The Backpacking Podcast presented by Outdoor Vitals

If you could have any backpacking gift for Christmas, what would it be? What would you turn your nose up to? We're talking all things Christmas, winter backpacking, and new years backpacking resolutions.Be sure to check out Outdoor Vitals: https://alnk.to/bPg5BoQ

Rates for international guests in our National Parks are rising. Students are getting punished with......hiking? Has the Arizona Trail lost access to its southern terminus? We've some serious hot button topics on this episode of the podcast.Be sure to check out Outdoor Vitals and get those last minute Christmas Gifts: https://alnk.to/bPg5BoQ

Jamie McCracken joins the podcast today and shares stories of his adventures all over the US, marathon training, and his lesser-known hobby of gardening. Check out Jamie on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@JamieMcCrackenBe sure to check out Outdoor Vitals and their massive sale going on now!: https://alnk.to/bPg5BoQ

What happens when Jeremiah decides to bring a burrito back to camp with him? What could the outcome possibly be? Let's just say there are explosive results!

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In this episode, Jeremiah and JK want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. We're talking Black Friday shopping! What are some great gifts that you can get your favorite backpacker.....or maybe just yourself? Be sure to check out Outdoor Vitals and their massive sale going on now!: https://alnk.to/bPg5BoQ

In this episode, we're discussing products that physically help backpackers hike easier. We're also discussing the updates to AllTrails that have hikers pulling their hair out.Be sure to check out Outdoor Vitals and their Black Friday Sale: https://alnk.to/bPg5BoQ

JK and Jeremiah go live with a Q&A Session. If we could have any gear, what would it be? What hobbies do we have outside of backpacking? These questions and more are answered in this episode.Be sure to check out Outdoor Vitals and their Black Friday Sale: https://alnk.to/bPg5BoQ

Are large charges fair in National Parks? Should unprepared hikers have to pay for their own search and rescue? Hot takes incoming....Holiday Sale Incoming https://outdoorvitals.com/pages/holiday-deals-2025$50 off NovaPro Jacket https://outdoorvitals.com/products/novapro-jacket

In this episode, Jeremiah and JK discuss the most terrifying Halloween costumes for backpackers from Backpacker Magazine.

Holiday Sale Incoming https://outdoorvitals.com/pages/holiday-deals-2025

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JK and Jeremiah are finally back together again and ready to hang out with the BPP Nation. We talk about everything from misclassifying the difficulty of trails, the governement shutdown's affect on backpacking, and whether or not it's right to charge people to park in our national parks and forrests.Be the first to know when Outdoor Vitals will be having their Black Friday Sale by go to this link: https://outdoorvitals.com/pages/holiday-deals-2025You can also get a sweet deal ***$50 OFF*** on the Nova Pro Jacket by clicking here: https://outdoorvitals.com/products/novapro-jacket

Writer and improvisational performance artist BRONWYN PREECE wrote the children's books Gulf Islands Alphabet and the upcoming ‘My Happy Hiking Trails’ and the ‘Canadian Rockies Alphabet’. Her next book of trail tails for adults, hiking beyond, will be released in March 2026. The pioneer of earthBODYment, an eco-somatic approach to exploring connections between mind, body, and earth, she also performs and gives workshops around the world. Today, we get to chat with her about her outdoor adventures and crazy injuries on the Backpacking Podcast.

knee deep in high water : riding the Muskwa-Kechika, expedition poems : https://amzn.to/3...

Jeremiah is out of town, so JK is bringing in a guest cohost for the week, and that man is none other than Brad Felton of As the Crow Flies Hiking. We talk about inappropriate things people say on trail, falling, while hiking, and a number of other random topics.Check out the brand new Mountain Pursuit Apparel Line from Outdoor Vitals: https://alnk.to/2FE95c4

Johnathan and Jeremiah unpack everything in the backcountry from bagging up your poop, surviving a tornado and the great stool/chair debate.

