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

New gear from the future, innovative updates and fun new snacks round out the discussion from this year’s Outdoor Retailer Show. Tupperware Mike and Jendiana join Carl to discuss all of these great gear items and stories behind various companies on site! Some of the companies discussed in this week’s episode: - Enlightened Equipment - Scratch Labs - Outdoor Element - Gnara (Women’s Specific Pants)...

In the Season 7 Finale, Derek and Carl discuss the exact gear they plan to bring for the Desolation Wilderness July trip. And this trivia is one you won’t want to miss! If you’re interested in any of the gear discussed, it helps our podcast! Outdoor Vitals Summit Down Sleeping Bag Mystery Ranch Radix Nemo Tensor Sleeping Pad Katadyn BeFree Black Diamond Spot Helinox Chair Zero Big Agnes Copper Spu...

Extreme Adventurer Ray Zahab joins the show to share some stories from the far side of the world. What did he encounter when crossing a frozen Siberian Lake? What happens when a Polar Bear yanks your hiking partner out of your tent? What is the one piece of gear a professional adventurer recommends? All this and more in this week's conversation. Some of the topics discussed: -Crossing the Sahara D...

Doc from Hiker Trash Radio invited Carl to debate him on the world's toughest race. Doc says it's the Barkley Marathons. Carl says it's the Eco Challenge. Travel Expert and TV Personality Alice Ford is brought in to moderate. What's on the line? And how will this go down? GET BONUS SEGMENT FROM THIS SHOW & BONUS EPISODES ON PATREON : There are over 40 BONUS episodes of B&B that you can get...

Yosemite Search and Rescue Operator Moose Mutlow joins the show! He might literally be the most interesting man in the world. Share in the crazy stories he shares with his experience on the job as well as the critical feedback he gives Carl about being a frequent flyer in the SAR network. This is one you won’t want to miss. Some of the topics discussed: -Yosemite Search and Rescue Stories -Real/Fa...

Devin Ashby from Backcountry Exposure joins the show as a guest host to discuss the top 10 overpacked items that only you can prevent. As a backpacking instructor Devin observes a lot of common mistakes with overpacked items. Some of them are downright ridiculous. And Devin challenges Carl with something pretty hefty if he passes trivia. Some of the topics discussed: -Backpacking Gear -Overpacked...

What is the worst decision you've ever made on the trail? Perhaps this episode will make you feel better about that. Derek and Carl highlight some humorous trail blunders that might catch you by surprise. The latest Lifestraw filter is reviewed. And Rocky weighs in about Chia seed water. GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B &...

Derek and Carl discuss the recent Patreon trip to Red River Gorge. Carl shares the ‘strange but true’ moments. Derek reacts and weighs in with his own opinions on the situation. And how will Derek handle Kentucky trivia? Some of the topics discussed: -The Red River Gorge -Camp Activities -Trip Planning Strategies Gear Review: Superfeet GET BONUS SEGMENT FROM THIS SHOW & BONUS EPISODES ON PATRE...

Derek and Carl discuss seriously overrated (and underrated) backpacking gear. What will make Derek’s list? And how will Carl fair with Derek’s trivia that includes a question from ‘some survey’? Some of the topics discussed: -Overrated Backpacking Gear -Underrated Backpacking Gear -Backpacking Gear Review Gear Review: Therm-a-rest Neo Air Xlite NXT GET BONUS SEGMENT FROM THIS SHOW & BONUS EPIS...

What happened when Derek and Carl took 10 others to Canyonlands? A lot! Surprising stories come out as they review 9 pieces of gear they tested. And also, what did they do right and what did they do wrong? Some of the topics discussed: -The Best Backpacking Gear -The Worst Backpacking Gear -Stories from Canyonlands National Park GET BONUS SEGMENT FROM THIS SHOW & BONUS EPISODES ON PATREON : Th...

Comedian, Author Sally Chaffin Brooks joins the show. Her comedic take on her Appalachian Trail thru hike is highly entertaining. From trying to form a relationship with a fellow hiker to encountering a trash-bag wearing creep – who may not have even been real – Sally brings a lot of fun to this episode! Some of the topics discussed: -Appalachian Trail thru hiking -Strange Encounters on the trail...

It’s time for Derek and Carl to come clean about their top rookie mistakes. Many of these made on recent trips (well after they considered themselves ‘experienced backpackers’). Please learn from these ridiculous blunders and don’t do what they did. While some well-chronicled stories are shared about such things as the fanny pack incident, and the case of the missing sleeping pad, new events will...

