Episodes

On this episode we sit down with Robin League and discuss what backpacking in South Africa is like. Most people know what “backpacking” in the US is. But in different countries around the world, the word “backpacking” is or can be a little different. Our guest Robin League spent 2 years in the Peace Corps in Swaziland Africa. She often went backpacking from Hostel to Hostel on the Wild Coast of South Africa. How is backpacking on the Wild Coast different than backpacking in the US National Fore...

On this episode we are going to discuss use of technology and is it useful on the trail? Do you need it, and how do you use it? We’ll also do a Throwback Thursday and look back as to what was used to communicate while on a Thru-Hike all but 15 years ago. Wow! Has it been that long? Can you effectively use technology without it disengaging you from your outdoor experience? We find it goes both ways. Yes, it can be beneficial to bring a little tech out into the Wilderness, but it can also be aggr...

This was one of our favorite shows that we’v done. Why? We are talking tasty deserts that are easy to make on the trail. We also review Backcountry Pantry Foods, which in our opinion, makes some pretty good deserts.

On this episode we reflect on 2016 and the leap into mobile living. We also share our 2017 hopes, trips and going on the road with our 1976 Airstream. 2016 was kind of a rough year. We had a lot of obstacles that through us for a loop. We never in our wildest dreams thought Lucy would come into our lives. Our 1976 Airstream Argosy that we decided to buy and renovate. Oh, boy was that a big undertaking. Not too mention 2016 just kind of sucked. We also continued to try and grow our guiding busi...

On this episode we are going to share two of our favorite places to backpack to for the Holiday’s. It’s our personal trail traditions that we embark on every year. Swan Cabin and Donley Cabin are both located in foothills of the Smoky Mountains.

On episode 14 of Trust the Trail, we are going to share and explain how to overcome your fear of backpacking solo. Then give you 9 tips you can use to help overcome YOUR fear. Lastly we share one of our subscribers e-mail question. Where does the real fear come from that stops you from going out in nature alone? It’s control of course. People are usually fearful when they can’t control their environment. The reality of course, is that none of us are in control of our environment. If you spell ou...

Episode 13 is Live on the trail with Arian. On this episode Ariane shares how backpacking altered her life. Backpacking found Araine, over and over again – “though I didn’t embrace it as a lifestyle at first it finally stuck! Now addicted to the sport of backpacking, I share how the culture of that lifestyle simplifies life and encourage you to explore the benefits for yourself”. Enjoy this episode, a rare solo show without Scott! May it find you inspired and encourage you to seek your balance ...

In this 12th episode we share our feelings, thoughts, and prayers to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and Gatlinburg, TN. The wildfires that swept through Gatlinburg, TN on Monday will go down in the history books for sure. There was devastating loss, and brought tears to so many people that have visited the Park, and the neighboring town of Gatlinburg, and Pigon Forge. As it seems so devastating, there is also hope that our hiking community will remember what has been given so freely to...

In this podcast we share 5 important tips on what you should know before backpacking down into the Grand Canyon. People often make mistakes when underestimating just how hard the hike will be. Especially if you are backpacking to the Colorado River. First: Always refer to the Grand Canyon NPS site for info and permits before you go. Plan and Prepare is the key. It’s your responsibility to make sure you understand everything that there is to know about the Grand Canyon before you assume anything...

Apologies for some parts of the audio on this podcast. There are a few spots where you will hear a buzzing sound that last for a few minutes. We are working on a solution so we can bring you a quality show. However, please enjoy the content of this podcast. This podcast is all about Winter Backpacking and a look inside of our own packs. We also talk about the 3 layering system plus we add a layer of our own. Winter backpacking is a beautiful time of the year where you can really see the mountai...

In Episode 9, Scott and Ariane discuss the Top 3 Letters that all who love the outdoors need to know. LNT or Leave No Trace and the 7 principals that guide all who participate in Nature and how to be good stewards of it. Leave No Trace is probably the most overlooked set of principals that outdoor enthusiasts make. Backpackers, Day Hikers, Climbers, or anyone that loves the outdoors need to at least take the awareness course that teaches the 7 principals so we can all leave the backcountry exac...

On this episode Scott and Ariane share why their podcast is called Trust the Trail. When things go wrong in the wilderness why trusting nature is to your benefit. More importantly, trusting that the trail will give you everything that you are looking for when backpacking and more. Also, a huge thank to our listeners. We really appreciate all the support and e-mails. Keep them coming. What we talk about: Ariane forgets tent poles, Oh Oh! Scott ask’s the universe for a 3 Musketeer’s Bar…and ge...

The thought of backpacking in the rain usually keeps most people home on a weekend. But on this episode, Scott and Ariane talk about the beauty and scents that only the wilderness can provide when it’s pouring outside. “The wilderness comes alive” They discuss the difference between Breathable and Non-Breathable rain jackets, and how you can multi-purpose your rain gear. Are rain Poncho’s the best piece of rain gear? What we talk about. Ariane loves to hike in the rain “New people ask “what i...

In this episode Scott and Ariane talk to Casey Rheaume who’s backpacking adventure started out with just some small steps on the trail. Casey shares how she started with just a desire to learn a little about the outdoors and to keep pushing herself a l...

In this episode, Scott and Ariane discuss what to look for when choosing a tent or other shelter. They also chat about different shelter systems like, Hammocks and Tarps, and what is best for you. Choosing the right shelter can be tricky, since there are so many too choose from. Answering a few questions first however may help: Where you will be using it? How many people will you be sharing it with? (dogs included) How important is weight to you? They also discuss some epic failures with th...

You would be surprised that one of the top questions we get when taking new people out backpacking for their first time is..Can I bring my dog? Of course! Scott & Ariane discuss what and how to bring your Pup backpacking. On Episode 4, they share some stories about bringing their own dogs backpacking and what to know before you go. What is the top mistakes people make when bring their dog backpacking? They fail to Plan & Prepare. Episode 4: Can I Bring My Dog goes into some of the different rul...

Backpacking food is a broad subject. Each person has their own unique likes and dislikes. In this episode, Scott & Ariane tackle the Freeze Dried Food Myth and talk about alternatives’s that are available in your local grocery store. Don’t throw away your Mountain House bags! Recycle them, and use them for other foods that need to be re-hydrated and save some money. They also discuss which foods to bring in what Season. What foods will keep you warm in Winter? What foods will keep you hydrated ...

Episode 2 discusses “For the Love of Backpacking”. Ariane and Scott talk about their first time backpacking and how it affected who they are today. They also share their favorite moments on the trail, most memorable experience,

In our very first Podcast, we introduce ourselves and share what our subscribers can expect from our weekly show. We will discuss and share our experiences with trekking out into the wilderness by ourselves and with the hundreds of people we have taken out for their very first time out on the trail. What we talk about is going to be fun, interesting and hopefully informative for people that want to explore the great outdoors in a way they never thought they would by trusting the trail. Huge th...