What are the 3 most dangerous countries to visit for a backpacking trip? And how can you get in? Former CIA Counter-Terrorism Analyst Brent Giannotta joins the show to share his expertise. Carl and Ben also pepper him with every CIA movie reference and conspiracy theory they can muster.

Please follow Brent and subscribe to his Substack!

Some of the Topics Covered:

-Most Dangerous Places to Backpack

-Life or Death Backpacking Situations

-CIA Conspiracy Theories

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  

Derek and Carl discuss 8 life or death situations you will encounter if you go backpacking or hiking long enough. How would you handle them? How would Derek handle them?

Some of the Topics Covered:

-Backpacking mistakes

-Life or Death Backpacking Situations

-Backpacking Gear

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.

Help support our podcast at no extra cost to you by clicking on any links below if you’re in the market for some new gear! Any purchases you make will support our show at no extra cost to you!

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

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

It took a while but Derek and Carl finally convinced a Bigfoot expert to the join the show. Owner of the Sasquatch Outpost in Bailey, Colorado and cohost of the podcast "You Don't Know Squatch," Jim Myers discusses his personal experiences and fields all the questions Derek has ever wanted to ask. Derek also responds to some challenges of his own...particularly about the Osprey being a budget pack.

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

Get in prime time hiking shape with Rowan from Summit Strength so you can have your best hiking season yet!

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 1.0 (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

Ever wonder what big mistakes have been made by backpacking experts? Brad Felton from the ‘As the Crow Flies’ YouTube channel joins the show to discuss some common and horrific mistakes made by backpacking experts.

Some of the Topics Covered:

-Backpacking mistakes

-Strange Backpacking Stories

-Backpacking Gear

Follow Brad on his awesome YouTube Channel As the Crow Flies Hiking!

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

Get in prime time hiking shape with Rowan from Summit Strength so you can have your best hiking season yet!

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 1.0 (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

Are you in the top 1% of backpackers? If you can reasonably answer the 10 questions posed by Derek and Carl you just might be!

Some of the Topics Covered:

-Backpacking Skills

-Strange Backpacking Tips

-Backpacking Gear

Check out the App We Mentioned: Knot IQ

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

Get in prime time hiking shape with Rowan from Summit Strength so you can have your best hiking season yet!

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 1.0 (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

Swamp Tarzan joins the show to discuss all of the crazy animal encounters he has. How do you kiss an alligator on the mouth? How do you grab snakes? How do you move a rattler off the trail? All this and much more!

Some of the Topics Covered:

-Wild Animal Encounters

-Getting Your Hands on Wild Animals

-Animal skills and knowledge

Follow Swamp Tarzan on Instagram!

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

Get in prime time hiking shape with Rowan from Summit Strength so you can have your best hiking season yet!

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 1.0 (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

Gordon Crum (AKA Grim Granite) joins the show and faces off with Carl in attempt to throw out the most offensive comments for ultralight backpacker and bush crafters. Who will win the faceoff for this good-natured verbal assault?

Some of the Topics Covered:

-Ultralight Backpacking

-Bushcraft skills and gear

-Making Fun of Everything We Do

Gordon Crum’s YouTube Channel

The Grim Granite YouTube Channel

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

Get in prime time hiking shape with Rowan from Summit Strength so you can have your best hiking season yet!

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 1.0 (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

Derek and Carl discuss 7 ultralight backpacking strategies that will really lighten your load. But they are controversial. When is it okay to take calculated risks? And just how far are you willing to go in order to shave some ounces and grams? Are these good suggestions or dangerous nonsense?

Some of the Topics Covered:

-Ultralight Backpacking

-Backpacking Gear

-Backpacking tips

Cotopaxi Cielo Rain Jacket

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

Get in prime time hiking shape with Rowan from Summit Strength so you can have your best hiking season yet!

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 1.0 (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

On this Throwback Thursday episode, Derek and Carl discuss how to actually deal with trail villains. Don’t let them run, ride or plow right over you. Who are these villains and how do you stand up for yourself…B&B style?

Some of the Topics Covered:

-Trail Villains

-Trail Social Skills

-Backpacking tips

Check out the Nomad Unknown YouTube Channel for the full stories: https://www.youtube.com/@nomad_unknown

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

Get in prime time hiking shape with Rowan from Summit Strength so you can have your best hiking season yet!

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 1.0 (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

Christine from Nomad Unknown joins the show to discuss the crazy encounters she’s had while out on her adventures. How do you handle a grizzly that gets 6 feet from you? What strange things are found on a remote, misty mountain road? Do you ever feel like you’re being watched only to discover you actually are?

Some of the Topics Covered:

-Aggressive grizzly bears

-How to avoid creepy people while backpacking

-Strange encounters in the wilderness

Check out the Nomad Unknown YouTube Channel for the full stories

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

Get in prime time hiking shape with Rowan from Summit Strength so you can have your best hiking season yet!

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 1.0 (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