Backpacker Radio

Diversity on the trail is a heavy, but important subject. It's impossible to do this subject justice in the span of an hour long podcast, but it's a conversation worth having nonetheless. Our correspondents share their thoughts about the diversity -or lack thereof- that they've encountered on trail.  Our hikers also ponder ways the community can encourage under-represented groups to get onto the trail.  Admittedly- our correspondents largely follow the demographics of the thru-hiking community at large- which is to say young and white. Though one of our hikers is visiting from across the pond and another is gay- and we've got more female correspondents than male when the trail skews the other way. But in terms of racial diversity, there's none.  We were fortunate to get the input of Elsye "Chardonnay" Walker, who's one of the few (if not the only) black woman to hike the triple crown.   She shares her take on these same questions, which offers some interesting contrast to the other stances offered in this ep

What does it take to turn a thru-hike turns into an 18-month adventure?  That's the central theme of today's show, as the Cinnamon Connection is joined by Nathan "Puma" Bauman- who, after hiking the Appalachian Trail, next hiked on the Continental Divide Trail, Long Trail, and Pacific Crest Trail within a year and a half span.  We talk about the differences between the three triple crown trails, what it's like to quit on a thru-hike, why the Long Trail is the most difficult trail Puma's encountered, and some tips for aspiring trail-photographers.  We chat briefly about the 2018 AT Hiker Survey, AT completion and PCT completion photos.  The show wraps up with the second edition of The Triple Crown Of, where we share our favorite trail magic items.  Subjects discussed in today's show include: Sawyer Micro Squeeze Filter Intro to Puma His SOBO CDT hike How he finances hiking all the time Frugality on trail vs off trail Ultralight base weight Current Big 3 Palante Simple Pack V2 Enlightened Equipment Enigma

In today's show, our hikers discuss the evolution of their hiking groups over the course of their journeys.  Injuries occur, people grow apart, paces differ, life happens.  You get to learn the ins and outs of how and why this happens directly from the mouths of our hikers.  Also, we say farewell to another of our trail correspondents.  You'll get to hear who's getting off- and why- at the end of our hikers' updates. In today's show, we hear from: Jacob Beaver Kate Mueller aka Sassafras  IBTAT Madeline Newel Miles Bisher aka "Miles To Go" Kate Emmons Lukas Isaacson Sarah Mowery Rachael “Rabbit” DeLano You can support the show through our Patreon page, which helps us to publish episodes more frequently. Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio?  Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Stitcher and Google Play. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek, Chaunce, and Badger on Instagram. Follow The

Reoccurring guest The Real Hiking Viking joins the Turmeric Team to chat about his recent attempt at an FKT (fastest known time) on the Colorado Trail.  The interview kicks off with a short discussion we had before he left for his yo-yo hike- to get a feel for his nerves going into this ambitious undertaking.  We chat about what ultimately went wrong (spoiler alert), what he would do differently in his future attempt, and FKT culture and requirements.  The show ends with the unveiling of a new series, "The Triple Crown of...", where we showcase the things that can most fuck up a hiker's day on trail. Subjects discussed in today's episode include:  Sawyer 30 SPF Sunscreen 1 oz. tubes What food Jabba carried on his attempt Jabba's overloaded pack (below) What gear was carried Mountain Smith Jabba (official name TBD) What improvements would be made for next time Trans Adirondack Route The Barkley Marathons GPS Trackers for FKTs The FKT governing website Triple Crown of things that fuck up your day Have

Before leaving for a long distance trek, it's common for people to envision worst case scenario. For Piers Ellison, on his 2016 PCT hike, this fear became a reality when he was bitten by a brown recluse spider.  In episode 19, we talk in depth about this nightmare, how he hiked the entire PCT while carrying his guitar, the challenges an international hiker must confront in order to trek one of the United States' long trails, and finally, Piers delights us by playing a pair of songs from his new EP "Distance".  Also, Chaunce is drunk.  Subjects discussed include: Sawyer Picaridin Packets Jabba Demolishes a Z-Packs Carbon Fiber Staff [Video] Piers Soundcloud Song Piers wonderful album "Distance" available on Spotify (free) and iTunes Atom Packs in the UK UL Outdoor Gear Online Outfitter B1/B2 Visa for thru-hiking Additional Considerations for International Hikers As It Happens Documentary This is Not a Beautiful Thru-Hike Video Do More with Less Piers on Instagram Have any praise, questions, praise, commen

