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What do years inside the outdoor industry actually teach you about gear, preparation, and creating in nature? In this episode of the HikeStrong Podcast, Marcus Shapiro sits down with outdoor photographer and filmmaker Dan Holz, co-founder of Fieldborn Creative, to talk about what he learned from nearly a decade working on the retail floor at REI, more than seven years leading photo and video at Osprey, and decades working in the field with hikers, athletes, and outdoor brands. Dan shares behind-the-scenes insight into how outdoor gear is really designed and tested, why pack fit matters more than weight, and how working with real athletes in the field differs from staging outdoor marketing shoots. Drawing on his experience as a photographer and filmmaker, he explains how preparation — both physical and logistical — allows people to be present on the trail and on set, rather than just getting through the day. Marcus and Dan also talk about how COVID reshaped hiking culture and the outdoor industry, what brands learned during that surge, and why authentic outdoor storytelling depends on lived experience, not polish or performance. Whether you’re a hiker planning a big trip, someone curious about how outdoor brands operate behind the scenes, or a creator interested in authentic outdoor storytelling, this episode offers an honest, grounded perspective from someone who’s lived it. Featured Guest Dan Holz Co-Founder, Fieldborn Creative Dan is a lifelong outdoor professional whose career spans retail leadership at REI, creative direction at Osprey, and decades of fieldwork capturing authentic outdoor stories around the world. His work is rooted in lived experience and reflects how adventure actually unfolds. 🔗 Learn more: https://fieldborncreative.com Dan and Marcus will both be at https://hikeexpocolorado.com/ in May 2026. HikeStrong mobile App: https://hikestrongapp.com/ Ask Me How To Get Fit For Your Next Hike, Trek or Backpacking Trip: https://fitfortrips.com/consultation/ Get Your 3 Free 12-Week Hiking Training Plans: https://fitfortrips.com/free-hiking-training-plan/ LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos: https://www.youtube.com/@HikeStrongPodcast Check out the audio podcast version on all platforms: https://fitfortrips.com/hikestrongpodcast

Thinking about a Swiss Alps hut-to-hut hike but don’t know where to start? How do you actually plan it—and what do most first-timers get wrong? In the final episode of this series, Marcus and Alex, founder of The WanderWeGo Co., dive into the practical realities of hiking in Switzerland. Alex shares what makes the Swiss Alps different from hiking in the U.S., including cultural norms, trail design, and the Swiss trail rating system—an area that often surprises American hikers. They break down what a mountain hut really is, what it’s like to stay in one, and why hut-to-hut hiking is far more welcoming than many people expect, even for solo travelers or beginners. Alex also explains the logistics behind route planning, booking huts, packing smart, and preparing for the elevation gain that defines alpine hiking. This episode is a roadmap for anyone inspired by Dave’s story and wondering how to take their own first step toward a Swiss Alps adventure—with clarity instead of overwhelm. Topics covered: Hiking in the Swiss Alps vs. the U.S.Understanding Swiss trail ratingsWhat the hut-to-hut experience is really likePlanning routes, booking huts, and packing smartCommon mistakes first-time Alps hikers makeHow beginners can confidently start planningGet expert advice on hiking in the Swiss Alps from Alex, founder of The WanderWeGo Co. HikeStrong mobile App: https://hikestrongapp.com/ Ask Me How To Get Fit For Your Next Hike, Trek or Backpacking Trip: https://fitfortrips.com/consultation/ Get Your 3 Free 12-Week Hiking Training Plans: https://fitfortrips.com/free-hiking-training-plan/ LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos: https://www.youtube.com/@HikeStrongPodcast Check out the audio podcast version on all platforms: https://fitfortrips.com/hikestrongpodcast

