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

Derek and Carl finally address the question they've been throwing out: how much weight can you save or how can you improve your backpacking experience with $100? Somehow one of the items mentioned addresses a potential issue with bears that have access to guns.  GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a...

This episode includes a number of random tidbits from the release of the backpacking documentary to challenges to a couple of Derek's previous trivia questions. The main part of the episode explores whether it's better to hike with a group or to enjoy the convenience of solo travel.  GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B &quot...

While some doomsday preppers build bunkers others prepare for a disaster with bug out bags. Why not make avoiding disaster fun by turning the whole thing into a backpacking trip? Derek and Carl discuss a backpacking scenario with items commonly (and not-so-commonly) found in typical bug out bags, the best places to escape, and more! When you've gone hiking if you've ever wanted to simply stay out...

This week Derek and Carl address a whole variety of topics -- or a hodgepodge of topics. Stemming mainly from listener feedback, questions and comments the conversation ranges from previous episode follow-up to the drudgery of a particular camp chore to the criteria for expelling a group member...and more! GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority i...

Only a small fraction of backpackers really venture off trail more than a mile or two. What does it take to really get away from trail highways in regard to gear and skills? Aside from the obivous item (the GPS), Derek and Carl tackle this topic along with some confusion over the Leave No Trace guidelines. GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority i...

What places are on your life list? What does it take to make them happen? What are the common barriers that prevent those trips from happening? Derek and Carl explore these topics share their life lists by trying to convince one another to make them happen. Not surpisingly, Derek includes one that has a 1 in a million chance to occurring.  GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonu...

Sometimes just getting to the trailhead is the biggest challenge of the trip. In this episode Derek and Carl explore some common and uncommon (but true) stories of trip sabotage. Guest host, Chris Wimberly, provides the voice of reason in attempts to prevent trips getting derailed in the future. In addition to the main topic, Derek and Carl finally tackle Steve's question about going ultralight on...

How do you communicate just how epic and awesome your trip was? This episode features an interview with backpacking filmmaker Chris Smead who is mastering the backpacking documentary. Additionally Derek and Carl discuss some of the best backpacking movies out there along with how to create your own epic movies. GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and prior...

Everybody has their own way of doing things. And while some of them are innovative and awesome, others can be downright weird and questionable. Derek and Carl explore a number of common (and not-so-common) hiking tips and tricks that are out there...along with a couple of booby traps to set (and watch out for). GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and prior...

For all of the awesome aspects of a hiking trip, there are some things that really annoy us out there on the trail. What are the most common, and sometimes surprising, irritations? Is there a way to fix them (some of them)? Fellow group member, Rocky, co-hosts as throwing rocks at drones and plowing into discourteous trail users (among other strange solutions) are suggested.  GET MORE CONTENT! Ple...

Could a hiking trip lead you to a multi-million dollar treasure chest? Whether or not you've heard of the Santa Fe art dealer Forrest Fenn and his elusive treasure, this episode attempts to decipher his poem, examines some clues, and determines whether this is a trip worth taking.  GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "e...

What if you could avoid having the same conversation at the Ranger station every time you go, by simply passing a permit test? What if passing the test voided the bear canister requirement? Carl creates a test based upon standard backpacking regulations and other random information for Derek to pass. Please play along! GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, a...

Has there ever been a point on a hike when you've simply wanted to give up? Derek shares how his backpacking and blistering experience on his second trip challenged him beyond compare. Also, the guys talk about how to determine if you're on a death march. 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...

If you've been backpacking long enough you probably have a good (hopefully not disastrous) bear story. In this episode Derek and Carl explore a handful of interesting (sometimes shocking) stories that involve encounters with these pesky creatures. Also, what disasters could possibly happen with some commonly sold bear accessories such as bear spray and bells? GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at...

Rangers are the ultimate authority in our national parks, forest and wildnerness areas. But, like any organization there are flaws in the system. Attempting to still honor the job rangers perform, Carl presents experiences where rangers may be considered a "foe" and how to avoid them (the experiences, not the rangers). Derek takes the side of the rangers and highlights the many ways they...

This episode brings guest host, Knowlton, to the program. As a member of the annual trip, Knowlton checks in all the way from Nepal to share some his thoughts regarding this week's topic. He also quickly takes the show off the rails a bit with some relatively questionable advice. GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "eve...

This episode continues to pull back the curtain and explores some of the biggest backpacking fails and bonehead moves by the experienced backpackers and Derek and Carl's group. What happens when a member hoards the water filters and then tries to convince a buddy to backtrack almost 14 hard miles to search out a wedding ring? GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, vi...

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In the first episode of Backpacking & Blisters Derek and Carl discuss what it's like to plan for or to be a Newbie. Ways to avoid common pitfalls and managing undesirable circumstances are pulled from the ridiculous experiences they have had (including when a newbie didn't bring a backpack on a backpacking trip). GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and...

While lightening one's load is not a new topic, Derek and Carl discuss (hopefully) unexpected ways to reduce weight in your pack. Admittedly there is at least one "Captain Obvious" suggestion that Derek introduces. He also somehow worked in why not to bring celery.  GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!...

Derek and Carl explore the issue of interactions with fellow trail users. While some enthusiasts enjoy the socialization, others prefer a more solitary and nature-filled experience. Running into Derek and Carl's crew is definitely more suited to the latter but there is a method for avoiding people altogether -- even in the most crowded of national parks. Carl also admits to a jerk move from a few...

This episode explores some of the many potential backcountry disasters and how to avoid them. Carl being the self proclaimed master of disaster has stories to share about what not to do in the wilderness. 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 provi...