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Tyler Lau is an experienced member of trail crews and even teaches how to build trails correctly.  In this episode, we dive into how trails are designed, built, and maintained. We also chat about the do’s and don’ts and where we, as hikers, can help keep trails in their proper conditions so trail crews can attend to other trails needing maintenance.

We also discuss diversity in the outdoors.  Tyler is the first person of color to complete the Calendar Year Triple Crown and I wanted to take the opportunity to find out what Tyler’s experience has been and how he sees diversity in the outdoor industry.

Show Notes and Links

• Introductions
• Catching up with Tyler since EP 69
• Diversity in the outdoors and Tyler’s personal experiences
• How to think about trail building
• Scouting a trail
• What makes a “good grade”
• “Flagging” a trail for rework or future work
• How trails are physical made
• Deciding trail widths and tread
• Trail building tools: the cross cut saw
• Bridge building
• Cutting Switchbacks
• The cost of trail crews
• How to learn more about trail building
• Following up with Tyler
• https://www.instagram.com/hikingprodigy
• https://www.facebook.com/hikingprodigy/

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• www.byland.co
• Join the newsletter
• Beginner backpacking course
• Support the show
• [email protected]

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Rowan Smith is a personal trainer specializing in helping trekkers, mountaineers, and backpackers prepare for their upcoming adventures.

In this episode, we dive into an article he wrote regarding the “6 Overrated Training Methods for Trekkers” to discuss why these exercises are “overrated” and what might be done to correct or replace them with ones better suited for the backcountry traveler.

Show Notes and Links

• Introductions
• What Rowan does and how he helps backcountry travelers
• Rowan's backstory in the outdoors
• The hiking/backpacking culture in Australia
• How backpacking can help you learn about a culture or landscape
• What Rowan saw as a gap in training for the backcountry
• Rowans 6 Overrated Training Techniques
• 1. Heart Rate Training
• 2. Jump Training and replacement exercises
• 3. Altitude Masks
• 4. Fasted Training
• 5. High Intensity Training
• 6. Unstable Surface Training
• Knee pain - common causes and prevention
• How to reach Rowan
• https://www.summitstrength.com.au/
• https://www.summitstrength.com.au/blog/6-overrated-training-methods-for-trekkers
• https://www.instagram.com/summitstrength.au/
• https://www.facebook.com/summitstrength.au
• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA8GRU1X-_ewtGM2y5213EQ

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• www.byland.co
• Join the newsletter
• Beginner backpacking course
• Support the show
• [email protected]

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Nicholas Reichard is a thru-hiker who documents his trails with film cameras.  He's hiked the AT, PCT, and part of the CDT documenting his time on trail.  This episode dives into Nick’s background, how he first started Thru Hiking, why he decided to haul a film camera with him, what it’s like after being on trails, and the projects he’s currently working on.  

Show Notes and Links

• Introductions
• Backstory on Nick, hiking, and film photography
• How Nick decided to hike the AT
• Experiencing the AT as a new hiker
• How to choose your shot with film
• How shooting film changes perspective and approach
• Planning the PCT hike: cameras and film
• Sifting through the noise of camera and lens choices
• Challenging yourself by setting limitations
• Dealing with time away from the trail
• What benefits a long trail can provide
• Thoughts on hiking with family and loved ones
• Projects Nick is working on
• Thoughts on storytelling
• On getting “likes”
• How to followup with Nick and his work
•  https://www.instagram.com/nicholasreichard/
• https://www.facebook.com/nicholasreichard/

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• www.byland.co
• Join the newsletter
• Beginner backpacking course
• Support the show
• [email protected]

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Jeff "Legend" Garmire has logged 21 thousand miles and counting at the time of this episode being aired.    Those miles include the Calendar Year Triple Crown, AZT FKT, and countless other endeavors.  What Jeff knows can apply to literally any backpacking trip, big or small, that you will ever do.  We cover everything from his early days of backpacking, how he deals with the mental struggles of the trail, speed versus efficiency, and his latest AZ Trail adventure.  You name it, we cover it and Jeff does so in a way that isn’t intimidating or hard to follow.

