337 Biggest Backpacking Gear Trends of 2026

GPS Pin For Parking Meetup (Oct 9th-11th, 2026): https://maps.app.goo.gl/7NFAWh3hv4ajryKN6Trail Map From Car to Campsite (1.3 miles): https://www.ccl-bsf.com/mapsCharit Creek Lodge Website: https://www.ccl-bsf.com/Gear, hiker news, trail trends, and a little “poop with a view” — this episode of The Backpacking Podcast has a bit of everything!We’re checking out the 3FUL water filter and other gear, talking about what’s happening on the trails, looking at the biggest gear trends of 2026, and, if there’s time, we might be talking about some animal encounters.Trails, campfires, good conversations, bad jokes. 🥾🏕️🐻

GPS Pin For Parking Meetup (Oct 9th-11th, 2026): https://maps.app.goo.gl/7NFAWh3hv4ajryKN6Trail Map From Car to Campsite (1.3 miles): https://www.ccl-bsf.com/mapsCharit Creek Lodge Website: https://www.ccl-bsf.com/In this episode, we explore humorous and practical aspects of backpacking, including gear reviews, funny anecdotes, and safety tips for encounters with wildlife. Join us for a lighthearted yet informative discussion perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

GPS Pin For Parking Meetup (Oct 9th-11th, 2026): https://maps.app.goo.gl/7NFAWh3hv4ajryKN6Trail Map From Car to Campsite (1.3 miles): https://www.ccl-bsf.com/mapsCharit Creek Lodge Website: https://www.ccl-bsf.com/Season 7 comes to an end with one of our wildest and most packed episodes yet! We talk backpacking, hiking, trail conditions, upcoming meetups, outdoor adventures, crazy trail stories, and some of the biggest backpacking and outdoor news making headlines.We also take a look at the upcoming YouTuber backpacking meetup in the Big South Fork area of Tennessee, including the campsite, Charit Creek Lodge, Twin Arches, Slave Falls, Needle Arch, hiking plans, camping logistics, and what people can expect from the October 9–11 meetup.Then things get painful as we talk about one of the unavoidable hazards of spending time outdoors: CHIGGERS! We share some brutally itchy experiences with chigger bites, poison ivy, outdoor work, and the realities of spending time in the woods.We also discuss a controversial tree-cutting case involving Savage Gulf State Park, including allegations that trees were illegally cut to improve the view from a nearby private property.One of the most inspiring stories in the episode is the incredible accomplishment of 91-year-old Dale “Greybeard” Sanders, who completed the Appalachian Trail in under a year.And then we turn to some serious outdoor news, including the recent Grand Canyon flash flooding, trail and river closures, rescues, deaths, missing hikers, and the devastating flooding affecting Nepal and Tibet. We discuss what makes flooding in mountainous terrain so dangerous and take a look at some incredible footage of the destruction.We also tackle one of the eternal backpacking questions: how much should you actually pay a shuttle driver? We discuss mileage, gas, vehicle wear and tear, remote roads, and why a backpacking shuttle can cost significantly more than you might expect.Finally, we have another update on the ongoing neighbor/pit bull situation before wrapping up Season 7 and looking ahead to a brand-new Season 8.🥾 Whether you're into backpacking, hiking, camping, trail adventures, outdoor news, Appalachian Trail stories, or just enjoy hanging out with fellow hikers, there's something here for you.Thanks for watching and supporting the show!0:00 Season 7 Finale Begins1:14 Season 8 Is Coming!1:49 Photo & Guest Submissions2:50 Backpacking Pick of the Week4:12 Heat Wave & Dad Mode7:43 The 2026 YouTuber Backpacking Meetup10:04 Camping, Food & Cherret Creek Lodge12:18 Getting to the Campsite13:10 Cherret Creek Lodge & Backpacking Memories16:15 Big South Fork Hiking Plans18:35 The Hike & Chigger Disaster25:21 The Savage Gulf Tree-Cutting Case29:16 91-Year-Old Completes the Appalachian Trail32:34 Grand Canyon Flood Update35:57 Catastrophic Flooding in Nepal & Tibet39:40 Watching the Flood Footage42:21 How Much Should You Pay a Backpacking Shuttle?45:05 What Backpackers Smell Like 😂49:59 The Neighbor & Pit Bull Update52:09 Season 7 Comes to an End#Backpacking #Hiking #Camping #AppalachianTrail #OutdoorAdventure #BigSouthFork

In this episode, John Kelley and Jeremiah Stringer explore a wide range of topics from AI and social media controversies to outdoor adventures and environmental policies. They share personal stories, current events, and practical advice, making it a must-listen for outdoor enthusiasts and curious minds alike.

