Advertise on podcast: Chafed Outdoors

Episode 20 of Chafed Outdoors features a conversation with Darwin Onthetrail, one of the most recognizable voices in the backpacking world. Darwin takes us through his outdoor roots, his journey to hiking the Appalachian Trail, and how that experience eventually led to building a successful YouTube channel. Along the way, he shares the story behind his trail name and reflects on the evolution of backpacking culture over the years. We also discuss Evolved Supply Co., his outdoor retail shop and brand, the challenges and rewards of running a small business in the outdoor industry, and what exciting opportunities lie ahead. If you’ve ever wondered how Darwin’s journey began or where he’s headed next, this episode offers an honest and insightful look behind the scenes. Follow Chafed Outdoors for new episodes featuring hikers, athletes, creators, entrepreneurs, and adventurers from across the outdoor world. SPONSORS: On Trail Guides - Go to OnTrailGuides.com and use code CHAFED20 for 20% off a course or guided hike. Igneous Gear - code CHAFED for 20% off at igneousgear.com Jolly Gear - Use code CHAFED for 15% off at Jollygear.com Trekker Joes - Use code MARION15 for 15% off at trekkerjoes.org or click the link to automatically apply coupon: https://trekkerjoes.org/discount/MARION15 Sambob - Use code CHAFED20 for 20% off at Sambob.biz Follow our socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chafed.podcast?igsh=MWVzOGxpZWx3aTBvaw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marionoutdoors?si=krcJBByzuSQH-5AZ Follow Coach on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marion_outdoors?igsh=ZmZmZzU5cWowejFj&utm_source=qr Follow Coach on tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marionoutdoors?_r=1&_t=ZT-92nevC1AW0t Send Gear and/or Fan Mail to: 😘 Coach Marion Outdoors 208 E Main St. Marion, VA 24354 Email us at: [email protected] *Original Chafed Theme Song written and performed by Will Hartz and Ben Mackel (all rights reserved by Chafed Outdoors Podcast)

In this episode of Chafed Outdoors, I sit down with Amanda Livingston, Director of Tourism for Smyth County, VA, and Ash Brizard-Nicholson of Marion Outdoors to talk about what Appalachian Trail season looks like in a small trail town. We discuss the impact of thru-hikers on Marion—both the challenges and the benefits—and how outdoor tourism supports the local economy. Amanda shares insight into her role as tourism director and highlights other outdoor opportunities in the area beyond the AT. We also dive into a shared passion for gardening and how it connects back to the outdoor lifestyle. SPONSORS: On Trail Guides - Go to OnTrailGuides.com and use code CHAFED20 for 20% off a course or guided hike. Igneous Gear - code CHAFED for 20% off at igneousgear.com Jolly Gear - Use code CHAFED for 15% off at Jollygear.com Trekker Joes - Use code MARION15 for 15% off at trekkerjoes.org or click the link to automatically apply coupon: https://trekkerjoes.org/discount/MARION15 Sambob - Use code CHAFED20 for 20% off at Sambob.biz Follow our socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chafed.podcast?igsh=MWVzOGxpZWx3aTBvaw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marionoutdoors?si=krcJBByzuSQH-5AZ Follow Coach on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marion_outdoors?igsh=ZmZmZzU5cWowejFj&utm_source=qr Follow Coach on tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marionoutdoors?_r=1&_t=ZT-92nevC1AW0t Send Gear and/or Fan Mail to: 😘 Coach Marion Outdoors 208 E Main St. Marion, VA 24354 Email us at: [email protected] *Original Chafed Theme Song written and performed by Will Hartz and Ben Mackel (all rights reserved by Chafed Outdoors Podcast)

