Backpacker Radio

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek we are joined yet again by our old pal, Reptar.  Since we last chatted way back in 2018 (when we still had Kobe and Anthony Bourdain), Reptar has kept very busy- most notably being the co-star in a recent episode of Naked and Afraid.  We ask all the sophomoric questions you'd want to ask someone who earns fame through grit and genitalia, including how often his unmentionables rubbed against spiky things, what it's like to meet your survival partner in the nude, and mastering the proper angle to bend over when a camera is on you.  We also chat about finishing the PCT, his next documentary, and a new survivalist video game he's developing. We wrap the show with a few trail food ideas, a triple crown of dried fruit, and finding the precise line where peeing in water goes from cool to gross. Gossamer Gear discount code: Use code “gingersaregood” for 15% off at Gossamergear.com. Enlightened Equipment: Save 10% off off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Stock Torrid Jacket with code "thetrek10" here.   Goodr discount code: Use code “backpacker15” to save 15% on your first order at goodr.com/backpacker15.   [divider] Interview with Andrew “Reptar” Forestell  Instagram The AT Experience (Documentary) Watch Naked & Afraid on Discovery Channel or Discovery+ on 9/5 at 8pm ET. 00:02:57 - QOTD: How long would you last on Naked & Afraid?  00:04:57 - Reminder: We are coming to Wisconsin and specifically to Delafield on October 13th and Fitchburg on the 15th. 00:06:17 - Reptar returns! See his previous episode here.  00:07:40 - What’s been going on with you since we last talked?  00:09:14 - Let’s talk about Naked & Afraid - how did you get involved? Can you explain the show to us?  00:10:31 - Is there a prize at the end of the 21 days?  00:11:27 - How did you get involved with the show?  00:12:16 - How did you “hit up” the people to try and be on Naked & Afraid?  00:12:48 - Did you revise your pitch or do you think it was just your persistence? Did you send a video?  00:13:30 - Do you have to send in dick pics to Naked & Afraid? Did they ever ask to see you naked? 00:13:47 - Do they let you apply in pairs?  00:14:37 - How much notice do you get before going on the show?  00:15:24 - What does “conditioning” for the show look like? 00:16:17 - How much of this is fitness training and how much is just wanting to look good naked?   00:16:42 - Did you hit up Yukon for tips beforehand?  00:19:02 - Did they tell you the type of climate or environment you’d be in before time?  00:20:42 - Was there any talk of a malaria vaccine?  00:23:53 - Do you think you got lucky with where you were?  00:24:45 - What is your naked encounter with your partner like? When do they tell you to take off your clothes? 00:26:25 - Did you use a satchel to cover yourself?  00:26:44 - Did you try to cover up?  00:27:52 - How soon after the initial meeting does the game show portion start?  00:28:50 - Do you get any supplies?  00:29:53 - What was your partner’s one item?  00:30:09 - Was it more difficult to navigate because of how strange the situation was?  00:32:48 - Did your partner’s study of mushrooms come in handy?  00:33:59 - Did your partner eat the mushrooms anyway?  00:34:38 - Did you feel like you and your partner pulled equal weight survival wise?  00:36:15 - How do you prepare cactus?  00:37:15 - Could you not slice the cactus with the machete? 00:38:26 - Would you still eat cactus today?  00:40:30 - What was the wildlife situation like?  00:49:45 - How did your hunger compare to hiker hunger?  00:52:04 - Are the camera crew allowed to eat or drink around you?  00:52:36 - Do you have to think about not bending over and exposing your bare butt hole?  00:54:48 - Was there ever a time where you got a little “excited” and had to hide it?  00:56:58 - Did you ever hear creepy noises coming from African animals? 001:01:28 - What is your sleep setup? 01:02:20 - Did you guys weave blankets?  01:05:00 - How cold was it at night? 01:07:26 - What kind of security blanket do you have in terms of the medical crew?  01:17:58 - When do you get your clothes back? What is the “re-clothing” like? 01:21:20 - Did you guys ever have a moment where you were ready to throw in the towel? 01:24:08 - How do people watch your episode of Naked & Afraid? Discovery Channel on basic cable or Discovery+ on September 5 at 8pm. 01:26:03 - Can we talk about your PCT Experience documentary? 