Episodes

On this episode we discuss how to effectively prepare ahead of time for your body’s natural breakdown AFTER your hike. We address a very specific topic of hiking in colder climates and how to ensure exceptional performance from your body and muscles.

On this episode we share with you a sanctuary in the forest for both weary travelers and long-distance thru-hikers to find rest. A place that connects you to your experiences on the trail, keeping you grounded and quiet effectively detoxing from one reality to the next. Appalachian Trail SOBO’s may have met their final footing here, where you may just find theory of the six degrees of separation is very real and present in a unique way. by the way…you can always join in on our discussions on ou...

As 2018 wraps up, we review what this last year has meant to Scott & Ariane. Looking forward on how to bring a superior quality podcast to you our listeners. But not just our listeners…but ALL of you that have connected to us throughout so many avenues...

On this episode, we talk about choosing a headlamp that is right for YOU. With so many to choose from, the options can easily become overwhelming. Light is light afterall – or IS IT? We are going to give you some illuminating tips on how to choose the one BEST suitable for your lifestyle. 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...

On this episode, we break down the MYTH that cold weather hiking means you can drink less – explaining your body’s performance in tricking YOU TO THINK just that. Did you know Your Risk of Dehydration Increases in Winter?

On this episode we give an update on one of our own podcast listeners, and how things have developed in her upcoming thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail. We hear from HER own perspective regarding her very FIRST backpacking trip. What adjustments to her gear, plan and mental preparedness has altered from having spent just one night in the woods. You may Kari from Episdoe 75: An Aspiring Thru-Hiker (released back in September). Here is her Appalachian Trail update. by the way…you can always join ...

On this episode we share tips on how to lead a group(s) in the outdoors. Whether it’s as an Organizer of a hiking club or just with your own family and friends. We ask you, what exactly is the responsibility of a trip leader? As always,

On this episode we discuss how mountain ranges effect the weather. We talk all about how best to forecast the weather when in the mountains, the signs to look for once you’re out there AND then share tips on what to do if you’re caught in 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 our podcast family – come hang out with us AND become part of our community. What we talk about: BOOT CAMP CL...

On this episode we ask the question; what does Nature give you? Why do you spend so much time and money trying to “connect” to it, and what makes it so appealing to go hiking and backpacking in it? We ask our outdoor hiking/backpacking community to share their story with us. What we talk about: Scott is NO Ariane It could be argued Nature is in our DNA We connect to disconnect There is a reason our first night out on the trail we can’t sleep Never raise your hiking poles in a Thunderstorm ...

On this episode we discuss the most basic of basics in backpacking or hiking. Preventing the blister. After all, your feet are your most important piece of gear that will ultimately get you to where you want to go. AND no one likes when they can’t walk because of a blister. We will also share tips on how to prevent, and what to do if you start getting a blister. Also, is there really a trick to preventing a blister? What we talk about: Scott hates Oslo Boots Ariane loves Oslo Boots Always ca...

Is Halloween to blame for a generalized fear of going into the woods? After all many modern-day horror movies are set deep within the remote wilderness and rarely does everyone escape. On this episode, we dive into a physiological satire proving those elements are taught from an early stage in life – and how THIS plays a KEY role in our conceptualization of the wilderness. What we talk about: Deliverance is the scariest movie EVER The Blair Witch Project wasn’t real? A thousand eyes looking ...

On this episode we share a letter from one of our listeners on digging her first cathole…and just how glorious it was! Let’s breech the subject of pooping in the woods! We offer tips on how and where to dig,

On this episode we put and end to the debate of which sleep system is better. Hammocks or Tents? We share what we have learned through years of backpacking and give you a huge pro tip at the end to help you stay a bit warmer if you choose a hammock. We also have a case study at which sleep system is cost effective at camp with a 32 degree night? By the way you can always join in on the discussion our Trust The Trail Facebook Group If you want to hang out with us just go to: facebook.com/groups/...