In this episode, Coach sits down with Joe Williams, the creator behind Trekker Joes, to talk about his journey into the outdoors and the story behind his growing backpacking gear business. Joe shares how he got started hiking, what inspired him to begin making gear accessories, and how he manages building Trekker Joes alongside his full-time job. The conversation also covers his vision for the future of the brand, the gear he’s most excited about right now, and what he enjoys outside of hiking and backpacking. This is a real conversation about passion, creativity, and building something from the ground up in the outdoor space. Whether you’re into backpacking, gear, or entrepreneurship, there’s something here for you. SPONSORS: On Trail Guides - Go to OnTrailGuides.com and use code CHAFED20 for 20% off a course or guided hike. Igneous Gear - code CHAFED for 20% off at igneousgear.com Jolly Gear - Use code CHAFED for 15% off at Jollygear.com Trekker Joes - Use code MARION15 for 15% off at trekkerjoes.org or click the link to automatically apply coupon: https://trekkerjoes.org/discount/MARION15 Sambob - Use code CHAFED20 for 20% off at Sambob.biz Follow our socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chafed.podcast?igsh=MWVzOGxpZWx3aTBvaw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marionoutdoors?si=krcJBByzuSQH-5AZ Follow Coach on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marion_outdoors?igsh=ZmZmZzU5cWowejFj&utm_source=qr And Peebz: https://www.instagram.com/queerjoyinthewoods?igsh=NnhjZ2JxMG50azRu Follow Coach on tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marionoutdoors?_r=1&_t=ZT-92nevC1AW0t Send Gear and/or Fan Mail to: 😘 Coach & Peebz Marion Outdoors 208 E Main St. Marion, VA 24354 Email us at: [email protected] *Original Chafed Theme Song written and performed by Will Hartz and Ben Mackel (all rights reserved by Chafed Outdoors Podcast)

Episode 17 of the Chafed Outdoors Podcast features Chris Webster, part owner of Second Gear, Asheville’s outdoor adventure consignment shop. Chris shares his path from discovering a love for rafting to working as a raft guide, then transitioning into the retail side of the outdoor industry with REI during its early days in Asheville. That experience ultimately led him to become part of Second Gear, a shop known for helping people access affordable outdoor gear through consignment. We also talk about the impact of Hurricane Helene, which destroyed their River Arts District location, and how the Asheville community rallied around them—making it possible to reopen in a new space and continue supporting their team. This episode also breaks down the ins and outs of consignment gear: the benefits, the trade-offs, and how it can be a smart way to upgrade your setup. If you’re into backpacking, rafting, or making the outdoors more accessible, this conversation offers both insight and inspiration.

What starts as a simple hike can turn into something much bigger. In this episode, I talk with Steven from My Life Outdoors about how he got into backpacking and eventually built a YouTube channel around it. We dive into the evolution of his outdoor journey, what it’s like creating content on the trail, and how his approach has changed over time. This is less about “how to backpack” and more about why we keep going back. If you enjoy honest conversations about the outdoors, gear, and the stories behind the trips — you’ll enjoy this one. SPONSORS: On Trail Guides - Go to OnTrailGuides.com and use code CHAFED20 for 20% off a course or guided hike. Jolly Gear - Use code CHAFED for 15% off at Jollygear.com Trekker Joes - Use code MARION15 for 15% off at trekkerjoes.org or click the link to automatically apply coupon: https://trekkerjoes.org/discount/MARION15 Sambob - Use code CHAFED20 for 20% off at Sambob.biz Follow our socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chafed.podcast?igsh=MWVzOGxpZWx3aTBvaw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marionoutdoors?si=krcJBByzuSQH-5AZ Follow Coach on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marion_outdoors?igsh=ZmZmZzU5cWowejFj&utm_source=qr And Peebz: https://www.instagram.com/queerjoyinthewoods?igsh=NnhjZ2JxMG50azRu Follow Coach on tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marionoutdoors?_r=1&_t=ZT-92nevC1AW0t Send Gear and/or Fan Mail to: 😘 Coach & Peebz Marion Outdoors 208 E Main St. Marion, VA 24354 Email us at: [email protected] *Original Chafed Theme Song written and performed by Will Hartz and Ben Mackel (all rights reserved by Chafed Outdoors Podcast)

