Episodes

On this episode we discuss the concept of “Cold Soaking” your food while backpacking on the trail. Is it worth it? What VALUE does it give? Is it healthy and ULTIMATELY, does it offer you the endurance for putting in those additional miles like all the...

On episode 114 we pose this question, is achieving the perfect backcountry selfie really worth it and are we turning nature’s wilderness into a side show? This podcast might be a little controversial but worth the discussion as we seek to understand why so many people are placing their safety at risk for the sake of social media. Is an 8th Leave No Trace Principle appropriate as social media takes on a life of it’s own in creating an circus buzz around scenic destinations that normally would not...

On this episode we share with you ideas about lightening your pack without necessarily buying lightweight gear. It’s not always about what is LIGHTER, sometimes its simply about reducing the volume of your gear and how it’s carried that can make ALL the difference. Also, stay tuned for pro-tips at the end of this podcast to maximize your minimalism. 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...

On this episode we give you an update on what’s it like to be ON the trail instead of just talking about it. On episode 75 we first met Kari who had was inspired to hike the Appalachian Trail. On Episode 86 we talked with Kari and her prep,

On this episode we discuss the balance between wet and dry conditions. Is there a trick to keeping your gear dry in a down pour? Can you pack up with everything wet while still maintaining dry necessities? How do you maintain staying dry throughout multiple days of backpacking in the rain? We’ll share tricks for eating in the rain AND OF COURSE talk about foot care. We delve into this conversation of Dancing in the rain. The Suck and The Embrace of it all. by the way…you can always join in on o...

This is not an episode about the heat of summer, but rather ALL about DOGS on the trail. We share stories of our own, exposing their frequently known hijinx and insights into our furry ‘lil familiy. We’ll share pro-tips and suggestions for keeping your own dogs safe while out on the trails. 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 o...

On this episode we share, discuss and TRY to make sense of a senseless tragedy which occurred on the Appalachian Trail last week – that took the life of army veteran Ronald S. Sanchez Jr. We’re going to be honest and open about our own feelings on this. Though more importantly how ALL OF US in OUR hiking community can move forward and continue to TRUST THE TRAIL. by the way…you can always join in on our discussions on our Facebook group page – just go to: facebook.com/groups/trustthetrailpodcas...

We sit down with Judy Gross, CEO of Light Heart Gear, to share with YOU her unforeseen journey and how she went from an Appalachian Trail Backpacker to Tent Manufacturer. Her personal story, now 10 years in the making, initiated with a little bit of trail envy, a tenacious attitude and OF COURSE an introduction to the color purple. “invest in what you know” were the words once spoken to her, IGNITING the spark. In her own words: “I know sewing and I know backpacking” THE REST…is how a highl...

What are the most commonly asked QUESTIONS on the Trail? Whether its during a Thru-Hike or a Weekend Hike – it doesn’t seem to matter. For most, it begins as small talk and introduction into conversation with a complete stranger – though it has now adapted it’s own course to SIZING another up. These questions will make you laugh – angry or aloof. However they MAY make you feel, you’ll find yourself echoing these same questions to another. by the way…you can always join in on our discussions on ...

On this episode we discuss the whole Bear Canister deal. How to carry one, where to get one, do you really need one, and who the heck approves them? All questions we delve into. Also, is the Urasack a good alternative? Is it approved my the…bear canister people? We answer that one also. AND finally, which is the best Bear Canister? 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 – ...

This is the third part of a three part series on choosing what an ultra light weight tent means to you and how to choose the right one. We share with you a tip in making your ultra lightweight tent worth the “weight” and investment. On the first 2 episodes of this series we discussed what to look for, how it should fit your lifestyle, double wall vs single wall – though this is where the rubber (OR SHOULD I SAY MATERIAL) meets the road. What good is an ultra lightweight tent if the rest of your ...

Single Wall or Double Wall? What does ultra light weight tents mean to you? This is the second part of a three part series on choosing what an ultra light weight tent means to you and how to choose the right one. We discuss single wall vs double wall and the differences in how it effects your tent experience. We wrap it all up by featuring a manufacturer we believe you should take a closer look at before taking the final plunge in purchasing THE tent that’s right for you. by the way…you can alw...

