The Backpacking Podcast presented by Outdoor Vitals

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

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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.

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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

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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

What is getting ready to happen in the Daniel Boone National Forest?!?!? Discover how prescribed burns are crucial for maintaining forest health and reducing wildfire risks. We explore the strategies used by the National Forest Service and focus on areas like Dania Boone National Forest and River Gorge to help preserve our natural landscapes. We also introduce the backpacking March Madness Bracket for trail runners. #WildfirePrevention #ForestManagement #PrescribedBurns #NationalForestService #EnvironmentalProtection #FireSafety #CommunityAwareness #DaniaBoone #RiverGorge #WildlifeHabitatCheck out the Skyline 30 Fastpack from Outdoor Vitals, ON SALE NOW!!! https://alnk.to/1N3uRV5

Regardless of political leanings, recent tariffs placed on other countries from the US will have an effect on American consumers and companies. In this episode, JK sits down with the owner of Hilltop Packs, Ben McMillen to talk about a volatile topic in a way that may surprise a lot of people.

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Check out the Vario jacket from Outdoor Vitals: https://outdoorvitals.com/products/vario-ultralight-jacketIn this video, we recount our recent off-roading adventure along the scenic Red River Gorge Byway. Join us as we welcome Jeremy Rodeffer (All Things Out Doors on YouTube), who shares his insights and experiences from the trip. Additionally, we dig into a discussion comparing off-roading and backpacking, exploring the advantages and disadvantages of various gear options. Whether you are an off-roading enthusiast or a backpacking aficionado, this video offers valuable information and tips for your next outdoor excursion. #OffRoading #Backpacking #adventuretravel

In the first livestream of 2025, we find ourselves talking about just about anything! Between what kind of food we like to eat when camping out to understanding how we start our days and get our minds right, this episode should have you laughing till your ribs hurt.Check out the Summit Down Sleeping Bag over at Outdoor Vitals: https://alnk.to/3J7I5rt

Join us as we dive into the crucial role water plays in backpacking! We cover essential topics like effective filtration techniques, personal tips, and unforgettable experiences. Discover how to stay hydrated on the trail, overcome challenges, and ensure your water sources are safe. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a newbie, there may be something here to elevate your backpacking experience!Check out The OV 100 Mile Challenge: https://alnk.to/aWEHdOt#backpacking #water #waterfiltration

In this podcast, we delve into the newly enacted laws that make crossing the Canadian border illegal for hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail. Join us as we explore the implications of these regulations on outdoor enthusiasts, hear firsthand accounts from Jeremiah's international hikes, and discuss the environmental and safety concerns that led to these changes. Stay informed and prepare yourself for your next adventure on this iconic trail!Check out The OV 100 Mile Challenge: https://alnk.to/aWEHdOt

Today we talk about myths within the realm of sleeping bags and quilts. What makes them warm? How should they be used? Find out in today's episode. Join the 100 Mile Challenge with Outdoor Vitals! Find out more information here: https://outdoorvitals.com/products/2931759

Jeremiah and JK talk about Jeremiah's recent trip out into the snow and cold here in the Bluegrass state. What happened and who did Jeremiah drag into the woods with him?

Check out our title sponsor, Outdoor Vitals: www.outdoorvitals.com