Code CHAFED for 20% off Igneousgear.com. Welcome to Chafed Outdoors! In today’s episode, we’re diving into an enlightening conversation with Ray Aldridge, the founder of Igneous Gear. Have you ever wondered how innovative outdoor products come to life? Ray shares his journey, insights into product development, and some essential tips for backpacking enthusiasts. Also, his experience with microplastics. So, let’s gear up and explore the world of outdoor innovation together! SPONSORS: IGNEOUS GEAR: Code CHAFED for 20% off at Igneousgear.com On Trail Guides - Go to OnTrailGuides.com and use code CHAFED20 for 20% off a course or guided hike. Jolly Gear - Use code CHAFED for 15% off at Jollygear.com Trekker Joes - Use code MARION15 for 15% off at trekkerjoes.org or click the link to automatically apply coupon: https://trekkerjoes.org/discount/MARION15 Sambob - Use code CHAFED20 for 20% off at Sambob.biz Follow our socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chafed.podcast?igsh=MWVzOGxpZWx3aTBvaw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marionoutdoors?si=krcJBByzuSQH-5AZ Follow Coach on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marion_outdoors?igsh=ZmZmZzU5cWowejFj&utm_source=qr And Peebz: https://www.instagram.com/queerjoyinthewoods?igsh=NnhjZ2JxMG50azRu Follow Coach on tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marionoutdoors?_r=1&_t=ZT-92nevC1AW0t Send Gear and/or Fan Mail to: 😘 Coach & Peebz Marion Outdoors 208 E Main St. Marion, VA 24354 Email us at: [email protected] *Original Chafed Theme Song written and performed by Will Hartz and Ben Mackel (all rights reserved by Chafed Outdoors Podcast)

In this episode of Chafed Outdoors Podcast, I sit down with Jolly from Jolly Gear to talk all things hiking, gear, and starting an outdoor apparel brand. Jolly shares his journey—from his very first backpacking trip (hiking the Appalachian Trail with his dad because of a joke!) to becoming a Triple Crown hiker of the US long trails. We dive into how his background in outdoor apparel design and a school project eventually became the hit brand Jolly Gear, and how COVID pushed him to take the leap when job hunting was tough. We also cover the instant success of Jolly Gear, his current adventures with the Real Hiking Viking, and wrap things up by geeking out over the gear we’re most stoked about. Whether you’re into hiking, backpacking, or dreaming of starting your own outdoor brand, this episode is packed with laughs, insights, and inspiration. 🎙 Chafed Outdoors Podcast — conversations about backpacking, thru-hiking, gear, and the people who live for the outdoors. Subscribe, leave a review, and tell a hiking buddy. Sponsors: On Trail Guides - Go to OnTrailGuides.com and use code CHAFED20 for 20% off a course or guided hike. Jolly Gear - Use code CHAFED for 15% off at Jollygear.com Trekker Joes - Use code MARION15 for 15% off at trekkerjoes.org or click the link to automatically apply coupon: https://trekkerjoes.org/discount/MARION15 Sambob - Use code CHAFED20 for 20% off at Sambob.biz Follow our socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chafed.podcast?igsh=MWVzOGxpZWx3aTBvaw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marionoutdoors?si=krcJBByzuSQH-5AZ Follow Coach on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marion_outdoors?igsh=ZmZmZzU5cWowejFj&utm_source=qr And Peebz: https://www.instagram.com/queerjoyinthewoods?igsh=NnhjZ2JxMG50azRu Follow Coach on tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marionoutdoors?_r=1&_t=ZT-92nevC1AW0t Send Gear and/or Fan Mail to: 😘 Coach & Peebz Marion Outdoors 208 E Main St. Marion, VA 24354 Email us at: [email protected] *Original Chafed Theme Song written and performed by Will Hartz and Ben Mackel (all rights reserved by Chafed Outdoors Podcast)

