Sometimes just getting to the trailhead is the biggest challenge of the trip. In this episode Derek and Carl explore some common and uncommon (but true) stories of trip sabotage. Guest host, Chris Wimberly, provides the voice of reason in attempts to...

How do you communicate just how epic and awesome your trip was? This episode features an interview with backpacking filmmaker Chris Smead who is mastering the backpacking documentary. Additionally Derek and Carl discuss some of the best backpacking m...

Everybody has their own way of doing things. And while some of them are innovative and awesome, others can be downright weird and questionable. Derek and Carl explore a number of common (and not-so-common) hiking tips and tricks that are out there......

For all of the awesome aspects of a hiking trip, there are some things that really annoy us out there on the trail. What are the most common, and sometimes surprising, irritations? Is there a way to fix them (some of them)? Fellow group member, Rocky...

Could a hiking trip lead you to a multi-million dollar treasure chest? Whether or not you've heard of the Santa Fe art dealer Forrest Fenn and his elusive treasure, this episode attempts to decipher his poem, examines some clues, and determines wheth...

What if you could avoid having the same conversation at the Ranger station every time you go, by simply passing a permit test? What if passing the test voided the bear canister requirement? Carl creates a test based upon standard backpacking regulati...

Has there ever been a point on a hike when you've simply wanted to give up? Derek shares how his backpacking and blistering experience on his second trip challenged him beyond compare. Also, the guys talk about how to determine if you're on a death m...

If you've been backpacking long enough you probably have a good (hopefully not disastrous) bear story. In this episode Derek and Carl explore a handful of interesting (sometimes shocking) stories that involve encounters with these pesky creatures. Al...

Rangers are the ultimate authority in our national parks, forest and wildnerness areas. But, like any organization there are flaws in the system. Attempting to still honor the job rangers perform, Carl presents experiences where rangers may be consid...

This episode brings guest host, Knowlton, to the program. As a member of the annual trip, Knowlton checks in all the way from Nepal to share some his thoughts regarding this week's topic. He also quickly takes the show off the rails a bit with some r...

This episode continues to pull back the curtain and explores some of the biggest backpacking fails and bonehead moves by the experienced backpackers and Derek and Carl's group. What happens when a member hoards the water filters and then tries to con...

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In the first episode of Backpacking & Blisters Derek and Carl discuss what it's like to plan for or to be a Newbie. Ways to avoid common pitfalls and managing undesirable circumstances are pulled from the ridiculous experiences they have had (includi...

While lightening one's load is not a new topic, Derek and Carl discuss (hopefully) unexpected ways to reduce weight in your pack. Admittedly there is at least one "Captain Obvious" suggestion that Derek introduces. He also somehow worked in why not t...

Derek and Carl explore the issue of interactions with fellow trail users. While some enthusiasts enjoy the socialization, others prefer a more solitary and nature-filled experience. Running into Derek and Carl's crew is definitely more suited to the ...

This episode explores some of the many potential backcountry disasters and how to avoid them. Carl being the self proclaimed master of disaster has stories to share about what not to do in the wilderness.GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon...