In this episode, I sit down with Tom French, author of The Gap Years: Climbing, Skiing, and the Journey Back, to talk about what happens when we step away from the expected path and make room for a different kind of experience.

Tom spent his pre-career years climbing, ski racing, and traveling around the world before leaving that life behind to build a career, get married, and raise a family. When he retired at 60, and before moving into the next stage of life, he decided to return to the mountains to see whether the interests that had shaped him as a young man still held meaning decades later.

As expected, our conversation became about much more than mountaineering. We talked about the seasons of life, accepting that parenthood and work will temporarily change how we experience the outdoors, and trusting that the mountains will still be there when we are ready to get back to them. Tom also explains why a gap year is not just time off, but a “conscious interlude”—an opportunity to step outside the normal flow of life and have experiences that may shape whatever comes next.

We also dive into the less visible sides of climbing: the long hours spent waiting inside a tent, the emotional discipline required to manage uncertainty, and the balance between physical ability, risk management, and mental resilience. Tom shares what it was like to return to Everest after his first attempt was cut short, climb Cholatse with his daughter, and rediscover a part of himself that had never completely disappeared.

This is a conversation about adventure, but it is also about identity, aging, parenting, and giving ourselves permission to return to the parts of life that continue to matter to us.

Key Takeaways: 

• The interests and hobbies we set aside during demanding seasons of life are waiting when we have the space to return.
• A meaningful gap year is not about doing nothing; it is a conscious interlude filled with experiences that everyday life may not allow.
• Success in mountaineering depends on more than physical strength. It also requires risk management and emotional discipline.
• Parents can give their children an important gift by allowing them room to choose their own path rather than automatically following the expected one.
• Returning to an old passion later in life can offer more than nostalgia; it can reveal what continues to provide meaning and direction.

Chapters and Links: 

• Growing up inside an outdoor store
• Choosing a different path from his father
• Why some interests move into the background
• The mountains will still be there
• Finding room to think again
• The untold reality of expedition life
• The three parts of successful mountaineering
• What a gap year is really for
• Giving children permission to choose
• Returning to the mountains at 60
• Climbing Cholatse with his daughter
• Supporting the Himalayan Trust
• Tom's Book: https://amzn.to/3QbYyO3
• https://tomfrenchauthor.com/
• https://himalayantrust.org/

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Nina Banducci from Polarsteps joins the podcast to talk about something I’ve been thinking a lot about lately; how we document our lives and why social media doesn’t always feel like the right way to do it.

We discuss the trending shift away from performative platforms like Instagram and why more people are craving something more personal and meaningful when it comes to capturing their life experiences. Nina shares her background as an outdoor guide and how that led her to Polarsteps, a travel app built around memory, not attention.

We also dive into the thru-hiking culture on the Appalachian Trail, what makes that community so unique, and why experiences like that strip you down to who you really are. 

Throughout the episode, we talk about travel, discomfort, growth, and why the best moments aren’t always the ones you post. If you’ve ever questioned why you’re sharing your adventures, or who you’re sharing them for, this episode is right up your ally.

Key Takeaways:

• Social media has shifted from connection to performance, changing how we experience travel
• Real adventure includes discomfort, mistakes, and unpredictability, not just highlight moments
• Tools like Polarsteps are emerging to prioritize personal memory over public validation
• Thru-hiking culture creates a rare environment of equality, authenticity, and community
• Growth happens when you step into the unknown, not when everything goes perfectly

Chapters/Show Notes: 

• Introduction to Polarsteps
• Nina’s Background: From Idaho to Outdoor Guiding and Travel
• The River Community and Earning Your Place Outdoors
• The Problem with Social Media and Performative Sharing
• What Polarsteps Is and Why It Exists
• Travel as a Tool for Growth and Discomfort
• The Reality of Thru-Hiking and Trail Culture
• Appalachian Trail Community and Hostel Life
• Why Brands Must Earn Trust in the Outdoor Space
• How Polarsteps Is Entering the U.S. Market
• The Future of Travel, Memory, and Storytelling
• www.polarsteps.com

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In this episode, I sit down with Tia Banks, a former professional athlete turned mountaineer, resilience expert, and motivational speaker. Tia’s journey is one of resilience, self-discovery, and mental toughness, and in our conversation, she shares how learning to manage setbacks helped her transition into a new passion. 

From growing up in Nebraska to inspiring thousands through her speaking tour, her story is proof that adversity can be a stepping stone to something greater.  Tia explains that a "setback is the setup."

