Backpacker Radio

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, brought to you by RTIC, we are joined by Mickey aka The Virtual Sherpa. The Virtual Sherpa runs a successful website and youtube channel dedicated to sharing tips, trail overviews, and more from some of his favorite trails around Colorado and the greater Southwest. We chat about what some of the most underrated 13,000 ft peaks are in Colorado, and why they might be even better than many of the state's 14ers, some of his favorite hikes without hoards of people, his philosophy on gatekeeping and responsibly promoting trails, and much more. We wrap the show with a backpacking trip in Zion National Park that deserves to be on your bucket list, a Q&A touching on a range of subjects including but not limited to good hiking spots for late fall, what life is like with a budding toddler, the scent of tent sex, and more. RTIC Outdoors: Use code “backpacker” for 10% off orders over $50 at rticoutdoors.com. Gossamer Gear: Use code “littledonkeygirl” for 15% off at gossamergear.com.  Organifi: Use code “backpacker” for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker. Point6: Use code “point6trek” for 30% off at point6.com. [divider] Interview with Mickey aka “Virtual Sherpa” The Virtual Sherpa Website The Virtual Sherpa Youtube Channel The Virtual Sherpa Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:04:40 - QOTD: At what age do people start consuming more Tums than Starbursts? 00:09:19 - Introducing Mickey aka “Virtual Sherpa” 00:09:37 - Mickey’s Shit Story 00:12:42 - Tell us your backpacking and peak bagging resume. 00:14:30 - Discussion about trail and ultrarunning. 00:15:33 - What’s harder, training for an Ironman or training for a 100-mile run? 00:19:29 - How fast are you? 00:20:55 - Give us some background on how the website started.  00:22:39 - Tell us about your preference with 14ers versus 13ers. 00:24:32 - Tell us why you loved living in Chicago if you hate people. 00:26:20 - Tell us about the 13er you did over Memorial Day? 00:27:15 - Fuck Mary Kill: peak bagging, CT section hikes/backpacking, trail running 00:28:40 - Tell us about the evolution of the website and Youtube channel. 00:31:32 - How do you feel about the conflict between exposing trails via the internet and avoiding people while hiking? 00:34:23 - Why does someone need to work hard to find a spot? 00:35:50 - Discussion about keeping spots secret, public land, and gatekeeping. 00:41:22 - How would you describe your audience and what are the most common questions you get? 00:44:10 - What are your top 3 favorite 14ers and top 3 least favorite 14ers? 00:46:58 - What are your favorite and least favorite 13ers? 00:48:35 - What are your top 3 secret spots? 00:51:20 - Discussion about fear and anxiety about the mountains. 00:53:19 - Do you have a preference between the blog or the Youtube channel? 00:55:52 - Have you asked your friend why there’s a story before every recipe? 00:57:21 - What is a border-crossing expedition? 00:58:43 - Do you have any highlights from exploring Utah? 01:02:23 - Discussion about National Parks, crowds, and timing hikes. 01:07:34 - Discussion about Canyonlands. 01:09:13 - What are your big 3 for a typical backpacking trip? 01:12:22 - What’s your typical camera setup? 01:14:40 - Tell us about your dog, taking your dog on adventures, and tips for hiking with dogs. 01:20:34 - Anything else do you want to share? 01:22:14 - Thank you! SEGMENTS Trek Propaganda The Zion Traverse: Hiking Off the Beaten Path in Utah’s Most Popular National Park by Katie Kommer Q&A 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.  A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, and Greg Mac. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, brought to you by RTIC, we are joined yet again by our pal, Clay Bonnyman Evans, known on trail as "Pony". Pony is fresh off the New Mexico stretch of the CDT and full of hot takes, including a renewed interest in all things dealing with sex on trail, why he thinks the "brutality" of the CDT is overstated- at least through New Mexico, we learn all about Clay's new book, "Adrift on the Pacific Crest Trail: A Thru-Hiking Story", and why Pony decided to do his first long distance backpacking trip sober. For those who've listened to previous interviews with Pony, you already know that conversations with him are a wild ride, this one is certainly no exception. If your children are listening to this episode, probably turn it off. We wrap the show with a detailing of the dumpster fire that is Chaunce's toilet and we do a triple crown of reasons why Zach's Tahoe Rim Trail hike will get canceled. RTIC Outdoors: Use code “backpacker” for 10% off orders over $50 at rticoutdoors.com. Gossamer Gear: Use code “littledonkeygirl” for 15% off at gossamergear.com.  