Dixie from Homemade Wanderlust joins the show to discuss the absolute best (and worse) pieces of gear she’s used the last 10 years. What makes the cut? She also shares some of the craziest, most unexpected stories from the trail. And Derek attempts to pass Trail Magic trivia.

Some of the Topics Discussed

-Trail Magic

-Best backpacking backpack, quilt, pad, tent and more!

Check out Dixie’s Arizona Trail Series!

Check out Magnet Designs for the best, US-made backpacking clothing on the market!

Enlightened Equipment: Check out the best Ultralight Quilts on the market!

GET BONUS SEGMENTS & EPISODES ON PATREON: There are over 50 BONUS episodes of B&B that you can get by supporting us on Patreon. It's safe and secure and it helps us put out more content.

To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on…

Facebook

Instagram: @BackpackingAndBlistersPodcast

Email: [email protected]

Please check out our website: backpackingandblisters.com

Our Favorite Gear

Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt

Outdoor Vitals Summit Down Sleeping Bag

Gregory Paragon/Maven Backpack (Full Comfort)

Nemo Tensor Sleeping Pad

Therm-a-Rest Neo Loft (for ultra comfort)

Jetboil Flash (for larger groups)

MSR Pocket Rocket 2 (for solo or smaller groups)

Katadyn BeFree

Black Diamond Spot

Garmin InReach Mini 2

Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Watch

Big Agnes Copper Spur

Nemo Hornet  

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What are some baffling rookie mistakes that you might be making? Whether new to backpacking or an experienced veteran there are certainly some surprising miscues we’ve made and continue to make. The hosts are no exception. Is there anything you do that’s on the list?

Some of the Topics Discussed

-Backpacking skills

-Shaving pack weight properly

Check out Magnet Designs for the best, US-made backpacking clothing on the market!

Enlightened Equipment: Check out the best Ultralight Quilts on the market!

GET BONUS SEGMENTS & EPISODES ON PATREON: There are over 50 BONUS episodes of B&B that you can get by supporting us on Patreon. It's safe and secure and it helps us put out more content.

To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on…

Facebook

Instagram: @BackpackingAndBlistersPodcast

Email: [email protected]

Please check out our website: backpackingandblisters.com

Our Favorite Gear

Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt

Outdoor Vitals Summit Down Sleeping Bag

Gregory Paragon/Maven Backpack (Full Comfort)

Nemo Tensor Sleeping Pad

Therm-a-Rest Neo Loft (for ultra comfort)

Jetboil Flash (for larger groups)

MSR Pocket Rocket 2 (for solo or smaller groups)

Katadyn BeFree

Black Diamond Spot

Garmin InReach Mini 2

Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Watch

Big Agnes Copper Spur

Nemo Hornet  

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

National Geographic producer and host of the 'No Ordinary Monday' podcast, Chris Baron, joins the show to discuss 6 things that 99% of backpackers and adventurers can’t do (that are important).

Check out the ‘No Ordinary Monday’ Podcast that Chris hosts for more interesting stories and adventures!

Some of the Topics Discussed

-How to handle chaos in the backcountry

-Trip Sabotage

Check out Magnet Designs for the best, US-made backpacking clothing on the market!

Enlightened Equipment: Check out the best Ultralight Quilts on the market!

GET BONUS SEGMENTS & EPISODES ON PATREON: There are over 50 BONUS episodes of B&B that you can get by supporting us on Patreon. It's safe and secure and it helps us put out more content.

To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on…

Facebook

Instagram: @BackpackingAndBlistersPodcast

Email: [email protected]

Please check out our website: backpackingandblisters.com

Our Favorite Gear

Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt

Outdoor Vitals Summit Down Sleeping Bag

Gregory Paragon/Maven Backpack (Full Comfort)

Nemo Tensor Sleeping Pad

Therm-a-Rest Neo Loft (for ultra comfort)

Jetboil Flash (for larger groups)

MSR Pocket Rocket 2 (for solo or smaller groups)

Katadyn BeFree

Black Diamond Spot

Garmin InReach Mini 2

Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Watch

Big Agnes Copper Spur

Nemo Hornet  

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Derek and Carl asked 100,000 Ultralight Backpackers and Thru-Hikers for their most aggressive weight saving tips. They share and respond to the best answers. And there are definitely some weird ones. Also, Carl accuses Derek of asking the single worst trivia question ever.