01:28:30 - And is this the same story we interrogated you about?  01:29:42 - What were you carrying to achieve the shots you got?  Canon 5D Mark III Full Frame Camera 01:32:28 - When you are hiking and making a video like this, does it affect your hike?  01:36:16 - How many details can you share about the game you’re developing (Far North)?  01:42:00 - Do you have to feed your person regularly?  01:45:14 - Anything else BPR listeners should be aware of?  SEGMENTS 6 Trail Foods That Never Bore Me (No Matter How Much I Eat) by Kelly Floro Triple Crown of Dried Fruits Gross or not gross: When does a body of water get too small to pee in?  Mail Bag Eel Facts 5 Star Reviews  [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, Ausen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Brent Stenberg, Patrick Cianciolo, Brandon Spilker and Matt Soukup. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Cynthia Voth,, Emily Brown, Mitchell, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven, TraskVT, Lindsay Sparks, Liz Seger and Lisa Douglas.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we have a lively conversation with the crew at Outdoor F.U.T.U.R.E., a diverse coalition working to ensure that nature’s transformational powers are accessible to all of our nation’s youth.  We chat about the organization's goal of a federal equity fund, why you can't plug your ears and demand that politics stay out of the outdoors, how inequality affects outdoor access, and much more.  We wrap the show with a bizarre story of a former professor being suspected of starting several fires in California, a gross or not gross about dogs eating human body fluids, and a very important correction to the record of my shoeless etiquette on airplanes. This episode was recorded on Arapahoe, Ute, Cheyenne and Shoshone land. [divider] Listen Download this episode. [divider] CONFIRM CURRENT: Gossamer Gear discount code: Use code “gingersaregood” for 15% off at Gossamergear.com. Enlightened Equipment: Save 10% off off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Stock Torrid Jacket with code "trek10" here. [divider] Interview with Outdoor F.U.T.U.R.E. Team Gabaccia Moreno Jaylyn Gough Teresa Martinez Gabe Vasquez Jessica Loya Ángel Peña Carissa 00:02:30 - QOTD: How have your backpacking plans gone to shit as of late?  00:11:02 - Reminder! Backpacker Radio Wisconsin Meetups — Wednesday, October 13 at Delafield Brewhaus and Friday, October 15 at Hop Haus in Fitchburg 00:12:04 - Welcome Gabaccia Moreno, Jalen Goff, Gabe Vasquez and Teresa Martinez of Outdoor F.U.T.U.R.E. 00:13:00 - Introduction to Gabe Vasquez 00:13:56 - Everyone, when you introduce yourselves, can you tell us how you initially got into the outdoors?   00:17:32 - Introduction to Gabaccia Morreno  00:19:43 - Do you have a favorite form of outdoor recreation? Is that hunting?  00:20:45 - Are you a Bills fan?  00:21:21 - Introduction to Jalen Goff 00:28:29 - Introduction to Teresa Martinez  00:35:06 - Can you talk a little bit about the specifics of Outdoor F.U.T.U.R.E. and how you’ll achieve your goals?  00:35:20 - Introduction to Jessica Loya  00:40:44 - Do you know how far away we are from an outdoor equity fund? Is there a timeline? 00:48:29 - Go to outdoorfuture.org to offer your support for the Outdoor Future Act 00:49:43 - Where does the money come from for the initiative?  00:51:08 - If someone wants to give what’s the process? Go to Outdoorfuture.org. 00:51:41 - Introduction to Ángel Peña 00:53:33 - How are we gonna pay for it?  00:57:43 - Is it a bad strategic move to start with private funding? 01:00:26 - What does it look like in a dream world where Outdoor F.U.T.U.R.E. is successful in everything they do?  01:08:03 - What do you say to people who say “the outdoors are free” and “the outdoors are for everyone”? What are the fundamental inequities that underserved communities face in accessing the outdoors? 01:19:26 - What does it look like if Outdoor F.U.T.U.R.E. fails?  01:26:00 - Why do you think that is (that POC are polling to call for more protection of the outdoors)? 01:30:34 - What do you say to people who don’t want to “bring politics” into the outdoors? 01:37:54 - What is the takeaway message that you’d like to leave for our listeners? 01:41:10 - F.U.T.U.R.E. stands for Fund for Underrepresented and Tribal, Urban, and Rural Equity 01:48:00 - Rapid fire for Zach and Chaunce Mezcal or Patron Soft or Crunchy Corn or Flour Green chili or Jalapenos  Red or Green (chili)  Rolled or Flat Taco or Burrito Smothered or on the side  Selena or Shakira Do you know whose land you are on?  What does allyship and equity look like to you? SEGMENTS Trek Propaganda  Former University Professor Held on Suspicion of Arson Near PCT Did Zach actually say he goes barefoot in the airplane bathroom? Give us a timestamp Listener Gross or Not Gross Would you rather eat boogers or goose poop?  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, Ausen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Brent Stenberg, Patrick Cianciolo, Brandon Spilker and Matt Soukup. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Cynthia Voth,, Emily Brown, Mitchell, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven, TraskVT, Lindsay Sparks, Liz Seger and Lisa Douglas. 

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Scott Carney.  Scott's early career as an investigative journalist had him debunking fake gurus and charlatans.  When he was put on assignment by Playboy Magazine more than a decade ago to do the same with a Dutch daredevil- named Wim Hof- Scott assumed this would be more of the same.  What ensued was Scott being enthralled by Wim, his famous breathing and cold exposure techniques, as well as the circus that surrounded the Wim Hof experience.  We talk all about Scott's time with Wim, what it was like to summit Kilimanjaro with him in just 28 hours (when it typically takes closer to 5 days), how Wim is potentially becoming more of a charlatan today, and much more.  I found this conversation to be fascinating, I hope you do too. We wrap the show with Chaunce having an undesirable virus, a debate on the proper number of times to knot your shoelaces, a triple crown of toys from when we were young, and much more. Organifi: Use code "backpacker" for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker. Enlightened Equipment: Save 10% off off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Stock Torrid Jacket with code "trek10" here. Goodr discount code: Use code “backpacker15” to save 15% on your first order at goodr.com/backpacker15. Path Projects: Go to pathprojects.com and let them know BPR sent you. [divider] Reminders: BPR is looking for an intern. Interview with Scott Carney: Instagram  Facebook  Twitter  Book Trailer Buy The Wedge  00:07:05 - QOTD: What’s the coldest you’ve ever been? 00:16:00 - How did you get into investigative journalism?  00:20:33 - You mentioned trekking around Nepal — what kind of trekking were you doing? Content warning: Discussion of suicide. 00:21:13 - So can you talk about how you specifically became involved with debunking fake gurus and charlatains?  00:24:09 - Is it mostly westerners that the effects you were studying impacted?  End content warning. 00:25:08 - Were people literally watching a corpse rot?  00:28:42 - Is Tantra tied to psychotropic breathing at all? 00:29:27 - Is there anything else you want to add about your career of debunking gurus? Would you say it’s more so tied to philosophy or the people?  00:32:22 - Why is there a theme of gurus having sex with people?  Drukpa Kunley 00:35:48 - How did you get set up on the assignment to debunk Wim Hof?  00:37:13 - Have people ever died of hypothermia trying to do this?  00:38:31 - Did you keep an open mind at all? Or were you sure Wim Hof was a fake?  00:39:00 - Is drinking part of the retreats? 00:40:52 - Can you pinpoint what opened your mind to him when you were learning about Wim’s methods?  00:45:00 - Read Scott’s book — ”What Doesn’t Kill You” 00:48:50 - What about Wim Hof is so compelling?  00:51:50 - Did the results of the study on Wim Hof’s techniques surprise you or catch you off guard?  00:53:44 - Can you explain the physiological response that happens when you do the breathing?  00:57:55 - How important would you say the meditation process is after doing a few rounds of the Wim Hof method? 01:00:00 - Do you still practice daily? 01:02:20 - Do you do the breathing and cold in conjuncture? 01:02:50 - What’s the name of your fancy ice bath? 01:05:20 - Are you supposed to try to visualize something warm? Or do you just take the cold head on? 01:05:50 - Do you think it’s a physical adaptation or a mental adaptation?  01:09:14 - What is that line in terms of finding your limits?01:10:33 - Is brown fat more activated by bare skin exposure? Rather than when clothed?  