n2backpacking

In Episode 55, Kaylee (aka "Smiles") tells us about her recent thru-hike on the Tour du Mont Blanc which is one of the most popular long-distance walks in Europe.  It circles the Mont Blanc massif, covering a distance of roughly 170 kilometres (110 mi) and passes through parts of Switzerland, Italy and France.

In the show, Kaylee tells us about the TMB hut system, "wild" camping, the critters, the ladder climbs, and the Sound Of Music scenery that awaits you on this trail.  There's a reason that 60,000 people hike a portion of the Tour du Mont Blanc trail each year.  So if you are looking for a great European adventure that you can do in two weeks or less - Kaylee has all the details.    

For more on Kaylee's adventures you can click over to her Instagram account or see more photos from her hike on the Tour du Mont Blanc at this link

Subject: Tour Du Mont BlancInterviewees: Kaylee (aka Smiles)Interview Date: August 2, 2018Runtime: 1:18:57

Download Now: Tour Du Mont Blanc (WMA format 76.0 Meg); Tour Du Mont Blanc (MP3 format 76.0 Meg)

In Episode 54, we discuss Backpacker Magazine’s list of 35 Awesome (and Awesomely Bad) outdoor movies while sitting fireside on the Chattooga River.  In the show, I discuss the hiking and backpacking movies on Backpacker‘s list with 3Dub, BeerRun, Brownie, The Camel, Napster, The Ox, and Wagonhammer after we sit out a rainstorm on […]

In Episode 54, we discuss Backpacker Magazine's list of 35 Awesome (and Awesomely Bad) Outdoor Movies while sitting fireside on the Chattooga River.  In the show, I review the hiking and backpacking movies on Backpacker's list with 3Dub, BeerRun, Brownie, The Camel, Napster, The Ox, and Wagonhammer after we sit out a rainstorm on the river.  We discuss the movie, the plot, and the major actors of each film.  Then after a brief debate, the group gives a thumbs-up or down on the movie.  We are sometimes enthusiastic and sometimes not, but frequently have strong opinions on each show - and rarely agree on all the films on the list. 

FOREWARNING, this podcast is more edgy and explicit than our normal (non-campfire) shows and is not recommended for those easily offended or under the age of 13.  So if you don't have a sense of humor ... you might want to avoid these backcountry campfire shows.  But if you do - you are in for an interesting discussion!!!  For the official Backpacker Magazine list and for comments from the public to their published article follow this link.  See you in Hollywood!

Subject: Awesome (Awesomely Bad) Hiking & Backpacking MoviesInterviewees: 3Dub, Beer Run, Brownie, The Camel, Napster, The Ox, WagonhammerInterview Date: June 23, 2018Runtime: 49:11

Download Now: Awesome (Awesomely Bad) Hiking & Backpacking Movies (WMA format 47.6 MB; Awesome (Awesomely Bad) Hiking & Backpacking Movies (MP3 format 47.5 MB)

In Episode 53, I speak with Amos Prudhon about his YouTube channel titled Backpacker Diaries - which documents his numerous ventures into the backcountry of the U.S and Canada.  Amos does an excellent job at capturing the experience on the Trail - and focuses on multi-day and multi-week backpacking trips that are well within the reach of most backpackers.  On the show, we discuss his recent hike on the Sawback Trail in Banff National Park and we talk specifics about securing a permit, backcountry campsites, wildlife, insects, weather and FOOD.

Did I forget to mention that Amos is a professional chef???   Listen in and you will not only discover some new hikes to add to your wish list, but you will also hear some suggestions for your next backcountry meal. 

You can watch and learn more about Amos's adventures by clicking this You Tube link to the Backpacking Diaries or join the Facebook group of the same name.   Amos did a great job laying this podcast over photos and video of his adventures - so check out these two YouTube links to see and hear this podcast:  Part 1, Part 2 

Subject: Backpacker DiariesInterviewees: AmosInterview Date: June 22, 2018Runtime: 1:18:48

Download Now: Backpacker Diaries (WMA format 59.3 Meg); Backpacker Diaries (MP3 format 75.6 Meg)

In Episode 52R, we relaunch the most popular podcast from the first few years of the show … 30-Pack’s enthusiastic recap of his 2012 Appalachian Trail thru-hike.  With spring in the air and thru-hiker season underway – this is a great follow-up to our discussions with 3Dub in the last show.  Once again, you’ll hear […]

In Episode 52, it's a first on the N2Backpacking podcast because I speak with a fellow podcaster - Rudy from the Cascade Hiker.  He approached me for an interview, but we end up trading questions and discussing a range of hiking and backpacking topics. 