Show Notes and Links

• Introductions
• Connecting with others on the trail
• Where and how Jeff’s backpacking story began
• What the PCT culture was like when Jeff started
• Jeff’s first PCT experience and how it compares to today
• Deciding to hike again
• Hiking the PNW Trail
• Deciding to attempt an FKT
• Mental vs. Physical
• Techniques for staying mentally sharp
• Planning out the AZ Trail FKT
• Learning what your body is capable
• Learning to hike big miles
• Efficiency versus speed
• Walking techniques
• Hiking and being inside your head
• Dealing with the mental redline
• Thoughts on what a “backpacker” is and what it means to backpack
• How to follow up with Jeff
• https://www.instagram.com/thefreeoutside
• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcFxqculFnBmXQo9HbYGKOQ
• https://www.facebook.com/freeoutside/

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• www.byland.co
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• Beginner backpacking course
• Support the show
• [email protected]

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I’m rolling solo answering 12 questions that I found inside the “Backpacking” group on Facebook.  They range from basic to complex and newbie to experienced.

Show Notes and Links

• Twist lock or Clip Lock Trekking Poles?
• Any really good non-deet bug repellent? 
• DIY Tyvek footprints
• Favorite drink mix for water while on the trail?
• Sometimes my pack gets heavy and I use my trekking poles to hold it up against the tree so I can put it on...
• How does taking your significant other change what you do pre-trail and on ??
• Looking for recommendations on a personal locator/tracker. 
• Products to clean and restore water-repellent clothing or treat gear? 
• Backpacking cots when camping in the backcountry? 
• Thoughts on mountain bikes on hiking/foot path trails? 
• Are there any other packs besides Osprey that are even worth looking at? 
• Is there a noticeable difference in packed volume between down that is 950 vs 800? 
• https://journalofmountainhunting.com/ep143-myth-busting-layering-apparel-systems/

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• www.byland.co
• Join the newsletter
• Beginner backpacking course
• Support the show
• [email protected]

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I found Dylan Tonkin through his post on LinkedIn where he described what it was like hating his job, quitting, hiking a long trail, and finally starting his own business.

Dylan and I chat about his personal story and what he’s learned from it.  We discuss what it means to be happy, what it means to find happiness, and how important it is to pursue what you want by taking action.

Show Notes and Links

• Introductions
• Backstory on Dylan’s social media post
• The breaking point for Dylan
• What it was like taking the leap
• Experiencing the AT
• The decision to hike more trails
• Life after the trail
• Taking risks
• On being happy
• The result of Thru-Hiking and life after the trail
• Thoughts on the increase in vlogging on trails
• What’s next for Dylan
• Advice for those who might be where Dylan was at work
• How to follow up with Dylan
• https://www.facebook.com/dtonkin3
• https://www.facebook.com/dstonkin/
• https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dylan-tonkin-show?fbclid=IwAR0ulQirCzZn3qXYIRLKWsiqL3LYfX2iVWPINSuYZKeENmJcwrqH9cI_YWk
• https://www.instagram.com/dstonkin

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• www.byland.co
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• Support the show
• [email protected]

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Matt Hardinge is an upland bird hunter, backpacker, photographer, and filmmaker who has found a way to pair bird hunting with backpacking.  He joins the podcast to talk about a recent film about a hunt for the elusive Himalayan Snow Cock.  We cover everything from what the Snow Cock is, how it was introduced, why it’s so difficult to hunt, and what Pheasants Forever is doing to protect birds of all species so they can flourish as their natural habitat becomes increasingly damaged.

