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.
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    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, ...
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    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.
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    2 hrs and 22 mins
  • Top National Park After Dark Stories: Night of the Grizzlies, Grandma Gatewood, and Cocaine Bear (BPR #319)

    Top National Park After Dark Stories: Night of the Grizzlies, Grandma Gatewood, and Cocaine Bear (BPR #319)
    Aug 18 2025
    In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by Danielle and Cassie, the hosts of the popular podcast, National Park After Dark. In this episode, Chaunce gets the lowdown on some of the most outrageous stories from the our beloved national parks, including the infamous cocaine bear, tuberculosis huts in Mammoth Cave National Park, the tragic tale of Ishi, the last Yahi, who emerged from Lassen Park in the early 19th century, and the night there were two separate fatal grizzly attacks in Glacier National Park. We wrap the show with an opportunity to get paid to thru-hike (and consequently why you should be on The Trek's newsletter), cheap items that double as ultralight backpacking gear, my mediocre marriage advice, the triple crown of outdoor fears, and another listener offers a PSA on why you should probably not use dry ice for your resupply. 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. Betterment: Learn more at betterment.com/trek. [divider] Interview with Danielle and Cassie of National Park After Dark NPAD WebsiteNPAD InstagramDanielle's InstagramCassie's Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:04:45 - Reminders: Sign up for the Trek’s newsletter and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon! 00:09:40 - Introducing Danielle and Cassie 00:10:24 - What trip are you on right now? 00:11:50 - How did you two meet? 00:13:35 - How did you develop your podcast? 00:15:50 - What is it that makes your podcast so popular? 00:17:45 - Have you two visited a lot of the national parks? 00:23:50 - How often are you two out hiking together and what are your favorite trails? 00:29:45 - What are your favorite solo hikes? 00:32:30 - What is your podcasting research process like? 00:36:50 - Tell us about the Night of the Grizzlies at Glacier National Park 00:43:55 - Do you ever get in touch with people involved in the cases? 00:52:40 - Tell us about the mysteries of Mammoth Cave 01:01:36 - Tell us about Ishi, the Last of His People 01:06:50 - Tell us about Crater Lake National Park 01:15:30 - Tell us about Dope Lake in Yosemite 01:17:30 - Tell us about Cocaine Bear 01:27:20 - Tell us about Grandma Gatewood 01:33:20 - Discussion about the National Park After Dark podcast 01:34:45 - Stay Salty Question: What is your hottest take in the world of backpacking or the outdoors in general? Segments Trek Propaganda Get Paid to Thru-Hike The Santa Fe to Taos Trail! By the Editors 6 Cheap Household Items That Double As Ultralight Backpacking Gear by Katie Jackson QOTD: What’s your most unhinged marriage hack? Triple Crown of outdoor fears 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, Alex Kindle, 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, 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, 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, and Spencer Hinson.
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    2 hrs and 19 mins
  • Quitting a Thru-Hike, Living Nomadically, and Working as a Chef with Juliette "Scorpion Queen" Kerven (BPR #318)

    Quitting a Thru-Hike, Living Nomadically, and Working as a Chef with Juliette "Scorpion Queen" Kerven (BPR #318)
    Aug 11 2025
    In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we’re joined by Juliette Kerven, known on trail as Scorpion Queen. Juliette is a Michelin-trained chef, former yacht crew member, full-time nomad, and a thru-hiker of both the PCT and AT, and we caught her during her CDT thru-hike attempt for this conversation. This is a solo interview led by Chaunce, and it ventures into some uncharted emotional terrain for this podcast as Scorpion Queen openly wrestles with whether or not to continue her hike, and she ultimately comes to a decision during the interview. We also talk about what it’s like hiking in the U.S. as an international hiker (Juliette is from England), hear about her experience working on yachts, and learn how her Michelin-level culinary skills translate to the backcountry. All that and much more. We wrap the show with the most common injuries to AT thru-hikers, small things that make our days better, the triple crown of gingers (fictional characters edition), and the definitive guide to the sluttiest fonts. 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. Ka’Chava: Get 10% off at kachava.com/backpacker. [divider] Interview with Juliette “Scorpion Queen” Kerven SQ's Trek Author PageSQ's Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:04:56 - Reminders: Sign up for the Trek’s newsletter, apply to blog for the Trek, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon! 00:10:30 - Introducing SQ 00:12:30 - How did you get your trail name? 00:15:05 - Why did you hate nature as a kid? 00:17:50 - When did you become fully nomadic? 00:21:07 - How did you decide to hike the PCT? 00:23:45 - What’s it like to work as a chef? 00:28:15 - What are your go-to dishes to make? 00:30:40 - When did you actually get on the PCT? 00:36:00 - Discussion about visas 00:37:30 - What are your crazy stories from working on super yachts? 00:39:00 - What grew your love for the PCT so much? 00:43:40 - What was your favorite trail town? 00:44:40 - What would you change about doing the PCT as an international hiker? 00:45:45 - What was your bad luck along the PCT? 00:52:30 - What’s your perfect shoe? 00:54:05 - How did being on the PCT affect your depression? 