Advertise on podcast: Backpacker Radio

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. Hyperlite Mountain Gear: Use code "BPRADIO15" for 15% off at hyperlitemountaingear.com. Segments Trek Propaganda: I Swapped My $600 Ultralight Tent for a 5.5 oz Tarp by Katie Jackson QOTD:  How many syllables is too many for a trail name? Triple Crown of unconventional pets you want Sun Hoodie Review: Ascend 3D Cool Aerotrek Knit Hoodie 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, Brad & Blair from 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.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by a couple of familiar faces- Katie and Elise- for a panel on backpacking myths that just refuse to die. In this one, we cover the worst ways to blow your money for a thru-hike, why finding the perfect rain jacket might be a lifelong exercise in disappointment, discuss why carrying a satellite communicator doesn't mean you can outsource your survival to the SOS button, we cover the assumption that thru-hikers are all trust fund babies, make the case that a weeklong backpacking trip can actually be harder than a multi-month thru-hike, and of course we delve into bean soup theory. We wrap the show with Trek Propaganda on swapping a $600 ultralight tent for a 5.5-ounce tarp, a Question of the Day about how many syllables are too many for a trail name, a Triple Crown of unconventional pets we wish we could have, a new Sun Hoodie Review of a dirt cheap option that earns a high score despite fitting like a muumuu, and a Mailbag from our dear Rachel about the absurd amount of work that goes into keeping her feet blister-free. 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. Hyperlite Mountain Gear: Use code "BPRADIO15" for 15% off at hyperlitemountaingear.com. [divider] Panel with Double Dip and Sauce Katie's Instagram Elise's Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:05:10 - Reminders: Join us for our LIVE holiday podcast in Denver! Apply to vlog or blog for the Trek, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon! 00:09:10 - Introducing today's panel 00:10:34 - Zach's Myth #1: You need ultralight gear to start backpacking 00:18:00 - Katie's Myth #1: If you find the right rain gear it will keep you dry 00:26:20 - Elise's Myth #1: Hitchhiking is super dangerous 00:34:00 - Zach's Myth #2: You need hiking boots 00:44:55 - Katie's Myth #2: Soap kills norovirus 00:52:50 - Elise's Myth #2: Thru-hikers are trust fund babies 01:01:18 - Zach's Myth #3: Multi-month backpacking trips are orders of magnitude harder than weeklong trips 01:11:40 - Katie's Myth #3: Ursacks are bearproof or rodent proof 01:25:09 - Elise's Myth #3: If you have a satellite communicator, you'll be safe 01:34:20 - Stay Salty Question: What is your hottest take in the world of backpacking? Segments Trek Propaganda: I Swapped My $600 Ultralight Tent for a 5.5 oz Tarp by Katie Jackson QOTD:  How many syllables is too many for a trail name? Triple Crown of unconventional pets you want Sun Hoodie Review: Ascend 3D Cool Aerotrek Knit Hoodie 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, Brad & Blair from 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.

