Backpacking & Blisters: A Hiking, Backpacking, and Adventure Show 3 Reasons I Hiked Faster & Farther 26 Years Later on the Collegiate Loop
Aug 11, 2025
Derek and Carl share tips on how to hike faster and farther, focusing on Carl's 26-year journey back to the Collegiate Loop. They tackle the importance of ultralight packing, revealing how keeping the pack under 18 pounds made a big difference. The duo debates whether to intervene when hiking partners overpack and recounts humorous trail encounters, including an unexpected lounge on a fallen tree. They also discuss resilience-building through training and share funny travel mishaps with TSA. Join the adventure for laughs and valuable insights!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Wisdom Multiplies Hiking Efficiency
- Experience, gear knowledge, and selective comfort choices compound into faster, more sustainable hiking decades later.
- Carl credits weight, footwear, and realistic training for improved mileage despite being older and 'broken down.'
Choose Trail Runners Over Boots
- Use trail runners instead of heavy boots to reduce foot fatigue and blister risk.
- Train in the footwear you’ll use and expect some blisters but far fewer than with boots.
Train With Fully Loaded Shakedowns
- Train with a fully loaded pack on shakedown hikes to build endurance and realistic pacing.
- Simulate long days and resupply timing so your body knows sustained effort before the thru-hike.