Backpacking & Blisters: A Hiking, Backpacking, and Adventure Show

These are not Outdoor Conspiracy Theories, these are actual conspiracies that Ricky ‘Your Trail Buddy’ and Carl investigated. They provide the evidence they found and opportunities were given to the people and companies mentioned to respond. Some did but most did not. What did they get right or wrong?

Some of the Topics Discussed
-Outdoor Conspiracies

-Companies like Gore Tex, REI, Patagonia, Nemo

-The Trail Magic Myth

Check out Ricky’s ‘Sleeping Pad Finder’

Here’s Your Trail Buddy’s awesome YouTube Channel!

If you’re interested in jo...

There are 5 issues (at least) backpackers can commonly have that nobody seems to talk about. Christine “Nomad Unknown” Machado experienced some of these on her Pacific Crest Trail thru hike this summer. And how do you handle the creepy guy on the trail?

Some of the Topics Discussed
-Backpacking Issues

-Pressing the Red Button vs. Self Rescue

-Planning and overplanning the trip

Check out the full story on Nomad Unknown’s YouTube Channel!

If you’re interested in joining us for the monthly B&B Bible Study, please reach ou...

It’s not going to be a wild animal attack, a rockslide or an avalanche. Most backcountry rescues are not about bad luck, they’re about 5 variables that you can absolutely control. Stuart Howe from ‘Howe’s the Hike’ shares the information we all need to know to travel safely…and how your friends might still mess it up.

Some of the Topics Discussed
-Backcountry Rescues

-5 Variables That You Can Control

-Garmin Reliability

Check out Stuart’s Channel ‘Howe’s the Hike’!

If you’re interested in joining us for the mon...

What are the 6 “Deadliest” Trails in the world? And how can you survive them? Ben and Carl discuss just what make them deadly and their best cheat codes to defeat them.

Some of the Topics Discussed
-National Park Trails

-Methods to Avoid Dying on the Trail

-Common and Deadly Backpacking Mistakes

If you’re interested in joining us for the monthly B&B Bible Study, please reach out to Carl: backpackingblisters@gmail.com

The ‘SUMMIT ANSWER’ comes from our latest partner, Summit Something! Get your sustainable, keepsake summit flags here...

Should we stop believing what the gear companies are telling us? Sometimes there’s rigorous testing involved in the claims they make and sometimes the messaging is a manipulation of the truth. Jesse and Carl share a couple of these misdeeds and then challenge Sawyer owner Kurt Avery on the claims he makes about his filters. The packaging says 100,000 gallons. Really?

Some of the Topics Discussed
-Gear company packaging stats

-How Sawyer water filters are actually tested

-Backpacking gear

Reviewed Gear: La Sportiva Ethereal Pro

If you’re inte...

Hiking Guy Cris Hazzard joins the show to discuss the best trail tech for hiking, backpacking and adventuring right now! This includes best hiking watches, personal locator beacon (PLB), tech services and anything new and random that’s been released.

Some of the Gear Discussed
-Best Backpacking Watch

-Best Personal Locator Beacon

-Zoleo Updated Device

Check out Hiking Guy Cris Hazzard’s Youtube Channel!

If you’re interested in joining us for the monthly B&B Bible Study, please reach out to Carl: backpackingblisters@gmail.com

The ‘S...

Bailey Bremner has backpacked over 10,000 miles. She’s a gear reviewer and a gear expert. What are her ‘go to’ pieces of gear after years of use. And how do these big companies like Clever Hiker process gear reviews in the first place?

Some of the Topics Discussed
-Ultralight Backpacking Gear Reviews

-Durable Backpacking Gear

-How Gear Reviews Work

Bailey’s Reviews and The Trail Dog Project

Reviewed Item: the Leki Skyterra FX One Trekking poles

If you’re interested in joining us for the monthly B&B Bible S...

Mike Wanders has been searching for bigfoot for years and he knows what he’s talking about. He’ll tell everyone his 3 best tips for finding Sasquatch while Carl runs his 3 creative, but novice ideas, by him as well. Also, what is Mike’s most compelling encounter and what does he think of a famous bigfoot enthusiast who’s been accused of hoaxing people?

