The Backpacking Podcast

GPS Pin For Parking Meetup (Oct 9th-11th, 2026): https://maps.app.goo.gl/7NFAWh3hv4ajryKN6Trail Map From Car to Campsite (1.3 miles): https://www.ccl-bsf.com/mapsCharit Creek Lodge Website: https://www.ccl-bsf.com/ In this episode, we explore humorous and practical aspects of backpacking, including gear reviews, funny anecdotes, and safety tips for encounters with wildlife. Join us for a lighthearted yet informative discussion perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

GPS Pin For Parking Meetup (Oct 9th-11th, 2026): https://maps.app.goo.gl/7NFAWh3hv4ajryKN6Trail Map From Car to Campsite (1.3 miles): https://www.ccl-bsf.com/mapsCharit Creek Lodge Website: https://www.ccl-bsf.com/Season 7 comes to an end with one of our wildest and most packed episodes yet! We talk backpacking, hiking, trail conditions, upcoming meetups, outdoor adventures, crazy trail stories, and some of the biggest backpacking and outdoor news making headlines.We also take a look at the upcoming YouTuber backpacking meetup in the Big South Fork area of Tennessee, including the campsite, Charit Creek Lodge, Twin Arches, Slave Falls, Needle Arch, hiking plans, camping logistics, and what people can expect from the October 9–11 meetup.Then things get painful as we talk about one of the unavoidable hazards of spending time outdoors: CHIGGERS! We share some brutally itchy experiences with chigger bites, poison ivy, outdoor work, and the realities of spending time in the woods.We also discuss a controversial tree-cutting case involving Savage Gulf State Park, including allegations that trees were illegally cut to improve the view from a nearby private property.One of the most inspiring stories in the episode is the incredible accomplishment of 91-year-old Dale “Greybeard” Sanders, who completed the Appalachian Trail in under a year.And then we turn to some serious outdoor news, including the recent Grand Canyon flash flooding, trail and river closures, rescues, deaths, missing hikers, and the devastating flooding affecting Nepal and Tibet. We discuss what makes flooding in mountainous terrain so dangerous and take a look at some incredible footage of the destruction.We also tackle one of the eternal backpacking questions: how much should you actually pay a shuttle driver? We discuss mileage, gas, vehicle wear and tear, remote roads, and why a backpacking shuttle can cost significantly more than you might expect.Finally, we have another update on the ongoing neighbor/pit bull situation before wrapping up Season 7 and looking ahead to a brand-new Season 8.🥾 Whether you're into backpacking, hiking, camping, trail adventures, outdoor news, Appalachian Trail stories, or just enjoy hanging out with fellow hikers, there's something here for you.Thanks for watching and supporting the show!0:00 Season 7 Finale Begins1:14 Season 8 Is Coming!1:49 Photo & Guest Submissions2:50 Backpacking Pick of the Week4:12 Heat Wave & Dad Mode7:43 The 2026 YouTuber Backpacking Meetup10:04 Camping, Food & Cherret Creek Lodge12:18 Getting to the Campsite13:10 Cherret Creek Lodge & Backpacking Memories16:15 Big South Fork Hiking Plans18:35 The Hike & Chigger Disaster25:21 The Savage Gulf Tree-Cutting Case29:16 91-Year-Old Completes the Appalachian Trail32:34 Grand Canyon Flood Update35:57 Catastrophic Flooding in Nepal & Tibet39:40 Watching the Flood Footage42:21 How Much Should You Pay a Backpacking Shuttle?45:05 What Backpackers Smell Like 😂49:59 The Neighbor & Pit Bull Update52:09 Season 7 Comes to an End#Backpacking #Hiking #Camping #AppalachianTrail #OutdoorAdventure #BigSouthFork

In this episode, John Kelley and Jeremiah Stringer explore a wide range of topics from AI and social media controversies to outdoor adventures and environmental policies. They share personal stories, current events, and practical advice, making it a must-listen for outdoor enthusiasts and curious minds alike.

