In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek and brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are joined by Vince and Georgie Strawbridge, one-third of the six-person thru-hiking family. We last caught up with the Strawbridges in early 2020, when they were freshly off their hike of the PCT. Since, they’ve conquered both the CDT and the AT, completing the Triple Crown as a full family. 

We dive into the high and lowlights of these treks from the perspectives of Vince (dad) and Georgie (the youngest in the family). They share insights on navigating the CDT during COVID, overcoming multiple bouts of hypothermia, how one Strawbridge daughter managed to hike the CDT despite being severely anemic, why the AT ranked as their least favorite of the Triple Crown trails, hiking the AT as a group of seven (adding another kiddo for this one), some especially serendipitous instances of trail magic, and Vince’s unconventional—and hilarious—efforts to convince his wife, Monica, to take on another thru-hike, including a group therapy session with their friends. 

We wrap the show with new of a job opening at Backpacker Radio, we ponder how far from a star you should be before it’s safe to stare, a FMK of places to get wet, a breakdown of how much more expensive it is to hike the AT these days, and the Triple Crown of human names that sound like they could double as state names.

Topo Athletic: Use code “TREKWINTER15” at topoathletic.com.

Gossamer Gear: Use code “BACKPACKER20” for 20% off packs at gossamergear.com. 

[divider]

Interview with Vince & Georgie Strawbridge

• Strawbridge Instagram
• Strawbridge Youtube
• Pretty Good at Walking by Vince Strawbridge

Time stamps & Questions

00:05:34 - Reminders: Apply to join the BPR team or vlog for the Trek, get tickets to our live show in Austin on April 17, and support us on Patreon!

00:11:20 - Introducing Vince & Georgie Strawbridge

00:12:12 - How did Georgie break her leg?

00:13:18 - How old are all the kids now?

00:15:00 - How has your interest in hiking changed since you were last on the podcast?

00:16:06 - How do you feel about hiking as a kid?

00:18:49 - How did you find time to write the book?

00:25:25 - What did you learn through writing the book?

00:28:20 - Did Zach & Chaunce find parallels between hiking and writing?

00:32:20 - Now that you’re older, have you noticed hiking feeling different?

00:33:50 - How did you decide on the CDT next?

00:39:27 - How should Zach get his kids to like hiking?

00:43:40 - What was the result of the group referee sessions?

00:45:45 - What are some highlights of the first part of the trail?

00:48:35 - How did you manage the logistics after the first 400 miles?

00:51:00 - What was your dog encounter?

00:52:50 - How did you manage schooling on trail?

00:54:53 - What were some cool stories that overlapped with the trail?

00:59:40 - How does your homeschooling curriculum interact with applying to college?

01:03:10 - What do you want to do when you grow up?

01:04:10 - Tell us about the time you took too much Benadryl

01:07:35 - What was the tent breakup on the CDT?

01:09:22 - What was your level of enjoyment on the CDT?

01:10:30 - Did you notice your own growth between the trails?

01:11:27 - What’s the dynamic between you and your siblings?

01:14:20 - Tell us about the September storm

01:20:20 - Do you ever have meetings without Vince?

01:24:00 - Discussion about finding out June was anemic

01:26:50 - Were you hesitant to have June join you on the AT?

01:27:52 - How did you decide to go northbound on the AT?

01:29:17 - What was it like going from the CDT during covid to the AT northbound?

01:34:00 - How did you weigh the pros and cons of hiking as a large group?

01:38:20 - Did you get any negative comments online?

01:43:26 - Did it feel like you were in easy mode on the AT?

01:47:30 - Story about running out of food

01:49:50 - What was it like getting your first real trail magic experience?

01:54:40 - Did someone get trench foot on this hike?

01:55:30 - What was it like to reach the sign on Katahdin?

01:57:45 - How has the Triple Crown experience changed your kids?

02:01:30 - Would you want to be homeschooled again?

02:04:45 - Give us the highlights of the Great Divide Trail

02:08:15 - Who handles cold water better?

02:09:13 - What was it like navigating the fire season?

02:13:18 - Is the hitching culture different in Canada?

02:14:10 - Tell us about your plans for 2025?

02:16:39 - Peak Performance Question: What’s your top performance enhancing hack?

Segments

Trek Propaganda

• Is It Getting More Expensive To Thru-Hike the Appalachian Trail? by Kelly Floro
• Thru-Hiking With Eczema (and How My Body Surprised Me Along the Way) by Amanda Campbell

QOTD: How far from a star must you be to be safe to stare?

Triple Crown of (human) names that sound like they could be names of states

Fuck Marry Kill: Places to get wet

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

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, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Greg McDaniel, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Mud Tom, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett A, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined yet again by Kyle O’Grady of Kyle Hates Hiking for our 2nd live podcast, recorded at the Skylark Lounge in Denver. This episode is action-packed. We kick off the episode by shaving Viking’s beard. The beard shaving is the ultimate entertainment,  we encourage you to check this one out on YouTube. 

Kyle then shares an exclusive trail mystery about a local Colorado man who disappeared while pursuing another man who also vanished under mysterious circumstances. We also talk shop about YouTube, discussing how Kyle has grown his channel to over half a million subscribers, and he breaks down some of the most intriguing mysteries he’s covered in the past year. And we take some questions from the audience. 

We wrap the show by debating the largest animal we could take in a fight, the Triple Crown of Euphemisms for Masturbating, acknowledging the ceiling’s butt plugs, and much more.

LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.

Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com. 

Sierra Club Outings: Use code “BACKPACKER” for $100 off at outings.sierraclub.org.

Timeline: Get 33% off your first order at timeline.com/backpacker33.

[divider]

Interview with Kyle O’Grady

• Kyle's Instagram
• Kyle's Youtube

Time stamps & Questions

00:07:00 - The Shaving of the Beard

00:19:20 - Reminders: Subscribe to our newsletter, get tickets to our live show in Austin on April 17, and support us on Patreon!

00:20:53 - Introducing Kyle

00:23:30 - What has led to the growth in your channel over the past year?

00:26:55 - Kyle’s new outdoors mystery

00:56:15 - How many trail mysteries have you covered thus far? What are the themes?

01:01:28 - What are the meanest things people say about you?

01:03:15 - Discussion about Youtube thumbnails and strategy

01:05:55 - Do you really hate hiking?

01:11:20 - A second trail story from Kyle!

01:21:25 - When are you hiking the CDT?

01:23:10 - How long does each portion of a Youtube video take?

01:27:30 - How did your PCT miles go this year?

01:31:55 - Should hikers prepare their own missing posters?

01:35:10 - What are your favorite ultralight jerk pro tips?

01:40:28 - What inspired you to start your Youtube channel?

01:45:00 - What’s your most popular video and why do you think that is?

01:46:35 - What is your most overrated ultralight luxury?

01:48:05 - Are you planning to hike the AZT?

01:49:35 - Discussion about desert hiking

01:52:25 - How do you keep your hobby separate from your job?

01:55:50 - Stay Salty Question: What’s your hottest take in the world of backpacking?

Segments

QOTD: What’s the largest animal you could beat in a fight?

Triple Crown of euphemisms for masturbating

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

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, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Mud Tom, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, we’re joined by Patrice and Justin La Vigne. Over the past decade-plus, Patrice and Justin have traded their corporate grind for, in their words, “a life less ordinary.” From their first thru-hike of the AT in 2011 (drink), to managing a hostel, embarking on multiple van tours to spread the thru-hiking gospel, thru-hiking the TA in New Zealand, and now living in a 300-square-foot cabin on the outskirts of Denali National Park in Alaska—they’ve done it all. 

We dive into how they restructured their lives around adventure, what it’s really like living in a tiny cabin in remote Alaska, why moose are jerks, the challenges of thru-hiking with Crohn’s, and much more.

We wrap the show with the story of a man accused of staging a bear attack to cover up a murder, what the funniest sounding fart is (and introducing Chaunce to the world of covering your farts), and the triple crown of New Year's Resolutions. 

Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com. 

CTDC: Donate $35 or more or sign up for monthly donations at cdtcoalition.org.

PATH Projects: Use code “THETREK10”  for 10% off at pathprojects.com/thetrek.

[divider]

Interview with Patrice & Justin La Vigne

• Patrice & Justin's Website
• Patrice & Justin's Instagram

Time stamps & Questions

00:03:30 - Reminders: Support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content AND ad-free episodes and apply to be a 2025 blogger OR vlogger! And grab a ticket to our live show in Austin on April 17!

00:10:00 - Introducing Patrice and Justin La Vigne

00:11:00 - What was the inspiration to hike the AT in 2011?

00:14:25 - What’s the school experience like at ASU and Disney University?

00:19:53 - Tell us about your shakedown hike on the Long Trail

00:23:30 - Why did you decide to go southbound?

00:28:00 - What was your standout insect story on the AT?

00:31:37 - How did the AT lead to your “life less ordinary”?

00:34:20 - What other Disney skills did you carry over to running a hostel?

00:37:46 - At what point did you decide not to return to your careers?

00:48:17 - Which is more glamorous, the van or the hostel?

00:53:00 - How did you end up on the Te Araroa?

00:57:40 - What stood out about the people and culture of New Zealand?

01:01:10 - How long were you in New Zealand?

01:02:37 - What did you between the TA and your van tour?

01:07:30 - Is it more rewarding to travel around doing education than selling gear?

01:10:25 - Tell us about moving to a dry cabin in Alaska

01:18:04 - How do you handle not having running water?

01:22:10 - How do you manage the outhouse?

01:23:20 - What is the town like?

01:25:29 - What is the winter like?

01:29:10 - How do you prevent getting cabin fever in the winter?

01:31:00 - How do you get internet?

01:34:30 - Discussion about the yurt and Alaska amenities

01:35:40 - Have you climbed Denali?

01:44:00 - Discussion about Justin’s Crohn’s disease

01:46:02 - Tell us more about Crohn’s disease on the AT

01:48:32 - Discussion about carrying everything out on Denali

01:52:02 - Do you foresee returning to the corporate lifestyle?

01:54:02 - What’s the next chapter for you?

01:57:40 - Discussion about grizzly bears and moose

02:04:07 - Do you hear stories of people getting attacked?

02:06:58 - Where can people keep up with you?

Segments

Trek Propaganda: Man Accused of Staging Fake Bear Attack To Cover Up a Murder Has Been Arrested by Kelly Floro

QOTD:  What is the funniest-sounding fart?

