In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are bringing you another advice based show.  Today's episode is all about how to afford a thru-hike, which includes overall tips for how to budget, how much to budget, what items you can skimp on, what items you should splurge on, tools for automating the process, and much more.    We wrap the show with a triple crown of items that we love for less than $25, a wild story about a multi-day grizzly bear attack, and we discuss whether a calendar year triple crown is anti-thetical to the thru-hiking ethos.   QOTD: How long is the lifespan of a fly/mosquito? And why aren’t dead ones all over the ground?  BPR is doing a live podcast at Hop Haus in Fitchburg, Wisconsin from 6:00pm - 8:00pm on Friday, October 15.  How to Afford a Thru-Hike ebook by Kelly Floro Tip #1 (Chaunce): Use apps that set aside money for you. Apps mentioned (not sponsored):  Qapital  Betterment  Acorns  Wealthfront  Tip #2 (Zach): Know what gear to splurge on. Specifically:  Footwear Shelter Sleeping bag/quilt  Tip #3 (Elise): Leverage the Financial Independence community (and finding your Coast FI number for peace of mind). Some FI resources:   The Simple Path to Wealth by JL Collins  Quit Like A Millionaire by Kristy Shen and Bryce Leung The Choose FI podcast  MoneywithKatie on Instagram Coast FI caclulator    Tip #4 (Chaunce): Budget smart while you’re actually on trail.  Tip #5 (Zach): Know where to skimp on gear. Specifically:   Headlamp Base layer Rain gear Water filter Sunglasses And more    Tip #6 (Elise): Figure out how much your life actually costs, then figure out how to cut further or earn more.  Tip #7 (Chaunce): Take on a side job where all earnings are specifically for thru-hiking. Some ideas:  Uber/Lyft Instacart Rover    Tip #8 (Zach): Decide how much you think your thru-hike will cost, then add 20%. Tipe #9 (Elise): Surround yourself with people who either support your goals or have similar ones. SEGMENTS Trek Propaganda  Colleen Goldhorn’s Posts Triple Crown of things to spend $25 on Gross or Not Gross  Zach being barefoot on an airplane  Mail Bag Cinnamon Court  [divider] Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross.  Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify,  Stitcher, and  Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.  Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and  Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.  A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Brent Stenberg, and Patrick Cianciolo. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Cynthia Voth, Brandon Spilker, Emily Brown, Mitchell, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven, TraskVT, Lindsay Sparks, Liz Seger and Lisa Douglas. 

#114 | How to Afford a Thru-Hike

From the Appalachian Trail to the Pacific Crest and everything in between. Backpacker Radio is a show all about the wonderful world that is thru-hiking and long distance backpacking.  

Co-hosts, Zach "Badger" Davis and Juliana "Chaunce" Chauncey muse on the backpacking life and the latest from the trail every other week.  Topics include but are not limited to news, trail culture, interviews, gear, advice, and all you can eat buffets.

