Backpacker Radio – Details, episodes & analysis

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are at PCT Trail Days! Our guest today is Jeffrey James Binney, a modern-day renaissance man who is an award-winning filmmaker, motivational speaker, ultrarunning athlete, and PCT hiker. We learn all about Jeffrey's story, including how losing his mom at a young age inspired him to pursue endurance sports, what it's like for a gay vegetarian to grow up in a rural pig farm in the midwest, his entry into improv and stand-up comedy, how he went from not being able to run a city block to a 100-mile race, making uber-viral dance TikTok videos, his favorite moments from his PCT hike, and much more. 

We wrap the show by grabbing the first hiker we found off the street here in Cascade Locks and forcing her to join us for segments and being blessed with an all-time trail hookup story in the process. 

Zoleo: Use code “BACKPACKERRADIO” for free device activation at zoleo.com. 

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

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

[divider]

Interview with Jeffrey James Binney

• Jeffrey's Website
• Jeffrey's Instagram
• Jeffrey's Youtube
• Once is Enough film

Time stamps & Questions

00:05:25 - Reminders: Join us in Brooklyn for a hiker meetup on September 16 and support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content!

00:07:50 - Introducing Jeffrey

00:09:08 - What’s your origin story for getting into endurance sports?

00:12:10 - Were you surprised to enjoy running the first time you did it as an adult?

00:15:45 - What was the first 100 mile race you attempted?

00:19:05 - Tell us about being a recovering comedian

00:21:02 - Which performance art makes you the most nervous?

00:23:00 - Hiking themed improv

00:25:00 - Tell us about your film

00:30:11 - Tell us about being vegetarian on trail and growing up on a pig farm

00:33:27 - Did your dad push back at all on your vegetarianism?

00:37:45 - Tell us about your TikTok dances

00:45:45 - How has thru hiking compared to ultrarunning?

00:46:40 - What advice do you have for someone interested in ultrarunning?

00:50:33 - Discussion about thru-hiking culture

00:51:54 - How do you determine your weekly volume and pacing?

00:55:57 - What have your favorite moments from the PCT been so far?

01:00:45 - If you can only do thru-hiking or ultrarunning for the rest of your life, which would you pick?

01:01:50 - Is your husband worried you’ll want to do more long distance hiking?

01:04:34 - Discussion about Jeffrey’s Brooks sponsorship

01:09:00 - Discussion about Jeffrey’s manager

01:11:30 - What do you want to convey to listeners about overcoming fear?

01:14:24 - Is losing enthusiasm for thru-hiking common on all long trails?

01:23:24 - Discussion about tramily and hiking alone

01:27:06 - How much of the trail have you spent doing your own thing?

01:29:12 - Kumo Question: What is the most boring superpower you can think of?

01:33:10 - Tell us about your upcoming TrovaTrip

01:34:30 - Where can people go to keep up with you?

Segments

Trek Propaganda: Is It Safe To Keep Hiking in Wildfire Smoke? by Kelly Floro

Random Hiker Interview: Clumsy

QOTD: I say a number, you say the color

Triple Crown of recurring dream themes

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/.

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

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

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bonnie Ackerman, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Joann Menzer, Katharine Rudzitis, Keith Dobie Jr, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Matthew Kesterson, Merle Watkins, Peter, and Ruth S.

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, Zach takes on the role of guest. This episode recaps his recent hike through the Weminuche Wilderness, a 40-mile loop he’s coined the "Weminuchoo Choo Loop." It’s bound to catch on. Zach gives a full overview of the hike, covering the distance, elevation gain, alternate route options, trail highlights, wildlife, and more. He also shares a story about perhaps his biggest backcountry blunder to date—an expensive mistake, and one he had the distinct pleasure of having a witness for. Additionally, Zach discusses some new gear he tested on this trip, including a piece that will forever change his water retrieval system.

The episode wraps up with sun protection tips for the backcountry, the triple crown of the easiest items to forget to pack for a backpacking trip, whether it’s acceptable to put ketchup on a hot dog, and a listener’s valuable tips about backpacking Patagonia’s O-Circuit.

Zoleo: Use code “BACKPACKERRADIO” for free device activation at zoleo.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 Zach!

Time stamps & Questions

00:05:00 - Reminders: Support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content and join us in NYC this September 16 for a hiker meetup!

00:09:45 - Introducing Zach

00:10:20 - Overview of Zach’s original plans and adapted plans in the Weminuche

00:13:38 - The train logistics

00:19:32 - What’s the overview of the route?