  Technology on a thru-hike.  Combining these words tends to rouse some heated debate.  Some people abstain entirely from technology during their hikes, opting only to keep in touch with loved ones while in town.  Some are nearly constantly plugged in, listening to music and/or podcasts all day, posting Instagram updates every time they get service, constantly checking Guthook's app, even watching movies in their tents at night.  Most thru-hikers fall somewhere in the middle. We check in with our hikers to get their take.  Specifically how they interact with technology on trail, how they witness their fellow hikers using it, and whether it's ultimately good or bad for the hiking community at large.  Their answers shine good insight on this seemingly paradoxical relationship with devices in the backcountry. In today's show, we hear from: Jacob Beaver Kate Mueller aka Sassafras  IBTAT Madeline Newel Miles Bisher aka "Miles To Go" Kate Emmons Lukas Isaacson Sarah Mowery Rachael “Rabbit” DeLano   You can suppor

What's in store for the future of the Appalachian Trail?  This is one of the primary topics in today's episode of Backpacker Radio, as the Cinnamon Connection are joined by Andrew Downs, the Central and Southwest Virginia Regional Director at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.  We also talk about the unintended negative consequences of trail magic, thru-hiker entitlement, Leave No Trace, bear canister regulations on the Appalachian Trail, how people can most effectively give back to the AT, and embarrassing chaffing and poop stories. Subjects discussed include: The man who fatally fell off McAfee Knob A woman who got mauled by a bear in the Greyson Highlands How to manage chafing and ass hair (don't light it on fire) The pros and cons of more people hitting the trail Thru-hiker entitlement Trail angels and responsible trail magic Giving back with trail maintenance work What the ATC is and what it does Local clubs that maintain the trails Ridgerunners on the AT The biggest challenges the AT faces today Po

Many people's perception of the thru-hiking lifestyle comes via social media, where people are more likely to portray the the cheery, positive aspects of this undertaking. You see the breathtaking views, the smiling faces, the slender bodies, and the hiker camaraderie. What you often don't see is the chafing, the injuries, dehydration, never ending rain, the heat, the cold, what it's like to get sick on trail, the attrition, loneliness, sleep deprivation, home sickness, a lack of motivation, and the bugs- oh god, the dense clouds of motherfucking mosquitoes. Well, that's the point of today's show. Thru-hiking is always rewarding, but it may not always be pretty. Here's some of its darker underbelly. In today's show, we hear from: Jacob Beaver Kate Mueller aka Sassafras  IBTAT Madeline Newel Miles Bisher aka "Miles To Go" Kate Emmons Lukas Isaacson Sarah Mowery Rachael "Rabbit" DeLano   You can support the show through our Patreon page, which helps us to publish episodes more frequently. Have any praise, que

A sad, yet seemingly inevitable byproduct of long distance backpacking is pain and injury.  Though it's not a guarantee, to escape a long distance trek without one of the two or both is a rare feat. Consequently, two popular questions for thru-hikers are how to prevent injury while on trail and what to do about it once an injury manifests.  In episode 17 of Backpacker Radio, the Paprika Pals are joined by Dr. Emily Kelly, a physical therapist based in Centennial, Colorado.  She answers Badger and Chaunce's selfish injury related questions, along with a slew of others sent in from Writers and Bloggers at The Trek. If you're dealing with a hiking-related injury or are looking for ways to reduce your injury risk, there's some valuable insight in this podcast for you. Subjects discussed include: Vermont is the 14th state and insecure about its cheese quality relative to Wisconsin REI's Hawaiian shirts are too dude centric Grizel gets hit by an RV Emily Kelly DPT at Fit Physical Therapy in Centennial, CO Menisc

Today's episode is our most uplifting to date.  That's because our thru-hikers have been tasked with describing the highs of their journey.  Specifically, we learn what keeps them going- what they most look forward to each day- and what they think they'll miss most once their journey is over. So hop on your unicorn and get ready to ride the rainbow because you're about to get filled with a healthy dose of joy.  Here it is. In today's show, we hear from: Kate Mueller aka Sassafras  Jacob Beaver Lauren Peruffo aka Fainting Goat IBTAT Gwen Nitya Miles Bisher aka "Miles To Go" Kate Emmons Lukas Isaacson Madeline Newel Sarah Mowery Rachael "Rabbit" DeLano   You can support the show through our Patreon page, which helps us to publish episodes more frequently. Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio?  Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Download this podcast.  Find us on Stitcher and Google Play. Follow

