Long-distance scenic trail in the western United States
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This week, we're honored to welcome Alex Maier and Amy Robin, the creative force behind Wilderness Mindset, a Montana-based outdoor filmmaking company devoted to nature-inspired storytelling. What began as a deeply personal journey on the Continental Divide Trail has evolved into something far greater—a mission to capture the transformative power of wilderness through the lens of a camera.Alex and Amy take us on a journey through their transformation from individual adventurers to filmmaking partners documenting others' epic quests. Amy describes that pivotal moment when she nervously texted Alex about hiking the CDT together to create a mental health documentary—a question that would change both their lives. That initial leap of faith sparked what would become a lifelong partnership, both personal and professional, centered around the belief that when we explore the wilderness, we take a look within ourselves.In this episode, we explore the profound philosophy behind Wilderness Mindset, the challenges of building a passion-based business from scratch, and how their work on the Mississippi Speed Record documentary revealed the shared belief system among adventurers. Join us for a deep and moving conversation about finding purpose through nature, the courage it takes to look within, embracing synchronicity as a guide, and what it truly means to stay wild.
Are you backpacking, section hiking, or thru hiking the Continental Divide Trail (CDT)? Triple Crowner and host, Carol "Cheer" Coyne has some tips for you in this episode! Here, she discusses blowdowns and how to get through them successfully (from her own experience). You can check out the video on her YouTube channel "Cheer On The Trail" for additional visuals from trail here.In this episode, you'll learn:1. What blowdowns are2. Where Cheer and other hikers experienced the worst blowdowns on the CDT3. How to navigate blowdowns successfully & more!If you'd like to watch this video (with clips from the CDT!), you can watch on Cheer's YouTube Channel here.If you'd like to talk with experienced hikers LIVE via our THRU-r Events, be sure to join our mailing list so you don't miss a meetup. Join the THRU-r mailing list here.Did you love this episode? If so, subscribe and help fellow hikers find the show by rating and reviewing the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!Connect With Us:Join The Trail FamilyTHRU-r Mailing ListTHRU-r WebsiteTHRU-r InstagramTHRU-r TikTokTHRU-r FacebookTHRU-r YoutubeTHRU-r ThreadsCheer's YouTubeCheer's InstagramEpisode Music: "Communicator" by Reed Mathis
Become a Distance to Empty subscriber!: https://www.patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPod Check out Mount to Coast here: https://mounttocoast.com/discount/DistanceUse code DISTANCE at Janji.com and be sure to select 'podcast' > 'Distance to Empty' on the post purchase "How did you hear about Janji" page. Thank you!In this episode, Troy Croxdale shares his incredible journey of completing the Triple Crown of hiking, which includes the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Trail. He discusses the challenges he faced, the mindset required for such an endeavor, and the importance of community support. Troy also reflects on his experiences with ultra marathons, the differences between racing and thru-hiking, and his future goals after completing this monumental achievement.
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we're joined by Jeff Vonvai, known on trail as Long Strides. This conversation will put life's problems into perspective—because for the past seven years, Long Strides has been thru-hiking with stage 4 colon cancer, despite being given just a 3–6 month prognosis. Jeff shares what it's like to balance intense rounds of chemo and surgery between hikes, the challenges of rebuilding his trail legs each time he returns to the trail, and how cancer has transformed his outlook on life—saying he's happier now than he was before his diagnosis. Be ready to feel inspired. We wrap the show with the news that the Continental Divide Trail's southern terminus now requires U.S. citizenship and an Army-issued permit, how to hike the Colorado Trail on less than $800, what crime Chaunce committed to wind up in prison, and the triple crown of things that make us cringe. LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek. Gossamer Gear: Check out the Type II collection at gossamergear.com. Ka'Chava: Get 10% off at kachava.com/backpacker. [divider] Interview with Jeff "Long Strides" Vonvai Jeff's Instagram Jeff's Youtube Time stamps & Questions 00:05:00 - Reminders: Take the AT Thru-Hiker Survey, apply to blog for the Trek, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon! 00:07:15 - Introducing Long Strides 00:09:41 - How did you go from Arizona to thru-hiking? 00:12:10 - Describe what it was like to get your diagnosis 00:19:50 - How do you maintain your mindset? 00:22:10 - What do your doctors think about your thru-hiking? 00:24:50 - When does poop start smelling like poop? 00:28:21 - What is the main goal of the surgery? 00:30:25 - Walk us through the timespan between surgery and your next hike 00:34:00 - Tell us about starting the AT a couple weeks after finishing chemo 00:37:25 - Did things get easier after that internal dialogue? 00:40:10 - Is it possible hiking makes anything worse? 00:41:45 - Discussion about hiking the PCT and getting surgery before the CDT 00:45:00 - Are you sharing things with your tramilies? 00:48:35 - Do you have any practices you maintain while hiking? 00:51:20 - How has your mindset changed since your diagnosis 00:53:05 - Discussion about going between the PCT and CDT 00:55:45 - Why did you decide to go southbound on the CDT? 00:56:55 - What's the buzz on the trail with the southern terminus? 01:02:04 - How has the CDT compared to the other two for you? 01:09:30 - Fuck Marry Kill: AT, PCT, CDT 01:11:30 - Discussion about Long Strides' future plans 01:15:35 - Have people met up with you along the trails? 01:16:30 - Tell us about seeing moose 01:18:02 - Are you looking forward to New Mexico? 01:18:55 - What do you have planned between 2025 and 2028? 01:21:05 - Do you have any advice for someone who's gotten a recent diagnosis? 01:23:05 - Stay Salty Question: What's your hottest take in the world of backpacking or the outdoors? 01:25:10 - How'd you get your trail name? Segments Trek Propaganda: CDT Hikers: US Citizenship, Army Permit Now Required to Access Southern Terminus by Katie Jackson QOTD: If I got arrested, what crime would you assume I committed? Crisis Thing of the Week Triple Crown of things that make you cringe 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 Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bryan Alsop, Carl Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jason Kiser, Krystyn Bell, Matt from Gilbert, AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, SPAM, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, and Spencer Hinson.
Diane Gansauer has completed more than 400 Celebrations of Life and memorial gatherings and she has also completed the Continental Divide Trail from the U.S. border with Mexico to the U.S. border with Canada. Defying stereotypes about people her age, she completed this 3,100-mile trail at the age of 67. She discusses the lessons she's learned from both experiences in her book “The Waypoints: From 400 Farewells and 3,000 Miles.”Please rate us on Apple and/or Spotify and subscribe for free at mikeyopp.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mikeyopp.substack.com/subscribe
"You don't build courage by avoiding what you're afraid of. You build courage by moving through it." -Diane Gansauer Our hosts, Stephanie McCullough and Kevin Gaines, explore an extraordinary midlife reinvention with Diane Gansauer, who traded a high-profile government position for one of the few full-time funeral celebrant roles in the United States. Her transformation proves that stepping away from prestige can lead to real personal fulfillment! "I became more effective and a happier person," Diane reflects on leaving her role as deputy director of a Colorado state agency overseeing multimillion-dollar conservation grants. The political pressures and visibility of managing programs for Great Outdoors Colorado had worn thin. "What I liked best was really the work one-on-one with families," she says. Her journey to funeral celebrancy began serendipitously when a wealthy philanthropist, whose ranch had received conservation grants, learned about her occasional memorial officiating. This connection led to a position with North America's largest funeral services provider, where she ultimately celebrated over 400 lives. The role required mastering the art of storytelling. Working with grieving families, she learned to capture the essence of lives lived. That's a skill that demands deep listening and authentic connection. This was intimate work that stood in stark contrast to her previous bureaucratic responsibilities. But Diane's reinvention didn't stop there. Upon retirement, she embarked on the Continental Divide Trail, completing 3,100 miles from the Mexico border to Canada. "It doesn't matter what other people are doing, it's between you and the mountain." Her experiences culminated in her book "The Waypoints," in which she weaves together insights from honoring 400 lives and conquering thousands of miles of trail. Midlife transitions aren't about climbing higher on conventional ladders. Sometimes they're about finding entirely different mountains to climb, ones that align with who we're becoming rather than who we thought we should be! Key Topics ● Career Transition from State Government (2:04) ● Finding Joy in Personal Work vs Politics (3:30) ● The Wealthy Philanthropist Connection (4:26) ● Becoming a Funeral Celebrant (6:40) ● Learning the Art of Life Stories (10:15) ● Diane's Process of Working with Clients (18:40) ● Why Diane Wrote Her Book (26:10) ● Continental Divide Trail Challenge (35:42) ● "You and the Mountain" Philosophy (51:37) Resources: • The Waypoints: From 400 Farewells and 3,000 Miles (book) • Diane Gansauer on Substack If you like what you've been hearing, we invite you to subscribe on your favorite platform and leave us a review. Tell us what you love about this episode! Or better yet, tell us what you want to hear more of in the future. stephanie@sofiafinancial.com You can find the transcript and more information about this episode at www.takebackretirement.com. Follow Stephanie on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn. Follow Kevin on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn.
