In Episode 2, John (aka The Kidd) talks about the Gorges Section of the Foothills Trail in western North Carolina and northwestern South Carolina.  In this phone interview, The Kidd talks about our  2001  Foothills Trail hike (and the 10th anniversary of the trip) which took us through a 45 mile section of the 76 mile trail over the course of […]

In Episode 3, Steve (aka White Lightening) talks about how he migrated from camping in his youth, to hiking with kids in his 30’s, and eventually wilderness backpacking as he reached his 40’s. In this podcast, Steve talks about how he eased in to the sport with an initial trip to the Len Foote Hike Inn […]

In Episode 12, I speak with Amy (aka Mrs. Weasel) in a Banner Elk interview about her experiences on the trail. These include hiking, backpacking, and volunteering along the Appalachian, Benton MacKaye, and Pine Mountain Trails in Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia.

In the podcast, Amy talks about doing trail maintenance as part of the Konnarock and Georgia Appalachian Trail crews in the Southeast, her quest to finish the Georgia section of the Appalachian Trail, and what it's like to spend your first night solo in the wilderness.

Subject: Trail WorkInterviewees: Amy (Mrs. Weasel)Interview Date: February 15, 2013Runtime: 25:45

Download Now: Trail Work (WMA format 24.9 Meg);Trail Work (MP3 format 18.5 Meg)

In Episode 12, I speak with Amy (aka Mrs. Weasel) in a Banner Elk interview about her experiences on the trail. These include volunteering, hiking, and even camping solo in the backcountry along the Appalachian, Benton MacKaye, and Pine Mountain Trails in Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia.

In the podcast, Amy talks about doing trail maintenance as part of the Konorock and Georgia Appalachian Trail crews in the Southeast, her quest to finish the Georgia section of the Appalachian Trail, and what it's like to spend the night solo in the wilderness as a female.

Subject: Trail Maintainer

Interviewees: Amy (Mrs. Weasel)

Interview Date: February 15, 2013

Runtime: 25:45

You can stream this episode for FREE by clicking the bar below or follow this link to subscribe to the podcast (via iHeartRadio, iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, Stitcher, Blubrry (Android), Facebook, Google+, Twitter, RSS or email). We have posted our most recent episodes on these podcast networks and hope you enjoy them.

You can also support the show by purchasing downloads in groups of 10. For example, download Episodes 1-10 or 11-20 directly from N2Backpacking for $10. It's a great way to hear older shows, access bonus shows, and download podcasts for your off the grid travel. A list of 10 Packs is here, and your contributions are appreciated. Thanks for being a loyal listener, and drop us an email or post a comment to let us know how we are doing! Best wishes, BirdShooter

In Episode 11, Katie (aka Wild Turkey) talks about her ventures in to the wilderness - hiking and backpacking with both friends and family in the Southeast.  Topics include the weather and its impact on the experience, the gear you need for the Trail, and hiking with infants and young children.

Katie is the first female to do a solo interview for N2Backpacking and she delivers with this New Year's Eve conversation recorded in Elljay, Georgia. Katie talks about some pristine destinations in the Southeast - including The Cartecay & Chattooga Rivers, Stratton Bald, The Smokies, Wesser Bald, Yellow Mountain, and a few others. She also offers some general advice for those that are striking out for the first time.

Subject: Wild TurkeyInterviewees: Katie (Wild Turkey)Interview Date: December 31, 2012Runtime: 29:04

Download Now: Wild Turkey (WMA format 54.9 Meg);Wild Turkey (MP3 format 43.8 Meg)

In Episode 10, Brett (aka Therm Rider) talks about our recent hike along the Appalachian Trail near Stratton, Maine.  This is the second of a two part series that recaps our October 2012 backpacking trip in New England.

In this interview, Brett talks about our travel to the trailhead, our punishing ascent & descent of the Crocker Mountains, and our multi-night stays in the trail town of Stratton.

The old thru-hiker adage, "No Rain, No Pain, No Maine" rings true on this hike, and Brett appends the statement with "No Complain" since you are always better to roll with the Trail rather than against it.

Subject: Appalachian Trail, North & South Crocker MountainInterviewees: Brett (Therm Rider)Interview Date: October 26, 2012Runtime: 30:26

Download Now: Appalachian Trail, North & South Crocker Mountain (WMA format 21.5 Meg);Appalachian Trail, North & South Crocker Mountain (MP3 format 21.4 Meg)

In Episode 9, Jim (aka Country Club) and Roger (aka The Camel) talk about our recent hike along the Appalachian Trail near Stratton, Maine. This is the first of a two part series that recaps our October 2012 backpacking trip in New England.

