Practical Backpacking™ Podcast

This episode features an intercontinental talk that I had with Francis Tapon.  Francis is in the midst of a 4-year adventure in which he will visit the 54 countries of Africa.  Part of his mission involves creating a television show that will depict unique features concerning life, culture, and experience throughout Africa that might otherwise be missing or is seldom presented in mainstream programming. Wilderness hiking, car camping, and travel backpacking are essentially the ways in which Francis immerses himself into The Unseen Africa.  Along the way, he's actively working on his goal to climb the highest mountains in each African country. He's experiencing Africa life like the locals - eating bread baked in the desert sand and bathing in urban rivers.  Francis is full of stories of adventure that you are likely to hear only from him. Each country he visits will bring a wealth of things for him to share. Listen in to discover more about his journey and some of what he's experienced so far. There is also a bonus audio available for download on the Practical Backpacking™ Podcast website titled Adventure Financing in which Francis shares how he funds his trips.

In this episode Shaun Carrigan, producer of the long-awaited Tell it on the Mountain film, talks about the inspiration, experiences, and challenges behind producing this adventurous tale that follows the journeys of several hikers along the Pacific Crest Trail. Tell it on the Mountain entertains everyone from the casual hiker to the mileage-minded goal setter. Listen in to get some behind-the-scenes 411 on the making of this two-hour film that is now available via digital download and DVD.

This episode is all about power in the backcountry. Chris Currah, Product Line Manager for Brunton, talks with me about solar and portable power options to charge everything from headlamps to laptops. Chris explains some basic terms associated with solar panels including amperes (amps), volts, watts, and photovoltaic cells. Various power solutions are discussed to keep electronic gear going for longer adventures in the wilderness.

In this episode, Kolby Kirk (Condor) talks with me about his hiking goals, journaling, trail adventures, and creative projects. Kolby speaks candidly about his hiking experiences and shares his personal approach to getting the most out of his time spent in the wilderness. The Hike Your Own Hike mentality is alive and well in Kolby’s […]The post PBP Episode 51 – Hiking Goals appeared first on Practical Backpacking™ Podcast.

This episode features my talk with hiking legend Eric Ryback. Eric hiked the Appalachian Trail in 1969, the Pacific Crest Trail in 1970, and the Continental Divide Trail in 1972. He is recognized as the first person to thruhike the Pacific Crest Trail and the Continental Divide Trail. And he was the first person to […]The post PBP Episode 50 – Eric Ryback Hiking Legend appeared first on Practical Backpacking™ Podcast.

In this episode I interview, Ammi Borenstein, the Director of Design and Development for Outdoor Research. Ammi answers use-specifc questions regarding the company’s wide-ranging line of gloves and mittens. He provides thorough details regarding the technical materials included in various handwear models, for protecting the hands in a variety of wilderness situations.The post PBP Episode 49 – Outdoor Research Handwear appeared first on Practical Backpacking™ Podcast.

This episode features details regarding cold-weather insulation clothing in the First Ascent line from Eddie Bauer. To get the facts on layering, insulative clothing, and insight into the history and outdoor gear offerings of Eddie Bauer, I speak with the company’s Director of Technical Outerwear and Technical Sportwear: Andrew Turner. Andrew has extensive knowledge of […]The post PBP Episode 48 – Eddie Bauer First Ascent appeared first on Practical Backpacking™ Podcast.

In this episode, I talk with Russ Zandbergen about the Trail Designs Ti-Tri Sidewinder stove system and inferno wood-burning insert. Russ is the President and Co-Founder of Trail Designs LLC and maintains the innovative manufacturing company along with fellow-founders Lee Zandbergen and Yosemite-resident Rand Lindsly. With detail and pride, Russ explains the Ti-Tri’s multi-fuel capabilities […]The post PBP Episode 47 – Trail Designs Ti-Tri Sidewinder appeared first on Practical Backpacking™ Podcast.

This episode presents a conversation that I had with Kaj Bune. Kaj is the Director of Marketing for Exped LLC in North America. Our talk centers on the company’s DownMat – Exped’s popular goose-down backcountry sleeping mat that features an integrated pump. Kai shares detailed information about the DownMat’s design and its wide range of […]The post PBP Episode 46 – Exped DownMat appeared first on Practical Backpacking™ Podcast.

This episode is all about hammocks. I’ve asked Brandon Waddy of Warbonnet Outdoors to help answer some basic, introductory questions regarding camping hammocks and hammock accessories. Brandon and I discuss the types, benefits, and features of hammocks. And offer some practical tips for the use of hammocks in the backcountry. Whether you’re a curious beginner […]The post PBP Episode 45 – Hammocks 101 appeared first on Practical Backpacking™ Podcast.