Trust The Trail Podcast

On this episode we share our experience backpacking in the Badlands. What’s it like, the terrain, and where to go. Is it as remote as people say? We also do a recap on our 1st Annual Meet & Greet in the Badlands with our Trust The Trail Listeners.  by the way…you can always join in […]

How do you go backpacking on a remote island during a Pandemic? By Sea Plane of course. On this episode we recap our Backpacking Trip on Isle Royale National Park in a year when no one though travel there would be possible. As everything was closing due to the pandemic, our only alternative was to […]

On this episode we talk about the value of compression sacks as well as squeezing out all the pockets of forgotten air that might be trapped in your backpack. What inspired this podcast? Well…that would be 42 Ziploc bags packed for a two-night trip. How many do you carry on a typical backpacking trip? by […]

On this episode Scott and Ariane debate and delve into the topic of cairns being both essential trail markers and popular rock art formations. Is the careless cairn manipulating our natural environments, and what do you do when you see one that does not serve a critical function in the backcountry. All this and more. […]

On this episode we recap our Smoky Mountain Backpacking trip on Jakes Creek Trail. The challenges, rewards, and the wet reality spent in the backcountry. We share what’s it like setting up and tearing down camp in a torrential rain storm. by the way…you can always join in on our discussions on our Facebook group […]

What is the worth of weight on the trail? Penalty versus reward. And how that directly correlates to you being comfortable outside of your comfort zone. On episode 165, we share the difference between gear that might be a weight penalty versus a comfort item. And offer you Pro-Tips in reducing the unnecessary ounces. by […]

On this episode we discuss the pro’s and con’s of caring a Personal Locator devices on your Thru-Hike. Are they worth the money? Do they even work? We break down the Likes and Dislikes of the two most popular one’s on the market. We also explain how they work and what you should know if […]

On this episode we share not only why you should go solo backpacking, but the benefits of it. We also bust the myth about danger on the trail, and stats to back it up. Finally, some tips on how to make a solo adventure a success. by the way…you can always join in on our […]

On this episode we share our own failures and successes in testing what could be the biggest gear test we’ve ever done. We share why testing your gear is so crucial for a successful trip in forging ahead into the unknown. Should you test your gear before you go? We have the answer. by the […]

On this episode we challenge you to give back to the trail. An idea that one of our Listeners had about picking up one gallon of trash while hiking. Christopher Moynihan of Bexar Outfitters & Trust The Trail are challenging You! Our you up for the #gallonbagchallenge by the way…you can always join in on […]

On this Episode we debate two current hot topics regarding the Appalachian Trail. Is a brewery really paying someone to drink beer on their thru-hike? And should you be thru-hiking the AT during a pandemic? Scott & Ariane debate both. by the way…you can always join in on our discussions on our Facebook group page […]

On episode 159 we talk with Philip Werner owner of SectionHiker.com. SectionHiker, is one of the top websites in the backpacking industry for gear reviews, trip reports and resources for the white mountains. In fact Philip has finish hiking all 1440 miles of the White Mountain National Forest trail system. He’s also a former guide […]

On this Episode we share the BEST and WORSE gear advise we’ve ever received. What are the highlights, and the low lights in learning the hard way? And what have we learned about taking advise? This episode is all about HOW these moments have altered the way we backpack today. by the way…you can always […]

We challenge each other on what WE WOULD DO when encountering wildlife on the trail. We share some tips and answer the question – does peeing around your campsite really protect you? Well, we are here to tell the truth – and you may not like it. by the way…you can always join in on […]

We speak with Nathan Hankes the Author of Waking Up On the Appalachian Trail A Story of War, Brotherhood, and the Pursuit of Truth. Nathan shares how he and his brother found solace and triumph thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. What did the trail teach them? And how does backpacking apply to life? by the way…you […]

On this episode we share tips that we have learned about downsizing our gear closet and how we finally get rid of gear we didn’t use. Also, how to you put away your gear after a backpacking trip. Is it important? Some tips on protecting your gear. by the way…you can always join in on […]

On this episode we share a recent backpacking trip where one question was asked over and over, “should we quit and go back”? Our special guest tells her story about a trail that lies deep within a southeast wilderness where severe floods, fires, blow down, and nonexistent trail maintenance has all but made a trail […]

On this Episode we talk to CEO of Superior Gear, Danny Warnock, who has revolutionized the hammock system for Winter camping. Testing his own gear at (minus) -30 degrees. Danny may have just found the solution lightweight Winter Hammock camping. by the way…you can always join in on our discussions on our Facebook group page […]

On this Episode it’s all about the trekking pole. Do you need them? When should you bring them? And what the heck are they good for? We share facts and fictions about when to pull out your pole. by the way…you can always join in on our discussions on our Facebook group page – just […]

On this episode we answer podcast Subscriber email about what comes first. Pack weight or the ability to hike long miles? Does it even matter? We also answer how beginner backpackers can gain confidence on the trail.  by the way…you can always join in on our discussions on our Facebook group page – just go […]