Backpacker Radio

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

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Gossamer Gear founder Glen Van Peski.  We learn all about the origins of Gossamer Gear, including how the company would not be in existence today without the founder of Whole Foods.  We learn about some of Glen's proudest gear innovations, including the crotch pot.  We walk about how he's able to manage a three pound base weight, future gear innovations in the world of backpacking, and much more. We wrap the show with a triple crown of Leonardo DiCaprio movies, Jabba gives us an impromptu lesson on scrotums from the Hayduke, and we bring back one-minute gear reviews. Check out Walking Distance wherever you listen to podcasts. OnX discount code: Use code: "Backpackerradio20" for 20% off at onxmaps.com. Picky Bars discount code: Use code "BACKPACKER" for 20% off $25 Picky Bars. Goodr discount code: Use code “backpacker15” to save 15% on your first order at goodr.com/backpacker15. Reel toilet paper discount code: Use code "BACKPACKER" to save 25% at reelpaper.com [divider] Interview with Glen Van Peski Gossamer Gear Blog [divider] QOTD: What’s the strangest thing you’ve done in the last week?  00:11:09 - Backpacker Radio is going to Wisconsin in October! 00:12:40 - Listeners, are you close to Wisconsin? Do you want to come see us? Let us know where?  00:14:30 -Welcome Glen Van Peski!  00:14:52 - How did you originally get into backpacking?  00:15:58 - Are you still  in Massachusetts? 00:16:47 - Can you give us a run through of your notable backpacking trips?  00:17:57 - What is the typical length of your backpacking trips? 00”18:21 - What began the foray into making your own gear? 00:20:07 -  At this point did the lightbulb go off that there was a market opportunity? Or were you just sewing for yourself?  00:23:07 - How quickly did you sell through your first 50 packs?  00:23:57 - What was your full time job at that point?  00:24:40 - Do you remember what the run of 50 packs cost you? 00:25:40 - Can you walk me through the initial scaling of the business? What happened after the first 50 packs?  00:28:03 - What is your day-to-day involvement at this point? And was it called Gossamer Gear?  00:29:15 - What year was it at this point? 00:29:59 - It sounds like you were hitting you stride right when credit card processing became a thing?  00:31:22 - Is the G420 the same as the original G4?  00:32:26 - How collaborative are cottage gear companies with each other?  00:34:30 - Can you talk more about the evolution from GVP Gear to Gossamer Gear?  00:40:20 - What is your involvement today?  00:41:21 - Is the cooking  system you’re working on the Crotch Pot?  00:43:11 - Can you share the story of your gear choice during  your hike in the High Sierra?  00:46:27 - Did the weight sitting lower on your body change the way your muscles reacted? Were you sore in different places?  00:46:57 - Was there anything you left out to make that volume work?  00:48:50 - How do you get under 3 pounds for your base weight?  00:51:22 - How would you describe your interest in UL backpacking?  00:53:25 - How much Gossamer Gear stuff are you using on your hikes?  00:54:09 - Can you walk us through the inception of The One?  00:55:11 - What challenges did you run into with the DCF version of The One?  00:57:33 - Can you explain what DCF is and outline some of the feature benefits of the fabric over all?  00:59:28 - What is Oxford? 00:59:33 - Do you  think DCF is worth the rage? Is it overhyped or properly hyped?  01:00:55 - Do you see any fabrics in the pipeline that could be as disruptive as DCF?  01:03:14 - What is in your go-to first aid backpacking kit? 01:04:50 - Why do you think you are interested in being of service to others?  01:06:00 -  Is this something that translates to your life over all? Outside of backpacking?  01:09:54 - What are some of your favorite non-Gossamer Gear gear choices?  Zpacks BluffWorks YAthletics Ministry of Supply 01:11:40 - Can you speak truth to the fact that there are people who buy The One as a two-person tent?  01:15:28 - What is the oldest piece of gear that you backpack with today?  01:16:26 - Your sleep socks haven’t gotten holes?  01:16:48 - Are we going to see the 6 oz tent in the Gossamer Gear store soon?  01:17:58 - Do you see any gear that will be mainstream in thru-hiking in the near future?  01:18:51- Do you use your tent stakes as chopsticks?  