Are you backpacking, section hiking, or thru hiking the Continental Divide Trail (CDT)? Triple Crowner and host, Carol "Cheer" Coyne has some tips for you in this episode! Here, she discusses bear spray and bear safety from her own experience. You can check out the video on her YouTube channel "Cheer On The Trail" for additional visuals from trail here.In this episode, you'll learn about:1. Cheer's personal stories of bear spray, bear hangs, and bear encounters2. Where to start carrying bear spray3. How to score FREE bear spray & more!If you'd like to watch this video (with clips from the CDT!), you can watch on Cheer's YouTube Channel here.Did you love this episode? If so, please help fellow hikers find the show by following, rating, and reviewing the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!Connect With Us:Join The Trail FamilyTHRU-r WebsiteTHRU-r InstagramTHRU-r TikTokTHRU-r FacebookTHRU-r YoutubeTHRU-r ThreadsCheer's YouTubeCheer's InstagramEpisode Music: "Communicator" by Reed Mathis
Think courage has an age limit? Think again....At 61 years old, Diane Gansauer set out to hike the entire Continental Divide Trail—3,100 miles of mountains, rivers, and grizzly country. Along the way, she didn't just prove her grit on the trail—she rewrote her story, discovered the power of persistence, and reminded us all what it means to carry only what truly matters.✨ Theme: Resilience Stories + Mindset Breakthroughs...We're talking about letting go of what weighs you down, finding courage in the messy middle, and realizing it's never too late to live boldly....You'll hear:
Are you backpacking, section hiking, or thru hiking the Continental Divide Trail (CDT)? Triple Crowner and host, Carol "Cheer" Coyne has some tips for you in this episode! Here, she discusses something she knew was coming - but not to the extent that it did: Seclusion.In this episode, you'll hear about:1. Cheer's personal stories of seclusion on the CDT2. The northbound (NOBO) and southbound (SOBO) bubbles3. Towns and hostels where hikers congregate & more!If you'd like to watch this video (with clips from the CDT!), you can watch on Cheer's YouTube Channel here.Did you love this episode? If so, please help fellow hikers find the show by following, rating, and reviewing the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!Connect With Us:Join The Trail FamilyTHRU-r WebsiteTHRU-r InstagramTHRU-r TikTokTHRU-r FacebookTHRU-r YoutubeTHRU-r ThreadsCheer's YouTubeCheer's InstagramEpisode Music: "Communicator" by Reed Mathis
This episode, Mark and Melis, talk to Janey and Kenneth (aka Burn Unit and Bam) about their epic adventures on the Pacific Crest Trail and the Continental Divide Trail. Topics discussed: What prompted them to do their first thru-hike How they met
Get to know our 2025 Trail Team of thru-hiking trail correspondents in this episode - with stories of their most notable (best/most interesting/scariest) animal encounters! Our hikers are backpacking on and telling stories from the Continental Divide Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Appalachian Trail, and the Hexatrek in France.You can follow along with all of our Trail Team members on the THRU-r Instagram page.Connect with our featured Trail Team members on their personal Instagram pages:Pickles & Freight TrainVegasBaby StepsGGSammy (Now "Tour Guide")If you love what we're doing here on the podcast and over at THRU-r, you can become a Virtual Trail Angel via our PayPal Donation Page. As a grassroots thru-hiker run organization, we really appreciate the support!Did you enjoy this episode? Help fellow hikers find the show by following, rating, and reviewing the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!Connect With THRU-r & Cheer:Join The Trail FamilyTHRU-r WebsiteTHRU-r InstagramTHRU-r FacebookTHRU-r YoutubeTHRU-r ThreadsCheer's YouTubeCheer's InstagramEpisode Music: "Communicator" by Reed Mathis
Brandon "Horsepower" Weis is an American long-distance hiker known for completing the "Calendar Year Triple Crown" in 2021, which involves hiking the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Trail (a combined 8,000 miles) within one calendar year. Originally from Ohio, Weis was a future law student who left for the trails after an eye-opening backpacking experience in college, which inspired him to take on extraordinary hiking challenges.Brandon returned home to pen his experiences in the book, "This is Gonna Hurt" where he recounts in detail what he went through to complete this (what some would call) crazy task. You can find the book on Amazon.THIS IS GONNA HURT Book LINKSpecial thanks to our Podcast Sponsors and Partners who make sure that this Podcast happens each week!Midwest Adventure Outfitters - The Official Overland Shop of TOPBlue Sail Coffee - The Official Coffee of TOP. Save 10% off your order with the Code - OVERLANDPODCAST10Pruitt Knives of Valor - The Official Knife of TOPUltraliteSacks - For all your packing, storage, backpacking and organizational needs!Mamoo's Kitchen - The Official FOOD of TOP. The BEST freeze dried camp meals on the planet! Save 10% with CODE - OVERLANDPODCAST10Mothy Offroad - Solar Panels for the Modern Wanderer.Events and PartnersNatural State Overland - the Home of Rendezvous in the OzarksOverland of America - The NOT MISS Event each year in Jay, OK. THE Overland Podcast is the official Podcast of THE Overland of America.For MORE visit www.brofessoradventures.comThank you for listening and for your supporting the BRO's, not the PRO's! This week, in all you do...look out for number 1 and don't step in #2!
What happens when you're on a thru-hike and need to press the SOS button to be rescued? Casual backpackers and long-distance hikers alike can learn from Kristine or "GG's" experience on the Continental Divide Trail. In this episode, you'll learn about:What exactly happens once you press the SOS button and important details to keep in mindHow to be found and how to have a successful rescueTips for a specific area along the Continental Divide Trail near the Ghost Ranch area - & much more!Connect with GG:GG's InstagramGG on The TrekHelp fellow hikers find the show by following, rating, and reviewing the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!Connect With THRU-r & Cheer:Join The Trail FamilyTHRU-r WebsiteTHRU-r InstagramTHRU-r FacebookTHRU-r YoutubeTHRU-r ThreadsCheer's YouTubeCheer's InstagramEpisode Music: "Communicator" by Reed Mathis
Hear a compelling real-life example of AI's positive impact. Listen as Duncan Roe explains how he leveraged AI to prepare for his long-distance hike on the Continental Divide Trail.This is a follow-up to our 10/27/23 episode on hiking the Continental Divide Trail. We recommend listening to that episode and reading the show notes first:https://demmelearning.com/blog/hiking-continental-divide-trail-show/
Get to know our 2025 Trail Team of thru-hiking trail correspondents in this episode - with stories of their favorite trail magic & trail angels! Stay tuned for more episodes featuring them in the coming months. Our hikers are backpacking on the Continental Divide Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Appalachian Trail, Camino de Santiago, Eastern Continental Trail, Tahoe Rim Trail, Hexatrek, Fisherman's Trail, and more.You can follow along with all of our Trail Team members on the THRU-r Instagram page.Connect & follow along with our featured Trail Team members on their personal Instagram pages:RavenPickles & Freight TrainVegasRavenclawGeared UpLucky ColleagueMacGyverBaby StepsGGSammy (Now "Tour Guide")If you love what we're doing here on the podcast and over at THRU-r, you can become a Virtual Trail Angel via our PayPal Donation Page. As a grassroots thru-hiker run organization, we really appreciate the support!Did you enjoy this episode? Help fellow hikers find the show by following, rating, and reviewing the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!Connect With THRU-r & Cheer:Join The Trail FamilyTHRU-r WebsiteTHRU-r InstagramTHRU-r FacebookTHRU-r YoutubeTHRU-r ThreadsCheer's YouTubeCheer's InstagramEpisode Music: "Communicator" by Reed Mathis
Are you backpacking, section hiking, or thru hiking the Continental Divide Trail (CDT)? Triple Crowner and host, Carol "Cheer" Coyne has some tips for you in this episode! Here, she discusses timing & strategy to finish the trail before the first snow hits. She also talks about ideal times to be in each section, mileage and terrain by state, & more. In this episode, you'll learn about:1. Overall strategy of hiking a 3,000 mile trail2. Trail alternates & how they affect mileage (spoiler alert: most CDT hikers don't quite hike 3,000 miles)3. The ideal times to hike through each state & more!If you'd like to watch this video (with clips from the CDT!), you can watch on Cheer's YouTube Channel here.Did you love this episode? If so, please help fellow hikers find the show by following, rating, and reviewing the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!Connect With Us:Join The Trail FamilyTHRU-r WebsiteTHRU-r InstagramTHRU-r TikTokTHRU-r FacebookTHRU-r YoutubeTHRU-r ThreadsCheer's YouTubeCheer's InstagramThank you to the sponsor of this episode, Oboz Footwear. Born of Bozeman, Montana, Oboz designs hiking footwear to deepen the human-nature connection and inspire happiness through the love of hiking.Episode Music: "Communicator" by Reed Mathis
