Backpacker Radio

We are thrilled to introduce the first episode of our new Trail Correspondents series.  In a nutshell, a small group of thru-hikers from the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Trail will be submitting audio recordings during their hikes.  Episodes will be published every other week, if not more frequently.  This first episode introduces us to our Appalachian Trail hikers.  They are Fainting Goat, Gwen Nitya, Jeff "IBTAT" Oliver, Kate "Sassafras" Mueller, Jake Beaver, and Emily Dutton. Get the full post and introductions at: https://thetrek.co/introducing-backpacker-radios-2018-trail-correspondents Support the show through our Patreon Page. Leave us feedback at podcast@thetrek.co.  

For most, disappearing to the trail for a month or two is a dream vacation.  Serial thru-hiker and peak bagger Steven "Twinkle" Shattuck and his wife Grace are about to travel the world, while living out of their backpacks for the next year.  We snagged Twinkle during his last night in town to learn how he saved for this epic adventure, what gear he'll be taking, and advice to those who want to follow in his footsteps.  We also talk about the best headlamps for a thru-hike and how thru-hiking can remedy anxiety. Topics discussed in this episode include: Twinkle's upcoming, year-plus long adventure The Hayduke Trail Twinkle's money-saving advice Twinkle's Instagram account Why you should treat your water in the backcountry Giant Desert Centipede Twinkle's Gear Backpack: Gossamer Gear Gorilla Tent: Gossamer Gear The Two Quilt: Katabatic Flex Sleeping Pad: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xtherm Google Pixel 2 Camera: Sony RX100 M2 + Sony A6300 How the Trail Helped with My Anxiety by Tess Mulaney The Best Headlamps for Thru-Hiking Black Diamond Spot Anker 26800 External Battery Check out our Patreon page to find out how you can help us emerge from the dark ages of recording. This episode was recorded at Wayfinder in Denver, CO. Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio?  Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co.

Curious what it's like to go from someone who never hikes to summiting Mt. Everest?  Enter Shailee Basnet.   After growing up with "the secret dream to go out and play" in the face of a culture that discourages women from doing so, Basnet was presented with the opportunity to summit Everest.  She took it, and has never looked back.  Since conquering the tallest mountain on earth, Basnet spearheaded the Seven Summits Women Team, which became the first female team in the world to climb the highest peak in each continent. Topics discussed in this episode include:  Backpacker Radio's Patreon Account Trail Correspondents Application (This is closed already. Stay tuned to meet your Correspondents soon!) Shailee Basnet Shoutout to Chris Baker of Wayfinder Jennifer Pharr Davis Mailbag! The Appalachian Trail vs. The Pacific Crest Trail Sun Gloves Thru-hiking purism debate Hiking with a dog on the AT Sun umbrella    

For Episode #4, we are again joined by our buddy, The Real Hiking Viking.  This time, instead of an interview, Jabba joins us as the third co-host of the show.  It does not disappoint.  Or maybe it does.  Who can be sure. Subjects discussed in Episode 4 include: The Real Hiking Viking and Badger's PCT Diet Nutrition hack: GREEN POWDERS! Amazing Grass and Navitas The Danger of Relying on Faux Foods by Katie Gerber Chaunce loves powdered milk Tree sap seals a crack Ian Mangiardi ambushes Badger and Jabba (their documentary- As It Happens) Badger gets charged by a mountain lion Support the show at https://www.patreon.com/backpackerradio Leave us a review on iTunes.  Drop us a line at podcast@thetrek.co.  Follow us on Instagram at @BackpackerRadio.

Episode #3 of Backpacker Radio is a tip of the cap to Valentine's Day. We are joined by Reptar, the creator of the popular Appalachian Trail documentary, "The AT Experience", to talk love, the lack thereof, and romance.   Subjects discussed in episode 3 include: - Comparing the Sawyer Squeeze to the Katadyn BeFree, - Reptar falling in love on the AT, breaking up with his love on the PCT, how this intertwines with his next documentary - Listener love and romance stories from the trail - Missed connections on the trail - Questions from Chaunce's sorority sisters Leave us a review on iTunes and give us feedback at podcast@thetrek.co.

In episode number 2 of Backpacker Radio, we talk a whole lot of number 2.  Zach "Badger" Davis and Juliana "Chaunce" Chauncey are joined by 2017 PCT thru-hiker Scuba Steve and hear his tales of hiking through The Sierra during one of the highest snow years in recorded history, including a couple of near-death experiences.   We also talk about Chaunce's plan to section hike the Colorado Trail this year, how Badger did the same in 2015, and a few noteworthy stops along the trail.   Like children, the three then discuss their favorite poop stories from their hikes, including Chaunce's introduction into sh*tting in the woods, Badger's Cliffhanger deuce in The Whites, and Scuba Steve's bizarre strategy of using notebook paper to wipe. The trio examine the most popular packs, sleeping bags, and tents used on the Appalachian Trail in 2017, and share their own experiences with some of the gear. And lastly, they answer a few listener questions submitted from Instagram.   Have any questions, comments, or concerns for Backpacker Radio?  Reach out at podcast@thetrek.co. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a review on iTunes and subscribe. 

This is the first episode of Backpacker Radio, a podcast about the wonderful world of thru-hiking, brought to you by The Trek.  In this first episode, we meet our co-hosts, Zach "Badger" Davis and Juliana "Chaunce" Chauncey, chat with serial thru-hiker Tom Gathman aka The Real Hiking Viking aka Jabba.  In this episode, we learn more about The Real Hiking Viking, what he's hiked, what he plans to hike, and why his Instagram Stories are so long. We chat about the potential of mountain bikes being introduced into the wilderness, and thus much of the Pacific Crest Trail. We explore what the class of 2017 voted as the 10 best hostels on the Appalachian Trail.  And we do a quick primer on the Badger Sponsorship 2018, the best backpacking gear giveaway for thru-hikers anywhere.