In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we're joined by Kristy and Annette Burns—better known as the Wander Women.

About seven years ago, Kristy and Annette ditched the home with the white picket fence, retired, moved into an RV, and shifted their focus to a life centered on freedom and adventure. Since then, they've taken on the AT, PCT, CDT, Arizona Trail, Tahoe Rim Trail, the O Circuit, plus a slew of cycling and packrafting trips. We get into what it takes to keep your body ready for thru-hikes at retirement age, why downsizing has made them so much happier, the community they've found on trail, and a whole lot more.

We wrap the show with what to wear when hiking in the desert, how to dry the inside of your water bladder, and the triple crown of chairs.

Gossamer Gear: Check out the Type II collection at gossamergear.com.

[divider]

Interview with Kristy and Annette Burns

• Wander Women Instagram
• Wander Women Youtube

Time stamps & Questions

00:02:45 - Reminders: Take the Triple Crowner Survey, apply to blog for the Trek, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!

00:05:06 - Introducing the Wander Women

00:07:00 - How did each of you get into the outdoors?

00:09:44 - How did you two meet?

00:12:20 - How did you go from the sweat lodge to thru-hiking?

00:16:50 - Did you have physical fitness top of mind before getting into thru-hiking?

00:19:05 - How far prior to retirement did you plan to hike?

00:22:55 - What specifically would you do differently, financially?

00:26:25 - What was it like downsizing?

00:31:30 - What physical activity do you do in the RV?

00:36:04 - Do you ever get sick of each other?

00:38:55 - How do you handle difficulties in your relationship?

00:41:00 - Did you know there'd be other retired folks on the AT?

00:45:17 - How have you expanded your social networks in retirement?

00:48:35 - What are some of the common questions you get?

00:50:03 - How do you slowly ramp up your mileage when hiking?

00:51:52 - Describe your gear to us

00:57:40 - Was it easy to transition between RVing and thru-hiking?

01:01:15 - Do you feel like time has slowed down since you retired?

01:10:45 - At what point did you reach this mindset?

01:12:40 - Are you particular with your nutrition?

01:16:20 - Standout stories from the AT?

01:19:35 - At what point did you know you were going to Triple Crown?

01:23:35 - Did you know what you were getting into with the CDT?

01:30:11 - How many other CDT hikers did you encounter?

01:34:50 - Tell us about flip flopping the PCT

01:38:46 - What were your spookiest or scariest moments on trail?

01:49:23 - When did you start getting the Youtube fanfare?

01:50:30 - What's the best trail magic you've gotten?

01:53:10 - Tell us about the adventures outside of thru-hiking

01:57:14 - Tell us about your rafting trip in Alaska

02:02:50 - Tell us about your encounter with a grizzly bear

02:10:30 - How did you decide where to camp?

02:13:00 - What were the biggest gear differences for this trip?

02:16:15 - What adventures does the future hold?

Segments

Trek Propaganda: Desert Hiking Clothing: The Backpacker's Guide by Katie Jackson

QOTD: How does one dry out the inside of their water bladder when you're done using it?

Triple Crown of chairs

Mail Bag

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Sign up for the Trek's newsletter

Leave us a voicemail!

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

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Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

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Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bryan Alsop, Carl Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jason Kiser, Krystyn Bell, Matt from Gilbert, AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, SPAM, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, and Spencer Hinson.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by Casey Huffman, known on trail as Vegas.

Vegas has been mentioned a couple of times on this podcast in the past, as "the guy whose chest we signed" in 2023, and more recently, "the guy whose ass we signed". As we learn in today's episode, "signed ass guy" is also a real good hang.

We chat about how Vegas' mental health struggles ultimately lead him to the trail, how the hiking community and culture gave him the space to reinvent himself, and he shares quite possibly the most entertaining trail name origin story we've ever heard- we'll just say that this one is for adults only.

We wrap the show with discussing the merits of a sleeping bag liner, Chaunce is pissed about the cost of fountain soda, we do the triple crown of donuts, and Rachel once again lands a perfectly apropos listener mail bag.

LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.

Gossamer Gear: Check out the Type II collection at gossamergear.com.

Zpacks: Use code BPR50 for $50 off any tent at zpacks.com.

Ka'Chava: Use code BACKPACKER for 15% off at kachava.com/backpacker.

