Episode 62B: Backpacker Feud

In Episode 62, we discuss a dozen ways to die in the backcountry - based on an article published in Backpacker magazine and recently updated on their online website. In the show, Beer Run and Therm Rider join me for a "Backpacker Feud" (patterned after the TV game show) to name the top ten killers in the backcountry. Not to make light of the top dangers in the wilderness ... but they are worth knowing and you'll most certainly be surprised by what is NOT on the list. This podcast was … [Read more...]

Episode 61: The Hayduke

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...]

Episode 60: Troubadour

In Episode 60, Troubadour tells us about his 1994 thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail. This is the first release in a special bonus series to celebrate the 25th anniversary of our hike, and it was recorded at Trail Days on May 13, 1995 in Damascus, Virginia. After finishing the A.T. in 1994, Troubadour went on to hike the Pacific Crest Trail in 1999 and the Continental Divide Trails in 2002 - walking nearly 10,000 miles and completing the Triple Crown - which we discuss in detail in Episode … [Read more...]

Episode 59: The Man Who Hiked It All

In Episode 59, I speak with Bart Smith (aka Infinite Dust) who was recently featured in Backpacker Magazine as "The Man Who Hiked It All".  Since 1992, Bart has hiked nearly 35,000 miles on 30 of America's National Scenic and Historic Trails - completing the last of the Trails by October 2nd, 2018 to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the National Trails Act. In the show, Bart tells us about his backcountry photography, the coffee table book he completed with Earl Shaffer on the … [Read more...]

Episode 58: Havasu Falls

In Episode 58, Michael and Tim tell us about their recent hike to Havasu Falls in Northern Arizona.  You’ve likely seen the iconic photos of the Falls - the turquoise water set against the desert canyon walls, the idyllic swimming holes surrounded by sunbathing backpackers, this oasis in the middle of a barren Grand Canyon.  And you've probably thought about hiking here ... but these guys have actually done it.  And they backpacked to the Falls at the ages of 10 and 12! So if … [Read more...]

Episode 57: Rim-To-Rim-To-Rim

In Episode 57, Rand tells us about his recent Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim hike through the Grand Canyon in Arizona. This spring he hiked the 42 mile route in 12 hours starting at the South Rim at sunrise, tagging the North Rim by noon, and returning to his starting point near The Yavapai Lodge by sunset - logging more than 20K feet of elevation change while on the trail. In the podcast, Rand tells us about the backcountry experience - with suggestions on how and when to hike the route and intel on what … [Read more...]

Episode 56: Camino de Santiago

In Episode 56, 3 Dub (aka the World Wide Wanderer) returns to the show to tell us about his spring hike on the 477 mile Camino de Santiago through the countries of France and Spain.  You might recall that Phillip spent 7 months hiking northbound or "NOBO" on the Appalachian Trail last summer and that we spoke in Episode #51 only a few days before his departure to Europe to hike the Camino. In the podcast, 3 Dub updates us on his travels and shares some tips and tricks for thru-hiking the … [Read more...]