This is a summary of the N2Backpacking podcast series with a quick link and brief summary of each episode.
Episode 104B: Backpacker Trivia
In Episode 104B, we are once again deep in the backcountry on the Benton MacKaye Trail where we sit fireside and under the stars for Backpacker Trivia. In the show, I pose questions from Backpacker Magazine, the U.S. Forest Service, and KSLTV in Salt Lake City on some interesting hiking and backpacking questions about the backcountry.
Episode 103: News Review 2023
In Episode 103, Cardiac and Drone Boy join me for a studio recording of some intriguing hiking and backpacking events that made the news this past year. Some of the topics we discuss include another hiker that found themselves at the bottom of a pit toilet, a loyal dog that survived 72 days on a high peak of Colorado, and a few events that involved Hollywood actors in the backcountry.
Episode 102: Backcountry Halloween
In Episode 102, we have our FIRST Halloween special and discuss some of the spooky and crazy ass things that have happened in the backcountry over the last two decades. Cardiac and Drone Boy join me in the studio for this podcast and talk through some disturbing and well publicized events – some don’t have a happy ending. We even share some scary personal encounters and expect that you have your own. So reach out to us and let us know about your spooky experiences on the trail.
Episode 101: The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly 2
In Episode 101, we continue our discussion of The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly – our best and worst experiences on the Trail. Recorded live on the Chattooga River in northwestern South Carolina, I sit fireside with 3Dub, Mick, Hollywood, and Therm Rider after hiking to Long Creek Falls and settling in for the night. In the show we discuss some great sunsets, 3Dub’s fall into a Cobra hole, our favorite campsites, and Hollywood’s discovery of a tick – in the worst possible place!
Episode 100: The Darwin Awards
In Episode 100, we are back in the studio to celebrate our 100th episode by recapping some interesting things that have happened in the backcountry since the N2Backpacking podcast first aired 12 years ago. In the show, Cardiac, Drone Boy, and Therm Rider join me for the “Darwin Awards” – a recap of some backcountry mishaps that have happened to us and to other hikers and backpackers over the last decade on the trail.
Episode 99: Things That Ruin A Backpacking Trip
In Episode 99, I sit fireside with Therm Rider, Beer Run and Sons on the Benton MacKaye Trail in North Georgia to talk about some things that ruin a backpacking trip. In the podcast, we discuss backpackers that camp on top of you, those that make speaker phone calls, crank booty music or even throw live ammunition into your campfire! We also talk about bad weather, angry insects, and getting sick in the backcountry – which had me dumping out a vomit filled hiking boot.
Episode 98: Ultralight!
In Episode 98, Therm Rider, Beer Run, & 3Dub are in the recently renovated studio to discuss Ultralight backpacking. In the show, we discuss WHAT inspired us to start looking at lighter equipment, WHO motivated us – including some gear manufacturers, YouTubers, and fellow podcasters, and WHY some of us are starting to migrate to more Ultralight hiking.
Episode 97: Above The Ashes (P2)
In Episode 97, we continue our conversation with Kevin Conley about his book “Above The Ashes” which is a powerful memoir of his cross-country bike journey with dog Rocky. In part two of this podcast, Kevin talks about his trip, writing his book, fundraising for the Wildland Firefighters Foundation- and the incredible support that he received from family, friends, fellow firefighters, and many, many strangers on his ride. This journey helped Kevin overcome one of the darkest moments of his life and win his battle with mental illness.
Episode 96: Above The Ashes (P1)
In Episode 96, Kevin Conley is back on the show after a six year hiatus to tells us about his last few years as a wildland firefighter, his subsequent battle with mental illness, and his 3500 mile ride across the country to beat it. This journey helped Kevin overcome one of the darkest moments of his life which he details in his recently published book “Above The Ashes” – a powerful memoir of his journey with dog Rocky.
EPISODE 95B: FIRST TIMERS
In Episode 95B, we are deep in the backcountry at a campsite on the Benton MacKaye Trail where we sit around the campfire and discuss some”first time” experiences in the wilderness. Therm Rider, Beer Run, & Sons all share the first time they found themselves offensive, took a crap in the woods, got a car vandalized, and were scared shitless on the Trail – among other things.
Episode 94: Ticks!!!