Send us a textIn previous episodes, we've chatted with some young runners who have taken on ultramarathons like the Leadville Trail 100, something that was unheard of in the ancient days when I began in the sport. While it's become less rare to see this, it's now been taken up a notch. Meet the Chisholm family of Salem, NH. Brothers Ben, Brody, Elliott, and Asher all play hockey, with the three eldest at one time playing on the same line together on their high school team. Led by their parents, the boys started off climbing in New Hampshire's White Mountains, eventually summitting all of its 48 4000-foot peaks, which is no joke in difficulty. This evolved to the family next through-hiking the entire Appalachian Trail, then the Pacific Crest Trail, and the Continental Divide Trail, each of which are thousands of miles long and take months to complete, and definitely at times challenged the limits of family togetherness. While later hiking the Arizona Trail, they learned about this thing called ultramarathoning and on a whim entered the Elden Crest 38-miler, in which second-oldest son Brody led the family to the finish line in fifth-place overall. So the next logical step of course was to return to Arizona to run the 2024 Cocodona 250. Of course. Since races like this include large swaths of hiking, the family leaned heavily on their strong through-hiking skills, a theory that bore fruit. Brody, 17 at the time, boldly had his sights on setting a course record despite having had no prior ultra experience longer than 38 miles, but has 4:30 mile speed on the track, so he could add that running ability to the mix. He learned a lot of ultramarathoning lessons, especially regarding fueling, but still astoundingly finished 12th in 75:42:42, a pace of 18:11 per mile for more than 250 miles. Meanwhile, 18-year-old brother Ben finished 34th in 87:01:50 despite battling lack of sleep and hallucinations, and mom Jennie finished as well in 103:58:03 while overcoming tibial stress fractures. Round two for the family was this year as 16-year-old Elliott attempted to usurp Brody's record as the youngest-ever Cocodona finisher, but a sickness felled his chance, and Brody also DNF'd. However, Jennie chopped more than 14 hours off of her previous time and placed as the 7th female finisher. So Elliott took on a new challenge the day before we recorded this and ran the Back Cove Backyard Ultra in Portland, ME, where he impressively ran 121 miles, running another 4.16-mile loop at the start of every hour for 29 hours, the third-most in the last-man-standing event. With Jennie and the three oldest boys of this super nice family all crammed onto a couch together for this really fun chat, we cover how they logistically pull all of this off with schoolwork and teen life in general, as well as dealing with those who have this idea that teenage boys shouldn't take on epic challenges like they have. I think anyone who has doubts will walk away with other ideas after listening to them.The familyInstagram @thefieldtrip_5Jennie ChisholmInstagram @_jenniechisholmBen ChisholmInstagram @benchisholm_7Brody ChisholmInstagram @brody.chisholmElliott ChisholmInstagram @elliott.chisholmBill Stahlsilly_billy@msn.comFacebook Bill StahlInstagram and Threads @stahlor and @we_are_superman_podcastYouTube We Are Superman PodcastSubscribe to the We Are Superman Newsletter!https://mailchi.mp/dab62cfc01f8/newsletter-signupSubscribe to our Substack for my archive of articles of coaching tips developed from my more than three decades of experience, wild and funny stories from my long coaching career, the wit and wisdom of David, and highlights of some of the best WASP episodes from the past that I f
A message to the listeners:The trail doesn't care how far you go—it only asks that you show up, stay curious, and keep moving forward.- AspenEpisode Description: Blazing the Divide – Milk Man's First Long Trail: The CDTWhat kind of person chooses one of the hardest long trails in the country… as their first?In Part 2 of our 3-part series, Milk Man takes us deep into his journey on the Continental Divide Trail—a 3,100-mile trek through raw wilderness, towering peaks, and a few towns you'd never expect to love.We talk inspiration, navigation, breathtaking views, trail chaos, unexpected wildlife encounters, and the magical (and sometimes weird) charm of small-town resupply stops. The CDT isn't just a hike—it's a full send into the unknown. And Milk Man has stories.If you've ever wondered what it's really like to hike one of America's most remote and rugged trails, this episode is your backstage pass.
In this episode we welcome Tyler "Mac" Fox: Thru-hiker and creator of the very-popular thru-hiking resource Halfway Anywhere! This online resource includes hiker surveys for the Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, & John Muir Trail as well as a ton of information for backpackers.In this episode, Mac goes into:His experiences on thru-hikes around the worldPro tips on gear and trail preparationThe ONLY thing he cooks on trailThe beginnings and progression of Halfway Anywhere, & so much more!Connect with Mac & Halfway Anywhere:Halfway AnywhereMac's InstagramHelp fellow hikers find the show by following, rating, and reviewing the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!Connect With THRU-r & Cheer:Join The Trail FamilyTHRU-r WebsiteTHRU-r InstagramTHRU-r FacebookTHRU-r YoutubeTHRU-r ThreadsCheer's YouTubeCheer's InstagramThank you to the sponsor of this episode, Oboz Footwear. Born of Bozeman, Montana, Oboz designs hiking footwear to deepen the human-nature connection and inspire happiness through the love of hiking.Episode Music: "Communicator" by Reed Mathis
In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we meet Kristy and Annette—two inspiring women who completely transformed their lives after retirement. In 2015, they sold everything they owned, bought an RV, and set out to live life on their own terms. What began as a “retirement gift” hike on the Colorado Trail quickly evolved into a bold new chapter of full-time adventure. Since then, Kristy and Annette have completed the Triple Crown of Hiking—the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Trail—and spend each year splitting their time between life on the road and life on foot. Together, they share their journey of choosing freedom, rejecting fear, and expanding the limits of what life after 50 can look like. This episode is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to chase your dreams, explore the unknown, and live life unapologetically. If you've ever felt the urge to change direction, embrace the outdoors, or reclaim your time and energy for what truly lights you up—this conversation is for you. New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries. Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Your support makes a difference. Thank you x Show notes Annette - working as a teacher and school Librarian Deciding to retire in 2015 Doing a lot of backpacking trips before retirement Giving themselves the trip to do the Colorado Trail as a retirement present Getting hooked on long hikes Travelling and hiking full time since them Growing up in California and being outdoorsy, but not getting into travelling and hiking until moving to Colorado as a senior in high school Loving the South West of America Hiking the Appalachian Trail and having a blast! Meeting Kristy, born in Washington, USA before moving to Colorado at 8 years old Growing up adventuring and spending time in the mountains and woods Going to college on a basketball scholarship Always being active Really enjoying the backpacking and spending long periods of time in nature as she's gotten older Working as a mental health therapist and working with children who had early trauma Making a change in 2015 and deciding to end that chapter Thinking that life is a gift and it goes by really fast and wanting to live it up while they can Wanting to do all of the hard things Wanting to write a new chapter and try new things Selling everything they owned and buying an RV Deciding to walk more long distance trails Wanting to hike the triple crown How Kristy and Annette met at a sweat lodge (sauna) in 2003 Meeting for a coffee and saying ‘wanting to walk the earth' Starting to go on weekend trips Wanting to stay out in nature for longer Seeing a financial planner Starting to think differently Figuring out how to live the cheapest way and to do the things they love Starting adventuring 10 years ago full time at 51 and 57 Having a 5 year plan Completing the plan in 4 years Not caring about stuff and not being materialistic Loving this lifestyle Hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2019 How demanding it was (aged 62) Starting slow and building and seeing how their bodies held up for the long haul Having to change plans due to covid Starting the continental divide trail The amazing people met along the way The simplicity of life on the trail Sharing their dreams with family and friends Other people's fears The dream verses the reality of this life Wanting to create her life how she wants it Planning for the year ahead Wanting to expand the confines of their life until they die Claiming space in the world and making it exactly how you want it Handling disagreements How plans evolve overtime Having low expectations and why it can be a key for happiness Planning a trip to South America Booking the hiking part of the trip and keeping the rest free Working within a framework Annettee doing the researching Creating the grand plans! Training and doing a marathon while selling the house! Getting into pack rafts Leaving the RV while hiking Making this life work The triple hike and the differences between the big three hikes Water carries, desert, hiking at elevation, sun levels, resupply Why the Appalachian Trail is a good beginner trail for newbies Watch the videos on YouTube Wanting to inspire people to get outside especially older people Words of advice for women listening Starting small and find what you love Building success into it Figure out what works for you Setting yourself up for big success Why life is a huge gift Don't let it (life) go to waste Be in your power Social Media Instagram @wanderwomen_kristy_annette Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RVsters/ Youtube: @wanderwomenkristyannette5021
