Joe Solomon, the founder of Kayaking 4 a Cause, author, and long distance paddler joins the banter to talk about his newest adventure. Joe will soon depart for the Great American Loop, an over 6,000 mile paddling journey. Join us as we catch up with an old friend, and find out more about this paddling expedition.

Find and Follow Joe at: https://linktr.ee/kayaking4acause

Like what you hear? We'd love if you gave us a follow. Hit those three dots on our podcast profile page and give us a rating. Podcast ratings are like overnights in a tent, the more stars the better. Follow us on our social platforms:

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Dalton and Bryan visit Reno Nevada for their summer tradeshow and catch up with one of their favorite brands, Livsn. Abby Hollis, Director of Product and Sustainability chats with us about Livsn's approach to sustainability, their recent B Corp certification, and looking forward with Livsn product design. Learn more about Livsn and their brand initiatives, and what makes them such an amazing brand.

Like what you hear? We'd love if you gave us a follow. Hit those three dots on our podcast profile page and give us a rating. Podcast ratings are like overnights in a tent, the more stars the better. Follow us on our social platforms:

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@RRTrails⁠⁠

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Dalton and Bryan take a walk down memory lane in debating, what are the best 3 states along the Appalachian Trail? There are no rules in this great debate, all things can be considered including length, vistas, hostels, angels, food, shelters, or even privies. See how our picks stack up with your experiences, and perhaps find out what the greatest state along the AT is!

Like what you hear? We'd love if you gave us a follow. Hit those three dots on our podcast profile page and give us a rating. Podcast ratings are like overnights in a tent, the more stars the better. Follow us on our social platforms:

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@RRTrails⁠⁠

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Facebook: ⁠⁠@RRT50

Dalton and Bryan totally nerd out on their favorite gear from this year. This podcast takes a look at some new and exciting gear, the reasons why we love it, and why it matters to you. This podcast is all about highlighting some of our favorite new pieces including some killer items from Nemo, Oboz, Rab, and more. This duo puts backpacking gear to the test and has seen and used a lot through the years. Take a listen and get some insight into the industry while maybe finding your next great piece for the gear closet.

Like what you hear? We'd love if you gave us a follow. Hit those three dots on our podcast profile page and give us a rating. Podcast ratings are like overnights in a tent, the more stars the better. Follow us on our social platforms:

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@RRTrails⁠⁠

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Facebook: ⁠⁠@RRT50

Surprise, Cast Iron completed his CDT thru-hike! We let Dalton acclimate back to life off the trail and the desert dust settle before catching up for the 3rd and final episode about his CDT hike. In this episode we find out about some of Dalton's favorite trail stories, his favorite and least favorite moments. We answer pressing questions like, "how much sushi can a thru-hiker eat?" and dive deep into the CDT experience. Don't miss this incredible conclusion. If you missed the first two segments, head back to season one and learn more about thru-hiking the CDT.

Like what you hear? We'd love if you gave us a follow. Hit those three dots on our podcast profile page and give us a rating. Podcast ratings are like overnights in a tent, the more stars the better. Follow us on our social platforms:

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@RRTrails⁠⁠

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Dalton "Cast Iron" Spurlin has done over 1600 miles southbound on the Continental Divide Trail. He joins us remotely to tell us about his journey thus far. We talk to Dalton about the state by state challenges, the changing weather, trail towns, and more. Listen in to part two of this continuing series as we follow Dalton on his CDT thru-hike attempt.

Sponsorship provided by Fillo's. Go to fillos.com or stop by RRT to try their Walking Tamales. Fillo's walking tamales, tamales time anytime!

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@RRTrails⁠⁠

YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠@RRT45150⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠@RRT50

We sit down with THE Mr. Fabulous in front of a live studio audience recording. This is an instant favorite as we had the opportunity to interview Derick Lugo about his book "The Unlikely Thru-Hiker", about his many hiking adventures, and his future forays into a new book about hiking the CDT. Derick is a hilarious storyteller and takes us on a pretty wild ride. Listen in as Derick shares some stories and secrets that he's never shared before.

You can follow Derick Lugo here:Derick on Instagram

Dericklugo.com

Like what you hear? We'd love if you gave us a follow. Hit those three dots on our podcast profile page and give us a rating. Podcast ratings are like overnights in a tent, the more stars the better. Follow us on our social platforms:

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@RRTrails⁠⁠

YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠@RRT45150⁠⁠

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Thank you to our friend⁠ Noah Smith⁠ for the new intro music, check him out on Spotify!

We're back! Season 2 of Backcountry Banter is back and better than ever. Mom let us buy a second microphone, and we added some sweet intro music from our friendNoah Smith. We've got some great episodes headed your way, say subscribe now to hear the latest.

In this episode we sit down with Emily White. Emily is co-owner of Roads Rivers and Trails and trip planner extraordinaire. Emily is building an impressive international resume including hut to hut trips in Iceland, New Zealand, Switzerland, and Italy. Emily has hiked the Alta Via 1 twice. We sit down to hear more about the Italian Dolomites and planning the perfect trek on the Alta Via. Listen in to gather some pack tricks and tips and try your luck at a game of "Alta Vino".

Emily' preferred guides:Cicerone Guides

Like what you hear? We'd love if you gave us a follow. Hit those three dots on our podcast profile page and give us a rating. Podcast ratings are like overnights in a tent, the more stars the better. Follow us on our social platforms:

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@RRTrails⁠⁠

YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠@RRT45150⁠⁠

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We're joined by Joe Motz, a local business founder, long distance traveler, and community steward in everything he does. Joe has built a sustainable community at the Motz Group; a Evergreen certified company that proves their commitment to people, values, and practices. Joe  started Motz Moves an initiative for physical inspiration, but also a force for good with it's philanthropic missions.

Joe’s "Paddle for a Purpose" endeavor, is a 3,000 mile paddling journey that is working to raise funds and awareness for The Bridge Adaptive. An organization dedicated to increase awareness and promote opportunities for individuals with disabilities to participate in adaptive sports and recreation in order to improve their quality of life. Bryan sits down with Joe to hear about his ambitious goals and bumps along the way. Joe is currently 2,300 miles into the journey and takes a break to sit down for a little banter.

Learn More:

⁠Motz Moves⁠

⁠The Bridge Adaptive⁠

Like what you hear? We'd love if you gave us a follow. Hit those three dots on our podcast profile page and give us a rating. Podcast ratings are like overnights in a tent, the more stars the better. Follow us on our social platforms:

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@RRTrails⁠⁠

YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠@RRT45150⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠@RRT50  

In what may be my favorite conversation yet, I catch up with a good friend, Mandela Echefu. An immigrant from Nigeria, accomplished professional, and entrepreneur. Mandela started (at the time) the 3rd black owned outdoor retailer, Wheelzup in Cumberland, MD in 2021. Mandela shares his origin story, his passion for the outdoors, for mentorship, and for representation in the space. Let's put on some Celine Dion and dive into this open and candid take on the outdoor industry.

Disclosure: there are audio issues with this podcast. We believe in genuine conversations and did not want to try and recreate any of this. We believe the content is exactly the story we were hoping to share so please bear with us.

Special shout out to our sponsor The Bookmatters in downtown Milford, OH. Check out Mandela's new pick; "Man's Quest for Meaning" or any other top titles at The Bookmatters.

Like what you hear? We'd love if you gave us a follow.Hit those three dots on our podcast profile page and give us a rating. Podcast ratings are like overnights in a tent, the more stars the better. Follow us on our social platforms:

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@RRTrails⁠⁠

YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠@RRT45150⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠@RRT50

Visit us online at ⁠RoadsRiversandTrails.com