

Backpacking & Blisters: A Hiking, Backpacking, and Adventure Show
Carl Mandrioli, Bleav
Backpacking and hiking tips and tales...with a sense of humor. This is your one-stop show for backpacking, hiking and adventure entertainment. From backpacking gear to the trail situations you will encounter to popular guests, this podcast will deliver.
Derek and Carl will hit on all of the backpacking and hiking topics you want with decades of good (and horrendous) experience.
Derek and Carl will hit on all of the backpacking and hiking topics you want with decades of good (and horrendous) experience.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 6, 2026 • 40min
GLEN VAN PESKI: Gossamer Gear Owner's 3 Unorthodox Ultralight Strategies
Glen Van Peski – owner of Gossamer Gear – joins the show to discuss some truly unorthodox ultralight strategies. With his 13lb total pack and years of backpacking experience, he definitely knows what he’s talking about. Will any of the these strategies lighten your load or are they too extreme?
Some of the Topics Discussed
-Ultralight backpacking gear
-Ultralight strategies
-Upcoming Backpacking Inventions
Check out Glen’s book Take Less Do More!
Check out Gossamer Gear’s Collection of Ultralight Gear Options!
If you’re interested in joining us for the monthly B&B Bible Study, please reach out to Carl: backpackingblisters@gmail.com
Check out Magnet Designs for the best, US-made backpacking clothing on the market!
Enlightened Equipment: Check out the best Ultralight Quilts 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: backpackingblisters@gmail.com
Please check out our website: backpackingandblisters.com
Our Favorite Gear
Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt
Outdoor Vitals Summit Down Sleeping Bag
Gregory Paragon/Maven Backpack (Full Comfort)
Nemo Tensor Sleeping Pad
Therm-a-Rest Neo Loft (for ultra comfort)
Jetboil Flash (for larger groups)
MSR Pocket Rocket 2 (for solo or smaller groups)
Katadyn BeFree
Black Diamond Spot
Garmin InReach Mini 2
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Watch
Big Agnes Copper Spur
Nemo Hornet Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mar 30, 2026 • 38min
8 Ways Trip Planners Get the SHAFT with JOHN KELLEY
John Kelley joins the show to discuss 8 ways trip planners get the shaft. Are some of this avoidable if you sprinkle in a bit of wisdom and common sense? Yes. Are some unavoidable? Yes. Find out what you should beware if you’re trip planner. Or, find out how to not sabotage a backpacking trip if you’re not.
Some of the Topics Discussed
-Backpacking trip planning
-Sabotaged Backpacking trips
-Common backpacking mistakes
Check out John Kelley’s Podcast!
Check out John Kelley’s YouTube Channel!
If you’re interested in joining us for the monthly B&B Bible Study, please reach out to Carl: backpackingblisters@gmail.com
Check out Magnet Designs for the best, US-made backpacking clothing on the market!
Enlightened Equipment: Check out the best Ultralight Quilts 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: backpackingblisters@gmail.com
Please check out our website: backpackingandblisters.com
Our Favorite Gear
Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt
Outdoor Vitals Summit Down Sleeping Bag
Gregory Paragon/Maven Backpack (Full Comfort)
Nemo Tensor Sleeping Pad
Therm-a-Rest Neo Loft (for ultra comfort)
Jetboil Flash (for larger groups)
MSR Pocket Rocket 2 (for solo or smaller groups)
Katadyn BeFree
Black Diamond Spot
Garmin InReach Mini 2
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Watch
Big Agnes Copper Spur
Nemo Hornet Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mar 26, 2026 • 41min
JEFF PELLETIER: Controversial Gear Decisions For The Last Great Adventure (Throwback Thursday)
Jeff Pelletier, trail runner and outdoor filmmaker known for fastpacking and global long-distance adventures, joins to debate controversial gear choices. He shares ultralight principles, dual-purpose clothing tips, safety basics like reliable headlamps and water filtration, and why testing gear matters before big trips. Short takes on footwear, emergency shelter, and upcoming documentary travels round out the conversation.

Mar 23, 2026 • 35min
STOP Bringing These 6 Pieces of Gear You Never Use!
Don’t you hate it when you find gear you don’t use left in your pack after a trip? How about when it’s the same unused gear over the course of multiple trips? We’ve got 6-8 pieces of gear you can simply ditch, shave some weight and save some money…because you’re not using it anyway.
Some of the Topics Discussed
-New Backpacking Gear Being Released
-Gear that ends up being useless and costing you weight and money
-An ingenious bear canister hack
If you’re interested in joining us for the monthly B&B Bible Study, please reach out to Carl: backpackingblisters@gmail.com
Check out Magnet Designs for the best, US-made backpacking clothing on the market!
