Backpacking & Blisters: A Hiking, Backpacking, and Adventure Show

Should we stop believing what the gear companies are telling us? Sometimes there’s rigorous testing involved in the claims they make and sometimes the messaging is a manipulation of the truth. Jesse and Carl share a couple of these misdeeds and then challenge Sawyer owner Kurt Avery on the claims he makes about his filters. The packaging says 100,000 gallons. Really? Some of the Topics Discussed -...

Hiking Guy Cris Hazzard joins the show to discuss the best trail tech for hiking, backpacking and adventuring right now! This includes best hiking watches, personal locator beacon (PLB), tech services and anything new and random that’s been released. Some of the Gear Discussed -Best Backpacking Watch -Best Personal Locator Beacon -Zoleo Updated Device Check out Hiking Guy Cris Hazzard’s Youtube Ch...

Bailey Bremner has backpacked over 10,000 miles. She’s a gear reviewer and a gear expert. What are her ‘go to’ pieces of gear after years of use. And how do these big companies like Clever Hiker process gear reviews in the first place? Some of the Topics Discussed -Ultralight Backpacking Gear Reviews -Durable Backpacking Gear -How Gear Reviews Work Bailey’s Reviews and  The Trail Dog Project Revie...

Mike Wanders has been searching for bigfoot for years and he knows what he’s talking about. He’ll tell everyone his 3 best tips for finding Sasquatch while Carl runs his 3 creative, but novice ideas, by him as well. Also, what is Mike’s most compelling encounter and what does he think of a famous bigfoot enthusiast who’s been accused of hoaxing people? Some of the Topics Discussed -Bigfoot finding...

Only 1% can do these 10 things that Jesse and Carl have observed over the years. And they’re not all good. Which skills, abilities, knowledge, efficiencies and gear do you have from this list? And what did they miss? Some of the Topics Discussed -Ultralight backpacking gear -Essential and non-essential backpacking skills -The worst backpackers Reviewed Item: the Zenbivy Pillow If you’re interested...

What does a professional mountain guide have to say to her clients to correct bad habits? Sunny Stroeer – premier adventurer – shares the 3 most common pieces of advice she has to reteach members of her backpacking crew. Some of the Topics Discussed -Most Common Backpacking mistakes -Why There Are Fewer Female Backpackers -Death-defying Tales From the Far Side of the World Check out Sunny’s websit...

What are the 6 biggest fears you’re still packing? And what are you really afraid of? Alex Hatlevig joins the show to discuss the useless and semi-useless gear in your packs and what you can do or bring instead. Also, there are 3 things you’re not afraid of enough. Some of the Topics Discussed -Packing your fears -Big mistakes hikers and backpackers are ignoring -Ultralight gear upgrades that can...

There are some hot backpacking trends that are helpful, some that are dying and some that are just weird. Lloyd Vogel from Garage Grown Gear will share what he’s seeing from the retail side of this story. And Carl will have Lloyd react to his own ideas from what he’s seeing from the trail. Also, Carl accuses Lloyd of carrying a very awkward piece of gear. Some of the Topics Discussed -New and Dyin...

One of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people, Dean Karnazes, joins the show to share some unorthodox trail hacks and crazy tales from the backcountry. This man has done so many adventures but that does not deter Carl from suggesting 3 more creative ideas for him. Some of the Topics Discussed -Unorthodox Trail Hacks -Weird Backcountry Fuel -The absolute toughest adventure of all time Check ou...

10 Backpacking experts from Steven Smith to Eric Hanson to Dan Durston to company owners weigh in with their #1 Gear Company. Which ones do you agree with and which ones do you question? Full Episodes Featuring the Experts -Steven Smith -Eric Hanson -Dan Durston -Devin Ashby -Michael ‘Open Air Problems’ -Brad ‘Crow’ Felton -Bill Gamber -Christine Reed -Gordon Crum -Ray Aldridge   If you’re interes...

You might be getting scammed by companies, the ultralight narrative, or even yourself. Jesse and Carl have 8 ultralight backpacking scams that you might be falling victim to. And some of them are also ripping off Jesse and Carl. Also, can ‘Scam Trivia’ help save you some money? Some of the Topics Discussed -Ultralight backpacking gear -Unnecessary upgrades and purchases -Rip-offs If you’re interes...

One of the B&B favorites – Brooke Whipple – joins the show to discuss an unexpected and concerning experience on one of her backcountry adventures. Some of the Topics Discussed -Stranger Danger -Off grid living -Backcountry Fear Check Brooke’s awesome YouTube Channel! And check out her latest channel inspiring women to stay healthy over the long haul! If you’re interested in joining us for the...

