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

Carl Mandrioli, Bleav
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Sep 25, 2025 • 35min

10 Things Only ADVANCED BACKPACKERS Do...with Huck Outdoors (Bonus Thursday)

Join Huck Outdoors, an outdoor content creator and photographer, as he dives into the secrets of advanced backpacking. They discuss off-trail navigation, gear system mastery, and the importance of planning for bailouts. Huck also shares tips on balancing calories and hydration, embracing discomfort, and the art of fire-making after rain. Plus, he covers essential stewardship practices and how total pack weight impacts the experience. Prepare to elevate your backpacking game with invaluable insights!
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Sep 22, 2025 • 51min

5 Backpacking CRISES on the TIMBERLINE TRAIL: How Would You Handle Them?

There were 5 Backpacking Crises on the Timberline Trail Patreon trip this year! Five might be a stretch but you be the judge? How would you handle them? How would Derek have handled them (if had the courage to attend)? Veteran backpacker Christine Marsh joins the show to discuss the color she added to the trip. And this is probably not something you’ve seen or heard before. Some of the Topics Covered: -Backpacking trip planning tips and tricks -Backpacking gear -The Timberline Trail in Oregon 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.
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Sep 15, 2025 • 34min

The 8 MOST DANGEROUS Creatures That Will KILL YOU!

What are the 8 deadliest creatures known to mankind? And how can you avoid them on a backpacking trip? Derek and Carl discuss the method these creatures attack humans as well as simple ways to avoid and survive these attacks. Maybe it’s time to micromanage your friends and make sure their tent zipper is closed. Some of the Topics Covered: -The deadliest creatures on Earth -Backpacking tips and tricks that will help you stay alive -The best backpacking gear for these situations Check out ‘Tails of a Small Animal Vet’ by our good friend Doug Marks! 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.
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Sep 11, 2025 • 44min

JUSTIN OUTDOORS: Game-changing GEAR That's 'The Best I've Ever Used' (Throwback Thursday)

On this Throwback Thursday episode, Justin Outdoors joins the show. He is our #1 seed for gear expertise on YouTube. Check out what he has to say regarding the game-changing gear that’s the best he’s ever used. Find the best gear reviews on Justin’s YouTube Channel! 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.
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Sep 8, 2025 • 57min

SAR Veteran Evaluates 6 Famous Movie Stunts That Could Save Your Life...with Moose Mutlow

Veteran Search and Rescue Yosemite team member Moose Mutlow joins the show to evaluate 6 famous movie scenes. He brings his expertise to rate the plausibility of the outdoor stunts pulled off by Rambo, Indiana Jones and others. He also shares some crazy SAR stories of his own. Moose is one of the top B&B guests over the years. This is one you won’t want to miss! Some of the Topics Covered: -Crazy Search and Rescue Stories -Outdoor stunts from Rambo, City Slickers, the Guardian, Cliffhanger…and more! -Are guns really necessary for backpackers? Check out the classes and books offered by Moose Mutlow! 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.
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Sep 1, 2025 • 36min

Take the RED PILL! How You're Getting FOOLED by the Backpacking Matrix

Derek and Carl uncover the truth behind common backpacking myths, challenging listeners to take the red pill and escape the backpacking matrix. They discuss the reliability of trail signs and the safety of DEET, while critiquing overpriced health-marketed snacks. The duo debates ultralight packs versus practicality and the differences between dehydrated and freeze-dried meals. With a mix of humor and insightful advice, they urge backpackers to rethink their gear choices and connect with nature authentically.
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Aug 28, 2025 • 41min

MARTY RANEY: 'Not Everyone Made it Back From the Mountain.' (Bonus Thursday)

TV Star, homesteader, Denali guide…Marty Raney joins Derek and Carl to discuss a story he’s never shared before: a fateful trip to the highest peak in America and the unfortunate disaster that ensued. What happened on the mountain? Why did the rangers target Marty? And how did a small fortune go missing in the process? Also discussed is a crazy story from Marty’s adventure series ‘Ultimate Survival, Alaska’. Some of the Topics Covered: -Climbing America’s highest peak…Denali -Marty in some adventure TV shows -Pro tips for any adventurer, homesteader or aspiring TV star Follow Marty Raney on Instagram Pika Pot Lid 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.
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Aug 25, 2025 • 46min

JEFF PELLETIER: You're Backpacking 'Stupid Light' IF You're Doing These 4 Things

The trusted authority on going ultralight over long distances, Jeff Pelletier, joins the show to discuss how you might be cutting corners to go ‘stupid light’. Or how Carl continues to take calculated risks that are unwise in Jeff’s opinion. Also, gear suggestions, hiking efficiencies, and pro tips are shared. Subscribe to Jeff Pelletier’s awesome YouTube channel! Some of the Topics Covered: -Ultralight backpacking/hiking strategies -Gear suggestions -Pro tips for moving efficiently and recovering 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.
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Aug 18, 2025 • 54min

National Park Director CHUCK SAMS: Everything You Expect Us to Ask

Derek and Carl are joined by the most recent National Park Service Director, Chuck Sams. Topics include everything from getting blacklisted to Bigfoot to 3 suggestions Carl makes to improve the NPS system for backpackers and visitors. And, of course, there’s National Parks trivia. Some of the Topics Covered: -Getting rid of Recreation.gov -How to become the next NPS director -National Parks trivia for the NPS director Check out the work Chuck Sams is doing for the Yale Center for Environmental Justice…as well as The University of Oregon Law School. 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.
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Aug 14, 2025 • 40min

FAT MAN LITTLE TRAIL: 4-5ish Trail Snacks You've Never Heard Of (Bonus Thursday)

Greg Sakowicz, known as Fat Man Little Trail, shares his journey from pandemic hiker to outdoor influencer. He discusses unforgettable trail encounters, including helping injured hikers and a close call with a mountain goat. Greg reveals quirky trail snacks like Nakey Butter tubes and a budget-friendly DIY mix of pretzels, peanut butter, and gummy bears. He emphasizes the importance of beginner-friendly hiking tips and community connections through post-hike meals. His humorous and relatable approach inspires both new and seasoned hikers alike.

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