Some of the Topics Discussed

-Water Filters, Personal Locator Beacons and First Aid Kits

-Gear You Can Leave Behind

Check out Magnet Designs for the best, US-made backpacking clothing on the market!

Enlightened Equipment: Check out the best Ultralight Quilts on the market!

GET BONUS SEGMENTS & EPISODES ON PATREON: There are over 50 BONUS episodes of B&B that you can get by supporting us on Patreon. It's safe and secure and it helps us put out more content.

To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on…

Facebook

Instagram: @BackpackingAndBlistersPodcast

Email: [email protected]

Please check out our website: backpackingandblisters.com

Our Favorite Gear

Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt

Outdoor Vitals Summit Down Sleeping Bag

Gregory Paragon/Maven Backpack (Full Comfort)

Nemo Tensor Sleeping Pad

Therm-a-Rest Neo Loft (for ultra comfort)

Jetboil Flash (for larger groups)

MSR Pocket Rocket 2 (for solo or smaller groups)

Katadyn BeFree

Black Diamond Spot

Garmin InReach Mini 2

Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Watch

Big Agnes Copper Spur

Nemo Hornet  

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Derek and Carl have Gear Designer and Company Owner Dan Durston on the show to discuss advances in ultralight tents, upcoming gear and the origin story of a cottage gear company.

Check out Durston Gear for some great ultralight options.

Check out Dan's documentary on one of his Bob Marshall Wilderness Open adventures!

Check out Magnet Designs for the best, US-made backpacking clothing on the market!

Enlightened Equipment: Check out the best Ultralight Quilts on the market!

GET BONUS SEGMENTS & EPISODES ON PATREON: There are over 50 BONUS episodes of B&B that you can get by supporting us on Patreon. It's safe and secure and it helps us put out more content.

To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on…

Facebook

Instagram: @BackpackingAndBlistersPodcast

Email: [email protected]

Please check out our website: backpackingandblisters.com

Our Favorite Gear

Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt

Outdoor Vitals Summit Down Sleeping Bag

Gregory Paragon/Maven Backpack (Full Comfort)

Nemo Tensor Sleeping Pad

Therm-a-Rest Neo Loft (for ultra comfort)

Jetboil Flash (for larger groups)

MSR Pocket Rocket 2 (for solo or smaller groups)

Katadyn BeFree

Black Diamond Spot

Garmin InReach Mini 2

Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Watch

Big Agnes Copper Spur

Nemo Hornet  

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Justin Outdoors joins the show to share the best of the best gear in the categories of ultralight, budget and fancy. What are his top 2 pieces of gear for these categories? And what is fancy gear? Also, it’s time to introduce the Backpacking Magazine support line. There is now a spot devoted to all of your tough trail questions.

Some of the Gear Discussed

-Ultralight Pillow

-Budget Trowel

-Budget Headlamp

Check out...

Justin Outdoors’ Top Pieces of Fancy Gear

15 Insane Budget Backpacking Deals

2025 Ultralight Gear Awards

Check out Magnet Designs for the best, US-made backpacking clothing on the market!

Enlightened Equipment: Check out the best Ultralight Quilts on the market!

GET BONUS SEGMENTS & EPISODES ON PATREON: There are over 50 BONUS episodes of B&B that you can get by supporting us on Patreon. It's safe and secure and it helps us put out more content.

To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on…

Facebook

Instagram: @BackpackingAndBlistersPodcast

Email: [email protected]

Please check out our website: backpackingandblisters.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Derek and Carl discuss the growing backpacking trends of 2026…and why many of them should simply die. From the latest gear trends and hot sellers to backpacking ‘style’ and fashion there’s got to be at least 1 thing you both agree and disagree with. Also, did Derek have a meltdown during trivia?

Some of the Topics Discussed

-Backpacking Clothing

-Water Bottle Innovations.

Check out Mike’s video series on Isle Royal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joWhqGQMWrw

Check out Magnet Designs for the best, US-made backpacking clothing on the market!

Enlightened Equipment: Check out the best Ultralight Quilts on the market!

GET BONUS SEGMENTS & EPISODES ON PATREON: There are over 50 BONUS episodes of B&B that you can get by supporting us on Patreon. It's safe and secure and it helps us put out more content.

