Backpacker Radio

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, myself, along with Jabba, Jolly, and Jess are giving you a rundown of our recent hike of the San Diego Trans County Trail. And this one is about as long as the trail itself, as we give a detailed daily overview of our hike, including the standout LOL stories, the biggest challenges associated with this trail - namely the amount of private land the route takes you though, the highlights- including some gorgeous desert terrain, an epic western terminus, and how our torrid hiking pace and some mismanaged fueling lead to the on-trail demise of our beloved Sassafras. Buckle in.
We wrap the show with the triple crown of jobs if money weren't an issue and whether a 30-second random drop in the ocean every day for 5 years is worth a $100 million.
Topo Athletic: Use code "TREKWINTER15" at topoathletic.com.
Mountainsmith: Use code "TAKEAHIKE" for 20% off at mountainsmith.com.
[divider]
Interview with Jabba, Jolly, and Jess
Jabba's Instagram
Jolly's Instagram
Jess's Instagram
Time stamps & Questions
00:05:35 - Reminders: Apply to vlog or blog for the Trek, subscribe to The Trek's Youtube, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!
00:12:42 - Introducing the SDTCT hikers
00:13:40 - Why wasn't Chaunce invited?
00:16:14 - How did you choose to hike this trail?
00:19:00 - What are the fast stats of the SDTCT?
00:30:00 - Discussion about the water cache situation
00:36:05 - How do you get to and from the trail?
00:40:40 - What's the ideal season to hike this trail?
00:42:30 - SDTCT Day 1
00:54:14 - How do you handle navigation on this trail?
01:00:20 - What were the vibes at the end of day 1?
01:03:26 - How did Jess get so many blisters?
01:10:00 - Guess the Day 1 elevation
01:14:30 - SDTCT Day 2
01:44:30 - SDTCT Day 3
01:52:40 - Jolly's rash
01:56:10 - Zach's most difficult stretch of the trail
02:05:00 - Second half of day 3
02:09:00 - The end of day 3
02:17:00 - SDTCT Day 4
02:20:00 - Discussion about the cold and hand warmers
02:25:40 - Day 4 elevation guesses
02:26:30 - Jess's demise
02:39:40 - Zach's perspective of Jess's demise
02:45:25 - Night 4
02:55:00 - Chaunce's patent pending
02:56:16 - The end of day 4
03:03:52 - SDTCT Day 5
03:11:00 - Discussion about ticks
03:12:45 - Ramona Creek Trailhead
03:19:00 - SDTCT Day 6
03:36:50 - Discussion about the private land portions of the trail
03:50:40 - SDTCT Day 7
03:54:45 - Debate about publicizing the SDTCT
04:01:25 - Discussion about the final 40 miles of the trail
Segments
QOTD:  $100 million but you have to survive 30 seconds in the ocean every day
Triple Crown of jobs if money wasn't an issue
Mail Bag
5 Star Review
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.
Sign up for the Trek's newsletter
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.
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Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.
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Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.
A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jason Kiser, Krystyn Bell, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are once again firing off our best advice for the upcoming class of Appalachian Trail thru-hikers. 
Chaunce and I are joined by Trek Community Ringleader, Jess Stone, to bring you 9 tips for thru-hiking the AT in 2026. Because this is not the first time we've done this subject, Chaunce and I are unveiling brand new advice for this one (with an asterisks)- and today's tips cover advice to ensure you don't lose your precious media (which is more common than you might think), trail name advice, the importance of training, how to maximize the adventure, how to be intentional about getting what you want out of this experience, and much more.
We wrap the show with the top tents used on the Appalachian Trail in 2025, what two week Trek Chaunce should take on at the end of March, the triple crown of things that get our goat (v2), and why food delivery services might be pure evil. 
LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.
Mountainsmith: Use code "TAKEAHIKE" for 20% off at mountainsmith.com.
[divider]
Panel with Jess Stone
Jess's Instagram
Time stamps & Questions
00:10:40 - Reminders: Apply to vlog or blog for the Trek, subscribe to The Trek's Youtube, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!
00:16:45 - Introducing today's panel
00:18:45 - Summarizing past advice
00:23:20 - Jess's Tip #1: Find a meaningful way to document your hike and commit to it
00:26:20 - Chaunce's Tip #1: Regularly upload your photos and videos to the cloud
00:29:45 - Zach's Tip #1: Don't start with a trail name
00:34:10 - Jess's Tip #2: Train. Just train.
00:39:43 - Chaunce's Tip #2: Don't marry your start date
00:44:10 - Zach's Tip #2: Wean yourself off your phone addiction
00:47:14 - Jess's Tip #3: Embrace the new and the weird
00:50:55 - Chaunce's Tip #3: Group listen to audiobooks
00:58:40 - Zach's Tip #3: Mentally prepare
01:11:10 - Stay Salty Question: What is your hottest take in the world of backpacking or the outdoors at large?
Segments
Trek Propaganda: Top Tents and Shelters on the Appalachian Trail: 2025 AT Thru-Hiker Survey by Katie Jackson
QOTD: What soft hiking can Chaunce do at the end of March?