01:11:05 - Can you accumulate more brown fat via cold exposure? And how does that relate to the wedge?  01:13:00 - Wim Hof has a twin brother — do they have similar amounts of brown fat? 01:16:07 - Is there a performance benefit to these methods?  01:19:31 - What is the application of the breathing technique and cold exposure for people doing long distance hikes?  01:23:51 - Take us through the story of how you eventually went back to Europe and then Africa to hike Kilimanjaro with Wim Hof?  01:25:27 - And you guys were going for a record?  01:26:39 - What is the average time for a summit of Mt.Kilimanjaro? 01:26:51 - Were you doing the breathing technique the whole time you were hiking or during breaks? 01:27:04 - When you do the practice at home do you do it the same way each time? Do you ever use nostril breathing? 01:28:00 - Wim likes your book even though there’s a chapter that doesn’t look at him in the most favorable way?  01:34:16 - Have you ever thought about approaching Wim about how people are taking his methods out of context? 01:36:24 - Is there a book in the intertwined nature of social media and putting people on pedestals? 01:36:58 - Can you talk about your books?  01:38:53 - So you do a macro dose of MDMA with psychiatrists?  01:39:45 - Is your book an audio book? 01:40:00 - If you had to pick one element from The Wedge as very beneficial, what would it be?  01:41:01 - You also posted recently about The Vortex?    SEGMENTS Trek Propaganda One Simple Trick to Keep Your Shoelaces Tied on Your Next Hike by Owen Eigenbrot Triple Crown of Toys From When You Were Young 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, Ausen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Brent Stenberg, Patrick Cianciolo, Brandon Spilker and Matt Soukup. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Cynthia Voth,, Emily Brown, Mitchell, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven, TraskVT, Lindsay Sparks, Liz Seger and Lisa Douglas. 

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are bringing you another advice based show.  Today's episode is all about how to afford a thru-hike, which includes overall tips for how to budget, how much to budget, what items you can skimp on, what items you should splurge on, tools for automating the process, and much more.    We wrap the show with a triple crown of items that we love for less than $25, a wild story about a multi-day grizzly bear attack, and we discuss whether a calendar year triple crown is anti-thetical to the thru-hiking ethos.   QOTD: How long is the lifespan of a fly/mosquito? And why aren’t dead ones all over the ground?  BPR is doing a live podcast at Hop Haus in Fitchburg, Wisconsin from 6:00pm - 8:00pm on Friday, October 15. How to Afford a Thru-Hike ebook by Kelly Floro Tip #1 (Chaunce): Use apps that set aside money for you. Apps mentioned (not sponsored): Qapital Betterment  Acorns Wealthfront Tip #2 (Zach): Know what gear to splurge on. Specifically: Footwear Shelter Sleeping bag/quilt Tip #3 (Elise): Leverage the Financial Independence community (and finding your Coast FI number for peace of mind). Some FI resources: The Simple Path to Wealth by JL Collins Quit Like A Millionaire by Kristy Shen and Bryce Leung The Choose FI podcast  MoneywithKatie on Instagram Coast FI caclulator   Tip #4 (Chaunce): Budget smart while you’re actually on trail.  Tip #5 (Zach): Know where to skimp on gear. Specifically:  Headlamp Base layer Rain gear Water filter Sunglasses And more   Tip #6 (Elise): Figure out how much your life actually costs, then figure out how to cut further or earn more.  Tip #7 (Chaunce): Take on a side job where all earnings are specifically for thru-hiking. Some ideas: Uber/Lyft Instacart Rover   Tip #8 (Zach): Decide how much you think your thru-hike will cost, then add 20%. Tipe #9 (Elise): Surround yourself with people who either support your goals or have similar ones. SEGMENTS Trek Propaganda  Colleen Goldhorn’s Posts Triple Crown of things to spend $25 on Gross or Not Gross Zach being barefoot on an airplane Mail Bag Cinnamon Court  [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, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Brent Stenberg, and Patrick Cianciolo. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Cynthia Voth, Brandon Spilker, Emily Brown, Mitchell, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven, TraskVT, Lindsay Sparks, Liz Seger and Lisa Douglas. 