In this episode of the Chafed Outdoors Podcast, I sit down with Andy Neal, known on social media as Andy Films and Hikes. Andy shares the story behind his journey from working as a pastor to becoming a hiking content creator who documents his adventures on trail. We talk about how hiking became such an important part of his life, what it’s really like building an audience as an outdoor creator, and the gear he’s currently most excited about using on the trail. Andy also opens up about his personal health journey and the struggles he faced trying to lose weight over the years. Eventually he decided to try a GLP-1 medication, which helped him lose more than 150 pounds. He shares how that experience has changed his life and how it has impacted his ability to get outside and hike more. This episode is about transformation, the power of the outdoors, and finding a path that works for you. Follow Andy: @AndyFilmsandHikes Follow the show for more conversations with hikers, creators, and members of the outdoor community. 🎙 Chafed Outdoors Podcast — conversations about backpacking, thru-hiking, gear, and the people who live for the outdoors. Subscribe, leave a review, and tell a hiking buddy. Sponsors: On Trail Guides - Go to OnTrailGuides.com and use code CHAFED20 for 20% off a course or guided hike. Jolly Gear - Use code CHAFED for 15% off at Jollygear.com Trekker Joes - Use code MARION15 for 15% off at trekkerjoes.org or click the link to automatically apply coupon: https://trekkerjoes.org/discount/MARION15 Sambob - Use code CHAFED20 for 20% off at Sambob.biz Follow our socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chafed.podcast?igsh=MWVzOGxpZWx3aTBvaw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marionoutdoors?si=krcJBByzuSQH-5AZ Follow Coach on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marion_outdoors?igsh=ZmZmZzU5cWowejFj&utm_source=qr And Peebz: https://www.instagram.com/queerjoyinthewoods?igsh=NnhjZ2JxMG50azRu Follow Coach on tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marionoutdoors?_r=1&_t=ZT-92nevC1AW0t Send Gear and/or Fan Mail to: 😘 Coach & Peebz Marion Outdoors 208 E Main St. Marion, VA 24354 Email us at: [email protected] *Original Chafed Theme Song written and performed by Will Hartz and Ben Mackel (all rights reserved by Chafed Outdoors Podcast)

Poet Arch Cowen Jones joins the show as he prepares to start his thru-hike of the legendary Appalachian Trail. We talk about how he’s been preparing for the trail, the gear he’s bringing along, and his experience buying gear from Marion Outdoors. Arch also shares the story behind his poetry journey and reads four original poems from his new book Into the Now. We wrap things up by talking about the backpacking gear we’re most excited about right now. If you enjoy hiking, creativity, and the deeper side of the outdoors, this episode is for you. Sponsors: On Trail Guides - Go to OnTrailGuides.com and use code CHAFED20 for 20% off a course or guided hike. Jolly Gear - Use code CHAFED for 15% off at Jollygear.com Trekker Joes - Use code MARION15 for 15% off at trekkerjoes.org or click the link to automatically apply coupon: https://trekkerjoes.org/discount/MARION15 Sambob - Use code CHAFED20 for 20% off at Sambob.biz Follow our socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chafed.podcast?igsh=MWVzOGxpZWx3aTBvaw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marionoutdoors?si=krcJBByzuSQH-5AZ Follow Coach on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marion_outdoors?igsh=ZmZmZzU5cWowejFj&utm_source=qr And Peebz: https://www.instagram.com/queerjoyinthewoods?igsh=NnhjZ2JxMG50azRu Follow Coach on tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marionoutdoors?_r=1&_t=ZT-92nevC1AW0t Send Gear and/or Fan Mail to: 😘 Coach & Peebz Marion Outdoors 208 E Main St. Marion, VA 24354 Email us at: [email protected] *Original Chafed Theme Song written and performed by Will Hartz and Ben Mackel (all rights reserved by Chafed Outdoors Podcast)