00:22:10 - Zach’s big blunder

00:28:10 - What was the aftermath of the blunder?

00:31:30 - How did you navigate the remainder of the hike?

00:32:50 - Will you start using paper maps?

00:34:10 - What other blunders occurred?

00:36:24 - Day 1

00:40:45 - Day 2

00:48:00 - Day 3

00:54:04 - What other wildlife did you see?

00:55:09 - How was the water situation?

00:55:32 - Did you need permits?

00:55:45 - Would you hike it with a dog?

00:56:19 - How would you recommend making it longer?

00:57:47 - Elk Park to Needleton on AllTrails

00:58:32 - What gear did you bring?

01:01:24 - What tent did you use?

01:05:30 - What was the weather like?

01:07:14 - You wore a sun hoodie?

01:10:30 - Is it worth flying into Durango rather than Denver if you want to do this hike?

01:12:40 - Kumo Question: If animals could talk, which one would be the most annoying?

01:15:00 - Final thoughts on the Weminuchoo Choo Loop

Segments

Trek Propaganda: The Essential Gear for Sun Protection on Your Thru-Hike by Ariella Nardizzi

QOTD: Ketchup on a hot dog?

Triple Crown of easiest things to forget to pack for a backpacking trip

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/.

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

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, Austin Ford, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Dayne, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Patrick Cianciolo, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: 12 Trees Farms, Bonnie Ackerman, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Joann Menzer, Katharine Rudzitis, Keith Dobie Jr, Merle Watkins, Peter, and Ruth S.

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Sawyer Products, we are joined by Katie “Oats” Houston. Oats is a solo thru-hiker, who’s completed the AT, Colorado Trail, Lone Star Trail, and most importantly for today’s recording, the 330-mile Appalachian High Route. We dive deep into the Appalachian High Route’s details, including the standout sections, resupply strategy, the best months to hike it, standout stops in Asheville (where Katie is from), and much more. Katie also shares some tips for breaking out as a freelancer in the outdoor industry, which is especially relevant, as she is also a contributor for The Trek and formerly the head of our social media.

We wrap the show by teasing our next live podcast- hint, it’s not in Denver, Badger has a hilarious and misfortunate wild animal encounter at my house, the triple crown of conversations you don’t get to on trail, and a listener voicemail / tick PSA.

Sawyer Products: Check out Sawyer’s Permethrin Pump at REI.

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.

Shady Rays: Use code “TREK” for 50% off two or more pairs of sunglasses at shadyrays.com.

[divider]

Interview with Katie “Oats” Houston

• Katie's Instagram
• Katie's Trek Profile
• Katie's Website

Time stamps & Questions

00:03:57 - Reminders: We’re coming to Austin, TX! Support us on Patreon and check out our Backpacker Radio hats in the Trek’s store!

00:08:30 - Introducing Oats

00:09:05 - How did you get into the outdoors and the Trek?

00:10:04 - How did you get your trail name?

00:13:22 - Why did you decide to hike the AT?

00:16:32 - Were you the first person to do the Appalachian High Route?

00:19:06 - Can you give us an overview of the Appalachian High Route?

00:25:22 - What’s the route like elevation-wise?

00:28:20 - What are the towns and resupplies like?

00:30:50 - What do you know about the geology of the southern Appalachians?

00:36:01 - What are the highlights of Asheville?

00:40:00 - Could a first time hiker do the Appalachian High Route?

00:41:45 - What did you use for navigation?

00:43:50 - How did you pick to go clockwise?

00:45:46 - Tell us about the hiking you did in Texas

00:46:51 - Do you have tips about thinking through things while thru-hiking?

00:50:00 - Give us your rating and elevator pitch for the Lone Star Trail

00:55:26 - Discussion about the aggressive dogs on the Lone Star Trail

00:57:00 - Discussion about Big Bend National Park

00:59:05 - What are your tips for breaking into the outdoor industry?

01:04:28 - What are different ways to find outdoor industry jobs?

01:06:40 - Walk us through a typical week at Sawyer

01:08:08 - What are your tips for pricing your skills?

01:13:00 - How much freelance work do you do now?

01:14:55 - Give us Sawyer’s background

01:20:57 - Where can people keep up with you?

Segments

Trek Propaganda: Why I Always Carry a Bear Canister When Thru-Hiking by Moose Juice

QOTD: How long would you watch a loading screen before aborting all the info you entered/work you did/progress you made to start over?