On this episode we discuss what is the best cookware to bring out in the backcountry. Does weight matter? What is the difference between aluminium and titanium? Exactly how much should you spend? And is there a cheaper choice? By the way you can always join in on the discussion our Trust The Trail Facebook Group If you want to hang out with us just go to: facebook.com/groups/trustthetrailpodcast/ What we talk about: Is titanium lighter than aluminum? You need more aluminum to equal the same a...

On this episode we ask the question: Should a Backpacker Take a Wilderness First Aid Class? Through our own experience, we share our opinion and what we have seen and learned out on the trail. It may persuade you to look into how it may change the way you hike. By the way you can always join in on the discussion our Trust The Trail Facebook Group If you want to hang out with us just go to: facebook.com/groups/trustthetrailpodcast/ What we talk about You never think it will happen to you “How ...

On this episode we speak with President and CEO of Outdoor Vitals, Tayson Whittaker. Outdoor Vitals has developed a new synthetic technology – Loft Tek – allowing you to pack Ultralight. Tayson shares how Loft Tek is almost a comparable as Down, but at a much lower cost to YOU. Is synthetic now as good as DOWN and will the synthetic market soon change the game for everyone? We pose that question to Tayson – and he answers! What we talk about While in college founder (Tayson) developed a passio...

On this episode we record LIVE out in the field with one of our podcast listeners Kari at the Dahlanoga Trail Days Festival in the North Georgia Mountains. Kari shares with us her aspirations of thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2019 and how she is preparing. We laugh a lot during this podcast, Kari was such a great sport for letting us talk to her. It’s not everyday we get to meet one of our listeners and was so grateful for Kari taking the time to hang with us. By the way you can always jo...

On this episode we share our gear tips from transitioning from summer backpacking to fall backpacking. Now that Labor Day is over, we start thinking about Fall. How much more gear to you need?, or what kind of gear do you need and will it add pack weight? We share some of our gear tips and what is a really important piece of gear that we underestimate to keep you warm at night? by the way you can always join in on our discussion on our facebook group – just go to: facebook.com/groups/trustthetr...

On this episode we discuss Fear and how it can prevent you from some magical experiences in your outdoor adventure life and especially on the trail. Inspired by one of our Patreons and a members of our Trust the Trail FB group – Shirley Nutt – who overcame a fear of heights by scaling Half Dome in Yosemite National Park. We also offer six tips to help you overcome your OWN fears on the trail, one step at a time. by the way you can always join in on our discussion on our facebook group – just go...

On this episode we define Trail Magic, how it’s changed over the years, and is it helpful or hurtful? Also, does some Trail Magic help or hurt your pack weight when backpacking a long distance trail. Whether it’s the Appalachian Trail,

On this episode we interview Jack Masters (Vagabond Jack) who attempted an Appalachian Trail thru-hike in 2018. How he overcame adversity and what was his secret weapon for all those climbs up the Appalachian Mountains. AND, how did he get his trail name? Jack shares his thoughts on trusting the trail and discovering that some of his best adventures, were the people and friends he met along the way. And by the way — If you want to hang out with us just go to: facebook.com/groups/trustthetrailpo...

On this episode we share WHICH trail map is best for you and how it can differ depending on WHERE you are backpacking. Maps offer you a way to read the terrain in a way you cannot visually see from your point of view. We will define the different boundaries and which government entity governs them. Along with a TIP on which map you should ALWAYS have in your car and how to begin using maps to your advantage! What we talk about: How did we not see a 50 mile wide hole in the ground I prefer to ...

On this episode we delve into the concept “does backpacking clean your brain”? Well, of course it does – and we share with you why and how it just does that. How does the Sun affect your mental focus and does it help with depression?

On this episode we share one heck of an exciting, YET challenging adventure that will quickly give you a sense of accomplishment though likely leave you exhausted. The Jacks River Trail is located within one of the largest Wilderness Areas in the Southeast, offering you a very rugged wilderness adventure of epic proportions. Especially…after fording the Jacks River…42 times withtin ONLY a 17 mile stretch. Near the end of this segment we share with you TIPS on how to safely ford a river – never k...