00:55:55 - Tell us about tearing your ACL 01:01:16 - Tell us about hiking the AT in 2024 01:03:50 - How did the AT impact your fibromyalgia? 01:06:35 - What was it like to start the AT so early? 01:09:50 - Discussion about SQ’s AT injury and bad luck 01:17:40 - We Love Love: Tell us about your AT romance 01:20:20 - What did you feel at the end of the AT? 01:23:20 - What did you do between the AT and CDT? 01:25:00 - What has your journey on the CDT been like so far? 01:47:20 - Why do you think you’ve decided to quit the CDT? 01:49:30 - Chaunce and SQ discuss quitting the CDT 02:02:25 - Why do you feel like a fraud if you quit? 02:07:00 - What would you do next if you quit? 02:15:50 - What scenario would make you want to keep hiking? 02:20:20 - Could you become less of a purist? 02:23:05 - What if you’re afraid to finish the CDT? 02:25:15 - Did you feel pressure to start the CDT too soon? 02:36:45 - Peak Performance Question: What is your top performance-enhancing or backpacking hack? Segments Trek Propaganda: These Are the Most Common Injuries Reported by Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers (Plus Injury Prevention Tips) by Katie Jackson QOTD: What’s something small that makes your day better? Sick Thing of the Week Triple Crown of Gingers (Round 2: Fictional Characters) 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, Alex Kindle, 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, 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, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, ...
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    3 hrs and 15 mins
  • The Pinhoti Trail with Nathan "Switchback" Wright (BPR #317)

    The Pinhoti Trail with Nathan "Switchback" Wright (BPR #317)
    Aug 4 2025
    In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by Nathan Wright, known on trail as Switchback. Nathan is an ambassador for the Pinhoti Trail and Alabama trails more broadly, wearing almost too many hats to count. He is the co-founder of the Pinhoti Outdoor Center - a hostel he runs with his wife, President of the Alabama Hiking Trail Society, Vice President of the Alabama Pinhoti Trail Association, Chairman of the Board of the Pinhoti Experience Foundation, and serves on the Advisory Board of the Alabama Trails Commission. In this conversation, we go deep on everything to do with the Pinhoti Trail and Nathan’s many roles in supporting it. We cover the best time of year to hike it, what to expect in terms of wildlife, resupply, water, and logistics, as well as the standout physical features of the trail. Nathan also shares why the trail’s surrounding community makes it so special, the can’t-miss town stops and restaurants, and why he believes it’s the best off-season thru-hike in the US. We wrap the show with a FREE STUFF alert for 2025 PCT Thru-Hikers, how to get college credit for thru-hiking the AT, how our lives would be totally different if our first names were spelled differently, the triple crown of thru-hiker fads, a shortest day of the year of the week, and a listener shares some intel on Texas' most underrated trail. 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. Betterment: Learn more at betterment.com/trek. [divider] Interview with Nathan Wright Pinhoti Experience Foundation WebsiteAlabama Hiking Trail Society WebsitePinhoti Outdoor Center WebsiteNathan's Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:05:20 - Reminders: Sign up for the Trek’s newsletter, apply to blog for the Trek or to run Trail Correspondents and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon! 00:13:20 - Introducing Nathan 00:14:30 - Tell us about your hiking experience 00:15:00 - What made you fall in love with hiking in Alabama? 00:17:40 - Did you get involved with the trail first or hike it first? 00:19:30 - Tell us about finding out you were having a baby 00:21:44 - Discussion about section hiking the AT 00:23:45 - Tell us about all the organizations you’re involved with 00:25:15 - What are the basic stats of the Pinhoti Trail? 00:29:30 - What’s the best season to hike the Pinhoti? 00:30:25 - What’s the APTA? 00:33:40 - What’s the Pinhoti Experience Foundation? 00:36:00 - What’s the Alabama Trails Commission Advisory Board? 00:37:00 - What’s your tech company? 00:38:48 - How does your hostel work? 00:42:00 - Discussion about resupplies along the Pinhoti 00:44:14 - How much of the trail is on a road? 00:47:05 - What’s the process for creating a trail town? 00:51:40 - How does your business background interface with your trail work? 00:55:38 - What’s the water like on the Pinhoti? 00:58:40 - What’s the wildlife like? 01:01:10 - If we go on an Alabama road trip, which football game should we go to? 01:03:04 - When are the ticks bad? 01:04:00 - Could you bring your dog on the Pinhoti? 01:06:42 - Are there shelters on the Pinhoti? 01:08:43 - If you had to sell someone on the Pinhoti, what would you tell them? 01:10:30 - What’s some cool history related to the Pinhoti? 01:14:20 - What are some standout trail towns and town spots? 01:19:50 - What are the main characteristics of the trail? 01:22:24 - What is Alabama food culture? 01:23:15 - What are the logistics of getting to or from the trail? 01:26:50 - Tell us about Pinhoti Fest 01:29:00 - What do you see for the future of the Pinhoti? 01:36:03 - What are some lessons of running a hostel? 01:39:00 - Stay Salty Question: What is your hottest take in the world of backpacking or the outdoors at large? Segments Trek Propaganda: How I Got College Credit for Thru-Hiking the Appalachian Trail by Jordan Charbonneau QOTD: Do you think your life would turn out different if your name was spelled slightly differently? Triple Crown of thru-hiker fads 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, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bill Jensen, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, ...