Sports

Wilderness

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio, we’ve got another banger Q&A; episode for you. We are joined by everyone’s favorite viking who hikes to cover your burning questions. Subjects in today’s episode include our most underrated pieces of gear, what single food item we've used on the most hikes, our go-to sun protection strategies, how careful someone should be during a norovirus outbreak, what single thing we like most about long-distance backpacking, and more. We wrap the show with what our level of surprise would be to see a dragon, the triple crown of seemingly simple things that don't make sense (this of course goes off the rails), and we give a listener dream tapeworms. Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com.  Jenna Davis: Email jenna@firstsummitrealty.com or call 303-946-9476 to get a free consultation. LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek. Shady Rays: Use code “TREK20” for $20 off polarized sunglasses at shadyrays.com. [divider] Q&A; with Jabba  Viking's Instagram  Time stamps & Questions 00:03:22 - Reminders:  Keep up with content from the Trek via the newsletter, check out our brand new hats (and use code “gingerstuff” for 15% in the Trek store), and recommend someone we should interview at PCT Trail Days! 00:06:34 - Introducing Jabba 00:08:52 - What’s your sun protection strategy in highly exposed environments? 00:31:12 - What’s the most underrated piece of gear in your pack? 00:40:19 - Patent Pending: Titanium Water Bottle 00:47:45 - What is the single food item that’s been in your food bag the most? 01:06:50 - How can you handle norovirus outbreaks? 01:15:10 - The Veteran-Vargo-Viking Story 01:23:50 - How many times do you poo a day hiking/biking…also who’s cooler, Zach or Chaunce? 01:26:47 - How do you maintain muscle mass on the trail, especially after so many hikes? 01:30:11 - What was your first tattoo? 01:33:55 - What’s your favorite hiking trail you’ve ever done? 01:39:05 - How do you pack a frameless pack? 01:43:57 - If you had to pick one thing you like most about thru-hiking, what would it be? Segments Trek Propaganda   List of US Long Trails  5 Budget-Friendly Ultralight Backpacking Hacks by Moose Juice  Kumo Question: What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten and would you recommend it? QOTD: How surprised would you be to see a dragon flying in the sky? Triple Crown of seemingly simple things that don’t make sense Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/. Leave us a voicemail!  Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify,  Stitcher, and  Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.  Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.  Our theme song is  Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex & Misty with Navigators Crafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Austin Ford, Brad & Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Dayne, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Hailey Buckingham, Jason “The Snail” Snailer barely know her, Liz Seger, Patrick Cianciolo, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, and Tracy “Trigger” Fawns. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: 12 Trees Farms, Bonnie Ackerman, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Joann Menzer, Katharine Rudzitis, Keith Dobie Jr, Merle Watkins, Peter, and Ruth S.

Q&A with Hiking Viking: Underrated Gear, Favorite Hikes, & Go-To Backpacking Foods