Scary Thing of the Week

Pooping in the Woods Update

Triple Crown of conversations you don’t get into on trail

Listener Voicemail

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/.

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

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 & Misty with Navigators Crafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Austin Ford, Brad & Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Dayne, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Patrick Cianciolo, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, and Tracy “Trigger” Fawns.

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: 12 Trees Farms, Bonnie Ackerman, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Joann Menzer, Katharine Rudzitis, Keith Dobie Jr, Merle Watkins, Peter, and Ruth S.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, guest co-host Steven Shattuck aka Twinkle and yours truly are joined by Kylie Yang. Kylie is a Field Programs Manager at the Continental Divide Trail Coalition, a thru-hiker, a former AT ridgerunner, and overall a wealth of knowledge regarding all things pertaining to the great outdoors. We chat about Kylie's foray into the world of thru-hiking, what being an Appalachian Trail ridgerunner looks like- including being called "an overly tattooed, hipster slut" by an angry hiker, and we learn all about her present-day role with the Continental Divide Trail Coalition and the challenges of getting volunteers to remote sections of the trail.

We wrap the show with a triple crown of conspiracies you maybe buy into a little, useful items you'll likely find in a hiker box, new gear that we've been digging over the last season or two, what hitchhiking on the AT really looks like, and much more.

Gossamer Gear: Use code “takelesstrekmore” for 15% off at gossamergear.com. 

Organifi: Use code “backpacker” for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker.

Minus33: Use code “backpacker22” at minus33.com.

Enlightened Equipment: Use code “ultralight10” for 10% off Enlightened Equipment’s Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com.

[divider]

Shoutout to our guest editor for this episode, Tina Mullen!

Interview with Kylie Yang

• Kylie's Instagram
• The Bridge Project
• Continental Divide Trail Coalition

Time stamps & Questions

00:05:16 - QOTD: What does today’s guest’s dad do for a living?

00:06:13 - Reminder 1: Apply to be a blogger for 2023!

00:06:31 - Reminder 2: Please subscribe!

00:07:04 - Introducing Kylie

00:07:54 - Discussion about growing up in southeastern Virginia/Yorktown

00:09:15 - How did you get into the outdoors?

00:11:08 - How did you transition to thru-hiking?

00:13:40 - Did you have a partner when you hiked?

00:14:52 - Tell us about your social experience on the AT.

00:16:25 - What’s your favorite story from your AT hike?

00:19:05 - Tell us another AT story!

00:21:02 - What was it like to hike through the places you grew up?

00:23:03 - What is a ridgerunner, for those who don’t know?

00:24:17 - Tell us about bears in New Jersey. 

00:26:56 - Tell us about your tattoos!

00:30:06 - What’s the most common fuckup you see hikers making?

00:31:03 - Discussion about Kylie’s job setup

00:32:33 - Tell us about the interplay between you and thru-hikers.

00:35:24 - What’s a regular day in the life of a ridgerunner? 

00:36:45 - Were you trained in how to educate people?

00:39:27 - What’s the weirdest trash you collected?

00:40:34 - Discussion about becoming a ridgerunner, the salary, and tips for interested people

00:43:44 - What’s the most common way people went against LNT practices?

00:46:10 - Tell us about the Long Path!

00:48:42 - Why did you hike in winter?

00:50:01 - How long would it take the average person to hike the Long Path?

00:51:03 - Why the Long Path?

00:53:14 - More discussion about section hiking the Long Path in the winter

00:56:57 - Tell us about working for the Continental Divide Trail Coalition.

00:58:25 - Tell us about the Bridge Project.

01:00:00 - Shoe tangents

01:01:43 - What would you tell people looking to get into trail work?

01:02:12 - Is there a difference between volunteering out east and in the Rockies?

01:03:57 - Tell us about the type of work you do and what is most rewarding.

01:05:30 - Discussion about the openings at the CDTC.

01:07:20 - What’s been the most exciting project in Colorado?

01:08:05 - Discussion about qualifications and incentives for volunteering

01:13:20 - Discussion about trail adopters

01:15:52 - How much of the trail is adopted?

01:18:00 - What else should people know about volunteering or the CDTC?

01:19:08 - What’s next for you?

SEGMENTS

MG Check-In

Trek Propaganda

• 6 Useful Items You Can Almost Always Find in an AT Hiker Box by Kelly Floro

Triple Crown of conspiracies you maybe buy a little

New Gear Review

Listener Voicemail (and leave us your own!)

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @headnodculture.

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. 

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, Greg Mac,  Tracy “Trigger” Fawns, Mike Poisel, and Kristina Diaz.