Get to know our 2025 Trail Team of thru-hiking trail correspondents in this episode - with stories of type II fun! Stay tuned for more episodes featuring them in the coming months. Our hikers are backpacking on the Continental Divide Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Appalachian Trail, Camino de Santiago, Eastern Continental Trail, Tahoe Rim Trail, Hexatrek, Fisherman's Trail, and more.You can follow along with all of our Trail Team members on the THRU-r Instagram page.Connect & follow along with our featured Trail Team members on their personal Instagram pages:RavenPickles & Freight TrainVegasScratchRavenclawDef PosIf you love what we're doing here on the podcast and over at THRU-r, you can become a Virtual Trail Angel via our PayPal Donation Page. As a grassroots thru-hiker run organization, we really appreciate the support!Did you enjoy this episode? Help fellow hikers find the show by following, rating, and reviewing the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!Connect With THRU-r & Cheer:Join The Trail FamilyTHRU-r WebsiteTHRU-r InstagramTHRU-r FacebookTHRU-r YoutubeTHRU-r ThreadsCheer's YouTubeCheer's InstagramEpisode Music: "Communicator" by Reed Mathis
En 2024, Clémentine Thiberge prenait le départ du Continental Divide Trail, une traversée des États-Unis de plus de 5 000 kilomètres, du Mexique au Canada. À travers déserts arides, forêts profondes et sommets enneigés, ce sentier n'offre ni confort, ni certitude. Seule face aux éléments, Clémentine s'engage sur un chemin où tout reste à découvrir.Abonnez-vous à notre newsletter pour ne louper aucun épisode ➡️Retrouvez Les Baladeurs sur :Les OthersSpotifyApple PodcastsDeezerYouTubeAushaEn RSS
In this conversation, Austen McDaniel shares his incredible journey of completing the Triple Crown of hiking, which includes the Appalachian Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and Pacific Crest Trail. He discusses the challenges faced during these long-distance hikes, the preparation and training involved, and the minimalist approach to gear that he adopted. Austen also highlights the importance of safety and communication in the wilderness, as well as how his background in tennis has contributed to his endurance on the trails. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the importance of endurance in sports, particularly tennis and hiking... and don't worry, we tied it back to marketing.
In this episode, Jen and Dyana sit down with thru-hiker and author Julia Sheehan to unpack her transformative 2,190-mile journey along the Appalachian Trail. Julia opens up about the emotional and physical challenges of the hike, the experience of documenting it on social media, and the unexpected impact of going viral. She shares insights from her new book, Hiking is the Easy Part: My Journey on the Appalachian Trail, and gets candid about the pressure to stay authentic online, navigate community expectations, and filter through the noise of constant feedback.Julia has stepped foot on the Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and Arizona Trail, but shares about the unique charm and magic of the Appalachian Trail. Julia also reflects on how yoga and writing her memoir became a key part of her healing—and why vulnerability is essential to meaningful storytelling. This conversation goes beyond the trail. It's about resilience, self-discovery, and learning to navigate the highs and lows—on and off the path.Follow Julia on Instagram - @juliasheehanHer book - Hiking is the Easy Part: My Journey on the Appalachian TrailHer documentary - Into the Wild: My Journey on the Appalachian TrailBackpacker article - Her Thru-Hike Went Viral. Then She Quit.NOTABLE TIMESTAMPS:2:32 Welcome, Julia Sheehan!7:07 What life looked like for Julia when she left for the Appalachian Trail10:32 Julia's reasons on filming her AT thru-hike16:01 The impacts of social media + thru-hiking and how to handle online criticism30:45 Julia's memoir - Hiking is the Easy Part: My Journey on the Appalachian Trail56:12 Julia's yoga journey + the benefits of practicing yoga1:09:04 Why do first-time thru-hikers keep going back1:15:00 The unique magic of the Appalachian TrailSend us a textWhere to find and support Bush & Banter: Follow Bush & Banter on Instagram: @bushandbanter Visit Bush & Banter's website: www.bushandbanter.com Join Bush & Banter's Patreon community: patreon.com/bushandbanter E-mail Bush & Banter: bushandbanter@gmail.com Follow Dyana on Instagram: @dyanacarmella Follow Jennifer on Instagram: @thewhimsicalwoman
Get to know our 2025 Trail Team of thru-hiking trail correspondents in this episode - with stories of how they got their trail names! Stay tuned for more episodes featuring them in the coming months. Our hikers are backpacking on the Continental Divide Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Appalachian Trail, Camino de Santiago, Eastern Continental Trail, Tahoe Rim Trail, Hexatrek, Fisherman's Trail, and more.You can follow along with all of our Trail Team members on the THRU-r Instagram page.Connect & follow along with our featured Trail Team members on their personal Instagram pages:RavenPickles & Freight TrainGeared UpBirdLucky ColleagueVegas - (& His "PG-13" Trail Name Story)Wrong WayMacGyverScratchBaby StepsRavenclawNinjaGGStephanieSammyIf you love what we're doing here on the podcast and over at THRU-r, you can become a Virtual Trail Angel via our PayPal Donation Page. As a grassroots thru-hiker run organization, we really appreciate the support!Did you enjoy this episode? Help fellow hikers find the show by following, rating, and reviewing the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!Connect With THRU-r & Cheer:Join The Trail FamilyTHRU-r WebsiteTHRU-r InstagramTHRU-r FacebookTHRU-r YoutubeTHRU-r ThreadsCheer's YouTubeCheer's InstagramEpisode Music: "Communicator" by Reed Mathis
In this episode, Jen and Dyana sit down with two of the most cherished figures in long-distance hiking: Barney and Sandy—better known on the trails as Scout and Frodo. At 73 years old, Scout recently completed the 1,200-mile Ice Age Trail, adding to an already staggering list of accomplishments including the Triple Crown of Hiking: the Appalachian Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and Pacific Crest Trail. He's also the author of Journeys North: The Pacific Crest Trail, a powerful account of his 2007 thru-hike with Frodo. The book was a finalist in the 2020 Banff Mountain Book Competition and has sold nearly 20,000 copies worldwide. But beyond their personal achievements, Scout and Frodo are best known for their unmatched generosity. As legendary trail angels, they've hosted over 8,000 Pacific Crest Trail hikers at their San Diego home, providing a launchpad for countless northbound journeys. Join us as we talk about adventure, community, aging with grit, and what it means to give back to a trail that has given so much.Buy Barney's book: https://amzn.to/3S6SynoCheck out Barney's Website: barneyscoutmann.comBarney's Instagram: @journeys.northLearn More about the Eastern Sierra Land Trust - eslt.org/bushandbanter/NOTABLE TIMESTAMPS:0:42 Eastern Sierra Land Trust4:41 Welcome, Scout and Frodo!17:03 Scout's Triple Crown journey starting with the Pacific Crest Trail24:26 How hosting PCT hikers came about40:18 The meaning behind Scout's book, Journey's North54:50 How the outdoors can make you like yourself1:06:00 Advice from Scout and Frodo on why it's never to late to chase a dream1:15:23 Advice for taking young kids backpacking1:22:52 Scout and Frodo on the Pacific Northwest Trail1:33:54 The importance of trail advocacy1:40:40 Words to those about to start their first thru-hikesSend us a textWhere to find and support Bush & Banter: Follow Bush & Banter on Instagram: @bushandbanter Visit Bush & Banter's website: www.bushandbanter.com Join Bush & Banter's Patreon community: patreon.com/bushandbanter E-mail Bush & Banter: bushandbanter@gmail.com Follow Dyana on Instagram: @dyanacarmella Follow Jennifer on Instagram: @thewhimsicalwoman
Backpacking & thru-hiking legend Chris Townsend joins us on the podcast to talk about his best tips for trail photography and for writing in the outdoor space. He's hiked 30,000+ miles around the world on the Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, Pacific Northwest Trail, Arizona Trail, and more. You can learn more about Chris in Episode #180 and Episode #195 of this podcast.Chris has 30,000 miles of hiking experience, has written 30+ books on the subject, & is also an outdoor photographer (just take a look at his website!). This jam-packed episode is perfect for new and experienced hikers alike, as well as aspiring authors and outdoor photographers.In this episode, you'll learn about:1. His best tips for on-trail photography2. The top lightweight and effective equipment he uses3. Tips on writing in the outdoor space, thoughts for first time authors, and much more!Connect & follow along with Chris Townsend:Chris Townsend Outdoors WebsiteAmazon ShopGreat Outdoors MagazineInstagramFacebookThreadsFollow along with Cheer on the Trans Catalina Trail:@carollcoyne@thru_rIf you love what we're doing here on the podcast and over at THRU-r, you can become a Virtual Trail Angel via our PayPal Donation Page. As a grassroots thru-hiker run organization, we really appreciate the support!Did you love this episode? Help fellow hikers find the show by following, rating, and reviewing the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!Connect With Us:Join The Trail FamilyTHRU-r WebsiteTHRU-r InstagramTHRU-r TikTokTHRU-r FacebookTHRU-r YoutubeTHRU-r ThreadsCheer's YouTubeCheer's InstagramEpisode Music: "Communicator" by Reed Mathis