Enlightened Equipment: Check out the best Ultralight Quilts 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: backpackingblisters@gmail.com
Please check out our website: backpackingandblisters.com
Our Favorite Gear
Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt
Outdoor Vitals Summit Down Sleeping Bag
Gregory Paragon/Maven Backpack (Full Comfort)
Nemo Tensor Sleeping Pad
Therm-a-Rest Neo Loft (for ultra comfort)
Jetboil Flash (for larger groups)
MSR Pocket Rocket 2 (for solo or smaller groups)
Katadyn BeFree
Black Diamond Spot
Garmin InReach Mini 2
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Watch
Big Agnes Copper Spur
Nemo Hornet Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mar 16, 2026 • 50min
Beginning Backpackers: BUY THIS GEAR!
If you’re a beginning backpacker, we’ve got the gear you should buy – from budget to mid level to premium. If you’re an experienced backpacker, please let us know where we went right and wrong with our choices. Also we have a previously unreleased segment with Shug.
Some of the Gear Discussed
-Budget Backpack Option
-Premium Backpack Option
-Budget Tent Option
-Premium Tent Option
-Premium Pad Option
-Premium Sleeping Bag Option
-Premium Quilt Option
-Water Filter Suggestion
If you’re interested in joining us for the monthly B&B Bible Study, please reach out to Carl: backpackingblisters@gmail.com
Check out Magnet Designs for the best, US-made backpacking clothing on the market!
Enlightened Equipment: Check out the best Ultralight Quilts 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: backpackingblisters@gmail.com
Please check out our website: backpackingandblisters.com
Our Favorite Gear
Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt
Outdoor Vitals Summit Down Sleeping Bag
Gregory Paragon/Maven Backpack (Full Comfort)
Nemo Tensor Sleeping Pad
Therm-a-Rest Neo Loft (for ultra comfort)
Jetboil Flash (for larger groups)
MSR Pocket Rocket 2 (for solo or smaller groups)
Katadyn BeFree
Black Diamond Spot
Garmin InReach Mini 2
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Watch
Big Agnes Copper Spur
Nemo Hornet Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mar 12, 2026 • 38min
6 Gear Trends That Are DISRUPTING Hiking This Year with CHRIS CAGE (Bonus Thursday)
Chris Cage from Greenbelly Meals and YouTube joins the show to discuss gear trends that are disrupting the industry this year! From sleeping pads to food to clothing to cottage companies, what is happening in the world of backpacking and thru-hiking?
Some of the Topics Discussed
-20206 Backpacking Gear Trends
-Backpacking Food Mistakes
-Sleeping Pad Trend
Check out Chris’ awesome YouTube Channel!
Greenbelly Meals
If you’re interested in joining us for the monthly B&B Bible Study, please reach out to Carl: backpackingblisters@gmail.com
Check out Magnet Designs for the best, US-made backpacking clothing on the market!
Enlightened Equipment: Check out the best Ultralight Quilts 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: backpackingblisters@gmail.com
Please check out our website: backpackingandblisters.com
Our Favorite Gear
Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt
Outdoor Vitals Summit Down Sleeping Bag
Gregory Paragon/Maven Backpack (Full Comfort)
Nemo Tensor Sleeping Pad
Therm-a-Rest Neo Loft (for ultra comfort)
Jetboil Flash (for larger groups)
MSR Pocket Rocket 2 (for solo or smaller groups)
Katadyn BeFree
Black Diamond Spot
Garmin InReach Mini 2
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Watch
Big Agnes Copper Spur
Nemo Hornet Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mar 9, 2026 • 31min
Top 10 Most OVERPACKED Gear You Need to Stop Bringing
Derek and Carl discuss the top 10 most overpacked items for backpacking. This is not only from personal experience but also from what they continue to see on trail and online. If you want to lighten your load and become and ultralight backpacker, this could be the first step. Are you bringing any gear that makes this list?
Some of the Topics Discussed
-How to Ultralight backpack by getting rid of items
-Backpacking Gear Dos and Don’ts
-Our #1 Game-Changing Weight Savings Tip
If you’re interested in joining us for the monthly B&B Bible Study, please reach out to Carl: backpackingblisters@gmail.com
Check out Magnet Designs for the best, US-made backpacking clothing on the market!