In Episode 11 of Chafed Outdoors, I sit down with Lloyd Vogel, CEO and co-founder of Garage Grown Gear, to pull back the curtain on one of the most influential platforms in the ultralight backpacking world. We talk about: • What the title “CEO” really means in a small but mighty outdoor company • How Garage Grown Gear discovers and vets small, innovative brands • What makes a piece of gear worthy of being sold on their platform • The realities (and challenges) of running an online outdoor retail business • How they balance hype vs. performance in the ultralight space And of course, we wrap things up the only way Chafed Outdoors knows how — by sharing the gear we’re most stoked on right now. If you’ve ever wondered how cottage gear brands make it to your pack list… or what it takes to run a modern outdoor retail company in today’s market… this one’s for you. 🎒 Whether you’re a thru-hiker, weekend warrior, or full-blown gear nerd, Episode 11 delivers an inside look at the business side of backpacking. Subscribe, leave a review, and tell a hiking buddy. Sponsors: On Trail Guides - Go to OnTrailGuides.com and use code CHAFED20 for 20% off a course or guided hike. Jolly Gear - Use code CHAFED for 15% off at Jollygear.com Trekker Joes - Use code MARION15 for 15% off at trekkerjoes.org or click the link to automatically apply coupon: https://trekkerjoes.org/discount/MARION15 Sambob - Use code CHAFED20 for 20% off at Sambob.biz Follow our socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chafed.podcast?igsh=MWVzOGxpZWx3aTBvaw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marionoutdoors?si=krcJBByzuSQH-5AZ Follow Coach on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marion_outdoors?igsh=ZmZmZzU5cWowejFj&utm_source=qr And Peebz: https://www.instagram.com/queerjoyinthewoods?igsh=NnhjZ2JxMG50azRu Follow Coach on tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marionoutdoors?_r=1&_t=ZT-92nevC1AW0t Send Gear and/or Fan Mail to: 😘 Coach & Peebz Marion Outdoors 208 E Main St. Marion, VA 24354 Email us at: [email protected] *Original Chafed Theme Song written and performed by Will Hartz and Ben Mackel (all rights reserved by Chafed Outdoors Podcast)

Coach sits down with John Allison (aka Lightning) to talk bikepacking and bike touring — including his cross-country bike tour across the United States last year. We break down the differences between bikepacking vs. bike touring, essential gear, common mistakes, mental challenges, and what it really takes to ride across America. Lightning also shares his upcoming bikepacking and touring plans, and Coach dives into his own bikepacking lessons learned. If you’re interested in long-distance cycling, ultralight gear, adventure travel, or endurance mindset — this episode is for you. Sponsors: Jolly Gear - Use code CHAFED for 15% off at Jollygear.com Trekker Joes - Use code MARION15 for 15% off at trekkerjoes.org or click the link to automatically apply coupon: https://trekkerjoes.org/discount/MARION15 Sambob - Use code CHAFED20 for 20% off at Sambob.biz Follow our socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chafed.podcast?igsh=MWVzOGxpZWx3aTBvaw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marionoutdoors?si=krcJBByzuSQH-5AZ Follow Coach on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marion_outdoors?igsh=ZmZmZzU5cWowejFj&utm_source=qr And Peebz: https://www.instagram.com/queerjoyinthewoods?igsh=NnhjZ2JxMG50azRu Follow Coach on tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marionoutdoors?_r=1&_t=ZT-92nevC1AW0t Send Gear and/or Fan Mail to: 😘 Coach & Peebz Marion Outdoors 208 E Main St. Marion, VA 24354 Email us at: [email protected] *Original Chafed Theme Song written and performed by Will Hartz and Ben Mackel (all rights reserved by Chafed Outdoors Podcast)