Show Notes and Links

• Introductions
• Matt’s background
• Accessibility to public lands
• Introduction to the Himalayan Snow Cock
• How Matt found his way to pursuing this bird
• What makes the Snow Cock so difficult to hunt?
• How to hunt a Snow Cock
• Transitioning from the standard bird hunt to a backpacking bird hunt
• Why the bird was introduced into North America
• Conservation in the world of birds
• What habitat do upland birds need to survive
• How hunting plays a role in the conservation of a species
• The general feel for how bird populations are currently doing
• Intro to the Pheasants Forever Organization
• How acquiring land works with the Org.
• How Matt came to do what he does
• Why Matt is attracted to the outdoors
• Recruiting new hunters
• Matt’s favorite way to cook game birds
• How to reach Matt
• The film https://youtu.be/Ul7XJmBoGeg
• https://www.pheasantsforever.org/
• https://projectupland.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/matthardinge/

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• www.byland.co
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This episode recaps my experience on the Exo Death Hike in 2019.  At the time of its release, it’s been one week since these events occurred, so it was important for me to capture my thoughts and get them down into an episode for others to learn from.

I cover what the Death Hike is, how it works, what it entailed this year, and most importantly, what I learned from it.  This hike is meant to push your limits, and it did just that.  There were a number of things that happened to my body that I think are worth talking about in hopes that others can learn from my experiences.

This podcast was created to help people backpack better. Sometimes we do well and sometimes we don’t.  What matters is that we continue to learn and share that knowledge with those around us.

Show Notes and Links

• Intro to the Death Hike
• What the Death Hike involved
• How my body performed
• Issues with eating and how to avoid a personal hunger strike
• Feedback on the new Exo K3 Frame
• Lessons learned 
• Footwear
• Pace
• The importance of challenges
• Stop comparing yourself to others
• Passionate people doing passionate things
• Gear highlights
• Audience Q & A
• Final Thoughts
• https://exomtngear.com/

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Shanti Hodges is the founder of Hike It Baby, an organization that was built to encourage and invite young families to hike in the outdoors. In this episode, we dive into the origins of Hike It Baby, what it is, who it serves, and how it helps parents with young kids.

Even if you don’t have kids, this episode with motivate you, but if you do, this one is not something you’ll want to miss!

Show Notes and Links

• Introductions
• The backstory of Hike It Baby
• The benefits of being outside with your child
• Origins of Hike It Baby and why it was started
• Organizing the organization
• What it’s like hiking with Hike It Baby
• The impact of Hike It Baby
• Common personal barriers to hiking
• The support structure
• Goal setting and expectations
• The power of community
• Learning to hike with your kids
• How to motivate your kids on trail
• Expert advice for avoiding bad situations
• Planning ahead of time
• Tips and tricks
• The future of Hike It Baby
• The age range included
• How to followup with Hike It Baby
• https://hikeitbaby.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/hikeitbaby/
• http://www.hikingmyway.com/

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• www.byland.co
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Marek is the founder of Rawlogy, a company that makes super lightweight massage balls for backcountry travelers. They’re eco-friendly, won’t take up space, and make it so you can give yourself better self-care when you’re battling muscle fatigue in the wilderness.

In this episode, we dive into who and what Rawlogy is, how massage balls work, and why Marek is doing this in the first place.

Show Notes and Links

• Introductions
• Making a sustainable product
• Marek’s backstory
• How rolling out can alleviate pain
• How much Rawlogy balls weigh and what each are used for
• How to implement self-care
• Addressing IT bands
• How impactful self-care actually is
• Reviews since launch
• What the journey of Rawlogy has been like
• What the outdoors means to Marek
• #shareyourballs
• The future of Rawlogy
• Differences in what products are available
• How to reach Rawlogy
•  https://www.rawlogy.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/rawlogy/

Support the show

Thanks for listening! Check out the links below to learn more, connect, and support the show.

• www.byland.co
• Join the newsletter
• Beginner backpacking course
• Support the show
• [email protected]