Some of the Topics Discussed
-Bigfoot finding gear and tips

-Bigfoot stories

-Bigfoot trivia

Mike Wanders' Vancouver Island Documentary

If you’re interested in joining us...

Only 1% can do these 10 things that Jesse and Carl have observed over the years. And they’re not all good. Which skills, abilities, knowledge, efficiencies and gear do you have from this list? And what did they miss?

Some of the Topics Discussed
-Ultralight backpacking gear

-Essential and non-essential backpacking skills

-The worst backpackers

Reviewed Item: the Zenbivy Pillow

If you’re interested in joining us for the monthly B&B Bible Study, please reach out to Carl: backpackingblisters@gmail.com

The ‘SUMMIT ANSWER’ comes from our late...

What does a professional mountain guide have to say to her clients to correct bad habits? Sunny Stroeer – premier adventurer – shares the 3 most common pieces of advice she has to reteach members of her backpacking crew.

Some of the Topics Discussed
-Most Common Backpacking mistakes

-Why There Are Fewer Female Backpackers

-Death-defying Tales From the Far Side of the World

Check out Sunny’s website to find out more about what she shared!

MSR Switch

If you’re interested in joining us for the monthly B&B Bible...

What are the 6 biggest fears you’re still packing? And what are you really afraid of? Alex Hatlevig joins the show to discuss the useless and semi-useless gear in your packs and what you can do or bring instead. Also, there are 3 things you’re not afraid of enough.

Some of the Topics Discussed
-Packing your fears

-Big mistakes hikers and backpackers are ignoring

-Ultralight gear upgrades that can solve problems

Check out Alex Hatlevig’s YouTube Channel!

If you’re interested in joining us for the monthly B&B Bibl...

There are some hot backpacking trends that are helpful, some that are dying and some that are just weird. Lloyd Vogel from Garage Grown Gear will share what he’s seeing from the retail side of this story. And Carl will have Lloyd react to his own ideas from what he’s seeing from the trail. Also, Carl accuses Lloyd of carrying a very awkward piece of gear.

Some of the Topics Discussed
-New and Dying Backpacking Trends

-Surprising Hot Backpacking Gear

-Gear that GGG would reject carrying

Check out Gara...

One of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people, Dean Karnazes, joins the show to share some unorthodox trail hacks and crazy tales from the backcountry. This man has done so many adventures but that does not deter Carl from suggesting 3 more creative ideas for him.

Some of the Topics Discussed
-Unorthodox Trail Hacks

-Weird Backcountry Fuel

-The absolute toughest adventure of all time

Check out Dean’s website!

If you’re interested in joining us for the monthly B&B Bible Study, please reach out to Carl: backpackingblisters@gmail...

10 Backpacking experts from Steven Smith to Eric Hanson to Dan Durston to company owners weigh in with their #1 Gear Company. Which ones do you agree with and which ones do you question?

Full Episodes Featuring the Experts
-Steven Smith

-Eric Hanson

-Dan Durston

-Devin Ashby

-Michael ‘Open Air Problems’

-Brad ‘Crow’ Felton

-Bill Gamber

-Christine Reed

-Gordon Crum

-Ray Aldridge

If you’re interested in joining us for the monthly B&B Bible Study, please reac...

You might be getting scammed by companies, the ultralight narrative, or even yourself. Jesse and Carl have 8 ultralight backpacking scams that you might be falling victim to. And some of them are also ripping off Jesse and Carl. Also, can ‘Scam Trivia’ help save you some money?

Some of the Topics Discussed
-Ultralight backpacking gear

-Unnecessary upgrades and purchases

-Rip-offs

If you’re interested in joining us for the monthly B&B Bible Study, please reach out to Carl: backpackingblisters@gmail.com

The ‘SUMMIT ANSWER’ comes from our latest par...

One of the B&B favorites – Brooke Whipple – joins the show to discuss an unexpected and concerning experience on one of her backcountry adventures.

Some of the Topics Discussed
-Stranger Danger

-Off grid living

-Backcountry Fear

Check Brooke’s awesome YouTube Channel!

And check out her latest channel inspiring women to stay healthy over the long haul!

If you’re interested in joining us for the monthly B&B Bible Study, please reach out to Carl: backpackingblisters@gmail.com

The ‘SUMMIT ANSWER’ comes from our latest p...

