This is episode 210 The End of The Trail. On this episode we bid farewell to this show, but not goodbye to you, to all of our listeners over the last 5 years. Episode 210 will be our last official Trust The Trail Podcast as we close this chapter and start writing a new one. […]

On this episode we debate the long argued Jetboil versus the Pocket Rocket saga. Is one really better than the other? Is burn time speed more important than Canister efficiency? Is there a better stove to use when outdoor conditions change? You Betcha! Why is it a good idea to have both in your gear […]

On our 200th episode we look at back at 5 years of podcasting with Trust The Trail. We share some behind the scenes, never before told stories as well as some of our highlighted successes and failures from many of our trips. Then we turn the tables back to those of YOU whom inspired us […]

On this episode we discuss the balance between wet and dry conditions. Is there a trick to keeping your gear dry in a down pour? Can you pack up with everything wet while still maintaining dry necessities? How do you maintain staying dry throughout multiple days of backpacking in the rain? We’ll share tricks for […]

This is not an episode about the heat of summer, but rather ALL about DOGS on the trail. We share stories of our own, exposing their frequently known hijinx and insights into our furry ‘lil familiy. We’ll share pro-tips and suggestions for keeping your own dogs safe while out on the trails. by the way…you […]

On this episode we share, discuss and TRY to make sense of a senseless tragedy which occurred on the Appalachian Trail last week – that took the life of army veteran Ronald S. Sanchez Jr. We’re going to be honest and open about our own feelings on this. Though more importantly how ALL OF US […]

We sit down with Judy Gross, CEO of Light Heart Gear, to share with YOU her unforeseen journey and how she went from an Appalachian Trail Backpacker to Tent Manufacturer. Her personal story, now 10 years in the making, initiated with a little bit of trail envy, a tenacious attitude and OF COURSE an introduction […]

What are the most commonly asked QUESTIONS on the Trail? Whether its during a Thru-Hike or a Weekend Hike – it doesn’t seem to matter. For most, it begins as small talk and introduction into conversation with a complete stranger – though it has now adapted it’s own course to SIZING another up. These questions […]

On this episode we discuss the whole Bear Canister deal. How to carry one, where to get one, do you really need one, and who the heck approves them? All questions we delve into. Also, is the Urasack a good alternative? Is it approved my the…bear canister people? We answer that one also. AND finally, […]

This is the third part of a three part series on choosing what an ultra light weight tent means to you and how to choose the right one. We share with you a tip in making your ultra lightweight tent worth the “weight” and investment. On the first 2 episodes of this series we discussed […]

Single Wall or Double Wall? What does ultra light weight tents mean to you? This is the second part of a three part series on choosing what an ultra light weight tent means to you and how to choose the right one. We discuss single wall vs double wall and the differences in how it […]

This is the first part of the 3 part series on what does a ultra lightweight tent meant to you, and how to choose the right one? With so many “ultra lightweight” tents on the market and with affiliate link sites using click bate to get you to click on “the top ten best ultra […]

On this episode we discuss taking the blind leap forward. How two people on opposite sides of the country trusted the trail and did something impactful for themselves that challenged them both physically and emotionally.  Trusting the Trail isn’t always about a hiking trail, but instead trusting that your journey will be exactly what is […]

This is episode 199 Clean Your Gear. On this episode Scott shares some new gear thoughts for 2022 and why you should take a look at some quality down jackets that have been on the market for awhile. He also shares tips on how to keep your gear clean and ready to go. Huge news […]

On this episode we talk Bugs, Beetles and Hemlocks. How one pesky tiny insect named the “Hemlock Woolly Adelgid” (A-DEL-GID) is destroying the Hemlock trees in the Southeast. This insect is affecting the entire Eco System in the Appalachia Mountains. We share what researchers are doing to fight back and how you can help the […]

We are LIVE from the Appalachian Trail outside of Tent City at Amicalola Falls State Park for our 100th episode. It’s all open as hikers, trail icon’s, trail celebs, section hikers, and Thru-Hikers past and present all join us to share their love for the People’s Trail. We even get a special delivery brought to […]

On this episode we share our experience guiding an entire family “the Baily’s” on their first backpacking trip. What exactly did they learn taking the entire family out? What did WE learn guiding them? We offer insights into how they prepared versus what was REALITY. Did they have fun and will they ever try this […]

