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

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...

Jon Conti joins the show to discuss the top luxury items for the lazy backpacker. This could include backpackers who truly have a focus on lounging around or hikers that still put in a lot of trail time but don’t mind carrying the extra weight. And that could be pounds of extra weight! This is not your ultralight backpacking gear episode.

Some of the Topics Discussed
-Luxury backpacking gear

-Best backpacking luxury gear options

-Unexpected gear for backpackers that are truly lazy

Check out Jon Conti’s awesome YouTube Chan...

Coach from Marion Outdoors joins the show to discuss what an Appalachian Trail shop tells overloaded backpackers and thru-hikers when they arrive frustrated. What gear should be swapped out? What changeshttps://www.marionoutdoors.com/ should they make? Also, what is the one characteristic annoying customers share?

Some of the Topics Discussed
-Ultralight backpacking gear

-The most popular footwear

-The most annoying gear customer

Use Code BandB10 for 10% of Marion Outdoors

Check out Coach’s Awesome YouTube Channel!

Check out Coach’s Podcast!

Mike’s Guide...

Glen Van Peski – owner of Gossamer Gear – joins the show to discuss some truly unorthodox ultralight strategies. With his 13lb total pack and years of backpacking experience, he definitely knows what he’s talking about. Will any of the these strategies lighten your load or are they too extreme?

Some of the Topics Discussed
-Ultralight backpacking gear

-Ultralight strategies

-Upcoming Backpacking Inventions

Check out Glen’s book Take Less Do More!

Check out Gossamer Gear’s Collection of Ultralight Gear Options!

If you’re interested in joining us f...

John Kelley joins the show to discuss 8 ways trip planners get the shaft. Are some of this avoidable if you sprinkle in a bit of wisdom and common sense? Yes. Are some unavoidable? Yes. Find out what you should beware if you’re trip planner. Or, find out how to not sabotage a backpacking trip if you’re not.

Some of the Topics Discussed
-Backpacking trip planning

-Sabotaged Backpacking trips

-Common backpacking mistakes

Check out John Kelley’s Podcast!

Check out John Kelley’s YouTube Channel!

If you’r...

Jeff Pelletier joins the show to discuss shaving weight, ultralight strategies, and to give advice to Carl about some of his controversial gear decisions about an upcoming adventure.

Check out Jeff'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

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

Enlightened Equipment: Check out the best Ultralight Quilts on the market!

GET BONUS SEGMENTS & EPISODES ON PATREON: There are over 50 BON...

Don’t you hate it when you find gear you don’t use left in your pack after a trip? How about when it’s the same unused gear over the course of multiple trips? We’ve got 6-8 pieces of gear you can simply ditch, shave some weight and save some money…because you’re not using it anyway.

Some of the Topics Discussed
-New Backpacking Gear Being Released

-Gear that ends up being useless and costing you weight and money

-An ingenious bear canister hack

If you’re interested in...

If you’re a beginning backpacker, we’ve got the gear you should buy – from budget to mid level to premium. If you’re an experienced backpacker, please let us know where we went right and wrong with our choices. Also we have a previously unreleased segment with Shug.

Some of the Gear Discussed
-Budget Backpack Option

-Premium Backpack Option

-Budget Tent Option

-Premium Tent Option

-Premium Pad Option

-Premium Sleeping Bag Option

-Premium Quilt Option

-Water Filter Suggestion

If you’re i...

Chris Cage from Greenbelly Meals and YouTube joins the show to discuss gear trends that are disrupting the industry this year! From sleeping pads to food to clothing to cottage companies, what is happening in the world of backpacking and thru-hiking?

Some of the Topics Discussed
-20206 Backpacking Gear Trends

-Backpacking Food Mistakes

-Sleeping Pad Trend

Check out Chris’ awesome YouTube Channel!

Greenbelly Meals

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

Derek and Carl discuss the top 10 most overpacked items for backpacking. This is not only from personal experience but also from what they continue to see on trail and online. If you want to lighten your load and become and ultralight backpacker, this could be the first step. Are you bringing any gear that makes this list?

