Backpacker Radio cover art

Backpacker Radio

Backpacker Radio

By: The Trek
Listen for free

About this listen

 From the Appalachian Trail to the Pacific Crest and everything in between. Backpacker Radio is a show all about the wonderful world that is thru-hiking and long distance backpacking. Co-hosts, Zach "Badger" Davis and Juliana "Chaunce" Chauncey muse on the backpacking life and the latest from the trail every other week. Topics include but are not limited to news, trail culture, interviews, gear, advice, and all you can eat buffets.The Trek
Episodes
  • Scary Moments in the Sierra, Skydiving Near Miss, Donating a Kidney, and More with Liz "Handstand" Kidder (BPR #322)

    Scary Moments in the Sierra, Skydiving Near Miss, Donating a Kidney, and More with Liz "Handstand" Kidder (BPR #322)
    Sep 8 2025
    In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are joined by social media and YouTube sensation, Liz “Handstand” Kidder. Liz is a thru-hiker, vlogger, dreadlock artist, former skydiving fanatic, and a handstand-expert. Liz gives us her full story, including the events that lead to her becoming sober in 2014, how she nearly died in a horrifying skydive gone wrong, how the internet got way too much into her biz almost immediately into her thru-hiking journey, the time she donated a kidney, and we make her choose which trail reigns supreme between the AT and PCT- for which she does not hesitate to pick a winner. We wrap the show with why you shouldn't wear underwear on a thru-hike, a call for 2026 Blogger applications, which is better- hiking steep and short and long and steady, I offer a REPEAT stupid thing of the week, and we do the triple crown of things we'd step in barefoot. Topo Athletic: Use code “TREKFALL15” at topoathletic.com. Gossamer Gear: Use code "LT520" for 20% off LT5 Trekking Poles at gossamergear.com. Ka’Chava: Get 10% off at kachava.com/backpacker. [divider] Interview with Liz “Handstand” Kidder Liz's InstagramLiz's YoutubeLiz Kidder Studio Time stamps & Questions 00:05:15 - Reminders: Sign up for the Trek’s newsletter, apply to blog for the Trek and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon! 00:08:40 - Introducing Liz 00:12:50 - Where’s the most epic place you’ve done a handstand? 00:15:10 - Do you have tips for someone who wants to get better at handstands? 00:17:10 - What was your introduction to the world of backpacking? 00:21:05 - What is the New Hampshire uniform? 00:22:00 - Tell us about skydiving 00:31:00 - How as the first week on trail? 00:32:40 - Had you done any social media prior to the AT? 00:34:50 - What was the drama? 00:36:35 - At what point were you hooked by the AT? 00:38:24 - Why did you end the AT in a more sour mindset than the JMT? 00:39:40 - How did the trail change you? 00:43:24 - Tell us about donating your kidney 00:52:10 - Tell us about your career 00:55:35 - How do you create dread locs? 00:57:20 - Do you get a lot of business through hiking? 01:00:10 - Tell us about the Annapurna Circuit 01:04:35 - How did the Annapurna Circuit compare to your other hikes? 01:06:45 - Tell us about the Colorado Trail 01:07:45 - How has the PCT experience compared to the Colorado Trail? 01:12:00 - Tell us about the scary moments in the Sierra 01:22:24 - Tell us about the Tehachapi challenge 01:30:20 - Tell us about spraining your ankle 01:38:30 - How did you feel about going home during trail? 01:40:51 - Are you still on a continuous footpath? 01:45:00 - Did you capture either of the sprains on camera? 01:47:45 - Do you like the PCT or the AT first? 01:50:11 - Peak Performance Question: What is your top performance-enhancing or backpacking hack? Segments Trek Propaganda Day 93: The Katahdhin Stream Campground Miracle Arrives by Anniversary and the Historian Why You Shouldn’t Wear Underwear on Your Thru-Hike by Kelly Floro QOTD: Would you rather hike 2 miles uphill with no switchbacks, steep grade, or 5 miles uphill with switchbacks, moderate grade? Stupid Thing of the Week Triple Crown of things you’d step on/in barefoot Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee. Sign up for the Trek’s newsletter Leave us a voicemail! 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 Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bryan Alsop, Carl Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clever Innuendo, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Go Bills, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Matt from Gilbert, AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, SPAM, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Greg Floravanti “Lumberjack”, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, and Spencer Hinson.
    Show More Show Less
    2 hrs and 20 mins
  • Dan Durston 2.0: Durston Gear's Cult Following, Gear Innovations, and Design Philosophy (BPR #321)

