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Backpacker Radio: Daily Summaries Delivered
by The Trek
From the Appalachian Trail to the Pacific Crest and everything in between. Backpacker Radio is a show all about the wonderful world that is thru-hiking and long distance backpacking. Co-hosts, Zach "Badger" Davis and Juliana "Chaunce" Chauncey muse on the backpacking life and the latest from the trail every other week. Topics include but are not limited to news, trail culture, interviews, gear, advice, and all you can eat buffets.
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- Today2h 47m
Thru-Hiking the AT on a $2,000 Budget with Livvy "Stumbles" Weld (BPR #377)
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by Livvy "Stumbles" Weld, a Triple Crown thru-hiker, Trek Writer, and budding ultrarunner. In this one, Livvy breaks down how a tub of frosting earned her the trail name "Sugar Mitts," how her own thru-hikes accidentally talked her dad into becoming a thru-hiker himself, and how a kitten she found under a car turned into her cat back home. Livvy goes deep on how she was able to thru-hike the AT on less than $2,000 (nearly 75% less than the average AT thru-hike), her take as a former AMC hut crew member on the tension between thru-hikers and hut staff over limited work-for-stay spots, and the safety tricks she uses as a solo female hiker. We wrap the show with a comparison between the perception and reality of ultralight backpacking taking over thru-hiking, what hobbies we are bad at, despite our best efforts, and the triple crown of back in my days. LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek. Gossamer Gear: Use code "BPR10" for 10% off shelters at gossamergear.com. Darn Tough: Use code "BACKPACKER" for free shipping from darntough.com. 57 Hours: Use code "TREK100" for $100 off your booking at 57hours.com. [divider] Interview with Livvy "Stumbles" Weld Livvy's Instagram Livvy's Trek Author page Time stamps & Questions 00:06:04 - Reminders: Submit your hike finish photos, subscribe to The Trek's Youtube, and listen to our bonus content and episodes ad-free on Patreon! 00:08:30 - Introducing Stumbles 00:14:12 - Tell us your trail name saga 00:22:30 - Did using your regular name change how you felt about trail names in general? 00:25:00 - Discussion about the tension between AMC hut crew and thru-hikers 00:28:20 - What's the solution for thru-hikers in the Whites? 00:32:36 - Can people bribe their way into the huts? 00:35:28 - Discussion about getting into thru-hiking 00:37:38 - Did you do a gear shakedown at Mountain Crossings? 00:41:00 - Do you carry any luxury items? 00:43:00 - Walk us through your current big five gear list 00:45:40 - Discussion about sleeping pads 00:48:10 - Discussion about not using a pillow 00:49:46 - Discussion about shelter choice 00:51:31 - What's your response to ultralight skeptics? 00:52:40 - What quilt do you carry? 00:53:40 - Discussion about trail running shoes <span s
- 4 days ago1h 8m
Fake Hiker News AI Slop, The Most Important Gear Maintenance Tasks, and The Worst People on a Road Trip
OnX Backcountry: Use code "TREK70" for 70% off at onxmaps.com. Topo Athletic: Use code "Trek15Hike" for 15% off at topoathletic.com. Segments Trail Goss Episode 1 Trek Propaganda: From a Homemade Tent to Custom Shorts, She Made All Her Own Gear for the CDT QOTD: What gear maintenance task do you take the most seriously / do the most consistently? Triple Crown of people you absolutely do not want in the van for a road trip Listener Voicemail 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee. Sign up for the Trek's newsletter 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 Bob Peoples Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Go Bills, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Bret Mullins aka TakeOff, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, JaredNotFromSubway, Jason Kiser, Jason "I Miss Chaunce" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Nathan, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, Thirteen Adventures, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ack, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jacob Cheely, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lucas Hamilton, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, Salt Stain, and Tyler Powers.