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we'll do it live! That's right, we are once again joined by backpacking legend, Ryan Sylva aka Dirtmonger, to learn more about his ridiculously extensive backpacking experience from around the world, but this time we are joined by 60 of our best friends at the Skylark Lounge in Denver, Colorado. Although many beers were consumed during the making of this podcast, we feel confident this live episode stays in bounds, at least relative to the first go around, which we no longer speak of. We wrap the show with a QA from attendees of this event, a triple crown of the best sports movies, Chaunce gives us the full rundown on her engagement, and we finally introduce our highly anticipated new segment, Trail Confessionals. Banner photo credit: Rolf Asphaug Backpacker’s Pantry: Use code “BPR20” for 20% off at backpackerspantry.com. Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com.  Appalachian Gear Company: Use code “BPRADIO20” for 20% off at appalachiangearcompany.com. Shady Rays: Use code “TREK20” for $20 off polarized sunglasses at shadyrays.com. Outdoor Vitals: Get 17% off the Ventus plus a free backpacking pillow at outdoorvitals.com/thetrek. [divider] Live Podcast  Dirtmonger's Instagram Dirtmonger's Blog  Time stamps & Questions 00:05:17 - Reminders: Submit feedback to podcast@thetrek.co, sign up for the Trek’s newsletter, and reach out to us if you know a venue that would like to host us! 00:06:27 - Introducing Dirtmonger 00:13:20 - Tell us about your Poop Loop Bikepacking route 00:15:36 - Was this the start of a new chapter in your life? 00:19:20 - Does bikepacking scratch the same backcountry itch as backpacking? 00:22:58 - How do you develop and feel confident in your philosophy about backpacking? 00:26:54 - Tell us about your backstory 00:31:12 - Have you ever done something you wouldn’t want to do again? 00:34:15 - Sell us on bikepacking 00:37:28 - Discussion about using other activities to heal while still adventuring 00:44:15 - What’s the longest day you’ve had on a bike? 00:46:30 - Tell us about the Salkantay Trek, Ausungate Circuit, and Cordillera Real Traverse 00:50:59 - Do you learn things when you hike with Swami? 00:54:02 - What do you mean by hiking at your level? 00:59:56 - Discussion about hiking alone versus with people 01:01:52 - How did that inform the hiking decisions you made afterwards? 01:02:35 - What appeals to you about the desert? 01:04:40 - Tell us about the Oregon Desert Trail 01:06:50 - Tell us about the Altiplano Traverse 01:11:35 - Are there outdoor conditions that you don’t enjoy? 01:14:23 - Has there been a scenario where you turned back because the conditions were bad? 01:17:20 - What’s your mentality about proving yourself to other people? 01:23:50 - Tell us about the Whatever Route 01:28:25 - Discussion about planning and developing the Great Basin Route 01:37:20 - What’s your most controversial take on thru-hiking culture? 01:40:05 - What’s your median base weight? 01:45:30 - Discussion about down jackets and rain jackets 01:48:00 - Kumo Question: Do you think visors will ever come back around? 01:49:06 - Audience Q&A;: Is there anything you want to hike in Asia? 01:50:00 - Audience Q&A;: Bidet? 01:51:00 - Gossamer Gear Giveaway 1 01:55:30 - Audience Q&A;: If you had to do one trail for the rest of your life, what would it be? 01:56:40 - Audience Q&A;: Do you ever mentally struggle without seeing people around? 02:00:10 - Audience Q&A;: How do you mentally balance creating a new trail with LNT? 02:03:08 - Audience Q&A;: What trail made you fall in love with thru-hiking? Segments Chaunce’s Engagement Story QOTD: How much money would it take for you to live in a dumpster for a month? Triple Crown of sports movies Trail Confessions Two Star Trail Review Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/. Leave us a voicemail!  Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify,  Stitcher, and  Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.  Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.  Our theme song is  Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex & Misty with Navigators Crafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Austin Ford, Brad & Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Dayne, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Hailey Buckingham, Jason “Snail” Snailer barely know her, Liz Seger, Patrick Cianciolo, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, and Tracy “Trigger” Fawns. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: 12 Trees Farms, Bonnie Ackerman, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Joann Menzer, Katharine Rudzitis, Keith Dobie Jr, Merle Watkins, Peter, and Ruth S.