“Even if you don't have the resources or time for a six-month trek, start where you are, with what you have. Every step outside is a step toward a life more fulfilled.” Facebook Twitter Instagram Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Sign up for my Newsletter HERE I'd love to hear your feedback about the show! You can contact me here: rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com How stuffing food into trash bags and hiking in tennis shoes planted the seed for a life of adventure. What Happened: Growing up, my family loved our little camping trips, and on one of them, my brothers and I convinced our parents to let us hike part of the Appalachian Trail overnight. (Big mistake — at least for our muscles.) We were wildly unprepared: sneakers from Kmart, trash bags over our shoulders instead of proper packs, and enough sore muscles to last a lifetime. I thought I was dying — but deep down, something lit up inside me. Even though every bone in my body hurt (and we ate an entire cooler of food afterward like ravenous raccoons), that night planted a seed. Over the years, I kept going back. Again and again. And that love for adventure grew into a walk across the entire Appalachian Trail… and eventually into fundraising hikes, family treks, bestselling books, and even TEDx talks. Not bad for a kid with a trash bag and a dream, right? Principle: Sometimes, the thing that feels the hardest at the beginning — the thing you think you're the worst at — is actually pointing straight at your biggest passion. Adventure (and success) doesn't start with the perfect gear, the perfect timing, or even knowing what you're doing. It starts by taking that messy, imperfect first step. And when you lean into it — not run away because it's hard — it can completely change your life. Transition: Most people think they have to have it all figured out before they start — the perfect trail shoes, the best plan, the ideal conditions. But waiting until you're "ready" is just another way of letting your dreams collect dust. If you've been feeling stuck, thinking you can't "start until" you have everything lined up… you're holding yourself back from the adventure that could change everything. That's why: That's why in this episode of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast, we sat down with Jeff Alt to dig deep into how those messy, unglamorous first steps can transform into a life filled with meaning, impact, and unforgettable stories. You'll hear how Jeff turned a painful first hike into a movement, and why you don't need perfect gear, perfect conditions, or perfect timing to build an extraordinary adventure life. Call to Action (PAS framework in one sentence): If you're tired of feeling stuck, waiting for the “right” time to start your dream adventure (pain), and you're sick of watching opportunities pass you by while you hesitate (agitate), listen to this episode now and discover why the imperfect first step is the one that matters most (solution). Show Notes If you could give one piece of advice to someone who's hesitant to get started, whether it's solo hiking or taking their family on hikes, long distance treks, what would you tell 'em? Partner up with somebody who's done it. Or, if you've never been hiking you know, there, there's lots of outdoor clubs online clubs and they're, they're based in every city USA. Join that group, go to that talk at the outfitter. You know, a lot of your fears will be overcome just by hearing. "Oh. That's how you do that. Oh, you have to filter the water before you drink it." And then if you're still like, I'm afraid to do this alone. Well, they say you shouldn't. Technically, go out backpacking alone anyway, right? So Go with a seasoned person for a night or two and mm-hmm. And learn the basics before you head off with your own family. Do you have a favorite book? Yes. Peter Jenkins, a Walk Across America What about your favorite piece of outdoor gear? Under a hundred dollars? Sea to Summit Air pillow.
I sit down with Doc, the voice behind Hiker Trash Radio—a podcast that's interviewed over 450 adventurers from thru-hikers to Barkley Marathons legends. We dive deep into Doc's wild behind-the-scenes experience covering the 2024 Barkley Marathons as a first-time invited media member. From nearly camping in the wrong forest to building trust at the Yellow Gate, he shares how he captured the stories of runners, crews, and chaos at one of the world's most mysterious races.Check out the Barkley Marathons Bonus Episodes: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5KrLfLJn9Joy6PwwX3uEFR?si=88778974ca8d44f4We talk about John Kelly's fun run finish, the brutal new Ball Bearing Hill, and the unglamorous truth about nap-induced DNFs. Plus, we explore the evolution of Hiker Trash Radio, the art of giving trail names, and why Doc's doctorate turned into a trail moniker.Check out Hiker Trash Radio YouTube: @hikertrashradio Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gvi6HyY4wdQ7u8wWdSnkx?si=db514a5572e34e34Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hikertrashradioWhether you love the Appalachian Trail, John Muir Trail, Continental Divide Trail, or just thrive on tales of ultrarunning pain and perseverance, this one's got something for every dirtbag dreamer.support our sponsors:Janji.comGarageGrownGear.comCsinstant.coffeeChapters00:00 Introduction to the Barkley Marathons02:48 Doc's Journey to Cover the Barkley06:07 The Anticipation of Race Day08:49 Interviews and Insights from Runners11:53 The Race Begins: Expectations vs. Reality15:01 The Challenges of the Barkley Course17:58 The Atmosphere During the Race20:57 Reflections on the Race Experience24:04 The Aftermath: No Finishers This Year30:57 The Final Moments of the Race32:01 Reflections on Race Difficulty33:30 Media Coverage and Content Creation36:01 The Evolution of the Podcast37:48 The Journey into Backpacking46:00 Trail Names and Their Stories51:01 The Magic of Thru-Hiking55:16 Exploring Adventure StoriesSubscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.comSupport this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutsideBuy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSF
Send us a textHiking has a way of making us more resilient, not so much manifested as strength and persistence, but in developing trust and embracing the unknown.We have a saying in the hiker community, “The Trail Will Provide.” It signifies the aid and assistance hikers encounter on trail, encouraging trust and faith that things will work out.On a section hike of the Continental Divide Trail, Blissful encounters a miracle and realizes that allowing the trail to provide is part of successfully walking a long trail and also living life too. MUSIC: "Poema del Pastor Coya" by Angel Lasala as played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano. Support the show
Get to know our 2025 Trail Team of thru-hiking trail correspondents in this episode, and stay tuned for more episodes featuring them in the coming months! Our hikers are trekking on the Continental Divide Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Appalachian Trail, Camino de Santiago, and more.In this episode, you'll get insight on:1. The hikers' backgrounds and trails they've hiked2. What trails they're hiking in 20253. Fun facts about themselves, & more!Connect & follow along with our featured Trail Team members:RavenNikitaMagicDef PosPickles & Freight TrainGeared UpAnnaStevie KileyLucky ColleagueMarianJoin Cheer and other hikers like you in Patagonia from March 3rd - 10th, 2026. Sign up now to snag early bird pricing while it lasts!Interested in our future events and our group Patagonia trip? Check out our "Events" page and get on our mailing list (signup at the bottom of our website).If you love what we're doing here on the podcast and over at THRU-r, you can become a Virtual Trail Angel via our PayPal Donation Page. As a grassroots thru-hiker run organization, we really appreciate the support!Did you enjoy this episode? Help fellow hikers find the show by following, rating, and reviewing the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!Connect With Us:Join The Trail FamilyTHRU-r WebsiteTHRU-r InstagramTHRU-r FacebookTHRU-r YoutubeTHRU-r ThreadsCheer's YouTubeCheer's InstagramEpisode Music: "Communicator" by Reed Mathis