Wedding Dress of the Week

Triple Crown of New Year’s resolutions

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

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, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Mud Tom, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, we are joined by Carson Oliver, known on trail as Anita. Carson is an accomplished thru-hiker, cyclist, and adventurer. Following up his 2019 PCT thru-hike, Carson completed the Calendar Year Triple Crown in 2023. We of course learn all about this remarkable trek, his circuitous route to make it happen, highlights and lowlights from each trail, and much more. Carson also shares some personal stories, including the tragic loss of his father, who was murdered, and how this has shaped his perspective on life.

We wrap the show with news of the oldest woman to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail and a clarification of what it means to thru-hike the AT, and things we wish were holiday traditions, and the triple crown of cringy holiday moments.

Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com. 

Holiday Book Bundle: Get Badger & Chaunce’s signed book package here.

CTDC: Donate $35 or more or sign up for monthly donations at cdtcoalition.org.

Duer: Get 20% off your first purchase at shopduer.com/backpacker.

[divider]

Interview with Carson Oliver

• Carson's Instagram

Time stamps & Questions

00:03:30 - Reminders: Support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content and apply to be a 2025 blogger OR vlogger!

00:06:05 - Introducing Carson

00:08:45 - How would you describe yourself?

00:10:22 - Where did you grow up?

00:14:27 - Where do you suspect your sense of adventure came from?

00:16:15 - Did you ride motorbikes in Vietnam?

00:18:20 - Did you find the north to south journey to be dangerous?

00:20:40 - How did your father’s death influence your future adventures?

00:24:38 - How did the PCT interface with processing your grief?

00:26:00 - Tell us about hitting a deer at 75 miles per hour

00:31:20 - Were you afraid to get back on a bike after the accident?

00:36:36 - Tell us about getting your hiking gear in Vietnam

00:40:30 - What’d you get rid of during your hike?

00:41:12 - What was it like to hike through the Sierra during a high snow year?

00:45:00 - Was it hard to split your group in the Sierras?

00:47:40 - Were you happy or sad to reach the end of the snow?

00:49:30 - Tell us about biking across the country

00:53:00 - Were you nervous to mountain bike after the deer accident?

00:55:40 - How do you assess the risk level of mountain biking vs motorcycles?

00:57:22 - How long did your ride take and what route did you take?

01:01:20 - How did your biking experience compare to the PCT?

01:03:00 - Why’d you stop being vegan?

01:04:02 - What was the inspiration for the Calendar Year Triple Crown?

01:07:35 - When and where did you start the trail?

01:13:00 - Was leaving Vermont the first time Type 1 or Type 2 fun?

01:15:45 - Were you stressed out going through the Whites?

01:18:18 - Tell us about being on Franconia Ridge

01:22:40 - Did you sleep in the huts in the Whites?

01:23:30 - How did southern Maine compare to the Whites?

01:25:30 - How was completing the AT and moving to the next trail?

01:30:30 - Did you hike southbound on the CDT and PCT?

01:33:30 - What stories standout from the CDT?

01:35:50 - Did you use your umbrella more for rain or sun?

01:38:00 - Did you ever get the doldrums during your CYTC?

01:40:45 - Any good poop stories?

01:43:35 - What was it like hiking north on the PCT?

01:44:52 - Were you relieved to complete the Sierras?

01:48:15 - What was the highlight of your year?

01:51:05 - Do you have any advice for someone interested in the CYTC?

01:53:40 - Fuck Marry Kill: PCT, CDT, AT and backpacking, motorbiking, and mountain biking

01:55:15 - Kumo Question: What is your favorite historical period and why?

Segments

Trek Propaganda: Linda “Nana” Vanderloop Just Became the Oldest Woman To Thru-Hike the Appalachian Trail by Kelly Floro

QOTD: What do you wish was a holiday tradition?

Triple Crown of cringy holiday moments

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

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, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Mud Tom, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, we’re joined by Alison Kondler, an Audubon Master Birder—or as we like to call it, a certified bird guru. Alison wows us with her eerily accurate bird calls and shares her immense birding knowledge. We chat about the rarest birds you can spot in Colorado, the best apps for bird identification, why the American Ornithological Society (AOS) is renaming North American birds that are named after people, how to squirrel-proof your bird feeder, tips for turning your yard into a borderline bird sanctuary, and she finally settles the debate on whether birds are in fact government drones. If you’re a bird lover—or even bird curious—this episode is for you.

We wrap the show with a lively debate about whether thru-hiking belongs in the Olympics, the triple crown of underrated wildlife, a former guest obliterating the Arizona Trail FKT, and a generous dose of shameless self-promotion.

Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com. 

Holiday Book Bundle: Get Badger & Chaunce’s signed book package here.

Sierra Club Outings: Use code “BACKPACKER” for $100 off at outings.sierraclub.org.

LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.

[divider]

Interview with Alison Kondler

• Alison's Instagram
• Alison's Facebook
• Alison's TikTok
• Alison's Youtube
• Alison's LinkedIn

Time stamps & Questions

00:03:30 - Reminders: Support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content and apply to be a 2025 blogger OR vlogger!

00:11:14 - Introducing Alison

00:11:50 - What is an Audubon Master Birder?

