How do I Start Backpacking?

Carrie and Molly provide an overview of the backpacking trip they planned in The Wind River Range as their “backpacking trip on the way to a backpacking trip.” They give information on how and why they chose this route, their hopes for the trail and their expectations for what this experience would be. Tune in for this introductory episode for their time on trail!

Carrie and Molly engage in a frank discussion regarding forest recovery post-fire in Oregon—specifically the fire that burned portions of the Three Sisters Wilderness 12 years prior. The sisters discuss how fire has affected not only hiking, but also plant life and soil health. Based on their experiences, they voice concern about the western forests’ ability to come back from severe wild fires. The sisters present a major consideration for this loop and find out if they are going to the LA 2028 Olympics! Molly recalls the complexity of digging a cat hole in a burn area and why the last few miles were extra tough.

Carrie and Molly welcome you to join the first half of their final day backpacking the Three Sisters Loop. They recount highs and lows of camping at Golden Lake. The sisters double down on packing out toilet paper. They discuss considerations when hiking through a burned zone. After crossing the West Fork of Park Creek, they make a harsh transition from forest to burn. The sisters highlight important water sources on the trail’s east side.

Molly and Carrie meet fellow three sisters loop hikers and discuss the fun of late starts and similar moon surprises. They travel to Moraine Lake and are shocked by the view. A discussion on the formation of moraine lakes ensues. Molly deals with discouragement on trail. They make it to Green Lakes and discuss the requirements for a perfect alpine swimming lake. They take in the evening views on their way to Golden Lake and remember the cardinal rule of trying new foods on trail. Explore the Three Sisters Wilderness with them!

Molly and Carrie complete the first half of their second day on the loop around Oregon’s Three Sisters. They review a new type of coffee they tried on trail and marvel in the volcanic scenery. They notice an interesting method of carrying supplies on trail and recount some of their favorite views that day. Tune in next week for the second half of day two!

Carrie and Molly hit the trail hoping to put in a long day with an afternoon start. They discuss what it is like to hike through this volcanic region and cover water sources for northern portion of the loop. The sisters reflect on the beauty of the Obsidian Wilderness. Molly and Carrie reveal their tried and true first-day backpacking food hack. They enjoy alpineglow on the South Sister and night hiking by moonlight. A perfect ending to the perfect day on trail has to include a slice of cake, right?

In this replay episode originally released 7/1/2025, Carrie and Molly answer this question by delving into their experiences as new backpackers. They discuss their biggest barriers when transitioning from day hikers to backpackers. The girls talk about the five items they purchased to begin backpacking and the root of Molly’s biggest backpacking fear. They discuss how they prepared for their first backpacking trip and what pushed them to take that first trip. They discuss food storage, tips for new backpackers, and how they moved past one of their biggest backpacking fears. If you enjoyed this episode, check out the rest of this series by searching “How to Start Backpacking.”

Join Molly and Carrie as they select their next backpacking trip—the Three Sisters Loop. Hear about their considerations for selecting this trail and the best time to go. Their backpacking trip is nearly derailed on the way there—and will they go to the Olympics? Tune in for a series we’re excited to share!

Carrie and Molly make use of their last morning in the Beartooths by completing a small off trail mission to a high point near their campsite. They find a good lake for swimming, but must keep moving to avoid being a mosquito’s meal. They visit with a group riding horseback and find themselves in an unintentional foot race with horses. Who will win? The girls learn about an animal which had been near their camp the night before, unknown to them. The girls leave you with a song recommendation that boasts a 100% bear deterrent success rate. Enjoy Montana’s backcountry with us!

Carrie and Molly awake to a sunny morning on Montana’s beaten path. The morning is made even more delightful by pop tart surprisey time in a bug free zone. They make decisions about their route and describe a stunning lake along the trail. The sisters reflect on their appreciation of out and back trails and swim at Dewey Lake as clouds gather. At their camp site, they watch “ice bergs” float in fossil lake and experience a strange animal encounter.