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

By Carl Mandrioli

What's Backpacking & Blisters: A Hiking, Backpacking, and Adventure Show about?

Are you looking for adventure? We've got the best guests in the outdoor world, gear expertise, unbelievable stories...all lined with a sense of humor.

Download our free app to listen on your phone

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

05.13.2024
Our 10 Most Embarrassing Rookie Backpacking BLUNDERS
It’s time for Derek and Carl to come clean about their top rookie mistakes. Many of these made on recent trips (well after they considered themselves ‘experienced backpackers’). Please learn from these ridiculous blunders and don’t do what they did....
05.09.2024
Our BIGGEST Gear Purchasing MISTAKES! Don't Do What We Did (Throwback Thursday)
Is there any gear you wished you hadn't bought? Learn from Derek and Carl's mistakes and don't buy the items that have failed them (and continued to fail them in some cases). Also, can Derek pass 'License Plate Trivia'? GET MORE...
05.06.2024
IB TAT: How to Get Kicked out of Walmart & Break Into a Backcountry Ranger Cabin
Film-maker, photographer, thru-hiker IB TAT joins the show to share his unique perspective and some engaging, outlandish stories from the trail. Why would a Walmart kick out hikertrash next to a long trail? Why did he feel compelled to break...
04.29.2024
STEVEN of 'My Life Outdoors': I DARE You to Find Better Gear for Less!
Steven Smith from My Life Outdoors joins the show for some legit gear talk. He dares you to find better gear for less. And he will even give you an 11% discount if you buy the items on his list....
04.25.2024
Get Your Total Pack Weight Under 30 LBS NOW!!! (Throwback Thursday)
Does base weight really matter if your total pack weight is too heavy? Derek and Carl give a list of tips and tricks to get your pack under 30lbs (or to simply reduce your pack pack). What can you get...
04.22.2024
DAVE STEWART: Napkin Maps, Sleeping w/ Bears, Expert Tips & More!
Dave Stewart joins the show to discuss some of the most interesting and dramatic backcountry stories the B&B show has ever heard. From napkin maps to having to keep watch in bear country, Dave Stewart has had some truly compelling...
04.15.2024
15 of Your WORST Pet Peeves...SOLVED!
Derek and Carl reached out to the backpacking community to find out what the biggest (and weirdest) pet peeves everyone has. Are these legitimate issues, fake problems or things that the B&B crew causes? After addressing each one, Derek and...
04.11.2024
SONJA WIECK: Surviving Bear Grylls' World's Toughest Race (*Throwback Thursday*)
The World's Toughest Race (The Eco Challenge) is currently the best running adventure-based series on Amazon Prime. Sonja Wieck, from team Iron Cowboy, joins the show to discuss all things adventure. Dubbed the race "that eats Iron Men for breakfast"...
04.08.2024
CHAD LUBINSKI: 'I Should Have Died 3 Times in the Outdoors But...'
Extreme Adventurer Chad Lubinski joins the show to discuss some truly amazing stories from some of America’s long trails. He legitimately almost died in 3 different circumstances. What was the secret to his survival? What should he have done to...
04.01.2024
The BEST Backpacking Items...Around $1! Yes $1!
Derek and Carl discuss the BEST backpacking items that come in around $1. While many of the suggestions may prove helpful…even to the well-seasoned backpacker, Derek has 1 or 2 that will blow your socks off. Derek accuses Carl of...
03.25.2024
Top Notch Trail Pranks...You Have to Try!
Derek and Carl discuss fun, light-hearted and mean-spirited pranks. They recount a number of pranks they’ve already pulled off (and one that keeps failing). Additionally, they highlight interesting prank opportunities for the upcoming trip. Derek believes Carl pranked himself with...
03.21.2024
*Throwback Thursday* DAN BECKER: 'Gear I Wish I Bought Sooner'
On our first THROWBACK THURSDAY, famous Youtuber Dan Becker joins the show to discuss gear choices he wish he bought sooner based upon a series of videos he's put out over the last couple years. Carl agrees with some of...
