Advertise on podcast: Backcountry Banter
Rating
5from
This podcast has
38 episodes
Explicit
No
Date created
2024/02/07
Latest episode
2026/08/27
Average duration
65 min.
Release period
33 days
Description
Your go-to podcast for outdoor adventure tips, tricks, and stories! Hosts Bryan Wolf and Dalton Spurlin each have trekked thousands of miles including tackling long distance treks like the Appalachian Trail. Professionally the duo works to equip, educate, and prepare other people for their adventures, with a combined two decades of specialty service in the outdoor industry. In this podcast they'll share what they've learned along the way and enable curious minds to make the leap to bigger and better adventures outside. Join us for a unique lens to the outdoors with guests from the industry.
Podcast episodes
Check latest episodes from Backcountry Banter podcast
Roadless Rule- Explained
2026/08/27
In this quick public lands update we dig into the Roadless Rule. The comment period for the rescission of this rule is fading fast so listen in to get the nuts and bolts of how this thing came to be, what critic are saying, and get some facts to help you make educated comments. Find all the necessary links here and be an advocate for our public lands!
Full language of the rule: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2001-01-12/html/01-726.htm
Comment on the Roadless Rule:
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/20/2026-16965/special-areas-roadless-area-conservation
Save Public Lands:
Like what you hear? We'd love if you gave us a follow. Hit those three dots on our podcast profile page and give us a rating. Podcast ratings are like overnights in a tent, the more stars the better. Follow us on our social platforms:
Instagram: @RRTrails
YouTube: @RRT45150
Facebook: @RRT50
Shop with RRT: Shop Good, Do Good. RRT is a B Corp certified, independently owned outdoor retailer.
Quest for the Crown
2026/07/23
His dirt masked legs are hardly recognizable past their thorn torn skin, he comes to town just once every while to enjoy the spoils of his old life. His feet blistered and his face unkept but he minds not. He’s been using the same spoon and food bag for as long as he can remember, surviving off the mush that keeps in the dark depths of his lightly loaded pack.
He cares about little but the miles of the day, a simple soul who takes comfort in the flicker of stars and gentle rock of the canopy with a mountain breeze. Known only by the name Cast Iron, he is no stranger to this life. Appalachian, Rocky, Cascade, Sierra, the name of the mountains change but the quest is eerily similar. He seeks a spectacular crown, a treasure so rare, and so precious that few see its glory. Cast Iron thirsts for the Triple Crown of long distance hiking, and on this day we will hear the tale of his grand travels.
Dalton "Cast Iron" Spurlin has just begun his hike on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), his third and final trail of the triple crown. We catch up with him in Washington, his first state to hear about the trail and mindset leading up to this point.
Text for fire/smoke updates: +1-765-553-4737
Like what you hear? We'd love if you gave us a follow. Hit those three dots on our podcast profile page and give us a rating. Podcast ratings are like overnights in a tent, the more stars the better. Follow us on our social platforms:
Instagram: @RRTrails
YouTube: @RRT45150
Facebook: @RRT50
Check back for RRT's highly curated backcountry fly fishing assortment.
Shop with RRT
Mr. Fabulous is Back!
2026/05/21
Mr. Fabulous is back on the Banter to talk about his newest book "A Fabulous Thru-Hike". Derick Lugo, now a triple crowner having completed the three major long distance trails, recently published his second book. A Fabulous Thru-Hike is about his experience on the Continental Divide Trail (CDT). In the book and on the podcast Derick share his struggles and his successes of thru-hiking. We're joined by Nancy Ball of Summit Trek and Travel for this very fun and insightful conversation with Mr. Fab.
Derick joined us last season as we had a blast discussing his first book The Unlikely Thru-Hiker. If you haven't already, venture back and listen to that episode as well. Have your own thru-hike to plan? RRT is your go to resource for gear and information: Shop with RRT
Like what you hear? We'd love if you gave us a follow. Hit those three dots on our podcast profile page and give us a rating. Podcast ratings are like overnights in a tent, the more stars the better. Follow us on our social platforms:
Instagram: @RRTrails
YouTube: @RRT45150
Facebook: @RRT50
Shop with RRT
New Zealand's Great Walks
2026/05/08
When it comes to adventure travel and mountain treks, RRT has their very own Emily White to delve so deep into the experience that her knowledge and experience has the ability to truly connect and inspire any who hear her tales. In season 2 we hosted Emily for what would become our number one podcast, on the Alta Via 1. If you haven’t already, go back and give that one a listen. We welcome Emily back after a recent full month of immersion into New Zealand’s most epic treks, and her third trip to the islands. Emily, joins us again as our first ever repeat guest. Emily is our travel and trek expert here to share all about the best Great Walks in New Zealand.
