Backpacking & Blisters: A Hiking, Backpacking, and Adventure Show
Society & Culture
About
Backpacking and hiking tips and tales...with a sense of humor. This is your one-stop show for backpacking, hiking and adventure entertainment. From backpacking gear to the trail situations you will encounter to popular guests, this podcast will deliver. Derek and Carl will hit on all of the backpacking and hiking topics you want with decades of good (and horrendous) experience.
Episodes
- 10 Ways to Go Super Duper Extra Ultralight Backpacking w/ Brad 'Crow' Felton
In this episode, host and guest Brad ‘Crow’ Felton discuss 10 highly advanced ultralight backpacking strategies and gear choices designed to significantly reduce pack weight. They cover topics like ultralight gear, strategies, and unconven…
- How Much Weight Can You Shave with $150? with JUSTIN OUTDOORS (Throwback Thursday)
In this episode, Justin Outdoors joins Backpacking & Blisters to discuss strategies for reducing pack weight with a $150 budget. Topics include budget backpacking gear recommendations for packs, sleeping bags, tents, and other essential eq…
- Get Out of Camp in 30 MINUTES! Here's How!
This episode of Backpacking & Blisters covers how to break down camp in 30 minutes, discusses potential downsides to this speed, and debates whether Outdoor Vitals is a premium brand. Hosts Carl and Jesse also discuss failed gear and their…
- 2026 *NEW* Backpacking Gear You Should Check Out! with DEVIN ASHBY
Devin Ashby of Backcountry Exposure discusses ten new pieces of 2026 backpacking gear, covering items like sleeping bags, pads, backpacks, and tents. The episode evaluates which gear is a worthwhile investment.
- Why You SLEEP LIKE TRASH in the Backcountry (and How to Fix It!) with Mowser (Bonus Thursday)
Mowser explains common reasons for poor sleep in the backcountry and provides advice to improve sleep quality, drawing on extensive experience. The episode also touches on backpacking sleep systems and gear choices.
- Is Your BACKPACKING IQ Over 100? Find Out Now!
This episode challenges listeners to test their backpacking IQ by answering 10 questions and scenarios related to gear, situations, and ultralight backpacking. It encourages listeners to consider the presented answers and outcomes.
- JON CONTI: Top Luxury Items for the LAZY Backpacker
Jon Conti joins the show to talk about luxury backpacking gear suitable for those who prioritize lounging or don't mind extra weight on the trail. The discussion covers various luxury gear options and unexpected items for a comfortable, le…
- 5 Pro Tips Gear Stores Tell OVERLOADED Backpackers with COACH Marion Outdoors (Bonus Thursday!)
Coach from Marion Outdoors shares insights from Appalachian Trail gear shops on what advice they give to overloaded backpackers and thru-hikers regarding gear changes and customer habits.
- GLEN VAN PESKI: Gossamer Gear Owner's 3 Unorthodox Ultralight Strategies
Glen Van Peski, owner of Gossamer Gear, discusses unorthodox ultralight backpacking strategies and gear, drawing on his extensive experience and a 13lb pack weight. The episode touches on upcoming inventions in the ultralight backpacking s…
- 8 Ways Trip Planners Get the SHAFT with JOHN KELLEY
John Kelley discusses the challenges of planning backpacking trips, including pitfalls that can sabotage an experience. The episode covers common mistakes and advice on how to navigate the planning process more effectively.
- JEFF PELLETIER: Controversial Gear Decisions For The Last Great Adventure (Throwback Thursday)
Jeff Pelletier joins Backpacking & Blisters to discuss weight-saving and ultralight strategies, offering advice on controversial gear choices for an upcoming adventure.
- STOP Bringing These 6 Pieces of Gear You Never Use!
This episode of Backpacking & Blisters focuses on identifying and eliminating 6-8 pieces of unused gear to reduce pack weight and save money. It covers new gear releases, useless items, and a bear canister hack.
- Beginning Backpackers: BUY THIS GEAR!
This episode of Backpacking & Blisters guides beginning backpackers on essential gear purchases, discussing budget, mid-level, and premium options for items like backpacks, tents, sleeping pads, and sleeping bags. It also includes a previo…
- 6 Gear Trends That Are DISRUPTING Hiking This Year with CHRIS CAGE (Bonus Thursday)
Chris Cage joins Backpacking & Blisters to discuss 2020 gear trends impacting the hiking and backpacking industry, including advancements in sleeping pads, food, and clothing from various companies. The episode also touches on common backp…
- Top 10 Most OVERPACKED Gear You Need to Stop Bringing
In this episode, hosts Derek and Carl identify the top 10 most overpacked items for backpacking. They share insights from personal experience and observations from the trail to help listeners reduce their gear weight and embrace ultralight…
- DARWIN: Watch Out! 3 Gear FAILURES You Need to Know!
