Episodes

Will 2020 be the year of the R-Value for Sleeping Pads? Will it be standardized? On this Episode we talk about the evolution of backcountry sleeping pads – and the exciting NEW standardization to look for in 2020. We believe some of the new trends up and coming may just take the air right outta ya. 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 p...

On this Episode we take one last look at 2019 – highlighting the best moments, our favorite topics and reflecting on all the fun and adventure we’ve had with you – our community. Sit back and enjoy a little behind the scenes as we reflect back on 2019....

A podcast collaboration with Derick and Carl from Backpacking & Blisters. We turn the discussion and become the guests on our very own podcast. In this round table discussion, we share what each of us would do in these one off,

On this Holiday Podcast we reveal whom amongst us has been naughty and who’s been nice on Santa’s Backpacking List. We share what gear we would love to have on our own wish list. Then gear up as we share the top 5 stocking stuffer gear ideas to surpris...

On this episode we share common backpacking gear we NEVER bring. We believe some gear is better in concept, rather than practical use on the trail. Especially when trying to lighten the load. Do you love it? Do you regularly use it? Or should you leave it behind? We challenge your thinking to simplify the items you carry to reach their full potential – as less is sometimes more. by the way…you can always join in on our discussions on our Facebook group page – just go to: facebook.com/groups/tru...

On this Episode we talk about what YOU as a Backpacker need to know about 911. Because emergencies are never planned, you may find yourself in a pickle and knowing this information could save your life, or at least give you better than average odds at getting the help you need. What happens when you have to make a 911 call and look down on your Smart Phone and it say’s “No Service”? Well we share what to do. by the way…you can always join in on our discussions on our Facebook group page – just ...

On this Thanksgiving holiday we share the benefits you get from pushing yourself away from the dinner table and getting outdoors. Don’t let Uncle Bob keep you hostage. Get Outdoors and get some fresh air. Your health could depend on it. If you get this podcast early (and as a Patreon Member, you are) on Thanksgiving Day, make sure you stop by our Trust The Trail Facebook Group where we are cooking a lightweight backcountry Thanksgiving dinner with a Pocket Rocket. by the way…you can always joi...

On this Episode we talk about trail etiquette and share why these “unwritten rules” offer you value on the Trail. Are there do’s and dont’s on the trail? How to avoid making these common known no no’s. We give you our own list of common trail etiquette...

On this Episode we speak to our very own podcast listener, Amy Tappendorf about Backpacking with Type 1 Diabetes. The added challenges she faces in preparing for a trip. Specifically in regard to adding in weight for The What If. Amy found our podcast less than a year ago after learning about and exploring a new found passion for Backpacking. She booked our Isle Royal Adventure Trip this past September – where I learned and experienced for myself the added preparations it takes to manage her Di...

On this Episode we revisit what it means to “Plan Ahead and Prepare”. And what the “blankety-blank” that means? We break it down even further and DECIPHER THE BASICS of what ACTIONS correlate to this common phrase.

On this episode we share with you some tips on how to go backpacking in Winter on a budget. It’s not always about buying all the gear all at once. We also will discuss what items to buy first as you trek out in those cold temps.

This Episode is the FIRST of a two part series in how to buy winter gear and what to look for before purchasing. Let’s set the perimeters – you’ve already made the decision to GO! Temperatures are AT or below freezing AT NIGHT and there will be snow. HOW do you begin buying gear? 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 communit...

On this Episode we answer a very popular question backpackers ask us all the time – is a sleeping bag or quilt a better choice? We share with you the answer – and you’re going to be shocked on what we tell you!

On this Episode we catch up with Kari (aka Stitcher) at the completing of her Appalachian Trail Thru Hike. You may remember her from episode 75: An Aspiring Thru-Hiker, where she had only the dream of hiking the entire Appalachian Trail. Catching up with her again on Episodes 86: Backpacking Beginnings + Episode 112: The Journey begins with the first step – where she completes just her first 100 miles. For those of you that have followed her journey – Kari was a listener, taking in all the advi...

On this Episode we talk about being flexible on the trail. The route you plan may not be the route you hike. We share with you some of our own recent moments when we had to call our own audible while out on the trail and how that ended up being the better plan. 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 ab...

LIVE from Isle Royale National Park we share what backpackers thought about their 4 day backpacking experience on the island. What did backpacking on such a remote island setting teach them? Special interview with a newer backpacker and how she overcame fear on the trail. 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...

On this Episode we share with you almost 3 years of Podcasting – the uphills and the downhills, the valleys and the mountain peaks. How you have inspired us. And so we ask this question to, our listeners – where is the next trail junction?

On this Episode, we talk about gear respect. There’ s an old saying: “Do not put off until tomorrow what you can accomplish today”. This statement holds true for our us as backpackers, clean your gear! Protecting your gear – how to protect your gear – and the consequences of doing it tomorrow vs today. 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 beco...

On this episode we share with you a remote and often untamed Wilderness that encompasses 2 states has been identified as one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world. It just so happens it’s in the Southeast and called The Cohutta Wilderness. We share what to expect, tips on backpacking there, and what you need to know. 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 ...

On this episode we share with you backpacking Hacks & Tips that we have collected over many years. Some of these tips will work for reducing some of the weight through multi using your gear. As always, we share a Pro TIP near the end that will help you...

On this episode we talk about the one thing that everyone loves in a backcountry campsite, a good old fashioned camp fire! What is the best fire starter to use on those rainy nights? We also bust the myth on what is commonly suggested to use versus what you should bring instead. 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...

Inspired by one of our listeners about appetites or lack thereof on the trail, we answer the question; “I could barley eat anything after 2 long days of backpacking. Why?” On this episode we tell you the truth that – YOUR BODY IS SMARTER THAN YOU ARE. It knows what it needs. There is a difference between hunger and appetite and your ability to keep going despite one of them. In this week’s pro-tip we offer you a food strategy that may just shed some pack weight off. by the way…you can always jo...

On this episode we discuss hiking in extreme heat. When it’s safe to go AND when to consider not going. We offer you tips on how to BEAT THE HEAT and remain “somewhat” comfortable while out on the trail. Often you are already committed to those Summer ...

On this episode we share with you our Top 10 epic food failures in the backcountry. We’ve all been there before, watching a video or seeing a recipe that looked appealing. And so we packed it and headed out on the trail to try it for ourselves.