03.18.2024
BROOKE WHIPPLE: She Canoed the Yukon But Did Not Expect This to Happen...
Brooke is back! One of the most popular guests of last season, Brooke Whipple joins the show to share about her Yukon canoe adventure, her latest off-grid projects, and some interesting (and surprising) obstacles that came up along the way....
03.11.2024
*Exclusive* New & Unreleased Gear: MSR, Buff, Mystery Ranch, Deuter, Platypus, Grayl
Derek and Carl discuss the new gear from some of the biggest backpacking companies. Carl had a chance to sit down with reps from various brands to hear about the latest and greatest backpacking gear of 2024 and beyond. Hear...
03.07.2024
*BONUS THURSDAY* SAM CARTER: 'I Tried Hiking the Triple Crown With a 3 LB Base Weight'
Sam ‘Shade’ Carter joins the show to discuss one of the most interesting backpacking stories we’ve heard to date. He’s 21 years old. His goal was the hike the calendar year Triple Crown (PCT, AT, CDT). He wanted to do...
03.04.2024
Controversial, Insider Trip Planning Cheat Codes for Permits, Gear & More!
Derek and Carl discuss legit trip planning and gear tips that are helpful, controversial, and, sometimes, questionable. Are these the cheat codes you’ve been looking for to go on your bucket list trips? Probably. Hopefully. Also, does Derek really know...
02.26.2024
JOHN KELLEY: 7 Pieces of Gear We HATED...But Now We LIKE!
John Kelley from The Backpacking Podcast joins the show as a guest host to discuss backpacking gear we used to hate, but now we like. Carl accuses John of intentionally sabotaging the upcoming Red River Gorge Patreon trip. And Carl...
02.19.2024
FROZEN: Gear Hacks, Ultralight Tips, Top Luxury Items, Hit More Trail Miles & More!
‘Frozen’ from Frozen’s Outdoor Adventures joins the show to discuss an array of relevant backpacking topics. As an Appalachian Trail thru hiking veteran who is about to embark upon the Pacific Crest Trail, Frozen shares some crazy stories and backpacking...
02.12.2024
JOE ROBINET: ‘You Need to Know These 3 Bushcraft Skills. Period’
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...
02.05.2024
10 Terrible Pieces of Advice by Backpacking "Experts" + Surprise Guest!
Derek and Carl discuss some of the nonsense backpacking advice that’s lingering around the internet, or in your local gear store. Carl sites specific sources that may surprise you. Derek references his ‘friends around’ as supposed experts. Either way, what...
02.01.2024
*BONUS THURSDAY!* The Amazing Race's Todd & Ashlie
This is a rare second episode this week! Todd & Ashlie Martin from the current season of the Amazing Race join the show to discuss some of the life challenges, physical challenges and fun stories from the show. Follow Todd &...
01.29.2024
CRIS 'HIKING GUY' HAZZARD: Listen to This Before You Buy or Use an SOS Device!
Backpacking Tech Gear Expert Cris ‘Hiking Guy’ Hazzard joins the show to discuss the latest and greatest GPS locator beacon devices. Are phones rivaling the capabilities of these devices to the point where we don’t even need them? Which one...
01.22.2024
JUSTIN OUTDOORS: Serious Red Flags for Ultralight Gear. BEWARE!
Backpacking Gear Expert Justin Outdoors joins the show to discuss red flags for popular ultralight backpacking gear that he consistently recommends. Carl brings up a few red flags of his own. Poor fitting jackets, backpacks that pool water in pockets,...
01.15.2024
2024 Backpacking Trends That Will Die a Miserable Death!
Derek and Carl discuss backpacking trends for 2024 that they believe will not last. Everything from shoe brands to ultralight gear. Derek has a minor meltdown during ‘Trend Trivia’. Some of the topics discussed: -Hiking shoe brands -Backpacking Rain Gear -Ultralight Backpacking Gear -Intentional Overpacking GET...
01.08.2024
DIXIE HOMEMADE WANDERLUST: 'I Pushed the SOS Button in the Sawtooths.' Here's What Happened!
Jessica ‘Dixie’ Mills from Homemade Wanderlust joins the show to discuss an intense survival experience she had in the Sawtooth Mountains of Idaho. She shares 3 lessons she learned from the event as well as the ongoing battle with rescue...
01.01.2024
JEFF GARMIRE: 'I Grabbed Some Moose Antlers...And They Were Still Attached!'
Jeff Garmire joins the show. He has set FKTs (Fastest Known Times) on some of the most popular long trails in America: The Colorado Trail, the John Muir Trail, the Arizona Trail, and many, many more. He is one of...
12.26.2023
6 Reasons Your Bucket List Trip Will Fail with Rob Pelton
Rob Pelton's joins the show to discuss why your bucket list trips will fail...and how to overcome the issues. Also, are Canadian computer hackers helping people get permits. And Rob has a big and exciting announcement! Check out Rob’s Awesome YouTube...
12.18.2023
'Ultralight Backpackers Find 2 Uses For Each Piece of Gear!' Really?
This was originally released as a bonus episode on Patreon earlier this year. Derek and Carl discuss whether this is a legitimate ultralight strategy or a crazy myth. Check out Paka Socks as reviewed by B&B Correspondent Jendiana! GET BONUS EPISODES ON...
12.11.2023
8 REAL Headlines...But They Get Increasingly More Unbelievable
Derek and Carl discuss recent real and absurd events in the outdoor world. You will not believe some of these crazy happenings! Check out the FieldSheer 2.0 Merino Wool Socks reviewed in this episode! GET BONUS EPISODES ON PATREON: There are over 30...
12.04.2023
Are These 8 Trail Gadgets Really Worth It?
Derek and Carl discuss the latest and "greatest" gadgets on the market. Are the helpful, are they game-changers or are they simply a waste of time and money? Also, clips from the latest Patreon trip are shared. Most of the...
11.27.2023
ELINA OSBORNE: Gear Put to the Test on Thousands of Miles of Trails!
Film-maker, story-teller, YouTuber Elina Osborne of New Zealand joins the show to discuss some of her amazing experiences on the world's long trails. Additionally she recaps some of the gear that's stood the test of time and use...and the gear...
11.20.2023
DOC 'HIKER TRASH RADIO': 5 Insane Adventure Stories You Might Not Believe
Doc, from the podcast Hiker Trash Radio, joins the show and shares 5 of his best stories from the amazing guests he's had over the years. They truly are impressive stories. References to Jeff Garmire, Alex Honold, and Lael Wilcox. Check...
11.13.2023
ALICE FORD: Stunt woman, Dealing w/ Antarctica's Animal Police, Hiking Above 15K Feet...
Stunt woman, adventurer, award-winning film-maker Alice Ford joins the show to discuss everything from backcountry stunts to hugging wild penguins. Please check out Alice's Awesome YouTube Channel Follow Alice on Instagram GET BONUS EPISODES ON PATREON: There are over 30 BONUS episodes of B&B...
11.06.2023
Success or Another Search & Rescue Call? The 50 Mile Yosemite Adventure Story
The story of the 'Fastest Known Time' attempt in Yosemite is here! Derek and Carl discuss the challenges, the gear and the interesting scenarios that happened on the long 50 mile day. Rocky joins the show to share his perspective....
10.30.2023
DAN DURSTON: Why Do Some Tents Cost More Than a Used Car?
Derek and Carl have Gear Designer and Company Owner Dan Durston on the show to discuss advances in ultralight tents, upcoming gear for 2024 and the origin story of a cottage gear company. Check out Durston Gear for some great ultralight...
10.23.2023
Two Game-Changing Companies That Can Help You!
Derek and Carl interview and discuss two companies that they think can help you with gear, bringing newbies, saving time, providing good food options, and, possibly, determining how much food you should bring. Check out Aaron's company Backcountry Foodie! Check out Scott's...
10.16.2023
ROWAN SMITH: 3 Easy Ways to Hike Stronger, Faster, Better (and Use MMA on the Trail)
Rowan Smith from Summit Strength joins the show to discuss trail tips, MMA, and much more! Check out Rowan's Summit Strength Personal Training Program. Check out Rowan's Awesome Podcast: Training for Trekking! GET BONUS EPISODES ON PATREON: There are over 30 BONUS episodes of...
10.09.2023
9 Things That Went Wrong on Our Biggest Dumpster Fire Trip (Season 7 Premier)