Michael from ‘Open Air Problems’ joins the show to discuss the best new and most popular tents on the market. And he previews the latest Durston X-Dome Pro. Carl also shares a 1 star tent he owns. Some of the Tents Discussed -Durston Tents -Zpacks Tents - Big Agens Sarvis VST - Nemo Hornet Elite Check Michael’s awesome YouTube Channel! If you’re interested in joining us for the monthly B&B Bib...

Chase Fly from Outdoor Empire and Carl got a preview of future outdoor and backpacking gear coming 2027. They each picked their favorite 4 pieces that they’re most excited about and discuss the highlights (and lowlights). Also, Chase has one of the weirdest non-backpacking skills you’ve ever heard. Some of the Gear The Discussed -Nemo Hornet Update and New Tent -New Rab Quilt -Ultralight Osprey Th...

Cottage companies in the outdoor world are on the rise! This episode features 3 that are up and coming. They’re innovative, creative and just solid good people. Two of them have gear in Carl’s pack on every trip this summer. But...can they help you? The Companies Discussed -Igneous Gear -Magnet Designs -ULA Packs If you’re interested in joining us for the monthly B&B Bible Study, please reach...

Whether you’re waiting for help to arrive after pressing the red button or you’re looking to hone your survival skills, Gordon and Carl share 13 weird survival tips that just might save your life. Also, Gordon shares some strange stories he’s investigating for his environmental true crime channel. And they are strange. Some of Topics Discussed -Weird Survival Tips -Best (and worst) Backcountry Saf...

Are you trying to lighten your backpacking load? You’ve heard all of the same strategies…until now! Carl and Jesse have 6+ calculated risks that you could take to really reduce pack weight. And we’ve got new backpacking gear products that might be up your alley. Some of Topics Discussed -Reducing Backpacking Weight -The Top 5 Best Ways to Reduce Pack Weight -New Backpacking Gear and Food If you’re...

Carl brought 7 pieces of gear to Yosemite that he’s been poking fun at for a while now. He gave everything a fair shake. Which pieces of “dumb gear” actually changed his mind? Also, a game-changing sleeping pad is reviewed and the story of an awesome prank is shared. Some of Gear Discussed -Exped Ultra 6.5R -Igneous Nobo Water Bottle -Gossamer Gear Little Sit Pad -Gossamer Gear Bumster -Aardwolf S...

Steven Smith from ‘My Life Outdoors’ joins the show to help reveal backpacking secrets that took years to learn. He also gives compelling behind-the-scenes stories to his videos on quicksand and soon-to-be released videos that will knock your socks off. Also, Carl pitches four YouTube ideas to Steven. Some of the Topics Discussed -Backpacking Gear -How to find the right backpacking pack -Solutions...

Big Agnes' Bill Gamber joins the show to discuss the path BA took to be at the front edge of the ultralight movement, what the future holds in the ultralight industry, what people think of when they hear 'Big Agnes', and which of the 3 products Carl pitches would BA most likely produce. If you’re interested in joining us for the monthly B&B Bible Study, please reach out to Carl: backpackingblister...

What are the top 10 reasons you will quit on a backpacking trip, thru hike or just regular hike? And how can you avoid them? Christine Reed joins the show to discuss experiences surrounding all of these issues. If you listen to this episode, you will never quit on a hike again (maybe). Some of the Topics Discussed -Backpacking Gear -Biggest Issues Facing Hikers and Backpackers on a Trail -Solution...

Yosemite Search and Rescue Operator Moose Mutlow joins the show! He might literally be the most interesting man in the world. Share in the crazy stories he shares with his experience on the job as well as the critical feedback he gives Carl about being a frequent flyer in the SAR network. This is one you won’t want to miss. Some of the topics discussed: -Yosemite Search and Rescue Stories -Real/Fa...

Have you seen some weird stuff out on the trail like we have? We’ve got 12 signs that you (or somebody you know) simply doesn’t know what they’re doing. And don’t worry, we’ve got the solutions to overcome these odd situations. Some of the Topics Discussed -Inappropriate Backpacking Gear -Weird Ways to Hike -Useless Hiking & Planning Tools If you’re interested in joining us for the monthly B&a...

Dan Durston joins the show to discuss the harsh truths behind the ultralight gear you’re buying. This is a real behind-the-scenes look at how the gear industry really works. There are a lot of misconceptions, lies and false accusations out there. Durston tries to shed some light in these dark places. Also, Jesse and Carl pitch Dan on the next great piece of Durston Gear. Some of the Topics Discuss...

Rob Pelton's joins the show to discuss why your bucket list trips will fail...and how to overcome the issues. Also, are Canadian computer hackers helping people get permits. And Rob has a big and exciting announcement! Check out Rob’s Awesome YouTube Channel Follow Rob on Instagram If you’re interested in joining us for the monthly B&B Bible Study, please reach out to Carl: backpackingblisters...