    Dan Durston 2.0: Durston Gear's Cult Following, Gear Innovations, and Design Philosophy (BPR #321)
    Sep 1 2025
    In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined once again by Dan Durston. Dan is the man behind Durston Gear, a backpacking gear brand that has exploded in popularity amongst long-distance backpackers over the last handful of years. Dan gives us the rundown on how his business and life have changed since he was last on the show, when another company was exclusively selling his designs via a third-party manufacturer, including taking a second mortgage out on his house, quitting his job as a biologist, and going all in on slinging packs, tents, and poles to his loyal cult-like following. Dan shares some insights on why he thinks he’s developed such a loyal following amongst this community, the struggle of trying to strike a healthy work/life balance, and the challenge of balancing scaling his company while maintaining the hands-on customer service experience his customers have come to expect. Chaunce and I unveil a new segment with Dan- Piranha Pool- where we pitch some of burning backpacking innovations and Dan is forced to invest in either of our ideas on the spot. Sassafras and I wrap the show with the best section hikes on the PCT, we break down our weekend at Cascade Locks for PCT Trail Days, the triple crown of jobs we definitely couldn't do, Sass previews a Trek blog post that angered a lot of the Internet (and why she loved it and agreed with it) and a listener gives us some very important grocery store history. LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek. Gossamer Gear: Use code "LT520" for 20% off LT5 Trekking Poles at gossamergear.com. Ombraz: Use code “BACKPACKER30” for $30 off at ombraz.com/discount/backpacker30. [divider] Interview with Dan Durston Durston GearDurston Gear Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:05:55 - Recap of PCT Days 00:24:20 - Reminders: Sign up for the Trek’s newsletter, apply to blog for the Trek and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon! 00:25:15 - Introducing Dan 00:27:30 - Tell us about your evolution since 2020 00:32:30 - How do you get past fear and decide to take big risks? 00:35:43 - How did the first day of orders go? 00:41:20 - When did you know that you had to quit your full time office job? 00:42:45 - What is it about customer service that’s so important to you? 00:49:20 - Why do you think you’ve developed such a cult following? 00:53:50 - How do you balance your following with scaling bigger? 00:56:05 - Are you concerned about burnout? 01:01:00 - What are your sleeping bag thoughts? 01:04:50 - How are your products innovative compared to the competition? 01:15:25 - Can you say something nice about Gossamer Gear? 01:17:00 - Pitch us on ultralight trekking poles 01:22:00 - What would you consider to be a standard lifespan of a trekking pole? 01:24:45 - What’s the dumbest way you’ve ever broken a piece of gear? 01:28:20 - Piranha Pool: If you had a million dollars to invest in Zach & Chaunce’s gear ideas, how would you divvy up the money? 01:42:17 - What are the main differences between your backpack and the competition? 01:50:15 - Stay Salty Question: What is your hottest take in the world of backpacking or the outdoors at large? 01:53:40 - How do you feel when you see people’s terrible tent pitches? 01:54:38 - How will you maintain customer service as your company grows? 01:55:45 - Do you feel like there’s some flattering imitation of your gear happening? 01:58:22 - What’s been your favorite part of the interview you’re currently in? Segments Trek Propaganda The 12 Best Weekend Section Hikes on the Pacific Crest Trail by Kelsey Nannini Men in their 50s Talking to Women in their 20s by To-Go QOTD: Pick 2 for sleep: perfect pillow, perfect air temp, perfect mattress Triple Crown of jobs you couldn’t do Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee. Sign up for the Trek’s newsletter Leave us a voicemail! 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 Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bryan Alsop, Carl Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clever Innuendo, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Go Bills, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Matt from Gilbert, AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, SPAM, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, ...
    Show More Show Less
    2 hrs and 31 mins
  • The Wonderland Trail with Sassafras: Permits, Campsites, and Gear (BPR #320)

    The Wonderland Trail with Sassafras: Permits, Campsites, and Gear (BPR #320)
    Aug 25 2025
    In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are chatting all things Wonderland Trail. The Trek’s very own Jess Stone is fresh off her thru-hike of this near-100 mile lap around Mt. Rainier in Washington, and gives us a detailed breakdown of her journey and the trail at large. We cover the ideal number of days to do this hike, the standout campsites, wildlife, the permitting process, and the best games to play on trail with your hiking buddies to pass the time such as eating rocks. We wrap the show with a couple of new opportunities to get involved with The Trek, why Nova Scotia has banned all hiking for the foreseeable future, ranking a series of different hiking conditions (or- why postholing is the worst), the triple crown of gear deal breakers, we get even more input on the very controversial decision to use dry ice for resupplies, and a listener reminds us that not all owl encounters are all that interesting. Topo Athletic: Use code “TREKFALL15” at topoathletic.com. Gossamer Gear: Use code "LT520" for 20% off LT5 Trekking Poles at gossamergear.com. Shady Rays: Use code “TREK” for 35% off sunglasses at shadyrays.com. Betterment: Learn more at betterment.com/trek. [divider] Panel with Jess Stone Jess's Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:04:50 - Reminders: Sign up for the Trek’s newsletter, apply to blog for the Trek or be a social media intern, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon! 00:11:23 - Introducing Jess 00:13:45 - Where is the Wonderland Trail? 00:14:15 - What is the permit system like? 00:18:10 - What is the distance and are there alternates? 00:22:20 - Did you bring a bear canister? 00:23:20 - Where did you start and what direction did you go? 00:25:35 - How did this trail compare to some of your past thru-hikes? 00:29:10 - Tell us about the wildlife 00:34:45 - How do the resupplies work? 00:36:45 - Tell us about making your own food 00:40:04 - What were the best campsites? 00:43:00 - Tell us about your hike chronologically 00:47:27 - What was your hiking group? 00:51:50 - Day 3 of the hike 00:59:00 - Did you encounter rangers? 01:02:30 - Eagles Roost to Golden Lakes 01:05:50 - Golden Lakes and afterward 01:09:50 - High Low Buffalo 01:12:15 - What gear stood out to you? 01:17:50 - What footwear did you use? 01:20:40 - How was the weather and water situation? 01:23:22 - How did you get to the trail? 01:26:10 - How was the experience overall? 01:27:12 - Wonderland Trail or the best 93 miles of the Long Trail? 01:29:00 - Peak Performance Question: What’s your top performance-enhancing or backpacking hack? Segments Trek Propaganda: Nova Scotia Bans All Hiking Due to Wildfire Risk by Chickpea QOTD: How many miles would each of the following have to be for them all to feel equal? Thing of the Week Triple Crown of gear deal breakers Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee. Sign up for the Trek’s newsletter Leave us a voicemail! 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 Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bryan Alsop, Carl Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clever Innuendo, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Go Bills, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Matt from Gilbert, AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, SPAM, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Greg Floravanti “Lumberjack”, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, and Spencer Hinson.
    Show More Show Less
    2 hrs and 22 mins
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.