Backpacker Radio

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, we are joined by repeat guest Steven Shattuck aka Twinkle, along with his lovely wife, Grace.  This is our third annual Valentine's Day episode, and I am telling you, this one will give you all kinds of hashtag relationship goals vibes.  They detail their year-long adventure beginning with a traverse of The Hayduke- followed by some very serious globetrotting, including backpacking trips in the UK, Scandinavia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Morocco, Thailand, and Nepal.  If you're prone to FOMO, you might want to skip this episode.  Just kidding, definitely do NOT skip this episode.   We wrap-up the show with our first ever edition of The Newlywed Game and explanation of how cranes work from an emailer, with some impromptu horse facts. Featuring: Steven Twinkle Shattuck Grace Shatuck Save 10% at Greenbelly.co by using code "TREK2020" at checkout. Save 5% at Zpacks.com by using code "THANKSZACH" at checkout. Code expires on 3/31. Back

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, we are changing things up a bit.  Today's show is dedicated to all things girl stuff.   We've kicked aside the segments and dove straight into everything to do with thru-hiking as a woman.  In addition to Chaunce, we are joined in studio by former guest, guest co-host, and listener favorite, Weezer, along with Chaunce's AT buddy and Trek Vlogger, Fireball.  These badass backcountry gals enlighten us on everything from managing periods on trail, to dealing with creepy guys, how they dealt with dangers- including the anticipation of danger vs. what the experience on trail, birth control, sex, hygiene, pee rags, and so on.  This turned into a marathon episode, and I think this will be a fun and informative listen for everyone, though especially our lady listeners. Featuring: Juliana Chauncey aka Chaunce Stephanie Lotus aka Weezer Margaret Mims aka Fireball Save 10% at Greenbelly.co by using code  "TREK2020" at checkout. Save 5% at Zpacks

Today the Cinnamon Connection is joined by Wild Amanda aka Naps.  Naps is the only person I've met who's hiked the entire PCT with her dog, Frank.  We go down the rabbit hole on what it takes to thru-hike the PCT with a dog, including recommended gear, how she handled Frank's food and water, how she curtailed her hiking schedule to best suit Franks needs, and more. Naps' PCT thru-hike was the ultimate display of Murphy's Law, as she dealt with a broken nose, plantar fasciitis, food poisoning, hiking induced heartburn, trench foot, heat rash, altitude sickness, and of course, some very solid poop stories, figuratively speaking. We wrap up the show with the triple crown of Ben and Jerry's flavors, chips worth going to prison for, and another listener poop story.   Save 10% at Greenbelly.co by using code  "TREK2020" at checkout. Save 5% at Zpacks.com by using code "THANKSZACH" at checkout. Code expires on 3/31. Backpacker Radio Internship Application QOTD: What is one conviction you held during your fir

We interrupt your normally scheduled Backpacker Radio content to bring you a sneak peak of a brand new podcast launched by The Trek in partnership with BadCat Media, called, The Attempt.     The Attempt follows Benjamin Drachman during his *attempted* SOBO thru-hike of the PCT in 2019.  The show is produced by Julia Drachman- and no that last name is not a coincidence, Julia is Ben's older sister.  What may shock you about this show is its production value.  And by that, I mean, it has production value.  We're all about trying new things here at The Trek.   In other words, if This American Life and Trail Correspondents had a baby, this podcast would be that baby.   Instead of further explaining what this show is, let's give you a Costco sample size for you to chew on.  As soon as I shut the hell up, you'll get the first episode of this show.  If you like what you hear, I encourage you to head to the thetrek.co/theattempt to find more episodes (the first three are already out) or simply search for "The Attemp