After months of training, what is it actually like to hike hut-to-hut in the Swiss Alps for the first time? This is the reality of a first Swiss hut-to-hut experience. In Part 2, Dave is joined by Alex, founder of The WanderWeGo Co. and the consultant who designed his Swiss Alps route. Together, they move from preparation to lived experience—talking honestly about what surprised Dave on the trail, what challenged him most, and where his training showed up when it mattered. They discuss why Alex intentionally steered Dave toward a more local, off-the-beaten-path region instead of the famous tourist routes, and how that decision shaped the entire experience. Dave reflects on the moments that stayed with him most, from physically demanding sections to unexpectedly emotional highs, and explains how knowing he was prepared allowed him to simply “show up” and enjoy the experience. This episode connects the dots between smart planning, structured training, and what it actually feels like to hike day after day in the Alps as a first-timer. Topics covered: First-time Swiss Alps hut-to-hut hikingWhat surprised a newbie hiker on the trailOff-the-beaten-path routes vs. tourist regionsHow training translates to real alpine terrainAdvice for nervous or first-time Alps hikersGet expert advice on hiking in the Swiss Alps from Alex, founder of The WanderWeGo Co. HikeStrong mobile App: https://hikestrongapp.com/ Ask Me How To Get Fit For Your Next Hike, Trek or Backpacking Trip: https://fitfortrips.com/consultation/ Get Your 3 Free 12-Week Hiking Training Plans: https://fitfortrips.com/free-hiking-training-plan/ LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos: https://www.youtube.com/@HikeStrongPodcast Check out the audio podcast version on all platforms: https://fitfortrips.com/hikestrongpodcast

What does it really take to train for a Swiss Alps hut-to-hut hike at 63—especially if you’re new to multi-day hiking? For Dave, it became a path back to strength, confidence, and independence. In Part 1 of this three-part series, I sit down with Dave, a first-time hut-to-hut hiker, to talk about the training journey that prepared him for the Alps—and how that process became much more than physical preparation. Week after week, our training check-ins evolved into deeper conversations about aging, independence, freedom, and what it means to stay capable later in life. Dave shares how walking and hiking—basic human movements—often need to be relearned in a modern, sedentary world, and how losing the ability to move long distances can quietly erode freedom and confidence. Training for the Swiss Alps helped him reclaim both. This episode is for anyone wondering if they’re “too old,” “too late,” or “not experienced enough” to take on a big hiking goal—and for anyone who believes preparation can unlock more than just a successful trip. Topics covered: Training for a Swiss Alps hike at 63Preparing for hut-to-hut hiking as a beginnerHiking philosophy, mindset, and independenceWhy preparation changes how you experience life, not just the trailGet expert advice on hiking in the Swiss Alps from Alex, founder of The WanderWeGo Co. HikeStrong mobile App: https://hikestrongapp.com/ Ask Me How To Get Fit For Your Next Hike, Trek or Backpacking Trip: https://fitfortrips.com/consultation/ Get Your 3 Free 12-Week Hiking Training Plans: https://fitfortrips.com/free-hiking-training-plan/ LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos: https://www.youtube.com/@HikeStrongPodcast Check out the audio podcast version on all platforms: https://fitfortrips.com/hikestrongpodcast

In Part 2 of this conversation, Blake Hansen returns to Mount Rainier with lessons learned from his first attempt. This episode focuses on what changed the second time — particularly around gear, systems, and on-mountain decision making. We talk through how Blake refined his pack, clothing, hydration setup, food strategy, and break efficiency, and how those adjustments made the climb feel more controlled and sustainable. Blake also shares what he learned about layering, managing temperature, and staying ahead of fatigue as conditions changed throughout the climb. Part 2 brings the story full circle, showing how applying lessons from the first attempt — especially around gear and execution — helped Blake move more confidently and ultimately reach the summit of Mount Rainier. HikeStrong mobile App: https://hikestrongapp.com/ Ask Me How To Get Fit For Your Next Hike, Trek or Backpacking Trip: https://fitfortrips.com/consultation/ Get Your 3 Free 12-Week Hiking Training Plans: https://fitfortrips.com/free-hiking-training-plan/ LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos: https://www.youtube.com/@HikeStrongPodcast Check out the audio podcast version on all platforms: https://fitfortrips.com/hikestrongpodcast