Key Takeaways:

• The power of self-talk – What we tell ourselves matters in the hardest moments.
• Resilience is built, not given – Hardship creates opportunities for personal growth.
• The outdoors is transformative – Mountains provide a unique space for reflection and challenge.
• Community is essential – Finding support in the hardest moments can make all the difference.

Show Notes and Links: 

• Introduction
• Tia’s Background
• Resilience & Overcoming Setbacks
• Transition from Athlete to Speaker
• Climbing Kilimanjaro
• The Power of Self-Talk
• Diversity in Mountaineering
• Mind Over Mountains Tour
• https://www.tiabanks.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/thetiabanks
• https://www.youtube.com/@thetiabanks1

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In this episode, I sit down with Tayson Whittaker, founder of Outdoor Vitals, to dive deep into fastpacking—what it is, why it works when time is tight, and how to cover more ground in less time. Whether you’re a backpacker looking to move faster and lighter, or someone trying to maximize limited time on the trail, this episode is packed with tons of insights on how to make fastpacking a practical tool in your outdoor adventures.

Tayson shares his personal fastpacking strategies, including gear, hydration and nutrition planning, and how to structure your days for big miles without burnout. We also get into the evolution of Outdoor Vitals gear and how it’s designed with fastpackers and minimalist adventurers in mind.

If you’ve been curious about how fastpacking can fit into your life—or you just want to find smarter ways to adventure farther and faster—this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways:

• Fastpacking is a tool to cover more ground in less time, opening up bigger adventures even when life is busy.
• Dialing in your gear makes fastpacking possible—cut the weight without sacrificing comfort or safety.
• Hydration and electrolytes are mission-critical, especially for high-mileage days. Don't underestimate your salt needs.
• Nutrition strategy is everything—consistent fueling keeps your energy steady and prevents the dreaded calorie wall.
• Planning your day around effort, rest, and fueling is the secret to consistent, high-mileage success.

Show Notes and Links:

• Introduction
• The Growth of Outdoor Vitals
• Game-Changing Gear
• Fastpacking vs. Traditional Backpacking
• Nutrition & Hydration in the Backcountry
• The Evolution of Down vs. Synthetic Insulation
• Lessons Learned from Long Days on the Trail
• What’s Next for Outdoor Vitals?
• Outdoor Vitals
• Tokes alcohol stove
• Ventus Active Hoodie
• Vario Jacket
• Skyline Fastpack
• Tushar Rain Jacket
• Altitude Sun Hoodie
• Re-Lyte

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In this episode of the By Land Podcast, I sit down with Bria Ruben, co-founder of Ruck Evolution, to explore the benefits of rucking—a simple yet powerful way to build fitness, mental resilience, and community. Rucking is walking with weight, and it’s one of the most accessible, low-impact ways to increase endurance and strength.  

Bria shares how she discovered rucking, why it became such a key part of her life, and how Ruck Evolution is making rucking more accessible with innovative water-based weight systems. We talk about why rucking is great for all fitness levels, how it can be integrated into everyday life, and the role of community in keeping people moving.

If you’ve been looking for a practical, no-fuss way to improve your health and prepare for outdoor adventures, this conversation will inspire you to start rucking today.

Key Takeaways:

• Rucking is an easy way to build endurance, strength, and mental resilience—it’s simply walking with weight.
• Anyone can ruck—start light and gradually increase weight and distance.
• Rucking is highly functional—it translates well to activities like hiking, hunting, and everyday movement.
• It’s more than fitness—rucking builds community and brings people together.
• You don’t need fancy gear to start—a backpack and some weight (like water bottles) is enough.

Show Notes and Links:

• Introduction – Why rucking is worth your time
• Bria’s Background – How she discovered rucking and her work in recreation therapy
• Rucking 101 – What it is, why it works, and how to get started
• The Benefits of Rucking – Strength, endurance, mental clarity, and injury prevention
• How Rucking Fits Into Everyday Life – Training for outdoor adventures, fitness goals, and more
• Building a Rucking Community – Why doing it with others keeps you motivated
• Ruck Evolution’s Innovative Gear – How they’re making rucking more accessible
• Final Thoughts & Resources – Where to learn more and how to get started today
• https://www.ruckevolution.com/
• Ruck Evolution Aquabells: https://www.ruckevolution.com/product-page/ruck-evolution-aquabells
• Weighted Vest (amazon): https://amzn.to/3QPmqns

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In this episode, I sit down with Kevin Timm, founder of Seek Outside, to discuss the intersection of hunting, backpacking, and innovation in outdoor gear design. Kevin shares his thoughts on bridging the divide between recreational users and hunters, the role of durability in product design, and the stories behind Seek Outside's tents and backpacks. We dive into the evolution of his minimalist, high-performance shelters and why they’ve become a staple for serious adventurers around the world. Kevin also talks about the philosophy that drives his company’s commitment to user-tested, proven gear and why experience in the outdoors should always trump external validation.

