Backpacking & Blisters: A Hiking, Backpacking, and Adventure Show

What is weird backpacking and outdoor gear? It’s gear that’s unusual, countercultural, or just plain unexpected. Jesse and Carl have over 6 pieces of strange gear that you may not have seen before. Are any game-changers? Are any worth it? At least one of them will raise your eyebrows. And we’ll warn you about a couple you should avoid. Some of the Weird Gear Discussed -Wuben G5 -Radl Pack 01 -Alpenglow Gear -Unexpected Tech Sunglasses If you’re interested in joining us for the monthly B&B Bible Study, please reach out to Carl: [email protected] The ‘SUMMIT ANSWER’ comes from our latest partner, Summit Something! Get your sustainable, keepsake summit flags here! Check out Magnet Designs for the best, US-made backpacking clothing on the market! GET BONUS SEGMENTS & EPISODES ON PATREON: There are over 50 BONUS episodes of B&B that you can get by supporting us on Patreon. It's safe and secure and it helps us put out more content. To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on… Facebook Instagram: @BackpackingAndBlistersPodcast Email: [email protected] Please check out our website: backpackingandblisters.com Our Favorite Gear Quilt: Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt Sleeping Bag: Thermarest Parscec 20 Ultralight Backpack: Zpacks Arc Haul Full Comfort Backpack: Gregory Baltoro Free-Standing Tent: MSR Hubba Hubba HD Ultralight Tent: Nemo Hornet  Sleeping Pad (for warmth): Exped Ultra 6.5R Full Comfort Pad: Therm-a-Rest Neo Loft Stove: MSR Pocket Rocket 2 Water Filter: Katadyn BeFree Multi-Use Layer: Magnet Designs Bend Alpha 90 Hoodie Headlamp: Biolite Range Headlamp PLB: Garmin inReach Mini 3 Plus Watch: Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Watch Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Justin Outdoors joins the show to discuss the Top 10 Toughest “Trails”. Some of the answers go off the rails a bit (of course). But, if you’re looking for a challenge we’ve got 10 suggestions ranging from long day hikes to weekend backpacking trips to anything under 1000 miles. What did we miss or get wrong? Some of the Topics Discussed -Justin’s helpful Gear Review website: Gear Priority -The Toughest Hiking and Backpacking Trails -John Muir Trail, Wonderland Trail and many more Check out the Justin’s Wapta Traverse adventure! If you’re interested in joining us for the monthly B&B Bible Study, please reach out to Carl: [email protected] The ‘SUMMIT ANSWER’ comes from our latest partner, Summit Something! Get your sustainable, keepsake summit flags here! Check out Magnet Designs for the best, US-made backpacking clothing on the market! GET BONUS SEGMENTS & EPISODES ON PATREON: There are over 50 BONUS episodes of B&B that you can get by supporting us on Patreon. It's safe and secure and it helps us put out more content. To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on… Facebook Instagram: @BackpackingAndBlistersPodcast Email: [email protected] Please check out our website: backpackingandblisters.com Our Favorite Gear Quilt: Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt Sleeping Bag: Thermarest Parscec 20 Ultralight Backpack: Zpacks Arc Haul Full Comfort Backpack: Gregory Baltoro Free-Standing Tent: MSR Hubba Hubba HD Ultralight Tent: Nemo Hornet  Sleeping Pad (for warmth): Exped Ultra 6.5R Full Comfort Pad: Therm-a-Rest Neo Loft Stove: MSR Pocket Rocket 2 Water Filter: Katadyn BeFree Multi-Use Layer: Magnet Designs Bend Alpha 90 Hoodie Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot PLB: Garmin inReach Mini 3 Plus Watch: Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Watch Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Before tariffs and before inflation, tents suddenly skyrocketed in price. No other piece of gear matched that sudden increase. And one tent literally doubled. Why is that? Did a cottage brand prove that backpacking consumers were willing to pay high costs for tents? Did other brands follow suit and raise prices? Brad ‘Crow’ Felton a backpacker and a lawyer evaluates this conspiracy theory, and all of the evidence Carl tries to dig up. Some of the Topics Discussed -Egregious Tent Prices -Kelty, Big Agnes, Mountain Hardwear, REI, Nemo, MSR -Behind-the-Scenes Courtroom Stuff Check out As the Crow Flies Hiking YouTube Channel! If you’re interested in joining us for the monthly B&B Bible Study, please reach out to Carl: [email protected] The ‘SUMMIT ANSWER’ comes from our latest partner, Summit Something! Get your sustainable, keepsake