In Episode 16 the Paprika Pals sit down with Nadia "Furball" Westenburg to talk about the pros and cons of thru-hiking with a dog. She also regales with tales from the West Highland Way and Tour du Mont Blanc, both European trails which Furball has trekked. Also, Chaunce catches us up on her Colorado Trail section hike while Zach sulks about his upcoming knee surgery, and what that means for his future hiking plans.  They also explain some of the common lingo used in the thru-hiking world.  Lastly, the gang get into a contentious game of Would You Rather. Topics in discussed include: The perils of improper glissading The West Highland Way Tour Du Mont Blanc The perils of glissading (Furball eats shit) Bringing a dog on trail both domestically and abroad United will ship your dog to the wrong place or kill it Pet peeves (pun intended) of encountering dogs on trail Dog CPR  100 Days on the PCT Thru-Hiker Glossary Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio?  Reach o

Today's episode hits on some subjects that are often top of mind for thru-hikers and those curious about the undertaking. They are: food, how hikers' bodies change over the course of their hike, and gear. We learn more about the infamous hiker hunger, the "eat anything and everything and still lose weight diet", how their getup has evolved over the course of their hike, and what gear they've sent home. And lastly, we get an emotional goodbye from one of our correspondents- as the injuries have piled up and become too much to bear.  In today's show, we hear from: Kate Mueller aka Sassafras  Jacob Beaver Lauren Peruffo aka Fainting Goat IBTAT Gwen Nitya Miles Bisher aka "Miles To Go" Kate Emmons Lukas Isaacson Madeline Newel Sarah Mowery Rachael "Rabbit" DeLano   You can support the show through our Patreon page, which helps us to publish episodes more frequently. Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio?  Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co. Subscribe to this podcast o

In today's edition of Backpacker Radio, Badger and Chaunce are joined by trail legend, the former supported Appalachian Trail FKT record holder, author, and National Geographic Adventurer of the Year, Jennifer Pharr Davis.  We go way down the rabbit hole about the subjects discussed in her new book, The Pursuit for Endurance. We also find out which is more painful between setting a FKT and bearing a child, what her current go-to gear is, and what goes into a successful relationship.  We then talk about some of the best backpacks for thru-hikers, what our go-to clothing system was for the Pacific Crest Trail, and how you can hang out with Badger and Chaunce in Denver on July 24th. Subjects discussed in today's episode include: Gear and Beer event in Denver on 7/24 at Wayfinder Co-op The Pursuit of Endurance: Harnessing the Record-Breaking Power of Strength and Resilience All of JPD's Books Ray Jardine FKT's Explained David Horton Courtney Dauwalter interview on The Trek Jennifer Pharr Davis' mailbag colum

Maybe don't listen to this podcast during your lunch because Chaunce has an all-timer poop story. Also on episode 14 of Backpacker Radio, the Cinnamon Connection is joined by 2016 Appalachian Trail thru-hiker and 2017 Pacific Crest Trail thru-hiker John "Data" Harvey.  Data discusses the differences between hiking SOBO and NOBO on the two trails, how his love for thru-hiking has transitioned into ultra-running, and what it's like to hike during a drought and a record-high snow in consecutive years.  We chat about the importance of the Land and Water Conservation Fund to the Appalachian Trail (an article written by episode 8 guest, Laura "Hey Girl" Johnston).  Lastly, we celebrate our 100,000th download by challenging our guest to a good old fashioned game of "truth or dare, but not dare" aka keep it a'hundid. Topics discussed include: Silicone wedding rings so you keep all your digits Data's Instagram Bonus Episode 2 MLD Duomid Big Agnes Fly Creek UL2 Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider 2400 REI Quarter Do

This is a fun episode, as our hikers were tasked only to report on whatever subject was at the forefront of their minds.  The instructions were loose and the results are broad, in the most entertaining way possible.  Topics discussed include the simultaneous love and disdain for ukuleles, the selflessness of the hiking community, the 24 x 24 x 24 challenge, why hikers complain, a comparison of the AT, PCT, and CDT from a pair of soon to be triple crowners, what it's like to go through a mental rut on trail and how to dig yourself out, and much, much more. In today's show, we hear from:  Kate Mueller aka Sassafras  IBTAT Lauren Peruffo aka Fainting Goat Gwen Nitya Jacob Beaver Sarah Mowery Miles Bisher aka "Miles To Go" Kate Emmons Madeline Newel Lukas Isaacson Rachael "Rabbit" DeLano Get previous Trail Correspondents episodes here.    You can support the show through our Patreon page, which helps us to publish episodes more frequently. Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backp

"Thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail is just section hiking the earth." - The Real Hiking Viking If Comic Con and Burning Man had a baby- and that baby was raised on the Appalachian Trail- this festival baby would be none other than Trail Days.  And that's precisely the recording location of Episode 13 of Backpacker Radio.  Badger is joined by The Real Hiking Viking as well as the dynamic duo of Stories from the Trail, Gary Sizer and Megan Thompson, to talk about Trail Days, thru-hiking, the military, The Lone Star Trail (again, unfortunately), FKT training for the Colorado Trail, and much more.  Weaved throughout the episode are interviews with 2018 AT thru-hikers, touching on their favorite moments from their journey so far.  And last but certainly not least is a conversation with Tom Kennedy, co-founder of Hike for Mental Health, an organization dedicated to eliminating the stigma of mental health disorders while raising money for research, and promoting the health benefits of being out in nature. The sh

Niki "Bionic Woman" Rellon is the first woman to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail on a prosthetic leg.  This is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of her accomplishments and life story.  Tune in for the AT talk, stay to learn more about her life as a trained chef, paramedic, cross country cyclist, and champion kick boxer. Also, Badger and Chaunce engage in a heated battle of Iron Chef: Trail Food Edition. Show notes: Chaunce's Class of 2017 PCT Video Best places to trail magic on the PCT by Brooke Eller Photos from Bionic Woman's accident Stacey Kozel's disproven PCT thru-hike 13 Unlikely Appalachian Trail Hikers Planning a Thru-Hike from Abroad Badger's Favorite Trail Snack Recipe: Flour tortilla, peanut butter, raw honey, and trail mix (must have M&Ms, go home otherwise). Chaunce's Favorite Trail Snack Recipe: Bagel, pepper jack cheese, Fritos and Lay potato chips.  Zach and Chaunce's Iron Chef challenge Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio?  Reach

When backpacking through the backcountry for months on end, there's one thing that can be relied upon: expect the unexpected.  Today's episode focuses in on exactly that- the biggest surprises from the trail.  Specifically, what caught our hikers most off guard?   This is the 2nd part of this episode where we check in with our PCT and CDT hikers. We hear from our AT hikers in the previous episode. Today we hear from: Kate Emmons (PCT) Lukas Isaacson (PCT) Madeline Newel (PCT) Miles to Go (PCT) Sarah Mowery (PCT) Rabbit (CDT)   You can support the show through our Patreon page, which helps us to publish episodes more frequently. Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio?  Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Download this podcast.  Find us on Stitcher and Google Play. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek, Chaunce, and Badger on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube Follow The Trek on Facebook

When backpacking through the backcountry for months on end, there's one thing that can be relied upon: expect the unexpected.  Today's episode focuses in on exactly that- the biggest surprises from the trail.  Specifically, what caught our hikers most off guard?  Today we hear from: Gwen Nitya (AT) IBTAT (AT) Fainting Goat (AT) Jake Beaver (AT)  Sassafras (AT) Emily Dutton (AT)  You can support the show through our Patreon page, which helps us to publish episodes more frequently. Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co.

Today's episode is all about how to eat right on and off trail.  We are joined by thru-hiker and soon-to-be certified holistic nutritionist, Katie "Salty" Gerber, to go way down the rabbit hole about how hikers can improve their on-trail nutrition game.  We also touch upon some of the best sleeping bags and quilts for thru-hiking, learn a bit about the Wind River High Route, and are unexpectedly joined by a homeless person. Subjects discussed in this episode include: Support us on Patreon to get future bonus shows The Tahoe Rim Trail Katie Gerber's Nutrition Articles The Wind River High Route Sweetwood Fatty! KatieGerber.com Chris Kresser Curcumin Supplement The Top Sleeping Bags and Quilts for Thru-Hikers Walking Slow by Animal Years Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio?  Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co. This episode was recorded at Wayfinder Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Stitcher and Google Play. A super bi