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 E...
Sep 14, 2018•1 hr 26 min
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 hik...
Sep 10, 2018•1 hr 18 min
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 e...
Aug 28, 2018•1 hr 42 min
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...
Aug 24, 2018•1 hr 27 min
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 C...
Aug 16, 2018•1 hr 56 min
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 Laure...
Aug 06, 2018•1 hr 17 min
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...
Jul 30, 2018•2 hr
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 p...
Jul 17, 2018•1 hr 41 min
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 tal...
Jul 11, 2018•1 hr 44 min
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 year...
Jun 28, 2018•1 hr 25 min
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 ru...
Jun 25, 2018•1 hr 29 min
" 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 mili...
Jun 12, 2018•1 hr 34 min
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 Broo...
Jun 06, 2018•1 hr 9 min
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...
Jun 04, 2018•52 min
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, qu...
May 29, 2018•33 min
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 f...
May 16, 2018•1 hr 38 min
Today we hear from the 2nd batch of our thru-hikers about a week into their journey. You can find the first part of this here . 2018 SOBOs : Learn how to apply HERE . Today we hear from: Jake Beaver (AT) Gwen Nitya (AT) Lukas Isaacson (PCT) Madeline (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 . Subscrib...
May 15, 2018•52 min
Backpacker Radio celebrates reaching its double digit episode birthday (?) with a bonus interview from Pacific Crest Trail super trail angel, Frodo, of Scout and Frodo fame. But first, the crew sits down with Chaunce's PCT buddy, Ballflap, as he is mere hours away from beginning his migration to the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. Topics include: Bedrock Sandals Dickflap aka Filipe Deandrade Ballflap's Big 3 MLD Prophet Enlightened Equipment Revelation Big AgnesFlyCreek UL 1 Intervie...
May 09, 2018•1 hr 30 min
Today we check in with the other half of our trail correspondents during a excitement and/or diarrhea-filled period of their journey- the night before starting their thru-hikes. Today we hear from Jake Beaver (AT) Gwen Nitya (AT) Miles to Go (PCT) Kate Emmons (PCT) Lukas Isaacson (PCT) Madeline (PCT) Rabbit (CDT) You can hear part one 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...
May 03, 2018•38 min
If you've listened to Sounds of the Trail, you already know today's guest. Backpacker Radio is joined by Laura "Hey Girl" Johnston- an AT and PCT thru-hiker, conservationist, conversationalist, and an all-around smart and congenial gal. Topics from this show include: Curcumin Sounds of the Trail podcast Hey Girl's love of Patagonia Baggies Highlights from the North Carolina / Tennessee section of the Appalachian Trail 21 Facts about the AT (why the balds are bald) Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker Su...
Apr 24, 2018•1 hr 51 min
Episode number 4 of our Trail Correspondents series comes directly from the trail! Our hikers were tasked with interviewing a fellow thru-hiker about their first impressions of their journey. Today we hear from Jeff "IBTAT" Oliver (AT) Kate Mueller (AT) Emily (AT) Fainting Goat (AT) Miles Bisher (PCT) Kate Emmons (PCT) Sarah Mowery (PCT) 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 ...
Apr 19, 2018•1 hr 13 min
In today's episode, we sit down with 2017 PCT thru-hiker, Dirt Squirrel. Dirt Squirrel will destroy any notions you have about the Millennial generation. She is 23-years-old, well-spoken, doesn't like social media, journals in her notebook daily, and above all, loves hiking and the outdoors. In this episode, topics include: - Mesa Arch in Arches National Park - The Narrows in Zion National Park - Hiking in a group vs. hiking solo - Utilizing school grants for thru-hiking. - Hiking as a vegan - H...
Apr 17, 2018•1 hr 40 min
Today we check in with half of our trail correspondents during quite possibly the most nerve-wracking moment from the journey- the night before starting the thru-hike. Today we hear from: Sassafras, Jeff "IBTAT" Oliver, Fainting Goat, Emily Dutton, and Sarah Mowery 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 . Follow Back...
Apr 09, 2018•29 min
In the first episode of our new Trail Correspondents series, you met our Appalachian Trail hikers. Now it's time to meet our Pacific Crest Trail and Continental Divide Trail hikers. They are: Rachael "Rabbit" DeLano, Miles Bisher (aka "Miles To Go"), Kate Emmons, Sarah Mowery, Lukas Isaacson, and Madeline Newel. Read their bios and photos on thetrek.co. Support the show at patreon.com/backpackerradio Leave us feedback at podcast@thetrek.co.
Apr 04, 2018•20 min
Many a'hiker trash dream of completing the triple crown of backpacking, to hike the Appalachian, Pacific Crest, and Continental Divide Trail. To do so over the course of one's life is a notable feat. Doing this in a single year is bananas, which is exactly what episode 7's guest, Jeffrey "Legend" Garmire, accomplished. In this episode, we go down the rabbit hole learning everything that went into Legend's Calendar Triple including daily mileage, toughest days on trail, gear used, and best storie...
Mar 28, 2018•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 7
We are thrilled to introduce the first episode of our new Trail Correspondents series. In a nutshell, a small group of thru-hikers from the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Trail will be submitting audio recordings during their hikes. Episodes will be published every other week, if not more frequently. This first episode introduces us to our Appalachian Trail hikers. They are Fainting Goat, Gwen Nitya, Jeff "IBTAT" Oliver, Kate "Sassafras" Mueller, Jake Beaver, and ...
Mar 26, 2018•18 min
For most, disappearing to the trail for a month or two is a dream vacation. Serial thru-hiker and peak bagger Steven "Twinkle" Shattuck and his wife Grace are about to travel the world, while living out of their backpacks for the next year. We snagged Twinkle during his last night in town to learn how he saved for this epic adventure, what gear he'll be taking, and advice to those who want to follow in his footsteps. We also talk about the best headlamps for a thru-hike and how thru-hiking can r...
Mar 20, 2018•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 6
Curious what it's like to go from someone who never hikes to summiting Mt. Everest? Enter Shailee Basnet. After growing up with " the secret dream to go out and play " in the face of a culture that discourages women from doing so, Basnet was presented with the opportunity to summit Everest. She took it, and has never looked back. Since conquering the tallest mountain on earth, Basnet spearheaded the Seven Summits Women Team , which became the first female team in the world to climb the highest p...
Mar 13, 2018•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 5
For Episode #4, we are again joined by our buddy, The Real Hiking Viking . This time, instead of an interview, Jabba joins us as the third co-host of the show. It does not disappoint. Or maybe it does. Who can be sure. Subjects discussed in Episode 4 include: The Real Hiking Viking and Badger's PCT Diet Nutrition hack: GREEN POWDERS! Amazing Grass and Navitas The Danger of Relying on Faux Foods by Katie Gerber Chaunce loves powdered milk Tree sap seals a crack Ian Mangiardi ambushes Badger and J...
Feb 28, 2018•1 hr 32 min•Ep. 4
Episode #3 of Backpacker Radio is a tip of the cap to Valentine's Day. We are joined by Reptar, the creator of the popular Appalachian Trail documentary, "The AT Experience", to talk love, the lack thereof, and romance. Subjects discussed in episode 3 include: - Comparing the Sawyer Squeeze to the Katadyn BeFree, - Reptar falling in love on the AT, breaking up with his love on the PCT, how this intertwines with his next documentary - Listener love and romance stories from the trail - Missed conn...
Feb 14, 2018•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 3