We are joined by legendary PCT trail angel, Donna, L-Rod Saufley of Hiker Heaven.  Donna comes by her trail name, L-Rod, short for lightning rod, very honestly. She's exceptionally outspoken, a ball of energy, and has a deep passion for the Pacific Crest Trail and its community.  We hear all about her time serving as a trail angel to PCT hikers for more than two decades.  This conversation is fun, engaging, educational, and we dip our toe into some controversial subjects.   Chaunce and I wrap-up the show with an update on the latest from Hiker Heaven, how you can get a free trip to the moon in a likely very prostitute-y way, a triple crown of stereotypes you meet on trail, and we are blessed with another listener poop story. Backpacker Radio SoCal Road Trip Presented by Sawyer! Use code "ATDrink15" at GossamerGear.com to save 15% Gossamer Gear The One Gossamer Gear Gorilla Gossamer Gear Liteflex Umbrella Sawyer Picaridin Packets Last chance to apply for The Trek's 2020 Ambassador Program Backpac

We are joined by "Crazy Jack" Northam.  Crazy Jack has earned his name by summiting Mt. Whitney (the highest peak in the United States' lower 48) nearly 200 times, an endeavor he didn't begin until the ripe age of 50 years.  Today, jack now 72 years old and still going strong. He regales us with tales of his many ascents up his favorite mountain, why he chooses to summit the same peak, his yo-yo hikes on Whitney, his climbs beginning at the nearby town of Lone Pine, and how he stumbled into some seriously historic butter.  Chaunce and I close out the show by highlighting the top shelters on the Appalachian Trail, give an official ruling on the best Dorito flavor, do the Triple Crown of food items remaining in your bag when get to town, and get into a new recurring segment, Listener Poop Stories. Backpacker Radio SoCal Road Trip Presented by Sawyer! Use code "ATDrink15" at GossamerGear.com to save 15% Gossamer Gear The One Gossamer Gear Gorilla Gossamer Gear Liteflex Umbrella Sawyer Picaridin Pa

Today the Cinnamon Connection is joined by Scott Turner.  Scott is *the* go-to resource for all things hiking in Southern California.  He's the co-author of the latest version of "Afoot and Afield: San Diego County", known as San Diego's hiking bible.  Scott shares his favorite hikes in San Diego county, including the best short trails, long trails, the best ecological diversity, the best history, and much more.  We also cover the top footwear on the Appalachian Trail in 2019, our predictions for 2020, more horse facts, and Chaunce has a mini-meltdown. [divider] Backpacker Radio SoCal Road Trip Presented by Sawyer! Use code "ATDrink15" at GossamerGear.com to save 15% Gossamer Gear The One Gossamer Gear Gorilla Gossamer Gear Liteflex Umbrella Sawyer Picaridin Packets The 2020 Badger Sponsorship QOTD: Most Type II Fun Moment of 2019? Interview with Scott Turner Afoot and Afield: San Diego County: 282 Spectacular Outings Along the Coast, Foothills, Mountains, and Desert The best hikes in San Diego co

Today we are joined by comedy legend, Kevin Nealon.  In case you've been living under a rock for for the last 30 years, Kevin Nealon is famous for his years on Saturday Night Live, his character on Weeds, he's a popular standup comedian, he's been in a slew of movies, and he's now the host of his own YouTube show, Hiking with Kevin.  Kevin insisted that we do the interview in the back of our camper van, and he regales us with tales from his time at SNL, how one of his popular sketches almost turned into a musical produced by Arnold Schwarzenegger, his favorite Chris Farley story, that time he helped deliver his son, along with his favorite hiking spots around Los Angeles.   Chaunce and I also get into the dumbest items we've carried on a thru-hike, which way to wipe, we have a triple crown of music to get you through a miserable climb, and get some much needed horse facts.   [divider] Backpacker Radio SoCal Road Trip Presented by Sawyer! Use code "backpacker10" at publiclandscoffee.com Use code "ATDrink1

