N2Backpacking Podcasts – Subscribe Here!

  You can follow or subscribe to this podcast by clicking here... Subscribe on Amazon Subscribe on Android Subscribe at Google Podcasts Subscribe at iHeart Radio Subscribe at iTunes Subscribe at Spotify Subscribe at Stitcher Subscribe at Blubrry  (links for Android, iTunes, Email) Subscribe via RSS Follow via Facebook, Feedly, Google+, RSS, Yahoo, Twitter … [Read more...]

Documentary on The John Muir Trail

Just heard about this documentary that was shot on the John Muir Trail. It's #1 on my list of long trails to do and traverses some spectacular scenery in  Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Parks. The DVD was released in April 2012 and follows a group of students from the Southeast as they walk the 220 mile Trail in the High Sierra of California. But you can watch it here for free ... thanks to PBS and UNC-TV:  Watch High Sierra - A Journey on the John Muir Trail on PBS. See … [Read more...]

Appalachian Trail Virus Runs Rampant In North Carolina

There is a virus running rampant in shelters on the Appalachian Trail in western North Carolina. Not the best place to come down with a stomach bug!!! No Business Knob ShelterPress release from the U.S. Forest Service. Spokesman Stevin Westcott said he is unsure how long it will be before the virus subsides. HOT SPRINGS — Hikers may want to avoid sections of the Appalachian Trail near Hot Springs, N.C., especially the stretch running north to the Tennessee border. A number of … [Read more...]

Bear Grylls – What do you get out of backpacking?

Backpacker Magazine recently ran a survival issue where they featured Bear Grylls throughout the October 2012 issue.  I admit to watching many of Bear's Man v's Wild series and to finding it entertaining.  But something that he said in the interview struck me, and really rings true in the wilderness.  The backcountry really does have a way of breaking you down and revealing the "real you".  Here's the exact quote...."Question: What do you get out of … [Read more...]

A Guide to Packing a Bergen for Backpackers

What you pack in your Bergen can make or break your trip. Here is a stress free guide for first time backpackers. A Bergen bag is an essential part of any backpacker’s kit and can help you ensure that you are ready for anything. The Bergen is the bag of choice for many backpackers as it has a number of different compartments designed to hold all of your kit. However, having the space to hold all of your travel essentials is one thing but knowing the best way to pack your Bergen is … [Read more...]

Avoid hiking alone, have a plan, & understand your limits

  Avoid hiking alone If you’re familiar with the Aron Ralston story, you’ll understand why you should never hike alone. Ralston, an avid outdoorsman and adventurist, became trapped in a slot canyon while hiking through Utah’s Blue John Canyon in April of 2003. While descending the slot canyon, a massive 800-pound boulder became dislodged, crushed his right hand and trapped him against the canyon wall. Not only was Ralston alone, but nobody was searching for him because he hadn’t … [Read more...]

Episode 13: The Appalachian Trail

In Episode 13, KC (aka 30-Pack) details his 2012 thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail that began at Springer Mountain in March and ended nearly 2,200 miles later at Mount Katahdin in September. In the podcast, KC talks about the birth of his trail-name, some of his favorite (and not so favorite) moments on the trail, the Wolf Pack and the social aspects of a thru-hike, and why the experience was so inspiring that he plans to set out once again this spring to hike the Pacific Crest Trail on the … [Read more...]