On the show, we talk about how we got in to backpacking, why we started podcasting, how we integrate our families in to our backcountry adventures, and the drastically different climates of the Pacific Northwest and Southern Appalachians. 

So click below to hear the show ... or follow this link to The Cascade Hiker Podcast where you can hear Rudy and a number of interesting hikers and backpackers provide some great suggestions for your next trip to the backcountry. 

Subject: The Cascade HikerInterviewees: RudyInterview Date: January 22, 2018Runtime: 1:14:26

Download Now: The Cascade Hiker (WMA format 64.9 Meg);  The Cascade Hiker (MP3 format 71.7 Meg)

In Episode 51, I speak with 3 Dub (aka the World Wide Wanderer) who spent 7 months hiking northbound or NOBO on the Appalachian Trail last summer.  On March 26th I had the opportunity to see him off at Springer Mountain, and in the podcast we speak about his preparations for the hike, experiences on the Trail, and what the vibe is like as a 50+ year old thru-hiker.

With the long distance hiking season ramping up ... 3Dub and I talk right before he departed for Europe and his spring hike on the Camino de Santiago.  So you get two long distance trails in one on this show!  As a bonus, 3Dub gives us some insight in to the Camino and the adventures that await you in France and Spain.  Plus he shares some tips on how you can pull off two long distance hikes - two years in a row.  Don't miss this one! 

Subject: NOBOInterviewees: Phillip (aka 3Dub)Interview Date: February 21, 2018Runtime: 1:10:20

Download Now: NOBO (WMA format 56.8 MB); NOBO (MP3 format 67.5 MB)

In Episode 52R, we relaunch the most popular podcast from the first few years of the show … 30-Pack’s enthusiastic recap of his 2012 Appalachian Trail thru-hike.  With spring in the air and thru-hiker season underway – this is a great follow-up to our discussions with 3Dub in the last show.  Once again, you’ll hear […]

In Episode 50, Rich, Mark, and Aaron join us from the ADK Winter Mountaineering School to discuss winter backpacking and how it is one of the best kept secrets of the wilderness - no crowds, no bugs, no humidity ... no problem.

In the show, we talk about the gear you need, the tricks you can employ, and the ADK training that will make you a bad ass winter backpacker. So listen in and get pumped to hike in the cold.  And while you are at it - check out the FREE PDF's the school offers to help you plan and prepare for your next winter adventure.

Loyal listeners ... we have reached Episode #50!!!  If you enjoy the podcast and want to hear more - drop us a comment on iTunes and tell us what you like about the show.   Or visit the ADK website  and learn more about their winter program.

Subject: Winter BackpackingInterviewees: Rich, Mark, AaronInterview Date: February 22, 2018Runtime: 1:03:54

Download Now: Winter Backpacking (WMA format 55.8 MB); Winter Backpacking (MP3 format 61.6 MB)

In Episode 49, the Camel, Pixie, and I review a few of the major U.S. hiking news events of 2017.  Some of the topics we discuss include nails on trails, backcountry treasures, girls joining the Boy Scouts, and the hardest partiers on the A.T.

And in the spirit of giving you reasons to hike more in the New Year, we offer up the 52 hikes in 52 weeks challenge.  We also find inspiration in the youngest person to complete the triple crown (at age 9) and the oldest person to hike the Appalachian Trail (at age 82).  If they can do it ... so can you!!!

So listen in and get motivated.  And if you are so inspired and enjoy the show - drop us a comment or check out our new Patreon page to support the podcast.

Subject: Hiking News Review (Coleman Ridge Show)Interviewees: The Camel, PixieInterview Date: January 14, 2018Runtime: 58:16

Download Now: Hiking News Review (Coleman Ridge Show) (WMA format 54.9 MB; Hiking News Review (Coleman Ridge Show) (MP3 format 54.9 MB)