Derek is back on a regular basis! And now they're willing to come clean about their biggest dumpster fire trip. Many of these events have been referenced on the show, but it is absolutely nuts that they had all of...
10.02.2023
A Zoologist Answers the Craziest Wild Animal Questions We've Got (Revisited)
Derek and Carl discuss a big variety of topics regarding wild animals with Zoologist Ashley Cole-Wick. This was originally released in Season 5. GET BONUS EPISODES ON PATREON: There are over 30 BONUS episodes of B&B that you can get by supporting...
09.25.2023
MASON GRAVLEY: Legendary Advice From the World's Greatest Adventurers
Mason Gravley, host of the Adventure Sports Podcast, joins the show to discuss some of the biggest pieces of advice, inspirational messages and exciting stories from the world's greatest adventurers. Check out Mason's awesome podcast! GET BONUS EPISODES ON PATREON: There are over...
09.18.2023
The BEST and WORST Gear We Used on Banff's Rugged Trails
Derek and Carl revisit the July trip from the perspective of gear successes and failures. How does some gear hold up after years of use? What broke? Would Derek recommend the trekking poles he destroyed? Some of the Gear Discussed Sea to...
09.11.2023
ROB PELTON: 10 Ridiculous Things You're Still Bringing on Your Trips!
YouTuber Rob Pelton joins the show to co-host and discuss 10 ridiculous items you might have in your pack (but shouldn't). Agree or disagree? Check out Rob's Awesome YouTube Channel! Follow Rob on Instagram! GET BONUS EPISODES ON PATREON: There are over 30 BONUS...
09.04.2023
10,000 SOS Calls Logged on Garmin: Crazy Stories & Stats!
Derek and Carl 'break down' the data released by Garmin and share some of the interesting stories that involve pushing the red button. Also, somehow, Derek and Carl were able to get ahold of an actual SOS call made from...
08.28.2023
MATTY OUTDOORS: Ultralight Backpacking Gear Everyone/Nobody Should Use
Matty Outdoors joins the show to guest host and discuss everyone's favorite topic -- Ultralight Backpacking Gear! Please Check Out Matty Outdoors' Awesome YouTube Channel! You can follow Matty Outdoors on Instagram! GET BONUS EPISODES ON PATREON: There are over 30 BONUS episodes of...
08.21.2023
4 Days on the World's Toughest Trail with Justin Outdoors
Back from Banff, Canada, Derek and Carl discuss the challenges, pitfalls and major blunders of the recent trip. Justin Outdoors joins the show to share his perspective. One member got so angry he intentionally broke a trekking pole on a...
08.14.2023
JOHN KELLEY & BACKPACKER-ISH: Controversial Backpacking Myths....Busted!!!
John Kelley & Nathan 'Backpacker-ish' Reitsema join the show to discuss some less common and somewhat controversial backpacking myths that should be busted. Check out Backpacker-ish's awesome YouTube Channel and Instagram! Check out John Kelley's awesome YouTube Channel and The Backpacking Podcast! GET...
08.07.2023
New Cook Sets, Snacks, Bug Stuff, Clothing & Affordable Gear!!!
In the second (and final) installment of the Outdoor Retailer Show, Derek and Carl discuss well-known companies that have new releases, up-and-coming companies that have products you should consider. Included in the conversation are companies such as Honey Stinger, Soto...
07.31.2023
JAMES APPLETON: Guide Shares 3 Secrets to Conquering Summits
James Appleton from the '46 if 46 Podcast' joins the show to share his stories and wisdom about conquering those summits. Check out James' awesome podcast! GET BONUS EPISODES ON PATREON: There are over 30 BONUS episodes of B&B that you can get...
07.24.2023
10 Lies The Gear Companies Tell You
Derek is back and better than ever! Are we being deceived by gear companies or just general beliefs about certain pieces of backpacking gear? Derek and Carl pull back the curtain and reveal the TRUTH! GET BONUS EPISODES ON PATREON: There are...
07.17.2023
ANDY PARRISH: How to Bring or Be a New Backpacker
Andy Parrish joins the show to co-host while Derek is away. Carl and Andy discuss the BEST tips for bringing or being a new backpacker. This is for trip planners, newbies and everyone in between. Check out Andy's Awesome YouTube Channel! GET...

