Episodes

This is episode 210 The End of The Trail. On this episode we bid farewell to this show, but not goodbye to you, to all of our listeners over the last 5 years. Episode 210 will be our last official Trust The Trail Podcast as we close this chapter and start writing a new one. We also share what’s next as we explore the possibilites of our new home: Yellowstone National Park. This will be hard to get through for me, for us. But as we close this show, this is not the end of Trust The Trail. We also ...

On this episode we debate the long argued Jetboil versus the Pocket Rocket saga. Is one really better than the other? Is burn time speed more important than Canister efficiency? Is there a better stove to use when outdoor conditions change? You Betcha! Why is it a good idea to have both in your gear closet? We share comments from our Facebook Group and what why they think the Jetboil is King. You can always join in on our discussions on our Facebook group page – just go to: facebook.com/groups/...

On this episode we discuss why are Bear Attacks and Bear Encounters on the rise? What should you do if you see a Grizzly Bear on the trail? Or a Black Bear for that matter? What does it mean to be “Bear Aware”? And why do people go nuts when they see a Bear? And finally, What’s up with ALL this Snow in the Northwest? STOP SNOWING! You can always join in on our discussions on our Facebook group page – just go to: facebook.com/groups/trustthetrailpodcast and join our podcast family – come hang ou...

On this episode we discuss TICK season. How will you protect yourself this year? Permethrin VS Deet which is better? How should Appalachian Trail Thru Hikers prevent the Tick Attack. And just who is the “Tick Terminator”? All this and more. You can always join in on our discussions on our Facebook group page – just go to: facebook.com/groups/trustthetrailpodcast and join our podcast family – come hang out with us AND become part of our community If you are planning a day hike, or a backpacking...

On this episode we share a little Appalachian Trail advise for our 2022 Thru-Hikers. Thousands of potential AT Thru Hikers make their long journey each year trying to accomplish a complete end to end hike on our Country’s iconic trail. What is the most important piece of gear? We also gear test and discuss Altai Hok’s Snowshoe. A hybrid snowshoe that acts like a snowshoes but glides like a ski. We test it in Yellowstone National Park in Winter and share if it is better than traditional snowshoes...

On episode 205 We discuss the brutal statistics from the National Park Service about Overcrowding and Search and Rescue in 2021. On our weekly LIVE Audio Show, we have a conversation with our Listeners about why National Parks experienced a record Search and Rescue year. Is this why Backcountry permit fees are on the rise for 2022? Why is there such a disconnect between Visitors and “What to Know before you Go”? and lastly one of our listeners explains Jujutsu and how it’s getting her in shape. ...

On this episode we make a tweak in our show. It’s time for our listeners to chime in on topics LIVE and have a voice. On our LIVE Audio Show We have a conversation with Ariane about living in Montana with 17 feet of snow.

This is episode 203 Moose are Cranky “Be ready to run”. On this episode we report on some “Trail News” around the Country for the month of January 2022. What National Park is raising backcountry permit fees?

On this episode we get a chance to sit down once again with Derek and Carl and chat about all things backpacking. Kind of. We chat about the worse trail experience, worse food experience, and how one of us should not be peeing in the campfire. Plus, Scott gives out a special invite to both Carl and Derek to backpacking in Yellowstone National Park in 2022. Do they accept? You can always join in on our discussions on our Facebook group page – just go to: facebook.com/groups/trustthetrailpodcast ...

On episode 201 Scott shares several tips on how to overcome and handle fear on the trail. How to turn negative thoughts into positive energy. As we move into 2022 fear has gripped us in every way possible. But on this episode how you handle fear in life is exactly how you will handle fear in the backcountry. We also discuss new updates to the show and a special invite to our listeners. You can always join in on our discussions on our Facebook group page – just go to: facebook.com/groups/trustth...

On our 200th episode we look at back at 5 years of podcasting with Trust The Trail. We share some behind the scenes, never before told stories as well as some of our highlighted successes and failures from many of our trips. Then we turn the tables back to those of YOU whom inspired us in ways that could have never imagined…directly fueling keeping this podcast going. As we hike down the trail to memory lane, join us in celebrating 200 episodes of Trust The Trail Podcast. You can always join in...

This is episode 199 Clean Your Gear. On this episode Scott shares some new gear thoughts for 2022 and why you should take a look at some quality down jackets that have been on the market for awhile. He also shares tips on how to keep your gear clean and ready to go. Huge news regarding the podcast. Are we taking the podcast to a video channel near you? you can always join in on our discussions on our Facebook group page – just go to: facebook.com/groups/trustthetrailpodcast and join our podcast...