Enlightened Equipment: Use code “ultralight10” for 10% off Enlightened Equipment’s Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com.  Point6: Use code “point6trek” for 30% off at point6.com. [divider] Interview with Clay Bonnyman Evans AKA “Pony” Pony's Book Pony's Instagram Pony's Website  Time stamps & Questions 00:04:53 - QOTD: How’s your toilet? 00:14:41 - Introducing Clay Bonnyman Evans AKA “Pony” 00:15:40 - Discussion about sex on trail. 00:19:40 - Do you think the ratio of males and females on trail is a factor? 00:22:14 - What’s a wild story you got asking people about sex on trail? 00:32:04 - Tell us about the New Mexico section of the CDT. 00:38:45 - Discussion about water sources in New Mexico. 00:39:21 - Discussion about trail marking in New Mexico. 00:41:32 - Discussion about trail towns in New Mexico. 00:43:02 - Odd encounter stories. 00:46:45 - What wildlife did you see? 00:49:48 - Discussion about the community of the CDT. 00:52:20 - Discussion about the relative brutality of the CDT. 00:53:35 - Tell us your thoughts on snow in Colorado. 01:01:11 - Do you think people wanted to push through because of forest closures? 01:03:25 - Discussion about CDT start dates and southbounding. 01:11:15 - Discussion about the Creede cutoff. 01:18:46 - Tell us about your book writing process. 01:24:47 - Discussion about including relationship content in the book. 01:27:16 - How did you write the book so quickly? 01:32:02 - Hype for Zach’s books. 01:33:34 - What shoes do you have? 01:36:38 - Discussion about post trail activity and food. 01:37:30 - Discussion about hiking sober and Pony’s twelve step program experience. 01:43:18 - Discussion about Pony’s social personality. 01:45:56 - Did you miss drinking more or less than you expected? 01:47:18 - Pony’s story about Garmin troubles. 01:53:05 - What Pony learned from the Garmin representative. 02:00:06 - Have you used the Somewhere Labs communicator? 02:02:40 - Discussion about dead cows. 02:06:08 - Discussion about living cows and angry bull sounds. 02:10:15 - Discussion about the popularity of the CDT. 02:14:50 - Discussion about Chaunce’s age. 02:18:11 - Thanks! SEGMENTS Trek Propaganda Join our team! Triple Crown of reasons Zach’s Tahoe Rim Trail trip could get canceled 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.  A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, and Greg Mac. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to by RTIC, we are joined by Lauren Capone.  In addition to being an accomplished triathlete and runner herself, Lauren holds a Master of Science in Applied Nutrition and works as a Functional and Integrative Health Practitioner at Flatirons Integrative Health & Nutrition in Boulder, CO.  Our conversation covers a ton of ground on all things nutrition and health for backpacking and beyond, including why people end up gaining the weight they lose on a backpacking trip so quickly post-trail (and what can be done to prevent that), the metabolic effects of long distance endurance exercise, how to know if you're getting the right amount of calories during your hike, her thoughts on eating keto, vegan, or paleo on trail, what supplements a backpacker should consider using, how to stay properly hydrated on trail, and much more.  Simply put, you will walk away from this interview with a ton of useful information.  Get the notepad ready. RTIC Outdoors: Use code “backpacker” for 10% off orders over $50 at rticoutdoors.com. Gossamer Gear: Use code “littledonkeygirl” for 15% off at gossamergear.com.  Organifi: Use code “backpacker” for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker. Enlightened Equipment: Use code “thetrek10” for 10% off Enlightened Equipment’s Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com.  [divider] Interview with Lauren Capone Flatirons Integrative Health and Nutrition Lauren's Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:05:14 - Introducing Lauren 00:06:13 - How did you get into endurance sports? 00:08:16 - Tell us about the Ironman. 00:10:53 - At what point did you do your first full Ironman? 00:13:24 - What are the qualifying metrics for the Kona Ironman? 00:15:00 - Tell us the highlights and stats from your Kona race. 00:17:59 - Did you mentally prepare in addition to physically prepare? 00:19:22 - Tell us more about the trail running you do now. 00:20:22 - Tell us your educational background as it relates to nutrition. 00:22:38 - How should someone think about food before a half-year backpacking trip? 00:24:27 - What should people think about in terms of macronutrients or overall calorie intake? 00:26:20 - Do you think there's an advantage to starting a trail with a little extra body weight? 00:27:43 - What should people think about caloric intake during the trail?  