00:13:45 - What does someone do with this certification?

00:15:10 - Was your family very into birds?

00:16:07 - When did you first interact with birds?

00:17:10 - What’s the outcome of interacting with birds?

00:20:30 - How long did it take you for your calls to be indistinguishable from birds?

00:22:20 - Can you make other animal sounds?

00:25:19 - What are the most common birds you’ll hear in Colorado?

00:27:45 - What are the rarest birds you’ll hear in Colorado?

00:29:40 - Discussion about the common ages of birders

00:30:37 - What’s your take on the movie The Big Ear?

00:31:50 - How do you prove that you’ve seen all the birds you claim?

00:32:57 - What Colorado birds would people travel from out of state to see?

00:33:50 - What’s your take on pet birds?

00:34:17 - Which birds are the asshole birds?

00:35:44 - What’s the easiest bird call to teach to others?

00:37:40 - How do you pick the right bird feeder for your yard?

00:39:35 - On a scale of 1 to 10, where do you stand on squirrels?

00:41:45 - What is the prettiest bird call?

00:43:20 - Bird call trivia

00:45:35 - How do you get rid of woodpeckers on your house?

00:47:40 - What’s your view on crows?

00:49:30 - Are you familiar with bird folklore?

00:51:05 - Bird call trivia round 2

00:53:05 - Why is the American Ornithological Society changing the names of many birds?

00:57:55 - What’s some hot gossip in the bird world?

00:59:20 - What makes a good area to go birding?

01:00:45 - What are some fun facts about ducks?

01:02:10 - Fuck Marry Kill: Ducks, geese, swans

01:03:50 - Aside from Colorado, where else do you love to watch birds?

01:05:00 - What’s your best bird story?

01:07:00 - Discussion about rescuing birds

01:08:55 - What’s the best birding app?

01:10:30 - Are there any endangered birds in Colorado?

01:11:50 - Are there any organizations dedicated to preserving birds?

01:12:48 - Do you think there’s more to owls than meets the eye?

01:13:40 - Do you think birds might be drones?

01:15:10 - What makes the best bird ecosystem in your backyard?

01:16:47 - Discussion about European starlings

01:19:16 - What bird product is a total scam?

01:21:45 - Any good tips for hummingbird feeders?

01:23:58 - If you could pick one bird to fill the world with, which one would you pick?

01:24:20 - Do you have a strong stance on wind turbines?

01:25:30 - How can people minimize harm to birds in their yard?

01:26:30 - Tell us about your social media following

01:27:53 - What are the best flowers for hummingbirds?

01:29:20 - What are the most common questions you get on social media?

01:31:01 - Kumo Question: What is the strangest dream you’ve ever had?

01:32:32 - What upcoming events are you hosting?

Segments

Trek Propaganda

• Nick Fowler Decimates Fastest Known Time on the Arizona Trail by Katie Jackson
• The Backpacker and Hiker Gift Guide: Under $50 by the Editors

QOTD: Should thru-hiking be an Olympic sport?

Triple Crown of underrated wildlife

Mail Bag (Wade’s Adventures)

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

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, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Mud Tom, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Madison Blagden, known on trail as Peg Leg. Peg Leg is a thru-hiking powerhouse and a Trek blogging all-star. Over the past 1.5 years, Madison has logged 8,600 miles while cranking out nearly 300 blogs, documenting almost every single day of her journeys on the Eastern Continental Trail and the CDT.

Peg Leg dives deep into her epic ECT adventure, including how she became just the second woman to complete the entire trail. We get into the nitty-gritty of the International AT, dealing with creepy fellas in Florida, and the time she drank booze through her hiking sock.

Madison also gives us the lowdown on her CDT hike this year, sharing a terrifying story of a near-death flash flood experience, what it’s like to be recognized on trail so often, and her big hiking plans for 2025.

We wrap the show with a fuck marry kills of oceans rivers and lakes, the triple crown of genie wishes, and we're blessed with a wonderful listener poop story.

Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com. 

Holiday Book Bundle: Get Badger & Chaunce’s signed book package here.

[divider]

Interview with Madison “Peg Leg” Blagden

• Peg Leg's Trek Profile
• Peg Leg's Instagram
• Peg Leg's Youtube

Time stamps & Questions

00:04:00 - Reminders: Support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content and apply to be a 2025 blogger!

00:09:00 - Introducing Peg Leg

00:09:50 - How many blog posts have you written for the Trek?

00:10:51 - What’s your process for blogging?

00:15:15 - What’s your preference between writing and videos?

00:16:00 - How did you end up on the PCT in 2017?

00:18:50 - What were some of your first time backpacking mistakes?

00:21:05 - Was it hard to get off in the middle of the trail?

00:23:20 - Discussion about going through the Sierra in 2017

00:25:30 - Tell us about doing the PCT in 2022

00:28:40 - How long did your IT band issue persist?

00:30:20 - How did your gear evolve from 2017 to 2022?

00:33:12 - Tell us about your initial hiking vision for 2023

00:36:00 - What were your first impressions of hiking in the east?

00:37:30 - Was it hard to incorporate blogging into your day during the hike?

00:41:00 - What stands out to you from your AT hike?