[divider]

Interview with Casey "Vegas" Huffman

• Vegas's Instagram
• Vegas's Youtube

Time stamps & Questions

00:05:00 - Reminders: Take the Triple Crowner Survey, apply to blog for the Trek, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!

00:07:15 - Introducing Vegas

00:09:30 - How did you get into the outdoors?

00:16:01 - What was inpatient treatment like?

00:19:30 - What was life like after you left inpatient?

00:21:00 - What led to you getting on medication as a child?

00:22:45 - Tell us the story about your tattoos

00:24:25 - Walk us through the first part of the AT

00:28:40 - Tell us your trail name origin story

00:47:00 - Discussion about Vegas' reputation on trail

00:47:45 - How was getting off the trail for you?

00:53:15 - What was it about thru-hiking that let you shift your mind into a better place?

00:58:43 - Did you feel like it was a struggle to get to Katahdin?

01:00:00 - What did you know your future life would look like at the end of the trail?

01:07:30 - Tell us about running into a cult

01:12:45 - What did you do after the AT?

01:18:30 - Tell us about your expedition in Alaska

01:28:06 - Tell us about the Sheltowee Trace

01:32:45 - Tell us about the Ozark Highlands Trail

01:41:20 - At what point did you know you were going to hike the PCT?

01:55:20 - Discussion about hiking in the Sierra

01:58:40 - Vegas's story about hiking on acid

02:10:30 - Tell us about hiking the Long Trail after the PCT

02:17:20 - Vegas's subsequent sex worker stories

02:21:10 - What are your favorite next plans?

02:21:54 - Stay Salty Question: What's your hot take in the world of backpacking?

Segments

Trek Propaganda

• 19 Breathtaking Appalachian Trail Tattoos You Need To See by Anna McKinney Smith
• Do You Need a Sleeping Bag Liner for Backpacking? By Katie Jackson

QOTD: Since when is fountain soda no longer free refills?

Triple Crown of donuts

Mail Bag

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Sign up for the Trek's newsletter

Leave us a voicemail!

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

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bryan Alsop, Carl Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jason Kiser, Krystyn Bell, Matt from Gilbert, AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, SPAM, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, and Spencer Hinson.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are joined by Amy Hunsucker. On trail, Amy is known as "Slider" because she hikes with a trombone- something she's done for the entire triple crown. We of course learn all about this fun quirk, including which animals were most appreciative of her on-trail concerts, which parts of trail provided the best acoustics, the reactions she'd get from other hikers and the broader trail community, and her go-to on-trail trombone jams. Slider also gives us the low down on getting her sawyer certification, her trail maintenance work with the Carolina Mountain Club, hiking South Dakota's Centennial Trail, and life as a hiking guide in North Carolina.

We wrap the show with the pieces of thru-hiking advice we wish we'd never given, Chaunce gives her take of whether she'd rather be alone in the woods with a man or a bear, we do the triple crown of freezer foods, I give a one-minute gear review of my current rain jacket, and a listener lectures us on how we dropped the ball on our interview with Liz Kidder.

Topo Athletic: Use code "TREKWINTER15" at topoathletic.com.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "LT520" for 20% off LT5 Trekking Poles at gossamergear.com.

[divider]

Interview with Amy Hunsucker

• Amy's Instagram

Time stamps & Questions

00:04:50 - QOTD: What's more upsetting, the Bills' loss or losing your ceremony footage?

00:06:40 - Reminders: Take the AT Thru-Hiker Survey, apply to blog for the Trek, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!

00:11:00 - Introducing Amy

00:11:34 - How did you get your trail name?

00:12:12 - How do you find an ultralight trombone?

00:14:40 - Give us the background on playing the trombone

00:18:55 - Did you learn new songs as you hiked?

00:22:40 - Have you ever used your trombone for anything other than music?

00:24:30 - How did you get into backpacking?

00:27:50 - What was starting the AT like?

00:30:54 - Why don't you think your trombone is a luxury item?

00:31:48 - Is there a GOAT of the trombone world?

00:36:10 - Tell us about getting onto the CDT

00:37:30 - What's your hot take on the PCT?

00:42:50 - Why'd you decide to go southbound on the CDT?

00:45:15 - Why'd you decide to flip flop the PCT?