In Episode 94, Brian Anderson (aka “The Tick Terminator”) joins the show to educate us on your biggest danger in the backcountry – TICKS!!! In the podcast, we discuss the tick lifecycle, when and where they are most likely to find you, how to prevent ticks, and what to do if one embeds in your skin.
Episode 93: Ocean To Lake Trail
In Episode 93, John Phillips joins the show to talk about the Ocean To Lake Trail in Central Florida. This 61.4 mile spur of the Florida Trail starts at Lake Okeechobee and heads due east to Hobe Sound Beach where it ends at the Atlantic Ocean. In the show, John tells us what it’s like hiking all day in ankle deep water, about finding rest areas and campsites in the swamp, and how he frequently encountered wildlife on his hike – including poisonous snakes, stealthy alligators, and over 50 wild hogs.
Episode 92: Florida Trail (Suwannee River)
In Episode 92, the Camel joins me in the studio to discuss the Suwannee River section of the Florida Trail which we hiked this winter. If you are not familiar with the Suwannee, it is a 246 mile river that begins in the Okefenokee Swamp in South Georgia and ends at the Gulf of Mexico in the northern panhandle of Florida.
Episode 91B: Boyz In The Wood
In Episode 91B, Matt from the “Boyz In The Wood” tells us about his 1994 northbound thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail in a limited N2Backpacking bonus edition. This is the fifth release in a special series to celebrate the 25th anniversary of our hike, and it was recorded at Trail Days on May 13, 1995 in Damascus, Virginia.
Episode 90: Party Foul!
In Episode 90, we are in the mountains near Hays, North Carolina to discuss “party fouls” or bad hiker etiquette on the trail. In the show, we discuss some of the bad behavior that was frequently mentioned in online articles, posts, and videos. We comment if we’ve been guilty of it, witnessed it, or agree that it IS indeed bad hiking etiquette. We also suggest what you SHOULD do on the trail and close the podcast with some gear fails that can ruin your day.
Episode 89: Stuffsack
In Episode 89, we flashback to 1995 for an interview with StuffSack about his thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail the previous year. StuffSack and I stayed in contact after our summer together and were able to connect for this interview when he visited Charlotte, N.C. about four months after we completed our thru-hike. In the interview, StuffSack talks about his first week on the Appalachian Trail, good and bad days, hitchhiking, and his most favorite State on the Trail.
Episode 88: A Look Back (And Forward)
In Episode 88, we break from the typical format to take a look back at 10 years of podcasting. The N2Backpacking podcast launched a decade ago this Spring, so Therm Rider joins me in the studio to talk about some of the original podcasters, the evolution of backpacking shows these last ten years, and the origins of the N2Backpacking podcast. We also discuss our favorite episodes and play a few clips from them.
Episode 87: 10th Anniversary Show
In Episode 87, we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the show by speaking with Glenn (Helmet) & Susan (Doughgirl) who were in the inaugural N2Backpacking podcast – recorded just over 10 years ago. We last spoke with them in April 2011 when they detailed their thru-hike of the John Muir Trail, but they are here tonight to update us on their adventures this last decade – including caring for their 3 kids, visiting the National Parks, and raising an outdoor family.
Episode 86: Trust The Trail
In Episode 86, I welcome fellow podcasters Scott and Ariane to the show. They are the hosts of the popular backpacking podcast “Trust The Trail”, and despite living within 15 minutes of each other these last few years in metro-Atlanta, we chat long distance from their retrofitted 1976 Airstream camper in Arizona.
Episode 85: The Arizona Trail
In Episode 85, “The Man Who Hiked It All” is back on the podcast to tell us about one of his favorite long distance trails – The AZT. The Arizona Trail is a nearly 800 mile path that runs from Mexico to Utah and Bart Smith thru-hiked it all in 2009 – the year that it was first designated as a National Scenic Trail. In the show, Bart tells us about his walk through the lowlands of the Sonoran Desert, his climbs to the sky islands of the San Francisco Peaks, and his traverse of the majestic Grand Canyon. We also discuss some logistics of his thru-hike on the AZT – including getting to the trailheads, resupply, permits, and timing the seasons to get the most out of your hike.