Darwin on the Trail shares insights on three gear failures experienced in Gates of the Arctic National Park, detailing what caused one failure and discussing unexpected trip challenges. The episode also touches on new products from Evolved…
- 7 Hikes YOU Should DO Before YOU DIE! with MIKE WANDERS
Mike Wanders discusses 7 must-do hikes and backpacking trips, sharing insights on trail challenges and permit strategies. The episode covers top hiking locations and mentions Bigfoot.
- JOE ROBINET: 'You Need to Know These 3 Bushcraft Skills. Period.' (Throwback Thursday)
Bushcraft expert Joe Robinet joins Backpacking & Blisters to share 3 essential skills for outdoorspeople. The episode also touches on the show Alone, meeting Les Stroud, and listener-submitted scenarios.
- 8 Laws Backpackers Break (Without Getting Caught)
Carl and Jesse discuss 8 laws and rules backpackers frequently violate, such as the Leave No Trace scam, illegal gear use, and trail theft, sharing their own experiences with these violations.
- DIXIE: The BEST (and Worst) Gear After 10 Years
Dixie from Homemade Wanderlust discusses her top-rated and least-favorite backpacking gear from the past 10 years, mentioning brands such as Zpacks, Hyperlite, and Thermarest. The episode also includes trail stories and a Trail Magic trivi…
- 10 BAFFLING Rookie Mistakes YOU Might Be Making
This episode of Backpacking & Blisters discusses 10 common rookie mistakes in backpacking, covering topics like gear and skills. The hosts share surprising errors they and others have made, and touch on properly shaving pack weight.
- 99% of Backpackers Can't Do These 6 Things with Chris Baron (Bonus Thursday)
Chris Baron, host of the 'No Ordinary Monday' podcast, shares six essential skills and practices that most backpackers and adventurers struggle with, covering topics like trip planning and managing chaotic situations in the backcountry.
- We Asked 100K ULTRALIGHTERS for Their MOST Aggressive Weight-Saving Tips
In this episode, hosts Derek and Carl review aggressive weight-saving tips gathered from 100,000 ultralight backpackers and thru-hikers. They discuss ultralight gear, items that can be left behind, and share some unusual advice received.
- DAN DURSTON: Why Do Some Tents Cost More Than a Used Car (Throwback Thursday)
Gear designer Dan Durston joins Derek and Carl to discuss advancements in ultralight tents, future gear releases, and the founding story of his company, Durston Gear.
- JUSTIN OUTDOORS' Backpacking Gear Awards for 'ULTRALIGHT', 'Budget' & 'FANCY'
Justin Outdoors joins the podcast to discuss his top gear recommendations for ultralight, budget, and "fancy" backpacking. The episode also introduces a new support line for listener questions to Backpacking Magazine.
- 2026 Backpacking Trends That Should DIE a HORRIFIC DEATH!
Derek and Carl review emerging 2026 backpacking trends in gear, clothing, and water bottles, discussing why many trends should be abandoned. The episode also touches on trivia and includes recommendations for specific gear.
- DAN BECKER: The Harsh TRUTH Behind the Gear Reviews You See
Dan Becker joins Backpacking & Blisters to reveal the hidden aspects of gear reviews and reviewers, commonly unknown to YouTube audiences. He also recounts his personal story and ongoing evolution as a content creator, hinting at future de…
- 10 LIES The Gear Companies Are Telling Us (Throwback Thursday)
This episode of Backpacking & Blisters features Derek and Carl discussing 10 potential lies or deceptions from gear companies regarding backpacking equipment. They cover topics such as stove boiling times and water filter performance, aimi…
- You're a TRAIL VILLAIN! Pass This TEST to Prove Otherwise!
This episode of Backpacking & Blisters features a 10-question test to help listeners determine if they are a 'trail villain' and discusses trail social skills and odd encounters. It also includes a lightning round segment with host Derek.
- How to Find $3 MILLION Hidden in the Woods with Jon Collins-Black
Jon Collins-Black joins Backpacking & Blisters to share insights and clues about a treasure hunt he created, with five hidden chests potentially holding up to $3 million. The episode explores the skills needed for treasure hunting and the…
- SURVIVING a DEADLY Underground Flood (No Ordinary Monday Podcast)
Dr. Hazel Barton, a scientist nicknamed the "Lara Croft of microbiology," shares her terrifying experience of an underground flood in a Chinese cave and discusses her research on cave microbes. Her work includes discovering microbes that c…
- JOHN MACKEY: Whole Foods CEO, Backpacking Myth-Buster
Former Whole Foods CEO John Mackey joins Derek and Carl to debunk backpacking myths, share gear strategies, and discuss backpacking food. The episode also features a lightning round with Mackey.