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Rachael "Rabbit" Delano. Rabbit is a triple crowner, yogi, trail junkie, and currently in an ongoing battle with the Colorado Trail.  We learn about how the discovery of thru-hiking was a true fork in the road for Rachael, as the other path was leading toward a very dark place (much like our episode with Second Chance, for those who are triggered by talks of suicide, we encourage you to skip to about 15 minutes into the interview).  We talk about the highs and lows of each of Rabbit's triple crown hikes.  We learn which yoga poses she most recommends for hikers and backpackers.  And why the Colorado Trail keeps kicking her ass! We wrap the show with a discussion on why backcountry campfires might need to become a thing of the past, at least in the West, we do a triple crown of things that ruin a day hike, and introduce a new segment- Hiker Trash Board Confessionals.  But first. Organifi: Use code "backpacker" for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker. Enlightened Equipment: Save 10% off off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Stock Torrid Jacket with code "trek10" here. Path Projects: Go to pathprojects.com and let the know BPR sent you. [divider] Interview with Rachael “Rabbit” Delano Instagram  Website Youtube CONTENT WARNING: Discussion of suicide  00:05:08 - QOTD: What are your upcoming backpacking plans? 00:08:23 - Wisconsin Hiker Meetup on Wednesday, October 13th @ Delafield BrewHaus 00:09:30 - What is your thru-hiking resume?  00:14:36 - Can you put a finger on what about your life was not satisfactory? 00:16:40 - did you go straight from New York to the AT? 00:16:50 - What was the timeline from being at your lowest to starting the AT?  00:17:13 - And all you had seen at that point was a Katahdin photo? 00:17:32 - Did you have a feeling hiking would be your salvation? Or were you just willing to try anything?  00:18:12 -  Do you experience being just done with hiking? Or are you just ready to go again?  00:19:42 - What was the experience like going back home after the AT?  END CONTENT WARNING 00:21:30 - How fat is Zach’s baby’s cheeks?  00:22:39 - Do you do morning yoga on the trail?  00:23:31 - What does the process of becoming a yoga instructor look like?  00:24:49 - How much of yoga teacher training is the movement and how much is the origin of yoga? 00:26:43 - Is it hard to memorize the names of all the different yoga positions?  00:28:10 - What are the core tenets of being a good yoga teacher? 00:29:07 - Have you ever laughed at someone farting in your class?  00:31:40 - Are there good poses for helping with digestion? 00:32:53 - Do you have a series of go to moves for hiking?  00:35:34 - Are there good movements that can help you sleep?  00:37:50 - Can you tell us about breath work?  00:42:40 - Any more moves for backpackers?  00:46:58 - Do you have a go to yoga sign off?  00:48:35 - Does it matter what color you imagine (based on color psychology)?  00:54:31 - Can you talk about the intersection of breathing techniques and managing anxiety? 00:56:48 - Is there a resource or tool you’ve found for different techniques for managing anxiety? 00:58:28 - Were there any major themes you took away from your three big hikes?  01:00:37 - What happened with your near death experience on the PCT?  01:10:02 - Did you sleep through the night?  01:10:41 - Did the snow melt the next day? What was the trail like?  01:13:15 - Can you tell us the story of you getting swept away during a creek crossing in the Sierra in 2017?  01:19:00 - What were you thinking when this was happening? 01:19:21 - What did you do after you got back to the bank you came from? 01:22:19 - PCTA has a good resource for water crossings and formations for different group sizes Stream Crossing Safety 01:23:28 - Was it hard for you to put ego aside?  01:25:26 - If someone is planning to do their first thru-hike on the PCT in an average to above average snow year, what advice would you have for them?  01:30:23 - What were your takeaways from the CDT?  01:33:54 - Why would you stay on the CDT if you could?  01:34:36 - Where were the mosquitoes the worst?  