Some of the Topics Discussed
-How to Ultralight backpack by getting rid of items

-Backpacking Gear Dos and Don’ts

-Our #1 Game-Changing Weight Savings Tip

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

Darwin on the Trail joins the show to discuss 3 gear failures he experienced while in Gates of the Arctic National Park. What caused him to chuck one of those pieces of gear into the wilderness? He also shares some unexpected challenges that made this trip epic but extremely difficult. Also, what’s new from Evolved Supply?

Some of the Topics Discussed
-Evolved Supply Co – New Gear!

-Epic Gear Fails You Should Know About

-Durston Gear

Check out Darwin’s full gear fail video!

If you’re interested in joining...

Mike Wanders joins the show to help highlight 7 hikes (or backpacking trips) you have to do…before you die. These are the best hiking locations that we have collectively experienced. Trail challenges, permit strategies and general warnings will all be part of the conversation.

Some of the Topics Discussed
-The absolute best hiking and backpacking trails

-Pro tips for obtaining permits

-Bigfoot

Check out the full scope of these trails by watching Mike Wanders’ epic documentaries!

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

Epic bushcraft expert Joe Robinet joins the show! What are the 3 essential bushcraft skills every outdoorsperson should know? Joe will tell you. And how to Derek and Carl measure up with these skills? Joe also shares stories about meeting Survivorman Les Stroud in a Blockbuster Video and he responds to Carl’s outlandish scenarios for future video ideas. And finally, it’s a Derek trivia week. You know what that means!

Some of the topics discussed:

-Backpacking and bushcraft skills

-The TV Show Alone

-The craziest reactions from an eclectic audience

What are 8 laws and serious rules that backpackers truly violate and, frequently, get away with? Carl and Jesse have 8 of them. And they have certainly been a party to these violations. Also, what is the worst law that they’ve broken off the trail? You’ll be surprised to find out.

Some of the Topics Discussed
-The Leave No Trace Scam

-Illegal use of gear

-Genuine trail theft

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

...

Dixie from Homemade Wanderlust joins the show to discuss the absolute best (and worse) pieces of gear she’s used the last 10 years. What makes the cut? She also shares some of the craziest, most unexpected stories from the trail. And Derek attempts to pass Trail Magic trivia.

Some of the Topics Discussed
-Zpacks, Hyperlite, Thermarest, Sierra Designs, Sawyer Gear

-Trail Magic

-Best backpacking backpack, quilt, pad, tent and more!

Check out Dixie’s Arizona Trail Series!

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

What are some baffling rookie mistakes that you might be making? Whether new to backpacking or an experienced veteran there are certainly some surprising miscues we’ve made and continue to make. The hosts are no exception. Is there anything you do that’s on the list?

Some of the Topics Discussed
-Backpacking gear

-Backpacking skills

-Shaving pack weight properly

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

Enlightened Equipment: Check out the best Ultralight Quilts on the market!

GET BONUS SEGM...

National Geographic producer and host of the 'No Ordinary Monday' podcast, Chris Baron, joins the show to discuss 6 things that 99% of backpackers and adventurers can’t do (that are important).

Check out the ‘No Ordinary Monday’ Podcast that Chris hosts for more interesting stories and adventures!

Some of the Topics Discussed
-Trip planning and managing

-How to handle chaos in the backcountry

-Trip Sabotage

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

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

Derek and Carl asked 100,000 Ultralight Backpackers and Thru-Hikers for their most aggressive weight saving tips. They share and respond to the best answers. And there are definitely some weird ones. Also, Carl accuses Derek of asking the single worst trivia question ever.

Some of the Topics Discussed
-Ultralight Backpacking Gear

-Water Filters, Personal Locator Beacons and First Aid Kits

-Gear You Can Leave Behind

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

Enlightened Equipment: Check out the best Ultralight Quilts on the market!<...

Derek and Carl have Gear Designer and Company Owner Dan Durston on the show to discuss advances in ultralight tents, upcoming gear and the origin story of a cottage gear company.

Check out Durston Gear for some great ultralight options.

Check out Dan's documentary on one of his Bob Marshall Wilderness Open adventures!

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

Enlightened Equipment: Check out the best Ultralight Quilts on the market!

GET BONUS SEGMENTS & EPISODES ON PATREON: There are over 50 BONUS ep...