On this episode we get back to some basics in talking about trail ratings. Is there a need for a consistent rating system, with so many new backpackers exploring different terrain? What constitutes difficult? Are ratings entirely based on calculation alone? And should they be? Is it sufficient enough to objectively prepare for? Has Social Media and Apps with “trail reviews” become the new way people are researching trails? To wrap it all up, we offer some basic need to know tips to help you pre-...

This is episode 197 The Fork in the Trail. On this episode Scott shares what happened in Cooke City Montana and why we stopped podcasting. Also, how the fork in the Trail with no trail signs is often your best guess with no real clues as to which direction to go This is exactly where you can Trust the Trail. We also give updates for 2022 meetup events. you can always join in on our discussions on our facebook group page – just go to: facebook.com/groups/trustthetrailpodcast and join our podcast...

On this episode we discuss Bears in the backcountry. Is practicing Leave No Trace Principles enough, where there is no room for error? We share 3 tips in how to keep bears out of your campsite. We also recap our Yellowstone Meet & Greet and share the highlights of our backpacking trip. How exactly did we protect ourselves from a Bear encounter in the Yellowstone Backcountry? by the way…you can always join in on our discussions on our Facebook group page – just go to: facebook.com/groups/trustth...

We come to you LIVE from Yellowstone National Park in Lamar Valley and some of the best backpacking around. On this episode we offer tips on what you need to know when coming out to hit the trail. Do you really need Bear Spray? What is the truth about the Wildlife and what resources are offered in the Park for Backpackers? Our LIVE Show was in the heart of Yellowstone in the rain of course. by the way…you can always join in on our discussions on our Facebook group page – just go to: facebook.co...

On episode 194 we discuss that Trail Depression is Real. We share personal thoughts on depression after a long distance or thru hike. Whether it’s the Appalachian Trail or the Pacific Crest Trail. Trail depression is very real. How did Scott overcome depression after his Appalachian Thru Hike and what did he learn. Per request from one of our listeners, Trail Depression after a thru hike is something to discuss. by the way…you can always join in on our discussions on our Facebook group page – j...

The second part of a two part series on the saturation of our trails by novice hikers. We discussed in our last episode what new hikers are experiencing and how this increased saturation is causing a deeper ripple effect. Are their solutions that can be done to support the increase interest and education? And what would that look like? Should Leave No Trace play a bigger role? How is Search and Rescue handling 2021? by the way…you can always join in on our discussions on our Facebook group page...

On this episode we debate the rise on the novice hiker and how it’s shaping our outdoor recreation. With little room for error in life altering scenarios, where does experience benefit the average hiker. This is a two-part series on the increase in int...

On this episode we debate the Pro’s and Con’s of calling backpacking a “sport”. Should it be considered an “official” Olympic Sport? Who would referee? Who would judge? We discuss the facts about athletes and backpackers.

On this episode we share thoughts on the future of Outdoor audio and Backpacking Podcasts. We also break down the conversation we had recently from out Podcast Listeners on “What is the best coffee on the trail”? Find out the answer on this episode. by the way…you can always join in on our discussions on our Facebook group page – just go to: facebook.com/groups/trustthetrailpodcast and join our podcast family – come hang out with us AND become part of our community. What We Talk About: The Aud...

Part two of Trust The Trail Podcast two part series on backpacking the Grand Canyon. We sit down with the ALL female Badass Backpacker Group that spent 5 nights deep into the Grand Canyon from the North Rim. What did they learn about themselves? What did they learn about pack weight and how to manage their food and especially water? What’s it like carrying up to 8 liters of water? This roundtable discussion shares on how they could have improved pack weight and the mental obstacles they faced. ...

A Guided Trip Into the Grand Canyon; This is a two part series on Backpacking the Grand Canyon. On this episode we are LIVE from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon as we give a detailed trip report on backpacking the Thunder River Deer Creek Loop and give you a behind the scene sounds of what guiding a trip sounds like. From the top of the North Rim and the Bill Hall Trail to the Colorado River, Ariane shares her perspective in the moment. by the way…you can always join in on our discussions on ...

On this episode we share our tips on how the trail has a lot more to reveal than you think. Being self-aware of the trail is one of the most important aspects of your hike. We dig into decoding what the trail is actually telling you. What tools can you use to help navigate the trail? AND, does is your intuition about the for words every backpacker dreads. “This Is Not Right” correct? by the way…you can always join in on our discussions on our Facebook group page – just go to: facebook.com/group...