Like what you hear? We'd love if you gave us a follow. Hit those three dots on our podcast profile page and give us a rating. Podcast ratings are like overnights in a tent, the more stars the better. Follow us on our social platforms:
Instagram: @RRTrails
YouTube: @RRT45150
Facebook: @RRT50
Check back for RRT's highly curated backcountry fly fishing assortment.
Shop with RRT
Superior Hiking Trail with "No Filter"
2026/04/20
The Superior Hiking Trail is an over 300-mile, rugged footpath in northeastern Minnesota that follows a rocky ridgeline above Lake Superior from the Wisconsin border to the Canadian border. Renowned for its scenic views, waterfalls, and fall foliage this trail is a great first for long distance hikers. In this podcast we catch up with one of RRT's experience coordinators "No Filter" to hear all about his experience on trail.
Get started: https://superiorhiking.org/
Like what you hear? We'd love if you gave us a follow. Hit those three dots on our podcast profile page and give us a rating. Podcast ratings are like overnights in a tent, the more stars the better. Follow us on our social platforms:
Instagram: @RRTrails
YouTube: @RRT45150
Facebook: @RRT50
Check back for RRT's highly curated backcountry fly fishing assortment.
Shop with RRT
Trout Don't Live Ugly Places
2026/04/02
When you step out into the backcountry, one of the best ways to truly immerse yourself is with a flyrod. In this episode we're joined by Chuck Pettigrew, Chuck has spent 30 years as an adjunct professor at Clemson, 40 leading high adventure trips, and has led many years of research in Yellowstone National Park as a microbiologist. He is an expert angler, hunter, and outdoorsman. Tune in to hear some amazing fish stories and words of wisdom from RRT's "Shop Pop".
Like what you hear? We'd love if you gave us a follow. Hit those three dots on our podcast profile page and give us a rating. Podcast ratings are like overnights in a tent, the more stars the better. Follow us on our social platforms:
Instagram: @RRTrails
YouTube: @RRT45150
Facebook: @RRT50
Check back for RRT's highly curated backcountry fly fishing assortment.
Ecotherapy on the Appalachian Trail
2026/03/16
Scott Hall, is a Professor at the University of Dayton where he coordinates the clinical mental health counselling program. Scott centers on resilience and Ecotherapy; or the role nature plays in our well being. This past year Scott, or "Flyer" as he'd be named hiked the entirety of the Appalachian Trail. We talk with Scott about his experience on the trail, his teachings in ecotherapy, and how those two things were the perfect marriage in a monumental achievement.
UD Ecotherapy Certificate: Link
Brain Health Collective: link
"Your Brain on Nature" You Tube: link
Shop Outdoor Gear at RRT: Shop
Like what you hear? We'd love if you gave us a follow. Hit those three dots on our podcast profile page and give us a rating. Podcast ratings are like overnights in a tent, the more stars the better. Follow us on our social platforms:
Instagram: @RRTrails
YouTube: @RRT45150
Facebook: @RRT50
Edge of the Atlantic-
2026/02/27
In this episode we welcome Emily Dunning, with the Edge of the Atlantic expedition. This summer, six women plan to paddle 1,000 kilometers across some of North America’s most remote waters to the Arctic Ocean — from Labrador City, NL to Kangiqsualujjuaq, QC. Together, they’re charting a new route for The Camping and Education Foundation, strengthening the legacy of women in wilderness leadership, and raising support for the next generation of female adventurers.
Visit/Donate: Edge of the Atlantic
Contact us as [email protected]
Camping and Education FoundationCamp Ogichi-Daa-KweCamp Kooch-i-ching6Northof60 ExpeditionWWF CanadaShop Outdoor Gear at RRT: Shop
Like what you hear? We'd love if you gave us a follow. Hit those three dots on our podcast profile page and give us a rating. Podcast ratings are like overnights in a tent, the more stars the better. Follow us on our social platforms:
Instagram: @RRTrails
YouTube: @RRT45150
Facebook: @RRT50
Public Lands with Backcountry Hunters and Anglers
2026/02/13
In this episode we talk with Dustin Lindley, the Board Chair for the Ohio Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers. Dustin is an avid outdoorsman who appreciates the experiences that he grew up with and the value in preserving those opportunities for the future generations. His advocacy work with BHA includes conversations and events that focus on issues on a local and national level. In this podcast we'll learn more about what BHA does, what are some current issues that we face, and why is this all worth protecting.
We urge you to get involved and take action on public land issues that threaten the conservation, environmental protection, and access of OUR public lands.