In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, I sit down with Blake to walk through the beginning of his Mount Rainier journey — why the mountain became a goal, how his first training cycle unfolded, and what happened during his initial summit attempt. We talk through the early training data, the challenges that showed up both in preparation and on the mountain, and how travel fatigue, limited sleep, hydration mistakes, and respiratory symptoms factored into the climb and ultimately led him to turn around just below 13,000 feet on summit day. This episode focuses on the learning phase of training for Mount Rainier — what the first set of numbers revealed, where expectations didn’t match reality, and why a rebuild became necessary. Part 1 sets the foundation for the changes that follow, before Blake returns to Mount Rainier and successfully reaches the summit in Part 2. HikeStrong mobile App: https://hikestrongapp.com/ Ask Me How To Get Fit For Your Next Hike, Trek or Backpacking Trip: https://fitfortrips.com/consultation/ Get Your 3 Free 12-Week Hiking Training Plans: https://fitfortrips.com/free-hiking-training-plan/ LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos: https://www.youtube.com/@HikeStrongPodcast Check out the audio podcast version on all platforms: https://fitfortrips.com/hikestrongpodcast

In this episode, Michele shares how one miserable backpacking experience in Yosemite — a trip that began with a rolled ankle and a 5,000-foot descent — nearly pushed her away from backpacking altogether. But instead of giving up, she decided to try again. With structured training and a clearer understanding of how to prepare for a heavy pack, she returned to the trail for a four-day trek in Death Valley and had a completely different experience. Michele talks about rebuilding confidence in midlife and discovering that the right training made the trail feel not just doable, but enjoyable. She explains how stair sessions, incline treadmill work, balance training, and learning proper pack fit transformed her comfort and stability. She also shares a memorable moment when her guide told her she was the only person in the group using trekking poles correctly — a small but powerful sign of her growth. We explore why running didn’t help her as much as hiking-specific training, how she adapted her weekly routine to fit the plan, and why consistency mattered more than long hours outside. By the end of her trip, she felt strong, capable, and proud to say, “I don’t hate backpacking anymore,” a line that reflects just how far she’d come. If you’ve ever had a rough outing or wondered whether it’s too late to build real trail confidence, Michele’s story will show you what’s possible with the right approach. There’s some B-roll at the very end, so stick around for a little extra conversation after the official podcast wraps. For updates on the upcoming HikeStrong App, visit HikeStrongApp.com. HikeStrong mobile App: https://hikestrongapp.com/ Ask Me How To Get Fit For Your Next Hike, Trek or Backpacking Trip: https://fitfortrips.com/consultation/ Get Your 3 Free 12-Week Hiking Training Plans: https://fitfortrips.com/free-hiking-training-plan/ LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos: https://www.youtube.com/@HikeStrongPodcast Check out the audio podcast version on all platforms: https://fitfortrips.com/hikestrongpodcast