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are bringing you another panel episode. Today we are joined by Backpacker Radio regular, Clay Bonnyman Evans aka Pony to compare and contrast thru-hiking and section hiking. We go deep, focusing largely on the benefits of each of these styles of hiking, who they're for, what we have personally gained from them, and much more. If you're curious about whether you should hit the pause button on your life and take a half year to meander in the mountains, this episode will hopefully serve you a ton of value. And, as always when Pony is studio, this one is delightfully wild.

Gossamer Gear: Use code “backpackerradio” for 15% off at gossamergear.com. 

Organifi: Use code “backpacker” for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker.

Minus33: Use code “backpacker22” for 15% off at minus33.com.

Enlightened Equipment: Use code “ultralight10” for 10% off Enlightened Equipment’s Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com.

Panel with Badger, Chaunce, and Pony

• Tom Turcich (and His Pup) Set to Complete 7-Year Around-the-World Walk Next Month by Clay Bonnyman Evans
• Leave us a voicemail!

Time stamps & Questions

00:05:03 - QOTD: What’s the stupidest thing you’ve done this week?

00:20:05 - Reminders: Apply to be a blogger for 2023!

00:20:32 - Introducing the panel topic

00:22:30 - Panelist’s hiking experiences

00:23:55 - Discussion of the definition of section hiking

00:26:05 - Chaunce’s Thru-Hiking Pro #1

00:28:25 - Zach’s Thru-Hiking Pro #1

00:31:40 - Pony’s disclaimer about section hiking

00:34:02 - Pony’s Thru-Hiking Pro #1

00:38:15 - Chaunce’s Thru-Hiking Pro #2

00:46:18 - Zach’s Thru-Hiking Pro #2

00:57:44 - Pony’s Thru-Hiking Pro #2

01:02:00 - Chaunce’s Thru-Hiking Pro #3

01:05:55 - Zach’s Thru-Hiking Pro #3

01:06:50 - Discussion of friends and trail families while thru-hiking

01:09:05 - Pony’s Thru-Hiking Pro #3

01:12:10 - Chaunce’s Section Hiking Pro #1

01:17:48 - Zach’s Section Hiking Pro #1

01:20:56 - Pony’s Section Hiking Pro #1

01:26:40 - Chaunce’s Section Hiking Pro #2

01:27:30 - Zach’s Section Hiking Pro #2

01:30:05 - Chaunce’s Section Hiking Pro #3

01:32:48 - Pony’s Section Hiking Pro #2

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @headnodculture.

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. 

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, Greg Mac,  Tracy “Trigger” Fawns, Mike Poisel, and Kristina Diaz.

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Minus33, we are joined by Kraig Adams. Kraig has accumulated more than 700,000 YouTube subscribers while showcasing his adventures from around the world, including Mae Hong Son Loop in Thailand, Adirondack High Peaks, Tour Du Mont Blanc Loop in France, Santa Cruz Trek in Peru, Torres del Paine in Chile, Kesugi Ridge Trail in Alaska, Sawtooth Loop Trail in Idaho, just to name a few. We learn how Kraig got into the world of video blogging, how he's turned it into a full time profession, his favorite and least favorite hikes domestically and abroad, what advice he'd offer to aspiring worldly travelers, how and why he maintains a life of minimalism, and much more.

We wrap the show with a triple crown of things that you aren’t superstitious about but may be a little-sticious about, a guide to edible berries along the PCT, and another update from MG!

Minus33: Use code “backpacker22” at minus33.com.

Gossamer Gear: Use code “takelesstrekmore” for 15% off at gossamergear.com.

Enlightened Equipment: Use code “ultralight10” for 10% off Enlightened Equipment’s Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com.

[divider]

Interview with Kraig Adams

• Kraig's Youtube Channel
• Kraig's Instagram

Time stamps & Questions

00:03:03 - QOTD: What’s a sport that no matter the skill level, you don’t find impressive at all?

00:07:23 - Reminders: Apply to be the Trek’s Youtube personality!

00:07:29 - Introducing Kraig

00:08:20 - Tell us about your background.

00:09:57 - Discussion about initial filmmaking in NYC. 

00:11:45 - What’s your benchmark for a successful video today?

00:12:57 - What’s the inspiration for your video style?

00:14:34 - Are you using backpacking as a means to travel or travel as a means to backpack?

00:16:06 - Tell us your hiking resume.

00:17:54 - Does it feel like work for you?