01:20:50 - Do you  have any other gear redundancies? Checkout Mayfly Ultralight 01:22:44 - Any parting words to the backpackers of the world? 01:23:33 - Is there any part of you that craves luxuries while backpacking?  01:25:05 - Where should people go find you?  Gossamer Gear Blog SEGMENTS   The Best Time of Year to Hike These 23 Popular Long Trails by Eloise Robbins Triple Crown of Leonardo DiCaprio Movies Call with Jabba!  What are questions women have about men but are too afraid to ask?  1-Minute Gear Review  Chaunce - Book Stand  Zach - Hoka Challenger ATR 6 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 my good bud, Nicole Antoinette.  Nicole is a thru-hiker, entrepreneur, podcast host, and all around magnetic personality.  We talk about overcoming imposture syndrome in the world of backpacking, why the stereotypical thru-hiking style of big miles, ramen, and cramped motel rooms isn't a one-size-fits-all approach, accepting failure, sobriety, and much more.  This is a lively conversation; you will enjoy it. We wrap the show a triple crown of kitchen gadgets, we officially unveil the destination for our 2021 Backpacker Radio Road Trip, and someone gets poop in their hair. OnX discount code: Use code: "Backpackerradio20" for 20% off at onxmaps.com. Picky Bars discount code: Use code "BACKPACKER" for 20% off $25 Picky Bars. Goodr discount code: Use code “backpacker15” to save 15% on your first order at goodr.com/backpacker15. Reel toilet paper discount code: Use code "BACKPACKER" to save 25% at reelpaper.com Interview with Nicole Antoinette Instagram QOTD: You have one hour to spend $10,000 in one store, what store are you choosing? 00:07:58 - Nicole, if we meet you on a hike, what is your clif notes introduction to somebody? 00:10:10 - What is it that pays the bills these days? 00:12:36 - Will you please plug your podcast? 00:13:10 - Why did you archive all your instagram  posts? 00:15:44 - What  influenced your decision to scrap things (off instagram)? 00:19:21 - How do you pursue what the next thing is without using a passion as the igniter for that? 00:21:21 - Can you talk about your questioning monogamy phase?  00:23:49 - Have you always been so self-aware? 00:25:45 - Do you meditate at all? 00:26:30 - How did you transition from running to backpacking? 00:30:14 - How did you end up thru-hiking the PCT after being hurt after the Oregon section? 00:33:35 - How long before you are planning your next backpacking trip?  00:37:55 - What made you start to enjoy backpacking? 00:40:11 - Where are you from? 00:40:23 - Were there any concrete things you changed that helped you enjoy the experience?  00:46:14 - How did you find the balance between not being afraid and being comfortable on your own? 00:47:29 - How did you cope with loneliness? 00:49:28 - Is Chaunce an introvert or extrovert? 00:51:49 - Did you get more music? 00:55:29 - Between Ice Ice Baby and the Safety Dance which song would you put on your phone if you could only choose one? 00:56:00 - If an extrovert is considering going on a hike solo, do you have any advice for them? 01:00:16  - Can we talk about your SOBO PCT hike next? 01:02:20 - What does a social life look like on a southbound thru-hike?  01:03:26 - When was your start date?  01:04:56 - How did the SOBO PCT hike live up to expectations? 01:08:47 - Can you talk about the perception of not completing your thru-hike? 01:12:35 - What value do you get out of saying your PCT hike was a failure? 01:22:27 - Did you feel that having your own community established before you started backpacking helped? 01:24:10 - Do you think you could quit more gracefully because you’ve established your confidence in other areas of your life? 01:28:21 - How much did you encounter party culture on the PCT and how was it as a sober hiker?  01:30:35 - Do you have any advice for sober people hoping to hike?  01:36:31 - Do you mind talking about the evolution of your relationships? 01:37:23 - What role did the thru-hike play in the end of your marriage? 01:42:20 - How did you transition into your current relationship? 01:47:25 - When are you doing the Colorado Trail? 01:48:00 - Where can people find you? Instagram SEGMENTS Trek Propaganda  Desk-Bound Engineer to Professional Backpacking Guide in 1 Year by Dan Purdy Apply to be a writer for The Trek Backpacker Radio Road Trip Announcement! Triple Crown of Kitchen Tools Gross or Not Gross Leo’s Blowouts Chaunce Picking People’s Scabs Reddit Brain Buster You’re a burglar…but you can only steal things that mildly inconvenience your victims. What are you taking?  