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, the Cinnamon Connection talk all things Trans Catalina Trail (TCT), which Chaunce and Badger thru-hiked a month(ish) ago.  We give a day-by-day rundown of the hike, including that time Chaunce hid in a bear locker when a bison stampeded through our camp, how we pirated our way onto a sailboat, and give some non-obvious tips on hiking the TCT. We also talk about the dumbest things we've forgotten to pack on a backpacking trip, debate the joy of Christmas music, how flashing your bunghole to the sun is good for your health, and answer some common gear questions. Backpacker Radio SoCal Road Trip Presented by Sawyer! Use code "backpacker10" at publiclandscoffee.com Use code "enlightened10" Enlightened Equipment for 10% at enlightenedequipment.com. Use code "ATDrink15" at GossamerGear.com to save 15% Gossamer Gear The One Gossamer Gear Gorilla Gossamer Gear Liteflex Umbrella Gossamer Gear Giveaway on Instagram Sawyer Picaridin Packets QOTD: W

With Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Giveback Tuesday, Where's Waldo Wednesday, Thumbwar Thursday, and all the rest on the horizon, there is no better time to score your 2020 gear purchases than the present.  But with a never ending fire-hose of gear roundups coming your way during this holiday season, how do you decide on which items are best suited for you long distance goals? We got you. We reached out to many of Backpacker Radio's previous guests, some of the most esteemed long distance backpackers in the world, to share their favorite gear items - and why - just for you.  Below, you'll find all of the gear items mentioned in this show. [divider] Use code "backpacker10" at publiclandscoffee.com Enlightened Equipment 10-15% off sale at enlightenedequipment.com Use code "ATDrink15" at GossamerGear.com to save 15% Gossamer Gear The One Gossamer Gear Gorilla Gossamer Gear Liteflex Umbrella Zach "Badger" Davis Montbell Plasma 1000 Down Parka Lonolife dehydrated bone broth Juliana Chauncey aka Chaunce

Today we are joined by Anitra Kass, aka Nitro, who's a triple crowner and the PCTA’s Southern California Regional Representative.  Anitra is a wealth of information on all things PCT and conservation.  We talk about the new permitting changes for the Sierra and for southbounders, some of the biggest threats to the trail, how to best get involved as a volunteer for the PCT, CrossFit, and more.  Chaunce and Badger give a peek into their first aid kits, we have a new triple crown of segment, and get some advice from a listener on how to ease kids into the backcountry without annoying others.   [divider] Backpacker Radio SoCal Road Trip Presented by Sawyer! Use code "backpacker10" at publiclandscoffee.com Enlightened Equipment 10-15% off sale at enlightenedequipment.com Use code "ATDrink15" at GossamerGear.com to save 15% Gossamer Gear The One Gossamer Gear Gorilla Gossamer Gear Liteflex Umbrella Gossamer Gear Giveaway on Instagram Sawyer Picaridin Packets Question of the Day: What's in Badger and Chau

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by legendary PCT trail angels, Joe and Terrie Anderson of Casa De Luna.  Much like the PCT itself, this conversation is fun, winding, long, and you'll still be left wanting more when it's all over.  We talk about how they got into trail angeling, some of their favorite stories over the many decades of their running Casa de Luna, why they're closing up shop, and much more.  We've also got some suggestions for staying in shape over the winter, some Trek propaganda, and a mailbag in which we give a conclusive answer to "when is a nero a nero?". [divider] Backpacker Radio SoCal Road Trip Presented by Sawyer! Use code "backpacker10" at publiclandscoffee.com Use code "ATDrink15" at GossamerGear.com to save 15% Gossamer Gear The One Gossamer Gear Gorilla Gossamer Gear Liteflex Umbrella Gossamer Gear Giveaway on Instagram Sawyer Picaridin Packets Run down on the SoCal Road Trip How we stay in shape (or don't) over the winter  Chau