Get to know our 2025 Trail Team of thru-hiking trail correspondents in this episode, and stay tuned for more next week! Our hikers are trekking on the Continental Divide Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Appalachian Trail, Eastern Continental Trail, Tahoe Rim Trail, Hexatrek, Fisherman's Trail, and more.In this episode, you'll get insight on:1. The hikers' backgrounds and trails they've hiked2. What trails they're hiking in 20253. Fun facts about themselves, & more!Connect & follow along with our featured Trail Team members:VegasWrong WayStevie WonderMacGyverScratchSgt. PepperBaby StepsAnalogRavenclawInterested in our future events and our group Patagonia trip? Check out our "Events" page and get on our mailing list (signup at the bottom of our website).If you love what we're doing here on the podcast and over at THRU-r, you can become a Virtual Trail Angel via our PayPal Donation Page. As a grassroots thru-hiker run organization, we really appreciate the support!Did you enjoy this episode? Help fellow hikers find the show by following, rating, and reviewing the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!Connect With Us:Join The Trail FamilyTHRU-r WebsiteTHRU-r InstagramTHRU-r FacebookTHRU-r YoutubeTHRU-r ThreadsCheer's YouTubeCheer's InstagramEpisode Music: "Communicator" by Reed Mathis
Omgevallen bomen, beren en dagenlang niet douchen. In het onlangs uitgekomen boek ‘De ultieme tocht' omschrijft thru-hiker Tim Voors zijn 5000 kilometer lange wandeling langs een van de meest uitdagende wandelroutes ter wereld: de Continental Divide Trail. De route loopt langs de Rocky Mountains en volgt de waterscheiding van Noord-Amerika, die bepaalt of de rivieren naar de Atlantische of Stille Oceaan stromen. Presentatie: Willemijn Veenhoven
Buck Nelson was an Alaska smokejumper for over 25 years, parachuting to remote wildfires in Alaska and across the West. He has enjoyed many other adventures, including thru-hiking the Triple Crown: the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Trail. In 2012 he was the first person to thru-hike the Desert Trail from Mexico to Canada. Buck lives in a log cabin near Fairbanks, Alaska. “If there were an Oscar for indie adventure films, Buck Nelson would be a runaway winner.” Backpacker Magazine.00:00 Introduction to Bruce “Buck” Nelson's Adventures00:54 Dramatic Firefighting Stories04:48 Challenges and Dangers of Smoke Jumping08:05 Training and Physical Demands18:40 Outdoor Adventures and Expeditions19:38 Memorable Long-Distance Trips23:46 Climbing the Highest Mountains28:05 Discoveries and Wildlife Encounters32:58 Discovering Mammoth Tusks34:09 Ancient Hunter Sites35:22 Survival Trips Without Food36:03 Minimalist Survival in the Brooks Range40:06 Surviving in Fiji46:27 Documenting Adventures55:16 Wildlife Encounters57:48 Bear Encounters and Safety01:01:29 Life in Fairbanks Cabin01:02:38 Conclusion and Farewellhttps://bucktrack.com/=========AI summaries of all of my podcasts: https://tomn.substack.com/p/podcast-summariesMy Linktree: https://linktr.ee/tomanelson1
Today on the Free Outside Podcast, I talk with Connor “Jackrabbit” Chapdelaine, who's attempting the Calendar Year Triple Crown—thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Trail all in a single year. We break down how the idea got planted during a hike on the AT, what it takes to train for 8,000 miles, and why he's bringing a pillow, a stove, and maybe even a thermos.Follow Connor/Jackrabbit online: https://www.instagram.com/JackrabbitHikes/Connor shares his strategy for navigating snow in the Sierra, reroutes on the PCT, and fires on the CDT—plus his plan to survive town stops without spending his entire budget. We also get into ultralight gear hacks, and his favorite trail meals. Connor breaks down his food tier list (spoiler: mushroom Knorr = trail exile) and how his dad is helping run the back-end logistics with a label maker and full “dad command center.”Support us by supporting our sponsors: CS Coffee: https://www.csinstant.coffee/Janji: https://janji.com/Garage Grown Gear: https://www.garagegrowngear.com/If you've ever been curious about the logistics, gear, food, and mindset needed to thru-hike the PCT, CDT, and AT in one year, this episode is packed with real insight and ridiculous stories—including tuna and peanut butter wraps, dry-scooped coffee, and a thru-hiker potluck that no one asked for.Chapters04:00 The Aspiration of the Calendar Year Triple Crown10:30 Overcoming Obstacles in the Journey13:51 Planning and Timing for Success19:25 Budgeting for the Adventure24:20 Family Support and Logistics25:12 Training for High Mileage31:29 Food Choices on the Trail37:58 The Quirks of Trail Humor38:51 Trail Food Favorites and Disasters40:56 Resupply Strategies and Bargain Finds41:59 The Art of Coffee on the Trail43:46 The Triple Crown Experience45:38 Friendships Formed on the Trail47:59 The Emotional Connection to Hiking50:04 Gear Essentials for Long Trails56:14 The Importance of Comfort Items59:34 Post-Hike Plans and Future Goals01:05:15 Memorable Trail Names and Their StoriesSubscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.comSupport this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutsideBuy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSFEmail me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at jeff@freeoutside.comWatch the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outsideWebsite: www.Freeoutside.comInstagram: thefreeoutsidefacebook: www.facebook.com/freeoutside
Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast, This week I'm joined by Triple Crown Hiker Carey Kish. A tireless hiker, outdoor and travel writer, Registered Maine Guide, and self-proclaimed certified fun-meister. Carey's the author of Beer Hiking New England and a longtime columnist whose stories have inspired outdoor lovers across Maine and beyond for over two decades. We dig into trails, tales, and yes . . . a few cold brews along the way. Facebook Twitter Instagram Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Sign up for my Newsletter HERE I'd love to hear your feedback about the show! You can contact me here: rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com What Happened: I'll be honest—before I ever hiked a long trail, I thought “grizzly country” was just a phrase thrown around to add spice to trail stories. Dramatic? Sure. But let me tell you, when you're deep in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, carrying bear spray for the first time, sleeping in wild country with bear scat nearby, you start to feel what it means to not be top of the food chain. And no, I didn't see a grizzly. But they saw me. I know they saw me. But even wilder than the bears was the realization that after three long trails—Appalachian Trail, PCT, and CDT—I'd done it. Triple Crown, baby. I didn't even set out to do it. It just happened. One trail became two, and then I thought, “What the hell, might as well do the third.” It was grueling, wild, hilarious (beer man, reporting for duty), and full of more characters than a Quentin Tarantino film. But that finish at the Canadian border? That was everything. Principle: Here's the truth: You don't need to have the perfect plan. You don't need to start with all the gear dialed. You sure as heck don't need to wait for the right time. The only thing that really matters? That you go. Just start. One step. Then another. Adventures don't require perfection. They just need momentum. Transition: The problem is, most people let logistics, fear, or lack of a clear roadmap stop them from ever taking the first step. They think they need a six-month sabbatical, the latest gear, or some magical trail wisdom passed down by a bearded sage. They don't. What they really need is someone who's been there—who's faced the bears (literal and metaphorical), hit the wall, and kept going. That's why… That's why I brought Carrie Kish on the podcast. Because she's been through the highs and the lows—blisters, burnout, bourbon nights in the tent—and came out the other side with stories that prove you can do this. She's not just a hiker; she's a storyteller, a guide, and someone who's figured out how to keep putting one foot in front of the other, no matter what. Call to Action: If you've been dreaming of a big trail adventure but keep getting stuck in the planning—or worse, in the fear—this episode is your wake-up call. Stop waiting for perfect. Listen in now and discover how Carrie turned wild hikes and cold beers into a life well-lived (and how you can too).
Backpacking & thru-hiking legend Chris Townsend joins us on the podcast to talk about his best tips for long-distance hikers, trail food, and what to know about gear and shakedown hikes. Some trails he's tackled include the Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, Pacific Northwest Trail, Arizona Trail, and so much more. You can learn more about Chris in Episode #180 of this podcast.Chris has 30,000 miles of hiking experience, has written 30+ books on the subject, & is also an outdoor photographer (just take a look at his website!). This jam-packed episode is perfect for new and experienced hikers alike.In this episode, he'll give you intel on:1. The best tips for new hikers preparing for trail2. Backpacker food strategy and when hiker hunger hits3. Shakedown hikes and how they set him up for success - and so much more!Connect & follow along with Chris Townsend:Chris Townsend Outdoors WebsiteAmazon ShopGreat Outdoors MagazineInstagramFacebookThreadsIf you love what we're doing here on the podcast and over at THRU-r, you can become a Virtual Trail Angel via our PayPal Donation Page. As a grassroots thru-hiker run organization, we really appreciate the support!Did you love this episode? Help fellow hikers find the show by following, rating, and reviewing the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!Connect With Us:Join The Trail FamilyTHRU-r WebsiteTHRU-r InstagramTHRU-r TikTokTHRU-r FacebookTHRU-r YoutubeTHRU-r ThreadsCheer's YouTubeCheer's InstagramEpisode Music: "Communicator" by Reed Mathis
In episode 121 of the Backpacking Light podcast we're going to learn about how to plan a short thru-hike. To view the shownotes for this episode, click here.