Topo Athletic: Use code "Trek15Hike" for 15% off at topoathletic.com. Gossamer Gear: Use code "BPR10" for 10% off shelters at gossamergear.com.  Darn Tough: Use code "BACKPACKER" for free shipping from darntough.com. Hyperlite Mountain Gear: Use code "BPRADIO15" for 15% off at hyperlitemountaingear.com. Segments Trail Goss #6: Is the Triple Crown Overrated? Trek Propaganda: What 800 Miles of Fart-Flavored CDT Cow Troughs Taught Me About Water Filtration by Katie Jackson QOTD: Do you like pumpkin spice? Sun Hoodie Review: Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Triple Crown of the weirdest wedding traditions 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, Brad & Blair from 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.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are joined by Lloyd Vogel, CEO and co-founder of Garage Grown Gear, the online retailer feeding your obsessions with ultralight and cottage gear. In this one, Lloyd walks us through building the business from his basement when his mom was helping keep sales alive, he opens up about the values misalignment that led Garage Grown Gear to stop carrying Enlightened Equipment, and Lloyd makes the case for assless rain chaps as a piece of gear that deserves more love.  We also cover how he's made himself nearly unreachable while remaining very much available on LinkedIn- and why he ditched his smartphone for a dumb phone, the surprising little gadget that outsells every individual product on the site by revenue, and he unveils his prediction for the next big innovation in UL gear.  We wrap the show with Trek Propaganda on what 800 miles of fart-flavored CDT cow troughs taught Katie about water filtration, a Question of the Day on whether pumpkin spice deserves the hype, a sun hoodie review of the Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake, and a Triple Crown of the weirdest wedding traditions. Topo Athletic: Use code "Trek15Hike" for 15% off at topoathletic.com. Gossamer Gear: Use code "BPR10" for 10% off shelters at gossamergear.com.  Darn Tough: Use code "BACKPACKER" for free shipping from darntough.com. Hyperlite Mountain Gear: Use code "BPRADIO15" for 15% off at hyperlitemountaingear.com. [divider] Interview with Lloyd Vogel Garage Grown Gear Lloyd's Instagram Lloyd's LinkedIn Time stamps & Questions 00:05:55 - Reminders: Join us LIVE in Denver with Andrew Skurka, apply to vlog or blog for the Trek, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon! 00:09:00 - Introducing Lloyd 00:11:00 - What isn't appealing about a thru-hike? 00:13:35 - Why have you sworn off technology aside from LinkedIn? 00:20:00 - Discussion about connecting with thru-hikers without having thru-hiked 00:22:30 - Have there been negative consequences from your technology system? 00:25:00 - How does a product make it onto GGG? 00:29:25 - What is Garage Grown Gear and how did it get started? 00:33:20 - Did you merge with or acquire GGG? 00:36:05 - How did Garage Grown Gear operate the business model better? 00:37:30 - Which brands had immediate buy-in? 00:40:35 - How did you know to stick with the project versus jumping ship? 00:46:10 - Was there ever a point when your partner ever worried about your entrepreneurship? 00:49:20 - How did you set up the agreement with Enlightened Equipment? 00:53:10 - Do the businesses you work with ever ask you for business advice? 00:58:50 - What have been some of the biggest product successes? 01:02:20 - How do you pick which products to feature? 01:04:10 - Have you ever parted ways with a brand because their morals didn't align with yours? 01:09:14 - What does GGG do to amplify their mission of promoting the outdoors? 01:11:10 - What was it like to realize you could give away profits to causes you support? 01:12:56 - What are some of your most popular products right now? 01:20:25 - At what point did you realize the difference between gear enthusiasts and backpackers? 01:23:38 - What has GGG's role been in the rise of ultralight? 01:27:00 - What item do you think should be selling more? 01:28:30 - Why is it better for a consumer to order from GGG compared to directly from the brand? 01:34:25 - Have you considered private labeling anything? 01:36:00 - Do you do product exclusives on GGG? 01:38:15 - What is the most pervasive misconception about GGG? 01:43:30 - What gear do you see exploding in the next few years? 01:47:10 - When did you switch from the freebie being the lemon packet versus the toothbrush? 01:49:20 - Tell us about being a board member for the Superior Hiking Trail 01:51:30 - Where do you want GGG to be in five years? 01:53:15 - Peak Performance Question: What's your top performance enhancing or outdoors hack? Segments Trek Propaganda: What 800 Miles of Fart-Flavored CDT Cow Troughs Taught Me About Water Filtration by Katie Jackson QOTD: Do you like pumpkin spice? Sun Hoodie Review: Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Triple Crown of the weirdest wedding traditions 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, Brad & Blair from 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.