On this episode we talk to Appalachian Thru-Hiker Heather Bolint, aka “Mama Cluck” about life AFTER her Appalachian Trial THRU hike. She shares how taking a 6 month break while managing a Hostel in Southern Georgia inspired her to get back out there and hike YET again. Her stamina and passion as a thru-hiker BRINGS […]

On this episode it’s all about preparing your Gear. This is the third segment of a three part series on How To Prepare for a Thru-Hike on the Appalachian Trail. We will share some myths and truths on what gear is best YOU and HOW to go about buying it. Buying gear can be daunting, […]

This is the second segment of a three part series on HOW TO PREPARE for a Thru-Hike on the Appalachian Trail. On this episode it’s all about THE MENTAL GAME. WHY? Because us Thru Hikers are a crazy bunch of people to hike through 14 states and over 2,100 miles…just to touch a sign. And, […]

This is the beginning of a three part series on How to prepare for a Thru-Hike on the Appalachian Trail. The Series will be Physical, Mental Preparedness and Gear. On this episode we discuss the Physical Challenges of thu-hike and how to prepare your body for the hike of your life. What your body goes […]

How many gear manufacturers does it take to sit in a van and discuss ALL THINGS backpacking? On this episode we share with you some of the TOP backpacking manufacturers and spill the beans that they ARE IN reality all VERY close friends! We have an exclusive interview with the CEO of Six Moon Designs. […]

On this episode we are LIVE in the Arizona desert discussing backroad backpacking and finding the adventure in getting to the trailhead. Sometimes that’s harder than you think. We also share what we’ve recently done to achieve even MORE out of this opportunity. This podcast is brought to you LIVE from the backroads in Arizona […]

On this episode we discuss the generalized fears that face females on the trail and challenge the pre-conceived perspectives of hiking alone in the wild. I share my own real experiences hiking the Appalachian Trail with you in hoping to instill a genuine Trusting of the Trail and get you out there – SOLO as […]

On this episode we get back to some basics in talking about trail ratings. Is there a need for a consistent rating system, with so many new backpackers exploring different terrain? What constitutes difficult? Are ratings entirely based on calculation alone? And should they be? Is it sufficient enough to objectively prepare for? Has Social […]

On this episode we discuss how to effectively prepare ahead of time for your body’s natural breakdown AFTER your hike. We address a very specific topic of hiking in colder climates and how to ensure exceptional performance from your body and muscles. We remind you of a piece of gear often overlooked and important to […]

On this episode we share with you a sanctuary in the forest for both weary travelers and long-distance thru-hikers to find rest. A place that connects you to your experiences on the trail, keeping you grounded and quiet effectively detoxing from one reality to the next. Appalachian Trail SOBO’s may have met their final footing […]

As 2018 wraps up, we review what this last year has meant to Scott & Ariane. Looking forward on how to bring a superior quality podcast to you our listeners. But not just our listeners…but ALL of you that have connected to us throughout so many avenues that we’ve created. This past year we have […]

On this episode, we talk about choosing a headlamp that is right for YOU. With so many to choose from, the options can easily become overwhelming. Light is light afterall – or IS IT?  We are going to give you some illuminating tips on how to choose the one BEST suitable for your lifestyle. by […]

On this episode, we break down the MYTH that cold weather hiking means you can drink less – explaining your body’s performance in tricking YOU TO THINK just that. Did you know Your Risk of Dehydration Increases in Winter? We will share TIPS on how to stay Hydrated while hiking or backpacking when the temps dramatically […]

On this episode we give an update on one of our own podcast listeners, and how things have developed in her upcoming thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail. We hear from HER own perspective regarding her very FIRST backpacking trip.  What adjustments to her gear, plan and mental preparedness has altered from having spent just one […]

On this episode we share tips on how to lead a group(s) in the outdoors.  Whether it’s as an Organizer of a hiking club or just with your own family and friends. We ask you, what exactly is the responsibility of a trip leader?  As always, we share WITH YOU our OWN experiences having guided our own […]

On this episode we discuss how mountain ranges effect the weather. We talk all about how best to forecast the weather when in the mountains, the signs to look for once you’re out there AND then share tips on what to do if you’re caught in it. by the way…you can always join in on […]