In Part 2, Hilary and Alexis take us through the final weeks of training, their milestone breakthroughs, and the moments on Mount Kilimanjaro that revealed not just their physical readiness — but their resilience, mindset, and bond as a mother-daughter team. We talk about how they balanced real life with peak-phase training, including graduation, a full-time job, and a family bike trip that forced them to consolidate workouts and rely on discipline rather than perfect circumstances. Hilary describes how the lunge progression and balance work finally resolved decades of knee pain from an old ACL reconstruction, giving her confidence heading into the steepest sections. Alexis explains how she made the wise decision to stop running late in training to avoid injury — and why stair training became her biggest asset. Inside the peak phase, they share: Completing their 3,000-ft and 4,000-ft milestone challenges — and the confidence those tests providedThe exhaustion, pride, and “I really did that” moments after long combined treadmill–stairs–stair-climber workoutsHow they adapted when life made consistent data tracking impossibleThe way Marcus coached them through limited time, busy schedules, and moments of self-doubtOnce on the mountain, the conversation shifts to what it felt like to truly disconnect. Alexis talks about the quiet magic of being unreachable — no phone, no news, no notifications — and how that presence reshaped the experience. Hilary shares the “calm exhilaration” of being in the moment each day, guided by a team that focused them on one day at a time. They also discuss: Snacking strategies, Scratch chews, electrolytes, and staying fueled at altitudeHow the Thomson Treks guides monitored hydration, sleep, recovery, and morale — and why “positive mental attitude” became their anchorsThe only moment Alexis felt altitude sickness: 3:30am on summit morningThe honesty, support, and partnership that helped her recover and keep movingThe episode ends with a lively lightning round: tent rituals, packing mistakes, favorite snacks, who woke up first, who took longest to get ready, summit emotions, what the stars looked like at 15,000+ feet, and what they ultimately learned about themselves — and each other. And don’t miss the very end — stay after the outro music for a fun bit of behind-the-scenes B-roll from our conversation. HikeStrong mobile App: https://hikestrongapp.com/ Ask Me How To Get Fit For Your Next Hike, Trek or Backpacking Trip: https://fitfortrips.com/consultation/ Get Your 3 Free 12-Week Hiking Training Plans: https://fitfortrips.com/free-hiking-training-plan/ LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos: https://www.youtube.com/@HikeStrongPodcast Check out the audio podcast version on all platforms: https://fitfortrips.com/hikestrongpodcast

When Hilary and her daughter Alexis signed up to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, they each trained on their own schedule but stayed connected through shared goals, encouragement, and a deep commitment to see the journey through together. In this first half of their story, Hilary shares how her customized training plan—and especially the lunge progression—transformed the knee she’d struggled with since ACL surgery, leaving it stronger and more stable than it had felt in years. Alexis talks about something different but equally powerful: the gift of disconnection. High on the mountain, without her phone or constant notifications, she found a deeper presence and appreciation for the moment. You’ll hear: What inspired them to take on Kilimanjaro togetherHow they balanced life, graduation, and training from different citiesThe physical and mental breakthroughs that came from structured hiking prepWhy stepping away from screens can reconnect us to ourselves and each otherThis episode is part inspiration, part practical guide—and a reminder that when families train for something big together, the results go far beyond the mountain. HikeStrong mobile App: https://hikestrongapp.com/ Ask Me How To Get Fit For Your Next Hike, Trek or Backpacking Trip: https://fitfortrips.com/consultation/ Get Your 3 Free 12-Week Hiking Training Plans: https://fitfortrips.com/free-hiking-training-plan/ LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos: https://www.youtube.com/@HikeStrongPodcast Check out the audio podcast version on all platforms: https://fitfortrips.com/hikestrongpodcast

In Part 2 of this conversation, Marcus and Lisa pick up where they left off—digging into the peak phase of her 20-week training plan leading up to the Tour du Mont Blanc. They talk about how Lisa managed higher mileage and tougher elevation goals, how she kept her body feeling good and avoided overtraining as the workouts got tougher, and the mindset that carried her through the final stretch of preparation. Later in the episode, Marcus brings in Travis Wardell, Program Director for Europe at Mountain Travel Sobek—one of, if not the, world’s oldest adventure travel company. It’s Travis’s first time meeting Lisa, and he shares insights on what makes MT Sobek’s version of the TMB different from the classic route, how the company designs and curates world-class trekking experiences, and the activity level system they use to help travelers choose the right adventure for their goals and abilities. The episode wraps with a relaxed, behind-the-scenes exchange after the formal interview—a fun, unscripted glimpse of the conversation once the mics were supposed to be off. Mountain Travel Sobek - The Adventure Company | Est. 1969 HikeStrong mobile App: https://hikestrongapp.com/ Ask Me How To Get Fit For Your Next Hike, Trek or Backpacking Trip: https://fitfortrips.com/consultation/ Get Your 3 Free 12-Week Hiking Training Plans: https://fitfortrips.com/free-hiking-training-plan/ LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos: https://www.youtube.com/@HikeStrongPodcast Check out the audio podcast version on all platforms: https://fitfortrips.com/hikestrongpodcast