Backpacker Radio LIVE with Ryan "Dirtmonger" Sylva

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by thru-hiker and author, Audrey “Glowstick” Payne. In addition to a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, which is the subject of her memoir, Where the Rhododendrons Bloom, Audrey has also tackled the Colorado Trail, Foothills Trail, Trans Catalina Trail, John Muir Trail, Wonderland Trail, and the Patagonia O Circuit. Audrey gives us an overview of each of these treks, and how she might be the first person on earth to not enjoy the JMT, she details a not-so-cordial breakup with her trail family on the AT, and offers some solid tips for those who want to trek Patagonia’s O Circuit. We also get an overview of Audrey’s life prior to thru-hiking, including how her treks were inspired by a back injury and her career in PR, including some fun stories of working with celebrities.  We wrap the show with the news of a nasty outbreak of Norovirus on the AT this year, whether you should store your food underwater in the backcountry, the triple crown of movies we've cried to, and some one-star trail reviews. Backpacker’s Pantry: Use code “BPR20” for 20% off at backpackerspantry.com. Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com.  Shady Rays: Use code “TREK20” for $20 off polarized sunglasses at shadyrays.com. Appalachian Gear Company: Use code “BPRADIO20” for 20% off at appalachiangearcompany.com. LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek. [divider] Interview with Audrey “Glowstick” Payne  Audrey's Instagram Audrey's Website Audrey's Linktree  Time stamps & Questions 00:05:14 - Reminders: Come say hi to us at both AT and PCT Trail Days, support us on Patreon to get bonus exclusive episodes, and  check out our new hats! 00:06:47 - Introducing Audrey 00:09:20 - What were you doing in DC? 00:15:53 - How did you go from burnt out PR person to thru-hiking?  00:18:34 - How has your back held up? 00:20:15 - How old were you when you started on the AT? 00:22:45 - Walk us through how you rationalized leaving your career to hike the AT 00:26:57 - Are you grateful for your back issues getting you onto the trail? 00:29:28 - Did you have any midlife crises turning 40? 00:30:40 - How do you feel about your future hikes? 00:31:45 - What advice would you give to others approaching or in their 30s? 00:36:22 - Tell us about getting woken up by some ponies and bears 00:44:00 - Is there a story that resonates with readers from the book? 00:47:00 - Tell us about camping at the drive in 00:53:43 - Tell us about foraging on the AT 00:58:40 - What was your best trail magic experience? 01:03:14 - What are your thoughts about tramilies? 01:07:10 - How did the trail family breakup go? 01:09:54 - Can you give tips to people from a PR perspective on how to break up with your trail family? 01:15:52 - What happens if you encounter your broken up trail family again? 01:16:48 - What was it like post-breakup? 01:18:35 - Discussion about deciding to leave a job to hike the AT 01:20:18 - How can someone weigh the pros and cons of making a change to their life? 01:25:00 - Did you put the AT on your resume or discuss it during your interviews? 01:27:45 - What accounted for the four year gap between the AT and your next hike? 01:29:39 - Do your coworkers know you for your hiking? 01:33:02 - How did you decide to do the Colorado Trail? 01:34:17 - Did you start in the same place each time you’ve done the Four Pass Loop? 01:36:00 - Discussion about the logistics of the Four Pass Loop 01:41:55 - Tell us about your mountain lion encounter on the CT 01:50:00 - Discussion about off-roading 01:51:40 - How was your Foothills Trail hike? 01:57:10 - What insects did you see? 02:00:00 - How was your Trans Catalina Trail experience? 02:04:29 - How was the John Muir Trail? 02:07:50 - Discussion about the PCT southbound 02:12:20 - Tell us about the Patagonia O Circuit 02:14:23 - Is the O Circuit accessible for someone who isn’t an experienced backpacker? 02:15:58 - What kind of mileage and elevation gain does the trail entail? 02:17:30 - Discussion about costs, food, and gear 02:19:37 - Where do you fly into and how do you get to trail? 02:21:24 - How did you feel safety-wise? 02:22:55 - Did the structure of the hike take away from the wildness of the area? 02:25:00 - Did you feel fine traveling in that area without speaking Spanish? 02:26:50 - Discussion about the weather and clothing 02:30:29 - Kumo Question: What would your walkup song be if you were entering the Olympics for a random sport? 02:33:50 - Where can people follow you and get your book? Segments Trek Propaganda:  Norovirus Alert: Appalachian Trail Hikers Urged to Stay Vigilant Amid Outbreak by Ariella Nardizzi QOTD: Have you ever heard of storing food underwater in the backcountry? Triple Crown of movies you’ve cried to One Star Trail Reviews Listener Voicemail Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/. Leave us a voicemail!  Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify,  Stitcher, and  Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.  Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.  Our theme song is  Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex & Misty with Navigators Crafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Austin Ford, Brad & Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Dayne, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Jason “Snail” Snailer barely know her, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Patrick Cianciolo, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, and Tracy “Trigger” Fawns. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: 12 Trees Farms, Bonnie Ackerman, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Joann Menzer, Katharine Rudzitis, Keith Dobie Jr, Merle Watkins, Peter, and Ruth S.