- 1 weeks ago2h 39m
The Loowit Trail with Zach, Katie, and Jabba (BPR #376)
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by onX Backcountry and Topo Athletic, myself along with, Katie, and Jabba break down our recent hike of the Loowit Trail, a 31-mile loop circumnavigating Washington's active Mount St. Helens volcano. In this one, we dive into the chaotic road-trip logistics that involved our rental van nearly melting down on on the way to the trailhead, navigating technical rope-assisted gullies and sharp lava boulder fields, trekking through the tree-barren northern blast zone, and a golden-hour summit at Windy Pass, and the nightmare of pitching our tents in 50-mph winds- some of us- without tent stakes. We wrap the a CDT thru-hiker who is making damn near all of her own gear, we detail our most consistent gear maintenance routines, a Triple Crown of the worst people to share a road-trip van with, and a listener calls me out for speaking poorly of cold soaking- much respect to all the slop munchers out there. OnX Backcountry: Use code "TREK70" for 70% off at onxmaps.com Topo Athletic: Use code "Trek15Hike" for 15% off at topoathletic.com. Gossamer Gear: Use code "BPR10" for 10% off shelters at gossamergear.com. Hyperlite Mountain Gear: Use code "BPRADIO15" for 15% off at hyperlitemountaingear.com. 57 Hours: Use code "TREK100" for $100 off your booking at 57hours.com. [divider] Interview with Jabba and Katie Katie's Instagram Jabba's Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:05:20 - Reminders: Apply to vlog or blog for the Trek, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon! 00:10:14 - Introducing the Loowit Trail 00:15:10 - Basic aspects of the Loowit Trail 00:18:13 - What permits and fees are needed for the trail? 00:20:40 - Discussion about clockwise direction and camping restrictions on the north side 00:22:38 - Tell us about Mount St. Helens' eruption history and volcanic activity 00:26:17 - What was the terrain actually like to hike? 00:28:53 - Discussion about the best season to hike the Loowit Trail 00:31:50 - What were the scenery highlights of the trail? 00:37:34 - How does this trail compare to other volcano circumnavigations? 00:44:26 - Discussion about water sources 00:53:20 - Discussion about clockwise vs. counterclockwise direction 00:55:56 - What gear do you need for this trail? 01:01:18 - Discussion about the trail's wildlife 01:04:18 - Discussion about playing odds are on the trail 01:10:15 - Tell us about the road trip debacle</s
- 1 weeks ago42 min
The Wildest Trek Blog Ever Written, The Worst Smells, and The Most Annoyed Professions
OnX Backcountry: Use code "TREK70" for 70% off at onxmaps.com LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek. Segments Trail Goss Episode 3 Trek Propaganda: I Hiked 27.5 Miles Every Day for a Year: Here's Everything I Did To Thru-Hike Faster by Peg Leg Day 154 – This is Where I Leave You by Brock "Dubs" Miller Apply to be a Trek social media intern QOTD: What is the worst thing you've ever smelled? Triple Crown of the most annoyed professions Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee. Sign up for the Trek's newsletter 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 Bob Peoples Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Go Bills, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Bret Mullins aka TakeOff, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, JaredNotFromSubway, Jason Kiser, Jason "I Miss Chaunce" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Nathan, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, Thirteen Adventures, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ack, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jacob Cheely, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lucas Hamilton, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, Salt Stain, and Tyler Powers.
- 2 weeks ago2h 18m
PCT Meltdowns, Side Quests, & Animal Encounters, and Traveling to 56 Countries with Michael "Broadway" Grant (BPR #375)
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by onX Backcountry and LMNT, we are joined by Michael "Broadway" Grant, a world traveler who has visited 56 countries, cycled across America, and is currently daily-vlogging his way through the PCT. In this one, Broadway dives into getting bitten in the face by a six-pound chihuahua while hitching a ride to PCT Trail Days, his terrifying pitch-black 11:00 PM alpine start up Mount Whitney's snow chutes, and his infamous "Day 50" meltdown in the Sierra, where he melted a carbon trekking pole, burned holes through his sleeping bag, found two more in his tent, and sobbed on camera. We also cover his epic Yosemite side quest featuring last-minute Half Dome permits and hot-tubbing with a park employee, how losing his mother to brain cancer shaped his reasons for being out here, and his hot takes on why catholes beat toilets and why ultralight gear isn't a requirement for thriving on trail. We wrap the show with Pegleg's tips for covering bigger miles and a shout-out to Trek blogger Brock "Dubs" Miller finishing on Katahdin, a Question of the Day on the absolute worst things we've ever smelled, a Triple Crown of the most annoyed professions in existence, and we give news on a new job opening at The Trek. OnX Backcountry: Use code "TREK70" for 70% off at onxmaps.com LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek. Gossamer Gear: Use code "BPR10" for 10% off shelters at gossamergear.com. Hyperlite Mountain Gear: Use code "BPRADIO15" for 15% off at hyperlitemountaingear.com 57 Hours: Use code "TREK100" for $100 off your booking at 57hours.com [divider] Interview with Michael "Broadway" Grant Michael's Instagram Michael's Trek Author page Time stamps & Questions 00:06:55 - Reminders: Apply to vlog or blog for the Trek, take the 2026 AT Thru-Hiker survey, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon! 00:13:04 - Introducing Broadway 00:16:45 - How has working through your thru-hike impacted the experience? 00:17:54 - Tell us about getting bitten in the face by a chihuahua 00:22:14 - Tell us about quitting your job to travel the world for 13 months 00:25:58 - Discussion about the Camino de Santiago and West Highland Way 00:30:13 - How did you get into long distance cycling across America? 00:32:10 - Fuck, marry, kill: thru-hiking, cycling, and adventure travel 00:34:59 - Tell us about the start of your PCT thru-hike 00:38:48 - What's it been like growing your following on Instagram? 00:43:46 -
- 2 weeks ago54 min
Nick Fowler's PCT FKT, The 2040 Zeitgeist, Katie Devours a Big Mac, and the Triple Crown of Emojis
OnX Backcountry: Use code "TREK70" for 70% off at onxmaps.com Hyperlite Mountain Gear: Use code "BPRADIO15" for 15% of hyperlitemountaingear.com Segments Trail Goss: Nick Fowler's PCT FKT Trek Propaganda: Fastest PCT Hike in History: Nick Fowler's 45-Day Thru-Hike Sets New Overall FKT by Katie Jackson QOTD: Predict one aspect of the Zeitgeist in 2040 Fantasy Football Thing of the Week Triple Crown of emojis 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee. Sign up for the Trek's newsletter 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 Bob Peoples Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, JaredNotFromSubway, Jason Kiser, Jason "I Miss Chaunce" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Thirteen Adventures, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ack, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lucas Hamilton, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.