00:29:45 - Is there anything magical about eating every hour? 00:31:00 - Do you have a rule of thumb for daily caloric intake? 00:32:18 - How does someone figure out their BMR? 00:35:40 - What characteristics should someone look for to know if they’re getting enough energy on trail? 00:41:19 - Would you advise against intermittent fasting while hiking a long trail? 00:43:24 - Tell us about macronutrients as they relate to backpacking. 00:46:40 - Do you have a rough starting spot for planning macronutrients? 00:47:39 - Should people rely on their cravings as a guide or be more targeted? 00:50:20 - Discussion about protein sources and intake on trail. 00:54:41 - Are there symptoms of someone getting sufficient carbs but insufficient protein? 00:55:56 - Do you have thoughts on diets like keto, paleo, vegetarian, or vegan? 01:00:16 - How should people think about weight loss on trail? 01:04:10 - Should someone aim for a surplus of calories while eating in town? 01:09:19 - What happens physiologically when you’re in a chronic calorie deficit? 01:12:35 - Why do females commonly lose their cycles when doing endurance sports? 01:14:32 - What would other symptoms of caloric deficit look like for males? 01:17:14 - Is there a rough guide for someone trying to monitor their weight? 01:18:07 - Why do you think people often put back on weight they lost while hiking? 01:22:57 - What are your thoughts on prioritizing strength training after a thru-hike? 01:26:05 - Do you work with athletes with eating disorders? 01:30:23 - Discussion about weight maintenance after a thru-hike. 01:31:52 - Do you have a rough guide to staying hydrated on trail? 01:34:35 - Discussion about adding salt to water. 01:36:56 - Do you think that electrolyte testing makes sense? 01:39:03 - Discussion about hyponatremia and ways to avoid it. 01:43:04 - What are the most common hydration mistakes made by endurance athletes? 01:44:02 - Do you recommend omega-3 supplements? 01:45:52 - What are your thoughts on CBD? 01:46:29 - What else do you recommend related to anti-inflammatory supplements? 01:48:30 - Thoughts on the chronic use of ibuprofen? 01:49:48 - Thoughts on protein supplements? 01:51:10 - Thoughts on a general multivitamin? 01:52:50 - Thoughts on sleep aids or recommended sleep supplements? 01:55:12 - Do you have thoughts on higher doses of magnesium? 01:56:26 - Do you have thoughts on dehydrated green juice? 01:57:57 - Discussion about nutrient and hormone testing. 02:02:20 - How can people work with you or Flatirons Integrative? 02:03:04 - Thank you! SEGMENTS MG Check-In Trek Propaganda Appalachian Trail Shelter in NJ Temporarily Closed After Bear Tried to Enter Tent by Kelly Floro [divider] Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.  A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, and Greg Mac. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by goodr, we are joined by more AT Hiker Trash!  This is volume II of our thru-hiker interviews from AT Trail Days 2022.  This one concludes with a trail name origin story that is borderline too insane to believe. We wrap the show with some very sad news of a hiker's tragic fall from McAfee Knob, a Triple Crown of Passive Aggressive Statements Used in Work Emails, and how Badger's TRT plans almost fell through once again, as per tradition. Goodr: Use code “backpacker15” for 15% off at goodr.com/backpacker15. Gossamer Gear: Use code “littledonkeygirl” for 15% off at gossamergear.com.  Enlightened Equipment: Use code “thetrek10” for 10% off Enlightened Equipment’s Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com.  Point6: Use code “point6trek” for 30% off point6.com. [divider] Interview with more current AT hikers! Time stamps & Questions 00:04:17 - QOTD: What was the highlight from your Memorial Day weekend? 00:11:10 - Interview with Take Three 00:19:29 - Interview with Ibex 00:25:32 - Interview with Nomad 00:33:10 - Interview with Turtle 00:38:09 - Interview with Pink and Flash 00:48:04 - Interview with Sweets 00:57:26 - Interview with Stove Top 01:05:55 - Interview with Dipper 01:14:47 - Interview with Fifty Cal 01:25:37 - Interview with Boston 01:31:52 - Interview with Smash SEGMENTS Trek Propaganda AT Hiker Who Fell from McAfee Knob Has Died, Authorities Confirm by Kelly Floro Triple Crown of passive aggressive statements used in work emails Mail Bag [divider] Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.  A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, and Greg Mac. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, brought to you by goodr, we are joined by peakbagger, author, search and rescuer, and all around awesome human, Nancy East.  