Backcountry Banter

Mr. Fabulous is back on the Banter to talk about his newest book "A Fabulous Thru-Hike". Derick Lugo, now a triple crowner having completed the three major long distance trails, recently published his second book. A Fabulous Thru-Hike is about his experience on the Continental Divide Trail (CDT). In the book and on the podcast Derick share his struggles and his successes of thru-hiking....

When it comes to adventure travel and mountain treks, RRT has their very own Emily White to delve so deep into the experience that her knowledge and experience has the ability to truly connect and inspire any who hear her tales. In season 2 we hosted Emily for what would become our number one podcast, on the Alta Via 1. If you haven’t already, go back and give that one a listen. We welcome Emily b...

The Superior Hiking Trail is an over 300-mile, rugged footpath in northeastern Minnesota that follows a rocky ridgeline above Lake Superior from the Wisconsin border to the Canadian border. Renowned for its scenic views, waterfalls, and fall foliage this trail is a great first for long distance hikers. In this podcast we catch up with one of RRT's experience coordinators "No Filter" to hear all ab...

When you step out into the backcountry, one of the best ways to truly immerse yourself is with a flyrod. In this episode we're joined by Chuck Pettigrew, Chuck has spent 30 years as an adjunct professor at Clemson, 40 leading high adventure trips, and has led many years of research in Yellowstone National Park as a microbiologist. He is an expert angler, hunter, and outdoorsman. Tune in to hea...

Scott Hall, is a Professor at the University of Dayton where he coordinates the clinical mental health counselling program. Scott centers on resilience and Ecotherapy; or the role nature plays in our well being. This past year Scott, or "Flyer" as he'd be named hiked the entirety of the Appalachian Trail. We talk with Scott about his experience on the trail, his teachings in ecothera...

In this episode we welcome Emily Dunning, with the Edge of the Atlantic expedition. This summer, six women plan to paddle 1,000 kilometers across some of North America’s most remote waters to the Arctic Ocean — from Labrador City, NL to Kangiqsualujjuaq, QC. Together, they’re charting a new route for The Camping and Education Foundation , strengthening the legacy of women in wilderness leadership,...

In this episode we talk with Dustin Lindley, the Board Chair for the Ohio Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers. Dustin is an avid outdoorsman who appreciates the experiences that he grew up with and the value in preserving those opportunities for the future generations. His advocacy work with BHA includes conversations and events that focus on issues on a local and national level. In this po...

Cancelled and Euchre (previously known as Aiden and Miranda) have recently returned from their first long distance thru-hike on the Colorado Trail. We'll catch up with them about the experience in our first ever explicit content episode (it's not so bad...). Do you have thoughts of a thru hike, or venturing out on the CT? Give it a listen and start to dream, plan, and live! Like what you h...

Dalton flips the script on this one and puts Bryan in the hot seat. We talk about RRT's journey to becoming a B Corp, what it means, why we did it, and some things you should consider. What is the community of B Corps? From over 10,000 worldwide or narrowed down to the 12+ in the Cincinnati region, we'll discuss the purpose driven movement. Find a B Check out the BIA Like what you hear? We...

Joe Solomon, the founder of Kayaking 4 a Cause, author, and long distance paddler joins the banter to talk about his newest adventure. Joe will soon depart for the Great American Loop, an over 6,000 mile paddling journey. Join us as we catch up with an old friend, and find out more about this paddling expedition. Find and Follow Joe at: https://linktr.ee/kayaking4acause Like what you hear? We'd lo...

Dalton and Bryan visit Reno Nevada for their summer tradeshow and catch up with one of their favorite brands, Livsn. Abby Hollis, Director of Product and Sustainability chats with us about Livsn's approach to sustainability, their recent B Corp certification, and looking forward with Livsn product design. Learn more about Livsn and their brand initiatives, and what makes them such an amazing brand...