During our three day trip, we battled nasty weather and didn't see a ray of sunshine as we hiked over North & South Crocker Mountain. The steep, wet terrain and rocky descent to the Crocker Cirque Campsite had us averaging about a mile an hour - which is not uncommon for this section of The Appalachian Trail in New England.

In this interview, Jim & Roger talk about their front and backcountry experiences near Stratton and offer some suggestions for those adventurers that are planning a backpacking venture to the area.

Subject: Appalachian Trail, North & South Crocker MountainInterviewees: Jim (Country Club), Roger (The Camel)Interview Date: October 6, 2012Runtime: 25:18

Download Now: Appalachian Trail, North & South Crocker Mountain (WMA format 12.7 Meg);Appalachian Trail, North & South Crocker Mountain (MP3 format 37.5 Meg)

In Episode 8, I speak with my father about how he introduced me to the outdoors and how he served up a steady dose of hiking, camping, and fishing before I reached elementary school.  We talk about the early years, of catching my first fish, of car camping in Ohio, and about the Appalachian Trail - where he joined me for a few days in June during  my 1994 thru-hike.

Weeks later, my father returned to the A.T.  but this time with a family friend while I continued making my way north toward Mt. Katahdin.  While I hiked through New England, they set out for one of the most spectacular areas in the Southeast  -  the Mt. Rogers National Recreation Area and the neighboring Grayson Highlands State Park.   After a great start to the trip, their hike was cut short as misery ensued and only a healthy dose of trail magic could save the day.

Subject: Father FigureInterviewees: Richard GoodrichInterview Date: February 11, 2012Runtime: 33:11

Download Now: Father Figure (WMA format 16.4 Meg);Father Figure (MP3 format 32.3 Meg)

In Episode 7, Phillip (aka the World Wide Wanderer) talks about growing up with his family on military bases around the world and his post-college travels around the globe. The interview offers insight in to places like Nepal's Annapurna Circuit, Peru's Machu Pichu, Greece's Samaria Gorge, and Egypt's Mount Sinai (the pilgrimage site of St. Catherine Monastery).

In the podcast, Phillip talks about his front country and backcountry experiences, some memorable moments on the trail, and the most exotic women in the world. He also offers some tips on logistics including planning and preparation, language skills and requirements, budgets, and recommendations for anyone considering dropping off the grid for a few years.

Subject: Global BackpackerInterviewees: Phillip (3W/World Wide Wanderer)Interview Date: October 8, 2011Runtime: 45:58

Download Now: Global Backpacker (WMA format 22.4 Meg);Global Backpacker (MP3 format 44.1 Meg)

In Episode 6, Kirk (aka SoulGlo) and John (aka Hawkeye) talk about their introduction to backpacking in the early 1990's. In the show, we discuss trips to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and hikes from Newfound Gap to Ice Water Springs Shelter, Charlie's Bunion, Peck's Corner Shelter, Mt. LeConte, n2backpacking.com/hikes/north-carolina and Kephart Shelter. Kirk's fear of bears is quickly diverted to fear off the aggressive Smoky Mountain shelter mouse and he offers some strategies for dealing with them.

From the Smokies, we migrate the discussion to the nearly 11,000 mile Linville Gorge Wilderness which has multiple trails (including the Bynum Bluff, Conley Cove, and Pinch In Trails) that drop roughly 2000 feet to the Linville River where there are some outstanding campsites in the Gorge. John discusses route finding at dusk, backtracking to the trailhead, and nearly suffocating in his sleeping bag at night.

And finally, we finish with one of the most scenic backcountry destinations in the southeast at Mount Rogers National Recreation Area (and more specifically the Grayson Highlands State Park). We talk about Mt. Rogers, which at 5729' is the highest point in Virginia, and the wild ponies that roam the open meadows of near Massie's Gap along the Appalachian Trail (which may, on occasion, poke their head in your tent at dawn).

Subject: 90's BackpackingInterviewees: Kirk (SoulGlo), John (Hawkeye)Interview Date: June 28, 2011Runtime: 31:12

Download Now: 90's Backpacking (WMA format 15.2 Meg);90's Backpacking (MP3 format 29.9 Meg)