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Red River Gorge Meetup 10/10/25 - 10/12/25:

1. Easiest, but longest route: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/indian-staircase-via-indian-arch-easiest-19e12da?u=i&sh=luwlk4

2. Medium, but fun alternate: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/indian-staircase-via-bypass-00d1146?u=i&sh=luwlk4

3. Hardest, but most fun: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/indian-staircase-via-staircase-hardest-daeb5e1...

In this episode, JK and Jeremiah talk about everything from annoying hornets to unethical hunting practices on trail, and the reality of backpacking alone....even if you're a backpacking veteran. Go check out the new Shadowlight Backpack over at Outdoor Vitals: https://alnk.to/eZJoZ31

Red River Gorge Meetup 10/10/25 - 10/12/25:

1. Easiest, but longest route: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/indian-staircase-via-indian-arch-easiest-19e12da?u=i&sh=luwlk4

2. Medium, but fun alternate: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/indian-staircase-via-bypass-00d1146?u=i&sh=luwlk4

3. Hardest, but most fun: https...

285 $700 Sleeping Bags, New Backpacks, and 4 Day Old Tuna Packets

In this episode, Jeremiah and JK talk about a recent incident that occurred in the Catskill Mountains in New York where psychedelic mushrooms caused a major issue. We also talk about some interesting "would you rather "s and so much more.Check out the brand new Pursuit Apparel Line from Outdoor Vitals: https://alnk.to/2FE95c4

Today, we’ve got two AT thru-hikers, Kriz Akoni and Metro on the Move. Both recently summited Mt Katahdin and claimed their place in hiking history. We share in the victories, the struggles, and some of the most disgusting things that backpackers never talk about from the trail.Check out the brand new Pursuit Apparel Line from Outdoor Vitals: https://alnk.to/2FE95c4

In this episode, Jeremiah shares the dirt on his most recent trip with Mr. Backpacking With Jason Sir. JK shares a list of things that most backpackers know but don't talk about.

Check out the brand new Pursuit Apparel Line from Outdoor Vitals: https://alnk.to/2FE95c4

On this episode, JK and Jeremiah revisit our most recent poll about where everyone prefers to do the "number 2", we discuss Wal-Mart's recall on exploding water bottles, and we decide which drinking water is the best to take on trail.Check out the brand new Pursuit Apparel Line from Outdoor Vitals: https://alnk.to/2FE95c4

Check out the brand new Pursuit Apparel Line from Outdoor Vitals: https://alnk.to/2FE95c4Moose Mutlow is a senior trainer and family liaison officer of Yosemite Search & Rescue, one of the world's busiest organizations of its kind…and he’s bringing his years of experience to the Backpacking Podcast. We talk about everything from swimming with crocs in Australia to Navigating thick patches or Rhododendron in the mountains of North Carolina. We also learn the harrowing details of the hardest parts of working in search and rescue. Tune in to hear from someone on the front lines or o...

He survived wildfires, and now he’s surviving Ben McMillan at Hilltop Packs. Welcome Tim Buckley to the livestream.

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He’s a DJ, a YouTuber, a photographer, owner of Hiltop Packs and Apex Giant Gear, and now you can call him an author. Come hang out with us while we talk to Ben McMillen about his new book, and we discuss mistakes we’ve all made on trail.Be sure to check out our title sponsors, Outdoor Vitals: https://alnk.to/6mRM7ET

In this episode, JK and Jeremiah hit several topics, from a recent bear attack caught on camera, dodging the rain on backpacking trips, and alternatives to hiking in the hot summer months. Be sure to check out our title sponsors, Outdoor Vitals: https://alnk.to/6mRM7ET

We’ve broken down many of his articles from Backpacker.com, and now we get to sit down and chat with the editor in chief himself, Adam Roy. We chat about everything from family to his passion for spiders, and some great gear info.Be sure to check out our title sponsors, Outdoor Vitals: https://alnk.to/6mRM7ET