Continental Divide Trail & Pacific Crest Trail thru-hiker Mike "Just Mike" McClure dives into technology for long-distance backpackers in this jam-packed episode! He goes into detail on the best tips and tools to help you have a successful and safe hike.In this episode, you'll learn about:1. The best planners to use including packing planners, trip planners, food planners, and more2. Resupply strategy3. Weather tracking tools, navigation tools, battery packs, & so much more!All the links!:PCT Planner – https://pctplanner.com/Postholer - https://www.postholer.com/plannersLighter Pack - https://lighterpack.com/ALDHA AT – https://aldha.org/at-labels/ALDHA PCT – https://aldha.org/pct-labels/ALDHA CDT - https://aldha.org/cdt/FarOut Food planner -https://faroutguides.com/guthooks-backpacking-food-planner/FarOut – https://app.faroutguides.com/guidesGaia GPS - https://www.gaiagps.comCalTopo - https://caltopo.com/Avenza - https://store.avenza.com/DayOne - https://dayoneapp.com/Windy – https://www.windy.comTrail Weather - https://trailweather.orgConnect & follow along with Just Mike:InstagramJoin our Trail Family to watch the video. For new and experienced thru-hikers: Join Us!Did you love this episode? If so, please help fellow hikers find the show by following, rating, and reviewing the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. We really appreciate it!Connect With Us:Join The Trail FamilyTHRU-r WebsiteTHRU-r InstagramTHRU-r TikTokTHRU-r FacebookTHRU-r YoutubeTHRU-r ThreadsCheer's YouTubeCheer's InstagramEpisode Music: "Communicator" by Reed Mathis
Triple Crowner and Coast-To-Coast Trail hiker Michael "Maxheap" Goshey talks all things backpacking and thru-hiking with Cheer in part 2 of his jam-packed interview. Here, he goes over the Pacific Crest Trail, Appalachian Trail, & Continental Divide Trail - & gives us an idea of the differences in pursuit of the coveted Triple Crown of hiking.In this episode, you'll learn about:1. The differences between the Triple Crown trails 2. His 3,000 mile Coast-To-Coast trail walk3. Tips and mindset tricks to have staying power on trail & so much more!Connect & follow along with Maxheap:WebsiteYouTube ChannelDid you love this episode? If so, please help fellow hikers find the show by following, rating, and reviewing the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!Connect With Us:Join The Trail FamilyTHRU-r WebsiteTHRU-r InstagramTHRU-r TikTokTHRU-r FacebookTHRU-r YoutubeTHRU-r ThreadsCheer's YouTubeCheer's InstagramEpisode Music: "Communicator" by Reed Mathis
Mighty Blue On The Appalachian Trail: The Ultimate Mid-Life Crisis
JC Van Etten, or Catmando returns to the show. We first met him on the Appalachian Trail a few years ago, I seem to have missed him on the PCT, but caught up with him again after his Continental Divide Trail thru-hike last year to complete his Triple Crown. Cat is a great raconteur, sharing plenty of advice through our conversation, as well as recording some of the epic sights he was able to see out on the CDT. One of those epic sights was a chance encounter with four grizzly bears which, startlingly, Cat decided to capture with his iPhone. Here's the link. Four Grizzlies!!! Dave Santi and I talked again, this time invoking our Desert Island Discs take-off, with Dave's choices of music that evoke memories for him. Our book reading, Happy Hiking, by my friend, Emily Leonard is–of course–written from a woman's POV and a woman's voice. I hope you enjoy listening to my reading of it. If you'd like to buy the book, you can find it on Amazon at Happy Hiking: Falling in love on the Appalachian Trail, or on Emily's website, at Happy Hiking. I used my hike last year on the South West Coast Path in the UK to help raise money for my absolute favorite charity, Parenting Matters, on whose board I've been privileged to serve for over a decade. You can learn more about the hike and the organization–and donate–by visiting Hike with Steve - Empowering Parents, One Step at a Time | Parenting Matters %. I hope you want to support this critical mission. Don't forget. Our entire series of videos from our Woods Hole Weekend in 2022 is now FREE and available at my YouTube page at Woods Hole Weekend - Trailer There, you'll find all sorts of tips and tricks that our guests took away from the weekend that helped them with their own hikes this year. Check it out. I often ask listeners for ideas on who to interview, and I'm sure several of you say, “I could do that. I've got an awesome story to tell.” You're the person we need to hear from. If you'd like to be interviewed on the podcast, just register as a guest on the link below, and I'll be in touch. Come on the show! If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at Hiking Radio Network . If you prefer NOT to use PayPal, you can now support us via check by mailing it to Mighty Blue Publishing, PO Box 6161, Sun City Center, FL 35751. Any support is gratefully received. Additionally, you can “Zelle” me a donation to steve@hikingradionetwork.com. Or “Venmo“ me at @Steve-Adams-105. They both work! If you'd like to take advantage of my book offer (all three of my printed hiking books–with a personal message and signed by me–for $31, including postage to the United States) send a check payable to Mighty Blue Publishing at the address just above.
In this episode of Life in Motion, we sit down with Liz Thomas, founder of Treeline Review, to explore her mission of helping adventurers buy the right gear the first time. A celebrated thru-hiker with thousands of miles under her boots, Liz shares her journey from Northern California day hikes to conquering the Triple Crown Trails (Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Trail).She reveals how her frustrations with traditional gear reviews—plagued by pay-to-play schemes and lack of real-world testing—led to the creation of Treeline Review. Unlike conventional sites, Treeline Review prioritizes integrity, durability, and minimal environmental impact by encouraging consumers to buy less but better.From trail magic to community-building events, Liz discusses the power of authentic connections and her commitment to breaking down barriers in the outdoor industry. Whether you're a seasoned backpacker or a beginner, Liz's insights on gear and adventure will inspire you to hit the trail responsibly.Life in Motion is brought to you by Actual Outdoors. They help build beautiful brands that highlight the approachable and authentic parts of outdoor recreation. Said simply - they “keep it real”. Find them online at actualoutdoors.com or on Instagram at @actualoutdoors.Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollectFind more episodes at www.illuminecollect.com/blogs/life-in-motion-podcastSince 2017 Illumine has donated over $46,258 to outdoor nonprofits and shared over 232 stories on the Life in Motion Podcast.
In this episode, we'll introduce you to the Trail Days speakers and give you a sneak peek at their presentation topics and expertise. From ultralight pack design to scrambling techniques, backcountry hygiene to desert travel, there's something for everyone. To view the shownotes for this episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast, click here.