00:44:00 - Tell us about getting norovirus

00:46:02 - Discussion about trail magic

00:47:50 - What does it mean to be on time for the hunting season?

00:49:27 - How did you decide to do the international portion?

00:50:55 - How did you go from Katahdin to the Canadian border?

00:52:28 - Was it hard to go from hiking with people to hiking alone?

00:54:00 - Is there a FarOut map for the IAT?

00:56:00 - What were the towns like?

00:57:50 - You saw a hiker with a cat?

00:59:15 - You saw a Canadian lynx?

01:01:00 - Tell us about seeing a caribou

01:05:00 - Discussion about using ropes

01:06:35 - Reindeer facts

01:08:13 - Did you hike the IAT with a partner?

01:09:40 - What was your week off like in Canada?

01:11:16 - What’s your go to town meal?

01:12:45 - Tell us about the island hopping portion of the IAT

01:14:30 - How did the vibe of your hike change once you joined with more people?

01:17:00 - When did you decide to go back to do the Florida portion?

01:18:45 - Discussion about Peg Leg’s injury

01:19:50 - How long was the Canadian portion of the IAT and how long did it take you?

01:21:35 - When did you start the Pinhoti and when did you get to Key West?

01:24:30 - Discussion about road walking through Alabama

01:25:30 - Did you adjust to the road walking okay?

01:27:20 - Tell us about reaching the Florida Trail

01:29:00 - Tell us about being followed on the trail

01:40:50 - Is being trail famous a net positive or a net negative?

01:41:26 - What would you want to relay to any fans of yours?

01:46:20 - Do you have any advice for people who want to do their hike publicly?

01:48:24 - Tell us about falling in deep water on the Florida Trail

01:52:00 - How do you know if something is in the water or not?

01:55:45 - What should you do if you get attacked by an alligator?

01:58:50 - Did you see any scary animals?

02:00:28 - What was it like to finish in Key West?

02:01:48 - Tell us about doing a sock-ey at the end of your hike

02:04:02 - How did you feel at the end, and had you already planned to hike the CDT?

02:07:57 - Did anybody recognize you while you were off trail?

02:08:19 - How did you decide to go southbound on the CDT and find your group?

02:09:45 - Tell us about the beginning of the CDT

02:11:25 - What are your standout stories from the CDT?

02:12:30 - Tell us about your dicey moment in the Winds?

02:16:04 - How did your group fluctuate over the trail?

02:18:19 - Tell us about your flash flood moment on the CDT

02:25:55 - Was that the scariest moment of your thru-hiking career?

02:26:50 - Was the end of the CDT anticlimatic?

02:27:34 - What’s next for you?

02:30:12 - Are you excited about your future plans or nervous?

02:31:27 - Kumo Question: What is your favorite movie soundtrack?

Segments

Trek Propaganda: You’ll Kick Yourself if You Make Any of These Common Thru-Hiker Mistakes by Kelly Floro

QOTD:  Fuck Marry Kill: Oceans, rivers, lakes

Triple Crown of genie wishes

Listener Voicemail (and leave us your own!)

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

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, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Mud Tom, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek we are joined once again by our pal and backpacking legend, Andrew Skurka. We cover a host of new subjects including the future of dedicated satellite communicators with smartphones introducing satellite texting capabilities, what he foresees for the fate of rain gear in light of the move away from PFAS, how the first season of guiding trips went in Yellowstone, his favorite backpacking destinations in each of the lower 48s four time zones, and he gives Chaunce a live, in-person questionnaire to match her with the appropriate backpacking route, like an old school Facebook quiz. We're also joined by Andrew's wife, Amanda, and we chat about more relationship and personal topics like what it's like for your spouse to be in the backcountry for several months of the year, the challenging decision between having kids or not, the benefits of a DINK lifestyle, and much more. This is a wide-ranging conversation, from technical backpacking subjects to more intimate, personal topics, and I think and hope you'll really enjoy it. 

We wrap the show with how one unlucky hiker realized Badger's near fate of being wedged between boulders for several hours in pursuit of her phone, our biggest low stakes conspiracy theories, Chaunce ran a marathon, and the triple crown of cocktails.

Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com. 

LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.

Trailbrush: Use code “TREK20” for 20% off trailbrush.com. 

[divider]

Interview with Andrew Skurka

• Skurka's Website
• Skurka's Instagram

Time stamps & Questions

00:02:50 - Reminders: Help us make Jabba shave his beard, support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content, join us in Denver on December 7th and apply to be a 2025 blogger!

00:08:52 - Introducing Skurka

00:10:10 - What’s your take on PFAS leaching from GoreTex?

00:16:07 - Do you sleep with your food?

00:19:39 - What are your thoughts on bear canisters on the AT?

00:20:20 - How were the first trips out of Yellowstone?

00:23:22 - Discussion about fitness level on Skurka’s trip applications

00:26:56 - Chaunce’s sample application

00:32:51 - If you had one week to backpack in each of the four time zones in the lower 48, where would you go and why?

00:40:00 - Discussion about birds

00:45:20 - What are Skurka’s other hobbies?

00:48:06 - What are the top three shoes to get you through a year?

00:52:35 - Pacific Time zone backpacking

00:53:30 - Do you have any trips in the Cascades or Olympics next year?

00:54:50 - How experienced do you have to be to do the Wind River High Route?