Outdoor Vitals Tern Merino Wool Hoodie & Tee: https://alnk.to/bEmXZ6eIn this episode, we sit down with retired park ranger Kristy Slaven to hear some of the strangest, funniest, and most unbelievable experiences from her time working in and around the great outdoors.From bizarre encounters with people in the wilderness to mysterious situations and stories that sound almost too strange to be true, Kristy shares what life was really like as a park ranger. If you've ever wondered what park rangers actually deal with, what can happen in the woods, or what kinds of strange people and situations they encounter, you're going to enjoy this conversation.In this episode:🏞️ What life is really like as a park ranger🌲 Strange encounters in the wilderness😳 The story of the naked man❓ The mystery surrounding a missing nun🚨 Unusual situations park rangers have to handle🥾 Life, work, and adventure in the outdoors😂 Funny, bizarre, and unforgettable stories from the fieldWhat is the strangest thing you've ever experienced in a park or out in the wilderness? Let us know in the comments!00:00 - A Naked Man & a Missing Nun01:35 - Meet Retired Park Ranger Kristi Slaven05:10 - What Does a Park Ranger Actually Do?10:02 - Life Working in the Parks15:18 - The People You Meet in the Wilderness20:36 - The Naked Man Story27:42 - Strange Things Park Rangers Deal With33:48 - The Missing Nun Mystery41:10 - Unforgettable Stories From the Job47:35 - What It's Really Like Working Outdoors53:20 - The Funniest & Craziest Moments58:05 - Final Thoughts👍 If you enjoyed this conversation, hit LIKE💬 Share your craziest outdoor story in the comments🔔 SUBSCRIBE for more conversations, stories, and fascinating guests!#ParkRanger #ParkRangerStories #MissingPerson #WildernessStories #OutdoorStories

What if the thing you thought was just a legend actually changed the way you look at the wilderness?In this episode, we dive deep into Bigfoot, strange encounters, backpacking, camping, the wilderness, and the unsettling stories that make you question what might really be out there. What starts as a conversation about Bigfoot quickly becomes a fascinating look at the experiences, evidence, and questions surrounding one of the most famous mysteries in the world.Joining the conversation is Michael Kirkpatrick (MK Ultra) as we talk about Bigfoot sightings, unexplained encounters, what people have experienced in the woods, and why the subject continues to fascinate—and frighten—so many people.Whether you're a Bigfoot believer, skeptic, backpacker, hunter, outdoorsman, paranormal enthusiast, or simply curious about unexplained phenomena, there's plenty here to make you think.⚠️ After this conversation, you might never look at a dark trail or campsite the same way again.Michael's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4UBmF8IUlXjKXBvIL10Sgg

Tushar Rain Jacket from Outdoor Vitals: https://alnk.to/3U5xxk6John Kelley and Jeremiah Stringer go live for a wide-ranging backpacking hangout packed with trail talk, gear opinions, and chat-driven detours. They compare trusted weather sources, weigh the changing role of satellite messaging, and put new gear through a round of “Backpack or Send It Back”—including Yeti’s active packs, a high-powered Petzl headlamp, and HydroPak’s updated filter cap.The conversation also covers Garmin subscription changes, favorite trail meals, fast-food fries and chicken sandwiches, plus a preview of what’s ahead for the Backpacking Podcast’s upcoming season refresh.

In this episode, Jeremiah Stringer and JK discuss bear activity updates along the Appalachian Trail, creative and humorous bear deterrent ideas, and share personal stories about neighbors, HOA regulations, and hiking injuries. They also send heartfelt prayers to Danny Warnock after his son's passing.

Let's Hit The Trail YT https://www.youtube.com/@JustinAndAnnakey topicsTrail partnership secrets: communication and honestyWildlife encounters: bears, sheep, and moreTrail mishaps: poops, gear, and surprisesLong-distance hiking: PCT, Wonderland Trail, Santa Fe to TaosTrail gear and camping setups for comfort and safetyChapters00:00 Introduction to Justin and his trail adventures01:58 Justin's recent hikes: Santa Fe to Taos and PCT03:56 Secrets to successful trail partnerships05:58 The story of losing each other on the trail07:53 Wildlife encounters: bears, sheep, and deer12:14 Trail mishaps: poop stories and gear mishaps16:02 Sharing gear and sleeping setups20:03 Trail conditions and best times to hike24:11 Dealing with cold, drafts, and gear choices28:04 Trail food, water treatment, and safety tips32:07 Reflections on solo vs. partner hiking35:54 The beauty of wilderness and wildlife experiences39:56 Humorous trail stories and lessons learned43:54 Justin’s online presence and future plans

Barking dogs, fire bans, and snoring campers.....oh my! JK and Jeremiah discuss the things that can derail the vibe of any backpacking trip .