Today, we dissect Badger's recent thru-hike on the Long Trail. We run the gamut on this little bruiser of a trail, including its terrain, the towns, how it changes after splitting with the AT, resupply strategies, Badger's gear (and what he'd change if he were to do it again), favorite shelters, and more. We also go into the results of a survey we ran on amongst Long Trail finisher which highlights their favorite towns, restaurants, shelters, and gear used. Last but not least, Chaunce and Badger chat with Chef Corso of MONTyBOCA. Chef Corso is a classically trained chef who gives the Cinnamon Connection some pointers on improving their piss pour backcountry meal game- without using a dehydrator. [divider] Use code "ATDrink15" at GossamerGear.com to save 15% Gossamer Gear The One Gossamer Gear Gorilla Gossamer Gear Liteflex Umbrella Gossamer Gear Giveaway on Instagram Sawyer Picaridin Packets Take the 2019 AT Thru-Hiker Survey! San Diego Backpacker Radio Meetup Chaunce uses the Altra Timps Badger's

Matt "Pretzel" Mason is a triple crowner, trail runner, sober hiker, former Mountain Crossings employee, wildland firefighter, gear snob, and bona fide character. His beard game is strong, and his opinions are stronger. This is our longest episode to date, and it promises to entertain throughout. Use code "ATDrink15" at GossamerGear.com to save 15% Gossamer Gear The One Gossamer Gear Gorilla Gossamer Gear Liteflex Umbrella Gossamer Gear Giveaway on Instagram Sawyer Picaridin Packets Use code "Trek10" at Greenbelly.co Take the 2019 AT Thru-Hiker Survey! San Diego Backpacker Radio Meetup Matt "Pretzel" Mason Interview The Lone Star Trail His time at Mountain Crossings Why he hikes without a stove His experiences with Baltimore Jack Gear advice His perception of the thru-hiking party culture as a sober hiker His take on maps vs. apps  His Continental Divide Thru-Hike His time as a wildland firefighter and search and rescue Trek Propaganda Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker Trends: Examining Gear, Budget, a

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are once again joined by our pal, Jeff Garmire, aka Legend. We catch up on all of his trail feats since he was last on the show including his ridiculous sub 6 day unsupported FKT on the Long Trail, how he messed around and set the Pinhoti FKT, his new book, Free Outside: A Trek Against Time and Distance, and much more. We have some Trek Propaganda and introduce a brand new segment- Trail Trivia, the drinking game. Crack open a PBR and play along, if you dare.   Use code "ATDrink15" at GossamerGear.com to save 15% Gossamer Gear The One Gossamer Gear Gorilla Gossamer Gear Liteflex Umbrella Sawyer Picaridin Packets Use code "Trek10" at Greenbelly.co Apply to be a Vlogger / Blogger for The Trek! Apply to be a Writer for The Trek Backpacker Radio San Diego Meetup 10/30 from 6-9pm at The High Dive (more details coming soon!) Interview with Jeff "Legend" Garmire Legend's Pinhoti FKT Legend's Long Trail Unsupported FKT Legend's diet  His m

Today's guest is Peter Bakwin, co-creator at fastestknowntime.com. We dive deep on all things FKT related, including his take on some of the more controversial FKTs, the proper way to document a speed record, and how he spearheaded this community. We also talk about Peter's long and impressive background in backpacking and ultra running, including his unmatched Rock-hard Hard Rock run. We also have a new unpopular opinion segment, a patent pending and much more.   [divider] Subjects discussed in the episode include: Use code "ATDrink15" at GossamerGear.com to save 15% Gossamer Gear The One Gossamer Gear Gorilla Gossamer Gear Liteflex Umbrella Sawyer Picaridin Packets Use code "Trek10" at Greenbelly.co Apply to be a Vlogger / Blogger for The Trek! What is fastestknowntime.com and how did Peter get started with it? Their donation page Peter’s FKT’s JMT, Torres del Paine, Mt. Sanitas & other local trails Running a 3-mile loop for 12 hours straight Where did the term FKT come from? How did Peter