What's Backpacking & Blisters: A Hiking, Backpacking, and Adventure Show about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

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

Our 10 Most Embarrassing Rookie Backpacking BLUNDERS

Our BIGGEST Gear Purchasing MISTAKES! Don't Do What We Did (Throwback Thursday)

IB TAT: How to Get Kicked out of Walmart & Break Into a Backcountry Ranger Cabin

STEVEN of 'My Life Outdoors': I DARE You to Find Better Gear for Less!

Get Your Total Pack Weight Under 30 LBS NOW!!! (Throwback Thursday)

DAVE STEWART: Napkin Maps, Sleeping w/ Bears, Expert Tips & More!

15 of Your WORST Pet Peeves...SOLVED!

SONJA WIECK: Surviving Bear Grylls' World's Toughest Race (*Throwback Thursday*)

CHAD LUBINSKI: 'I Should Have Died 3 Times in the Outdoors But...'

The BEST Backpacking Items...Around $1! Yes $1!

Top Notch Trail Pranks...You Have to Try!

*Throwback Thursday* DAN BECKER: 'Gear I Wish I Bought Sooner'

BROOKE WHIPPLE: She Canoed the Yukon But Did Not Expect This to Happen...

*Exclusive* New & Unreleased Gear: MSR, Buff, Mystery Ranch, Deuter, Platypus, Grayl

*BONUS THURSDAY* SAM CARTER: 'I Tried Hiking the Triple Crown With a 3 LB Base Weight'

Controversial, Insider Trip Planning Cheat Codes for Permits, Gear & More!

JOHN KELLEY: 7 Pieces of Gear We HATED...But Now We LIKE!

FROZEN: Gear Hacks, Ultralight Tips, Top Luxury Items, Hit More Trail Miles & More!

JOE ROBINET: ‘You Need to Know These 3 Bushcraft Skills. Period’

10 Terrible Pieces of Advice by Backpacking "Experts" + Surprise Guest!

*BONUS THURSDAY!* The Amazing Race's Todd & Ashlie

CRIS 'HIKING GUY' HAZZARD: Listen to This Before You Buy or Use an SOS Device!

JUSTIN OUTDOORS: Serious Red Flags for Ultralight Gear. BEWARE!

2024 Backpacking Trends That Will Die a Miserable Death!

DIXIE HOMEMADE WANDERLUST: 'I Pushed the SOS Button in the Sawtooths.' Here's What Happened!

JEFF GARMIRE: 'I Grabbed Some Moose Antlers...And They Were Still Attached!'

6 Reasons Your Bucket List Trip Will Fail with Rob Pelton

'Ultralight Backpackers Find 2 Uses For Each Piece of Gear!' Really?

8 REAL Headlines...But They Get Increasingly More Unbelievable

Are These 8 Trail Gadgets Really Worth It?

ELINA OSBORNE: Gear Put to the Test on Thousands of Miles of Trails!

DOC 'HIKER TRASH RADIO': 5 Insane Adventure Stories You Might Not Believe

ALICE FORD: Stunt woman, Dealing w/ Antarctica's Animal Police, Hiking Above 15K Feet...

Success or Another Search & Rescue Call? The 50 Mile Yosemite Adventure Story

DAN DURSTON: Why Do Some Tents Cost More Than a Used Car?

Two Game-Changing Companies That Can Help You!

ROWAN SMITH: 3 Easy Ways to Hike Stronger, Faster, Better (and Use MMA on the Trail)

9 Things That Went Wrong on Our Biggest Dumpster Fire Trip (Season 7 Premier)

A Zoologist Answers the Craziest Wild Animal Questions We've Got (Revisited)

MASON GRAVLEY: Legendary Advice From the World's Greatest Adventurers

The BEST and WORST Gear We Used on Banff's Rugged Trails

ROB PELTON: 10 Ridiculous Things You're Still Bringing on Your Trips!

10,000 SOS Calls Logged on Garmin: Crazy Stories & Stats!

MATTY OUTDOORS: Ultralight Backpacking Gear Everyone/Nobody Should Use

4 Days on the World's Toughest Trail with Justin Outdoors

JOHN KELLEY & BACKPACKER-ISH: Controversial Backpacking Myths....Busted!!!

New Cook Sets, Snacks, Bug Stuff, Clothing & Affordable Gear!!!

JAMES APPLETON: Guide Shares 3 Secrets to Conquering Summits

10 Lies The Gear Companies Tell You

ANDY PARRISH: How to Bring or Be a New Backpacker

SONJA WIECK: Surviving Bear Grylls' World's Toughest Race (Throwback Thursday)

Throwback Thursday DAN BECKER: 'Gear I Wish I Bought Sooner'

Exclusive New & Unreleased Gear: MSR, Buff, Mystery Ranch, Deuter, Platypus, Grayl

BONUS THURSDAY SAM CARTER: 'I Tried Hiking the Triple Crown With a 3 LB Base Weight'

BONUS THURSDAY! The Amazing Race's Todd & Ashlie