Outdoor Vitals Tern Merino Wool Hoodie & Tee: https://alnk.to/bEmXZ6e In this episode, we sit down with retired park ranger Kristy Slaven to hear some of the strangest, funniest, and most unbelievable experiences from her time working in and around the great outdoors. From bizarre encounters with people in the wilderness to mysterious situations and stories that sound almost too strange to be true, Kristy shares what life was really like as a park ranger. If you've ever wondered what park rangers actually deal with, what can happen in the woods, or what kinds of strange people and situations they encounter, you're going to enjoy this conversation. In this episode: 🏞️ What life is really like as a park ranger 🌲 Strange encounters in the wilderness 😳 The story of the naked man ❓ The mystery surrounding a missing nun 🚨 Unusual situations park rangers have to handle 🥾 Life, work, and adventure in the outdoors 😂 Funny, bizarre, and unforgettable stories from the field What is the strangest thing you've ever experienced in a park or out in the wilderness? Let us know in the comments! 00:00 - A Naked Man & a Missing Nun 01:35 - Meet Retired Park Ranger Kristi Slaven 05:10 - What Does a Park Ranger Actually Do? 10:02 - Life Working in the Parks 15:18 - The People You Meet in the Wilderness 20:36 - The Naked Man Story 27:42 - Strange Things Park Rangers Deal With 33:48 - The Missing Nun Mystery 41:10 - Unforgettable Stories From the Job 47:35 - What It's Really Like Working Outdoors 53:20 - The Funniest & Craziest Moments 58:05 - Final Thoughts 👍 If you enjoyed this conversation, hit LIKE 💬 Share your craziest outdoor story in the comments 🔔 SUBSCRIBE for more conversations, stories, and fascinating guests! #ParkRanger #ParkRangerStories #MissingPerson #WildernessStories #OutdoorStories

What if the thing you thought was just a legend actually changed the way you look at the wilderness?In this episode, we dive deep into Bigfoot, strange encounters, backpacking, camping, the wilderness, and the unsettling stories that make you question what might really be out there. What starts as a conversation about Bigfoot quickly becomes a fascinating look at the experiences, evidence, and questions surrounding one of the most famous mysteries in the world.Joining the conversation is Michael Kirkpatrick (MK Ultra) as we talk about Bigfoot sightings, unexplained encounters, what people have experienced in the woods, and why the subject continues to fascinate—and frighten—so many people.Whether you're a Bigfoot believer, skeptic, backpacker, hunter, outdoorsman, paranormal enthusiast, or simply curious about unexplained phenomena, there's plenty here to make you think.⚠️ After this conversation, you might never look at a dark trail or campsite the same way again.Michael's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4UBmF8IUlXjKXBvIL10Sgg

Tushar Rain Jacket from Outdoor Vitals: https://alnk.to/3U5xxk6 John Kelley and Jeremiah Stringer go live for a wide-ranging backpacking hangout packed with trail talk, gear opinions, and chat-driven detours. They compare trusted weather sources, weigh the changing role of satellite messaging, and put new gear through a round of “Backpack or Send It Back”—including Yeti’s active packs, a high-powered Petzl headlamp, and HydroPak’s updated filter cap.The conversation also covers Garmin subscription changes, favorite trail meals, fast-food fries and chicken sandwiches, plus a preview of what’s ahead for the Backpacking Podcast’s upcoming season refresh.

In this episode, Jeremiah Stringer and JK discuss bear activity updates along the Appalachian Trail, creative and humorous bear deterrent ideas, and share personal stories about neighbors, HOA regulations, and hiking injuries. They also send heartfelt prayers to Danny Warnock after his son's passing.

Let's Hit The Trail YT https://www.youtube.com/@JustinAndAnna key topics Trail partnership secrets: communication and honesty Wildlife encounters: bears, sheep, and more Trail mishaps: poops, gear, and surprises Long-distance hiking: PCT, Wonderland Trail, Santa Fe to Taos Trail gear and camping setups for comfort and safety Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Justin and his trail adventures 01:58 Justin's recent hikes: Santa Fe to Taos and PCT 03:56 Secrets to successful trail partnerships 05:58 The story of losing each other on the trail 07:53 Wildlife encounters: bears, sheep, and deer 12:14 Trail mishaps: poop stories and gear mishaps 16:02 Sharing gear and sleeping setups 20:03 Trail conditions and best times to hike 24:11 Dealing with cold, drafts, and gear choices 28:04 Trail food, water treatment, and safety tips 32:07 Reflections on solo vs. partner hiking 35:54 The beauty of wilderness and wildlife experiences 39:56 Humorous trail stories and lessons learned 43:54 Justin’s online presence and future plans

Barking dogs, fire bans, and snoring campers.....oh my! JK and Jeremiah discuss the things that can derail the vibe of any backpacking trip .

