Backcountry Banter

At 81 Jene Galvin isn't slowing down one bit. A longtime friend of RRT, Jene sits down with us to discuss his time as a volunteer ranger in Lake Clark, Alaska, his secret to staying active into his 80's, and his transition to ultralight backpacking. Jene has inspired many though his journalism and storytelling, his new message; Getting older? Then speed up! Sponsorship provided by Roads Rivers and...

In this episode we run the gamut with a long time friend and partner in the outdoor industry, Heath Rowland. We'll dive into Heath's passions in the outdoors, his business; Ground Up Sales, and his work with the Southeast Climbers Coalition. We'll sip some bourbon, play some games, and enjoy some classic banter. Come on the journey with us as we explore climbing in the Winds and Katahdin, and a fr...

In this episode Bryan and Dalton discuss the upcoming GOA Connect tradeshow, one of 2 major tradeshows they attend. They talk about how they buy gear and bigger conversations with brands that guide their business. Take a unique look into the business of specialty outdoor retail. A special thank you to our sponsor, the one and only Tire King. Be sure to check out RRT river clean up events here . Li...

Do you count pack weight by pounds, ounces, or grams? Bryan and Dalton have a different perspective when it comes to pack weight and try to argue their points in this new episode. While there may not always be a clear winner, their perspectives may shine a light on how you'd like to build out your kit. Thank you to our sponsor Osprey. Take advantage of a special deal to get a free hydration bladde...

RRT'ers Bryan, Emily, and Joe all spent a week in Puerto Rico with family soaking in the culture, enjoying the food, and experiencing totally unique adventures. Bryan recounts the trip including hiking in El Yunque, paddling in the Bioluminescence, and walking the streets of San Juan. Quick episode links: Kayak Puerto Rico Flavors of San Juan Thank you to our sponsor Osprey. Take advantage of a sp...

Dalton spent a week in Scotland with a small group of independent retailers from around the globe, all sponsored by Rab and Gore-Tex. During that time he attended product clinics and a Mountaineering course up steep ridges from the Glenmore Lodge. We'll recount his experience and play another game of "False Summits" the Scotland Edition. Huge thanks to Rab for the opportunity and making the most b...

Welcome to 10 minute trip reports, where we share quick details from our adventures to give you quick and concise inspiration and information. We hope to open your eyes to new places and give you some quick tips to making it happen. In this TMTR Emma and Rudy guest host to tell us about the Mount Cammerer loop in the Great Smoky Mountains. Find out more about this two night backpacking adventure,...

Nancy Ball from Summit Trek and Travel joins Backcountry Banter. Nancy is an accomplished entrepreneur and writer. She is author of “How to Poop in the Woods”, she is a trip leader with the Sierra Club and wrote the curriculum for the Miami chapter's backpacking school, she is the owner of Summit Trek and Travel a local and international guide service who also operates the Summit Sisters backp...

RRT spends hundreds of hours every year in the quest for the very best equipment, footwear, and clothing. We meet with brands pre-production and about a year from product delivery to our door. In special cases, we get prototypes to take on trail and test before ever placing our orders. We literally summit mountains to assure that we bring in an assortment of specialty gear that is right for you ou...

Have you or someone you love been impacted by Springer Fever? Bryan and Dalton talk about what is Springer Fever, who does it infect, and why? Your draw to the Appalachian Trail and other outdoor experiences is curable, and you're not alone. Join us for a Second Date Update, some unique podcast sponsors, and a conversation on that unexplainable desire to head to Springer Mountain, GA every Spring....

Dalton and Bryan continue their conversation on cold weather trekking. In this episode they tackle clothing and the perfect layering system, how to pack your kit, and what other changes to expect in your gear assortment. Bryan challenges Dalton to a game of "False Summits" where we promise you'll learn about destinations you've never heard of before! Thank you to this week's...

Bryan and Dalton recount some of their cold weather trips in the backcountry and share some of their tips and tricks to making the best of it! Dalton was surprised with games like "How Low Can You Go" and "Bad Weather or Bad Gear?" while the two also discussed a warm sleeping set up and the dangers of winter travel. Thank you to this week's sponsor Hillsound Equipment. You...

As we enter digital immortality with Backcountry Banter we want to start by introducing ourselves. We'll introduce our hosts; Bryan and Dalton, our company RRT , and the goals we have with this podcast. We hope to make Backcountry Banter your go-to podcast for outdoor adventure tips, tricks, and stories! Hosts Bryan Wolf and Dalton Spurlin each have trekked thousands of miles including tacklin...