This is the first episode of Backpacker Radio, a podcast about the wonderful world of thru-hiking, brought to you by The Trek. In this first episode, we meet our co-hosts, Zach "Badger" Davis and Juliana "Chaunce" Chauncey, chat with serial thru-hiker Tom Gathman aka The Real Hiking Viking aka Jabba.

In this episode, we learn more about The Real Hiking Viking, what he's hiked, what he plans to hike, and why his Instagram Stories are so long.

We chat about the potential of mountain bikes being introduced into the wilderness, and thus much of the Pacific Crest Trail.

We explore what the class of 2017 voted as the 10 best hostels on the Appalachian Trail.

And we do a quick primer on the Badger Sponsorship 2018, the best backpacking gear giveaway for thru-hikers anywhere.