Episode 9: In this episode of Chafed Outdoors, Coach and Peebz kick things off by giving flowers where they’re due—introducing Will Hartz and Ben Mackel, the brains behind the Chafed Outdoors theme song. If you’ve ever caught yourself humming it, now you know who to blame. From there, things take a very predictable turn when Peebz shows up wearing a Subaru sweatshirt, which sparks a totally serious, not-at-all desperate discussion about why Subaru should obviously sponsor the show. That wishful thinking cracks the door wide open into a real conversation about brand sponsorships, content creation, and the influencer game—the good, the awkward, and the stuff nobody really talks about. Coach and Peebz dig into their own experiences working with brands, what sponsorships actually look like behind the scenes, how relationships start (and sometimes fizzle), and the fine line between staying authentic and paying the bills. No pitch decks, no fake hype—just an honest look at how the sausage gets made in the outdoor media world. If you’ve ever wondered how creators land sponsors, what brands expect in return, or why your favorite outdoor personality suddenly won’t shut up about a specific piece of gear… this one’s for you. Sponsors: Jolly Gear - Use code CHAFED for 15% off at Jollygear.com Trekker Joes - Use code MARION15 for 15% off at trekkerjoes.org or click the link to automatically apply coupon: https://trekkerjoes.org/discount/MARION15 Sambob - Use code CHAFED20 for 20% off at Sambob.biz Follow our socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chafed.podcast?igsh=MWVzOGxpZWx3aTBvaw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marionoutdoors?si=krcJBByzuSQH-5AZ Follow Coach on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marion_outdoors?igsh=ZmZmZzU5cWowejFj&utm_source=qr And Peebz: https://www.instagram.com/queerjoyinthewoods?igsh=NnhjZ2JxMG50azRu Follow Coach on tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marionoutdoors?_r=1&_t=ZT-92nevC1AW0t Send Gear and/or Fan Mail to: 😘 Coach & Peebz Marion Outdoors 208 E Main St. Marion, VA 24354 Email us at: [email protected] *Original Chafed Theme Song written and performed by Will Hartz and Ben Mackel (all rights reserved by Chafed Outdoors Podcast)

⛺️In this episode of Chafed Outdoors, Coach and Peebz crack open the Appalachian Trail and start dumping everything they know on the table. Where it came from, why it exists, how it turned into the long trail, and what people usually get wildly wrong about it before they ever touch a white blaze. This is Part 2 focused on answering the questions your loved ones will ask before you head off to hike the trail. We will also discuss the history of the AT, how the trail actually works, and the different ways people hike it—thru, section, flip-flop, and all the beautifully chaotic variations in between. We talk expectations vs. reality, how not to ruin your hike before it starts, and what really matters when you’re planning a months-long walk through the woods. No gatekeeping. No romantic Instagram nonsense. Just hard-earned trail knowledge, bad decisions we’ve already made so you don’t have to, and a whole lot of love for a trail that will absolutely humble you.🥾 Sponsors: Jolly Gear - Use code CHAFED for 15% off at Jollygear.com Trekker Joes - Use code MARION15 for 15% off at trekkerjoes.org or click the link to automatically apply coupon: https://trekkerjoes.org/discount/MARION15 Sambob - Use code CHAFED20 for 20% off at Sambob.biz Follow our socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chafed.podcast?igsh=MWVzOGxpZWx3aTBvaw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marionoutdoors?si=krcJBByzuSQH-5AZ Follow Coach on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marion_outdoors?igsh=ZmZmZzU5cWowejFj&utm_source=qr And Peebz: https://www.instagram.com/queerjoyinthewoods?igsh=NnhjZ2JxMG50azRu Follow Coach on tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marionoutdoors?_r=1&_t=ZT-92nevC1AW0t Send Gear and/or Fan Mail to: 😘 Coach & Peebz Marion Outdoors 208 E Main St. Marion, VA 24354 Email us at: [email protected] *Original Chafed Theme Song written and performed by Will Hartz and Ben Mackel (all rights reserved by Chafed Outdoors Podcast)

