://amzn.to/3pfZ25j
Stove: https://amzn.to/3simgd1
Cook Pot: https://amzn.to/3LSjqmJ
Spork: https://amzn.to/3shROja
Water Storage: https://amzn.to/3sinBk3
CLOTHING 👔
Shorts: https://amzn.to/3sdiQrL
Socks: https://amzn.to/3M2nPUi
Rain Jacket: https://amzn.to/3JPMBoy
Down Jacket: https://amzn.to/3UrHG2Q
ELECTRONICS 🔌
Power Bank: https://amzn.to/3t4fDds
Headlamp: https://amzn.to/3M9yrke
Wall Plug: https://amzn.to/3pa3JNJ
MISCELLANEOUS 🤘
Trekking Poles: https://amzn.to/3hqT39n
Ultralight Knife: https://amzn.to/3t0m3dL
Trowel: https://amzn.to/3CL0Ys6
Shoulder Pocket for Backpack: https://ula-equipment.9xrw.net/kjAQm0
This shownotes contains affiliate links, which means if you click on one of the product links, I'll receive a small commission at no cost to you. This helps support the podcast and allows me to continue to make episodes like this. Thank you for the support!

Feb 29, 2024 • 1h 1min
The Depressing TRUTH about the Pacific Crest Trail that NOBODY wants to hear…
Frozen from Outdoor Adventures joins the show to talk about his upcoming thru hike of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT 2024). He previously hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2019, and is now taking his talents to the Pacific Crest Trail. We talk about what he is nervous about, what gear changes he's made, and how he is planning on dealing with the depressing reality that the Pacific Crest Trail will probably catch on fire while he's out there.
Follow Frozen's PCT hike: https://www.youtube.com/@FrozensAdventures/
For sponsorships, business inquiries, or guest/episode ideas reach out to: trailtalespod@gmail.com
My Gear spreadsheet: https://lighterpack.com/r/9qjh18
BIG FOUR 🤘 Backpack: https://ula-equipment.9xrw.net/x9oX1x
My FAVORITE Tent: https://zpacks.com/products/plexsolo-tent?aff=99
Sleeping Pad: https://amzn.to/35rlMIw
OTHER SLEEPING STUFF 💤
Pillow: https://amzn.to/3he3mgX
FOOD & WATER 🍴
Filter: https://amzn.to/3pfZ25j
Stove: https://amzn.to/3simgd1
Cook Pot: https://amzn.to/3LSjqmJ
Spork: https://amzn.to/3shROja
Water Storage: https://amzn.to/3sinBk3
CLOTHING 👔
Shorts: https://amzn.to/3sdiQrL
Socks: https://amzn.to/3M2nPUi
Rain Jacket: https://amzn.to/3JPMBoy
Down Jacket: https://amzn.to/3UrHG2Q
ELECTRONICS 🔌
Power Bank: https://amzn.to/3t4fDds
Headlamp: https://amzn.to/3M9yrke
Wall Plug: https://amzn.to/3pa3JNJ
MISCELLANEOUS 🤘
Trekking Poles: https://amzn.to/3hqT39n
Ultralight Knife: https://amzn.to/3t0m3dL
Trowel: https://amzn.to/3CL0Ys6
Shoulder Pocket for Backpack: https://ula-equipment.9xrw.net/kjAQm0
This shownotes contains affiliate links, which means if you click on one of the product links, I'll receive a small commission at no cost to you. This helps support the podcast and allows me to continue to make episodes like this. Thank you for the support!

Feb 22, 2024 • 1h 10min
The Most OVERRATED Gear in Backpacking!
Baker is back and in this episode we talk (and disagree) about some of the most OVERRATED types of backpacking gear on the market. At the end of the day everyone is going to have different opinions on what backpacking gear is worth taking, but hopefully this discussion between two thru hikers can help guide your own opinion. What do you think is 'cooler', hammocks or fanny packs?!
For sponsorships, business inquiries, or guest/episode ideas reach out to: trailtalespod@gmail.com
My Gear spreadsheet: https://lighterpack.com/r/9qjh18
BIG FOUR 🤘 Backpack: https://ula-equipment.9xrw.net/x9oX1x
My FAVORITE Tent: https://zpacks.com/products/plexsolo-tent?aff=99
Sleeping Pad: https://amzn.to/35rlMIw
OTHER SLEEPING STUFF 💤
Pillow: https://amzn.to/3he3mgX
FOOD & WATER 🍴
Filter: https://amzn.to/3pfZ25j
Stove: https://amzn.to/3simgd1
Cook Pot: https://amzn.to/3LSjqmJ
Spork: https://amzn.to/3shROja
Water Storage: https://amzn.to/3sinBk3
CLOTHING 👔
Shorts: https://amzn.to/3sdiQrL
Socks: https://amzn.to/3M2nPUi
Rain Jacket: https://amzn.to/3JPMBoy
Down Jacket: https://amzn.to/3UrHG2Q
ELECTRONICS 🔌
Power Bank: https://amzn.to/3t4fDds
Headlamp: https://amzn.to/3M9yrke
Wall Plug: https://amzn.to/3pa3JNJ
MISCELLANEOUS 🤘
Trekking Poles: https://amzn.to/3hqT39n
Ultralight Knife: https://amzn.to/3t0m3dL
Trowel: https://amzn.to/3CL0Ys6
Shoulder Pocket for Backpack: https://ula-equipment.9xrw.net/kjAQm0
This shownotes contains affiliate links, which means if you click on one of the product links, I'll receive a small commission at no cost to you. This helps support the podcast and allows me to continue to make episodes like this. Thank you for the support!

