Almost There Adventure Podcast

Episode 54: Matthew Hengst on Really Long Trails

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On this episode: Thru-hiking warm fuzzies, lime green Crocs, and being a divemaster. We’re talking with Matthew Hengst, a self-described indigent hiker who recently completed a 5,000 mile hike on the Eastern Continental Trail.

Show Notes
  • 0:30 – Introducing Matthew
  • 04:15 – What is it like to hike 5,000 miles?
  • 06:20 – The biggest animal problem in the south? Hint: it’s not the gators.
  • 08:40 – When Matthew got into hiking
  • 10:45 – How do you follow up the Eastern Continental Trail (ECT)?
  • 12:54 – The transition from 302 days on the trail back to “normal” society
  • 14:00 – Physical recovery after the ECT vs the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT)
  • 16:00 – Biggest challenges on the PCT vs the ECT
  • 19:00 – Would you do the PCT or Appalachian Trail (AT) again?
  • 20:00 – Footwear (socks, shoes, etc.) for hiking 8,000 miles
  • 23:30 – Food on long trails.
  • 25:00 – How did you figure out how to connect up the trails that make up the ECT route?
  • 28:30 – Mosquitos and “No See-ums”
  • 33:40 – The human connection on the trail (and the giant warm fuzzy of thru-hiking)
  • 35:40 – Preparing to thru-hike the Continental Divide Trail (CDT)
  • 36:00 – Diving, and advice for anyone interested in getting into it
  • 41:50 – Completing the Triple Crown (AT, CDT and PCT)… and beyond
  • 44:35 – How do you support yourself while you do all this walking?
  • 48:10 – Favorite parts of the trails Matt has hiked
  • 50:45 – What is a typical day now that he is off-trail?
  • 52:41 – What he uses for tech and how he keeps everything connected and charged
    • Mentioned in this Episode
    • Sierra Club Wilderness Travel Course
  • John Muir Trail
  • Pacific Crest Trail
  • Florida Trail
  • Appalachian Trail
  • Eastern Continental Trail
  • Pinhoti Trail
  • FarOut Guides (formerly Guthook)
  • Continental Divide Trail
  • Theodore Solomons Trail
  • American Discovery Trail
  • Arizona Trail
  • International Appalachian Trail
    • Connect with Matthew online
    • First Church of the Masochist – Matthew’s website
  • Instagram: @mattonamtn
  • Watch Matt’s ECT Vlog on YouTube
    • Connect with us!

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    Our Co-hosts

    • Jason Fitzpatrick – IG: @themuirproject
  • Saveria Tilden – IG: @adventuruswomen  web: AdventurUsWomen.com
  • Jeff Hester – IG: @thesocalhiker  web: SoCalHiker.net

    • Theme song by Opus Orange. Courtesy of Emoto Music. 

    The Almost There Adventure Podcast is a celebration of outdoor activities both local and epic. Discussing the big topics and talking to adventurers, artists, legends and activists within the outdoor community.

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