This episode features an intercontinental talk that I had with Francis Tapon. Francis is in the midst of a 4-year adventure in which he will visit the 54 countries of Africa. Part of his mission involves creating a television show that will depict unique features concerning life, culture, and experience throughout Africa that might otherwise be missing or is seldom presented in mainstream programming. Wilderness hiking, car camping, and travel backpacking are essentially the ways in which Francis immerses himself into The Unseen Africa. Along the way, he's actively working on his goal to climb the highest mountains in each African country. He's experiencing Africa life like the locals - eating bread baked in the desert sand and bathing in urban rivers. Francis is full of stories of adventure that you are likely to hear only from him. Each country he visits will bring a wealth of things for him to share. Listen in to discover more about his journey and some of what he's experienced so far. There is also a bonus audio available for download on the Practical Backpacking™ Podcast website titled Adventure Financing in which Francis shares how he funds his trips.
In this episode Shaun Carrigan, producer of the long-awaited Tell it on the Mountain film, talks about the inspiration, experiences, and challenges behind producing this adventurous tale that follows the journeys of several hikers along the Pacific Crest Trail. Tell it on the Mountain entertains everyone from the casual hiker to the mileage-minded goal setter. Listen in to get some behind-the-scenes 411 on the making of this two-hour film that is now available via digital download and DVD.
This episode is all about power in the backcountry. Chris Currah, Product Line Manager for Brunton, talks with me about solar and portable power options to charge everything from headlamps to laptops. Chris explains some basic terms associated with solar panels including amperes (amps), volts, watts, and photovoltaic cells. Various power solutions are discussed to keep electronic gear going for longer adventures in the wilderness.
In this episode, Kolby Kirk (Condor) talks with me about his hiking goals, journaling, trail adventures, and creative projects. Kolby speaks candidly about his hiking experiences and shares his personal approach to getting the most out of his time spent in the wilderness. The Hike Your Own Hike mentality is alive and well in Kolby’s […]The post PBP Episode 51 – Hiking Goals appeared first on Practical Backpacking™ Podcast.
This episode features my talk with hiking legend Eric Ryback. Eric hiked the Appalachian Trail in 1969, the Pacific Crest Trail in 1970, and the Continental Divide Trail in 1972. He is recognized as the first person to thruhike the Pacific Crest Trail and the Continental Divide Trail. And he was the first person to […]The post PBP Episode 50 – Eric Ryback Hiking Legend appeared first on Practical Backpacking™ Podcast.
In this episode I interview, Ammi Borenstein, the Director of Design and Development for Outdoor Research. Ammi answers use-specifc questions regarding the company’s wide-ranging line of gloves and mittens. He provides thorough details regarding the technical materials included in various handwear models, for protecting the hands in a variety of wilderness situations.The post PBP Episode 49 – Outdoor Research Handwear appeared first on Practical Backpacking™ Podcast.
This episode features details regarding cold-weather insulation clothing in the First Ascent line from Eddie Bauer. To get the facts on layering, insulative clothing, and insight into the history and outdoor gear offerings of Eddie Bauer, I speak with the company’s Director of Technical Outerwear and Technical Sportwear: Andrew Turner. Andrew has extensive knowledge of […]The post PBP Episode 48 – Eddie Bauer First Ascent appeared first on Practical Backpacking™ Podcast.
In this episode, I talk with Russ Zandbergen about the Trail Designs Ti-Tri Sidewinder stove system and inferno wood-burning insert. Russ is the President and Co-Founder of Trail Designs LLC and maintains the innovative manufacturing company along with fellow-founders Lee Zandbergen and Yosemite-resident Rand Lindsly. With detail and pride, Russ explains the Ti-Tri’s multi-fuel capabilities […]The post PBP Episode 47 – Trail Designs Ti-Tri Sidewinder appeared first on Practical Backpacking™ Podcast.
This episode presents a conversation that I had with Kaj Bune. Kaj is the Director of Marketing for Exped LLC in North America. Our talk centers on the company’s DownMat – Exped’s popular goose-down backcountry sleeping mat that features an integrated pump. Kai shares detailed information about the DownMat’s design and its wide range of […]The post PBP Episode 46 – Exped DownMat appeared first on Practical Backpacking™ Podcast.