01:34:55 - What percent of the CDT do you think you did by yourself?  01:37:11 - Was it challenging to not see many other people?  01:40:05 - Do you think more people stick together because the CDT has much fewer hikers? 01:41:29 - What is Hadrian’s Wall like? Is it social?  01:42:28 - Did you want to do something longer since you were going so far?  01:43:26 - Did you still do big days or did you go slower since it was shorter?  01:46:36 - How tall is the wall?  01:47:44 - Anything else about Hadrian’s Wall? 01:56:14 - What is the goal of redoing the Copper - Breckenridge section over and over? 01:58:00 - What is the significance of your trail name?  SEGMENTSTrek Propaganda  Backcountry Campfires: A Relic of the Past by Paul Magnanti Triple Crown of Things That Will Ruin Your Day Hike Chaunce: forgetting sunscreen, not leaving early enough, lack of vigilance (because you’re almost done) Rabbit: air quality, calf cramps, creepy dudes  Zach: thunderstorms above tree line, running out of food/being hungry Hiker Trashboard Confessional [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, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Brent Stenberg, and Patrick Cianciolo. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Cynthia Voth, Brandon Spilker, Emily Brown, Mitchell, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven, TraskVT, Lindsay Sparks, Liz Seger and Lisa Douglas.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are trying new things!  In lieu of an interview, myself alongside Chaunce and Sauce (Elise), cover some of the most common beginner backpacking mistakes.  Because we here at Backpacker Radio can occasionally steer off-topic, we wanted to experiment with an episode dedicated to what the show's title implies.  Backpacking stuff.  These pointers run the full spectrum, from massive mistakes, to minor gaffes.  Regardless of where you are in your backpacking evolution, we think you'll walk away from this one with some very useful insight. But first.   Organifi: Use code "backpacker" for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker. Enlightened Equipment: Save 10% off off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Stock Torrid Jacket with code "trek10" here. Gossamer Gear discount code: Use code “gingersaregood” for 15% off at Gossamergear.com. [divider] Panel with Elise (Sauce), Chaunce, and Zach 00:06:39 - QOTD: Is the left ball lower and your main child bearing ball?  00:10:08 - We are going to Wisconsin! 00:13:11 - Mistake #1 from Zach: Not doing shakedown hikes 00:17:41 - A shakedown hike is more than just narrowing down your gear! 00:18:52 - Mistake #2 from Chaunce: Put your phone on airplane mode when you do practice hikes. 00:23:25 - Mistake #3 from Elise: Not knowing how to properly filter your water. 00:30:33 - Mistake #4 from Zach: Buying gear beyond your skill set/experience.  00:40:52 - Mistake #5 from Chaunce: Being too firm on your hike and not allowing flexibility based on the elements. 00:50:00 - Mistake #6 from Elise: Research the gear that is right for YOU. 00:54:47 - Mistake #7 from Zach: Mental prep might be more important than any other kind of prep. 00:59:49 - Mistake #8 from Chaunce: Not practicing communicating with your sattelite device in multiple types of coverage. 01:06:27 - Mistake #9 from Elise: Trying to keep up with people above your fitness level.   No Segments!  [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, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Brent Stenberg, and Patrick Cianciolo. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Cynthia Voth, Brandon Spilker, Emily Brown, Mitchell, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven, TraskVT, Lindsay Sparks, Liz Seger and Lisa Douglas.