Today, we are joined by Doug Laher, the father of Trevor Laher, the hiker who tragically passed near Apache Peak on the Pacific Crest Trail earlier this year. Doug reads his beautiful tribute to Trevor, we talk about what lessons are to be learned from Trevors passing, and what can be done to prevent further tragedy on this dangerous stretch of the PCT. We also chat with Kaitlyn Purington, a volunteer and the PR rep at the Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit, a rescue non-profit based in Riverside Co...
Jun 19, 2020•1 hr 59 min
Today we are joined by Luke “Strider” Jordan. Strider has a couple of very impressive treks on his resume including the North Country Trail (NCT), which is more than twice the length of the Appalachian Trail, as well as the 3,100 mile Great Plains Trail (GPT), which runs from Texas to North Dakota. We also discover the wild world of naked pooping, a fan-submitted poop paradise on the John Muir Trail, and another edition of Backcountry Matchmaking. [divider] Listen Download this episode. [divider...
Jun 12, 2020•3 hr
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, we are joined by Sarah Jones Decker, author of the new gorgeous photobook " The Appalachian Trail: Backcountry Shelters, Lean-tos, and Huts ". We learn what goes into a project as massive as doing a photo essay of all of the AT's shelters, Sarah's personal favorites, the history of these structures, which have the best privies, and much more. Sarah is also the co-owner of Root Bottom Farms, an organic farm based in North Carolina, an...
May 21, 2020•2 hr 49 min
Today we are joined by Shug Emery. In addition to being a hammock enthusiast, with almost 100,000 YouTube subscribers, Shug's previous profession was as a circus clown for Barnum and Bailey. We obviously go way down the traveling circus rabbit hole, and we promise you his stories do not disappoint. Shug also shares his top tips for beginning hammockers, what his setup looks like, and what goes into making a successful YouTube channel. We close out the show with some Trek propaganda, a triple cro...
May 13, 2020•3 hr 2 min
In episode 69, we are joined by Will Robinson, AKA Akuna. Akuna is an army veteran, the first known African-American male to complete the triple crown, and an all around awesome guy. We talk about his experiences in managing chronic pain, how hiking interfaced with his PTSD, what it's like hiking through rural America as a black man with dreadlocks, and some of the highlights and lowlights of each of his thru-hikes. We also have some listener emails, we learn how people are keeping busy during t...
Apr 27, 2020•2 hr 54 min
Today we are joined by Jean Muenchrath, mountaineer, escaper of death, author, and spiritual being. Simply put, Jean's story is remarkable. Jean gives us a play by play of the time she nearly died after catastrophic fall near Mt Whitney in winter conditions. She walks us through not only this harrowing tale, but the long process to physical, emotional, and spiritual recovery, the subject of her book If I Live Until Morning: A True Story of Adventure, Tragedy and Transformation . Chaunce and Badg...
Apr 15, 2020•1 hr 32 min
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are once again flipping the script. This episode is dedicated to all things COVID-19. We chat with a pair of experts on infectious disease and epidemiology. Dr. Amesh Adalja is an infectious disease specialist at the Johns Hopkins University Center for Health Security. And Jagdish Khubchandani is a Professor of Health Science at Ball State University with a PhD in Health Education and Epidemiology. Both of our experts share their o...
Apr 09, 2020•2 hr 5 min
Backpacker Radio is making good on their promise to get weird. Today we bring you a drunk Q&A. Backpacker Radio's new intern, Elise Ott, navigates us through a series of questions, including COVID-19, how we're handling the self-quarantining, a lot of poop related subjects, thru-hiking purism, and much more. At the top of the show, one of Chaunce's friends gives us the poop story to end all poop stories. This one is our most feral podcasts to date. Because that's what you do during an apocal...
Mar 30, 2020•2 hr 20 min
We're joined by Sandi Marra, the president and CEO at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. As noted in our previous podcast, the news and guidelines around COVID-19 and the trail system has been evolving rapidly. At the time of the previous recording, the ATC asked people to postpone their thru-hikes . Since that recording, the ATC has increased the severity of their recommendations- urging people to avoid the Appalachian Trail altogether, even for day hikes . Today's interview will largely center...
Mar 25, 2020•43 min
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, we are joined by Erik Schlimmer. Erik might be the hiker's edition of Forest Gump, in that he's somehow squeezed five lifetimes worth of events into his four plus decades on this earth. If you're a fan of the Adirondack, you are in luck, because Erik is not only one of the most experienced hikers in this region, but also a historian of the range at large. We also learn all about toponyms, including, what that word means, and he offer...
Mar 18, 2020•2 hr 59 min
The Cinnamon Connection is joined by ultra running legend, Courtney Dauwalter. For those who might not be into the ultra-running scene, Courtney is an absolute powerhouse long distance runner, with a young race resume that's hard to fathom, including wins at the Moab 240 (which the 2nd place finisher was more than 10 hours behind her), the Javelina Jundred 100K, Run Rabbit Run 100-mile race *twice*, Western States 100, Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc- referred to as the super bowl of ultramarathons, a...
Mar 11, 2020•2 hr 11 min
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, we are joined by five sixths of the Strawbridge Family. The Strawbridges successfully thru-hiked the PCT SOBO in 2018 with four kids in tow- ages 11, 13, 14, and 17. We chat about everything you can dream of regarding hiking as a family, including how they handled school, gear, their pace, everyone's emotional and physical well being, and so on. Vince and Monica, aka mom and dad, are fact checked by Georgie, Henry, and June, the youn...
Mar 02, 2020•2 hr 10 min
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 ...
Feb 12, 2020•2 hr 34 min
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 ...
Feb 10, 2020•2 hr 50 min
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, hiki...
Feb 05, 2020•1 hr 27 min
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...
Jan 28, 2020•13 min
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 ...
Jan 21, 2020•1 hr 59 min
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 s...
Jan 08, 2020•2 hr 17 min
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 ...
Dec 30, 2019•1 hr 31 min
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 turn...
Dec 19, 2019•1 hr 34 min
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 t...
Dec 11, 2019•1 hr 29 min
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 backpacke...
Nov 29, 2019•36 min
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 s...
Nov 21, 2019•1 hr 56 min
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 shap...
Nov 15, 2019•1 hr 36 min
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...
Oct 26, 2019•1 hr 54 min
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 "...
Oct 18, 2019•3 hr 36 min
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...
Oct 08, 2019•1 hr 48 min
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 t...
Sep 29, 2019•1 hr 40 min
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 ...
Sep 05, 2019•1 hr 24 min
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 Pfiffn...
Aug 20, 2019•2 hr 22 min
