Backpacking & Blisters

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 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 BONUS episodes of B&B that you can get by supporting us on Patreon. It's safe and secure and it helps us put out more content. To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/

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 If you’re interested in joining us for the monthly B&B Bible Study, please reach out to Carl: backpackingblisters@gmail.com Check out Joe Robinet’s Amazing YouTube Channel Follow Joe Robinet on Instagram 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 SEGMENT FROM THIS SHOW & BONUS EPISODES ON PATREON: There are over 40 BONUS episodes of B&

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 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 episodes of B&B that you can get by supporting us on Patreon. It's safe and secure and it helps us put out more content. To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on… Facebook Instagram: @BackpackingAndBlistersPodcast Email: backpackingblisters@gmail.com Please

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 market! Enlightened Equipment: Check out the best Ultralight Quilts on the market! GET BONUS SEGMENTS & EPISODES ON PATREON: There are over 50 BONUS episodes of B&B that you can get by supporting us on Patreon. It's safe and secure and it helps us put out more content. To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on… Facebook Instagram: @BackpackingAndBlistersPodcast Email: backpackingblisters@gmail.com Please check out our website: backpack

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 SEGMENTS & EPISODES ON PATREON: There are over 50 BONUS episodes of B&B that you can get by supporting us on Patreon. It's safe and secure and it helps us put out more content. To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on… Facebook Instagram: @BackpackingAndBlistersPodcast Email: backpackingblisters@gmail.com Please check out our website: backpackingandblisters.com Our Favorite Gear Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt Outdoor Vitals Summit Down Sleepi

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 market! GET BONUS SEGMENTS & EPISODES ON PATREON: There are over 50 BONUS episodes of B&B that you can get by supporting us on Patreon. It's safe and secure and it helps us put out more content. To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on… Facebook Instagram: @BackpackingAndBlistersPodcast Email: backpackingblisters@gmail.com Please check out our website: backpackingandblisters.com Our Favorite Gear Enlightened Equipment Reve

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! GET BONUS SEGMENTS & EPISODES ON PATREON: There are over 50 BONUS episodes of B&B that you can get by supporting us on Patreon. It's safe and secure and it helps us put out more content. To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on… Facebook Instagram: @BackpackingAndBlistersPodcast Email: backpackingblisters@gmail.com Please check out our website: backpackingandblisters.com Our Favorite Gear Enlightened Equipm

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 episodes of B&B that you can get by supporting us on Patreon. It's safe and secure and it helps us put out more content. To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on… Facebook Instagram: @BackpackingAndBlistersPodcast Email: backpackingblisters@gmail.com Please check out our website: backpackingandblisters.com Our Favorite Gear Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt Outdoor Vitals Summit Down Sleeping Bag Gregory Paragon/Maven Backpack (Full

Justin Outdoors joins the show to share the best of the best gear in the categories of ultralight, budget and fancy. What are his top 2 pieces of gear for these categories? And what is fancy gear? Also, it’s time to introduce the Backpacking Magazine support line. There is now a spot devoted to all of your tough trail questions. Some of the Gear Discussed -Fancy Sleeping Pad -Ultralight Pillow -Budget Trowel -Budget Headlamp Check out... Justin Outdoors’ Top Pieces of Fancy Gear 15 Insane Budget Backpacking Deals 2025 Ultralight Gear Awards   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 episodes of B&B that you can get by supporting us on Patreon. It's safe and secure and it helps us put out more content. To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on… Facebook Instagram: @BackpackingAndBlistersPodcas

Derek and Carl discuss the growing backpacking trends of 2026…and why many of them should simply die. From the latest gear trends and hot sellers to backpacking ‘style’ and fashion there’s got to be at least 1 thing you both agree and disagree with. Also, did Derek have a meltdown during trivia? Some of the Topics Discussed -The Latest Backpacking Gear -Backpacking Clothing -Water Bottle Innovations. Check out Mike’s video series on Isle Royal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joWhqGQMWrw 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 episodes of B&B that you can get by supporting us on Patreon. It's safe and secure and it helps us put out more content. To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on… Facebook Instagram: @BackpackingAndBlistersPodcast Email: backpackingblisters@gmail.com Please check out ou

Dan Becker joins the show to discuss some of things your average YouTube watcher doesn’t know about the gear reviews and reviewers. He also shares the twists and turns of his story and how he continues to evolve as a content creator. Dan has a lot of different and unexpected things coming. Some of the Topics Discussed -The Behind-the-Scenes of Gear Reviews -From Zero to Backpacking Hero -The most important Dan Becker YouTube video Check out the Bucket Ministry! Check out Dan Becker’s Awesome YouTube Channel! 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 episodes of B&B that you can get by supporting us on Patreon. It's safe and secure and it helps us put out more content. To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on… Facebook Instagram: @BackpackingAndBlistersPodcast Email: backpackingblisters@gmail.