Dalton and Bryan take a walk down memory lane in debating, what are the best 3 states along the Appalachian Trail? There are no rules in this great debate, all things can be considered including length, vistas, hostels, angels, food, shelters, or even privies. See how our picks stack up with your experiences, and perhaps find out what the greatest state along the AT is! Like what you hear? We'd lo...

Dalton and Bryan totally nerd out on their favorite gear from this year. This podcast takes a look at some new and exciting gear, the reasons why we love it, and why it matters to you. This podcast is all about highlighting some of our favorite new pieces including some killer items from Nemo, Oboz, Rab, and more. This duo puts backpacking gear to the test and has seen and used a lot through the y...

Surprise, Cast Iron completed his CDT thru-hike! We let Dalton acclimate back to life off the trail and the desert dust settle before catching up for the 3rd and final episode about his CDT hike. In this episode we find out about some of Dalton's favorite trail stories, his favorite and least favorite moments. We answer pressing questions like, "how much sushi can a thru-hiker eat?"...

Dalton "Cast Iron" Spurlin has done over 1600 miles southbound on the Continental Divide Trail. He joins us remotely to tell us about his journey thus far. We talk to Dalton about the state by state challenges, the changing weather, trail towns, and more. Listen in to part two of this continuing series as we follow Dalton on his CDT thru-hike attempt. Sponsorship provided by Fillo's. Go to fillos....

We sit down with THE Mr. Fabulous in front of a live studio audience recording. This is an instant favorite as we had the opportunity to interview Derick Lugo about his book "The Unlikely Thru-Hiker", about his many hiking adventures, and his future forays into a new book about hiking the CDT. Derick is a hilarious storyteller and takes us on a pretty wild ride. Listen in as Derick share...

We're back! Season 2 of Backcountry Banter is back and better than ever. Mom let us buy a second microphone, and we added some sweet intro music from our friend Noah Smith . We've got some great episodes headed your way, say subscribe now to hear the latest. In this episode we sit down with Emily White. Emily is co-owner of Roads Rivers and Trails and trip planner extraordinaire. Emily is building...

We're joined by Joe Motz, a local business founder, long distance traveler, and community steward in everything he does. Joe has built a sustainable community at the Motz Group; a Evergreen certified company that proves their commitment to people, values, and practices. Joe  started Motz Moves an initiative for physical inspiration, but also a force for good with it's philanthropic missions. Joe’s...

In what may be my favorite conversation yet, I catch up with a good friend, Mandela Echefu. An immigrant from Nigeria, accomplished professional, and entrepreneur. Mandela started (at the time) the 3rd black owned outdoor retailer, Wheelzup in Cumberland, MD in 2021. Mandela shares his origin story, his passion for the outdoors, for mentorship, and for representation in the space. Let's put on som...

In this episode Bryan sits down with Woody DePerna of J&H Outdoors in Lexington Kentucky. Woody has spent 4 decades in the footwear industry, helping tens of thousands of people to better understand their feet and matching them with the best product for their journey. We'll talk about his experience, changes in the industry over the years, and challenges that we face in specialty outdoors. Tha...

Chris Broughton has worked as a first responder as a paramedic, firefighter, search and rescue worker, disaster relief worker, animal welfare worker, and in a anti-poaching unit. Chris will share some of his experiences, passions, along with what brought him to this path of service. We'll explore the importance of wilderness first aid training on your adventures and share some stories from his tim...

Bryan sits down with Rudy Schieldknecht to discuss the great American road trip. We'll discuss what makes a good road trip, what are some stories from the road, and some favorite memories made. While we may have different experiences we both come to the same conclusion; it's about the journey, not the destination. Join us as we banter about turning up the volume, rolling the windows down, and the...

Dalton "Cast Iron" Spurlin has done over 800 miles southbound on the Continental Divide Trail. He joins us as our first ever remote guest on the podcast to tell us about his journey thus far. We'll talk about learning lessons, his pace, and counting calories on what will be part one of a continuing series as we follow Dalton on his CDT thru-hike attempt. Sponsorship provided by Nemo: Visit https:/...

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...