Topo Athletic: Use code "Trek15Hike" for 15% off at topoathletic.com. Gossamer Gear: Use code "BPR10" for 10% off shelters at gossamergear.com.  Darn Tough: Use code "BACKPACKER" for free shipping from darntough.com. Hyperlite Mountain Gear: Use code "BPRADIO15" for 15% off at hyperlitemountaingear.com. Segments Trail Goss #5 Trek Propaganda Do You Actually Like Thru Hiking, or Do You Just Like the Party Scene? By Peg Leg A Typical PCT Thru-Hike Cost $10,000 in 2025. Here's How We Did It for Just $6,000 Each by Anna McKinney Smith QOTD: Do you know what a triple deucer is? Triple Crown of employees you are the most annoyed to interact with 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, Brad & Blair from 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.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are joined by Eliza "Swerve" Sweeney, a textile design graduate who's taking on the CDT with an almost entirely homemade kit, including her backpack, tent, quilt, and even her underwear. In this one, Eliza walks us through skipping her final physics exam to squeeze the PCT into her summer break, turning her senior design project into the gear she's now trusting to get her across the country, and learning to let herself take a damn zero after spending an entire thru-hike racing to get back to school. We also cover the joys of stuffing a puffy jacket inside a tent at four in the morning while down feathers get in your hair and mouth, her innovative hiking pants design meant to remove friction at the hips, and her hiker bro quiz, which reveals that Sauce is twice the bro I am. We wrap the show with Trek Propaganda on whether you actually like thru-hiking or just the party scene, how one couple hiked the PCT for roughly $12k (which is shocking- a budget thru-hike), a Question of the Day touching on the elusive triple deucer, and a Triple Crown of employees you're most annoyed to interact with. Topo Athletic: Use code "Trek15Hike" for 15% off at topoathletic.com. Gossamer Gear: Use code "BPR10" for 10% off shelters at gossamergear.com.  Darn Tough: Use code "BACKPACKER" for free shipping from darntough.com. Hyperlite Mountain Gear: Use code "BPRADIO15" for 15% off at hyperlitemountaingear.com. [divider] Interview with Eliza "Swerve" Sweeney Eliza's Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:05:30 - Reminders: Take the 2026 AT Thru-Hiker Survey, apply to vlog or blog for the Trek, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon! 00:08:55 - Introducing Eliza 00:13:20 - What's your trail name origin story? 00:14:20 - Did hiking the AT inspire your degree? 00:19:20 - Discussion about hiking the PCT in 100 days 00:23:00 - How has your CDT daily mileage compared to your earlier thru-hikes? 00:25:20 - Are you working in college to fund your thru-hikes? 00:28:00 - Discussion about fabrics 00:33:30 - What machinery did you use to create your pieces? 00:37:45 - What does the design process look like? 00:39:25 - Tell us about how you made your hiking underwear 00:42:00 - Were you nervous to start the trail with untested gear? 00:43:12 - How long did it take to make everything? 00:47:40 - Which gear item was the most time consuming and why? 00:51:00 - Discussion about quilt design and creation 00:53:15 - What was the biggest surprise pain in the ass? 00:56:45 - What fabric did you use for your tent? 00:59:30 - What are your career goals? 01:01:25 - How fast could you do the shorts if you made it more efficient? 01:02:20 - Tell us about making the fanny pack 01:04:50 - Tell us about making the down jacket 01:11:50 - Have you thought about what your dream job would be? 01:13:12 - How did you choose the fabric for your rain jacket? 01:15:30 - Discussion about shirt and pant fabrics 01:21:00 - Tell us about your overall baseweight 01:26:00 - What's your favorite luxury item? 01:29:27 - What is your hiker bro quiz? 01:46:49 - Peak Performance Question: What's your top performance enhancing or backpacking hack? Segments Trek Propaganda Do You Actually Like Thru Hiking, or Do You Just Like the Party Scene? By Peg Leg A Typical PCT Thru-Hike Cost $10,000 in 2025. Here's How We Did It for Just $6,000 Each by Anna McKinney Smith QOTD: Do you know what a triple deucer is? Triple Crown of employees you are the most annoyed to interact with 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, Brad & Blair from 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.

