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

Fieldcraft expert Bill Stoker from Stokermatic Youtube Channel joins the show to discuss essential skills while out in the wilderness. He is a wealth of knowledge and information. Derek and Carl also discuss strategies for these strange times -- head to the hills or hunker down? Carl discusses how to access National Parks that shut down while Derek encourages "onion hands." FYI - this ep...

At times there are some strange things afoot on the trail. Derek and Carl explore some of these strange cases. Carl thinks Derek struggles with his story-telling skills. And Carl responds to the critical remarks from many fellow adventurers regarding the Buff. GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a sa...

It's that time of year when everybody comes out with their "best of" gear list for current and new models. If you've been listening for long enough you have probably figured out that Derek and Carl do not follow the pack. What about gear that has stood the test of time -- gear you probably have if you've been hiking for a while. And what about gear that's still around that shouldn't be?...

This is not a training episode! At least it's not in the traditional sense. Whether you're looking to knock down some miles or your permit dictates a heavy day, there are some ways to prepare for your longest day on the trail. Derek and Carl discuss strategies for putting more miles in on the trail. Awesome Youtuber "JK is Hiking" joins the show with his own story and his own perspective...

Women should never hike alone. Your pack weight should be about 25% of your body weight. These pieces of advice (and more) were submitted to Derek and Carl by fellow adventurers who seem to think they received some bad input. The guys discuss nine such suggestions and, of course, have serious disagreements. Also, they update their upcoming trips. And finally, have John Muir quotes become cliches?...

Are you bringing items that should be left home? Everybody has an item or two (or more) in their pack that could easily be replaced with a lighter option or simply gotten rid of. Derek and Carl examine a number of these items that don't always get the attention they deserve but probably end up in your pack anyway. Will they suggest to ditch gear that's near and dear to you or will they downplay th...

It's hard to find the right people to go with...but it's worth it! Expert Devin Ashby from famed Youtube Channel Backcountry Exposure joins the show to share some of his experiences with different folk on the trail as well as the dos and don'ts of setting up a group trip. Derek and Carl come up with their own list of ways to find the right people to backpack with. Also, Derek has the most awkward...

Are you packing extra items because you're simply concerned about the 'what if?' Probably. Most of us do that. But there are ways to prevent overpacking these unnecessary pieces of gear. There are lighter options and better methods to make sure you're simply not overloading your pack. Also, was Derek a podcast saboteur in the last episode as he made judgments about gear he'd never tried out? GET M...

When you go to your local outdoor store or shop online you find the usual big name gear companies that dominate the market. Derek and Carl have 5 up and coming gear companies that you may or may not have heard of before that can help make your trip better. For ultralighters to newbies to budget conscious folk to clothing wearers to people who eat food...there's something for everyone! Also Derek a...

This is not your typical list of backpacking skills. Youtuber Kevin Outdoors joins the show to provide some insight on a few skills that will make your trip better. Derek and Carl then chip in with a couple of their own unexpected trail talents. Also, Derek administers a trivia that causes some controversy.  GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority...

Derek and Carl are joined in this episode by the Trust the Trail podcast. GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers. https://www.patreon.com/backpackingandblisters To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Inst...

It's time to start putting trips on the calendar! Whether you're an experienced planner or it's your first crack at it, Derek and Carl explore a variety of strategies and considerations when putting the pieces together. Joined by expert Victoria Livschitz from RightonTrek.com, issues for the time-crunched traveler, the hesitant explorer and/or the hiker who simply needs some good plans and structu...

Just how dirty is too dirty? Just how smelly is too smelly? What should we really bring in our toiletry kits and what can we leave at home? These questions and more are answered (or an attempt is made to answer them) by Derek and Carl.  GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to sup...

Since it's Christmas week Derek and Carl have an abbreviated episode. For those that have listened since toward the beginning or those that have gone back to listen to most of the back episodes we've got a trivia challenge. Listen to this episode to play along, get some hints, or just for fun. GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&a...

There's more to blister prevention than simply wearing the right socks. Derek and Carl give a thorough explanation of how to find the right footwear in order to keep your feet happy. There's A LOT to consider and there is A LOT of unhelpful information out there. This episode is an attempt to sift through all of that. Also, Derek shares a story involving Nalgene shrapnel. GET MORE CONTENT! Please...

There's a piece of gear that almost everyone brings with them on every trip. Sometimes it's used sparingly and sometimes it's not used at all. Derek and Carl try to make you rethink this often neglected item with 20ish ways to use it creatively. Also, Derek challenges Carl in trivia on how to use other items...like sweat-soaked socks. GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus epi...

Problems out on the trail range from minor annoyances to major issues. And some are more likely to be solved than others. Derek and Carl tackle problems shared by fellow adventurers in this episode and try to come up with realistic and reasonable solutions. Carl also shares some of his own minor problems and challenges Derek to come up with solutions. GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon...

What does Deet actually do to a mosquito? Is it possible to get mold inside your sleeping pad? Can marmots break your car? These questions and much more are addressed on a episode filled with strange but true facts related to everything in the backcountry. GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe a...

Derek and Carl have researched worst case scenarios related to the trail. They challenge each other with how to properly handle them. How would each fare if presented with these unfortunate opportunities? And is it okay to use parachute cord for stitches? GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe an...

Depending upon what you're looking for, how long you plan to go, or the region you're in, there are obviously a lot of options. Derek and Carl attempt to hit a variety of categories from "Most Consistently Dramatic Scenery" to "Most Dangerous" regarding trail options. This is far from a comprehensive list, but it's a start. Also, Derek continues to express his fear of mosquitoe...

This is not an episode listing all of the items you have on your gear list. Derek and Carl each examine a gear list that pops up in top search results and then tears them apart. Is four layers for your upper body too many for a summer trip? Is a camera an essential item? And what is the best way to set up your own gear list? The guys give some strategies that may be helpful for both beginners and...

What backpacking questions are too uncomfortable to ask? Derek and Carl each bring a few to the table and discuss both the questions and the answers. Will this solve some of your backcountry problems? Maybe not. But it might make you more comfortable in some of the decisions you've made and the number of pairs of underwear you bring. Also, is butt sweat embarrassing? And if so, is there a solution...

Carl thinks there's an issue with every type of filter and every brand of filter. But...after trying a bunch of them he has a solution that should work for everyone. The problems and the solution is revealed on this episode. Also, is Derek willing to own up to terrible camp chore etiquette from years ago? And does he really know the difference between filters and purifiers? You be the judge. GET M...

Which gear is most likely to break on you out in the field? Derek and Carl each have their list of items to watch out for and "solutions" if the gear does break. Also, there are ways we might use gear inappropriately that will be the root cause of the breakage. So, what should you stop doing? Derek also challenges Carl on his ability (or lack thereof) to push the power button for an item...

Should notorious snorers bring earplugs for everyone? Is there a passive aggressive way to get people to go to bed at a reasonable hour? How much of a pass to you give the tired hiker who is simply unable to contribute to any camp chores? All these questions and more are addressed to help make camp life the best it can be. GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, video...