They just hiked 10 miles in 10 days in 10 states!!! And we get the lowdown on all of it. Welcome Rugged Mountain Dad, Sister and Mister to the show, otherwise known as DMS Adventures.Be sure to give to St. Jude on behalf of DMS Adventures: https://tiltify.com/@dmsadventures2020/backpacking-10-10-10-challenge?origin=dashboard

Coach's Website: https://www.marionoutdoors.com/ Coach's Social Media: @MarionOutdoors Join us as we chat with Coach Livingston from Marion Outdoors about his journey from theater to outdoor outfitter, the importance of community in hiking, and practical tips like using a backpacking bidet. Discover how passion, family, and a love for the outdoors come together in this inspiring episode.

Jeremiah and JK talk all things foot care. Blister control, Plantar fasciitis, and issues with Achilles tendons. If it's dealing with your feet, we'll be talking about it in this episode.

Jeremiah shares his most recent hammock camping experience on his wife's first night in a hammock. Of course, things go off the rails, and we even share some hammock camping tips. Check out the Stormloft Topquilt from Outdoor Vitals: https://alnk.to/cm1DdTd

Founder's Sale by Outdoor Vitals (Early-Bird List): https://bit.ly/4v2qWkY Jeremiah and John sit down with Ben McMillen, owner of Hilltop Packs, to talk about the world of cottage gear, building a backpacking business, and what sets small outdoor brands apart from the big manufacturers. Ben shares the story behind Hilltop Packs, the importance of customer connection, company culture, American-made gear, tariffs, product innovation, and the surprising item that became one of Hilltop's biggest sellers. Whether you're a gear nerd, small business supporter, or backpacker looking for insight into the outdoor industry, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most recognizable cottage brands in backpacking. #Backpacking #HilltopPacks #CottageGear #BackpackingPodcast #HikingGear #ThruHiking #OutdoorIndustry

It's all about number 2 and how it affects our time in the outdoors. We're discussing "would you rather" scenarios and revealing personal moments on trail.Check out the Outdoor Vitals StormLoft Down TopQuilt: https://alnk.to/aARYkpC

What is the best tent, backpack, sleeping bag, and more on this episode of the Backpacking Podcast.If you want to check out two of our favorite backpacks, go over to Outdoor Vitals: https://alnk.to/aARVPc7

700 Acres of land are being used to build an AI data center, only 1/3 of a mile from the Appalachian Trail. What will this do to scenic views, pollution, and noise on trail? Was the ATC even contacted about it?Check out our friends at Outdoor Vitals and their Carbon EVO 50 Backpack: https://alnk.to/8PIgYvd

Do you have to be a person of privilege to thru-hike? Should we be worried about beaver attacks? This and more on today's episode. Check out this great gear from Outdoor Vitals:Pursuit Hybrid Fleece: https://alnk.to/gKUn7dSVentus Hoodie: https://alnk.to/31vgBB4Carbon EVO 50 Backpack: https://alnk.to/8PIgYvd

Is the Forest Service really spraying Round Up in our forests? Is the Garmin InReach Mini 3 worth the money you'd spend on it? How likely are you to be attacked by a grizzly bear in Yellowstone? All this and more in this episode of the Backpacking Podcast.Get signed up for the Live Ultralight Membership at Outdoor Vitals: https://alnk.to/fSkxDxLGive us your thoughts on this article: https://www.backpacker.com/stories/essays/opinion/thru-hiking-demands-sacrifice-but-it-still-favors-privilege/

In this episode, we have the honor of spending an hour with a true treasure in the backpacking world, Jessica Mills, AKA "Dixie". We'll be talking about everything from her new podcast to the challenges of Backpacking as a new mom.Looking for a new backpack? Check out the new Showdowlight Carbon 60 from Outdoor Vitals: https://alnk.to/cHQRrZL