Trail Tales - Thru-Hiking & Backpacking

Matthew "Breezy" Park recently completed an under 4 month thru hike of the Appalachian Trail. He certainly set out on a mission right from day one, and we talk all about how he was able to push himself to complete the trail in such a short time. We also cover the differences between the most popular guidebooks that Appalachian Trail thru-hikers carry with them, and the popular navigation app "Guthooks." At the end of the episode, we get into a scary story that should serve as a reminder to all hikers: KEEP YOUR HEAD UP WHEN GOING UPHILL! Hope you enjoy! Like what you hear? Want to talk some smack? You can contact me on Twitter, Instagram, or send me an email: trailtalespod@gmail.com If you're really into Trail Tales and want to receive some bonus content, please consider supporting the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/trailtales.  Feel free to leave me a five-star review on iTunes (I read every one at the beginning of the next episode), and subscribe if you like the show! My personal Instagram is @kylehateshiking, so feel free to follow me on there as well.  Subscribe on iTunes, and listen on Google Play and Stitcher!

Liz Syster completed a flip-flop thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail this past summer, and talks all about what it's like to send it up to Maine and hike south, after hiking northbound all the way to the Mason-Dixon line. We also talk about her experience losing weight on the trail and what it did to her body, and she even gives some advice to prospective female thru-hikers (hint: the advice is DO IT). It was great to talk to Liz and shed some light on the fact that a thru-hike does not have to be a traditional northbound, or southbound hike.  Like what you hear? Want to talk some smack? You can contact me on Twitter, Instagram, or send me an email: trailtalespod@gmail.com If you're really into Trail Tales and want to receive some bonus content, please consider supporting the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/trailtales.  Feel free to leave me a five-star review on iTunes, and subscribe if you like the show! My personal Instagram is @kylehateshiking, so feel free to follow me on there as well.  Subscribe on iTunes, and listen on Google Play and Stitcher!

Scott Hughes is fresh off of a south-bound thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, and answers the obvious question I had for him: why did he decide to hike the trail in the wrong direction? We discuss the differences between a northbound and southbound Appalachian Trail thru-hike, his decision to leave the stove at home and eat cold food for the entire 2200 mile trek, and a sketchy bear encounter he had in Shenandoah National Park.  Like what you hear? Want to talk some smack? You can contact me on Twitter, Instagram, or send me an email: trailtalespod@gmail.com If you're really into Trail Tales and want to receive some bonus content, please consider supporting the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/trailtales.  Feel free to leave me a five-star review on iTunes, and subscribe if you like the show! My personal Instagram is @kylehateshiking, so feel free to follow me on there as well.  Subscribe on iTunes, and listen on Google Play and Stitcher!

On the fourth episode of Trail Tales, I talk with Mikey Brenkus, who nearly completed the entire Appalachian Trail this past summer. We talk about how his bad diet contributed to him not being able to complete the trail, the controversial subject of yellow-blazing, and how he raised over 3000 dollars for a friend who was suffering from ALS.  Like what you hear? Want to talk some smack? You can contact me on Twitter, Instagram, or send me an email: trailtalespod@gmail.com If you're really into Trail Tales and want to receive some bonus content, please consider supporting the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/trailtales.  Feel free to leave me a five-star review on iTunes, and subscribe if you like the show! My personal Instagram is @kylehateshiking, so feel free to follow me on there as well.  Subscribe on iTunes, and listen on Google Play and Stitcher!

On this episode of Trail Tales, I talk with Mitchell "Flossy" Larby about his experience completing the Appalachian Trail this past summer. He recalls the time he was bluff charged by a mama bear and her cubs, the bonds that form between thru-hikers as they move up the trail together, and how an injury almost took him off the trail for good in Damascus Virginia. Like what you hear? Want to talk some smack? You can contact me on Twitter, Instagram, or send me an email: trailtalespod@gmail.com If you're really into Trail Tales and want to receive some bonus content, please consider supporting the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/trailtales.  Feel free to leave me a five-star review on iTunes, and subscribe if you like the show! My personal Instagram is @kylehateshiking, so feel free to follow me on there as well.  Subscribe on iTunes, and listen on Google Play and Stitcher!  

On the second episode of Trail Tales, I talk with Vermont Long Trail thru-hiker Taylor Norton. Taylor hiked the 273 mile trail this past summer. We chat about some of our favorite sections on the trail (believe it or not, I've done the LT twice), how Taylor was able to complete the trail in an aggressive 17 days, and some of the lessons Taylor learned from AT thru-hikers early on in his journey.  Like what you hear? Want to talk some smack? You can contact me on Twitter, Instagram, or send me an email: trailtalespod@gmail.com If you're really into Trail Tales and want to receive some bonus content, please consider supporting the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/trailtales.  Feel free to leave me a five-star review on iTunes, and subscribe if you like the show! My personal Instagram is @kylehateshiking, so feel free to follow me on there as well.  Subscribe on iTunes, and listen on Google Play and Stitcher!

Cameron Smyk, an experienced Appalachian Trail thru-hiker, shares his thrilling and sometimes sketchy adventures on the trail. He recounts hilarious yet alarming hitchhiking mishaps and the mental hurdles faced during the grueling 2,200-mile trek. The discussion delves into the importance of perseverance, the joy of connecting with nature, and gear optimization for future hikes. Cameron also reflects on the transformative power of long-distance hiking and plans for upcoming adventures in Chile's national parks.

Explore the thrill of backpacking and the inspiring stories behind thru-hiking adventures. The host shares their personal journey in the wild, highlighting the motivations and passion that drive hikers. Connect with authentic conversations that celebrate the vibrant community of outdoor enthusiasts. Discover the spirit of exploration as hikers recount their experiences on legendary trails like the Appalachian and Pacific Crest Trails.