00:52:15 - How did you keep up your mindset during the flip flop?

00:53:55 - What was your best day on trail?

00:56:10 - What was your worst day on trail?

00:57:40 - What was your scariest day on trail?

01:00:02 - What was your stupidest day on trail?

01:02:45 - Tell us about working for Blue Ridge Hiking Company

01:10:40 - What was being in Asheville like during the hurricane?

01:17:12 - Tell us about getting your Sawyer certification

01:20:30 - What's chainsaw 101?

01:23:20 - Tell us about the South Dakota Centennial Trail

01:28:05 - Would this be a good trail to do using PTO?

01:30:54 - Peak Performance Question: What's your top performance-enhancing hack?

Segments

Trek Propaganda: 6 Pieces of Thru-Hiking Advice I Wish I'd Never Given by Katie Jackson

QOTD: Would you rather be alone in the woods with a man or a bear?

Triple Crown of freezer foods

One-Minute Gear Review

Mail Bag

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Sign up for the Trek's newsletter

Leave us a voicemail!

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

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bryan Alsop, Carl Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jason Kiser, Krystyn Bell, Matt from Gilbert, AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, SPAM, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, and Spencer Hinson.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we're joined by Jeff Vonvai, known on trail as Long Strides. This conversation will put life's problems into perspective—because for the past seven years, Long Strides has been thru-hiking with stage 4 colon cancer, despite being given just a 3–6 month prognosis. Jeff shares what it's like to balance intense rounds of chemo and surgery between hikes, the challenges of rebuilding his trail legs each time he returns to the trail, and how cancer has transformed his outlook on life—saying he's happier now than he was before his diagnosis. Be ready to feel inspired.

We wrap the show with the news that the Continental Divide Trail's southern terminus now requires U.S. citizenship and an Army-issued permit, how to hike the Colorado Trail on less than $800, what crime Chaunce committed to wind up in prison, and the triple crown of things that make us cringe.

LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.

Gossamer Gear: Check out the Type II collection at gossamergear.com.

Ka'Chava: Get 10% off at kachava.com/backpacker.

[divider]

Interview with Jeff "Long Strides" Vonvai

• Jeff's Instagram
• Jeff's Youtube

Time stamps & Questions

00:05:00 - Reminders: Take the AT Thru-Hiker Survey, apply to blog for the Trek, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!

00:07:15 - Introducing Long Strides

00:09:41 - How did you go from Arizona to thru-hiking?

00:12:10 - Describe what it was like to get your diagnosis

00:19:50 - How do you maintain your mindset?

00:22:10 - What do your doctors think about your thru-hiking?

00:24:50 - When does poop start smelling like poop?

00:28:21 - What is the main goal of the surgery?

00:30:25 - Walk us through the timespan between surgery and your next hike

00:34:00 - Tell us about starting the AT a couple weeks after finishing chemo

00:37:25 - Did things get easier after that internal dialogue?

00:40:10 - Is it possible hiking makes anything worse?

00:41:45 - Discussion about hiking the PCT and getting surgery before the CDT

00:45:00 - Are you sharing things with your tramilies?

00:48:35 - Do you have any practices you maintain while hiking?

00:51:20 - How has your mindset changed since your diagnosis

00:53:05 - Discussion about going between the PCT and CDT

00:55:45 - Why did you decide to go southbound on the CDT?

00:56:55 - What's the buzz on the trail with the southern terminus?

01:02:04 - How has the CDT compared to the other two for you?

01:09:30 - Fuck Marry Kill: AT, PCT, CDT

01:11:30 - Discussion about Long Strides' future plans

01:15:35 - Have people met up with you along the trails?

01:16:30 - Tell us about seeing moose

01:18:02 - Are you looking forward to New Mexico?

01:18:55 - What do you have planned between 2025 and 2028?

01:21:05 - Do you have any advice for someone who's gotten a recent diagnosis?

01:23:05 - Stay Salty Question: What's your hottest take in the world of backpacking or the outdoors?

01:25:10 - How'd you get your trail name?

Segments

Trek Propaganda: CDT Hikers: US Citizenship, Army Permit Now Required to Access Southern Terminus by Katie Jackson

QOTD: If I got arrested, what crime would you assume I committed?

Crisis Thing of the Week

Triple Crown of things that make you cringe

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Sign up for the Trek's newsletter

Leave us a voicemail!