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, we sit down to chat with, record holder, trail legend, author, and Backpacker Radio repeat offender, Heather "Anish" Anderson. We go into depth on her new book, Thirst, which chronicles her 2013 Fastest Known Time on the Pacific Crest Trail, including her lowest moments from the hike, mountain lion encounters, and dealing with extreme heat in the southern california desert. Also, per your request from our last chat, we talk gear. We have a trek propaganda featuring the impact of vloggers in thru-hiking, a brand new Cinnamon Court, and a mailbag. Subjects discussed in the episode include: Use code "ATDrink15" at GossamerGear.com to save 15% Gossamer Gear The One Gossamer Gear Gorilla Gossamer Gear Liteflex Umbrella Sawyer Picaridin Packets Use code "Trek10" at Greenbelly.co Apply to be a Vlogger / Blogger for The Trek! Backpacker Radio Intern Application  Already have filled our 2019 intern role, still taking applicants for 2020! Thir

The Cinnamon is Connected for good. Or for bad. But undoubtedly, for the foreseeable future. Chaunce and Badger go deep on the rest of Chaunce's Appalachian Trail thru-hike, including untold poo stories, her take on New Hampshire and Maine, her legendary chafing, how she gained weight while thru-hiking, suggestions for the ATC, and how she plans to combat post thru-hike depression now that she's back in the "real world". We chat about Badger's recent hikes on the Wind River High Route and Pfiffner Traverse. We introduce a brand new segment, Unpopular Opinions and have a Patent Pending. This is a full show, so grab an extra PBR and saddle up.  Subjects discussed in the episode include: Use code "TREK15" at GossamerGear.com to save 15% Gossamer Gear The One Gossamer Gear Gorilla Gossamer Gear Liteflex Umbrella How to back flush a Sawyer Squeeze Sawyer Squeeze Sawyer Micro Squeeze Use code "Trek10" at Greenbelly.co Apply to be a Vlogger / Blogger for The Trek! Denver-Area Hiker Trash Meetup San Diego A

Renee Patrick, known on trail as She-ra is a triple crowner, designer, and all-around Renaissance Woman.  In addition to hiking pretty much every trail in the United States and some abroad, she's also served in the Peace Corps, interned at the Smithsonian, and presently serves as the coordinator at the Oregon Desert Trail.  She shares stories of being caught in a military coup in Africa, having her pack stolen by a bear, being bitten by a brown recluse on the Appalachian Trail, and building and selling a merchandise company.  Of course we've got some Trek Propaganda as well as a very poopy edition of would you rather. Subjects discussed in the episode include: Use code "TREK15" at GossamerGear.com to save 15% Gossamer Gear The One Gossamer Gear Gorilla Gossamer Gear Liteflex Umbrella How to back flush a Sawyer Squeeze Sawyer Squeeze Sawyer Micro Squeeze Use code "Trek10" at Greenbelly.co Apply to join The Trek's class of 2020 Bloggers + Vloggers Peace Corps Appalachian Trail 1999 (drink?) Ray Jar

Today we are joined by Clay Bonnyman Evans, aka Pony, who's an author, long time Trek Writer, AT and Colorado Trail thru-hiker, and someone with a deep passion for the trail and its culture. We touch on a wide array of subjects in this episode, including some controversial topics such as the Twelve Tribes and Yellow Deli, Inchworm's tragic death on the AT, bringing a gun on a thru-hike, YouTube scam artists, how privilege pertains to thru-hiking, barfing on poo and way more. Clay is a ball of energy. This episode will likely stir up some fun debate. Subjects discussed in the episode include: Use code "TREK15" at GossamerGear.com to save 15% Gossamer Gear The One Gossamer Gear Gorilla Gossamer Gear Liteflex Umbrella How to back flush a Sawyer Squeeze Sawyer Squeeze Sawyer Micro Squeeze Use code "Trek10" at Greenbelly.co 2019 Thru-Hikers: Submit your completion photos to editors@thetrek.co, including your trail name and start and finish dates. Murder statistics on the Appalachian Trail Lyme disease on