Before leaving for a long distance trek, it's common for people to envision worst case scenario. For Piers Ellison, on his 2016 PCT hike, this fear became a reality when he was bitten by a brown recluse spider.  In episode 19, we talk in depth about this nightmare, how he hiked the entire PCT while carrying his guitar, the challenges an international hiker must confront in order to trek one of the United States' long trails, and finally, Piers delights us by playing a pair of songs from his new EP "Distance".  Also, Chaunce is drunk. 

Subjects discussed include:

• Sawyer Picaridin Packets
• Jabba Demolishes a Z-Packs Carbon Fiber Staff [Video]
• Piers Soundcloud Song
• Piers wonderful album "Distance" available on Spotify (free) and iTunes
• Atom Packs in the UK
• UL Outdoor Gear Online Outfitter
• B1/B2 Visa for thru-hiking
• Additional Considerations for International Hikers
• As It Happens Documentary
• This is Not a Beautiful Thru-Hike Video
• Do More with Less
• Piers on Instagram

Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio?  Reach out to [email protected].

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Stitcher and Google Play.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Sawyer Products

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Gregory Gardner, Kate Hurley, Clint "DuctTape" Sherbet, and Peter Leven.

Follow Piers Ellison, Backpacker Radio, The Trek, Chaunce, and Badger on Instagram.

Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow The Trek on Facebook, Twitter and sign up for our newsletter.