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

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bryan Alsop, Carl Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jason Kiser, Krystyn Bell, Matt from Gilbert, AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, SPAM, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, and Spencer Hinson.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Kenneth Pararo, known on trail as Moron. This is a podcast we've been wanting to make happen for several years now, and let me tell you, it does not disappoint. Moron is a thru-hiker, long-distance cyclist, philosopher, hopeless romantic, futurist, and most importantly, just a real solid hang.

We learn about why he's all in on AI- as evidenced by him riding cross country rocking his Meta AI glasses, why he quit is corporate tech job to more permanently pursue adventure and experience, how he completed one AT thru-hike and quit another a couple hundred miles from the finish, turning it into an extended road walk to the Canadian border, only to turn around for some more road walking and eventually an extended bike ride, and how he plans his adventuring essentially one day at a time, letting fate largely guide his next move.

We wrap the show with tips for safe and steamy tent sex, a contentious debate about using gas station bathrooms exclusively for a year for one million dollars, and the triple crown of people we just don't understand.

Gossamer Gear: Check out the Type II collection at gossamergear.com.

Sawyer Products: Check out Sawyer's Cnoc collab at sawyer.com.

[divider]

Interview with Kenneth "Moron" Pararo

• Moron's Instagram
• Moron's Podcast

Time stamps & Questions

00:04:12 - Apply to blog for the Trek, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon, and subscribe to Backpacker Radio on Youtube!

00:09:45 - Introducing Moron

00:11:28 - Tell us about getting sober

00:17:14 - Discussion about sleeping behind a pit toilet in Golden

00:19:05 - What are you up to right now?

00:21:40 - How do you pick roads to bike on?

00:24:40 - Who isn't Moron?

00:29:00 - Discussion about Moron's past girlfriends

00:34:20 - Has nature always been more noise than signal for you?

00:36:25 - Did you start the AT with any preconceived notion about how you'd feel about it spiritually?

00:37:50 - How do you pick what trails and routes you do?

00:40:15 - Where are the best cafes?

00:41:15 - What was your former profession?

00:47:20 - What are your thoughts about AI?

00:52:40 - Would you want to live forever?

00:55:30 - How do you stay comfortable on a bike?

00:57:00 - What are the benefits of bikepacking over hiking?

00:58:55 - How do you decide where to camp each night?

01:02:00 - Discussion about Moron's AI glasses

01:07:30 - Do you worry about any of the negative consequences of AI?

01:11:15 - Do you worry about the affordability of AI?

01:19:45 - How will AI influence nature and ecosystems?

01:23:30 - Let's talk about the Florida Trail!

01:29:40 - You've carried your bike while hiking?

01:30:30 - Why is your bike so heavy?

01:33:10 - Tell us about Trail Correspondents

01:37:45 - Do you like the sound of your own voice? Do you have tips for producing audio?

01:42:40 - What are your tips for making something interesting out of monotony?

01:45:50 - Tell us about working on a horse farm

01:50:30 - Have you held onto horse culture since?

01:52:10 - Horse Facts: Give us some rapid fire horse facts

01:56:24 - Tell us about biking through a winter storm

01:59:00 - Discussion about Moron's future biking plans

02:03:40 - Gossamer Gear Question: What's your number one irrational fear?

02:05:15 - Where can people keep up with you?

Segments

Trek Propaganda: Tips for Safe and Steamy Tent Sex by Redacted

QOTD: You get one million dollars per year but you can only use gas station bathrooms

Triple Crown of people you don't understand (ex. morning people)

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Sign up for the Trek's newsletter

Leave us a voicemail!

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

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bryan Alsop, Carl Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jason Kiser, Krystyn Bell, Matt from Gilbert, AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, SPAM, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, and Spencer Hinson.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, and brought to you by Topo Athletic, we're joined by Mary "Fireweed" Kwart. Fireweed is a thru-hiker, a Deadhead, and a pioneering figure in wildland firefighting with a career spanning more than 30 years. We dive into the challenges of being one of the first women to join the elite Arrowhead Interagency Hotshots, the culture shock of entering a male-dominated field, and some of the most memorable stories from her decades on the fire line.