00:59:58 - Best toilet paper alternatives

01:05:50 - What was your reaction when you first learned about the backcountry bidet?

01:06:45 - How much do you backpack together?

01:12:00 - How did you two meet?

01:19:00 - Discussion about Skurka’s risk tolerance

01:21:38 - What’s Amanda’s perspective on satellite communication from home?

01:23:55 - How many days would Amanda want Andrew to be traveling?

01:25:44 - Do you foresee phasing yourself out of the guiding trips?

01:27:00 - Discussion about relationship dynamics

01:32:05 - What’s your take on iPhones’ new satellite texting feature?

01:40:00 - What’s a new Skurka hot take?

01:45:50 - What happened with GoLite?

01:53:40 - How did you decide not to have kids?

02:01:05 - What are the advantages of a DINK lifestyle?

02:12:50 - What advice would you give to someone trying to decide whether to have kids?

02:18:58 - What trips are open for 2025?

02:21:00 - Which of your guides do you want to shout out?

02:26:05 - Do you still have the scholarship program?

02:36:35 - What signature trips are offered in 2025?

02:30:10 - Kumo Question: What is the one skill you wish you had mastered? What’s the weirdest job you ever had?

Segments

Trek Propaganda

• Hiker Trying To Retrieve Dropped Phone Spends 7 Hours Wedged Upside Down in a Crevice by Katie Jackson
• CDT Thru-Hike Stats: Showers Make Thru-Hikers Sad and Other Data-Driven Insights From the Trail by Katie Jackson

QOTD:  What’s your biggest low-stakes conspiracy theory?

Stupid Thing of the Week

Triple Crown of cocktails

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

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, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Mud Tom, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, and Ruth S.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by thru-hiker and Trek Writer, Katie Jackson, known on trail as Double Dip. Katie gives us an in depth breakdown of her recent thru-hike of the Continental Divide Trail, including why she advocates that hikers not take the Creede cutoff, her experience of a wild storm so intense that lightning struck and killed nearby cows, the challenge of losing her hiking partner early on, hiking on an injured foot for hundreds of miles- and how it was miraculously healed in some hot springs, waking up to grizzles in her camp, and much more. Katie also gives some of her backpacking hot takes, including how the Colorado Trail is superior to the JMT.

We wrap the show with whether it'll be possible to thru-hike the AT in 2025, the incredible phenomenon that is Frito feet, my new depressing thing of the week, and the triple crown of places where a long trail should exist.

Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com. 

Trailbrush: Use code “TREK20” for 20% off trailbrush.com. 

[divider]

Interview with Katie “Double Dip” Jackson

• Katie's Trek author page
• Katie's Instagram

Time stamps & Questions

00:02:46 - Reminders: Help us make Jabba shave his beard, support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content, join us in Denver on December 7th and apply to be a 2025 blogger!

00:07:55 - Introducing Katie

00:08:40 - What’s your outdoors origin story?

00:11:15 - What’s your 9 to 5?

00:14:24 - Would you recommend consulting to people interested in thru-hiking?

00:16:05 - How does your engineering brain manifest while hiking?

00:18:37 - Did you plan anything on the Colorado Trail that you did not plan for the CDT?

00:19:30 - How many boxes did you send yourself on the CDT?

00:21:35 - What other regrets do you have from hiking the Colorado Trail?

00:27:07 - How did your eating strategy evolve over the CT?

00:31:00 - Discussion about the Cochetopa section of the CT

00:36:12 - What led you to the John Muir Trail in 2023?

00:38:02 - Which trail is better between the CT and JMT?

00:40:00 - Why didn’t you love the Winds?

00:41:18 - Was your dad okay with you doing the CDT in 2024?

00:42:10 - Did you ever have any issues with satellite messages not going through?

00:43:35 - How was New Mexico?

00:44:40 - Tell us about losing your hiking partner early on

00:49:54 - Would you feel comfortable starting the CDT alone now?

00:52:45 - How was the water in New Mexico?

01:02:45 - How would you rate New Mexico 1 out of 10?

01:05:00 - How much snow did you encounter?

01:08:10 - When did you use your ice axe?

01:10:30 - Were most people getting beaten up?

01:14:30 - What advice do you have to avoid silly mistakes?

01:18:35 - What were your top 5 snacks?

01:21:20 - Discussion about Katie’s backpack

01:23:25 - Tell us about the next stretch of trail and your foot injury

01:26:45 - What was the diagnosis from the doctor?

01:28:35 - Story about stopping in Granby

01:33:00 - How did your foot eventually heal?

01:35:40 - Tell us about taking the cutoff around Rocky Mountain National Park

01:36:50 - If you did the CDT again, would you do any different alternates?

01:38:45 - Did you experience judgment because you hadn’t done another long trail before?

01:42:00 - Discussion about unsolicited advice

01:43:30 - How was the mental aspect of the trail compared to your expectations?

01:45:00 - Tell us about Wyoming and adding whimsy to the trail

01:48:25 - Why didn’t you love the Winds?

01:49:27 - Tell us about the Idaho-Montana border

01:51:50 - Would you do the trail again SOBO?

01:53:05 - Tell us about almost getting hit by lightning

02:01:20 - What was the best trail magic of the CDT?