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. Hyperlite Mountain Gear: Use code "BPRADIO15" for 15% off at hyperlitemountaingear.com. Segments Trail Goss Episode 4: Influencer Fined for Petting Mount Rainier Marmot Trek Propaganda: Dale "Grey Beard" Sanders, 91, Becomes Oldest Person to Thru-Hike the Appalachian Trail by Katie Jackson QOTD: How long do you think you could evade the feds on trail after committing a white collar felony? Trail Work Thing of the Week: Colorado Fourteeners Initiative Triple Crown of minor discomforts that are actually major problems 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, Brad & Blair from 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.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are joined by our longtime pal Austin McDaniel, aka P.I., a Triple Crowner, Ultralight masochist, and full-time tennis instructor.  In this one, we dive into Austin hiking the Ouachita Trail in ten days while recovering from COVID, navigating the Ozark Highlands Trail through freezing January temps, and surviving record-breaking 18-degree winter freezes on the Florida Trail.  We also cover his pitch for the "Arkansas Triple Crown" consisting of the Eagle Rock Loop, Buffalo River Trail, and Sylamore Trail, his gear hack of wearing a heavy fleece sleeping bag liner as a mid-layer hiking dress, and why he carried a plastic toy golf set and a toilet plunger along the AT.  We wrap the show with 91-year-old "Gray Beard" Sanders reclaiming his record as the oldest person to thru-hike the AT, a Question of the Day on how long we could evade the FBI on trail after committing a white-collar felony, a Triple Crown of minor discomforts that are actually major problems, and an all-time mailbag recounting what its author calls "Neptune's wrath" inside a Food Lion restroom. 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. Hyperlite Mountain Gear: Use code "BPRADIO15" for 15% off at hyperlitemountaingear.com. [divider] Interview with Austen McDaniel aka P.I. Austen's Instagram Austen's Youtube Triple Crowning in Three Years, Ultralight Tips, and Cold Soaking with Austen McDaniel (BPR #297) Time stamps & Questions 00:05:20 - Reminders: Apply to vlog or blog for the Trek, sign up for the Trek's newsletter, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon! 00:09:35 - Introducing Austen 00:11:05 - Remind us of your trail name origin story 00:13:30 - How has your gear changed between trails? 00:15:00 - How much of your baseweight is from ultralight gear versus just not bringing things? 00:20:00 - What has been your coolest ultralight gear find? 00:22:54 - What's your midlayer? 00:26:20 - What's the coldest you've been on trail? 00:34:00 - How did the Christmas Eve hike alter your gear? 00:35:06 - How did you manage heat starting the trail later than usual? 00:36:50 - Tell us about the Arkansas Triple Crown 00:46:00 - Would you recommend someone do your Arkansas Triple Crown or pick one of Arkansas's longer trails? 00:47:30 - Tell us about your experience on the Ouachita Trail 00:49:40 - Give us the fast facts of the Ouachita Trail 00:54:15 - Do you get good views? 00:56:30 - Did you see wildlife? 01:00:05 - Is there a trail association? 01:01:25 - Why did you take a year off hiking? 01:04:10 - How fast is your tennis serve? 01:08:20 - Discussion about the best tennis players 01:14:10 - What makes a kid a great tennis player? 01:16:00 - What was the gap between the Ouachita Trail and the Ozark Highlands Trail? 01:20:00 - Discussion about terrain on the Ozark Highlands Trail 01:24:40 - Which of the two trails would you recommend to others? 01:28:20 - How did you decide to hike the Florida Trail? 01:32:00 - How did the Florida Trail compare to your expectations? 01:34:10 - What wildlife did you see on the Florida Trail? 01:40:00 - Yes or No: Would you recommend the Florida Trail to the average thru-hiker? 01:43:00 - Discussion about swimming and swim races 01:49:30 - Tell us your new gear hacks 01:53:50 - What's your big five for gear? 02:01:45 - Tell us about finding your old AT gear box 02:05:50 - What are your upcoming hiking plans? 02:10:00 - Discussion about cold weather on the Florida Trail 02:11:50 - Stay Salty Question: What's your hottest take in the world of backpacking or the outdoors? Segments Trek Propaganda: Dale "Grey Beard" Sanders, 91, Becomes Oldest Person to Thru-Hike the Appalachian Trail by Katie Jackson QOTD: How long do you think you could evade the feds on trail after committing a white collar felony? Trail Work Thing of the Week Triple Crown of minor discomforts that are actually major problems 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, Brad & Blair from 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.