Enlightened Equipment: Check out the best Ultralight Quilts 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: backpackingblisters@gmail.com
Please check out our website: backpackingandblisters.com
Our Favorite Gear
Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt
Outdoor Vitals Summit Down Sleeping Bag
Gregory Paragon/Maven Backpack (Full Comfort)
Nemo Tensor Sleeping Pad
Therm-a-Rest Neo Loft (for ultra comfort)
Jetboil Flash (for larger groups)
MSR Pocket Rocket 2 (for solo or smaller groups)
Katadyn BeFree
Black Diamond Spot
Garmin InReach Mini 2
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Watch
Big Agnes Copper Spur
Nemo Hornet Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mar 2, 2026 • 56min
DARWIN: Watch Out! 3 Gear FAILURES You Need to Know!
Darwin on the Trail joins the show to discuss 3 gear failures he experienced while in Gates of the Arctic National Park. What caused him to chuck one of those pieces of gear into the wilderness? He also shares some unexpected challenges that made this trip epic but extremely difficult. Also, what’s new from Evolved Supply?
Some of the Topics Discussed
-Evolved Supply Co – New Gear!
-Epic Gear Fails You Should Know About
-Durston Gear
Check out Darwin’s full gear fail video!
If you’re interested in joining us for the monthly B&B Bible Study, please reach out to Carl: backpackingblisters@gmail.com
Check out Magnet Designs for the best, US-made backpacking clothing on the market!
Enlightened Equipment: Check out the best Ultralight Quilts 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: backpackingblisters@gmail.com
Please check out our website: backpackingandblisters.com
Our Favorite Gear
Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt
Outdoor Vitals Summit Down Sleeping Bag
Gregory Paragon/Maven Backpack (Full Comfort)
Nemo Tensor Sleeping Pad
Therm-a-Rest Neo Loft (for ultra comfort)
Jetboil Flash (for larger groups)
MSR Pocket Rocket 2 (for solo or smaller groups)
Katadyn BeFree
Black Diamond Spot
Garmin InReach Mini 2
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Watch
Big Agnes Copper Spur
Nemo Hornet Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Feb 23, 2026 • 43min
7 Hikes YOU Should DO Before YOU DIE! with MIKE WANDERS
Mike Wanders joins the show to help highlight 7 hikes (or backpacking trips) you have to do…before you die. These are the best hiking locations that we have collectively experienced. Trail challenges, permit strategies and general warnings will all be part of the conversation.
Some of the Topics Discussed
-The absolute best hiking and backpacking trails
-Pro tips for obtaining permits
-Bigfoot
Check out the full scope of these trails by watching Mike Wanders’ epic documentaries!
If you’re interested in joining us for the monthly B&B Bible Study, please reach out to Carl: backpackingblisters@gmail.com
Check out Magnet Designs for the best, US-made backpacking clothing on the market!
Enlightened Equipment: Check out the best Ultralight Quilts 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: backpackingblisters@gmail.com
Please check out our website: backpackingandblisters.com
Our Favorite Gear
Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt
Outdoor Vitals Summit Down Sleeping Bag
Gregory Paragon/Maven Backpack (Full Comfort)
Nemo Tensor Sleeping Pad
Therm-a-Rest Neo Loft (for ultra comfort)
Jetboil Flash (for larger groups)
MSR Pocket Rocket 2 (for solo or smaller groups)
Katadyn BeFree
Black Diamond Spot
Garmin InReach Mini 2
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Watch
Big Agnes Copper Spur
Nemo Hornet Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Feb 19, 2026 • 1h 3min
JOE ROBINET: 'You Need to Know These 3 Bushcraft Skills. Period.' (Throwback Thursday)
Epic bushcraft expert Joe Robinet joins the show! What are the 3 essential bushcraft skills every outdoorsperson should know? Joe will tell you. And how to Derek and Carl measure up with these skills? Joe also shares stories about meeting Survivorman Les Stroud in a Blockbuster Video and he responds to Carl’s outlandish scenarios for future video ideas. And finally, it’s a Derek trivia week. You know what that means!
Some of the topics discussed:
-Backpacking and bushcraft skills
-The TV Show Alone
-The craziest reactions from an eclectic audience
If you’re interested in joining us for the monthly B&B Bible Study, please reach out to Carl: backpackingblisters@gmail.com
Check out Joe Robinet’s Amazing YouTube Channel
Follow Joe Robinet on Instagram
Check out Magnet Designs for the best, US-made backpacking clothing on the market!
Enlightened Equipment: Check out the best Ultralight Quilts on the market!
GET BONUS SEGMENT FROM THIS SHOW & BONUS EPISODES ON PATREON: There are over 40 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: backpackingblisters@gmail.com
Please check out our website: backpackingandblisters.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.