Michael from ‘Open Air Problems’ joins the show to discuss the best new and most popular tents on the market. And he previews the latest Durston X-Dome Pro. Carl also shares a 1 star tent he owns.

Some of the Tents Discussed
-Durston Tents

-Zpacks Tents

-Big Agens Sarvis VST

-Nemo Hornet Elite

Check Michael’s awesome YouTube Channel!

If you’re interested in joining us for the monthly B&B Bible Study, please reach out to Carl: backpackingblisters@gmail.com

The ‘SUMMIT ANSWER’ comes from our lat...

Chase Fly from Outdoor Empire and Carl got a preview of future outdoor and backpacking gear coming 2027. They each picked their favorite 4 pieces that they’re most excited about and discuss the highlights (and lowlights). Also, Chase has one of the weirdest non-backpacking skills you’ve ever heard.

Some of the Gear The Discussed
-Nemo Hornet Update and New Tent

-New Rab Quilt

-Ultralight Osprey Thru-Lite Backpack & Other Updates

-Therm-a-rest Sleeping Pads (the Trail Mix)

Check out Chase’s Cool Cooler Video Discussed!

Subscribe to Chase’s Awesom...

Cottage companies in the outdoor world are on the rise! This episode features 3 that are up and coming. They’re innovative, creative and just solid good people. Two of them have gear in Carl’s pack on every trip this summer. But...can they help you?

The Companies Discussed
-Igneous Gear

-Magnet Designs

-ULA Packs

If you’re interested in joining us for the monthly B&B Bible Study, please reach out to Carl: backpackingblisters@gmail.com

The ‘SUMMIT ANSWER’ comes from our latest partner, Summit Something! Get your susta...

Whether you’re waiting for help to arrive after pressing the red button or you’re looking to hone your survival skills, Gordon and Carl share 13 weird survival tips that just might save your life. Also, Gordon shares some strange stories he’s investigating for his environmental true crime channel. And they are strange.

Some of Topics Discussed
-Weird Survival Tips

-Best (and worst) Backcountry Safety Practices

-Easily Learned Survival Skills

Check out the Gordon Crum Channel for Environmental True Crime!

Check out the Grim Granite Channel for Surviv...

Are you trying to lighten your backpacking load? You’ve heard all of the same strategies…until now! Carl and Jesse have 6+ calculated risks that you could take to really reduce pack weight. And we’ve got new backpacking gear products that might be up your alley.

Some of Topics Discussed
-Reducing Backpacking Weight

-The Top 5 Best Ways to Reduce Pack Weight

-New Backpacking Gear and Food

If you’re interested in joining us for the monthly B&B Bible Study, please reach out to Carl: backpackingblisters@gmail.com

The ‘S...

Carl brought 7 pieces of gear to Yosemite that he’s been poking fun at for a while now. He gave everything a fair shake. Which pieces of “dumb gear” actually changed his mind? Also, a game-changing sleeping pad is reviewed and the story of an awesome prank is shared.

Some of Gear Discussed
-Exped Ultra 6.5R

-Igneous Nobo Water Bottle

-Gossamer Gear Little Sit Pad

-Gossamer Gear Bumster

-Aardwolf Spoon Cover

-Cam’s Tent Stake Pusher

If you’re interested in joining us for the monthl...

Steven Smith from ‘My Life Outdoors’ joins the show to help reveal backpacking secrets that took years to learn. He also gives compelling behind-the-scenes stories to his videos on quicksand and soon-to-be released videos that will knock your socks off. Also, Carl pitches four YouTube ideas to Steven.

Some of the Topics Discussed
-Backpacking Gear

-How to find the right backpacking pack

-Solutions to Your Hiking Problems

Check out Steven’s Full Video on this topic

The Quicksand Video

If you’re interested in joining us for the...

Big Agnes' Bill Gamber joins the show to discuss the path BA took to be at the front edge of the ultralight movement, what the future holds in the ultralight industry, what people think of when they hear 'Big Agnes', and which of the 3 products Carl pitches would BA most likely produce.

The ‘SUMMIT ANSWER’ comes from our latest partner, Summit Something! Get your sustainable, keepsake summit flags here!