To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on…

Facebook

Instagram: @BackpackingAndBlistersPodcast

Email: [email protected]

Please check out our website: backpackingandblisters.com

Our Favorite Gear

Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt

Outdoor Vitals Summit Down Sleeping Bag

Gregory Paragon/Maven Backpack (Full Comfort)

Nemo Tensor Sleeping Pad

Therm-a-Rest Neo Loft (for ultra comfort)

Jetboil Flash (for larger groups)

MSR Pocket Rocket 2 (for solo or smaller groups)

Katadyn BeFree

Black Diamond Spot

Garmin InReach Mini 2

Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Watch

Big Agnes Copper Spur

Nemo Hornet  

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dan Becker joins the show to discuss some of things your average YouTube watcher doesn’t know about the gear reviews and reviewers. He also shares the twists and turns of his story and how he continues to evolve as a content creator. Dan has a lot of different and unexpected things coming.

Some of the Topics Discussed

-From Zero to Backpacking Hero

-The most important Dan Becker YouTube video

Check out the Bucket Ministry!

Check out Dan Becker’s Awesome YouTube Channel!

Check out Magnet Designs for the best, US-made backpacking clothing on the market!

Enlightened Equipment: Check out the best Ultralight Quilts on the market!

GET BONUS SEGMENTS & EPISODES ON PATREON: There are over 50 BONUS episodes of B&B that you can get by supporting us on Patreon. It's safe and secure and it helps us put out more content.

To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on…

Facebook

Instagram: @BackpackingAndBlistersPodcast

Email: [email protected]

Please check out our website: backpackingandblisters.com

Our Favorite Gear

Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt

Outdoor Vitals Summit Down Sleeping Bag

Gregory Paragon/Maven Backpack (Full Comfort)

Nemo Tensor Sleeping Pad

Therm-a-Rest Neo Loft (for ultra comfort)

Jetboil Flash (for larger groups)

MSR Pocket Rocket 2 (for solo or smaller groups)

Katadyn BeFree

Black Diamond Spot

Garmin InReach Mini 2

Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Watch

Big Agnes Copper Spur

Nemo Hornet  

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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!

Some of the Topics Discussed

-Water Filter Details

-False Advertising

Check out Magnet Designs for the best, US-made backpacking clothing on the market!

Enlightened Equipment: Check out the best Ultralight Quilts on the market!

GET BONUS SEGMENTS & EPISODES ON PATREON: There are over 50 BONUS episodes of B&B that you can get by supporting us on Patreon. It's safe and secure and it helps us put out more content.

To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on…

Facebook

Instagram: @BackpackingAndBlistersPodcast

Email: [email protected]

Please check out our website: backpackingandblisters.com

Our Favorite Gear

Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt

Outdoor Vitals Summit Down Sleeping Bag

Gregory Paragon/Maven Backpack (Full Comfort)

Nemo Tensor Sleeping Pad

Therm-a-Rest Neo Loft (for ultra comfort)

Jetboil Flash (for larger groups)

MSR Pocket Rocket 2 (for solo or smaller groups)

Katadyn BeFree

Black Diamond Spot

Garmin InReach Mini 2

Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Watch

Big Agnes Copper Spur

Nemo Hornet  

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

You might encounter a trail villain. There might be a trail villain in your backpacking crew. Or…you might be the trail villain! Take this 10-question test to prove otherwise. Also, Carl puts Derek through the Lightning Round. Will he even answer the questions correctly?

Some of the Topics Discussed

-Odd Backpacking encounters

-Strange but true trail villain stories

Check out Magnet Designs for the best, US-made backpacking clothing on the market!

Enlightened Equipment: Check out the best Ultralight Quilts on the market!

GET BONUS SEGMENTS & EPISODES ON PATREON: There are over 50 BONUS episodes of B&B that you can get by supporting us on Patreon. It's safe and secure and it helps us put out more content.

To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on…

Facebook

Instagram: @BackpackingAndBlistersPodcast

Email: [email protected]

Please check out our website: backpackingandblisters.com

Our Favorite Gear

Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt

Outdoor Vitals Summit Down Sleeping Bag

Gregory Paragon/Maven Backpack (Full Comfort)

Nemo Tensor Sleeping Pad

Therm-a-Rest Neo Loft (for ultra comfort)

Jetboil Flash (for larger groups)

MSR Pocket Rocket 2 (for solo or smaller groups)

Katadyn BeFree

Black Diamond Spot

Garmin InReach Mini 2

Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Watch

Big Agnes Copper Spur

Nemo Hornet  

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.