02:05:05 - Tell us about the Montana section

02:06:37 - How did you manage your long distance relationship?

02:08:10 - Did Montana meet your expectations?

02:11:50 - Did you see any grizzlies?

02:14:47 - What was it like to get to the terminus?

02:17:36 - Kumo Question: What is your favorite book and why?

02:20:17 - Where can people follow you?

Segments

Trek Propaganda

• Will It Even Be Possible To Thru-Hike the AT in 2025? by Kelly Floro
• Why I’m NEVER Hiking in a Dress Again by Kelly Floro

QOTD:  Do you know about Frito feet?

Depressing Thing of the Week

Triple Crown of where a long trail should be

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

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, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Mud Tom, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, and Ruth S.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we’re joined by Bennett “Jolly” Fisher, the founder and visionary behind Jolly Gear. We learn all about Jolly's entry into backpacking, including his first thru-hike at just 18 years old alongside his dad, hiking 300 miles of the PCT on a broken ankle, and some hilariously embarrassing Jabba stories from their recent hike on the CDT. We, of course, dive deep into his apparel company, Jolly Gear, and how he's flipped the thru-hiking fashion world on its head with his unique sun hoodie button-downs. We chat about the biggest challenges associated with running an apparel business, how a misunderstanding lead to his early signature design, how he manages the business while backpacking, his process for sourcing new designs, and much more.

We close the show with the triple crown of cringeworthy things, a discussion of what should be free but isn’t, an impromptu drop-in from Jabba, and an AT conditions update courtesy of Quadzilla.

Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com. 

LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.

Trailbrush: Use code “TREK20” for 20% off trailbrush.com. 

[divider]

Interview with Bennett “Jolly” Fisher

• Jolly Gear Website
• Jolly Gear Instagram

Time stamps & Questions

00:02:50 - Reminders: Help us make Jabba shave his beard, support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content, join us in Denver on December 7th and apply to be a 2025 blogger!

00:08:00 - Introducing Jolly

00:12:38 - We Love Love: Tell us your engagement story

00:16:05 - What was your entry into backpacking?

00:21:20 - Did you consider quitting early on in the AT hike?

00:23:00 - What was your social experience like on the AT?

00:24:15 - How’d you get your trail name?

00:27:00 - Has your dad hiked again since the AT?

00:28:30 - How did your parents support you starting out on the PCT?

00:30:15 - At what point did you get into shirt research?

00:33:00 - How far did you get on the PCT in 2017?

00:34:00 - Why’d you get off the trail in 2017?

00:39:10 - Tell us about your foot injury in 2021

00:45:42 - Are you still adjusting your footwear?

00:50:13 - At what point did you first want to design a hiking shirt?

00:53:00 - Discussion about the Outdoor Product Development program

00:56:14 - Did your first shirt have your signature design?

01:01:12 - Do you get good feedback about having women’s sizes?

01:02:00 - Was there anything functionally different between your prototype and what was on the market?

01:05:09 - How did the style evolve?

01:11:00 - Are all the shirts the same UPF?

01:12:23 - What material is the shirt?

01:15:23 - Have you ever thought about making shorts?

01:19:40 - What’s your day to day like?

01:21:40 - Do you have a vision for where you want the brand to be in 5 years?

01:24:54 - Are you planning to ever use the snap buttons?

01:27:00 - Discussion about pursuing a denim shirt

01:29:50 - How do you decide on future patterns?

01:30:54 - What’s the biggest challenge of your job?

01:32:43 - Have you seen other brands imitating some of your patterns?

01:34:50 - What’s the best Jabba story you have?

01:44:40 - Kumo Question: What is the one thing you wish you were better at?

01:47:13 - What’s next for you?

Segments

Trek Propaganda: 

• Trek for Trevor: Get 20% off a pair of microspikes before you hike through the San Jacinto Mountains on the PCT. 
• Jack “Quadzilla” Jones: On-the-Ground Hurricane Helene Status Update and 2025 Predictions by Kelly Floro

QOTD:  What should be free but isn’t?

Triple Crown of cringy things

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

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, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Mud Tom, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, and Ruth S.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Shari Edelson. Shari is a PhD student researching human impacts in wilderness areas, specifically the impacts of human dookie in the backcountry. We chat about in which circumstances wagbags are warranted, the challenges with compliance when they are, when it's perfectly okay to bury your shit, and how future conservation efforts should be allocated to making this easier to understand for hikers. We also chat about Shari's thru-hike of the TA and are blessed with some plant fun facts, stemming from their background as a horticulturist.

We wrap the show with how to score the most competitive long trail permits in 2025, if farts are pushing out poop or if poop is pushing out farts, and the triple crown of things that happen all the time but no one sees.

Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com. 

Duer: Get 20% off your first purchase at shopduer.com/backpacker.

[divider]

Interview with Shari Edelson

• Shari's Trek author page
• Shari’s email: [email protected]

Time stamps & Questions

00:02:27 - Reminders: Support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content, join us in Denver on December 7th and apply to be a 2025 blogger!

00:07:00 - Introducing Shari

00:08:05 - What’s the coolest plant fact you know?

00:11:30 - Do you have a favorite house plant?

00:13:16 - Tell us about your career managing public landscapes and gardens

00:16:40 - Is there a different soil type for a vegetable garden versus an arboretum?