Audrey "Glowstick" Payne on the Patagonia O Circuit, Tramily Breakups, and Balancing a Career with Hiking

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are once again joined by Bethany “Fidgit” Hughes. Fidget has hiked, paddled, and cycled more than 22,000 miles across 25 countries as one half of the Her Odyssey Expedition, a human-powered endeavor to connect the Americas following the longest chain of mountains in the world while telling the story of the land and its inhabitants, a journey she completed in August 2022.  Bethany was last on the podcast more than 5 years ago, when she had completed the South American leg of this wild expedition, she catches us up with her and her partner’s journey through Central and North America. We go deep on how she navigates the more unsafe sections of this journey, especially through Central America and Mexico and navigating the cartel, dodging crocodiles, canoeing the 3,000+ mile Arctic Drainage to reach the Arctic Ocean, and much, much more. This one is full of engaging stories, you will not be disappointed. We wrap the show with news of the first woman to complete the Barkley Marathons, a deadly mountain lion attack in California, and the triple crown of breakfasts. Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com.  Jenna Davis: Email jenna@firstsummitrealty.com or call 303-946-9476 to get a free consultation. Appalachian Gear Company: Use code “BPRADIO20” for 20% off at appalachiangearcompany.com. Shady Rays: Use code “TREK20” for $20 off polarized sunglasses at shadyrays.com. Outdoor Vitals: Get 17% off the Ventus plus a free backpacking pillow at outdoorvitals.com/thetrek. [divider] Interview with Bethany “Fidgit” Hughes  Her Odyssey Website Her Odyssey Instagram Her Odyssey Youtube  Backpacker Radio Episode 25: Bethany “Fidgit” Hughes on Trekking the Length of the Americas  Time stamps & Questions 00:04:08 - Reminders: We will be at Trail Days! And…subscribe to us on Youtube! 00:05:07 - (Re)introducing Bethany 00:06:23 - Tell us about your recent 10 day silent retreat 00:16:25 - Did you have moments where you wanted to speak? 00:18:30 - Give us the summary of what part of the odyssey you’d completed the last time you were on the podcast 00:23:00 - What was the timeline of going across Central America? 00:25:58 - How would you describe your appreciation for bikepacking? 00:28:24 - Do you find that elitism is more prevalent in bikepacking than thru-hiking? 00:33:10 - If someone wanted to do a similar route, what advice would you offer? 00:37:26 - How many scenarios felt unsafe during the Central American portion? 00:42:08 - Did you find the State Department’s advisories helpful? 00:43:28 - Are there extra safety precautions for solo female travelers? 00:47:38 - What other safety methods do you recommend? 00:50:45 - What were some of the highlights of the Central American portion of your route? 00:53:33 - Is there a crocodile protocol? 00:57:50 - Where did you go after kayaking in Panama? 01:00:25 - How safe did you feel in Mexico? 01:05:50 - How did you learn these trends and strategies? 01:08:23 - Is it easy to spot a gangster? 01:10:44 - Tell us about jumping over to the Baja California Peninsula 01:13:20 - Did you have any weird encounters along the US-Mexico border? 01:20:00 - Discussion about the evolution of trail magic and entitlement 01:22:36 - How do you recommend people participate in a gift-giving culture? 01:28:07 - Tell us any standout stories from hiking the CDT 01:33:20 - Do you think Her Odyssey has made you more adaptable as a thru-hiker? 01:40:22 - Tell us about the Great Divide Trail 01:46:25 - What are Treaty Days? 01:48:38 - Discussion about climate change along the route 01:51:05 - Discussion about the paddling trip to the Arctic Ocean 01:59:00 - How did you develop paddling skills? 02:01:16 - Did your caloric needs increase on the paddling portion of the odyssey? 02:02:18 - Bethany’s hot take on umbrellas 02:05:40 - Where can people learn more about you? Segments Trek Propaganda   1 Killed, 1 Injured in California Mountain Lion Attack by Kelly Floro  Jasmin Paris Becomes First Woman Ever To Complete Barkley Marathons by Kelly Floro  QOTD: How excited are we to have Elise back on BPR? Triple Crown of breakfasts Listener Voicemail Plug Me Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/. Leave us a voicemail!  Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify,  Stitcher, and  Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.  Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.  Our theme song is  Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex & Misty with Navigators Crafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Austin Ford, Brad & Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Dayne, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Hailey Buckingham, Jason “Snail” Snailer barely know her, Liz Seger, Patrick Cianciolo, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, and Tracy “Trigger” Fawns. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: 12 Trees Farms, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Joann Menzer, Katharine Rudzitis, Keith Dobie Jr, Merle Watkins, Peter, and Ruth S.