We go through Nancy's impressive list of thru-hikes, how she manages all the backpacking with a family who only sometimes joins her, we chat in depth about her search and rescue experiences and what advice all hikers can glean from the perspective of someone trying to rescue you, and we learn all about Nancy's book "Chasing the Smokies Moon: An audacious 938-mile hike fueled by love, loss, laughter, and lunacy". As recent guest Caet Cash put it, Nancy East is a beast. On the trail, this is 100% true.  In talking with Nancy, the opposite is the case- Nancy is one of the nicest people you'll ever encounter and we had a great time chatting with her. We wrap the show with some more highlights from Trail Days, the triple crown of board games, and that the first and biggest magazine for Backpackers is significantly scaling back its operations.  Goodr: Use code “backpacker15” for 15% off at goodr.com/backpacker15. Gossamer Gear: Use code “littledonkeygirl” for 15% off at gossamergear.com.  Organifi: Use code “backpacker” for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker. [divider] Interview with Nancy East Nancy's Website Nancy's Book Nancy's Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:04:38 - QOTD: What was your personal highlight on the last day of Trail Days? 00:16:02 - Introducing Nancy 00:16:43 - What’s the origin story of your trail name? 00:18:55 - Was that event particularly stressful since you had your kids with you? 00:19:32 - How does Chaunce know Nancy? 00:20:22 - At what point did you learn of Nancy’s legendary status? 00:21:54 - Tell us your trail resume. 00:23:56 - What advice do you have for someone who’s looking to hike the Tahoe Rim Trail? 00:26:40 - Tell us about the Bartram Trail. 00:28:37 - Tell us about the Tour de LeConte. 00:29:38 - Do you leave your pack at the top or carry it the whole time? 00:30:51 - Tell us about setting the FKT on the Tour de LeConte. 00:31:54 - Is there a strategy to which trails you go up and which trails you go down? 00:34:05 - Bloody Mary check-in. 00:35:07 - Tell us about the Foothills Trail. 00:37:10 - How old were your kids when they hiked with you and how did they like the trail? 00:39:30 - Tell us about the Four Pass Loop. 00:42:14 - Tell us about the West Highland Way. 00:44:20 - Tell us about your blog.  00:45:36 - Tell us about the Tour du Mont Blanc. 00:48:10 - Tell us about the Trans Catalina Trail. 00:53:10 - Tell us about the Wonderland Trail. 00:54:39 - Tell us about the Timberline Trail. 00:56:05 - Tell us about the Palmetto Trail. 00:59:31 - Tell us a synopsis of your new book. 01:06:35 - Tell us more about how you got into search and rescue and lost person behavior. 01:10:08 - What are some of the most memorable rescues you’ve done? 01:14:14 - What are the most common traits of lost person behavior? 01:16:30 - Do you have strong thoughts about Gerry Largay? 01:18:40 - Give us some of the highlights and lowlights of your Smokies map hike. 01:23:04 - Did you know before the hike that you would write a book about it? 01:25:49 - How did you plan the hike? 01:28:18 - What food do you pick to bring to a lost person? 01:30:13 - Has anyone flirted with you during a rescue? 01:31:02 - What’s the strategy for making kids love backpacking? 01:35:32 - What are the essential skills you’ve ensured your kids know? 01:37:30 - Are they proficient with navigation? 01:38:42 - Where can people find you? 01:39:16 - What adventures do you have coming up? 01:39:54 - Where can people find the book? 01:40:38 - Thank you! SEGMENTS Trek Propaganda Outside Ends Monthly Print Runs of Backpacker Magazine Amid Layoffs by Kelly Floro Triple Crown of board games Mail Bag 5 Star Review Dad Joke [divider] Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.  A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, and Greg Mac. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek brought to by Goodr, we are joined by a gaggle of AT Hiker Trash.  Today's episode comes to you from Trail Days, where we go through a series of rapid fire questions with hikers who are in the midst of their 2022 AT thru-hikes.  This one is the predictable amount of chaos. We wrap the show joined alongside Mara and Leah for our favorite moments from the AT road trip, a triple crown of fast food restaurants, and a listener educates us on plant water. Goodr: Use code “backpacker15” for 15% off at goodr.com/backpacker15. Gossamer Gear: Use code “littledonkeygirl” for 15% off at gossamergear.com.  Greenbelly: Use code “trek2022” for 10% off at greenbelly.co. Interviews with current AT hikers! Time stamps & Questions 00:04:47 - QOTD: What was your favorite moment from Trail Days Day 1? 