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, we are joined by Second Chance Hiker. In 2018, Cory McDonald, aka Second Chance, was bored, depressed, and north of 400 pounds. After his doctor told him that he was headed for a heart attack if he didn't make some serious changes, Second Chance uprooted his life, and committed to hiking the PCT with the goal of losing 200 lb in the process. We learn all about the highs and lows Cory confronted during his trek, including how he got a girlfriend, and why he ultimately got off trail in very dramatic fashion. Second Chance shares what he's been up to since the PCT, including treks in Croatia and through the crocodile filled swamps of Florida. A very important warning to listeners, this episode does touch on some sensitive subject matter, especially conversations of panic attacks and suicide. If this may be triggering for you, we encourage you to skip to the end of the interview after Cory talks about his Florida Trail hike.  We wrap the show with a triple crown of things we're terrible at, some history of why the Appalachian Trail doesn't have switchbacks, and a follow up on James Jordan's trial verdict.  

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Alison Young.  Alison has a world-class radio voice, is a super accomplished backpacker, with a long list of thru-hikes, a former professional flutist and classic music aficionado, and the host and producer of The Trek's newest podcast, Walking Distance.  We get a crash course in all things classical music, including how Lizzo ranks alongside some of the historical greats, we talk in depth about Alison's many treks, especially her international hikes (prepare to expand your bucket list), we talk about what it's like to do long distance backpacking trips into your 50s and how she manages with two fake hips, and much more.  This is a fun conversation that hits on some really unique subject matter, we think you'll really enjoy it. We wrap the show with the most bizarre triple crown we've ever done- I'll leave it at that, we have another gross / not gross, and we learn why redheads experience less pain, spoiler alert, it's not due to their lacking a soul. Good To-Go: Use code "TREK25" to save 25% off your order here. OnX deal: This month, get a 1 year membership for $10 with all proceeds going to Leave No Trace. Learn more at onxmaps.com/greatoutdors. Enlightened Equipment: Save 10% off off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Stock Torrid Jacket with code "trek10" here. Gossamer Gear discount code: Use code “poopstory” for 15% off at Gossamergear.com. [divider] Interview with Alison Young Blissful Hiker Walking Distance Podcast Alison's Instagram QUESTIONS 00:04:30 - QOTD: which is easier, eating a little or eating nothing?  00:05:37 - We are coming to Wisconsin!  00:06:29 - Welcome Alison Young! 00:07:52 - How did you get into backpacking?  00:11:48 - Can we talk about your career as a flutist?  00:14:00 - What is the life of a professional flute player?  00:15:56 - Can you tell us more about your career at American Public Media?  00:18:30 - Was it difficult to go from being the star of the show to being the cheerleader? 00:20:30 - What is Dystonia?  00:22:10 - Does your Dystonia affect backpacking at all?  00:22:53 - Is trying to play with Dystonia a mind fuck?  00:25:24 - Did your surgeon think your backpacking contributed to your hip replacement? 00:27:31 - What is the next step people should take to go deeper into the classical music world?  00:31:30 - How many times have you watched the movie Fantasia?  00:33:30 - If you could only listen to one classical song for an entire thru-hike, what would it be?  Gustav Mahler from Songs of a Wayfarer  00:38:49 - Will you tell us about the Drakensberg Traverse?  00:40:59 - Was there any standout wildlife on that trek?  00:42:08 - Did the baboons ever get aggressive? 00:43:35 - How long is that hike?  00:43:40 - Were you carrying all your food?  00:45:33 - Were people confused about what you were doing?  00:47:08 - Are you being conscious about your food around the baboons?  00:48:45 - Go on about Isle Royale?  00:51:04 - How are you sleeping knowing there’s wolves around you?  00:52:32 - What are you supposed to do if you see a wolf?  00:54:53 - How long was your Isle Royale hike? 00:55:38 - What time of year were you there?  00:55:58 - How were the mosquitoes?  00:57:48 - Can you pronounce that region again? “Kekekabic”  00:59:03 - Do people thru-hike the Border Route Trail?  