Episode 7: The Appalachian Trail — Part 1 🥾 In Part 1 of our Appalachian Trail series, Coach and Peebz rewind the clock and start at the very beginning — before the white blazes, before thru-hikers, before the trail was even a trail. This episode digs into how and why the Appalachian Trail exists in the first place. Who dreamed it up, what problem it was supposed to solve, and how a loose idea slowly turned into one of the longest continuous footpaths in the world. We talk early trail visionaries, land politics, volunteer labor, and how the AT became less of a single path and more of a stitched-together experiment that somehow worked. Along the way, we unpack the myths that formed around the trail, how its purpose has shifted over time, and why understanding its history actually changes how you experience it today. No gear lists. No influencer hype. Just the messy, human backstory of a trail that was never supposed to be easy, simple, or clean — and why that matters now more than ever. Part 2 picks up where this leaves off: the questions, the expectations, and the reality of deciding to walk it yourself. Sponsors: Jolly Gear - Use code CHAFED for 15% off at Jollygear.com Trekker Joes - Use code MARION15 for 15% off at trekkerjoes.org or click the link to automatically apply coupon: https://trekkerjoes.org/discount/MARION15 Sambob - Use code CHAFED20 for 20% off at Sambob.biz Follow our socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chafed.podcast?igsh=MWVzOGxpZWx3aTBvaw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marionoutdoors?si=krcJBByzuSQH-5AZ Follow Coach on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marion_outdoors?igsh=ZmZmZzU5cWowejFj&utm_source=qr And Peebz: https://www.instagram.com/queerjoyinthewoods?igsh=NnhjZ2JxMG50azRu Follow Coach on tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marionoutdoors?_r=1&_t=ZT-92nevC1AW0t Send Gear and/or Fan Mail to: 😘 Coach & Peebz Marion Outdoors 208 E Main St. Marion, VA 24354 Email us at: [email protected] *Original Chafed Theme Song written and performed by Will Hartz and Ben Mackel (all rights reserved by Chafed Outdoors Podcast)

What does your camp kitchen really need when every ounce counts? In Episode 6 of Chafed Outdoors, we dig into backpacking camp kitchens and trail cooking—what’s worth packing, what’s overkill, and how to eat well without turning your pack into a food truck. We cover stove systems, cookware choices, fuel options, meal planning, and the small habits that make cooking on trail smoother, safer, and more enjoyable. Whether you’re a cold-soak minimalist or someone who needs a hot meal to end the day right, this episode breaks down how to build a cook kit that fits your style of hiking. We wrap things up by sharing the gear we’re currently stoked on—trusted pieces that have earned their place in our lives and keep showing up trip after trip, day after day. Grab a utensil, fire up the stove, and let’s talk trail food. 🏕️🔥 Sponsors: Jolly Gear - Use code CHAFED for 15% off at Jollygear.com Trekker Joes - Use code MARION15 for 15% off at trekkerjoes.org or click the link to automatically apply coupon: https://trekkerjoes.org/discount/MARION15 Sambob - Use code CHAFED20 for 20% off at Sambob.biz Follow our socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chafed.podcast?igsh=MWVzOGxpZWx3aTBvaw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marionoutdoors?si=krcJBByzuSQH-5AZ Follow Coach on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marion_outdoors?igsh=ZmZmZzU5cWowejFj&utm_source=qr And Peebz: https://www.instagram.com/queerjoyinthewoods?igsh=NnhjZ2JxMG50azRu Follow Coach on tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marionoutdoors?_r=1&_t=ZT-92nevC1AW0t Send Gear and/or Fan Mail to: 😘 Coach & Peebz Marion Outdoors 208 E Main St. Marion, VA 24354 Email us at: [email protected] *Original Chafed Theme Song written and performed by Will Hartz and Ben Mackel (all rights reserved by Chafed Outdoors Podcast)