Feb 15, 2024 • 1h 6min
The CULT that PREYS on Appalachian Trail Thru Hikers...
Audrey "Glowstick" Payne joins the show to discuss the controversial Twelve Tribes hostel on the Appalachian Trail, also known as the Yellow Deli. Is this group a cult? Are they targeting Appalachian Trail hikers for recruitment? Or is it all being blown out of proportion? We also talk about Audrey's experience thru hiking the Appalachian Trail, John Muir Trail, and much more!
Audrey's NEW book: https://amzn.to/3uHTpm6
Audrey's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AudreyAdventures
Audrey's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/audipayne/
For sponsorships, business inquiries, or guest/episode ideas reach out to: trailtalespod@gmail.com
My Gear spreadsheet: https://lighterpack.com/r/9qjh18
BIG FOUR 🤘 Backpack: https://ula-equipment.9xrw.net/x9oX1x
My FAVORITE Tent: https://zpacks.com/products/plexsolo-tent?aff=99
Sleeping Pad: https://amzn.to/35rlMIw
OTHER SLEEPING STUFF 💤
Pillow: https://amzn.to/3he3mgX
FOOD & WATER 🍴
Filter: https://amzn.to/3pfZ25j
Stove: https://amzn.to/3simgd1
Cook Pot: https://amzn.to/3LSjqmJ
Spork: https://amzn.to/3shROja
Water Storage: https://amzn.to/3sinBk3
CLOTHING 👔
Shorts: https://amzn.to/3sdiQrL
Socks: https://amzn.to/3M2nPUi
Rain Jacket: https://amzn.to/3JPMBoy
Down Jacket: https://amzn.to/3UrHG2Q
ELECTRONICS 🔌
Power Bank: https://amzn.to/3t4fDds
Headlamp: https://amzn.to/3M9yrke
Wall Plug: https://amzn.to/3pa3JNJ
MISCELLANEOUS 🤘
Trekking Poles: https://amzn.to/3hqT39n
Ultralight Knife: https://amzn.to/3t0m3dL
Trowel: https://amzn.to/3CL0Ys6
Shoulder Pocket for Backpack: https://ula-equipment.9xrw.net/kjAQm0
This shownotes contains affiliate links, which means if you click on one of the product links, I'll receive a small commission at no cost to you. This helps support the podcast and allows me to continue to make episodes like this. Thank you for the support!

Feb 13, 2024 • 1h 2min
Confronting Elina Osborne | The TRUTH about her time on the Pacific Crest Trail…
Elina Osborne joins the show to discuss her Pacific Crest Trail thru hike, film-making, the Hayduke in Utah, and much more. A HIGHLY requested guest, it was fantastic to finally catch up with her.
Elina on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ElinaOsborne
Elina on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elinasborne/
For sponsorships, business inquiries, or guest/episode ideas reach out to: trailtalespod@gmail.com
My Gear spreadsheet: https://lighterpack.com/r/9qjh18
BIG FOUR 🤘 Backpack: https://ula-equipment.9xrw.net/x9oX1x
My FAVORITE Tent: https://zpacks.com/products/plexsolo-tent?aff=99
Sleeping Pad: https://amzn.to/35rlMIw
OTHER SLEEPING STUFF 💤
Pillow: https://amzn.to/3he3mgX
FOOD & WATER 🍴
Filter: https://amzn.to/3pfZ25j
Stove: https://amzn.to/3simgd1
Cook Pot: https://amzn.to/3LSjqmJ
Spork: https://amzn.to/3shROja
Water Storage: https://amzn.to/3sinBk3
CLOTHING 👔
Shorts: https://amzn.to/3sdiQrL
Socks: https://amzn.to/3M2nPUi
Rain Jacket: https://amzn.to/3JPMBoy
Down Jacket: https://amzn.to/3UrHG2Q
ELECTRONICS 🔌
Power Bank: https://amzn.to/3t4fDds
Headlamp: https://amzn.to/3M9yrke
Wall Plug: https://amzn.to/3pa3JNJ
MISCELLANEOUS 🤘
Trekking Poles: https://amzn.to/3hqT39n
Ultralight Knife: https://amzn.to/3t0m3dL
Trowel: https://amzn.to/3CL0Ys6
Shoulder Pocket for Backpack: https://ula-equipment.9xrw.net/kjAQm0
This shownotes contains affiliate links, which means if you click on one of the product links, I'll receive a small commission at no cost to you. This helps support the podcast and allows me to continue to make episodes like this. Thank you for the support!