Fireweed also reflects on how long-distance hiking has evolved since the 1970s, her tradition of tackling a new long trail every year since retiring, and her deep love and advocacy for California's Bigfoot Trail.

We wrap the show with the best backpacking trails in the Midwest, the thru-hiking advice we wish we'd never given, a debate over whether robotic legs should count as mechanical transport under the Wilderness Act, and the Triple Crown of parts of society we'd turn the clock back for.

Topo Athletic: Use code "TREKFALL15" at topoathletic.com.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "LT520" for 20% off LT5 Trekking Poles at gossamergear.com.

Ka'Chava: Use code "BACKPACKER" for 15% off at kachava.com.

[divider]

Interview with Mary "Fireweed" Kwart

• Mary's Instagram
• Mary's Blog
• Bigfoot Trail Alliance

Time stamps & Questions

00:04:55 - Apply to blog for the Trek and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!

00:07:00 - Introducing Fireweed

00:08:30 - Why were you a nontraditional college graduate?

00:11:40 - What was your inspiration for aligning with the feminist movement?

00:13:30 - Discussion about being the only woman in male-dominated spaces

00:16:46 - Tell us about hiking a section of the PCT in the 70s

00:18:20 - What was it like working in Yosemite in the 70s

00:23:50 - Discussion about being a Deadhead

00:25:50 - How were women being treated in general?

00:30:45 - How did you pass the heartbeat challenge?

00:32:45 - Discussion about gear differences between now and then

00:36:50 - At what point did you discover the hard-ass aspect of your personality?

00:43:25 - How did you keep spirits high while working as a firefighter?

00:46:55 - What was the culture of firefighters like?

00:52:00 - Do you have advice for women who want to get into firefighting?

00:54:34 - What was your best day on the job?

00:58:40 - Discussion about the rest of Fireweed's firefighting career

01:00:45 - What kind of schooling would you recommend for someone interested in this career?

01:02:35 - What's your take on the current situation in the Forest Service?

01:10:40 - Discussion about the state of wildfires today

01:15:30 - Tell us about your thru-hikes since retiring

01:20:30 - Discussion about getting shingles and recovering

01:23:50 - Do you have any other tips for older hikers?

01:28:50 - Tell us about the Bigfoot Trail

01:33:30 - Do you have tips for identifying trees along the Bigfoot Trail?

01:37:00 - What was your Bigfoot encounter?

01:40:02 - Do you believe in Bigfoot?

01:44:00 - Tell us about getting attacked by a bear dog

01:48:45 - Peak Performance Question: What is your top performance-enhancing or backpacking hack?

Segments

Trek Propaganda:

• The Best Backpacking Trails in Every Midwestern State by Katie Jackson
• 6 Pieces of Thru-Hiking Advice I Wish I'd Never Given by Katie Jackson

QOTD: Would robotic legs count as mechanical transport through the wilderness?

Triple Crown of parts of society we would turn the clock back on

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Sign up for the Trek's newsletter

Leave us a voicemail!

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

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bryan Alsop, Carl Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jason Kiser, Krystyn Bell, Matt from Gilbert, AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, SPAM, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, and Spencer Hinson.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by me. Because I hiked Tour du Mont Blanc. We go through all the nitty gritty details of my trip, including how I decided on going with a self-guided tour (aka staying in hotels instead of camping), the differences across the French, Italian, and Swiss portions of the trail, the best towns, the landscape highlights, the crowds, the food, how my knees asked for a divorce from my body, and everything else.

But wait, there's more. Chaunce is fresh off her wedding and honeymoon, she gives us the full scoop of her month of nuptials and romance.

We wrap the show maturely by covering how many poops in a day is too many poops, my business pitch for selling farts online, the triple crown of wedding traditions, I share some new gear that I got to test on TMB, and listeners share their top TMB tips- including how I did it all wrong.

LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "LT520" for 20% off LT5 Trekking Poles at gossamergear.com.

Ombraz: Send a DM on Instagram or to [email protected] for $30 off at ombraz.com.

[divider]

Interview with Zach!

Time stamps & Questions

00:04:55 - Apply to blog for the Trek, apply to be a Trail Correspondent, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!

00:13:05 - Introducing Zach

00:13:45 - Trail difficulty

00:16:40 - Tour du Mont Blanc Fast Facts

00:17:40 - What prep work did you have to do for the hike?