00:16:48 - Scavenger hunt discussion 00:19:21 - Interview with Painkiller 00:24:35 - Interview with Platinum 00:32:14 - Interview with El Humidor and Footloose 00:44:10 - Interview with trek blogger Sidetrack 00:51:19 - Interview with trek blogger Catchup 00:59:51 - Interview with Good Zen 01:05:20 - Interview with Catchup 01:10:05 - Interview with Mindwell 01:16:02 - Interview with Ulasidena 01:21:05 - Interview with Mary Poppins SEGMENTS Triple Crown of fast food restaurants Listener Voicemail  5 Star Review Follow Leah and Mara on Instagram! [divider] Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.  A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, and Jason Snailer. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek brought to you by Goodr, we are joined by Caet Cash.  Caet first discovered backpacking back in 2014 and has been on an absolute tear ever since.  We chat about why she prefers to hike SOBO, including some SOBO specific elements of both the AT and PCT, her insane list of peakbagging feats in the Adirondacks and southern Appalachians, redlining (aka mapping) the Smokies, and much more.  Caet also details how her backcountry goals have shifted since being diagnosed with Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, how she manages EDS, and why she thinks it's important to be vocal about this chronic condition.   We wrap the show with an overview of our AT road trip thus far including Chaunce's absurd sun burn, a triple crown of emotional high points on trail, a listener voicemail, and a listener educates us on the Philmont Poop Rating. Goodr: Use code “backpacker15” for 15% off at goodr.com/backpacker15. Gossamer Gear: Use code “littledonkeygirl” for 15% off at gossamergear.com.  Greenbelly: Use code “trek2022” for 10% off at greenbelly.co.   Interview with Caet Cash Caet's Instagram Article about Caet & the SB6K Time stamps & Questions 00:04:32 - QOTD: What’s been the best part of the road trip thus far? 00:14:53 - Introducing Caet 00:15:10 - Discussion about Caet’s trail name. 00:16:03 - What’s the origin of your trail name? 00:18:37 - How mad are you going to be about Zach’s pronunciation of Appalachian? 00:19:02 - Do you remember where you first met Zach? 00:21:07 - Tell us your backpacking resume. 00:22:45 - Tell us about the Northville Placid Trail. 00:24:26 - What’s the best season to do the Northville Placid Trail? 00:25:45 - Do most people start in Northville? 00:26:00 - What type of wildlife do you see? 00:27:05 - Have you done any of the Finger Lakes Trail? 00:27:52 - What put the Appalachian Trail on your radar and why did you choose southbound? 00:29:19 - Was your marathon pain related to your future diagnosis? 00:30:10 - Anything else you want to share from the AT? 00:32:25 - Chaunce’s story. 00:34:52 - At one point did you feel like you got into the hiking rhythm? 00:38:20 - Does any part of the trail feel hard after you’ve completed the Whites? 00:39:30 - Anything else you want to share from the CT? 00:40:36 - Tell us about connecting your footsteps on the PCT. 00:43:54 - How did you decide to go southbound on the PCT? 00:44:30 - How did you handle sleeping alone? 00:46:35 - How many times have you seen bears at night? 00:47:30 - Discussion of purism differences between the AT and PCT. 00:48:35 - When did you finish the PCT and what was the Sierra like? 00:50:15 - Tell us about what you thought of the PCT views and scenery. 00:52:02 - Do you prefer the scenery of the AT? 00:53:20 - Do you think list-making is more of a personality trait of people in the Northeast? 00:54:11 - Tell us about the South Beyond 6,000 grid. 00:55:36 - Can you give us more detail on the SB6K guidelines? 00:57:14 - What’s your strategy in accomplishing the SB6K? 00:58:14 - How do you hike all of them in a month? 00:59:25 - What are your top 3 favorite peaks from the SB6K? 01:00:49 - Tell us about the Adirondack 46. 01:02:03 - How many of the SB6K peaks are accessible from or on the AT? 01:03:03 - Have you done Mt. Rogers? 01:03:47 - If there’s no view, is the appeal strictly accomplishing the list? 01:04:20 - Has anyone else done the SB6K grid? 01:07:02 - Tell us about redlining the Smokies.  01:09:12 - How much do you have to plan for a redlining project versus winging it? 01:09:41 - Are there any resources for helping someone plan a redline? 01:10:45 - How long did it take you to redline the Smokies? 01:11:44 - Tell us about your hip injury. 01:16:01 - Tell us about Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. 01:18:19 - Have you ever dislocated your shoulder? 01:19:01 - What differentiates this disease from someone with other flexibility or hypermobility? 01:19:41 - How do you cope with or reduce chronic pain? 01:22:22 - How has EDS modified your future plans or goals? 01:24:29 - How common is EDS? 01:25:51 - What else in your lifestyle has changed to pursue your health goals? 01:27:18 - Has it been tough to recalibrate your goals? 