This is the first part of the 3 part series on what does a ultra lightweight tent meant to you, and how to choose the right one? With so many “ultra lightweight” tents on the market and with affiliate link sites using click bate to get you to click on “the top ten best ultra lightweight tents” it’s a wonder we don’t go nuts. We break down each manufacturer that have been tried and true and who we feel is a good place to start your research on what fit’s for YOUR backpacking lifestyle on the tra...

On this episode we discuss taking the blind leap forward. How two people on opposite sides of the country trusted the trail and did something impactful for themselves that challenged them both physically and emotionally. Trusting the Trail isn’t always about a hiking trail, but instead trusting that your journey will be exactly what is needed. More often, the more challenging aspect of the trail itself. by the way…you can always join in on our discussions on our Facebook group page – just go t...

On this episode we talk Bugs, Beetles and Hemlocks. How one pesky tiny insect named the “Hemlock Woolly Adelgid” (A-DEL-GID) is destroying the Hemlock trees in the Southeast. This insect is affecting the entire Eco System in the Appalachia Mountains.

We are LIVE from the Appalachian Trail outside of Tent City at Amicalola Falls State Park for our 100th episode. It’s all open as hikers, trail icon’s, trail celebs, section hikers, and Thru-Hikers past and present all join us to share their love for the People’s Trail. We even get a special delivery brought to our table while we are LIVE. Don’t miss episode. by the way…you can always join in on our discussions on our Facebook group page – just go to: facebook.com/groups/trustthetrailpodcast an...

On this episode we share our experience guiding an entire family “the Baily’s” on their first backpacking trip. What exactly did they learn taking the entire family out? What did WE learn guiding them? We offer insights into how they prepared versus wh...

On this episode we talk to Appalachian Thru-Hiker Heather Bolint, aka “Mama Cluck” about life AFTER her Appalachian Trial THRU hike. She shares how taking a 6 month break while managing a Hostel in Southern Georgia inspired her to get back out there an...

On this episode it’s all about preparing your Gear. This is the third segment of a three part series on How To Prepare for a Thru-Hike on the Appalachian Trail. We will share some myths and truths on what gear is best YOU and HOW to go about buying it....

This is the second segment of a three part series on HOW TO PREPARE for a Thru-Hike on the Appalachian Trail. On this episode it’s all about THE MENTAL GAME. WHY? Because us Thru Hikers are a crazy bunch of people to hike through 14 states and over 2,100 miles…just to touch a sign. And, the only person playing this mental game is YOU. So let’s get to it 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...

This is the beginning of a three part series on How to prepare for a Thru-Hike on the Appalachian Trail. The Series will be Physical, Mental Preparedness and Gear. On this episode we discuss the Physical Challenges of thu-hike and how to prepare your body for the hike of your life. What your body goes through, signs your body communicates to you AND how to better adapt to overcome the physical challenges that occur. As always, we share PRO-TIPS in getting your BODY TRAIL READY! by the way…you c...

How many gear manufacturers does it take to sit in a van and discuss ALL THINGS backpacking? On this episode we share with you some of the TOP backpacking manufacturers and spill the beans that they ARE IN reality all VERY close friends! We have an exclusive interview with the CEO of Six Moon Designs. Ron exposes Big Name Manufacturers like, Hennesey Hammock, Shire Tarp Tent, ULA, ZPack and MUCH MORE… by the way…you can always join in on our discussions on our Facebook group page – just go to: ...

On this episode we are LIVE in the Arizona desert discussing backroad backpacking and finding the adventure in getting to the trailhead. Sometimes that’s harder than you think. We also share what we’ve recently done to achieve even MORE out of this opportunity. This podcast is brought to you LIVE from the backroads in Arizona where we’re offering some helpful insights into BASIC preparedness in getting to AND FROM the trailheads. YOU can watch the LIVE replay on our Facebook Group just follow t...

On this episode we discuss the generalized fears that face females on the trail and challenge the pre-conceived perspectives of hiking alone in the wild. I share my own real experiences hiking the Appalachian Trail with you in hoping to instill a genuine Trusting of the Trail and get you out there – SOLO as a JayBird. 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 ...