- 2025's Top LUXURY ITEMS (For ELITE Backpackers Only)
Gear expert Jesse joins Backpacking & Blisters to discuss 2025's top luxury items for elite backpackers. These items include non-necessities, upgrades to essential gear, or expensive but potentially worthwhile additions for the trail.
- 8 BIG GEAR MISTAKES You're Still Making (Throwback Thursday)
In this episode, Derek and Carl cover common backpacking gear mistakes and how to correct them, with discussions on first aid kits and adjustable trekking poles.
- The 9 MOST DERANGED Outdoor Adventures for Your Bucket List
Derek and Carl explore nine unusual, irrational, and strange outdoor adventures for your bucket list, moving beyond typical hiking. Topics include National Park adventures, Area 51, and visiting the odd corners of the Earth.
- The Best TROLL Comments & CRITICISMS -- We Respond
In this episode, hosts Derek and Carl address and respond to viewer comments, criticisms, and strange requests they have received over the years, touching on topics like backpacking gear and backcountry protocols.
- 'I Bought the WEIRDEST CAMPING GEAR I Could Find' with Steven Smith (Throwback Thursday)
Steven Smith joins Backpacking & Blisters to review unusual camping equipment, highlight the best and worst gear from 2023, and share an anecdote featuring a park ranger.
- Are EXPENSIVE Zpacks, Hyperlite & Other Cottage Brands Really WORTH IT? with Rob Pelton
Rob Pelton joins Backpacking & Blisters to analyze whether premium cottage brands such as Zpacks and Hyperlite justify their cost. The episode also explores a theory behind recent tent price surges.
- ANDREW SKURKA: 3 Things PRO Backpackers Do That You Don't
Andrew Skurka shares professional backpacking tips, discusses guide characteristics, and how trekking poles can deter bears. Hosts Derek and Carl also reveal their non-backpacking expertise.
- 10K SOS Calls Logged on Garmin! But is it SAVING LIVES? (Throwback Thursday)
This episode discusses data from Garmin SOS calls, featuring search and rescue stories and an actual SOS call recording. The hosts, Derek and Carl, also mention specific gear and ways to support their podcast.
- 8 ABSURD Backpacking GADGETS You Might Purchase with Alex Hatlevig
Alex Hatlevig joins Backpacking & Blisters to review absurd backpacking gadgets, questioning their actual usefulness and necessity in the wild. The discussion includes gear from Garage Grown Gear, REI, and Amazon.
- VOMIT in a Bag! The WORST Freeze Dried Meals in the Universe?
Derek and Carl asked over 40,000 community members about their least favorite freeze-dried backpacking meals, discussing and taste-testing the most disliked options. Carl also shares an unusual idea, and the episode touches on various meal…
- 6 Pieces of Bad Advice You Should Stop Taking with John Kelley (Throwback Thursday)
John Kelley co-hosts Backpacking & Blisters to discuss six pieces of bad backpacking advice, covering topics like overkill gear and proper gear testing and preparation.
- A CONTROVERSIAL New ULTRALIGHT Strategy That Will Blow Your Mind...with Alisha McDarris
Alisha McDarris explains how to reduce pack weight using ultralight backpacking techniques, potentially without spending money. The episode touches on controversial weight-saving methods and discusses the contents of catholes.
- Top 10 MOST BIZARRE Camp Experiences We've Ever Had (and You Can Too!)
Derek and Carl recount their top 10 most bizarre trail and camp experiences, sharing stories of odd backpacking encounters, camp antics, and unsolved backpacking mysteries.
- Death Wish Backcountry Skills That You Might Use (Throwback Thursday)
Marty Morissette, a seasoned adventurer, joins Backpacking & Blisters to discuss potentially dangerous backcountry skills that could prove useful. The episode covers gear choices and survival strategies, such as avoiding dangers like thin…
- The WORST REVIEWED Backpacking Gear in the World
This episode of Backpacking & Blisters discusses the worst-reviewed backpacking gear, questioning whether the issues lie with the gear itself or the reviews. It also touches on how simple tasks can become unexpectedly lengthy and mentions…
- 2025's MOST POPULAR Backpacking Gear & Trends with Lloyd Vogel
Lloyd Vogel, CEO of Garage Grown Gear, joins Backpacking & Blisters to discuss the most popular backpacking gear and trends for 2025, as well as items that are becoming less popular. The episode also touches on innovative gear ideas.
- 10 Things Only ADVANCED BACKPACKERS Do...with Huck Outdoors (Bonus Thursday)
Huck Outdoors joins Backpacking & Blisters to discuss the skills, gear, and knowledge that distinguish advanced backpackers. The episode covers trip planning, gear, and essential skills for experienced hikers.
- 5 Backpacking CRISES on the TIMBERLINE TRAIL: How Would You Handle Them?
This episode of Backpacking & Blisters covers five backpacking crises on the Timberline Trail, featuring guest Christine Marsh. The discussion includes trip planning, gear, and lessons learned from the experience.