summit flags here! Check out Magnet Designs for the best, US-made backpacking clothing on the market! GET BONUS SEGMENTS & EPISODES ON PATREON: There are over 50 BONUS episodes of B&B that you can get by supporting us on Patreon. It's safe and secure and it helps us put out more content. To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on… Facebook Instagram: @BackpackingAndBlistersPodcast Email: [email protected] Please check out our website: backpackingandblisters.com Our Favorite Gear Quilt: Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt Sleeping Bag: Thermarest Parscec 20 Ultralight Backpack: Zpacks Arc Haul Full Comfort Backpack: Gregory Baltoro Free-Standing Tent: MSR Hubba Hubba HD Ultralight Tent: Nemo Hornet  Sleeping Pad (for warmth): Exped Ultra 6.5R Full Comfort Pad: Therm-a-Rest Neo Loft Stove: MSR Pocket Rocket 2 Water Filter: Katadyn BeFree Multi-Use Layer: Magnet Designs Bend Alpha 90 Hoodie Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot PLB: Garmin inReach Mini 3 Plus Watch: Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Watch Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Shug has battled cancer this year but now he’s back and in full Shug form. This episode digs into his thoughts and reflections about his personal experience. There is definitely some backpacking-related content but the bulk of the episode hits on his spiritual journey, purpose and hope. Some of the Topics Discussed -Shug’s Spiritual Journey -Hope, Purpose, and Love -The Meaning of Life Check out Shug’s YouTube Channel! If you’re interested in joining us for the monthly B&B Bible Study, please reach out to Carl: [email protected] The ‘SUMMIT ANSWER’ comes from our latest partner, Summit Something! Get your sustainable, keepsake summit flags here! Check out Magnet Designs for the best, US-made backpacking clothing on the market! GET BONUS SEGMENTS & EPISODES ON PATREON: There are over 50 BONUS episodes of B&B that you can get by supporting us on Patreon. It's safe and secure and it helps us put out more content. To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on… Facebook Instagram: @BackpackingAndBlistersPodcast Email: [email protected] Please check out our website: backpackingandblisters.com Our Favorite Gear Quilt: Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt Sleeping Bag: Thermarest Parscec 20 Ultralight Backpack: Zpacks Arc Haul Full Comfort Backpack: Gregory Baltoro Free-Standing Tent: MSR Hubba Hubba HD Ultralight Tent: Nemo Hornet  Sleeping Pad (for warmth): Exped Ultra 6.5R Full Comfort Pad: Therm-a-Rest Neo Loft Stove: MSR Pocket Rocket 2 Water Filter: Katadyn BeFree Multi-Use Layer: Magnet Designs Bend Alpha 90 Hoodie Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot PLB: Garmin inReach Mini 3 Plus Watch: Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Watch Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

These are not Outdoor Conspiracy Theories, these are actual conspiracies that Ricky ‘Your Trail Buddy’ and Carl investigated. They provide the evidence they found and opportunities were given to the people and companies mentioned to respond. Some did but most did not. What did they get right or wrong? Some of the Topics Discussed -Outdoor Conspiracies -Companies like Gore Tex, REI, Patagonia, Nemo -The Trail Magic Myth Check out Ricky’s ‘Sleeping Pad Finder’ Here’s Your Trail Buddy’s awesome YouTube Channel! If you’re interested in joining us for the monthly B&B Bible Study, please reach out to Carl: [email protected] The ‘SUMMIT ANSWER’ comes from our latest partner, Summit Something! Get your sustainable, keepsake summit flags here! Check out Magnet Designs for the best, US-made backpacking clothing on the market! GET BONUS SEGMENTS & EPISODES ON PATREON: There are over 50 BONUS episodes of B&B that you can get by supporting us on Patreon. It's safe and secure and it helps us put out more content. To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on… Facebook Instagram: @BackpackingAndBlistersPodcast Email: [email protected] Please check out our website: backpackingandblisters.com Our Favorite Gear Quilt: Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt Sleeping Bag: Thermarest Parscec 20 Ultralight Backpack: Zpacks Arc Haul Full Comfort Backpack: Gregory Baltoro Free-Standing Tent: MSR Hubba Hubba HD Ultralight Tent: Nemo Hornet  Sleeping Pad (for warmth): Exped Ultra 6.5R Full Comfort Pad: Therm-a-Rest Neo Loft Stove: MSR Pocket Rocket 2 Water Filter: Katadyn BeFree Multi-Use Layer: Magnet Designs Bend Alpha 90 Hoodie Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot PLB: Garmin inReach Mini 3 Plus Watch: Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Watch Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