00:20:00 - More discussion about the self-guided hike option

00:22:30 - How much does the self-guided hike option cost?

00:26:30 - How did you pack and what bag did you bring?

00:30:50 - What was in your pack?

00:33:20 - Did you carry food in your pack?

00:35:00 - Discussion about the navigation app issue

00:39:30 - Discussion about daily pace and difficulty

00:42:30 - Discussion about crowding on the trail

00:47:20 - Journeying to the trail

00:51:00 - Day 1

00:57:20 - What makes this mountain range different from others?

01:01:00 - Day 2

01:08:40 - Day 3

01:22:50 - Day 4

01:36:10 - Day 5

01:51:30 - What wildlife did you see?

02:01:40 - Were you ready to be done by the last day?

02:02:50 - What were the top 3 towns to zero in?

02:05:30 - Zach got recognized!

02:07:30 - Would you have done the trail in a different direction?

02:12:00 - Closing thoughts

02:14:30 - Would you have trained differently?

02:15:15 - Wedding recap

02:26:30 - Honeymoon recap

Segments

QOTD: How many poops in a day is too many?

Triple Crown of wedding traditions

One-Minute Gear Reviews

Listener Voicemail

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Sign up for the Trek's newsletter

Leave us a voicemail!

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

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bryan Alsop, Carl Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jason Kiser, Krystyn Bell, Matt from Gilbert, AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, SPAM, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Greg Floravanti "Lumberjack", Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, and Spencer Hinson.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by thru-hiking power couple who've hiked more than 11,000 miles together Chris and Sara, known on trail as Endless and QB. "What haven't they hiked?" is a fair question, because it's been a lot, including the AT, the PCT (twice), CDT, CT (twice), Arizona Trail, Manaslu Circuit, Hayduke, Long Trail, Cohos Trail, Loowit Trail, Wonderland Trail, Ruby Crest Trail, Why-wash, (ahl-pah-MY-oh) / Santa Cruz Trek, the GR20, and more, believe it or not. They share the story of how they met, offer tips for making a marriage work both on trail and off, discuss how they befriended Mac from Halfway Anywhere and Viking during their many trail adventures, and explain why rafting the Grand Canyon stands out as the most epic adventure of them all.

We wrap the show with news of the asshat who vandalized the Katahdin sign, the triple crown of seafoods, and definitively answer the age old question of window vs. aisle.

LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "LT520" for 20% off LT5 Trekking Poles at gossamergear.com.

Ka'Chava: Get 10% off at kachava.com/backpacker.

[divider]

Interview with Chris & Sara aka Endless & QB

• Chris's Instagram
• Chris's Website
• Sara's Instagram

Time stamps & Questions

00:05:00 - Apply to blog for the Trek and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!

00:09:10 - Introducing Endless & QB

00:15:55 - We Love Love: Where did you meet?

00:21:20 - Tell us about getting together on the CDT

00:23:55 - What's it like to be a firefighter?

00:29:11 - What are some standout firefighter stories?

00:32:15 - Would you recommend being a firefighter to others?

00:35:35 - Is it difficult to align both of your schedules?

00:36:30 - When did you know you wanted to hike more trails together?

00:37:50 - When did you meet Jabba?

00:39:50 - How did you meet Twinkle and Grace?

00:43:36 - Any stories from the AZT?

00:45:40 - Tell us about Nepal

00:51:36 - Tell us about getting married at a pool party

00:56:10 - Tell us about your road trip in 2018

00:58:00 - Discussion about their speed of hiking

01:02:15 - How many miles have each of you hiked?

01:03:40 - What do you disagree about on trail?

01:05:15 - Was it hard to transition to an off-trail relationship?

01:10:50 - Discussion about knee surgery

01:11:56 - Tell us about your honeymoon roadtrip

01:14:55 - Tell us about hiking in the Sawtooths

01:16:50 - Tell us about the Loowit Trail

01:19:20 - Discussion about trail running and transitioning from thru-hiking

01:24:15 - Tell us about backpacking in the Wallowa Mountains

01:25:40 - How do you divvy up tasks in the backcountry?

01:28:30 - Tell us about the rest of the 2020 road trip

01:32:50 - How did you decide to hike the PCT a second time?