Check out Magnet Designs for th...

What are the top 10 reasons you will quit on a backpacking trip, thru hike or just regular hike? And how can you avoid them? Christine Reed joins the show to discuss experiences surrounding all of these issues. If you listen to this episode, you will never quit on a hike again (maybe).

Some of the Topics Discussed
-Backpacking Gear

-Biggest Issues Facing Hikers and Backpackers on a Trail

-Solutions to Your Hiking Problems

If you’re interested in joining us for the monthly B&B Bible Study, please reach out to...

Yosemite Search and Rescue Operator Moose Mutlow joins the show! He might literally be the most interesting man in the world. Share in the crazy stories he shares with his experience on the job as well as the critical feedback he gives Carl about being a frequent flyer in the SAR network. This is one you won’t want to miss.

Some of the topics discussed:

-Yosemite Search and Rescue Stories

-Real/Fake Scenes from Popular Movies

-Carl Criticism

Follow Moose on Instagram

Check out his books!

Have you seen some weird stuff out on the trail like we have? We’ve got 12 signs that you (or somebody you know) simply doesn’t know what they’re doing. And don’t worry, we’ve got the solutions to overcome these odd situations.

Some of the Topics Discussed
-Inappropriate Backpacking Gear

-Weird Ways to Hike

-Useless Hiking & Planning Tools

If you’re interested in joining us for the monthly B&B Bible Study, please reach out to Carl: backpackingblisters@gmail.com

The ‘SUMMIT ANSWER’ comes from our latest partn...

Dan Durston joins the show to discuss the harsh truths behind the ultralight gear you’re buying. This is a real behind-the-scenes look at how the gear industry really works. There are a lot of misconceptions, lies and false accusations out there. Durston tries to shed some light in these dark places. Also, Jesse and Carl pitch Dan on the next great piece of Durston Gear.

Some of the Topics Discussed
-Durston Gear

-Backpacking Gear Companies

-Why Gear Breaks

Check out Durston Gear: https://durstongear.com

If you’re i...

Rob Pelton's joins the show to discuss why your bucket list trips will fail...and how to overcome the issues. Also, are Canadian computer hackers helping people get permits. And Rob has a big and exciting announcement!

Check out Rob’s Awesome YouTube Channel

Follow Rob on Instagram

If you’re interested in joining us for the monthly B&B Bible Study, please reach out to Carl: backpackingblisters@gmail.com

The ‘SUMMIT ANSWER’ comes from our latest partner, Summit Something! Get your sustainable, keepsake summit flags here!

Check out Magnet D...

10 backpacking experts share their favorite backcountry meals and other food ideas. Some of them are creative, some are good and some may be yucky. Which one(s) would you be willing to try.

The Backpacking Experts
-Darwin on the Trail

-Dixie ‘Homemade Wanderlust’

-Eric Hanson

-Devin Ashby ‘Backcountry Exposure'

-Glen Van Peski ‘Gossamer Gear Owner’

-Mike Wanders

-Coach ‘Marion Outdoors

-Chris Cage ‘Greenbelly Meals’

-Jon Conti

-Brad Felton ‘As the Crow Flies’

If you’re interested in joining us for the...

Who are these “backpacking experts” that are telling us lies? And have what lies have we believed that should be cleared up? Jesse and Carl discuss 10 lies from a variety of sources that we should all stop believing. From backpacking gear to reviews to secret agendas to items you “have to” bring.

Some of Topics Discussed
-Ultralight Sleeping Pads

-Sleeping Bag Nonsense

-Gear Reviews You Can’t Trust

If you’re interested in joining us for the monthly B&B Bible Study, please reach out to Carl: backpackingblisters@gmail.com

The ‘S...

Vince Strawbridge joins the show to debate this very issue. Carl and Vince make strong accusations at one another in this semi-heated debate.

If you’re interested in joining us for the monthly B&B Bible Study, please reach out to Carl: backpackingblisters@gmail.com

The ‘SUMMIT ANSWER’ comes from our latest partner, Summit Something! Get your sustainable, keepsake summit flags here!

Check out Magnet Designs for the best, US-made backpacking clothing on the market!

Enlightened Equipment: Check out the best Ultralight Quilts...