Triple Crown of things that get your goat
Mail Bag
5 Star Review
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.
Sign up for the Trek's newsletter
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 and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jason Kiser, Krystyn Bell, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, in honor of Valentine's Day, we are once again putting love front and center-stage.
We're joined by Annie and Jake, known on trail as Pistol and Lobo, who met at mile 166 of the Appalachian Trail in 2021 and are about to come full circle, getting married at Fontana Dam, the exact spot where they first met.
We get the low down on how this romance was absolutely love at first sight, how and where things evolved from flirtation to romance to a full-blown committed relationship on trail, moving into a school bus post-trail, their attempt at recreating the magic on the PCT a few years later (spoiler alert: it was less magical), and tips to aspiring romantic hiker trash on how to find and sustain love on trail.
We wrap the show with which pieces of gear a Trek Writer with more than 10,000 miles has eliminated from her pack, our internal dialogue while eating ice cream (and why maybe I have a problem), my ENEMY of the week (fitness influencer edition), and the triple crown of relationship hacks.  
Topo Athletic: Use code "TREKWINTER15" at topoathletic.com.
Mountainsmith: Use code "TAKEAHIKE" for 20% off at mountainsmith.com.
[divider]
Interview with Annie & Jake
Annie's Instagram
Jake's Instagram
Time stamps & Questions
00:09:05 - Reminders: Apply to vlog or blog for the Trek, enter the Badger Sponsorship, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon, and subscribe to The Trek's Youtube!
00:11:50 - Introducing Annie & Jake
00:14:22 - Discussion about wedding planning
00:17:55 - How did you each individually get into the outdoors?
00:22:35 - Walk us through the first parts of your hikes
00:28:20 - Did you have any major fuckups at the beginning of your hike?
00:29:45 - Tell us about the day you met
00:32:14 - Did you have a conversation about making it "one tent official"?
00:34:00 - More about the day Annie & Jake met
00:37:46 - Walk us through your first meeting to your first kiss
00:42:25 - What was the next level up in your relationship?
00:45:10 - Did it feel like you were venturing into real relationship territory?
00:46:25 - Why do you think you vibed together so quickly?
00:49:20 - How soon did you start discussing your plans for after the trail?
00:53:50 - Discussion about living in a bus over the winter
00:55:24 - What are green flags or red flags for couples approaching the end of a trail?
01:00:00 - What advice do you have for fellas to court a fellow thru-hiker?
01:03:00 - Did you have any moments where you unexpectedly learned a lot about the other person?
01:06:20 - Do you have advice for managing petty arguments on trail?
01:11:40 - What grocery store recommendations do you have?
01:16:00 - Tell us about doing the half gallon challenge
01:17:40 - Tell us about your scariest day on trail
01:23:00 - In what ways is your second thru-hike different from the first?
01:26:10 - Were you on the same page about leaving the PCT?
01:27:00 - Are you interested in trying the PCT again?
01:29:45 - What questions should someone ask their partner on trail?
01:34:20 - Do you plan on having kids?
01:35:10 - Peak Performance Question: Do you have a top performance enhancing or backpacking hack?
01:36:20 - Tell us your proposal story
Segments
Trek Propaganda: After 10,000 Miles on Trail, These Are the 10 Pieces of Gear I'll Never Carry Again by Livvy Weld
QOTD:  What is your internal dialogue while eating ice cream?
Enemy Thing of the Week
Triple Crown of relationship hacks
Mail Bag
5 Star Review
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.
Sign up for the Trek's newsletter
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 and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jason Kiser, Krystyn Bell, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined once again by outdoor filmmaker and long-distance backpacker, Lauren "Longway" Roerick. 
Lauren shares the highs and lows of a massive year of international backpacking and adventure, including dragging her "indoor cat" brother along on the 88 Temple Pilgrimage in Japan and her not in such great shape dad on the Camino del Norte in Spain, her less than stellar experience on the Via Dinarica and how one especially unfortunate stretch in Montenegro ultimately forced her off trail, quickly rinsing the palette with some gorgeous hiking on the Transcaucasian Trail in Georgia, and her experience hiking the Santa Fe to Taos Trail as part of our "get paid to thru-hike" sponsorship. We also learn more about Lauren's background, including a chaotic international divorce, learning calculus in Chinese, and how she once sang opera although refuses to do so for you- we forgive her and this is a fun, inspirational chat regardless.
We wrap the show with a hidden gem thru-hike in New York, a Triple Crown of Pop (not SODA!), and what trail traditions should be celebrated on spring equinox.
LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.
[divider]
Interview with Lauren Roerick
Lauren's Instagram
Lauren's Youtube
Lauren's Website
Time stamps & Questions
00:04:57 - Reminders: Apply to vlog or blog for the Trek and apply for the Badger Sponsorship! 
00:09:10 - Introducing Lauren Roerick.
00:10:10 - Discussion about Te Araroa
00:13:30 - Discussion about a near hypothermia experience in the Tararua Mountains
00:19:10 - Give us an overview of the Santa Fe to Taos Trail
00:26:45 - Any standout stories from the Tahoe Rim Trail?
