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

Dixie from Homemade Wanderlust joins the show to discuss the absolute best (and worse) pieces of gear she’s used the last 10 years. What makes the cut? She also shares some of the craziest, most unexpected stories from the trail. And Derek attempts to pass Trail Magic trivia. Some of the Topics Discussed -Zpacks, Hyperlite, Thermarest, Sierra Designs, Sawyer Gear -Trail Magic -Best backpacking bac...

What are some baffling rookie mistakes that you might be making? Whether new to backpacking or an experienced veteran there are certainly some surprising miscues we’ve made and continue to make. The hosts are no exception. Is there anything you do that’s on the list? Some of the Topics Discussed -Backpacking gear -Backpacking skills -Shaving pack weight properly Check out Magnet Designs for the be...

National Geographic producer and host of the 'No Ordinary Monday' podcast , Chris Baron, joins the show to discuss 6 things that 99% of backpackers and adventurers can’t do (that are important). Check out the ‘No Ordinary Monday’ Podcast that Chris hosts for more interesting stories and adventures! Some of the Topics Discussed -Trip planning and managing -How to handle chaos in the backcountry -Tr...

Derek and Carl asked 100,000 Ultralight Backpackers and Thru-Hikers for their most aggressive weight saving tips. They share and respond to the best answers. And there are definitely some weird ones. Also, Carl accuses Derek of asking the single worst trivia question ever. Some of the Topics Discussed -Ultralight Backpacking Gear -Water Filters, Personal Locator Beacons and First Aid Kits -Gear Yo...

Derek and Carl have Gear Designer and Company Owner Dan Durston on the show to discuss advances in ultralight tents, upcoming gear and the origin story of a cottage gear company. Check out Durston Gear for some great ultralight options. Check out Dan's documentary on one of his Bob Marshall Wilderness Open adventures! Check out Magnet Designs for the best, US-made backpacking clothing on the marke...

Justin Outdoors joins the show to share the best of the best gear in the categories of ultralight, budget and fancy. What are his top 2 pieces of gear for these categories? And what is fancy gear? Also, it’s time to introduce the Backpacking Magazine support line. There is now a spot devoted to all of your tough trail questions. Some of the Gear Discussed - Fancy Sleeping Pad - Ultralight Pillow -...

Derek and Carl discuss the growing backpacking trends of 2026…and why many of them should simply die. From the latest gear trends and hot sellers to backpacking ‘style’ and fashion there’s got to be at least 1 thing you both agree and disagree with. Also, did Derek have a meltdown during trivia? Some of the Topics Discussed -The Latest Backpacking Gear -Backpacking Clothing -Water Bottle Innovatio...

Dan Becker joins the show to discuss some of things your average YouTube watcher doesn’t know about the gear reviews and reviewers. He also shares the twists and turns of his story and how he continues to evolve as a content creator. Dan has a lot of different and unexpected things coming. Some of the Topics Discussed -The Behind-the-Scenes of Gear Reviews -From Zero to Backpacking Hero -The most...

Derek is back and better than ever! Are we being deceived by gear companies or just general beliefs about certain pieces of backpacking gear? Derek and Carl pull back the curtain and reveal the TRUTH! Some of the Topics Discussed -Stove boiling times -Water Filter Details -False Advertising Check out Magnet Designs for the best, US-made backpacking clothing on the market! Enlightened Equipment : C...

You might encounter a trail villain. There might be a trail villain in your backpacking crew. Or…you might be the trail villain! Take this 10-question test to prove otherwise. Also, Carl puts Derek through the Lightning Round. Will he even answer the questions correctly? Some of the Topics Discussed -Trail social skills -Odd Backpacking encounters -Strange but true trail villain stories Check out...

There are 5 treasure chests worth up to $3 million hidden for you to find. Jon Collins-Black joins the show to discuss some clues and insight into the treasure hunt that he created. What skills would you need to find the treasure? What highly interested valuables are hidden? What weird questions will be asked of him? Check out ‘There’s Treasure Inside’ to get all of the information! Some of the To...

Meet Dr. Hazel Barton, a remarkable scientist who descends into Earth's darkest corners in search of microscopic life that could transform our future. Nicknamed the "Lara Croft of microbiology," Hazel combines cutting-edge science with death-defying exploration in some of the most remote cave systems on our planet. The heart of this episode recounts Hazel's terrifying near-death experien...

Former CEO of Whole Foods and one of the most famous backpackers of all time, John Mackey, joins Derek and Carl to bust backpacking myths, discuss gear strategies and give some insider information about backpacking food. And Mackey has some very interesting answers in this week’s lightning round. Some of the Topics Discussed -Busting backpacking myths -Backpacking gear -Backpacking Food Check out...