01:28:28 - Did you ever wonder if your pain was similar to other hikers’? 01:29:58 - Would cycling be a possible activity for you? 01:31:52 - Tell us about your sister and hiking with her. 01:32:55 - What’s your big 3 these days? 01:34:14 - Hype up van life for us. 01:36:18 - What do you want to share about guiding? 01:37:12 - How did you like working with Jennifer Pharr Davis? 01:38:00 - Anything else you want to share? 01:39:08 - Thank you! SEGMENTS Trek Propaganda Woman Rescued After Falling Headfirst Into Pit Toilet Trying to Retrieve Phone by Penina Satlow Triple Crown of emotional high points on trail Listener Voicemail Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound g uy@Paulybooyshallcross. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.  A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, and Jason Snailer. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by YouTube sensation, Darwin.  We learn all about Darwin's rise to fame, including the turning point from when he went from a novice content creator to a full-blown trail celebrity, his advice to aspiring YouTube trail personalities, and why he ultimately fell out of love with the platform. We also learn about Darwin's new media company, Outdoor Evolution, and the plethora of projects currently coming from OE, and what lies ahead. We wrap the show by sharing the news of a gent who's about to finish walking around the world with his pup and we opine on whether we'd rather have a boring, stupid, or ugly offspring. Gossamer Gear: Use code “littledonkeygirl” for 15% off at gossamergear.com.  Organifi: Use code “backpacker” for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker. Greenbelly: Use code “trek2022” for 10% off at greenbelly.co. Interview with Darwin Darwin's Youtube Channel Darwin Goodbye Trek Article + Goodbye Video Outdoor Evolution Time stamps & Questions 00:04:25 - QOTD: Would you rather have a boring, stupid, or ugly kid? 00:06:57 - BPR Announcements: The Trek’s Featured TikTok Personality  00:08:08 - Introducing Darwin 00:08:37 - What was your life pre-dirtbag adventuring? 00:09:52 - Was there one trip you saw as the tipping point to altering your lifestyle? 00:13:56 - Tell us about the timeline of leaving home. 00:14:35 - Tell us about the initial intentions of the trail. 00:16:50 - Do you think leaving the AT and returning later prepared you for future trips? 00:18:47 - When does the Youtube channel enter the picture? 00:22:46 - Was there a particular moment when the channel became something you thought you could make a career out of? 00:25:27 - Tell us about living and working in Albuquerque. 00:26:45 - What’s the strangest hobby you’ve gotten into? 00:28:20 - Tell us about owning a restaurant. 00:29:10 - Are you a big fan of the blues? 00:30:04 - What are the top three things you would never dabble in? 00:31:40 - Tell us about cycling and bike-packing. 00:36:04 - Why do you think your bike-packing videos didn’t take off? 00:36:55 - Is adventure touring more trail or more road? 00:38:58 - How is your injury affecting your upcoming plans? 00:38:33 - Do you mind if I ask how old you are? 00:40:07 - What was the next big hike after the AT? 00:41:03 - How did you like the Pinhoti Trail? 00:42:48 - What kind of miles are you usually hiking per day? 00:44:42 - How did your channel interface with your PCT hike? 00:48:50 - Discussion about the turning point in popularity for the channel. 00:52:43 - Can you elaborate on the closure you sought on the CDT? 01:00:56 - If you had any general advice to someone interested in growing a Youtube channel, what would you tell them? 01:05:24 - Did you develop a thicker skin toward internet comments as you made more videos? 01:09:08 - Tell us about Outdoor Evolution. 01:14:58 - How do you decide how to allocate your time? 01:16:45 - Tell us about the structure of OE. 01:17:55 - Do you and your wife plan to have any children? 01:21:35 - Tell us more about current OE projects. 01:26:25 - How much are you looking to fundraise for your public lands series? 01:27:36 - How big is your production team? 01:28:58 - Give us a sneak peak of each episode. 01:30:01 - Tell us about the other upcoming projects you have going on this year. 01:33:22 - Anything else you want to share? 01:35:12 - Thanks! SEGMENTS Trek Propaganda Tom Turcich (and His Pup) Set to Complete 7-Year Around-the-World Walk Next Month by Clay Bonnyman Evans Adrift on the Pacific Crest Trail by Clay Bonnyman Evans Triple Crown of unlikely spaces where humans become savagely territorial Impromptu News Story Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.  A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, and Jason Snailer. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Carly Moree.  Carly is a thru-hiker, the co-author of Pacific Crest Trials, an OG Writer at The Trek, entrepreneur and a long time friend.  We chat about her transition from the cushy world of finance to backpacking, her personal pitfalls of getting into a relationship on the AT, some hilarious hallucinations during her JMT FKT attempt, and learn all about her new guiding company, Rocky Mountain Hiking Company. We wrap the show with a brief overview of some of the top day hikes on the AT, some more details of our upcoming road trip, and a dad joke of the week. Gossamer Gear: Use code “littledonkeygirl” for 15% off at gossamergear.com.  Greenbelly: Use code “trek2022” for off at greenbelly.co. Enlightened Equipment: Use code “thetrek10” for 10% off Enlightened Equipment’s Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com.  [divider] Photo credit: "Stephanie Weezer" (@stephlotus_ on IG) Interview with Carly Moree Carly's Instagram Rocky Mountain Hiking Company Rocky Mountain Hiking Company Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:04:24 - QOTD: If you married to yourself, what would be the reason for the divorce? 00:05:54 - QOTD 2: What’s the correct amount to tip for pickup orders? 00:13:14 - BPR Announcements: Asheville Meetup at Hi-Wire Brewing May 11, 6:30pm, Trail Days: scavenger hunt, limited edition t-shirts 00:14:20 - Introducing Carly 00:16:08 - Tell us about your introduction into the world of thru-hiking. 00:18:15 - What’s your trail name origin story? 00:19:19 - Why don’t you want to date on trail anymore? 00:20:39 - What attracts you to someone while on trail? 00:22:48 - Tell us about getting Lyme disease. 00:25:44 - Where did you go after the AT? 00:26:41 - Tell us about the epiphany you had about the direction your career was going. 00:28:33 - Give us an example of a crazy moment from your finance job. 00:32:04 - Tell us about the transition from your job to the AT? 00:34:27 - Tell us about deciding to hike the PCT after the AT? 00:35:30 - Did you get any grief for skipping Pennsylvania? 00:36:50 - Discussion about big mile days on the PCT. 00:37:49 - What changes did you make when deciding to date a second person? 00:38:52 - Is there anything else you want to share from the PCT? 00:41:01 - Do you feel like you were drawn to Jennifer Pharr Davis for any other reasons? 00:44:13 - Discussion about co-authoring Pacific Crest Trials. 00:47:25 - Tell us how co-authoring the book has helped your dating life. 00:47:58 - Discussion about Reddit AMA. 00:49:38 - What was your life like after the PCT? 00:51:42 - Why did you only do Mount Sanitas? 00:52:35 - Tell us about starting your PCT FKT attempt. 00:54:44 - Was it weird that you were both going for the FKT? 00:55:42 - Tell us about transitioning from the PCT FKT to the JMT FKT? 00:57:48 - The FKT was a really important moment in your life, right? 00:58:53 - Doesn’t going through a breakup during lockdown suck? 01:01:00 - Discussion about training for the Grand Canyon run. 01:01:55 - What’s your hiking pace? 01:02:11 - What’s your aggressive hiking pace? 01:03:04 - Discussion about training for the JMT FKT. 01:04:33 - Did you plan the hike around a good weather window? 01:06:24 - Tell us the fun facts of the hike. 01:07:05 - What are the hallucinations and did you realize you were hallucinating? 01:14:03 - How do you know what you thought was real was actually real? 01:16:02 - Discussion about the end of the FKT attempt. 01:17:26 - Why do you think you couldn’t feel anything until you decided to end the attempt? 01:17:58 - Discussion about getting off the trail. 01:20:38 - Discussion about getting lost and deciding to press SOS. 01:22:39 - Discussion about the SAR suitors. 01:26:18 - You had to pay for the SOS rescue? 01:27:13 - What did the rescue cost? 01:27:55 - You seemed way too comfortable with hallucinating - were you scared? 01:30:18 - Do you have any advice for the Tahoe Rim Trail? 01:32:41 - Anything else from the Tahoe Rim Trail? 01:33:40 - Tell us about your company. 01:35:40 - When did you start the company? 01:37:11 - Who is the target market for your guided hikes? 01:38:37 - How many trips have you guided so far? 01:39:08 - What are some of the challenges of running a guiding company? 01:40:28 - Who’s the other guide? 01:42:25 - When is your Death Valley trip? 01:43:25 - What has been the biggest surprise in starting the company? 01:45:20 - How does hiring and paying guides work? 01:47:25 - Is it just a three person team right now? 01:48:48 - Tell us about the workshops. 01:50:00 - Tell us about the coaching element of the company. 01:53:30 - Anything else we should know about Rocky Mountain Hiking Company? 01:54:05 - Thank you! SEGMENTS Trek Propaganda Top 5 Appalachian Trail Day Hikes with Unforgettable Views by Amber and Joshua Niven Dad Joke of the Week Roan Mountain, Ghosts, and Supernatural Stories Mail Bag 5 Star Review Book Update [divider] Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.  