Key Takeaways:

• Bridging the Divide: Kevin discusses how marketing has contributed to the division between hunters and recreational adventurers and emphasizes the shared love of nature.
• Gear That Lasts: Seek Outside's products are designed to be user-tested and capable of thriving in diverse environments, from Alaskan hunts to desert hikes.
• Innovation in Design: Kevin shares how Seek Outside’s tents, particularly their zipperless shelters, provide durability without sacrificing weight.
• The Power of Minimalism: Experienced backpackers tend to favor simple, functional gear that reduces bulk and increases versatility.
• Access and Conservation: Kevin explains the importance of public land access and highlights issues such as landlocked public areas and the complexities of wildlife conservation.

Show Notes and Links:

• Introduction: Welcoming Kevin Timm back to the podcast and revisiting his journey with Seek Outside.
• The Outdoor Divide: Discussing the divide between hunters and recreational adventurers and how marketing plays a role.
• The Origins of Seek Outside: Kevin’s motivation for creating gear that excels in harsh conditions.
• Tents That Survive Anything: A breakdown of the Red Cliff and Cimarron shelters and their legendary durability.
• Packs that Redefine Comfort: How Seek Outside integrates backpacking and hunting designs to create sub-3lb packs that carry heavy loads comfortably.
• Simplifying Gear Needs: Why minimalist pack designs are often superior to overbuilt models full of pockets.
• Conservation Conversations: The importance of public land access and issues like corner crossing and landlocked land.
• Valuing Experience Over Trophies: Kevin’s reflections on why outdoor experiences matter more than external validation.
• https://seekoutside.com/
• https://seekoutside.com/silex-1p-xl/
• https://seekoutside.com/sunlight-2p/
• https://seekoutside.com/cimarron-4p/
• https://seekoutside.com/flight-3/

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In this episode, I sit down with Chad to dive into his journey from a beginner hiker to a seasoned thru-hiker, ultra-runner, and outdoor content creator. We explore the moments that shaped his path, including his first 100-mile hike, overcoming mental and physical challenges, and his leap from a 9-to-5 job to full-time content creation. Chad shares his insights on balancing passion with work, avoiding burnout, and how endurance sports like ultra-running have influenced his approach to hunting and outdoor adventures. This episode is packed with honest reflections, valuable lessons, and inspiration for anyone pursuing adventure and creativity.

Key Takeaways

• 100-Mile Hikes Build Resilience: Reaching the 100-mile mark on a hike forces you to adapt and grow, making it a significant milestone for backpackers.
• Mentorship Accelerates Learning: Observing experienced hikers can help you fast-track your progress and avoid common mistakes.
• Compartmentalization Prevents Burnout: Separating content creation from personal adventures helps maintain a healthy relationship with the outdoors.
• Endurance Sports Enhance Mental Toughness: Ultra-running taught Chad how to endure discomfort and maintain focus during long hunting trips.
• Pursuing Passion Requires Discipline: Whether it's creating content or pursuing outdoor goals, success comes from building habits and embracing the hard moments.

Show Notes and Links

• Intro and Catching Up
• The Waterfall Controversy and Preferences in Nature
• Chad’s First 100-Mile Hike and the Power of Mentorship
• Transition to Full-Time Content Creation
• Balancing Content Creation with Outdoor Enjoyment
• Avoiding Burnout as a Creator
• Overcoming Setbacks and Finding Motivation
• From Ultra-Running to Hunting: Lessons in Endurance
• The Reality of Hunting as an Endurance Sport
•  Discipline, Passion, and Self-Discovery
• Chad's Instagram
• Chad's YouTube Channel

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Acclaimed author Kevin Fedarko, joins the podcast to discuss his new book, A Walk in the Park, which details the epic journey he took across the length of the Grand Canyon. Kevin reflects on the grueling physical and emotional challenges he and his hiking partner, Pete McBride, faced and how the landscape humbled them. He shares the powerful lessons learned from the wilderness and the close-knit Grand Canyon community that helped them along the way. Our conversation touches on themes of humility, the power of community, and how wilderness can shape us and strengthen our bonds. Kevin also provides insights into his six-year writing process and the deep connection he feels to the Grand Canyon.