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    2 hrs and 14 mins
  • The Northern Colorado Trail with Kevin "Sunshine" Silvernale (BPR #316)

    The Northern Colorado Trail with Kevin "Sunshine" Silvernale (BPR #316)
    Jul 28 2025
    In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are joined by Kevin “Sunshine” Silvernale. Originally a commercial pilot from Seattle, Kevin thru-hiked the PCT in 2016 and immediately fell in love with the Hiker Trash lifestyle. That passion led him to put his flying career on hold to hike the AT, Colorado Trail, much of the CDT, and most recently, to begin creating a brand-new long trail route, the Northern Colorado Trail. We chat about his life as a pilot, including when Chaunce coaxed him into sharing a story about how he joined the mile high club, and how thru-hiking ultimately pulled him away from aviation. We go deep into the Northern Colorado Trail (or the NoCo Trail as he calls it), a 300-mile route he’s developing, covering what goes into designing and rerouting a trail, working with public lands agencies, the best time of year to hike it, standout sections (including a hair-raising traverse of the Devil’s Causeway), the wildlife, its growing popularity, resupply and town stops, how to access both terminuses, what he envisions for the trail’s future- and much more. We wrap the show with the sad news of the drowning death of a 2025 Appalachian Trail thru-hiker, Chaunce talks in depth about how she’s pooing liquid, the triple crown of bodies of water, Chaunce’s car getting broken into of the week, how I voluntarily stepped into a patch of poison ivy, and the best listener email of all time. Topo Athletic: Use code “TREKSPRING15” 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] Interview with Kevin “Sunshine” Silvernale Northern Colorado Trail WebsiteNorthern Colorado Trail InstagramKevin's Instagram Kevin's Blog Kevin's Youtube Time stamps & Questions 00:05:16 - Reminders: Sign up for the Trek’s newsletter, apply to blog for the Trek and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon! 00:08:22 - Introducing Sunshine 00:09:30 - Tell us about being a commercial pilot 00:12:55 - Are you part of the mile high club? 00:14:08 - What are some quirks of pilot culture? 00:15:55 - What’s a go-to pilot movie? 00:18:05 - How accurate are flight simulators? 00:18:55 - What would you tell someone about the safety of flying? 00:25:36 - On average, how many hours per week would a commercial pilot fly? 00:26:40 - How did the PCT fall on your radar? 00:29:27 - Was there anything acutely dissatisfying about working as a pilot? 00:32:00 - What is a pilot lounge like? 00:33:30 - When you’re hiking, do you track planes you see overhead? 00:34:50 - Any standout moments from the PCT? 00:40:20 - What’d you do after the PCT? 00:41:25 - What was your impression of the AT after doing the PCT first? 00:43:55 - Were you able to enjoy the CDT given how isolated it is? 00:45:50 - When did the NoCo Trail idea come to you? 00:47:15 - Tell us the basics of the NoCo Trail 00:52:24 - How much of the trail is on roads? 00:54:30 - How do you get permission to hike across private land? 00:56:30 - How would you recommend section hiking the trail? 01:00:05 - What would a typical day of hiking look like? 01:01:27 - What are the highlights of the trail? 01:04:30 - How many people have hiked this trail? 01:07:00 - Did the route change as you thru-hiked it? 01:10:40 - Which alternate would you want to become the de facto trail? 01:11:50 - Are there 14ers along the way? 01:13:08 - What’s the water situation like along the trail? 01:16:42 - Would you recommend this as a first thru-hike? 01:18:10 - What’s the process of creating waypoints for navigation? 01:19:47 - What’s the camping situation like? 01:21:00 - How did you store your food? 01:22:30 - Which direction is best? 01:24:25 - Would you ever want this trail to connect to the Colorado Trail? 01:26:00 - How do you decide on a priority structure for continuing to develop the trail? 01:29:25 - Peak Performance Question: What is your top performance-enhancing or backpacking hack? Segments Trek Propaganda: Appalachian Trail Thru Hiker Drowns in Virginia by Katie Jackson QOTD: How many days until my bowels remember what a solid is? Car Getting Broken Into of the Week Triple Crown of bodies of water 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:...