We’ve got the latest, greatest, most popular packs and we’ll tell you which ones are worth investing in, who they’re best for and our personal experiences with them. Michael from the ‘Open Air Problems’ joins the show to provide his thru-hiking, gear testing expertise. From Durston to Zpacks to Gossamer Gear to Gregory (and more) – which one is best for you?

Some of Backpacks Discussed
-Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50

-Gregory Baltoro

-Mountain Hardwear Alakazam

-Gossamer Gear Murmur 36

--Durston Wapta 30

Check out Michael’s Awesome YouTube Channe...

TV host, YouTuber Eric Hanson joins the show to discuss REI’s best-selling gear. Which items will he bring on future trips that will earn a ‘pass’ and which does he ‘fail’? And Carl, of course, will weigh in with his own opinions. Eric also shares some very compelling stories from a wide variety of adventures – including his brush with the law.

Some of the Topics Discussed
-REI’s Best-Selling Backpacking Gear

-Ultralight Backpacking Gear Alternatives

-Showdown in court with the National Park System

Check out Eric Hanson’s Awesome YouTube Channel...

If you’ve heard all of the ultralight backpacking tips out there, then this episode is for you! We’ve got 10 super duper extra ultralight hacks that will shave pounds off of your pack. Brad ‘Crow’ Felton joins me in discussing ideas you’ve simply never heard of.

Some of the Topics Discussed
-Ultralight Backpacking Gear

-Ultralight Backpacking Strategies

-Weird Ideas

Follow Crow on his awesome YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING

If you’re interested in joining us for the monthly B&B Bible Study, please reach out to...

Justin Outdoors joins the show to discuss how to upgrade a gear setup and shave weight with $150. Just how much weight can you reduce with $150 these days? Let’s find out from the best gear expert going.

Some of the topics discussed in this week’s episode:
-Reducing pack weight
-Budget Backpacking Gear
-The best backpacks, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, tents & more
-Using Pack Wizard to shop for the perfect piece of gear

If you’re interested in joining us for the monthly B&B Bible Study, please reach out to Carl...

How do you go from waking up to on the trail in 30 minutes? Carl will tell you how. Why could this be a bad idea? Jesse will tell you that too. Who’s morning routine is better? And Carl and Jesse also debate whether Outdoor Vitals is a premium brand (like it says) or not.

Some of the Topics Discussed
-Efficient Backpacking Strategies and Skills

-Backpacking Gear that has straight up broken

-Outdoor Vitals Gear: Premium or Mid Level

If you’re interested in joining us for the monthly B&B Bi...

Devin, from Backcountry Exposure, joins the show to discuss 10 new pieces of 2026 backpacking gear including: sleeping bags, a sleeping pad, a backpack, tents, a stove, etc. Which ones are worth the investment? Which ones might end up on the clearance rack?

Some of the Gear Discussed
-Bear Vault BV One

-Nemo Eclipse

-MSR Hubba Hubba HD Tent

-Mountain Hardwear Ghoul 20 Sleeping Bag

-Outdoor Vitals Zulu Jacket

-Jetboil Java 1.8L

-Baffin Bruce Mid Boots

Check out Devin’s lineup of gear: https://www.gar...

Mowser joins the show from Tasmania to break down why you sleep like trash in the backcountry. He gives a step-by-step guide to give you the best opportunity to get good sleep. There are, of course, no guarantees. But his 35 years of experience takes care of the things that we can control. Also, has he developed a backpacking app that takes the best features of the existing apps and puts them into one place?

Some of the Topics Discussed
-Backpacking sleep systems

-Sleeping bags vs. quilts

-Ultralight backpacking gear

Check...

Can you answer these 10 questions/scenarios correctly (or mostly correctly) to show that you’ve got a backpacking IQ over 100? And do you agree with the answers and outcomes?

Some of the Topics Discussed
-Backpacking gear

-Backpacking situations and scenarios

-Ultralight backpacking information

If you’re interested in joining us for the monthly B&B Bible Study, please reach out to Carl: backpackingblisters@gmail.com

The ‘SUMMIT ANSWER’ comes from our latest partner, Summit Something! Get your sustainable, keepsake summit flags here!

Check out Magnet Designs for the...