Is there any gear you wished you hadn't bought? Learn from Derek and Carl's mistakes and don't buy the items that have failed them (and continued to fail them in some cases). Also, can Derek pass 'License Plate Trivia'? GET MORE EPISODES! There are over 80 episodes of B&B that you can get by supporting us on Patreon. It's safe and secure and it helps us put out more content. Patreon.com/backpa...

Film-maker, photographer, thru-hiker IB TAT joins the show to share his unique perspective and some engaging, outlandish stories from the trail. Why would a Walmart kick out hikertrash next to a long trail? Why did he feel compelled to break in to a backcountry ranger cabin? And what happened as a result? Also, Derek crafts a controversial trivia question. Shocking. Some of the topics discussed: -...

Steven Smith from My Life Outdoors joins the show for some legit gear talk. He dares you to find better gear for less. And he will even give you an 11% discount if you buy the items on his list. He also shares one the biggest gear scams currently going. Some of the topics discussed: -Ultralight Backpacking Gear -Budget Backpacking Gear -Best Backpacking Backpack -Gear Scams Check out Steven Smith’...

Does base weight really matter if your total pack weight is too heavy? Derek and Carl give a list of tips and tricks to get your pack under 30lbs (or to simply reduce your pack pack). What can you get rid of? What should you replace? And what should you upgrade? Also, Carl accuses Derek of creating the worst trivia questions...ever. Do you agree? GET MORE EPISODES! There are over 80 episodes of B&...

Dave Stewart joins the show to discuss some of the most interesting and dramatic backcountry stories the B&B show has ever heard. From napkin maps to having to keep watch in bear country, Dave Stewart has had some truly compelling adventures. Also an expert fly fisherman, Dave shares his top 3 tips for anybody looking to start. Some of the topics discussed: -Intense experiences in bear country...

Derek and Carl reached out to the backpacking community to find out what the biggest (and weirdest) pet peeves everyone has. Are these legitimate issues, fake problems or things that the B&B crew causes? After addressing each one, Derek and Carl then come up with ‘legitimate’ solutions. Also, how will Derek do with Pet Peeves Trivia? Some of the topics discussed: -Trip Planning -Leave No Trace...

The World's Toughest Race (The Eco Challenge) is currently the best running adventure-based series on Amazon Prime. Sonja Wieck, from team Iron Cowboy, joins the show to discuss all things adventure. Dubbed the race "that eats Iron Men for breakfast" Sonja discusses all aspects of adventure and what it's like to have Bear Grylls give you some encouragement...from a helicopter. Also, how...

Extreme Adventurer Chad Lubinski joins the show to discuss some truly amazing stories from some of America’s long trails. He legitimately almost died in 3 different circumstances. What was the secret to his survival? What should he have done to avoid those situations? How did he handle spilling his water on a dry section of the Highline trail? Also, Derek is providing trivia. He asks a question he...

Derek and Carl discuss the BEST backpacking items that come in around $1. While many of the suggestions may prove helpful…even to the well-seasoned backpacker, Derek has 1 or 2 that will blow your socks off. Derek accuses Carl of cutting coupons. And how will Derek perform in $1 trivia this week? Some of the topics discussed: -Backpacking Gear -Backpacking Food -Budget Backpacking Gear -Backpackin...

Derek and Carl discuss fun, light-hearted and mean-spirited pranks. They recount a number of pranks they’ve already pulled off (and one that keeps failing). Additionally, they highlight interesting prank opportunities for the upcoming trip. Derek believes Carl pranked himself with a rock. One of the guys admits to eating paste as a kid; the other says he ate paper. Which was which? Also, can Derek...

On our first THROWBACK THURSDAY, 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 a...

Brooke is back! One of the most popular guests of last season, Brooke Whipple joins the show to share about her Yukon canoe adventure, her latest off-grid projects, and some interesting (and surprising) obstacles that came up along the way. As always Brooke brings an encouraging, you-can-do-it vibe that is so inspirational. Inspired by her recent ranking in Bathroom magazine, Derek tries his hand...

Derek and Carl discuss the new gear from some of the biggest backpacking companies. Carl had a chance to sit down with reps from various brands to hear about the latest and greatest backpacking gear of 2024 and beyond. Hear if from the source! How does Carl ask the tough question to the company he’s been poking fun at for years? Also, Derek is up to his usual antics with trivia. Some of the topics...