Episode 84: The Shikoku Pilgrimage
In Episode 84, Paul Barach tells us about his 750 mile and 42 day backpacking trip on the Shikoku Pilgrimage in Japan. In the show, Paul shares the history of this religious Buddhist route, talks about hiking in traditional pilgrim clothing, and shares some of the challenges that he faced – including heat, hunger, injuries, and infections.
Episode 83: The Longest Straw
In Episode 83, Samantha Bode joins the show to talk about her 338 mile and 65 day hike along the Los Angeles aqueduct in California. In the show, we talk about this unique and rarely attempted route, some of the challenges that Samantha faced, and how the ranchers, native Americans, and Los Angeles water personnel viewed her hike.
Episode 82: Backcountry Thanksgiving
In Episode 82, we offer up a “Backcountry Thanksgiving” – just in time for the Holidays, and cooked fresh and right outside our studio this evening. In the show, we deliver not 1 but 2 four course Thanksgiving meals that are lightweight, inexpensive, and ready for you to take into the wilderness. And we pack the studio with a record six people to taste each of them – sampling hot drinks, appetizers, a main course, and desserts.
Episode 81: Tahoe Rim Trail
In Episode 81, Jennifer “Sprinkles” Kelley is back on the show to share some great information on how to hike the Tahoe Rim Trail – which runs nearly 170 miles along the border of Nevada and California. If you work full time and dream of a thru-hike, then this is the show for you.
Episode 80: Hiking With Kids
In Episode 80, Dan Kreesberg joins the show to talk about raising an outdoor kid. Dan is a naturalist, teacher, and a writer with numerous books, articles, and newspaper columns to his credit – many focused on teaching children how to appreciate the wilderness. So in the podcast tonight, we discuss camping, hiking, and backpacking with kids – whether they are a toddler, child, or teenager.
Episode 79: Summer In Spain
In Episode 79, Phillip (aka 3 Dub) joins us again to talk about his summer backpacking ~2400 miles in Spain and Portugal via multiple routes on the Camino de Santiago in 2019. We last spoke with Phillip two years ago in Episode 56 when he talked in detail about his first hike on the Camino. There’s great information on how to hike the trail in that podcast, but he returns to the show tonight to talk again about the historic routes and why he did multiple thru-hikes of the trail last year.
Episode 78: Brooks Range
In Episode 78, Sarah Histand tells us about her three week traverse of the Brooks Range in Northern Alaska. She is a native Alaskan who has done multiple packrafting and backpacking trips across the Brooks Range and throughout the State. So Sarah talks about the logistics of the summer trip – including trailheads, resupply, the wildlife, and how to maintain communications across this vast wilderness that stretches ~700 miles across northern Alaska into Canada’s Yukon Territory.
Episode 77: Scottish Highlands
In Episode 77, Philip Werner shares his experiences with the TGO Challenge which is a ~200 mile sea to sea crossing of the Scottish Highlands in the United Kingdom. The event draws close to 400 people each year and requires a pre-approved route across the mountain ranges and bogs of Scotland. Philip has completed two TGO backpacking trips and tells us the basics about the 15 day event.
Episode 76: Backcountry Eats
In Episode 76, Aaron Owens Mayhew joins the podcast. She is a registered dietary nutritionist, long distance hiker, and entrepreneur that offers some tips on eating healthy and feasting like a King or Queen as you explore the backcountry. In the show, Aaron provides some tips on meal planning and offers some suggestions for inexpensive, tasty, and lightweight meals. She also tells us some common misconceptions and mistakes that backpackers make on the Trail.
Episode 75: Harrison's Pierce Pond Camps
In Episode 75, Tim Harrison snowmobiles to the top of Bates Ridge in northern Maine to catch up after our visit to Harrison’s Pierce Pond Camps last fall. The camp is 1/10th of a mile off the Appalachian Trail and is coveted by thru-hikers for the hearty 7am breakfast – served to backpackers in the scenic backdrop off Pierce Pond Lean-To and 16 miles from the nearest township.
Episode 74: The Pandemic Podcast
In Episode 74, we record at a historic time. Coronavirus has caused a worldwide pandemic. The governor of Georgia just cancelled school for the year and ordered a “shelter in place” mandate across the State. So tonight we skip the studio interview, record with a combo of Skype, Join Me, and Zoom, and embrace the social distancing guidelines of the CDC.
Episode 73: Tunes For The Trail?