Episode Resources:
https://www.backcountryhunters.org/
Save the Boundary Waters (click on "MN" to act now)
RRT/BHA Town Hall
Correction: East Fork SP is 4,870-acre of land and 2,160-acre of water
Like what you hear? We'd love if you gave us a follow. Hit those three dots on our podcast profile page and give us a rating. Podcast ratings are like overnights in a tent, the more stars the better. Follow us on our social platforms:
Instagram: @RRTrails
YouTube: @RRT45150
Facebook: @RRT50
Colorado Trail- with Cancelled and Euchre
2025/10/01
Cancelled and Euchre (previously known as Aiden and Miranda) have recently returned from their first long distance thru-hike on the Colorado Trail. We'll catch up with them about the experience in our first ever explicit content episode (it's not so bad...). Do you have thoughts of a thru hike, or venturing out on the CT? Give it a listen and start to dream, plan, and live!
Like what you hear? We'd love if you gave us a follow. Hit those three dots on our podcast profile page and give us a rating. Podcast ratings are like overnights in a tent, the more stars the better. Follow us on our social platforms:
Instagram: @RRTrails
YouTube: @RRT45150
Facebook: @RRT50
Being a B Corp
2025/09/11
Dalton flips the script on this one and puts Bryan in the hot seat. We talk about RRT's journey to becoming a B Corp, what it means, why we did it, and some things you should consider. What is the community of B Corps? From over 10,000 worldwide or narrowed down to the 12+ in the Cincinnati region, we'll discuss the purpose driven movement.
Find a B
Check out the BIA
Like what you hear? We'd love if you gave us a follow. Hit those three dots on our podcast profile page and give us a rating. Podcast ratings are like overnights in a tent, the more stars the better. Follow us on our social platforms:
Instagram: @RRTrails
YouTube: @RRT45150
Facebook: @RRT50
The Great American Loop with Joe Solomon
2025/09/11
Joe Solomon, the founder of Kayaking 4 a Cause, author, and long distance paddler joins the banter to talk about his newest adventure. Joe will soon depart for the Great American Loop, an over 6,000 mile paddling journey. Join us as we catch up with an old friend, and find out more about this paddling expedition.
Find and Follow Joe at: https://linktr.ee/kayaking4acause
Like what you hear? We'd love if you gave us a follow. Hit those three dots on our podcast profile page and give us a rating. Podcast ratings are like overnights in a tent, the more stars the better. Follow us on our social platforms:
Instagram: @RRTrails
YouTube: @RRT45150
Facebook: @RRT50
Own Less, Live More with Abby Hollis
2025/07/22
Dalton and Bryan visit Reno Nevada for their summer tradeshow and catch up with one of their favorite brands, Livsn. Abby Hollis, Director of Product and Sustainability chats with us about Livsn's approach to sustainability, their recent B Corp certification, and looking forward with Livsn product design. Learn more about Livsn and their brand initiatives, and what makes them such an amazing brand.
Like what you hear? We'd love if you gave us a follow. Hit those three dots on our podcast profile page and give us a rating. Podcast ratings are like overnights in a tent, the more stars the better. Follow us on our social platforms:
Instagram: @RRTrails
YouTube: @RRT45150
Facebook: @RRT50
Debate: Top 3 States on the AT
2025/06/16
Dalton and Bryan take a walk down memory lane in debating, what are the best 3 states along the Appalachian Trail? There are no rules in this great debate, all things can be considered including length, vistas, hostels, angels, food, shelters, or even privies. See how our picks stack up with your experiences, and perhaps find out what the greatest state along the AT is!
Like what you hear? We'd love if you gave us a follow. Hit those three dots on our podcast profile page and give us a rating. Podcast ratings are like overnights in a tent, the more stars the better. Follow us on our social platforms:
Instagram: @RRTrails
YouTube: @RRT45150
Facebook: @RRT50
Gear of the Year 2025
2025/06/02
Dalton and Bryan totally nerd out on their favorite gear from this year. This podcast takes a look at some new and exciting gear, the reasons why we love it, and why it matters to you. This podcast is all about highlighting some of our favorite new pieces including some killer items from Nemo, Oboz, Rab, and more. This duo puts backpacking gear to the test and has seen and used a lot through the years. Take a listen and get some insight into the industry while maybe finding your next great piece for the gear closet.
Like what you hear? We'd love if you gave us a follow. Hit those three dots on our podcast profile page and give us a rating. Podcast ratings are like overnights in a tent, the more stars the better. Follow us on our social platforms:
Instagram: @RRTrails
YouTube: @RRT45150
Facebook: @RRT50
Podcast reviews
Read Backcountry Banter podcast reviews
Rudy Schieldknecht 2024/02/25
Wow
Bravo, what a witty and informative conversation. Bryan and Dalton have a natural chemistry that really shows up back country banter!!