Gear expert Villain Jesse joins the show to discuss the top luxury items of 2025. Luxuries include items that are not necessities, upgrade of essential items or simply really expensive items that might be worth having on the trail. Buy the Multi Tool Glove Prototype: https://www.ebay.com/itm/326900498222 Some of the Gear Discussed - Bend Alpha 90 Hoodie - Most comfortable Sleeping pad - Best backp...

Derek and Carl discuss all sorts of gear mistakes they've made, you've made, we've all made...and how to fix them. Derek gives Carl advice about first aid kits. And Carl doesn't understand adjustable trekking poles. Check out Magnet Designs for the best, US-made backpacking clothing on the market! Enlightened Equipment : Check out the best Ultralight Quilts on the market! GET BONUS SEGMENTS &...

Derek and Carl discuss deranged, irrational, unusual, odd, weird and funky outdoor adventures that you might consider adding to your bucket list. Are you tired of loops, out and backs and point-to-point hiking trails? It’s time to increase the intensity, purpose and strangeness of your trips with this list. Some of the Topics Discussed -National Park Adventures -Area 51 and Area 51 Trivia -Traveli...

Derek and Carl have gotten some serious troll comments, criticisms, critiques and strange requests over the years. They have compiled the most interesting feedback and will respond. Not surprisingly, each of them got riled up by somebody. Some of the Topics Discussed -Backpacking Gear -Breaking Backcountry Rules and Protocols -Trolls Check out Magnet Designs for the best, US-made backpacking cloth...

Steven from 'My Life Outdoors' joins the show to discuss a variety of topics that include weird backpacking/camping gear, the best and worst backpacking gear of 2023 and an amazing story that involves one of our favorite characters, the ranger. Check out Steven's Awesome YouTube Channel! Gear Discussed This Episode -Thermarest Neo Air Xlite NXT -Miksa Pot Lifter -High Tail Ultralight Dyneema Rain...

Rob Pelton joins the show to pull back the curtain on cottage brands. Are brands like Zpacks, Hyperlite, Enlightened Equipment really worth the price? And Carl has a theory about why tent prices suddenly skyrocketed a few years ago. Check out Rob Pelton’s awesome YouTube Channel! Some of the Topics Discussed -Backpacking Gear -Cottage Brands -How to not get scammed by gear prices Check out Magnet...

Andrew Skurka – one of the most famous backpackers of all time – joins the show to discuss some 3 or 4 things professional backpackers do that most of us don’t. Also, what characteristics make the best guides? And how can trekking poles stop a bear attack? How will Skurka handle the lightning round? Derek and Carl also share the top 3 things they are experts at – not related to backpacking. If you...

Derek and Carl 'break down' the data released by Garmin and share some of the interesting stories that involve pushing the red button. Also, somehow, Derek and Carl were able to get ahold of an actual SOS call made from a Sat phone. Some of the Topics Discussed: -Garmin inReach -Crazy Search and Rescue Stories -Weird Data Check out Magnet Designs for the best, US-made backpacking clothing on the m...

Alex Hatlevig joins the show to discuss backpacking gadgets and trinkets that you might be buying that are useless (or mostly useless). Sure, you can come up with scenarios where they could potentially be useful. But are you really going to need them? Are they necessary? Check out Alex Hatlevig’s awesome YouTube channel! Some of the Topics Discussed -Backpacking Gear -Backpacking Gadgets from Gara...

What are the worst backpacking freeze dried meals? And are some of them really as bad as people say? Derek and Carl asked over 40,000 members of the backpacking community what their least favorite meals were. After compiling the results, they discuss, and even taste-test, the top (or bottom answers). There were some very surprising results…both ways. Also, Carl shares one of his best (or possibly...

What are 6 pieces of backpacking advice that are just plain bad? John Kelley joins the Backpacking & Blisters podcast to co-host and discuss a lot of information and mis-information you might be hearing. Check out John Kelley’s ‘Backpacking Podcast’ Some of the Topics Discussed -Backpacking Gear -Overkill Backpacking Gear -Testing out and prepping gear Check out Magnet Designs for the best, US...

If you’re looking to shave about a pound off of your pack weight without spending any money (potentially), Alisha McDarris from Terradrift will tell you how! Last year she was challenged by the B&B podcast to 3 video options. She is the first one to try and execute one of them. Some of the Topics Covered: -Ultralight backpacking strategies -Controversial ways to shave weight -What goes in cath...