00:18:52 - Do you ever hike with your dog?

00:20:00 - What goes into planning a trip for you?

00:23:35 - Would you say your priority is more the video product or your own experience?

00:25:07 - How do you balance your work and home life?

00:27:02 - How does being a minimalist impact the decisions you make while traveling?

00:29:09 - How does minimalism influence your physical belongings?

00:30:48 - Is your wife a minimalist?

00:34:10 - Discussion about Big Bend

00:34:50 - What are your top three favorite US hikes?

00:35:47 - What are your top three favorite international hikes?

00:37:31 - How was your most recent Tour du Mont Blanc?

00:38:05 - What is it like to do a trip with subscribers?

00:42:10 - Do you get recognized a lot?

00:43:02 - Do you have any stories about trips going awry?

00:45:57 - How do you prepare for camping alone in Alaska?

00:47:15 - Discussion about navigation

00:48:30 - Hike superlatives

00:53:15 - What tips do you have about the Sawtooth Loop?

00:54:03 - What international hike would you recommend for beginners?

00:55:32 - Which trail has the best wildlife?

00:57:08 - What’s your fear level?

01:00:14 - Do you have any other travel tips and tricks?

01:03:03 - What are some primary/secondary hike pairs?

01:05:06 - Tell us about your camera gear and video process.

01:08:27 - Is there one component that accounts for the majority of your revenue?

01:11:09 - Discussion about brand partnerships

01:13:20 - Where can people follow you?

SEGMENTS

MG Check-In

Trek Propaganda

• A Short & Sweet Introduction to Picking Edible Berries Along the PCT by J. Taylor Bell

Triple Crown of things you aren’t superstitious about but are maybe a little-stitious about

Twitter Picture Chaunce Surprise

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @headnodculture.

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. 

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, Greg Mac,  Tracy “Trigger” Fawns, Mike Poisel, and Kristina Diaz.

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Robbie Balenger. Robbie is a plant-based ultra-endurance athlete, with achievements including a run across the United States and a feat he dubbed the Colorado Crush which involves hiking the 485-mile Colorado Trail, summiting all 58 of Colorado's 14,000-ft peaks, and running the Leadville Trail Series- the marathon, the-50 mile race, and the 100-mile race...all of this in the span of 63 days! We of course go in-depth about these endurance undertakings, including how he manages his diet, his recovery, the highlights and lowlights from these adventures, the role his crew plays, and much more. You will walk away from this one feeling either very inspired or very lazy- and quite likely both.

We wrap the show with a triple crown of trees, some promising news on the Lyme disease vaccine front, we get another update from MG, and we share some of our favorite shorter thru-hikes for a listener.

RTIC Outdoors: Shop at rticoutdoors.com.

Gossamer Gear: Use code “backpackerradio” for 15% off at gossamergear.com. 

Enlightened Equipment: Use code “ultralight10” for 10% off Enlightened Equipment’s Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com.

Interview with Robbie Balenger

• Robbie's Website
• Robbie's Instagram
• Colorado Crush Documentary
• Outlast a Tesla
• The Audacious Report

Time stamps & Questions

00:05:19 - QOTD: What’s something that you like less as you get older?

00:15:26 - Introducing Robbie

00:16:17 - When did you get into athletics and endurance sports?

00:19:23 - What is it about running that draws you in?

00:20:44 - Discussion about marathon strategies and breaking through the wall

00:22:48 - Discussion about food during running

00:24:02 - How did you prevent injury on your transcontinental run?

00:25:20 - Discussion about shoes

00:26:12 - Tell us about your plant-based diet.

00:30:42 - Discussion about alcohol

00:31:52 - What do you eat to get enough calories?

00:34:44 - How did you occupy your mind on your transcontinental run?

00:37:29 - Tell us about the Central Park Loop

00:39:55 - Discussion about backyard ultras

00:41:07 - What would you say your mental drive is?

00:43:29 - Discussion about training intensity and strategies

00:46:18 - Do you have any recurring injuries?

00:47:26 - Tell us about NuCalm

00:56:41 - What was the inspiration for the Colorado Crush?

00:58:05 - What lessons did you learn about setting up a good sponsorship model?

01:00:19 - What was the structure and order of the Colorado Crush?

01:01:34 - What made the Leadville 100 the most difficult event?

01:03:42 - How did you decide the timing?

01:04:41 - Has anyone told you they’re interested in replicating the Colorado Crush?

01:05:02 - Fuck Marry Kill: the Leadville Trail Series, all the 14ers, and the Colorado Trail

01:05:40 - How did the Colorado Trail compare to your expectations?

01:07:13 - How do you compare/contrast road running and trail running?

01:09:48 - Any fun hallucination stories?

01:12:21 - What’s your mentality while running at night?

01:14:30 - What lazy things do you love doing?

01:15:42 - What did you learn about yourself as a man?

01:18:22 - Is it unusual to have the height of your career start late?

01:19:14 - How was your mindspace as you started the 14ers?

01:21:06 - What were the logistics for getting to and up all the 14ers?

01:23:10 - Did you have any close weather calls?

01:24:33 - Tell us about your crew

01:26:23 - Is there anything you can’t eat anymore?

01:27:37 - Anything else to share from the Leadville 100?

01:28:41 - What does the future hold for you?

01:32:00 - Where can people keep up with you?

SEGMENTS

MG Check-In

New Sound Bites

Trek Propaganda

• In Defense of Wild: Cheryl Strayed’s Memoir Is Nothing Like Your Trail Journal, and That’s OK by Penina Satlow
• Lyme Disease Vaccine Enters Phase 3 Trials by Penina Satlow

Triple Crown of trees

Quadzilla’s Quads

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross.

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. 

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, Greg Mac,  Tracy “Trigger” Fawns, Mike Poisel, and Kristina Diaz.

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Wyn Wiley, better known online as Pattie Gonia. Pattie is a "professional homosexual", environmentalist, and a drag queen. This conversation is fun and informative. We go deep learning all the fun nuances of the drag world, including what goes into a good tuck (who owns the title for the GOAT of tucking), the best drag songs, and the core components of a good drag performance. Pattie shares all the good work she's is doing with various outdoor organizations to improve representation in the outdoors. And of course we get a run down of what goes into being ultra-athletic in high heel boots.

We close the show with a triple crown of awkward places to run into an ex, a Q&A segment, and we cover if thru-hiking the PCT can give you a dumptruck ass.

Gossamer Gear: Use code “backpackerradio” for 15% off at gossamergear.com. 

Organifi: Use code “backpacker” for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker.

Enlightened Equipment: Use code “ultralight10” for 10% off Enlightened Equipment’s Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com.

Interview with Wyn Wiley aka Pattie Gonia

• Pattie's Instagram
• The Outdoorist Oath Website
• The Outdoorist Oath Instagram
• Queer Outdoor and Environmental Job Board
• Austin Smith Instagram

Time stamps & Questions

00:04:56 - QOTD: What’s the easiest meal of the day to eat healthfully?

00:10:39 - Reminder: Apply to be a 2023 Trek Blogger

00:11:34 - Introducing Wyn!

00:13:05 - Who is Wyn Wiley?

00:15:26 - How did you become Pattie Gonia?

00:17:40 - Were you always openly queer?

00:19:23 - Who put boundaries on you as a kid?

00:22:10 - How do you run in high heels?

00:24:20 - What were you thinking when you posted some of your first viral videos?

00:27:22 - Were some people okay with you being gay but not with your wearing heels?

00:29:26 - Can you explain Wyn and Pattie’s different pronouns?

00:31:40 - What’s a good protocol for knowing when to ask someone their preferred pronouns?

00:33:36 - Discussion about being Pattie versus Wyn

00:35:10 - What’s the most difficult physical endeavor you’ve done in heels?

00:36:14 - Discussion about tucking

00:41:45 - Tell us about your hiking clothes.

00:42:48 - Do you have any tips for hiking in heels?

00:44:42 - Do you have any good eating shit stories from hiking in heels?

00:45:41 - Tell us about your recent event with the North Face.

00:48:29 - How can businesses be better allies?

00:50:34 - How can businesses move into the advocacy space?

00:52:31 - Do you want to give any particular people a shoutout?

00:54:09 - Have you had experiences where brands have approached you the wrong way?

00:55:48 - What were some of the biggest lessons you learned?

00:57:18 - What do you recommend for people looking to join queer outdoor communities?

00:59:07 - What does into a 10/10 drag performance?

01:03:42 - If you’re stranded on drag island, what 3 songs do you bring for your performance?

01:05:25 - If you were to make a drag starter pack, what would be in it?

01:06:28 - What is your go-to hiking snack?

01:11:18 - Do you feel like the thru-hiking community better accepts the queer community?

01:15:35 - How do you think you can bring more straight, white men to allyship?

01:17:01 - Do you see any backlash for caring about hair and makeup in the outdoors?