I had a pretty ambitious goal going into this conversation with my client, Lisa. The idea was to cover all 20 weeks of her Tour du Mont Blanc training plan, and my hope was that each week you’d learn something you could apply to your training — or at least walk away with a little inspiration. And the good news is — it turned out great. I’d never done this format before, and it ended up becoming a two-part series. Part 1 focuses on Lisa’s base training phase — the foundation that built her strength, balance, and confidence for the Tour du Mont Blanc. Part 2 dives into her peak phase and includes a special guest from Mountain Travel Sobek, the company she traveled with. In this episode, Lisa shares lessons from the early weeks of her program — from mastering lunges and stair work to staying consistent while juggling family life and flat Michigan terrain. Whether you’re training for your first big hike or just need a dose of motivation, you’ll come away with practical tips, insights, and a few laughs from Lisa’s journey. Mountain Travel Sobek - The Adventure Company | Est. 1969 HikeStrong mobile App: https://hikestrongapp.com/ Ask Me How To Get Fit For Your Next Hike, Trek or Backpacking Trip: https://fitfortrips.com/consultation/ Get Your 3 Free 12-Week Hiking Training Plans: https://fitfortrips.com/free-hiking-training-plan/ LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos: https://www.youtube.com/@HikeStrongPodcast Check out the audio podcast version on all platforms: https://fitfortrips.com/hikestrongpodcast

What does it take to climb Kilimanjaro when you don’t live near mountains? And what happens when you decide to do it all over again for the Inca Trail? In this episode, I sit down with Alicia—a self-described “non-athlete” who trained on 23 stairs behind a building and a treadmill with a pack on her back to summit Kilimanjaro. She’s funny, self-deprecating, and brutally honest about what it really feels like to take on a trek of this size. Expect a few laugh-out-loud moments mixed with some hard-earned wisdom. Now she’s training with me again, this time for the Inca Trail. By Week 5 she’s already logged 67 miles and 25,623 feet of elevation gain—compared to 62 miles and 17,749 feet at the same point in her Kilimanjaro plan. Why the difference? This time, the training is packed into 8 weeks instead of 12, and with experience comes a new awareness of how to push and how to know your limits. HikeStrong mobile App: https://hikestrongapp.com/ Ask Me How To Get Fit For Your Next Hike, Trek or Backpacking Trip: https://fitfortrips.com/consultation/ Get Your 3 Free 12-Week Hiking Training Plans: https://fitfortrips.com/free-hiking-training-plan/ LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos: https://www.youtube.com/@HikeStrongPodcast Check out the audio podcast version on all platforms: https://fitfortrips.com/hikestrongpodcast

Most travelers walk away from a guided trip thinking, “That was amazing”—but they have no idea what it actually took to make it feel that way. In Part 2 of my conversation with former REI Guide of the Year Chris Anderson, we go behind the curtain to uncover what guides really do: How REI tried to flip the script and treat guiding as a real career—and why that model didn’t surviveThe long hours, behind-the-scenes prep, and emotional labor that guests never seeThe broken tipping culture—and why it puts guides in a tough, awkward positionWhat it really means to serve 10+ guests for 14+ hours a day with zero margin for errorHow underprepared guests affect group dynamics, safety, and moraleThe impossible math behind seasonal contracts, no PTO, and $100 day ratesWhy the best guides make you feel like the trip ran itself—and how much effort that actually takesIf you’ve ever been on a guided trip—or plan to—this episode will change how you see your guide forever. 🎧 Start listening now—and maybe rethink that tip envelope. Check out the LinkedIn post from Chris that sparked this two-part series… HikeStrong mobile App: https://hikestrongapp.com/ Ask Me How To Get Fit For Your Next Hike, Trek or Backpacking Trip: https://fitfortrips.com/consultation/ Get Your 3 Free 12-Week Hiking Training Plans: https://fitfortrips.com/free-hiking-training-plan/ LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos: https://www.youtube.com/@HikeStrongPodcast Check out the audio podcast version on all platforms: https://fitfortrips.com/hikestrongpodcast