In Episode 73, we discuss the most appropriate hiking & backpacking songs for the trail. The assignment was to come to the studio with 3 songs that relate to hiking/backpacking – in either the lyrics or song title. In the show, we listen and debate each song and give honorable mention to some others that didn’t make our list.
Episode 72: Right On Trek
In Episode 72, Victoria Livschitz tells us about “Right On Trek”, a website to help hikers and backpackers plan their multi-day backpacking trips. Victoria did her first thru-hike on the John Muir Trail only a few years ago but has since embraced the sport and logged recent ventures into Patagonia and the Grand Canyon.
Epiosde 71: It's Your Camino
In Episode 71, Ken Strange joins the show to discuss his recent book It’s Your Camino which documents his ~500 mile hike with wife Aurora through the countries of France and Spain. In the podcast, Ken gives us some history of the Camino, talks about working with Martin Sheen (who starred in the movie The Way), gives us some tips on how to publish a book, and tells us about his chance TV interview on the Camino about the disappearance of childhood and family-friend Anne McCarrick.
Episode 70: Backpacker Christmas
In Episode 70, we talk about some great hiking and backpacking gift ideas for the Holidays. Cardiac and Drone Boy are back on the show to talk about outdoor gear for beginners, weekend warriors, long-distance hikers, and kids – and just in time for the Holiday shopping season. We also offer up some backpacking gifts for $50 or less, and review some not so wonderful gift ideas from Christmas past.
Episode 69: A Dozen Ways To Die
In Episode 69, Cardiac and Drone Boy are back after a nearly two year hiatus to discuss a “Dozen Ways To Die In the Backcountry” – an article that first appeared in Backpacker Magazine in 2008 and was recently published online.
Episode 68: Teenage Thru-Hiker
In Episode 68, “IronWill” Callahan joins the show to tell us what it’s like being a teenage thru-hiker on the Appalachian Trail. In February of this year, Will left Springer Mountain at the age of 17 and hiked northbound to Woods Hole in Virginia where he discovered he had a fractured tibia. After taking a break to heal, he returned to the trail to finish his hike – completing the Vermont to Virginia section southbound.
Episode 67: Jotunheimen National Park
In Episode 67, Kaylee (aka “Smiles”) is back on the show to tell us about her summer hike across Jotunheimen National Park. The park is recognized as one of Norway’s premier hiking and fishing regions and it has 250 peaks that rise above 6,000 feet – including Northern Europe’s two highest peaks, Galdhøpiggen and Glittertind.
Episode 66: Motor City Ramblers
In Episode 66, the Motor City Ramblers tell us about their 1994 thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail. This is the third release in a special series to celebrate the 25th anniversary of our hike, and it was recorded at Trail Days on May 13, 1995 in Damascus, Virginia.
Episode 65: Dream Job
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.
Episode 64: Trail Days 2019
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.
Episode 63: Black Sunshine
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Episode 55: Tour Du Mont Blanc
In Episode 55, Kaylee (aka “Smiles”) tells us about her recent thru-hike on the Tour du Mont Blanc which is one of the most popular long-distance walks in Europe. It circles the Mont Blanc massif, covering a distance of roughly 170 kilometres (110 mi) and passes through parts of Switzerland, Italy and France.
Episode 54B: Hiking & Backpacking Movies
In Episode 54, we discuss Backpacker Magazine’s list of 35 Awesome (and Awesomely Bad) Outdoor Movies while sitting fireside on the Chattooga River. In the show, I review the hiking and backpacking movies on Backpacker‘s list with 3Dub, BeerRun, Brownie, The Camel, Napster, The Ox, and Wagonhammer after we sit out a rainstorm on the river. We discuss the movie, the plot, and the major actors of each film. Then after a brief debate, the group gives a thumbs-up or down on the movie. We are sometimes enthusiastic and sometimes not, but frequently have strong opinions on each show – and rarely agree on all the films on the list.
Episode 53: Backpacker Diaries
In Episode 53, I speak with Amos Prudhon about his YouTube channel titled Backpacker Diaries – which documents his numerous ventures into the backcountry of the U.S and Canada. Amos does an excellent job at capturing the experience on the Trail – and focuses on multi-day and multi-week backpacking trips that are well within the reach of most backpackers. On the show, we discuss his recent hike on the Sawback Trail in Banff National Park and we talk specifics about securing a permit, backcountry campsites, wildlife, insects, weather and FOOD.