01:20:10 - Tell us about your makeup process.

01:22:09 - If you could pick only 3 pieces of makeup, what would you choose?

01:22:50 - Tell us about the plastics crisis work you did in Hawaii.

01:27:50 - Tell us about your organization, the Outdoorist Oath.

01:28:56 - What are the first projects your organization is starting with?

01:30:32 - Can you tell us about calling out NOLS?

01:37:29 - What should companies prioritize to do better by communities?

01:40:03 - Where can people go to keep up with you?

SEGMENTS

Trek Propaganda

• Hiker Dies After Being Found Unresponsive on Mt. Washington by Penina Satlow

Triple Crown of awkward places to bump into an ex

Instagram Q&A

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross.

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. 

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, Greg Mac,  Tracy “Trigger” Fawns, Mike Poisel, and Kristina Diaz.

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by The Netteburg family. Danae and Olen Netteburg, alongside their 5 children- ages ranging from 13 to 1, are currently thru-hiking the CDT. This is their second thru-hike in three years, after the family completed the Appalachian Trail in 2020. The Netteburg's story is one of a kind- both Danae and Olen are missionary doctors who run a 100-bed hospital in rural Chad. We go in-depth learning about how a family of seven manages on a trail as challenging as the CDT, their standout highs and lows from the AT, what life is like back in their home of Chad and the challenges of their work, and much more. The kiddos were also in and out of the studio for this one, so be prepared for the fun chaos that will ensue.

We wrap the show with a triple crown of things you put on a cracker, a fan follow up to Kathryn Miles' episode which paints a different picture of one of the suspects, and we opine on the movies most deserving of a sequel.

Gossamer Gear: Use code “backpackerradio” for 15% off at gossamergear.com. 

RTIC Outdoors: Shop at rticoutdoors.com.

Tanri: Use code “bpradio10” for 10% off at tanri.com.

Enlightened Equipment: Use code “ultralight10” for 10% off Enlightened Equipment’s Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com.

Interview with Danae and Olen Netteburg

• Danae's Instagram
• Olen's Instagram

Time stamps & Questions

00:05:10 - QOTD: What movie do you most wish had a sequel?

00:07:15 - Introducing the Netteburgs

00:08:15 - How did you end up on trail as a family?

00:10:15 - Tell us about being doctors in Chad!

00:13:08 - Can you compare practicing medicine in the US versus abroad?

00:15:20 - Can anything stress you out while thru-hiking?

00:18:12 - Tell us some crazy doctor stories.

00:21:01 - What are the kid’s thoughts on the biggest differences between Chad and America?

00:22:10 - Hippo facts!

00:25:56 - What other scary animals do you deal with in Chad?

00:27:15 - What precautions do you take for mosquitos?

00:30:16 - What drives you to continue being doctors in Chad?

00:32:24 - How did you decide to hike the AT in 2020?

00:36:15 - Kids: what was your initial impression of the AT?

00:39:20 - Tell us about the timeline for starting the AT?

00:43:15 - Did you ever consider stopping the hike?

00:47:50 - What does a 6 person resupply/meal strategy look like?

00:49:15 - Are all the kids hiking themselves?

00:51:30 - What are some parenting hacks to keep the kids happy while hiking?

00:54:42 - Is it a welcome distraction or additional burden to keep the kids happy?

00:55:35 - How do you handle it when they’re grumpy?

00:57:44 - What are each of their hiking personas?

01:00:15 - At what age do they stay reliably on trail?

01:00:50 - What’s the extent of the gear that the kids carry?

01:03:35 - What packs do you use?

01:05:12 - Roughly speaking, what’s your typical pace?

01:08:33 - Discussion about feeding the kids

01:11:10 - What are the other person’s most and least endearing hiking traits?

01:15:02 - Did you get a lot of criticism in 2020?

01:15:49 - How would you compare the challenge of the AT and the CDT?

01:17:29 - Discussion about potty training and hiking with a baby

01:20:31 - How do you manage sleep deprivation?

01:21:41 - How do you manage to stay happy partners?

01:23:19 - Tell us about managing the monsoons and lightning on the CDT.

01:27:40 - Discussion about using umbrellas

01:28:50 - Tell us about your spreadsheets!

01:34:51 - If you could go back to day 0 on the AT, what advice would you give yourself?

01:36:29 - How do the kids adjust when you return to your busy work schedules?

01:38:27 - How much would you say thru-hiking is for you two, the kids, or the family?

01:39:17 - Do you think the kids have the thru-hiking itch now?