This episode is all about hammocks. I’ve asked Brandon Waddy of Warbonnet Outdoors to help answer some basic, introductory questions regarding camping hammocks and hammock accessories. Brandon and I discuss the types, benefits, and features of hammocks. And offer some practical tips for the use of hammocks in the backcountry. Whether you’re a curious beginner […]The post PBP Episode 45 – Hammocks 101 appeared first on Practical Backpacking™ Podcast.
This episode features my conversation with John d’Arbeloff – the President and Founder of RailRiders. Our talk focuses primarily on the company’s popular VersaTac pants and Eco-Mesh shirt. However, there’s a generous overview of several other RailRiders products. John tells us about the fabric, features, and function of his tough and practical outdoor clothing line.The post PBP Episode 44 – RailRiders appeared first on Practical Backpacking™ Podcast.
In this episode I talk with Dick Hentze. Dick is the Chairman of the Board for the Blue Mountain Heritage Trail Association [501(c)(3)]. Dick amd others are working hard to establish a new, long trail for backpackers and other outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy year-round. The Blue Mountain Heritage Trail (BMHT) is a loop trail of […]The post PBP Episode 43 – Blue Mountain Heritage Trail appeared first on Practical Backpacking™ Podcast.
This episode features my interview with former British Army Captain Ed Stafford. Ed is in the midst of an expedition of a lifetime – backpacking the entire length of the Amazon River. Driving himself through constant obstacles and denying fear’s hold on him, Ed’s spending over 2 years trekking thousands of miles of dense jungles, […]The post PBP Episode 42 – Walking the Amazon appeared first on Practical Backpacking™ Podcast.
In this episode Lawton Grinter (Disco) and Felicia Hermosillo (P.O.D.) share what it was like to backpack as a couple for over 5,000 miles. In recent years, the couple hiked both the Continental Divide Trail (see Walkumentary) and the Pacific Crest Trail, living on love, patience, trial and error, and whatever they could fit into […]The post PBP Episode 41 – Backpacking Couple appeared first on Practical Backpacking™ Podcast.
In this episode, I speak with Dusty Allison. Dusty and his wife, Amy, are traveling trainers for the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics organization. Dusty and Amy provide hands-on educational workshops and training to help others minimize any adverse impact on natural areas. Their presentations range from an hour-long workshop to a two-day […] The post PBP Episode 6 – Dusty Allison – Leave No Trace appeared first on Practical Backpacking™ Podcast.
In this episode, I speak with survival and outdoor skills expert Cody Lundin. Cody has been featured on national and international media programs such as The Today Show, The Discovery Channel, The History Channel, Dateline NBC, and CBC Radio One in Canada. Cody has been a consultant and/or instructor for various organizations including (but not […] The post PBP Episode 5 – Cody Lundin – Survival Expert appeared first on Practical Backpacking™ Podcast.
Today I spoke with Henry Shires owner of Tarptent – a manufacturing company specializing in ultralight shelters. Henry has enjoyed backpacking since his pre-teen years. Some of his recent trips include a thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail and section hikes along the Colorado Trail. In this episode, you’ll discover the gear that Henry carries […] The post PBP Episode 4 – Henry Shires – Tarptent appeared first on Practical Backpacking™ Podcast.
In this episode, Sarah Svien shares some of her backpacking experiences, tells us what she carries on the trail, and offers her expertise on cooking in the backcountry. Sarah is the author of a book titled Freezer Bag Cooking: Trail Food Made Simple, and she lives and hikes in Washington State. I hope you enjoy […] The post PBP Episode 3 – Sarah Svien – Freezer Bag Cooking appeared first on Practical Backpacking™ Podcast.
In this episode, you’ll hear the conversation that I had with endurance hiker, Matt Hazley – also known by his trailname: Squeeky. Matt got his start in backpacking just a few years ago, and has already thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail (in 2003) and the Pacific Crest Trail (in 2004). In 2005, Matt completed a straight-through […] The post PBP Episode 2 – Matt Hazley – Endurance Hiker appeared first on Practical Backpacking™ Podcast.
In this episode, you’ll hear a recent conversation that I had with Brian Frankle of ULA Equipment in Logan, Utah. Brian is an accomplished backpacker who, in recent years, has thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, Hayduke Trail, and the Arizona Trail. Brian shares what he carries in his pack, and will tell you all about […] The post PBP Episode 1 – Brian Frankle of ULA Equipment appeared first on Practical Backpacking™ Podcast.