ex: the plate that goes in the microwave  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 legendary Appalachian Trail trail angel, Miss Janet.  We learn about how cute boys was her gateway back to the trail in the 70s, the history of how people learned about and communicated around the trail, and why she's dedicated so much of her life to helping AT hikers.  We also touch on some hot button issues surrounding the trail, including when trail magic crosses the line, the impact of partying on the trail, and what she sees as a solution to the abundance of trash in some of the more popular areas. We wrap the show with a triple crown of bad farts, Chaunce and I answer some listener questions, and who do you think you are? I am!   OnX discount code: Use code: "Backpackerradio20" for 20% off at onxmaps.com. Gossamer Gear discount code: Use code "POOPSTORY" to save 15% off your cart at GossamerGear.com Reel toilet paper discount code: Use code "BACKPACKER" to save 25% at reelpaper.com Picky Bars discount code: Use code "BACKPACKER" for 20% off $25 Picky Bars. [divider] Interview with Miss Janet Instagram Themissjanet@gmail.com QOTD: What has been your best trail magic experience? Are fish worth it?  00:16:21 - Pop Quiz - what year did Miss Janet and Badger meet?  00:17:05 - Can you tell me about your upbringing and the confluence of getting involved with the AT?  00:18:22 - Why were you afraid of the first hiker you saw on the AT?  00:19:55 - Do you remember what year it was the first time you met an AT hiker?  00:22:50 - What interesting things happened on the AT in 1985? 00:26:38 - Is your mom still in Erwin today? Is she still part of the AT experience?  00:29:36 - What happens in between you being introduced to the AT and you opening  your own hostel? 00:32:30 - So you were surprised by the sheer amount of hikers when you moved back to Erwin? 00:36:14 - When you started your hostel were there enough hikers to support two hostels?  00:40:35 - What year did you start your hostel? 00:41:08 - How did people know which hostel to go to in the late 90’s? 00:42:48 - Why were you banned from the email list? 00:47:56 - How many people drop out by the time they hit Mountain Crossing? 00:50:58 - What are people’s reasoning for not registering with the ATC? 00:54:55 - How do you calculate how many people are vlogging their AT hike?  00:55:41 - Have you noticed that people are starting early and earlier every year?  00:57:27 - Would you advocate for a daily cap on the AT like the PCT?  01:01:03 - Can you talk about that photograph that came out last year with all the trash on Max Patch? 01:02:02 - Are there efforts made by trail angels to relay the importance of LNT? 01:04:58 - Don’t leave out styrofoam coolers if you aren’t coming back for them. 01:07:14 - What are your thoughts on the difference between trail magic and hiker feeds?  01:14:06 - Have you noticed that at every major road crossing there’s so much trail magic that hikers have come to just expect it?  01:17:37 - Have you noticed thru-hiker entitlement as time has gone on? 01:23:43 - How would you define the AT experience? 01:26:30 - How would you define what an AT thru-hike looks like?  01:35:31 - is there any consistent theme to the gap between what people are expecting and what they end up actually experiencing?  01:40:42 - How often do you end up being the AT therapist? 01:43:40 -How often do you think hikers get off because they are bored? 01:47:10 - Can you bridge the gap between Miss Janet’s hostel and the Miss Janet that trail angels up and down the AT? 01:49:30 - How much of the trail had you hiked prior to that?  01:54:15 - Would you trade your hiking style for making it all the way to Katadhin?   01:55:58 - How did you go from hostels to doing traveling trail angeling?  01:58:00 - What is it about the trail that keeps you coming back? What is it that you love about the people and culture?  02:09:17 - Where can people find Miss Janet?  Instagram Themissjanet@gmail.com SEGMENTS Trek Propaganda  AT Killer James Jordan Not Guilty By Reason of Insanity Trail Profile: How to Hike the 96-Mile Lone Star Hiking Trail by Katie Houston Triple Crown of Bad Farts Listener Q&A 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. 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.