A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, and Jason Snailer. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, we are joined by author, mountaineer, and keynote speaker, Dr. Jon Kedrowski.  Dr. Jon's list of accomplishments are staggeringly long, including sleeping at the summit of all the Colorado 14'ers, multiple Everest summits, playing D-1college basketball at Valparaiso, guiding and befriending Mike Posner, and much more.  We catch Dr. Jon very off-guard with a well-timed, fuck, marry, kill, we learn about the standout geography features of each of the Colorado mountain ranges, and what it's like to encounter death on Everest. We wrap the show with a triple crown of minor injuries that hurt like fuck and we bring back a listener favorite segment — would you rather.   Gossamer Gear: Use code “littledonkeygirl” for 15% off at gossamergear.com.  Organifi: Use code “backpacker” for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker. Greenbelly: Use code “trek2022” for off at greenbelly.co. Enlightened Equipment: Use code “ultralight10” for 10% off Enlightened Equipment’s Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com.  Interview with Dr. Jon Kedrowski Dr. Jon's Instagram Dr. Jon's Website Time stamps & Questions 00:04:41 - QOTD: What are you most excited about for Trail Days? 00:11:13 - BPR Announcements: Trail Days Road Trip, Asheville Meetup May 11, 6:30pm, subscribe to be alerted of new BPR episodes! 00:14:30 - Introducing Dr. Jon Kedrowski 00:15:50 - Tell us your mountaineering origin story. 00:19:08 - Were you the youngest person to hike all of Colorado’s 14’ers? 00:21:25 - How did you get to trailheads during high school? 00:22:24 - Tell us about being a geography professor. 00:24:20 - Was it tough to pursue mountaineering before it was a money-making profession? 00:27:30 - What’s it like to be a part of March Madness? 00:28:23 - What’s the overlap between being a collegiate basketball player and a successful mountaineer? 00:29:29 - For a backpacker, what’s an applicable mantra or philosophy you go by? 00:32:20 - Tell us about the CDT and CT from a geographic perspective. 00:34:48 - How do you compare the San Juans and the Collegiate Peaks? 00:36:41 - If you had to pick one Colorado mountain range for the rest of your life’s adventuring, which would it be? 00:38:20 - Fuck, Marry, Kill: Colorado mountain ranges. 00:40:24 - Do you actually sleep at the top of a mountain? 00:42:19 - What do you do if there’s a storm while you’re sleeping? 00:43:38 - Your tent got struck by lightning? 00:45:38 - Do you lead clients up Everest now? 00:46:56 - Are you in Mike Posner’s new music video? 00:48:39 - Tell us a wild story from hiking with Mike Posner? 00:50:31 - What’s considered good water once you become a snob about it? 00:52:00 - Did you ever not want to get in the water on video? 00:53:03 - Is there one place that stood out to you related to stargazing? 00:56:21 - Do you ever follow established routes or mainly find your own? 00:59:30 - Let’s talk about Everest! 01:01:02 - What’s it like when there’s a tragedy on Everest? 01:03:20 - What went wrong in 2012? 01:08:02 - What’s the atmosphere like when you return to the high camp? 01:08:35 - What’s your personal mental state like when you have to leave someone behind? 01:10:40 - Is there any mental prep work for encountering people who will perish on Everest? 01:13:20 - At one point will Everest become a trail of bodies? 01:15:58 - Is there part of you that gets freaked out going back year after year? 01:17:32 - What would a training program for Everest look like? 01:19:14 - What training could someone do in the gym? 01:21:21 - Tell us about mountaineering gear.  01:23:22 - How much do those sleeping bags and down suits weigh? 01:24:03 - What does your pack typically weigh? 01:25:43 - What size is your pack? 01:26:20 - Tell us about your “no off days” philosophy. 01:27:40 - Are you physically preparing every single day or are you risking burnout? 01:28:42 - How old are you? 01:31:28 - Have you thought about retiring for two weeks like Tom Brady? 01:33:02 - Is part of you wanting to do a calendar Triple? 01:34:05 - What’s your go-to junk food? 01:34:23 - Get a prize for buying Dr. Jon’s new book! 01:36:34 - Thank you! SEGMENTS Trek Propaganda Authorities Seek Help Identifying Body Found on Springer Mountain by Kelly Floro Triple Crown of minor injuries that hurt like fuck Would You Rather? Mail Bag 5 Star Review Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.  A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, and Jason Snailer. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.