There are 5 issues (at least) backpackers can commonly have that nobody seems to talk about. Christine “Nomad Unknown” Machado experienced some of these on her Pacific Crest Trail thru hike this summer. And how do you handle the creepy guy on the trail? Some of the Topics Discussed -Backpacking Issues -Pressing the Red Button vs. Self Rescue -Planning and overplanning the trip Check out the full story on Nomad Unknown’s YouTube Channel! If you’re interested in joining us for the monthly B&B Bible Study, please reach out to Carl: [email protected] The ‘SUMMIT ANSWER’ comes from our latest partner, Summit Something! Get your sustainable, keepsake summit flags here! Check out Magnet Designs for the best, US-made backpacking clothing on the market! GET BONUS SEGMENTS & EPISODES ON PATREON: There are over 50 BONUS episodes of B&B that you can get by supporting us on Patreon. It's safe and secure and it helps us put out more content. To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on… Facebook Instagram: @BackpackingAndBlistersPodcast Email: [email protected] Please check out our website: backpackingandblisters.com Our Favorite Gear Quilt: Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt Sleeping Bag: Thermarest Parscec 20 Ultralight Backpack: Zpacks Arc Haul Full Comfort Backpack: Gregory Baltoro Free-Standing Tent: MSR Hubba Hubba HD Ultralight Tent: Nemo Hornet  Sleeping Pad (for warmth): Exped Ultra 6.5R Full Comfort Pad: Therm-a-Rest Neo Loft Stove: MSR Pocket Rocket 2 Water Filter: Katadyn BeFree Multi-Use Layer: Magnet Designs Bend Alpha 90 Hoodie Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot PLB: Garmin inReach Mini 3 Plus Watch: Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Watch Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It’s not going to be a wild animal attack, a rockslide or an avalanche. Most backcountry rescues are not about bad luck, they’re about 5 variables that you can absolutely control. Stuart Howe from ‘Howe’s the Hike’ shares the information we all need to know to travel safely…and how your friends might still mess it up. Some of the Topics Discussed -Backcountry Rescues -5 Variables That You Can Control -Garmin Reliability Check out Stuart’s Channel ‘Howe’s the Hike’! If you’re interested in joining us for the monthly B&B Bible Study, please reach out to Carl: [email protected] The ‘SUMMIT ANSWER’ comes from our latest partner, Summit Something! Get your sustainable, keepsake summit flags here! Check out Magnet Designs for the best, US-made backpacking clothing on the market! GET BONUS SEGMENTS & EPISODES ON PATREON: There are over 50 BONUS episodes of B&B that you can get by supporting us on Patreon. It's safe and secure and it helps us put out more content. To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on… Facebook Instagram: @BackpackingAndBlistersPodcast Email: [email protected] Please check out our website: backpackingandblisters.com Our Favorite Gear Quilt: Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt Sleeping Bag: Thermarest Parscec 20 Ultralight Backpack: Zpacks Arc Haul Full Comfort Backpack: Gregory Baltoro Free-Standing Tent: MSR Hubba Hubba HD Ultralight Tent: Nemo Hornet  Sleeping Pad (for warmth): Exped Ultra 6.5R Full Comfort Pad: Therm-a-Rest Neo Loft Stove: MSR Pocket Rocket 2 Water Filter: Katadyn BeFree Multi-Use Layer: Magnet Designs Bend Alpha 90 Hoodie Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot PLB: Garmin inReach Mini 3 Plus Watch: Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Watch Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What are the 6 “Deadliest” Trails in the world? And how can you survive them? Ben and Carl discuss just what make them deadly and their best cheat codes to defeat them. Some of the Topics Discussed -National Park Trails -Methods to Avoid Dying on the Trail -Common and Deadly Backpacking Mistakes If you’re interested in joining us for the monthly B&B Bible Study, please reach out to Carl: [email protected] The ‘SUMMIT ANSWER’ comes from our latest partner, Summit Something! Get your sustainable, keepsake summit flags here! Check out Magnet Designs for the best, US-made backpacking clothing on the market! GET BONUS SEGMENTS & EPISODES ON PATREON: There are over 50 BONUS episodes of B&B that you can get by supporting us