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

Derek and Carl come up with an odd list of problems and solutions related to altitude sickness. Carl just got back from taking some flatlanders to elevation and some of them struggled. Was his trip plan appropriate? You (and Derek) can judge. Also, Derek blames an unexpected product for high altitude nausea. GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority...

Carl attended the latest Outdoor Retailer show in Denver and he brought the mic with him! Derek reacts to a series of interviews with a variety of organizations that respond to important, unexpected, and absurd questions. Also, Derek thinks the pine cone trowel argument is solved by the LNT organization. GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority inv...

Back from the Wind River Range, Derek and Carl discuss the theme of this year's big July trip: interesting encounters with a variety of hikers. Somebody bailed from the trip last minute. And, has a podcast villain emerged? 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 p...

A host of fellow adventurer share some of their backpacking problems (big and small). Both Derek and Carl weigh in on how to tackle issues with packing, food, sleep, time, and the value of a pack manifest. Also, did Carl drop a water bottle in an Sasquatch carcass and is there a budget Osprey pack after all? GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority...

Author, trial advocate, founder of the Florida trail, and co-founder of the American Hiking Society Jim Kern joins the show to discuss issues surrounding America's National Scenic Trails. Also, does Derek have insecurity issues regarding vocabulary words? Check out Jim Kern's book: Broken Promise: The Plight of Our National Trails GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episode...

One of our most popular guests, Youtuber Kevin Outdoors, joins the show to talk about a variety of topics. There's definitely a few in there that you don't expect. And Derek wraps things up with a trivia question that even he doesn't know the answer to. Check out Kevin's Book: Backcountry Eats GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&a...

Admittedly Derek and Carl have had some trip planning issues over the years. Cassie from Illinois lays out trip planning tips that will make newbies feel comfortable every step of the way. Also, Derek is accused of having an odd view of people with different budgets than him. And Carl uses trivia to help improve Derek's social skills. Cassie's Facebook Group: Backcountry Enthusiasts GET MORE CONTE...

Rowan Smith from Summit Strength joins the show to discuss how to move beyond the weekend trip. Whether it's a week long or multi-week adventure there are many things to consider. Also, Derek gives Rowan some new nicknames and Carl suggests three more alternative ways to train. Check out Rowan's Podcast: Training for Trekking GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, vi...

You don't need to be a survival expert, a ranger, or a scout to have an outdoor adventure. Derek and Carl explore skills you mistakenly feel you might need before you head outside. While they may be helpful, they certainly aren't essential. Also, Carl covers some impossible skills in trivia that we all strive to achieve. Check out our latest reviewed company: Backcountry Fuel Box! GET MORE CONTENT...

Derek and Carl identify and discuss products that make false claims that you might believe. Some are from reputable companies. Also, Carl's wife, Jessica, weighs in on a controversial piece of gear. She also rats him out for not following one of the rules in Canyonlands. GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe...

Derek and Carl address common irrational fears many hikers have. Do alligators view hammock campers as hanging burritos? Is sleeping outside less scary than in a tent? What do you say to bear when you're about to unload some bear spray on it? Also, is it okay to throw your backpack in a washing machine? GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invi...

Derek and Carl discuss their lists to help newbies prepare for a trip. Carl posed this topic to a backpacking group online and shares the top responses from them. Also, Carl just returned from Canyonlands and discusses Rocky's way to carry water as well as another's guy's gear list theory and how that will likely pose a problem in the future. And Derek reviews backpacking dishwashing gloves. GET M...

Derek and Carl rank the top 6 pieces of gear to buy -- in order -- that will not onl get you the most weight savings for your buck but will also improve function and efficiency on the trail. Also, Carl reviews a Backpacking Quilt from Zenbivy! Some of the Gear Discussed in This Episode -Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter -Granite Gear Crown2 Backpack -Therm-a-rest NeoAir Uber Light Sleeping Pad -Therm-a-...

Derek and Carl hit the desert trail with a crew of 12. And...the SOS button got pressed. That story and how Derek proved to be not only extremely helpful but also a bit of a saboteur at the same time. 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....

It's not all about going ultralight. And, to be honest, most of us don't. So, what's worth splurging on regarding weight and cost? Derek and Carl discuss some legitimate (and questionable) options. Also, Carl shares a story about how he was recently threatened with physical violence during a training session. Did he handle the situation correctly? GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to...

What is one of the most dangerous places to travel when out on a mountainous backpacking trip? And how do you handle the curveballs that might be thrown at you? This episode will tell you! 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/...

Derek and Carl explore some different clothing options for the trail and make suggestions for some that you can leave behind. Derek suggests he's willing to wear a ridiculous item for half a day if Carl brings it. (Carl is bringing it next week to Capitol Reef.) Also, Tayson from Outdoor Vitals weighs in with his latest and greatest clothing related release: an ultralight hoodie. And should we bew...

In this second version of the 'love it or ditch it' series, Derek and Carl explore a number of new items. One of them leads to an old story that's never been shared when Carl challenged Derek and Derek was actually right. 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 pr...

Derek and Carl dive into strategies to reduce the dreaded day 2 soreness. Carl even has a solution to completely prevent backpacking soreness. Also, how do you get elevation gain at the grocery store? And, a top 5 most depressing backpacking moments from Nate of Colorado Springs. GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It'...

Derek and Carl have had their fair share of trip failures. Some are unavoidable or unpredictable but the 6 characters outlined in this episode you've probably already experienced (or will experience) in some form or fashion. Is Derek the kinder, gentler soul when a fellow hiker is having an issue? He discusses his 'hug quota' per day to suggest as much. Also, Carl reveals a way a recent trip was s...

Famous Youtuber Dan Becker joins the show to discuss gear choices he wish he bought sooner based upon a series of videos he's put out over the last couple years. Carl agrees with some of his choices but gives some pushback on others. Derek seems to agree with all of Dan's choices...even when they contradict prior statements made by him on the show. Also, feedback about Derek's REI purchase history...

Derek and Carl explore some common beliefs/sayings/wisdom that revolves around backcountry travel and challenge the validity of each. Carl thinks his can be easily debunked. Derek presents 3 that Carl does not believe are common trail myths at all. No surprise there. Also, Carl has a revealing phone call with Ranger Eric from Yosemite. Derek is actually shocked by a few parts of the conversation....

Derek and Carl discuss a new stove on the market that might help you out (especially in the long run). What is adventure revenge? And Carl has come up with a plan to solve a backpacking mystery discussed on the podcast once and for all. Derek has a very, very strong reaction to this.  GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!...

Fellow adventurers from across the nation and beyond submitted a number of backpacking related questions to the podcast seeking the advice and wisdom from outdoor "expert" Derek. Topics range all over. There's something for everyone. Also, is Derek the kind of guy who microwaves Tuna in a crowded breakroom and then leaves to eat it somewhere else? Last thing: does anybody read these descriptions?...

Season 2 winner of the hit TV show 'Alone', Dave McIntyre, joins the show and discusses survival, behind-the-scenes details, life after the victory and much, much more. Derek and Carl react to his wealth of information and evaluate their own chances of success at the show. Also, Derek gets challenged on his thought that bringing only 1 pair of underwear on a trip is appropriate.  GET MORE CONTENT!...