Feb 1, 2024 • 59min
AT vs PCT | An IN DEPTH Comparison from a Thru Hiker (which one is better?)
In this solo episode I do an in depth comparison between the Appalachian Trail and Pacific Crest Trail in the following categories; Weather/climate, Views and scenery, Gear differences, Difficulty (Mentally & Physically), Permits, Water, Resupply, Towns, and People. Then, at the end of the episode I tell you which trail I think is better (Appalachian Trail vs Pacific Crest Trail).
Subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@KyleHatesHiking
Follow me on Instagram 📸: https://www.instagram.com/kylehateshiking/
For sponsorships, business inquiries, or guest/episode ideas reach out to: trailtalespod@gmail.com
My Gear spreadsheet: https://lighterpack.com/r/9qjh18
BIG FOUR 🤘 Backpack: https://ula-equipment.9xrw.net/x9oX1x
My FAVORITE Tent: https://zpacks.com/products/plexsolo-tent?aff=99
Sleeping Pad: https://amzn.to/35rlMIw
OTHER SLEEPING STUFF 💤
Pillow: https://amzn.to/3he3mgX
FOOD & WATER 🍴
Filter: https://amzn.to/3pfZ25j
Stove: https://amzn.to/3simgd1
Cook Pot: https://amzn.to/3LSjqmJ
Spork: https://amzn.to/3shROja
Water Storage: https://amzn.to/3sinBk3
CLOTHING 👔
Shorts: https://amzn.to/3sdiQrL
Socks: https://amzn.to/3M2nPUi
Rain Jacket: https://amzn.to/3JPMBoy
Down Jacket: https://amzn.to/3UrHG2Q
ELECTRONICS 🔌
Power Bank: https://amzn.to/3t4fDds
Headlamp: https://amzn.to/3M9yrke
Wall Plug: https://amzn.to/3pa3JNJ
MISCELLANEOUS 🤘
Trekking Poles: https://amzn.to/3hqT39n
Ultralight Knife: https://amzn.to/3t0m3dL
Trowel: https://amzn.to/3CL0Ys6
Shoulder Pocket for Backpack: https://ula-equipment.9xrw.net/kjAQm0
This video and description contains affiliate links, which means if you click on one of the product links, I'll receive a small commission at no cost to you. This helps support the podcast and allows me to continue to make episodes like this. Thank you for the support!

Jan 25, 2024 • 1h 3min
What they DON'T tell you about hiking the Appalachian Trail... | Appalachian Adventurista
The Appalachian Adventurista joins the show to talk all about her thru hiking of the Appalachian Trail. We talk about post trail depression, what it takes to vlog a thru hike, and at the end she shares a hilarious story about... smut?! You don't want to miss it.
Appalachian Adventurista on YouTube: @appalachianadventurista
Appalachian Adventurista on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/appalachianadventurista/
Subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@KyleHatesHiking
Follow me on Instagram 📸: https://www.instagram.com/kylehateshiking/
For sponsorships, business inquiries, or guest/episode ideas reach out to: trailtalespod@gmail.com
My Gear spreadsheet: https://lighterpack.com/r/9qjh18
BIG FOUR 🤘 Backpack: https://ula-equipment.9xrw.net/x9oX1x
My FAVORITE Tent: https://zpacks.com/products/plexsolo-tent?aff=99
Sleeping Pad: https://amzn.to/35rlMIw
OTHER SLEEPING STUFF 💤
Pillow: https://amzn.to/3he3mgX
FOOD & WATER 🍴
Filter: https://amzn.to/3pfZ25j
Stove: https://amzn.to/3simgd1
Cook Pot: https://amzn.to/3LSjqmJ
Spork: https://amzn.to/3shROja
Water Storage: https://amzn.to/3sinBk3
CLOTHING 👔
Shorts: https://amzn.to/3sdiQrL
Socks: https://amzn.to/3M2nPUi
Rain Jacket: https://amzn.to/3JPMBoy
Down Jacket: https://amzn.to/3UrHG2Q
ELECTRONICS 🔌
Power Bank: https://amzn.to/3t4fDds
Headlamp: https://amzn.to/3M9yrke
Wall Plug: https://amzn.to/3pa3JNJ
MISCELLANEOUS 🤘
Trekking Poles: https://amzn.to/3hqT39n
Ultralight Knife: https://amzn.to/3t0m3dL
Trowel: https://amzn.to/3CL0Ys6
Shoulder Pocket for Backpack: https://ula-equipment.9xrw.net/kjAQm0
This video and description contains affiliate links, which means if you click on one of the product links, I'll receive a small commission at no cost to you. This helps support the podcast and allows me to continue to make episodes like this. Thank you for the support!