When REI announced it was shutting down its Experiences Division, the internet exploded with outrage. For many, it felt like the company was abandoning one of the most meaningful things it offered - a way to actually get people outside, not just sell them the gear. In this episode, I sit down with Chris Anderson, Former director of Risk Management & Guide Training at REI - a key leader behind the Experiences Division - to unpack what really happened behind the scenes. We cover: Why REI acquired Arizona Outback Adventures (AOA) in 2019The original vision for Experiences and how it aligned with REI’s missionInternal data that showed Experiences boosted member spending and loyaltyWhat changed after the pandemic—and why even a successful program can get cutWhy REI’s commitment to paying guides fairly may have made long-term profitability an uphill battleChris brings a rare perspective—both operational and deeply personal—to a story that’s about much more than one company. It’s about the gap between mission and margin in the outdoor industry. 🎧 If you’ve ever taken a guided trip and had no idea what went on behind the scenes - Part 2 will change the way you see the entire experience.  That’s where we go behind the curtain: exploring the emotional labor of guides, the broken tipping culture, and what needs to change to make this industry sustainable - for Check out the LinkedIn post from Chris that sparked this two-part series… HikeStrong mobile App: https://hikestrongapp.com/ Ask Me How To Get Fit For Your Next Hike, Trek or Backpacking Trip: https://fitfortrips.com/consultation/ Get Your 3 Free 12-Week Hiking Training Plans: https://fitfortrips.com/free-hiking-training-plan/ LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos: https://www.youtube.com/@HikeStrongPodcast Check out the audio podcast version on all platforms: https://fitfortrips.com/hikestrongpodcast

In this exhilarating episode, I talk with Alex Harz, creator and star of the captivating documentary "The Quest Everest." Alex shares incredible behind-the-scenes stories of his meticulous year-long training regimen, intense mental preparation, and unforgettable experiences climbing from Lukla to the summit of Mount Everest. Listen in as Alex reveals: The surprising challenges he faced, including unexpected toe injuries and the infamous "Khumbu cough."The reality of the Everest climb—navigating treacherous ladders, repeated ascents through the Khumbu Icefall, and life at extreme altitudes.Insights on the Sherpa community and the cultural significance of the Everest region.Valuable advice on physical and mental preparation for Everest Base Camp and high-altitude trekking.This episode isn't about encouraging listeners to summit Everest themselves. Instead, it's an opportunity to experience thrilling moments vicariously—through gripping anecdotes and vivid storytelling from someone who's been there. Listeners will gain rare insights into extraordinary situations they'll likely never face firsthand, from navigating treacherous ladders above crevasses to confronting the raw intensity of the death zone. Ultimately, it's about stepping into the climber's boots, absorbing the awe-inspiring drama, and using that inspiration to conquer the mountains in their own lives. Whether you're dreaming of Everest Base Camp or inspired to conquer your personal Everest, Alex's story will motivate you to push past your self-imposed limits. Key Highlights: How Alex prepared physically and mentally for 52 intense days on Everest.Stories of overcoming mental barriers at crucial moments.The profound cultural experiences in the Khumbu Valley.Tips for aspiring Everest Base Camp trekkers.Mentioned in the Episode: Follow Alex: The Quest Series InstagramVirtual Reality Experience: Quest Everest VRDocumentary: The Quest EverestHikeStrong mobile App: https://hikestrongapp.com/ Ask Me How To Get Fit For Your Next Hike, Trek or Backpacking Trip: https://fitfortrips.com/consultation/ Get Your 3 Free 12-Week Hiking Training Plans: https://fitfortrips.com/free-hiking-training-plan/ LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos: https://www.youtube.com/@HikeStrongPodcast Check out the audio podcast version on all platforms: https://fitfortrips.com/hikestrongpodcast