Key Takeaways:

• Preparation Is Key: Overconfidence can lead to hard lessons, especially in the wilderness.
• Community Matters: Support from others can turn failure into triumph.
• Humility Is Transformative: The Grand Canyon has a way of humbling even the most seasoned adventurers.
• Conservation Is a Responsibility: Protecting wilderness ensures its legacy for future generations.
• Wilderness Connects Us: Experiencing the outdoors with loved ones deepens bonds and creates lasting memories.

Chapters/Show Notes & Links:

• Introduction to Kevin Fedarko’s Journey
• The Grand Canyon Trek: A Humbling Experience
• Community in the Canyon - A Lifesaving Force
• Lessons Learned from the Wilderness
• Wilderness and Conservation: A Personal Reflection
• Final Thoughts and Kevin’s Book Tour
• Watch this episode on YouTube
• Buy the Book!!
• Watch the documentary
• https://www.kevinfedarko.com/
• Kevin's Instagram
• Kevin's on X
• Kevin on Facebook

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Alex Rich of Mystery Ranch shares his journey from the production floor to the design team, where he now focuses on creating outdoor and hunting gear that prioritizes load carriage and comfort. We dive into the brand's unique approach to pack design, including the revolutionary overload system, which allows users to carry heavy loads more efficiently.

Our conversation then turns to the technical aspects of Mystery Ranch packs, the balance between weight and durability, and the evolving materials used in outdoor gear. Alex also touches on the importance of starting from the user’s needs when designing, ensuring comfort and stability for hunters, backpackers, and outdoor adventurers alike.

This is the episode to listen to for anyone looking to learn more about Mystery Ranch and pack design.

Key Takeaways:

• Starting from the user: Mystery Ranch's design philosophy always begins with how the pack interfaces with the user, focusing on comfort and load distribution.
• Overload system innovation: The company’s overload system revolutionized hunting packs by allowing users to separate the pack from the frame for carrying additional weight.
• Balancing weight and durability: Mystery Ranch intentionally adds weight to certain parts of the pack to improve structural integrity and comfort for heavy loads, though they are exploring lighter materials like the 330D fabric.
• Foam design for durability: The waist belts of Mystery Ranch packs use a combination of five different types of foam to ensure long-term comfort and support, even with heavy loads.
• Adapting military pack designs for hunters: Mystery Ranch's transition from military to hunting packs was organic, with their military-grade designs proving useful for outdoor applications.
• Evolving materials: The conversation highlights how new materials, such as 330D fabrics, are pushing the boundaries of outdoor gear design.

Show Notes and Links:

• Introduction to Alex Rich and Mystery Ranch
• The Evolution of Mystery Ranch: Mission and Mountain
• The Overload System: Changing the Game for Hunters
• Design Philosophy: Focusing on the User
• Balancing Lightweight and Heavy-Duty Materials
• The Role of Foam in Load Distribution
• New Innovations and Materials in Outdoor Gear
• Conclusion: Making Outdoor Adventures Easier
• Mystery Ranch 
• Pop-Up Series
• Backpack Hunting Packs

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Andrew Cottrell is the lead designer of the Radix series of backpacks at Mystery Ranch, an innovative line of ultralight backpacks that combines comfort, durability, and weight-saving features. Andrew shares insights into his hands-on approach to design, the importance of balancing load-carrying capacity with ultralight performance, and how the right gear can impact a hiker’s endurance and comfort on the trail. We also explore the key materials used in the Radix Series and the importance of pack repairability.

Whether you're into backpacking, hiking, or simply interested in the technical aspects of pack design, this episode is packed with great insights.

Key Take Aways

• The Radix Series Prioritizes Load-Carrying Capacity
• Durability and Weight Are Balanced Through Innovative Materials
• Customization and Flexibility Are Core Features of the Radix Series
• Repairability Is a Key Design Focus
• Andrew’s Minimalist Approach to Packing
• The Adjustable Harness Ensures a Perfect Fit
• Pack Design Can Affect Physical and Mental Endurance
• Minimalist Design with Strategic Features
• Innovation at Mystery Ranch Is Driven by Problem-Solving
• Future-Proofing Packs for Long-Term Use

Show Notes and Links:

• Introduction and Background
• Journey into Pack Design
• The Design Process for the Radix Series
• Material Advancements and Innovation
• Load-Carrying Comfort in the Radix Series
• Customization and Minimalist Features
• Durability, Repairability, and Sustainability
• Andrew’s Personal Approach to Pack Organization
• Future Trends in Pack Design
• Mystery Ranch
• Radix 31
• Radix 47
• Radix 57

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