In this episode, JK and Jeremiah play a little game of "Would You Rather." They hilariously discuss which choices they would make given extreme situations. How would you respond to these?Be sure to check out our title sponsors, Outdoor Vitals: https://alnk.to/6mRM7ET

JK and Jeremiah discuss more hot takes and get your opinions in real time! What does the B.P. nation think about these ridiculous takes?Be sure to check out our title sponsors, Outdoor Vitals: https://alnk.to/6mRM7ET

We look at hot takes from the people who should know best…backpackers. Backpacker magazine lists some of the hottest takes in the backcountry, and we give you our hot takes on them! https://www.backpacker.com/stories/essays/opinion/your-most-unhinged-hiking-takes-made-even-our-editors-uncomfortable/Be sure to check out our title sponsor, Outdoor Vitals! - https://alnk.to/6mRM7ET

Jeremiah goes on a trip to West Virginia, and there's a lot of disappointment in the new tier system with All Trails. If you want to hear a good, old-fashioned Jeremiah Stringer rant, tune in!

She started hiking at the southern tip of South America and has made her way through Central America and Mexico. Now she’s joining us from Montana! Please welcome Lucy Barnard to the podcast as she shares from her adventures and thousands of miles that she has hiked.

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Join us as we chat with longtime friend of the podcast and backcountry innovator, Chad Houghton, owner of UGQ Outdoor.

Outdoor Vitals Tarp: https://alnk.to/aLKyeIPWe are joined by WoodAllTrails today to talk about his trip surviving a tornado while backpacking and lots of other fun topics.

WoodAllTrails Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@WoodAllTrails

This week, we are excited to have Steven Smith join us for the podcast. In a very short time, My Life Outdoors has become the gold standard of backpacking YouTube channels and information on gear, tips, and the science behind backpacking. Hang out with us in the chat as we celebrate his most recent milestones, discuss new gear, and talk the future of backpacking.Check out our title sponsor, Outdoor Vitals at: www.outdoorvitals.com

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Garage Grown Gear Sale (90+ Brands) https://alnk.to/apUXnooThis week, we’re discussing the dangers of following cairns on trail, the excitement behind trail days beginning this weekend, and discussing the latest ground-breaking tent from Durston Gear.

Free Gear Outdoor Vitals Live UL Membership: https://alnk.to/1N3KpTVToday, we finish off the list of the 8 most controversial topics in the backcountry. We discuss the age-old debate of how to put your shoes on correctly, and we ask “Will it Bacon?” to something many of us enjoy daily.

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What were the top 8 controversies of the last year in Backpacking? What is good bathroom etiquette in other peoples’ homes, and did Dan Durston just drop another game changer tent?

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Today, we’re talking about increased logging in our national forests. Is it to help with forest fire prevention? Make the US more self-reliant? Or is it just another money grab for the lumber industry?

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What happened when JK went to Arkansas with a bunch of strangers? Why does he avoid the TSA like the plague? Find out answers to these questions and more as we chat about John's trip to Devil's Den State Park in Arkansas.

How do you train up a new backpacker to be ready for the backcountry? What does that first trip look like? We’ll be answering these questions and more with our good friend, Devin Ashby.

Check out Devin's website and new gear: backcountryexposure.com

(use code EXPOSURE10 to get 10% off)

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Join us breaking down budget backpacking and Cranberry Wilderness with Johnathan Woodall from WoodAllTrails.Outdoor Vitals trekking poles ALL ON SALE: https://outdoorvitals.com/collections/trekking-poles

In this episode, Jason Waugh from the YouTube channel "Backpacking with Jason" jumps on the show to tell us about his epic adventure on the John Muir Trail in Northern Tennessee. After severely breaking his ankle last year, how did he do as he put that ankle through its first major test?Check out the Outdoor Vitals Stormloft Topquilt here: https://bit.ly/4c2Kugi