Continental Divide Trail backpacker and THRU-r Trail Team member Annika aka "Ravenclaw" joins us for a fun conversation about embracing the brutality (and beauty) while thru hiking from Canada to Mexico.In this episode, you'll learn about:1. A lesser known but not-to-miss spot (next to the highest point on the trail)2. Foam sleeping pads versus air sleeping pads - & which one is better3. Where to find the best town food on trail (& maybe in America?!)4. The worst month for bugs on the trail & so much more!Connect & follow along with Ravenclaw:InstagramArticles on The TrekPersonal BlogDid you love this episode? If so, please help fellow hikers find the show by following, rating, and reviewing the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!Connect With Us:Join The Trail FamilyTHRU-r WebsiteTHRU-r InstagramTHRU-r TikTokTHRU-r FacebookTHRU-r YoutubeTHRU-r ThreadsCheer's YouTubeCheer's InstagramEpisode Music: "Communicator" by Reed Mathis
Wrapping up their three-episode of the creation of the American long trails, Rocket and Stump take on the youngest of the three trails, the Continental Divide Trail. Settle in and buckle up as the Hiker Trash duo tell you about the incredible story behind the CDT. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Decorated long-distance backpacker & author Liz "Snorkel" Thomas joins us on the podcast to talk about her latest book, the elite gear review company she co-founded (Treeline Review), & all of her backpacking experience! She's hiked 20,000+ miles and counting, including the coveted Triple Crown (Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, & Continental Divide Trail). In this episode, you'll hear about her: 1. Top tips to thrive on a long-distance hike 2. Run in with mama mountain lion (& how it prepared her for anything, including business ownership) 3. Method of "defensive calendaring" & so much more. Treeline Review Giveaway: Enter the Treeline Review "I'm Ready To Thru-Hike" Giveaway Connect & follow along with Snorkel: "Liz Thomas Hiking" Website Snorkel's Instagram Treeline Review Treeline Review Instagram Buy "Long Trails: Mastering The Art Of The Thru-Hike" on Amazon Cheer's Trail Tip Links: "To Buff Or Not To Buff" Instagram Post YouTube Buff Video Buff Example You can watch this episode video in our Trail Family membership! For free access, apply on our website at thru-r.com Did you love this episode? If so, please help fellow hikers find the show by following, rating, and reviewing the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts! Connect With Us: Join The Trail Family THRU-r Website THRU-r Instagram THRU-r TikTok THRU-r Facebook THRU-r Youtube THRU-r Threads Cheer's YouTube Cheer's Instagram Episode Music: "Communicator" by Reed Mathis
Send us a textIn this week's episode we talk with Lyla "Sugar" Harrod, the first transgender woman to complete the Triple Crown of thru-hiking, as well as the creator of the Divide to Crest Route, which she completed in 2024. We chatted about:Her journey into thru-hikingDevising the Divide to Crest route - an on- and off-trail adventure connecting the Continental Divide Trail with the Pacific Crest TrailDifficulties faced on the trail, and how she overcameHow she fuels - and what she has to carry - during these extremely long effortsLyla “Sugar” Harrod is a sober, queer transgender woman with over 13,000 miles of long distance hiking experience. She is the first transgender woman to complete the Triple Crown of long distance hiking.Lyla has set Fastest Known Times including the women's unsupported FKT of New Hampshire's 48 4,000 footers. Lyla is also the founder of Trail QTs a mentoring program for queer and trans first-time thru-hikers and advocates publicly for trans rights within the hiking community and beyond.Please note that this podcast is created strictly for educational purposes and should never be used for medical diagnosis and treatment.***Connect w/ Lyla: IG: instagram.com/seltzerskelterTrail QTs Mentoring Program: instagram.com/trailqtsYouTube: youtube.com/@SugarHikes726Mentioned:Sawyer Squeeze water filtration system: amzn.to/40FNPxVMore info about the Divide to Crest route: burgeonoutdoor.com/blogs/news/divide-to-crest-announcementLyla's FKT: fastestknowntime.com/fkt/lyla-harrod-new-hampshire-4000-footers-nh-2022-09-13Pork Rinds, the secret weapon of fueling for Lyla: amzn.to/40osWG3The Notch Hostel, White Mountains of New Hampshire: notchhostel.com/Dehyration Study: pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.MORE NR New customers save 10% off all products on our website with the code NEWPOD10 If you would like to work with our practitioners, click here: https://nutritional-revolution.com/work-with-us/ Save 20% on all supplements at our trusted online source: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/kchannell Join Nutritional Revolution's The Feed Club to get $20 off right away with an additional $20 Feed credit drop every 90 days.: https://thefeed.com/teams/nutritional-revolution Interested in blood testing? Use code NUTRITIONALREVOLUTION at InsideTracker for 10% off any test: store.insidetracker.com/nutritionalrevolution If you're interested in sponsoring Nutritional Revolution Podcast, shoot us an email at nutritionalrev@gmail.com.
Continental Divide Trail thru-hiker & backpacker Katie Jackson or "Double Dip" (as she's known on trail) joins us to talk about her thru-hiking adventure. She was part of our 2024 Trail Team and gives so much great insight on the trail and long-distance hiking in general. In this episode, you'll learn about: 1. The #1 characteristic needed to hike this 3,000 mile trail successfully 2. The advice NOT to take from hikers who have gone before you 3. The freeze dried meal that changed her life (and could change yours too!) 4. Tips on balancing your wants and needs in a trail family - & so much more! Connect & follow along with Double Dip: Instagram Articles On The Trek Cheer's Trail Tip Links: Backpacking Fuel Transfer Device Flip Fuel Device You can watch this episode video in our Trail Family membership! For free access, apply on our website at thru-r.com Did you love this episode? If so, please help fellow hikers find the show by following, rating, and reviewing the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts! Connect With Us: Join The Trail Family THRU-r Website THRU-r Instagram THRU-r TikTok THRU-r Facebook THRU-r Youtube THRU-r Threads Cheer's YouTube Cheer's Instagram Episode Music: "Communicator" by Reed Mathis
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by thru-hiker and Trek Writer, Katie Jackson, known on trail as Double Dip. Katie gives us an in depth breakdown of her recent thru-hike of the Continental Divide Trail, including why she advocates that hikers not take the Creede cutoff, her experience of a wild storm so intense that lightning struck and killed nearby cows, the challenge of losing her hiking partner early on, hiking on an injured foot for hundreds of miles- and how it was miraculously healed in some hot springs, waking up to grizzles in her camp, and much more. Katie also gives some of her backpacking hot takes, including how the Colorado Trail is superior to the JMT. We wrap the show with whether it'll be possible to thru-hike the AT in 2025, the incredible phenomenon that is Frito feet, my new depressing thing of the week, and the triple crown of places where a long trail should exist. Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com. Trailbrush: Use code “TREK20” for 20% off trailbrush.com. [divider] Interview with Katie “Double Dip” Jackson Katie's Trek author page Katie's Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:02:46 - Reminders: Help us make Jabba shave his beard, support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content, join us in Denver on December 7th and apply to be a 2025 blogger! 00:07:55 - Introducing Katie 00:08:40 - What's your outdoors origin story? 00:11:15 - What's your 9 to 5? 00:14:24 - Would you recommend consulting to people interested in thru-hiking? 00:16:05 - How does your engineering brain manifest while hiking? 00:18:37 - Did you plan anything on the Colorado Trail that you did not plan for the CDT? 00:19:30 - How many boxes did you send yourself on the CDT? 00:21:35 - What other regrets do you have from hiking the Colorado Trail? 00:27:07 - How did your eating strategy evolve over the CT? 00:31:00 - Discussion about the Cochetopa section of the CT 00:36:12 - What led you to the John Muir Trail in 2023? 00:38:02 - Which trail is better between the CT and JMT? 00:40:00 - Why didn't you love the Winds? 00:41:18 - Was your dad okay with you doing the CDT in 2024? 00:42:10 - Did you ever have any issues with satellite messages not going through? 00:43:35 - How was New Mexico? 00:44:40 - Tell us about losing your hiking partner early on 00:49:54 - Would you feel comfortable starting the CDT alone now? 00:52:45 - How was the water in New Mexico? 01:02:45 - How would you rate New Mexico 1 out of 10? 01:05:00 - How much snow did you encounter? 01:08:10 - When did you use your ice axe? 01:10:30 - Were most people getting beaten up? 01:14:30 - What advice do you have to avoid silly mistakes? 01:18:35 - What were your top 5 snacks? 01:21:20 - Discussion about Katie's backpack 01:23:25 - Tell us about the next stretch of trail and your foot injury 01:26:45 - What was the diagnosis from the doctor? 01:28:35 - Story about stopping in Granby 01:33:00 - How did your foot eventually heal? 01:35:40 - Tell us about taking the cutoff around Rocky Mountain National Park 01:36:50 - If you did the CDT again, would you do any different alternates? 01:38:45 - Did you experience judgment because you hadn't done another long trail before? 01:42:00 - Discussion about unsolicited advice 01:43:30 - How was the mental aspect of the trail compared to your expectations? 01:45:00 - Tell us about Wyoming and adding whimsy to the trail 01:48:25 - Why didn't you love the Winds? 01:49:27 - Tell us about the Idaho-Montana border 01:51:50 - Would you do the trail again SOBO? 01:53:05 - Tell us about almost getting hit by lightning 02:01:20 - What was the best trail magic of the CDT? 02:05:05 - Tell us about the Montana section 02:06:37 - How did you manage your long distance relationship? 02:08:10 - Did Montana meet your expectations? 02:11:50 - Did you see any grizzlies? 02:14:47 - What was it like to get to the terminus? 02:17:36 - Kumo Question: What is your favorite book and why? 02:20:17 - Where can people follow you? Segments Trek Propaganda Will It Even Be Possible To Thru-Hike the AT in 2025? by Kelly Floro Why I'm NEVER Hiking in a Dress Again by Kelly Floro QOTD: Do you know about Frito feet? Depressing Thing of the Week Triple Crown of where a long trail should be Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee. 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 Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Mud Tom, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger' Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, and Ruth S.
He's a long trail veteran who has recently conquered the Continental Divide Trail. We'll pick his brain on how he prepared, planned, and accomplished the amazing 3100 miles-plus trail.Check out Outdoor Vitals at www.outdoorvitals.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/backpackingpodcast/support