01:34:20 - Tell us about rafting the Grand Canyon

01:43:45 - Tell us about your hikes in Peru

01:46:40 - Why'd you get off the Oregon Desert Trail?

01:48:40 - Tell us about your hiking in Europe

01:59:15 - Did you dirtbag the whole time in Europe?

02:01:10 - Are you looking to do more international hiking?

02:01:45 - What's your top 5 travel bucket list?

02:04:00 - Are you thinking about having kids?

02:05:30 - How was your recent hike of the CT?

02:06:45 - Stay Salty Question: What's your hottest take in the world of backpacking or the outdoors?

Segments

Trek Propaganda: Someone Vandalized the Katahdin Sign — Rangers Are Asking for Your Help by Kelly Floro

QOTD: Window or aisle?

Triple Crown of seafoods

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Sign up for the Trek's newsletter

Leave us a voicemail!

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

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bryan Alsop, Carl Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Go Bills, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Matt from Gilbert, AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, SPAM, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Greg Floravanti "Lumberjack", Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, and Spencer Hinson.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Spencer "Boiler" Dunn. Boiler, is a self-described "pro-yapper", improv leader, former employee of Parks Canada, pie enthusiast, and of course, a backpacker.

Spencer takes us through his long trail adventures across Canada, including the Bruce Trail, West Coast Trail, North Coast Trail, and Nootka Island Trail—journeys that brought him face-to-face with some incredible wildlife, from bears to whales to the elusive sea wolf.

We also dive into his recent hike on the PCT—how he broke the record for pies per mile, the notoriety that earned him on trail, navigating people's perceptions as a plus-sized hiker, how his trek deepened his connection to his queer identity, and, of course, his unapologetic hatred for gear talk (which I make him do).

We wrap the show with news on New Zealand's most famous thru-hike getting a whole lot pricier, tackle the age-old question of which liquids we'd want to dispense from our fingers, we do the Triple Crown of tummy aches, and hear a listener's compelling pitch for taking this circus to the Pacific Northwest.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "LT520" for 20% off LT5 Trekking Poles at gossamergear.com.

Ombraz: Score a $30 discount by sending a DM to https://www.instagram.com/ombraz/, and letting them know that Backpacker Radio sent you.

[divider]

Interview with Spencer "Boiler" Dunn

• Spencer's Instagram
• Spencer's Youtube
• Spencer's Substack

Time stamps & Questions

00:03:00 - Apply to blog for the Trek, take the 2025 AT Thru-Hiker survey, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!

00:06:25 - Introducing Boiler

00:08:50 - How did you get your trail name?

00:10:20 - What's your outdoors origin story?

00:12:30 - What is Parks Canada?

00:15:40 - What's the difference between national parks in the US and Canada?

00:17:10 - What is the outdoors culture like in Canada?

00:20:15 - Is there a community around the Bruce Trail?

00:23:10 - Do you think there's a hunger for more long trails in Canada?

00:25:00 - How did you end up on the PCT?

00:26:00 - What gear did you start with?

00:32:00 - Discussion about Boiler's PCT hike

00:32:53 - Tell us about making pies on the PCT

00:41:55 - What was your favorite town?

00:43:20 - More pie talk

00:45:38 - Discussion about being a fatter hiker

00:56:50 - Do you have any advice for someone who wants to follow in your footsteps?

00:58:45 - Discussion about differences between men and women on the trail

01:01:10 - Did you have any uncomfortable situations on trail?

01:06:50 - Do you feel more or less of a stigma in Canada?

01:09:12 - Life on trail as a BNOT

01:12:01 - Did you ever put yourself in a situation for the story?

01:14:17 - Discussion about being a BNOT

01:15:30 - Tell us about your hiking on Vancouver Island

01:24:55 - Discussion about campsites on Vancouver Island

01:26:45 - Tell us about seeing wolves

01:32:40 - Fuck Marry Kill: The West Coast Trail, North Coast Trail, and Nootka Trail

01:35:05 - How do the 3 trails compare to each other?

01:40:25 - Differences between Americans and Canadians

02:04:00 - Where can people keep up with you?

Segments

Trek Propaganda: The Hardest Thru Hike in the World is About to Get a Lot More Expensive by Lisa Slutsken

QOTD: If you could dispense different liquids from each finger on one hand, which liquids would you choose?

