Derek and Carl break down weight savings vs. convenience and make a case for both sides of this debate. But there's one piece of gear they suggest everyone should always bring themselves. Also, Carl challenges Derek with outdoor song-themed trivia. S...

We attended this summer's OR Show and picked out the best gear we could find. On-site interviews, gear reviews and the story about Carl finally connecting with Buff are included in this jam-packed, gear-packed episode. There's something for everyone!...

Tayson from Outdoor Vitals joins the show to discuss some of the biggest gear mistakes you might be making. Gear choices can impact your comfort, performance  and overall trip enjoyment. Carl and Tupperware Mike suggest their own ideas to Tayson. Als...

Shug joins the show to talk about everything from hammocks to spam to trail food ideology. If you know Shug then you know there's never a dull moment in this interview!Some Topics Discussed Include:-Backpacking Gear-Backpacking Hammocks-Backpacking F...

Should I bring bear spray in black bear country? Can I burn toilet paper in my cat hole? Can Derek name a national park (other than Yosemite)? These are just the tip of the iceberg of questions here. Topics Discussed:-Bear Spray and Black Bears-Leave...

What are the small essentials? How big should your knife be? Are portable batteries becoming a necessary part of backpacking? Derek and Carl are joined by Tupperware Mike for this gear-based episode that somehow encompasses strange alternatives to ch...

This episode explores using gear in creative ways and learning how to handle gear more efficiently to make for more successful trail days. How do you fill that darn filter bag with the small hole? Are there light weight hygiene options? Should you be...

What is the worst decision you've ever made on the trail? Perhaps this episode will make you feel better about that. Derek and Carl highlight some humorous trail blunders that might catch you by surprise. The latest Lifestraw filter is reviewed. And ...

Thru hiker Jackie Krueger joins the show to share some of the most unique, surprising and downright crazy hiking experiences Derek and Carl have ever heard. And if you've listened to the show enough, that's really saying something. Also, is Carl stil...

What happened when Derek and Carl took 10 others to Canyonlands? A lot! Surprising stories come out as they review 9 pieces of gear they tested. And also, what did they do right and what did they do wrong?Our Latest Video: Can This Device Save Your L...

What 6 Conspiracy Theories have a direct impact upon your gear purchases, trail enjoyment and backcountry knowledge? Or, which ones are just generally interesting. Derek and Carl take a crack at it. Our Latest Video: Can This Device Save Your Life - ...

Is there a way to level up your trip plans to create a unique type of adventure? Derek, Carl and fellow adventurer, Matt, suggest 4 different structures to consider. Also, is a backpacking chore chart appropriate?Our Latest Video: Can This Device Sav...

Can you drop a few pounds on a trip? Derek and Carl think so! They each give their top 4 weight loss tips as it relates to the trip (completely unqualified by a nutritionist). And Derek even has one of the weirdest hydration suggestions you've ever h...

Can Derek and Carl lighten your load? They examine the gear and decisions of 3 backpackers from different states to identify areas of improvement. Is their advice legit or nonsense? You be the judge! Also, Derek has a very interesting trivia answer r...

Hiking season is heating up! Will Derek, Carl and guest host Jesse have some gear options that peak your interest for your upcoming miles? Also, why does Jesse talk to himself in bear country? And what does he say?Some of the gear discussed:Nathan Sa...

How can you make your trips better/more efficient/smoother/funner? And who doesn't trust the advice of a podcast that uses the word 'funner'? Derek and Carl weigh with their pro tips and ask for your advice to solve a situation that's been plaguing t...

Do bugs tick you off? Then this episode is for you! Brian Anderson AKA 'The Tick Terminator' joins the show to talk about bug avoidance and destruction. Also, are Trapper Shacks safe? Can your dyer kills bugs? Check out the Tick Terminator's Best Pre...

Does Derek or Carl have any suggestions that can help make one of the more uncomfortable parts of backpacking more...comfortable? It's time to find out! Both hosts relay new tips and backpacking gear that might make your time with the cathole a littl...

Who doesn't want an episode about fishing from two guys who don't fish? Fortunately backcountry fishing expert Derek Roedel joined the show to both ease your mind about learning a new skill with his encouraging and achievable tips as well as discuss ...

Is there any gear you wished you hadn't bought? Learn from Derek and Carl's mistakes and don't buy the items that have failed them (and continued to fail them in some cases). Also, can Derek pass 'License Plate Trivia'?GET MORE EPISODES! There are ov...

Do backpacking myths and old wives tales drive you the make decisions about gear and backcountry actions that are simply incorrect? Derek and Carl bust a large number of myths to make your backpacking adventures better and more efficient. Also, does ...

What are the biggest risks on the trail (not counting wild animals or monsters)? Derek and Carl address 7 trail pitfalls and how to overcome them. An imposter ranger harrasses a backpacker and then somehow calls into the show. Also, Derek tries to ov...

Is a good quality base layer a game changer? Yes! Derek and Carl explore what they think is the best option: XOSKIN. Kroy Taughinbaugh joins the show to talk about blister prevention, chafing prevention, stink prevention and base layer advancements. ...

How will you respond when the 8 events discussed in this episode happen to you or someone you know? Derek and Carl discuss the tough circumstances they've encountered, how they might have been avoided and what do in response. But let's be honest, is ...

Does base weight really matter if your total pack weight is too heavy? Derek and Carl give a list of tips and tricks to get your pack under 30lbs (or to simply reduce your pack pack). What can you get rid of? What should you replace? And what should ...