Episode 52: Cascade Hiker
In Episode 52, it’s a first on the N2Backpacking podcast because I speak with a fellow podcaster – Rudy from the Cascade Hiker. He approached me for an interview, but we end up trading questions and discussing a range of hiking and backpacking topics.
Episode 51: NOBO
In Episode 51, I speak with 3 Dub (aka the World Wide Wanderer) who spent 7 months hiking northbound or NOBO on the Appalachian Trail last summer. On March 26th I had the opportunity to see him off at Springer Mountain, and in the podcast we speak about his preparations for the hike, experiences on the Trail, and what the vibe is like as a 50+ year old thru-hiker.
Episode 50: Winter Backpacking
In Episode 50, Rich, Mark, and Aaron join us from the ADK Winter Mountaineering School to discuss winter backpacking and how it is one of the best kept secrets of the wilderness – no crowds, no bugs, no humidity … no problem.
Episode 49B: Hiking News 2017 (Coleman Ridge)
In Episode 49, the Camel, Pixie, and I review a few of the major U.S. hiking news events of 2017. Some of the topics we discuss include nails on trails, backcountry treasures, girls joining the Boy Scouts, and the hardest partiers on the A.T.
Episode 48: The Inca Trail
In Episode 48, Cardiac and Drone Boy discuss their summer backpacking trip on the Inca Trail in Peru. Their four day hike took them over ~14,000 feet peaks in the legendary Andes Mountains and culminated at the ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu – which is one of the most photographed tourist destinations in South America.
Episode 47B: Your Screwed Dude! (B301)
In Episode 47, Beer Run and Therm Rider join me from the mountains surrounding Lake Burton to sit fireside and discuss more rookie mistakes. In this special “Your Screwed Dude” episode we talk about overconfidence, getting your friends lost in the backcountry, inadvertently smuggling banned items on airplanes, editables, dork moves, and backcountry crimes of fashion.
Episode 46: Renegade Camping
In Episode 46, we continue the conversation with author Bryan Snyder who talks about Renegade Car Camping in North America. In the podcast, we discuss how to find free campsites while you are on the road. Bryan also tells us how to leverage some public and Internet resources to maximize the experience and save some money in the process.
Episode 45: Off The Map
In Episode 45, I speak with author Bryan Snyder about his latest book “Falling Off The Map: Fifty-Four Explorations into the Wildest Reaches of the American West“. Bryan is an educator, hiker, backpacker, climber, car camper and all-around adventurer, and in the show we hear about his 20+ summers traveling throughout North America. He also shares with us some tales from a recent trip to Burning Man in the Nevada desert.
Episode 44: The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly
In Episode 44, we delve in to The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly – our best and worst experiences from the Trail. Recorded live in the Black Hills of South Dakota, I sit “lantern-side” in the backcountry with long-time hiking friends BeerRun, The Camel, Therm Rider, and the Weasel. Each signed up to accompany me on a quest to complete 50 hikes in 50 States – which ended this month near the defunct goldmines of Lake Sheridan in the Black Hills National Forest.
Episode 43: Hammocks
In Episode 43, we talk about the hammock!!! Marc Bohman joins us live from the Teton Hammock Company in Idaho Falls, ID to provide some tips and tricks for sleeping “between the trees”. We also discuss some common misconceptions of the hammock and what you can do to be more comfortable in the wilderness.
Episode 42: Most Significant Backcountry Gear?
In Episode 42, we discuss a March 2017 article that appeared in Outside Magazine titled “The 40 Most Significant Tools & Toys Ever Designed”. In honor of the magazine’s 40th anniversary, the editors choose 40 products that “stood out for their sheer inventiveness” and their general impact on the outdoor community.
Episode 41: Trail Days 1995
In Episode 41, we revisit Trail Days in Damascus, Virginia on March 13, 1995. The town has hosted the biggest event on the Appalachian Trail for over 30 years and most of these interviews were recorded live at the annual festival. If you have ever wondered what it was like to thru-hike the A.T. in the early 90’s – now is your chance. The podcast is a remix of interviews that I did with ten hikers that were on the Trail in 1994.
Episode 40: Hiking News 2016 (Smokies)
In Episode 40, The Camel and I continue the discussion on hiking news from 2016 in a show recorded right before our annual Klondike hike on the North Carolina side of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Forewarning, we talk felonies, guns, and politics – subjects that get The Camel particularly fired up.
Episode 39: Hiking News 2016 (Grand Canyon)
In Episode 39, Therm Rider and I do a live winter show from the Yavapai Lodge at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. After a day hiking on the Arizona and Rim Trails, we kick back a cold one and discuss some of the major hiking news events of 2016.
Episode 38: Distant North (Kungsleden)
In Episode 38, Theo and Bee give us all a New Years gift and tell us about their adventures on the 273 mile (440 km) Kungsleden Trail in northern Sweden. The couple has lived out of their VW van for the last three years, but took time off from their travels to hike the Kungsleden in the fall of 2015 and release the film Distant North a year later.
Episode 37: Thirty At Thirty (P2)
In Episode 37, we continue the conversation with 30 Pack. During the second hour of our interview, we discuss his summer rim-to-rim hike of the Grand Canyon, the resulting hallucinations, ultra-marathons, and working with troubled teens in Utah. 30 lived out of his car for 2 1/2 years and tells us some of the craziest things that happened to him during this time – including hiking with the Navajo and hearing and seeing ghosts on the trail in Arizona.
Episode 36: Thirty At Thirty (P1)
In Episode 36, 30 Pack is back!!! And he gives us an update on his wanderlust and travels over the last 2 1/2 years – including his post-PCT adventures with Outburst and their exploration of the wild canyons, hot springs and numerous Trails of the western U.S. 30 Pack then settles briefly in Seattle where he runs his first marathon and is attacked while raising money and helping the homeless on the streets of the City.
Episode 35: Most Influential Backpackers?
In Episode 35, we discuss the most influential hikers and backpackers of all time as we sit by a campfire in North Georgia on an autumn night with coyotes running wild in the background. First, a shout out to the trail conferences, clubs, maintainers, ridge-runners, trail angels, and financial benefactors to Trail – because you are collectively more important than any individual for your contributions. But tonight we review some of the names that came up the most frequently in hiking and backpacking forums when we posted the question to the trail community.
Episode 34: A Sense Of Direction (PNT)
In Episode 34, Alex “Money Shot” Maier talks about his film “A Sense Of Direction” which documents his travels on the Pacific Northwest Trail in the summer of 2015. Alex chose the PNT for his first thru-hike (and first hiking film) to explore one of the newest trails in the National Scenic Trail system – which earned the status in 2009. Only a few hundred backpackers have thru-hiked the 1200 mile trail to date, and all have had the fortune to experience the PNT while it is still in its infancy.
Episode 33: Backpacking Everest
In Episode 33, Alex Staniforth talks about his recently published book Icefall which details how he survived two of the deadliest seasons of record on Mt. Everest during the 2014 and 2015 climbing seasons. Alex was picked on in his youth, but talks openly about how he channeled his energy in to outdoor activities – which eventually led him to raise funds and climb the tallest mountain in the world.
Episode 32: Advanced Rookie Mistakes (B201)
In Episode 32, the conversation on Rookie Mistakes continues as we sit fireside on Justus Creek along the Appalachian Trail in North Georgia. In this discussion, Beer Run, PokeyBo, and Therm Rider talk about some classic rookie moves: taking the wrong gear, hiking above your skill level, and taking too much.
Episode 31: Grandma Gatewood's Walk
In Episode 31, we discuss the life and legacy of Emma “Grandma” Gatewood, who at 67 years old was the first woman to solo thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. Author Ben Montgomery gives us an intimate look at this extraordinary lady who overcame financial hardship, survived domestic and sexual abuse, and had 11 children and 23 grand children when she left a small town in Ohio to walk the A.T. in 1955.
Episode 30: Wayfaring
In Episode 30, Scott “Squatch” Herriott is back on the show to discuss his film Wayfaring and his jaunt along the Camino de Santiago (or Way of St. James). The trail starts in France and ends near the coast of Spain and was one of the most important Christian pilgrimages during the Middle Ages.
Episode 29: SOBO
In Episode 29, we discuss the expected surge of Appalachian Trail thru-hikers this spring and why a southbound hike might be the right decision for you in 2016. On the show, Popeye talks about his southbound (SOBO) thru-hike and we debunk many of the myths of walking south from Maine to Georgia: dealing with the weather, the insects, the lack of community, the lack of services, and the immediate challenge of terrain.