Triple Crown of tummy aches

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Sign up for the Trek's newsletter

Leave us a voicemail!

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

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bryan Alsop, Carl Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Go Bills, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Matt from Gilbert, AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, SPAM, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Greg Floravanti "Lumberjack", Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, and Spencer Hinson.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are joined by Wesley Tils, known on trail as Megaman. Buckle in because oh boy does Megaman have an origin story. After growing up in the Mormon church, leaving the church to become a pro boxer, quitting boxing to give the church another shot and going on a missionary trip as his trial of faith, and ultimately leaving the church for good during this missionary trip, escaping onto the PCT with several church members essentially chasing him in pursuit, Megaman's path to thru-hiking was not exactly conventional.

Since hitting the trails, Megaman hasn't stopped hiking, accumulating more than 15,000 miles across 18 long trails in 9 years. We learn about all his adventures, including hikes of the Maah Daah Hey Trail, River to River Trail, his self-made Mexico to Canada Trail called "the fourth crown route, and a goosebump inducing story about an aggressive encounter with a grizzly bear on the CDT.

We wrap up the show with our one-minute elevator pitch to convince aliens that humanity deserves to survive, the triple crown of cable channels, share the news of Tara Dower's latest FKT, and deliver a five-minute one-minute gear review of a new free-standing tent from Hyperlite Mountain Gear.

Topo Athletic: Use code "TREKFALL15" at topoathletic.com.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "LT520" for 20% off LT5 Trekking Poles at gossamergear.com.

Ka'Chava: Get 10% off at kachava.com/backpacker.

[divider]

Interview with Wesley "Megaman" Tils

• Wesley's Instagram
• Wesley's Youtube

Time stamps & Questions

00:05:35 - Reminders: Apply to blog for the Trek, take the 2025 AT Thru-Hiker survey, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!

00:07:30 - Introducing Megaman

00:08:20 - Tell us about your religious upbringing

00:11:30 - Do you ever experience anger while boxing?

00:12:40 - Why did you decide to leave the church?

00:15:25 - How did people react when you left the church?

00:18:02 - What was your mission like?

00:26:00 - How did your family feel about your decision?

00:27:30 - What did your kit look like for your first 200 miles on the PCT?

00:28:29 - How did you go from the PCT to the AT?

00:32:40 - What's your relationship with spirituality and religion now?

00:35:25 - What's your trail name origin story?

00:36:45 - Discussion about Megaman's time on the trail

00:38:30 - When did you know you'd keep thru-hiking?

00:40:20 - How was hiking through the Sierra in a high snow year?

00:45:00 - How was the CDT in 2018?

00:52:20 - Do you remember feeling an adrenaline rush?

00:54:35 - Tell us about the Black Hills/Great Plains Route

00:56:25 - You did the Triple O?

00:57:50 - Tell us about the Maah Daah Hey Trail

01:00:30 - Tell us about the evolution of your gear

01:02:45 - Tell us about your Fourth Crown Route

01:06:00 - What was the most difficult part of the route for you?

01:10:50 - What is the whole route like?

01:17:20 - Is it jarring to come back to society after the Fourth Crown Route?

01:18:10 - What's the coolest thing you've found as an archeologist?

01:20:21 - How do you make your hikes work financially?

01:23:00 - What is the River to River Trail like?

01:24:15 - Tell us about the Ruby Crest Trail

01:25:15 - Tell us about the Mojave-Sonoran Trail

01:26:00 - How was the Hayduke?

01:27:35 - How do you recommend thru-hiking cheaply?

01:29:28 - Trail Superlatives

01:32:20 - What's your hiking plan for 2026?

01:35:05 - What's your plan to document your hike?

01:37:30 - Peak Performance Question: What is your top performance-enhancing or backpacking hack?

Segments

Trek Propaganda: Tara Dower Smashes Overall Fastest Known Time on the Long Trail by Katie Jackson

QOTD: Aliens give you 60 seconds to convince them humanity deserves to be saved and you can only show them two items - what would they be?

Triple Crown of cable channels

One-Minute Gear Reviews

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Sign up for the Trek's newsletter

Leave us a voicemail!

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

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bryan Alsop, Carl Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Go Bills, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Matt from Gilbert, AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, SPAM, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Greg Floravanti "Lumberjack", Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, and Spencer Hinson.