00:27:55 - Tell us about the 88 Temple Pilgrimage in Japan
00:35:00 - Discussion about Lauren's tea ceremony experience
00:37:20 - What did you do during your three years living in Taiwan?
00:39:20 - Did you really move to California to study and sing opera?
00:43:30 - Discussion about Lauren moving frequently
00:47:35 - Tell us about your hometown
00:49:50 - Tell us about starting a sales agency
00:55:20 - Who is the 88 Temple Pilgrimage for?
00:58:20 - Tell us about bikepacking around Taiwan
01:05:50 - What's the least safe you felt during your international travels?
01:21:15 - Tell us the good parts of the Via Dinarica
01:28:35 - Tell us about hiking in Georgia
01:35:35 - How often do you get recognized?
01:37:00 - Was the Santa Fe to Taos Trail boring in comparison?
01:39:08 - Tell us about the trail you hiked with your dad
01:43:40 - How did the Camino rank against other trails you hiked last year?
01:46:24 - Discussion about 
01:51:45 - Do you have general tips for international travel and hiking?
01:58:35 - What is next on your hiking schedule for 2026?
02:03:15 - Stay Salty Question: What is your hottest take in the world of backpacking?
Segments
Trek Propaganda: The Epic 358-Mile Thru-Hike in New York You've Never Heard Of by Alex McClain
QOTD: Summer solstice is hike naked day. What should spring equinox be?
Fear of the Week
Triple Crown of pop/soda
Mail Bag
5 Star Review
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.
Sign up for the Trek's newsletter
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 and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jason Kiser, Krystyn Bell, Luke Netjes, Matt from Gilbert, AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, SPAM, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic…today's episode is pure chaos. 
If you've listened to any of our Hiking Viking episodes, you already know what I'm talking about.
After four "Girl Stuff" episodes, Chaunce figured it was only fair to balance the scales with what we're officially calling the Guy Stuff episode, a panel-style conversation that goes off the rails almost immediately, featuring Jabba and Lt Cookoo Bird.
We cover everything from trail grooming strategy (aka pube management), to whether you'd rather have boobs or a vagina for 24 hours, to making Backpacker Radio condoms as trail swag, Chaunce has a beard, and Jabba bites Chaunce's toes.
If you're looking for polished thru-hiking advice… this ain't it. This is a circus. Enjoy the ride. 
Topo Athletic: Use code "TREKWINTER15" at topoathletic.com.
[divider]
Interview with Jabba and Cookoo
Jabba's Instagram
Cookoo's Instagram
Time stamps & Questions
00:08:15 - Reminders: Apply to vlog or blog for the Trek, apply to be a Trail Correspondent, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon, and subscribe to The Trek's Youtube!
00:12:20 - Introducing Jabba and Cookoo
00:16:35 - Cuckoo, what have you been up to since you were last on the podcast?
00:26:54 - Do you think your urge to hike quickly is a macho trait?
00:29:10 - Discussion about working out
00:32:40 - Chaunce's BPR condoms idea
00:39:10 - Jabba, what have you been up to since you were last on the podcast?
00:50:35 - Discussion about PCT Days
00:59:20 - You have 24 hours - do you want to have boobs or a vagina?
01:05:00 - Discussion about trail grooming strategy
01:16:50 - Jabba's Roku stick story
01:18:32 - Discussion about blue balls
01:24:25 - How could a woman mess with a group of men on trail?
01:30:45 - Have you Tinder-blazed?
01:35:55 - What's your most interesting trail hookup story?
01:53:45 - What do you do differently when you're interested in someone on trail?
01:56:50 - How do you deal with swamp sack?
02:01:30 - How do you maintain personal hygiene?
02:11:00 - What are some things you've learned as you've hiked?
02:14:00 - Is chafing inevitable?
02:18:30 - How do you maintain your upper body while hiking?
02:25:00 - Discussion about supplements on trail
02:28:35 - Is anyone taking testosterone on trail?
02:31:20 - What upcoming hiker fashion trends do you foresee?
02:35:05 - Would you rather encounter a man or bear in the woods?
02:47:25 - How long would you wait to tell someone you're completely lost?
02:50:57 - What's the most vulnerable moment you've had on trail?
02:59:15 - What's the best way to break the ice to a new date that you hike four months per year?
03:03:12 - Who has the better fantasy team?
03:05:30 - Peak Performance Question: What's your top performance-enhancing or backpacking hack?
03:21:40 - When do you choose trail runners versus boots?
Segments
Trek Propaganda:
5 Thru-Hikers Who Turned Their Passion for Hiking Into a Small Business by Chickpea
The 2025 Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker Survey: General Information (Part 2) by Katie Jackson
QOTD: They're a 10 but they like to turn off the game in the 4th quarter - can you make the relationship work?
Triple Crown of unsung technological advancements
Mail Bag
5 Star Review
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.
Sign up for the Trek's newsletter
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 and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jason Kiser, Krystyn Bell, Luke Netjes, Matt from Gilbert, AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, SPAM, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.