on Patreon. It's safe and secure and it helps us put out more content. To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on… Facebook Instagram: @BackpackingAndBlistersPodcast Email: [email protected] Please check out our website: backpackingandblisters.com Our Favorite Gear Quilt: Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt Sleeping Bag: Thermarest Parscec 20 Ultralight Backpack: Zpacks Arc Haul Full Comfort Backpack: Gregory Baltoro Free-Standing Tent: MSR Hubba Hubba HD Ultralight Tent: Nemo Hornet  Sleeping Pad (for warmth): Exped Ultra 6.5R Full Comfort Pad: Therm-a-Rest Neo Loft Stove: MSR Pocket Rocket 2 Water Filter: Katadyn BeFree Multi-Use Layer: Magnet Designs Bend Alpha 90 Hoodie Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot PLB: Garmin inReach Mini 3 Plus Watch: Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Watch Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Should we stop believing what the gear companies are telling us? Sometimes there’s rigorous testing involved in the claims they make and sometimes the messaging is a manipulation of the truth. Jesse and Carl share a couple of these misdeeds and then challenge Sawyer owner Kurt Avery on the claims he makes about his filters. The packaging says 100,000 gallons. Really? Some of the Topics Discussed -Gear company packaging stats -How Sawyer water filters are actually tested -Backpacking gear Reviewed Gear: La Sportiva Ethereal Pro If you’re interested in joining us for the monthly B&B Bible Study, please reach out to Carl: [email protected] The ‘SUMMIT ANSWER’ comes from our latest partner, Summit Something! Get your sustainable, keepsake summit flags here! Check out Magnet Designs for the best, US-made backpacking clothing on the market! GET BONUS SEGMENTS & EPISODES ON PATREON: There are over 50 BONUS episodes of B&B that you can get by supporting us on Patreon. It's safe and secure and it helps us put out more content. To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on… Facebook Instagram: @BackpackingAndBlistersPodcast Email: [email protected] Please check out our website: backpackingandblisters.com Our Favorite Gear Quilt: Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt Sleeping Bag: Thermarest Parscec 20 Ultralight Backpack: Zpacks Arc Haul Full Comfort Backpack: Gregory Baltoro Free-Standing Tent: MSR Hubba Hubba HD Ultralight Tent: Nemo Hornet  Sleeping Pad (for warmth): Exped Ultra 6.5R Full Comfort Pad: Therm-a-Rest Neo Loft Stove: MSR Pocket Rocket 2 Water Filter: Katadyn BeFree Multi-Use Layer: Magnet Designs Bend Alpha 90 Hoodie Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot PLB: Garmin inReach Mini 3 Plus Watch: Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Watch Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hiking Guy Cris Hazzard joins the show to discuss the best trail tech for hiking, backpacking and adventuring right now! This includes best hiking watches, personal locator beacon (PLB), tech services and anything new and random that’s been released. Some of the Gear Discussed -Best Backpacking Watch -Best Personal Locator Beacon -Zoleo Updated Device Check out Hiking Guy Cris Hazzard’s Youtube Channel! If you’re interested in joining us for the monthly B&B Bible Study, please reach out to Carl: [email protected] The ‘SUMMIT ANSWER’ comes from our latest partner, Summit Something! Get your sustainable, keepsake summit flags here! Check out Magnet Designs for the best, US-made backpacking clothing on the market! GET BONUS SEGMENTS & EPISODES ON PATREON: There are over 50 BONUS episodes of B&B that you can get by supporting us on Patreon. It's safe and secure and it helps us put out more content. To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on… Facebook Instagram: @BackpackingAndBlistersPodcast Email: [email protected] Please check out our website: backpackingandblisters.com Our Favorite Gear Quilt: Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt Sleeping Bag: Thermarest Parscec 20 Ultralight Backpack: Zpacks Arc Haul Full Comfort Backpack: Gregory Baltoro Free-Standing Tent: MSR Hubba Hubba HD Ultralight Tent: Nemo Hornet  Sleeping Pad (for warmth): Exped Ultra 6.5R Full Comfort Pad: Therm-a-Rest Neo Loft Stove: MSR Pocket Rocket 2 Water Filter: Katadyn BeFree Multi-Use Layer: Magnet Designs Bend Alpha 90 Hoodie Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot PLB: Garmin inReach Mini 3 Plus Watch: Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Watch Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.