- 3 weeks ago2h 19m
The Ultralight Subreddit, Pack Fabric Pros and Cons, and Not Triple Crowning with Whitney "Allgood" La Ruffa" (BPR #374)
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by OnX Backcountry and Topo Athletic, we are joined yet again by our pal Whitney LaRuffa, known on trail as AllGood. AllGood has hiked thousands of miles with his K-9 companions over the years, including his first thru-hike of the AT way back in 1996. AllGood is one of the most entrenched figures in the world of hiker trash, with several thru-hikes under his belt, serving as former president of ALDHA-West, and having worked for several prominent brands in the industry, he eats, breathes, sleeps, and poos all things thru-hiking. In this one, AllGood gives his take on Durston Gear's rapid rise, Big Agnes's early misstep pairing Dyneema tents with heavy buckles, and the challenge he foresees with Osprey's sewn in hip belt on their new UL pack, he breaks down the cost tradeoffs between Alula, DCF, and Robic pack fabrics, and he tells the story of how the Ultralight subreddit's roughly half million members helped sink a quilt brand's business, and why even a three person company needs a PR plan for when things go sideways online. We also cover his philosophy that rain gear on trail is about staying warm rather than staying dry, why he still hasn't finished his Triple Crown despite years spent handing out certificates as ALDHA-West president, his love affair with Jolly, how he balances long-distance hiking with marriage and aging by leaning into shorter trips as his priorities shift, and his personal bucket list of trails. We wrap the show with some big PCT FKT news, Katie devours a Big Mac as fast as she can in the name of improving her fantasy football draft slot, the triple crown of emojis, and we opine on what we think the zeitgeist will look like in the year 2040- flush with intentional grammar mishaps and shaming the shamers. OnX Backcountry: Use code "TREK70" for 70% off at onxmaps.com Topo Athletic: Use code "TREK15TOPO" at topoathletic.com. Hyperlite Mountain Gear: Use code "BPRADIO15" for 15% of hyperlitemountaingear.com 57 Hours: Use code "TREK100" for $100 off your booking at 57hours.com Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKERRADIO" for $20 off LT5 Trekking Poles at gossamergear.com. [divider] Interview with Whitney La Ruffa aka Allgood Allgood's Instagram Allgood's Blog Time stamps & Questions 00:06:00 - Reminders: Use code "donttrustafart" for 15% off hats at the Trek's store, sign up for the Trek's newsletter and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon! 00:10:50 - Introducing Allgood 00:12:30 - What's something you feel passionate about in the outdoor industry right now? 00:15:40 - Is it a net positive for the ultralight trend to become more mainstream? 00:19:40 - What's been your go-t
- 3 weeks ago46 min
OR Echo Hoodie Review, Women-Owned Ultralight Brands, Reasons Not to Go Backpacking, and Go-To Wedding Dance Moves
Hyperlite Mountain Gear: Use code "BPRADIO15" for 15% of hyperlitemountaingear.com OnX Backcountry: Use code "TREK70" for 70% off at onxmaps.com Segments OR Echo Hoodie Review Trek Propaganda 10 Women-Owned Ultralight Gear Brands We Love by Katie Jackson This Fitness App Lets You Bet Cash on Your Own Steps. Are We All About To Be Rich? by Kelly Floro Katie's Engagement Story QOTD: What's your go to wedding dance move? Dilemma Thing of the Week Triple Crown of conditions you'd opt out of backpacking due to Listener Voicemail (and leave us your own!) 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee. Sign up for the Trek's newsletter 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 Bob Peoples Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, JaredNotFromSubway, Jason Kiser, Jason "I Miss Chaunce" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Thirteen Adventures, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ack, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lucas Hamilton, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.
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About Backpacker Radio
From the Appalachian Trail to the Pacific Crest and everything in between. Backpacker Radio is a show all about the wonderful world that is thru-hiking and long distance backpacking. Co-hosts, Zach "Badger" Davis and Juliana "Chaunce" Chauncey muse on the backpacking life and the latest from the trail every other week. Topics include but are not limited to news, trail culture, interviews, gear, advice, and all you can eat buffets.
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