Long Distance Backpacking | N2Backpacking | Backpacking Tips, Gear, Podcasts & Trail Guides

Episode 65: Dream Job

June 30, 2019 By BirdShooter Leave a Comment

In Episode 65, Johnny Malloy tells us about his passion for hiking and backpacking and how it led to a 30+ year career as a guidebook author. Johnny graduated from the University of Tennessee in the 80's with an economics degree but decided to never work a 9-5 job. He is now an accomplished outdoor writer and columnist with over 70 camping, fishing, hiking, and padding guidebooks to his credit - covering 26 States in the U.S. with many in the heart of Dixie. We recently met at Trail Days … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Backcountry Writing, Backpacking, Backpacking Trails, Books, Florida Trail, Guidebooks, Hiking, Long Distance Backpacking, Podcasts, Thru-Hiker

Episode 64: Trail Days 2019

May 31, 2019 By BirdShooter Leave a Comment

In Episode 64, Gary "Drone Boy" Vaughan returns to the show to discuss our May trip to Appalachian Trail Days in Damascus, Virginia. He recently chauffeured me to the annual event where I joined the Class of 1994 to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of our thru-hike. In the podcast, we talk about what it's like for a first timer at the event, what it’s like for a veteran of the festival (that hasn’t been for 20 years), and review our experiences at Tent City, in town, and on the parade … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Appalachian Trail, Long Distance Backpacking, Podcasts, Thru-Hiker

BirdShooter’s Takeaways From Trail Days 2019

May 25, 2019 By BirdShooter Leave a Comment

BirdShooter’s takeaways from Trail Days 20191. Trail Days is 10X the size it was when I last went in 1999 (our 5th year reunion)2. Separating the town from Tent City was a good idea3. Any registered police officer within a 6 county area works Trail Days4. Hiking 40 miles in to Damascus is easier than finding parking at Trail Days5. Trail Days is a business, there were ~60 vendors this year6. Trail Days is a party, somethings never change7. Tent City is a visual, cultural, and culinary … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Appalachian Trail, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Car Camping, Long Distance Backpacking, Road Trips, Trail Days

Episode 63: Black Sunshine

April 15, 2019 By BirdShooter Leave a Comment

In Episode 63, I speak with Black Sunshine about his 1994 thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail. This is the second release in a flashback series where we speak with 11 prospective thru-hikers about their attempt to complete the A.T. in a single year. It was recorded in Charlotte, N.C. on March 5th, 1995, and is part of a series to honor the 25th anniversary of our '94 thru-hike on the A.T. In the episode, Black Sunshine tells us about his winter start in Georgia, the Virginia blues, and his … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Appalachian Trail, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Backpacking, Long Distance Backpacking, Podcasts, Thru-Hiker

Episode 61: The Hayduke

February 28, 2019 By BirdShooter Leave a Comment

In Episode 61, Alex "Money $hot" Maier returns to the show to talk with us about his recent film and adventure on the 812 mile Hayduke Trail which starts in Arches National Park and finishes in Zion National Park - traversing the slot canyons, desert washes, and mountain ranges that make the deserts lands of Southern Utah and North Arizona some of the most scenic landscapes in North America. In the podcast, Alex tells us about the remote wilderness and true solitude that awaits you on the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Backpacking Trails, Desert Backpacking, Long Distance Backpacking, Podcasts, The Hayduke Trail, Thru-Hiker, Trail Talk

The Best Packs For Backpacking

February 15, 2019 By BirdShooter Leave a Comment

We spend a lot of time recommending to each other the best hikes to head out on. When we do it, we give a lot of advice about things to see and do on the walk. We talk about the difficulty of the terrain, and the scenery to look out for on the way. We point out all the landmarks that will help us stay on track, and all the great places to eat or drink when we’re stopping for refreshments. We might even impart a little wisdom on the best gear to take along for the journey; what kind of clothing … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Backpacking Articles, Gear, Hiking Articles, Hiking Gear, Long Distance Backpacking