01:40:45 - Where can people keep up with you?

SEGMENTS

Trek Propaganda

• Pooping on the Appalachian Trail: Important Statistics from My Thru-Hike by Brian “Slurpee” Garner
• Montbell Superior Down Parka Review by Elise Ott

Triple Crown of things you put on a cracker

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross.

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. 

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, Greg Mac,  Tracy “Trigger” Fawns, Mike Poisel, and Kristina Diaz.

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Quinn Brett. Quinn was a world-class climber prior to her 2017 fall in Yosemite left her paralyzed from the waist down. Since then, Quinn being the badass athlete that she is, has found new modes to adventure, having most recently completed the 2,500-mile Tour Divide on an adaptive handbike, which she did in just 25 days. We learn all about Quinn's accident, how her adventures, friendships, and life have changed since that fall, and we go in-depth about her advocacy work- how Quinn is fighting to improve recreational accessibility for other persons with disabilities.

We wrap the show with a Triple Crown of Countries You’d Live in if Deported from the US, a brief overview of some of the reasons we've fired Mara, and we opine on where Funyuns belong in the greater chip ranking.

Gossamer Gear: Use code “backpackerradio” for 15% off at gossamergear.com. 

Enlightened Equipment: Use code “ultralight10” for 10% off Enlightened Equipment’s Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com.

Ned: Use code “backpacker” for 15% off at helloned.com/backpacker.

[divider]

Interview with Quinn Brett

• Quinn's Instagram
• Quinn's Website
• An Accidental Life

Time stamps & Questions

00:03:08 - QOTD: Have you heard of Elon Musk’s dog mode?

00:07:38 - Reminders: submit your AT terminus pictures!

00:08:10 - Introducing Quinn

00:08:37 - How did you originally get interested in the outdoors and climbing?

00:10:47 - What does climbing look like in Minnesota?

00:11:51 - What does doing a season in Yosemite mean?

00:13:04 - How did you get started on the big walls?

00:14:51 - What is it like camping in a portaledge?

00:16:25 - Discussion about premier climbing locations in Colorado and the US.

00:17:28 - Tell us about your accident.

00:20:47 - How did you get off the wall?

00:22:49 - Was the fall itself painful?

00:23:33 - How did you brain process learning that you were paralyzed?

00:25:21 - How did your relationship with climbing change?

00:27:13 - Are there options for climbing while paralyzed?

00:29:30 - Would you go back and change anything if you could?

00:31:21 - What have you noticed about inaccessibility since your injury?

00:34:39 - What are the most common barriers to accessibility in the outdoors?

00:37:30 - Tell us about your documentary.

00:38:52 - What would you want to change about the documentary?

00:41:31 - Tell us more about the current and future therapies for spinal cord injuries.

00:44:01 - Is there any hope in something like Neuralink?

00:46:30 - Tell us about your ride on the Tour Divide.

00:47:53 - How did you train for the ride?

00:49:15 - Would your hand cycle have tipped less with two rear wheels?

00:51:35 - How did you solve the battery problem?

00:52:51 - Tell us about the camping.

00:54:55 - Do you feel like your upper body has gained perception after your injury?

00:56:04 - What were some of the highlights of the Tour Divide?

00:57:01 - Do you have any advice for someone who’s interested in doing a similar ride?

00:58:36 - Can you describe the community you’ve found among other people with disabilities?

00:59:56 - Do you have any good poop stories from the ride?

01:02:15 - Did you see any grizzly bears?

01:03:50 - Are there any states that are particularly accessible or particularly not?

01:04:44 - Tell us about the political advocacy work you do.

01:07:03 - Tell us about the advocacy work you’ve done for public lands.

01:09:00 - How have your personal relationships changed since your injury?

01:12:22 - Are there any other toys or gear items you’re excited to try?

01:13:28 - What safety measures do you take while rafting or kayaking?

01:15:15 - Were you ever interested in the Paralympics?

01:16:00 - What are some of your plans or goals for the next five to ten years?

01:17:37 - Where should people go to find you or support initiatives you’re working on?

SEGMENTS

MG Check-In

Trek Propaganda

• 60 PCT Hikers Evacuated from Trail As McKinney Fire Burns Near CA-OR Border by Kelly Floro

Triple Crown of countries you’d live in if you were deported from the US

Reasons We’ve Fired Mara

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

Listener Voicemail

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross.

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. 

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, Greg Mac,  Tracy “Trigger” Fawns, Mike Poisel, and Kristina Diaz.

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.