On this episode we ask the question; what does Nature give you? Why do you spend so much time and money trying to “connect” to it, and what makes it so appealing to go hiking and backpacking in it? We ask our outdoor hiking/backpacking community to share their story with us. What we talk about: […]

On this episode we discuss the most basic of basics in backpacking or hiking. Preventing the blister. After all, your feet are your most important piece of gear that will ultimately get you to where you want to go. AND no one likes when they can’t walk because of a blister. We will also share […]

This is episode 197 The Fork in the Trail. On this episode Scott shares what happened in Cooke City Montana and why we stopped podcasting. Also, how the fork in the Trail with no trail signs is often your best guess with no real clues as to which direction to go This is exactly where […]

Is Halloween to blame for a generalized fear of going into the woods? After all many modern-day horror movies are set deep within the remote wilderness and rarely does everyone escape. On this episode, we dive into a physiological satire proving those elements are taught from an early stage in life – and how THIS […]

On this episode we share a letter from one of our listeners on digging her first cathole…and just how glorious it was! Let’s breech the subject of pooping in the woods! We offer tips on how and where to dig, what to do when you cannot dig and then offer insight into the best biodegradable […]

On this episode we put and end to the debate of which sleep system is better. Hammocks or Tents? We share what we have learned through years of backpacking and give you a huge pro tip at the end to help you stay a bit warmer if you choose a hammock. We also have a […]

On this episode we discuss what is the best cookware to bring out in the backcountry. Does weight matter? What is the difference between aluminium and titanium? Exactly how much should you spend? And is there a cheaper choice? By the way you can always join in on the discussion our Trust The Trail Facebook […]

On this episode we ask the question: Should a Backpacker Take a Wilderness First Aid Class? Through our own experience, we share our opinion and what we have seen and learned out on the trail. It may persuade you to look into how it may change the way you hike. By the way you can […]

On this episode we speak with President and CEO of Outdoor Vitals, Tayson Whittaker. Outdoor Vitals has developed a new synthetic technology – Loft Tek – allowing you to pack Ultralight. Tayson shares how Loft Tek is almost a comparable as Down, but at a much lower cost to YOU. Is synthetic now as good as […]

On this episode we record LIVE out in the field with one of our podcast listeners Kari at the Dahlanoga Trail Days Festival in the North Georgia Mountains. Kari shares with us her aspirations of thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2019 and how she is preparing. We laugh a lot during this podcast,  Kari was […]

On this episode we share our gear tips from transitioning from summer backpacking to fall backpacking. Now that Labor Day is over, we start thinking about Fall. How much more gear to you need?, or what kind of gear do you need and will it add pack weight? We share some of our gear tips […]

On this episode we discuss Fear and how it can prevent you from some magical experiences in your outdoor adventure life and especially on the trail. Inspired by one of our Patreons and a members of our Trust the Trail FB group – Shirley Nutt – who overcame a fear of heights by scaling Half […]

On this episode we define Trail Magic, how it’s changed over the years, and is it helpful or hurtful? Also, does some Trail Magic help or hurt your pack weight when backpacking a long distance trail. Whether it’s the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail or a section hike of either. We would love to […]

On this episode we discuss Bears in the backcountry. Is practicing Leave No Trace Principles enough, where there is no room for error? We share 3 tips in how to keep bears out of your campsite. We also recap our Yellowstone Meet & Greet and share the highlights of our backpacking trip. How exactly did […]

On this episode we interview Jack Masters (Vagabond Jack) who attempted an Appalachian Trail thru-hike in 2018.  How he overcame adversity and what was his secret weapon for all those climbs up the Appalachian Mountains. AND, how did he get his trail name? Jack shares his thoughts on trusting the trail and discovering that some […]

On this episode we share WHICH trail map is best for you and how it can differ depending on WHERE you are backpacking. Maps offer you a way to read the terrain in a way you cannot visually see from your point of view. We will define the different boundaries and which government entity governs […]

On this episode we delve into the concept “does backpacking clean your brain”? Well, of course it does – and we share with you why and how it just does that.  How does the Sun affect your mental focus and does it help with depression? We also share our experience when hitting the trail and […]