Episode 28: The Benton MacKaye Trail
In Episode 28, Sprinkles and NoKey discuss their ultimate summer: Thru-hiking 1400 miles on four major trails along the East Coast – including the Benton MacKaye, Finger Lakes, Northville-Placid and Long Trails.
Episode 27: Superwoman
In Episode 27, You think you’re tough? Well Niki Rellon just might have you beat! Niki’s sports pursuits include professional kickboxing, ski instructing, cross-country cycling, thru-hiking, and currently a six month journey on the Appalachian Trail. Did I mention that she is doing it on one leg? Well now you know.
Episode 26: Blind Courage
In Episode 26, I speak with Director Clint Ross who is hard at work with Producer Paula O’Neal on the film adaptation of the book Blind Courage, which is based on the 1990 Appalachian Trail thru-hike of Bill Irwin – the first legally blind hiker to complete the entire Trail within a single year.
Episode 25: Flip Flop Flippin'
In Episode 25, Scott “Squatch” Herriott talks about his three part series Flip Flop Flippin’. The films were shot on the Appalachian Trail during the summers of 2011, 2012, and 2014 and they follow the thru-hiker community as they make their way along the nearly 2200 mile trail.
Episode 24B: Rookie Mistakes (B101)
In Episode 24, we satisfy a listener request for a show on backcountry basics. Recorded at a remote campsite on the Chattooga River, I speak with Therm Rider and The Camel about some of our rookie mistakes in the backcountry and smart things that we’ve done since our first ventures in to the wilderness.
Episode 23: Hard Way Home
In Episode 23, Kori “Rocket” Feener talks about her recently released film Hard Way Home which documents her personal journey on the ~ 2200 mile Appalachian Trail in 2012.
Episode 22: Extra Walk In The Woods
In Episode 22, Ken (aka “The Weasel”) and I discuss our experience as extras in the soon to be released movie Walk In The Woods. It is based on the best-selling 1998 book by Bill Bryson, and stars Robert Redford and Nick Nolte – both who were on set for our scene in the movie which was filmed at Stone Mountain Park near Atlanta, Georgia.
Episode 21: Great Smoky Mountain National Park
In Episode 21, JD (aka Trail Hard) tells us about his passion for hiking and backpacking in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park – the most visited national park in the United States.
Episode 20: The Pacific Crest Trail
In Episode 20, Thirty-Pack talks about his 2013 thru-hike on the 2,663 mile Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). Over six months, he hiked 420,880 feet of elevation walking from Mexico to Canada along the western mountains of the U.S. This after he completed the Appalachian Trail on the East Coast in 2012 (see Episode #13). Will the Continental Divide Trail and coveted Triple Crown follow in 2014? Listen and find out.
Episode 19: The Pacific Crest Trail (Bonus)
In Episode 19, I speak with Thirty-Pack about his recent thru-hike on the 2,663 Pacific Crest Trail. This is the bonus material from the initial interview, so make sure you listen to Episode #20 first.
Episode 18: The Triple Crown
In Episode 18, Troubadour recounts his quest for the Triple Crown: Thru-hiking The Appalachian Trail (in 1994), The Continental Divide Trail (in 2002), and The Pacific Crest Trail (in 1999).
Episode 17: Embrace The Brutality (CDT)
In Episode 17, Jester and I speak via phone about his 2013 DVD release “Embrace The Brutality” which documents his 3100 mile thru-hike on the Continental Divide Trail.
Episode 16: The Long Trail
In Episode 16, Glenn (aka The Helmet) and I do a live interview from his historic 1858 schoolhouse in Barton, Vermont. The topic is the 272 mile Long Trail which in 1930 was the first major long distance trail to be completed in the United States and it set the standard for the other major long distance hiking trails in America.
Episode 15: Ultimate Summer Road Trip (Mackie)
In Episode 15, Mackie and I sit down to discuss a 65 day and 17,000 mile cross-country road trip that went down in the summer of 1996. On the journey, we hiked sections of the Appalachian, Continental, and Pacific Crest National Scenic Trails and visited some treasured American wilderness including Isle Royal, Glacier, Mt. Ranier, Redwoods, Yosemite, and Grand Canyon National Park.