Derek is back and better than ever! Are we being deceived by gear companies or just general beliefs about certain pieces of backpacking gear? Derek and Carl pull back the curtain and reveal the TRUTH! Some of the Topics Discussed -Stove boiling times -Water Filter Details -False Advertising 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 episodes of B&B that you can get by supporting us on Patreon. It's safe and secure and it helps us put out more content. To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on… Facebook Instagram: @BackpackingAndBlistersPodcast Email: backpackingblisters@gmail.com Please check out our website: backpackingandblisters.com Our Favorite Gear Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt Outdoor Vitals Summit Down Sleeping Bag Gregory Paragon/Maven Backpack (Full Comfort) Nemo Tensor Sleeping

You might encounter a trail villain. There might be a trail villain in your backpacking crew. Or…you might be the trail villain! Take this 10-question test to prove otherwise. Also, Carl puts Derek through the Lightning Round. Will he even answer the questions correctly? Some of the Topics Discussed -Trail social skills -Odd Backpacking encounters -Strange but true trail villain stories 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 episodes of B&B that you can get by supporting us on Patreon. It's safe and secure and it helps us put out more content. To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on… Facebook Instagram: @BackpackingAndBlistersPodcast Email: backpackingblisters@gmail.com Please check out our website: backpackingandblisters.com Our Favorite Gear Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt Outdoor

There are 5 treasure chests worth up to $3 million hidden for you to find. Jon Collins-Black joins the show to discuss some clues and insight into the treasure hunt that he created. What skills would you need to find the treasure? What highly interested valuables are hidden? What weird questions will be asked of him? Check out ‘There’s Treasure Inside’ to get all of the information! Some of the Topics Discussed -Treasure Hunting -Skills required -Weird Treasure items 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 episodes of B&B that you can get by supporting us on Patreon. It's safe and secure and it helps us put out more content. To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on… Facebook Instagram: @BackpackingAndBlistersPodcast Email: backpackingblisters@gmail.com Please check out our website: backpackin

Meet Dr. Hazel Barton, a remarkable scientist who descends into Earth's darkest corners in search of microscopic life that could transform our future. Nicknamed the "Lara Croft of microbiology," Hazel combines cutting-edge science with death-defying exploration in some of the most remote cave systems on our planet. The heart of this episode recounts Hazel's terrifying near-death experience in a cave in China. Miles underground in what they believed was a dry passage, Hazel and her team suddenly heard the roar of approaching water as an underground river changed course. What followed was a desperate fight for survival against a raging torrent, requiring split-second decisions and extraordinary human cooperation to escape. Her vivid description of climbing across slippery ledges with certain death below will leave you breathless. Beyond the adventure, Hazel reveals how her research carries profound implications for our everyday lives. Her team has discovered cave microbes capable of breaking down nylo

Former CEO of Whole Foods and one of the most famous backpackers of all time, John Mackey, joins Derek and Carl to bust backpacking myths, discuss gear strategies and give some insider information about backpacking food. And Mackey has some very interesting answers in this week’s lightning round. Some of the Topics Discussed -Busting backpacking myths -Backpacking gear -Backpacking Food Check out John Mackey’s epic stories and wisdom! 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 episodes of B&B that you can get by supporting us on Patreon. It's safe and secure and it helps us put out more content. To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on… Facebook Instagram: @BackpackingAndBlistersPodcast Email: backpackingblisters@gmail.com Please check out our website: backpackingandblisters.com Our Favorite Gea

Gear expert Villain Jesse joins the show to discuss the top luxury items of 2025. Luxuries include items that are not necessities, upgrade of essential items or simply really expensive items that might be worth having on the trail. Buy the Multi Tool Glove Prototype: https://www.ebay.com/itm/326900498222 Some of the Gear Discussed -Bend Alpha 90 Hoodie -Most comfortable Sleeping pad -Best backpacking chair -Best Sleeping Pad Inflator -Ditty/Storage Bags 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 episodes of B&B that you can get by supporting us on Patreon. It's safe and secure and it helps us put out more content. To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on… Facebook Instagram: @BackpackingAndBlistersPodcast Email: backpackingblisters@gmail.com Please check out our website: backpackingandblisters.c

Derek and Carl discuss all sorts of gear mistakes they've made, you've made, we've all made...and how to fix them. Derek gives Carl advice about first aid kits. And Carl doesn't understand adjustable trekking poles. 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 episodes of B&B that you can get by supporting us on Patreon. It's safe and secure and it helps us put out more content. To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on… Facebook Instagram: @BackpackingAndBlistersPodcast Email: backpackingblisters@gmail.com Please check out our website: backpackingandblisters.com Our Favorite Gear Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt Outdoor Vitals Summit Down Sleeping Bag Gregory Paragon/Maven Backpack (Full Comfort) Nemo Tensor Sleeping Pad Therm-a-Rest Neo Loft (for ultra comfort) Jetboil Flash (for larger gro

Derek and Carl discuss deranged, irrational, unusual, odd, weird and funky outdoor adventures that you might consider adding to your bucket list. Are you tired of loops, out and backs and point-to-point hiking trails? It’s time to increase the intensity, purpose and strangeness of your trips with this list. Some of the Topics Discussed -National Park Adventures -Area 51 and Area 51 Trivia -Traveling to the odd corners of the Earth 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 episodes of B&B that you can get by supporting us on Patreon. It's safe and secure and it helps us put out more content. To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on… Facebook Instagram: @BackpackingAndBlistersPodcast Email: backpackingblisters@gmail.com Please check out our website: backpackingandblisters.com Our Favorite Gear En

Derek and Carl have gotten some serious troll comments, criticisms, critiques and strange requests over the years. They have compiled the most interesting feedback and will respond. Not surprisingly, each of them got riled up by somebody. Some of the Topics Discussed -Backpacking Gear -Breaking Backcountry Rules and Protocols -Trolls 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 episodes of B&B that you can get by supporting us on Patreon. It's safe and secure and it helps us put out more content. To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on… Facebook Instagram: @BackpackingAndBlistersPodcast Email: backpackingblisters@gmail.com Please check out our website: backpackingandblisters.com Our Favorite Gear Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt Outdoor Vitals Summit Down Sleeping Bag Gregory Paragon/Maven