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

How come America does not have rites of passage for men and women? And is it really all that important? Derek and Carl explore the journey from adolescence to manhood and why it matters. They each describe how a wilderness experience can play a critical role in this transition and, specifically, how they would set it up. Derek also wrestles with idea that becoming a man doesn't mean you can't have fun anymore. And Carl shares how a Snipe Hunt produces the exact opposite result. GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers. https://www.patreon.com/backpackingandblisters To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Instagram and Facebook pages. @backpackingandblisterspodcast https://www.facebook.com/backpackingandblisters or email: hikercman@netscape.net Backpacking Gear Best Backpacking Gear Backpacking Trip Planning Hiking Gear Best Hiking Gear Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The desert is an oft overlooked wilderness area. But it's a place of real beauty and it can extend your backpacking season if you prefer warm weather. Derek suggests three reasons why you should consider heading to the desert this spring. Carl notes three things to consider when planning your trip as well as a few warnings. Dessert is also discussed in this confusingly named episode. And...Derek creates his own trail named based upon a Disney princess. GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers. https://www.patreon.com/backpackingandblisters To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Instagram and Facebook pages. @backpackingandblisterspodcast https://www.facebook.com/backpackingandblisters or email: hikercman@netscape.net Backpacking Gear Best Backpacking Gear Backpacking Trip Planning Hiking Gear Best Hiking Gear Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Can penny water keep bugs away? Can sheet metal screws help with traction? In this episode, Derek and Carl are joined by guest host, Steve, as they cover some interesting ground with more backpacking tips and tricks. In addition, they each share some really good and really questionable trail pranks. GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers. https://www.patreon.com/backpackingandblisters To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Instagram and Facebook pages. @backpackingandblisterspodcast https://www.facebook.com/backpackingandblisters or email: hikercman@netscape.net Backpacking Gear Best Backpacking Gear Backpacking Trip Planning Hiking Gear Best Hiking Gear Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode could also easily be called "Don't Be That Guy/Gal." Pulling from experiences (some of them personal), Derek and Carl identify a handful of trail characters and behaviors that simply violate trail social norms or downright annoy adjacent hikers. Also, Carl challenges Derek on his trail etiquette knowledge. Among the questions: is it okay to intentionally scare somebody who has music blasting through their earbuds? GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers. https://www.patreon.com/backpackingandblisters To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Instagram and Facebook pages. @backpackingandblisterspodcast https://www.facebook.com/backpackingandblisters or email: hikercman@netscape.net Backpacking Gear Best Backpacking Gear Backpacking Trip Planning Hiking Gear Best Hiking Gear Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Trail legend Buzz Burrell joins Derek and Carl in this episode to discuss a growing movement based upon the Fastest Known Time website. Do average (or even below average) hikers have the opportunity to set trail records? What is the best GPS device to record our outdoor experiences? What happens when somebody pulls a gun on you when you're out on the trail? Buzz answers all of these questions and evaluates Carl's planned attempt at an FKT for later this year.  GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers. https://www.patreon.com/backpackingandblisters To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Instagram and Facebook pages. @backpackingandblisterspodcast https://www.facebook.com/backpackingandblisters or email: hikercman@netscape.net Backpacking Gear Best Backpacking Gear Backpacking Trip Planning Hiking Gear Best Hiking Gear Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

While the real Darwin Awards involve poking fun at others' misfortunate deaths, the Backpacking and Blisters version pokes fun at others' misfortunate decisions (mostly). Derek and Carl share their own ability to earn this version of Darwin Awards as well as an assortment of experiences others have shared. Is there something to be learned from these ridiculous mistakes or are experienced wilderness travelers beyond reproach in this area? You be the judge. Derek also works in a motorcycle story that he believes relates to this topic. GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers. https://www.patreon.com/backpackingandblisters To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Instagram and Facebook pages. @backpackingandblisterspodcast https://www.facebook.com/backpackingandblisters or email: hikercman@netscape.net Backpacking Gear Best Backpacking Gear Backpacking Trip Planning Hiking Gear Best Hiking Gear Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

While philosophers and social experts ponder the chicken or the egg, nature vs. nurture, or where have all the Sasquatch gone, Derek and Carl come up with a list of backpacking related questions that are simply hard to answer. And both attempt to provide wise and reasonable answers for these questions. Derek also adds three terms to the English language. GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers. https://www.patreon.com/backpackingandblisters To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Instagram and Facebook pages. @backpackingandblisterspodcast https://www.facebook.com/backpackingandblisters or email: hikercman@netscape.net Backpacking Gear Best Backpacking Gear Backpacking Trip Planning Hiking Gear Best Hiking Gear Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Derek and Carl debate the merits of various electronics in the backcountry. Are they more likely to save your life or become a stronger leash to the "real world"? Derek also suggests how silly putty can be used in a variety of ways to "improve" one's trip. GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers. https://www.patreon.com/backpackingandblisters To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Instagram and Facebook pages. @backpackingandblisterspodcast https://www.facebook.com/backpackingandblisters or email: hikercman@netscape.net Backpacking Gear Best Backpacking Gear Backpacking Trip Planning Hiking Gear Best Hiking Gear Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Who is the man with the trail name "Plug It In"? This episode is devoted to a powerful story from Benny Braden. He holds trail speed records. He has been featured on television. He is a major part of Chris Smead's upcoming documentary Highline. And he has overcome quite a bit to become the man, husband, and father he is today. He also might value his gear more than his life as he shares a story that we'll call "Bacon's Almost Revenge".  GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers. https://www.patreon.com/backpackingandblisters To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Instagram and Facebook pages. @backpackingandblisterspodcast https://www.facebook.com/backpackingandblisters or email: hikercman@netscape.net Backpacking Gear Best Backpacking Gear Backpacking Trip Planning Hiking Gear Best Hiking Gear Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Why don't more people venture out in the winter? Derek and Carl try to come up with solutions to get you out there in cold season. Carl even tries to convince Derek to get out there more often with solutions to common concerns about going when it's below freezing. Derek, on the other hand, considers the R value of grocery bags and pocketed cell phones. If you'd like to submit an audio file for us to potentially include on a future episode, either message us on our Facebook page (below) or email it to: hikercman@netscape.net GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers. https://www.patreon.com/backpackingandblisters To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Instagram and Facebook pages. @backpackingandblisterspodcast https://www.facebook.com/backpackingandblisters or email: hikercman@netscape.net Backpacking Gear Best Backpacking Gear Backpacking Trip Planning Hiking Gear Best Hiking Gear Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.