Episode 14: Ultimate Summer Road Trip (Ox)
In Episode 14, Steve (aka The Ox) and I do an in-studio interview about a 38 day cross-country road trip that took place in the summer of 1998. We spent most of the tour in the western United States and Canada (Alberta and British Columbia) where we went backpacking and fishing in the Rockies, Cascades, and on the coast of the Pacific Northwest.
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.
Episode 12: Trail Work
In Episode 12, I speak with Amy (aka Mrs. Weasel) in a Banner Elk interview about her experiences on the trail. These include hiking, backpacking, and volunteering along the Appalachian, Benton MacKaye, and Pine Mountain Trails in Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia.
Episode 11: Wild Turkey
In Episode 11, Katie (aka Wild Turkey) talks about her ventures in to the wilderness – hiking and backpacking with both friends and family in the Southeast. Topics include the weather and its impact on the experience, the gear you need for the Trail, and hiking with infants and young children.
Episode 10: Crocker Mountains (P2)
In Episode 10, Brett (aka Therm Rider) talks about our recent hike along the Appalachian Trail near Stratton, Maine. This is the second of a two part series that recaps our October 2012 backpacking trip in New England.
Episode 9: Crocker Mountains (P1)
In Episode 9, Jim (aka Country Club) and Roger (aka The Camel) talk about our recent hike along the Appalachian Trail near Stratton, Maine. This is the first of a two part series that recaps our October 2012 backpacking trip in New England.
Episode 8: Father Figure
In Episode 8, I speak with my father about how he introduced me to the outdoors and how he served up a steady dose of hiking, camping, and fishing before I reached elementary school. We talk about the early years, of catching my first fish, of car camping in Ohio, and about the Appalachian Trail – where he joined me for a few days in June during my 1994 thru-hike.
Episode 7: Global Backpacker
In Episode 7, Phillip (aka the World Wide Wanderer) talks about growing up with his family on military bases around the world and his post-college travels around the globe. The interview offers insight in to places like Nepal’s Annapurna Circuit, Peru’s Machu Pichu, Greece’s Samaria Gorge, and Egypt’s Mount Sinai (the pilgrimage site of St. Catherine Monastery).
Episode 6: 90's Backpacking
In Episode 6, Kirk (aka SoulGlo) and John (aka Hawkeye) talk about their introduction to backpacking in the early 1990’s. In the show, we discuss trips to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and hikes from Newfound Gap to Ice Water Springs Shelter, Charlie’s Bunion, Peck’s Corner Shelter, Mt. LeConte, n2backpacking.com/hikes/north-carolina and Kephart Shelter. Kirk’s fear of bears is quickly diverted to fear off the aggressive Smoky Mountain shelter mouse and he offers some strategies for dealing with them.
Episode 5: The Chattooga River Trail
In Episode 5, Ken (aka The Weasel) discusses his experiences on the Chattooga River Trail which is a nearly forty mile route that borders the states of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia and follows the banks of the Chattooga National Wild And Scenic River from Burrell’s Ford to US 76.
Episode 4: The Chilkoot Trail
In Episode 4, Roger (aka The Camel) speaks about The Chilkoot Trail which is a 33 mile route that starts in Dyea, Alaska (near Skagway) and ends at Lake Bennett, British Columbia.
Episode 3: Ease In To Backpacking
In Episode 3, Steve (aka White Lightening) talks about how he migrated from camping in his youth, to hiking with kids in his 30’s, and eventually wilderness backpacking as he reached his 40’s.
Episode 2: The Foothills Trail (Gorges Section)
In Episode 2, John (aka The Kidd) talks about the Gorges Section of the Foothills Trail in western North Carolina and northwestern South Carolina. In this phone interview, The Kidd talks about our 2001 Foothills Trail hike (and the 10th anniversary of the trip) which took us through a 45 mile section of the 76 mile trail over the course of three days in the Spring of 2001.
Episode 1: The John Muir Trail
In Episode 1 (the inaugural episode) of the N2Backpacking podcast series, I speak with Glenn and Susan about their adventures on the John Muir Trail (JMT) in 2006. The Helmet and Doughgirl talk about their preparations, planning, logistics, gear and favorite stops on the John Muir Trail which traverses a portion of the High Sierra in Northern California.