Segments Trail News: Hiker Found Dead on Katahdin Was Reportedly an AT Thru-Hiker by Katie Jackson Trek Propaganda: Ultralight Is Taking Over Thru-Hiking … Or Is It? by Kelly QOTD:  What's one hobby you wish you were good at and have actively tried but you continue to be bad? Question Thing of the Week Triple Crown of 'Back in my day's' - things that existed in your youth that no longer do 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, Brad & Blair from 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.

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 00:55:25 - How long did each AT thru-hike take? 01:00:00 - Discussion about music and thru-hiking memories 01:03:30 - What headlamp did you use for night hiking? 01:04:25 - Were there big differences between your two AT hikes? 01:07:40 - Was it lonely hiking solo? 01:11:45 - How has solo hiking carried over into your post-trail life? 01:13:15 - Tell us about backyard ultras 01:17:29 - How was your 100-miler race? 01:22:06 - Tell us about your FKT attempt on the New England Trail 01:25:01 - Discussion about river crossings on the FKT route 01:26:01 - Discussion about thru-hiking the AT on $2,000 01:30:49 - Discussion about hiker boxes and scrounging for food 01:34:34 - Discussion about the worst hiker box food find 01:37:28 - Tell us the story of how you met your cat 01:41:25 - Tell us about your dad as a thru-hiker 01:44:14 - Do you have aspirations to do a hike with your dad? 01:45:21 - Stay Salty Question: What's your hottest take in the world of backpacking? 01:51:05 - Discussion about permethrin safety 01:54:30 - What strange things has thru-hiking done to your body? 01:57:40 - What snow was worse, PCT or CDT? 02:06:10 - F**k, marry, kill: AT, PCT, CDT 02:10:40 - Would you rather double Triple Crown or hike the AT again? 02:11:08 - What's next for you? Segments Trek Propaganda: Ultralight Is Taking Over Thru-Hiking … Or Is It? by Kelly QOTD:  What's one hobby you wish you were good at and have actively tried but you continue to be bad? Question Thing of the Week Triple Crown of 'Back in my day's' - things that existed in your youth that no longer do 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, Brad & Blair from 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.

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.

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 01:20:05 - Tell us about Day 1 of hiking 01:27:20 - Discussion about whether the volcano was actively erupting 01:29:31 - Tell us about the blast zone and the climb up Windy Pass 01:32:40 - Tell us about pitching tents in 50 mph winds at Windy Pass 01:46:18 - Tell us about Day 2 of the hike 01:49:15 - Tell us about the final climb and post-hike recovery at the Airbnb 01:52:00 - What rating would you give the Loowit Trail? 01:53:35 - Peak Performance Question: What is your top performance enhancing or backpacking hack? Segments 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.

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.

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 - F**k, 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 - Discussion about Gen Z lingo and gay lingo 00:48:45 - What has it been like being a gay man on the PCT? 00:51:21 - Tell us about your epic Yosemite side quest 00:55:19 - Discussion about masculinity and thru-hiking culture 00:57:47 - How has the PCT given you more time to reflect than other adventures? 01:02:47 - When did grief turn into motivation? 01:06:53 - Discussion about Cheryl Strayed's Wild as inspiration 01:10:01 - Tell us about your terrifying Mount Whitney sunrise side quest 01:14:00 - Tell us about gear you've been loving 01:21:08 - Tell us about your infamous day 50 meltdown in the Sierra 01:28:38 - Discussion about sun hoodies 01:30:00 - Tell us your poop story 01:32:47 - What's been the best 3 day stretch of trail for you? 01:36:19 - Have you met other gay hikers on trail? 01:41:00 - What advice would you offer someone who wants to follow in your footsteps? 01:43:00 - Stay Salty Question: What's your hottest take in the world of backpacking? Segments 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.

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.