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    2 hrs and 2 mins
  • Impacts of Climate Change on the Colorado Trail with Triple Crowner and Scientist Karl Ford (BPR #315)

    Impacts of Climate Change on the Colorado Trail with Triple Crowner and Scientist Karl Ford (BPR #315)
    Jul 21 2025
    In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by Karl Ford. Karl is a retired environmental scientist, conservationist, and author of Triple Crown Hiking Adventures and The Colorado Trail in Crisis: A Naturalist's Field Report on Climate Change in Mountain Ecosystems. In this conversation, we dive into Karl’s experiences hiking the Triple Crown, his perspective on the current state of conservation and what the future may hold, and how climate change is already impacting our beloved long trails, with a special focus on the Colorado Trail. We also talk about what individuals can do to help combat climate change, and how Karl personally walks the walk when it comes to protecting our planet. We wrap the show with some convo on pre-hike anxiety, what the Hiker Trash four houses are, the triple crown of gingers, a blood boiling thing of the week, and a listener voicemail about UTIs. LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek. Gossamer Gear: Use code “BACKPACKER20” for 20% off packs at gossamergear.com. Ombraz: Use code “BACKPACKER30” for $30 off at ombraz.com/discount/backpacker30. Betterment: Learn more at betterment.com/trek. [divider] Interview with Karl Ford Karl's LinkedIn Karl's Post on the Trek The Colorado Trail in Crisis: A Naturalist's Field Report on Climate Change in Mountain Ecosystems by Karl Ford Triple Crown Hiking Adventures: 8,000 Miles on the Long Trails by Karl Ford Time stamps & Questions 00:05:20 - Reminders: Sign up for the Trek’s newsletter, apply to blog for the Trek or to run Trail Correspondents, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon! 00:10:55 - Introducing Karl 00:11:34 - What’s your trail name? 00:13:04 - What’s your outdoors origin story? 00:23:45 - Do you have a standout story about Colorado Trail history? 00:26:45 - Where did the Ute tribe get sent to? 00:28:40 - Are there popular spots along the CT that retain Ute names? 00:29:38 - Where do you think we’re headed in regards to public lands? 00:33:55 - Do you remember a shift towards conservation when you were young? 00:40:50 - What got you into thru-hiking? 00:47:40 - Discussion about Karl’s tick experiment on the AT 00:49:50 - Have you followed the Lyme disease vaccines that are in development? 00:51:30 - Did you know you wanted to do more thru-hikes after the AT? 00:55:45 - What advice do you have for people who want to start thru-hiking in retirement? 01:00:30 - How do you prevent injury and recover well? 01:04:25 - Discussion about hiking the CT during the pandemic 01:08:20 - What is forest mortality? 01:09:03 - How are beetles related to climate change? 01:15:10 - What’s your level of optimism in slowing the effects of climate change? 01:20:52 - Do you have any optimism about technological solutions? 01:22:40 - Discussion about deforestation and reforestation 01:26:10 - What does the future of the CT look like? 01:30:00 - What are the downstream effects of a primarily lodgepole pine forest? 01:33:25 - Wilderness areas along the CT 01:34:20 - What can we do? 01:39:38 - Stay Salty Question: What is your hottest take in the world of backpacking or the outdoors at large? Segments Trek Propaganda: I’ve Dreaded Every Hike I’ve Ever Done — But I Go Anyway by Kelly Floro QOTD: When you’re a hiker what are the four houses you are sorted into? Triple Crown of gingers Blood Boiling Thing of the Week Listener Voicemail Mail Bag 4 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, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bill Jensen, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Carl Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clever Innuendo, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Minty Hikes Studio, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, SPAM, 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, and Spencer Hinson.
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    2 hrs and 23 mins