01:03:20 - If you could redo one international hike, which would it be? The Karakoram in Pakistan 01:06:33 - What’s going through your mind when doing a water crossing like that?  01:10:05 - How does your spouse handle you being away for months at a time?  01:13:46 - Can you talk about your decision to not have kids, etc.?  01:15:52 - Can we talk about the GR5?  01:19:46 - Do you have advice for someone who is not the typical 20-something that wants to start backpacking?  01:22:34 - Do you do anything besides walking to get in shape for backpacking? Yoga, etc.?  01:25:36 - Will you give us the overview for Walking Distance?  01:34:28 - What inspired the CDT? Can you talk about your upcoming adventure?  01:37:10    SEGMENTS Lizzo Playing the Flute The Longest Trail by Jonathan Horwitz Triple crown of Desserts  Gross or Not Gross Zach picked a booger and felt it in his throat 1-Minute Gear Review: Premature Evaluation — Platypus Quickdraw  Mail Bag 5 Star Reviews [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. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and  Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Jason Lawrence, Austen McDaniel, Andrew, Christopher Marshburn, S11N, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), and Cameron Brown. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Cynthia Voth, Brandon Spilker, Emily Brown, Jeffrey Miller, Mitchell, Zoe Jenkins, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Mark Snook, Peter Ellenberg, Thomas Fullmer, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven, TraskVT and Lindsay Sparks.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by the show's third co-host at this point, the real hiking viking.  We do a deep dive on every inch of Jabba's recent hike of the Hayduke, including the challenges of long water carries, regular exposure to 100-plus degree days, navigating the route, and some truly epic stories, including a trail magic rafting trip through the Grand Canyon.  Whether you want to learn about the Hayduke or are simply craving some more Jabba time, this one will not disappoint. We wrap the show with a triple crown of things that ruin your day, Chaunce explains why you can't get a vaccine until after you've done your taxes, and we get some more horse facts, chicken edition. Good To-Go: Use code "TREK25" to save 25% off your order here.  OnX deal: This month, get a 1 year membership for $10 with all proceeds going to Leave No Trace. Learn more at onxmaps.com/greatoutdors. Enlightened Equipment: Save 10% off off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Stock Torrid Jacket with code "trek10" here.  Gossamer Gear discount code: Use code “poopstory” for 15% off at Gossamergear.com. [divider] Interview with Jabba aka The Real Hiking Viking QOTD: Aliens and ghosts. SEGMENTS Trek Propaganda 100-Mile Wilderness Designated International Dark Sky Park by Tina Mullen Man and 2-Year-Old Son Found Dead on Maryland AT in Apparent Murder-Suicide by Kelly Floro  Triple Crown of Mundane Things that Ruin Your Day Gross or Not Gross Mail Bag 5 Star Reviews [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. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and  Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Jason Lawrence, Austen McDaniel, Andrew, Christopher Marshburn, S11N, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), and Cameron Brown. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Cynthia Voth, Brandon Spilker, Emily Brown, Jeffrey Miller, Mitchell, Zoe Jenkins, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Mark Snook, Peter Ellenberg, Thomas Fullmer, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven, TraskVT and Lindsay Sparks.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by recurring guest, Steph Lotus aka Weezer, and her good pal, Dirty Avocado, as the duo recently wrapped a thru-hike of the Arizona Trail. This one is the mid-point between a trail overview and first person narrative of their journey, including some mild tragedy, comedy, and romance. We wrap the show with a triple crown of desert things, we tease the new Trail Correspondents season, and we are blessed with a bison poop story. Advertise on Backpacker Radio