00:17:40 - What tips do you have for someone who wants to start a vegetable garden?

00:20:20 - Tell us about hiking the Te Araroa in 2023

00:24:15 - What’s your elevator pitch for hiking northbound on the Te Araroa?

00:27:15 - Discussion about Shari blogging for the Trek on the TA

00:28:40 - What’s your background in studying poop?

00:35:00 - What were your interviews like on Longs Peak?

00:37:22 - Do people poop on day hikes?

00:42:22 - What did you learn about how many people were burying it?

00:46:20 - Discussion about the usage of wag bags

00:52:00 - What do you know about mycelium tabs?

00:55:06 - What was the conclusion of the Mt. Elbert study?

00:57:40 - Would it be feasible to have maps of poop zones?

00:59:37 - Has this been evaluated on backpacking trails?

01:02:40 - What’s the next phase of the study?

01:04:20 - Discussion about where to carry out wag bags

01:06:53 - What do you want the listener’s take away to be?

01:10:15 - Kumo Question: If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Segments

Trek Propaganda: How To Score 9 of the Most Competitive US Hiking Permits in 2025 by Ariella Nardizzi

QOTD:  Are farts pushing out poop or is poop pushing out farts?

Triple Crown of things that happen all the time but no one sees

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

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, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Old Man Murph’s Coffee Roasters, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, and Ruth S.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we're joined by Tara Dower, the new holder of overall Fastest Known Time on the Appalachian Trail. Tara gives us the low down on every aspect of her recent record-breaking trek, including how she fell wildly behind pace after the first two states, her nutrition, her sleep habits (or lack thereof), how vital her crew was in her success, the criticism she's faced for "hiking too fast", running a 100-mile race just a few weeks prior to the attempt, and much more. Tara also goes into more depth on her backpacking and FKT background and we subject her to a pair of brutally awkward fornicate, marry, kill questions. Fun times all around.   We wrap the show with our triple crown of guilty pleasure songs, a stupid thing of the week (Zach hurts himself again), and the most unrealistic thing we thought we could be when we were kids.

Raise $10,000 and the Real Hiking Viking Will Do the Unthinkable…

Topo Athletic: Use code “THETREK15” at topoathletic.com.

Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com. 

LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.

[divider]

Interview with Tara “Candy Mama” Dower

• Tara's Instagram
• Tara's Website
• Tara's Youtube

Time stamps & Questions

00:05:55 - Reminders: Support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content, join us in Denver on December 7th and apply to be a 2025 blogger!

00:07:55 - Introducing Tara

00:09:29 - Are you still recovering?

00:10:45 - What mantras did you have?

00:13:00 - What was your origin story in the outdoors?

00:17:12 - When did you decide to pursue the Mountains to Sea Trail FKT?

00:19:00 - Did you impress yourself at that moment?

00:21:30 - Tell us about getting off the AT because of anxiety

00:23:05 - How do you manage anxiety during an FKT attempt?

00:24:25 - Were you tough growing up?

00:26:45 - What inspired you to want to continue pursuing FKTs?

00:29:55 - Tell us about the John Muir Trail

00:31:20 - What part of running do you dislike the most?

00:32:30 - Tell us about the Benton MacKaye Trail FKT

00:34:40 - Tell us about the Colorado Trail FKT

00:36:20 - Discussion about support classifications

00:40:25 - How do you deal with critics?

00:44:30 - How did the Colorado Trail change your outlook on future FKTs?

00:46:00 - When did you decide to go after the AT FKT?

00:48:38 - Did you initially plan to beat the overall record?

00:50:08 - Were you intimidated by others who tried and failed to beat the record?

00:51:30 - Did you notice a transition in social media as you were running?

00:55:18 - Why did your anxiety influence which direction you went?

00:57:20 - How long before you started was the Hard Rock?

01:00:00 - What was it like going through Mahoosuc Notch at FKT pace?

01:01:44 - Tell us about being behind pace at first

01:05:27 - How did your crew chief motivate you?

01:07:03 - Did you ever disagree about decisions?

01:08:00 - How much of a trail was solo or with a pacer?

01:09:50 - What was your adjustment like after the FKT?

01:12:45 - How has your nutrition changed over the years?

01:18:55 - Did you have any near injuries?

01:19:40 - Can you pinpoint a low moment?

01:23:30 - Did you hallucinate?

01:26:45 - Tell us about your average mileage and sleep during the FKT

01:30:40 - Is Rascal’s position a paid position?

01:31:34 - Did you have any paid sponsorship during this run?

01:32:26 - When did you know you had it?

01:35:02 - Did you conceptualize how big of a deal it was going to be?

01:36:35 - Tell us about raising money for Girls on the Run

01:38:20 - Fuck Marry Kill: thru-hiking, FKTs, ultraracing

01:39:31 - Fuck Marry Kill: Outside Magazine, Washington Post, The Trek

01:40:34 - Kumo Question: What’s something you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t had the courage to do yet?

Segments

Trek Propaganda: Tara Dower Sets Overall Fastest Known Time on Appalachian Trail by Kelly Floro

QOTD:  What is the most unrealistic thing you thought you could be when you were a kid?

Stupid Thing of the Week

Triple Crown of guilty pleasure songs

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

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