Bethany "Fidgit" Hughes on Hiking, Biking, and Paddling 20,000+ Miles Across the Americas

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, he’s back. That’s right, The Real Hiking Viking aka Jabba aka Tom aka Backpacker Radio’s honorary third co-host joins us once again to give us an update on his life. We get the full breakdown of where the heck he disappeared to last year, how his CDT hike went, another attempt at the Wind River High Route, a brief stint on a reality TV show in Central America, updates on his backpack, and much more. If ever a guest needed no introduction, it’s this one, so we’ll just say sit down, strap in, and get ready to get Jabba’d once again. We wrap the show with a question of the day so graphic that I will not be saying it in the intro (this episode is not for kids), the triple crown of funniest farts, and this is your last chance to snag tickets for our live podcast in Denver! Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com.  Outdoor Vitals: Get 17% off the Ventus plus a free backpacking pillow at outdoorvitals.com/thetrek. Appalachian Gear Company: Use code “BPRADIO20” for 20% off at appalachiangearcompany.com. Shady Rays: Use code “TREK20” for $20 off polarized sunglasses at shadyrays.com. Danner: Use code “TREK15” for 15% off Mountain 600 boots at danner.com. [divider] Interview with Jabba  Jabba's Instagram  Time stamps & Questions 00:07:17 - Reminders:  This is your last chance for tickets to our live podcast in Denver TOMORROW! 00:15:00 - Re-introducing Jabba and his desire for a sober year 00:22:25 - Are you goal setting for your birthday? 00:24:00 - What would allow you to one-up your 30s in your 40s? 00:26:22 - Is there a correlation between trying sobriety and preventing injuries? 00:29:23 - Why did you disappear? 00:33:00 - Discussion about Jabba’s flip flop on the CDT and getting off the trail 00:37:07 - Did any part of you think about getting back onto the CDT? 00:38:04 - How do you pull yourself out of a sedentary period? 00:40:55 - How do you spend six hours at the gym? 00:51:08 - What bikepacking trip are you going on? 00:54:14 - Tell us about starting on the CDT last year 00:58:35 - Do you have any mental spiraling about not being at the top of your historical physical fitness? 01:05:00 - Discussion about adding stakes to physical goals 01:12:08 - Discussion about the CDT 01:17:00 - Discussion about standards shifting over time 01:18:52 - How do you manage big adventures with maintaining a home life? 01:21:50 - Tell us about ending the CDT with the Wind River High Route 01:33:21 - What were some highlights of the northern stretch of the Wind River High Route? 01:36:45 - Should you have an ice axe and microspikes regardless of the time of year? 01:38:17 - What are the updates on the Zerk? 01:43:18 - Kumo Question: What is the smelliest thing you’ve ever encountered? Segments QOTD Triple Crown of funniest farts Trek Propaganda:  Briana DeSanctis Becomes First Solo Woman To Complete 6,800-Mile American Discovery Trail by Ariella Nardizzi Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/. Leave us a voicemail!  Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify,  Stitcher, and  Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.  Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. Our theme song is  Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex & Misty with Navigators Crafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Austin Ford, Brad & Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Dayne, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Hailey Buckingham, Jason “Snail” Snailer barely know her, Liz Seger, Patrick Cianciolo, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, and Tracy “Trigger” Fawns. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: 12 Trees Farms, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Joann Menzer, Katharine Rudzitis, Keith Dobie Jr, Merle Watkins, Peter, and Ruth S.

#114 | How to Afford a Thru-Hike

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