

Big Backpacks: Hiking News

Hiking & Backpacking Newswire

We've aggregated some great outdoor news blogs on this page, including of course the BBP Blog. There are also the headlines from the OGE Blog, the Trail Run Outlet Blog, and Practical Backpacking Podcasts. To read (or listen to) the full articles simply click on the headline that peaks your interest and you'll be taken to the source content.

Big Backpacks Blog Entries

Moosejaw 20% Off 1 Item Coupon Code
The Moosejaw 20% Off One Item Coupon Code is back! From now Until June 29th you’ll receive 20% off any one item with coupon code 200. While the code will work on most items in the store, it won’t work for the following brands: North Face, Arcteryx, Burton, Red, Anon, LibTech, Gnu, Suunto, Bugaboo, Western [...]
Backcountry.com 4th Of July Sale
Get prepared for that 4th of July camping trip; over 7,500 items are on sale now at Backcountry.com. Save up to 40% on top selling brands like The North Face, Patagonia, Mountain Hardwear and Arc’teryx. The 4th of July Sale continues through 7/4.
EMS 20/15/15 Sale
The EMS 20/15/15 Sale is On. Also known as the “You choose what is on sale” sale. Take 20% off your most expensive item and 15% off the next two most expensive. No minimum purchase or quantity required - so if you only purchase 1 item you’ll get 20% off. The discounts are automatically taken in the shopping [...]
10% Off Coupon On Orders Over $100 At Sierra Trading Post
From now through July 7th, 2008, get an extra 10% Off orders of $100 or more at Sierra Trading Post. You must click the banner below and the coupon code will automatically be set. You’ll see the discount in your cart once you put $100 worth of gear in it.
Kelty sponsors Daren Wendell and his walk around the world
Kelty will be an official gear sponsor for Daren Wendell and his Earth Expedition walk around the world to raise awareness, generate funds, and call people to action regarding the international water crisis. Starting on March 8, 2008 when Daren takes his first step from North Georgia College and University in Dahlonega, GA, the Earth Expedition [...]

OGE Blog Entries

MSR Microfilter Honored with INDUSTRY Innovation Award
For Immediate Release Tami Fairweather or Kerri Dellisanti | media@cascadedesigns.com | 206.676.6065 Seattle, WA, July 22, 2008 — Cascade Designs, Inc., the Seattle-based industry leader in the design and manufacturing of premier outdoor gear, is proud to announce that the company’s MSR HyperFlow microfilter has been honored with a Bronze Outdoor INDUSTRY AWARD in the camping [...]
JacksonRec Day Trippers Killin’ It
For Immediate Release Lee Hart, Brand Amp, 719.539.7788 Rock Island, Tennessee, July 3, 2008 — A unique trio of accessories – the Kids Seat, the Elite Seat, and the Day Tray - make the Day Tripper line of recreational kayaks from Jackson Rec the Transformers of the rec boat category of the paddlesports marketplace. Attention to detail, performance, [...]
$50 off $200 from PeterGlenn!
Dang. Now this one is worthy of your undivided attention! Wanna save some serious bucks? Well Peter Glenn Ski & Sports is offering a coupon right now that offers $20 Off any order over $100, or $50 Off any order over $200! I repeat…actually, I don’t need to do that. Don’t fart around. Gear up with [...]
CampSaver 4th Anniversary Sale
Looks like an amazing opportunity to save some cash on camping & outdoor gear. Here are the specifics of the CampSaver.com 4th Anniversary sale, valid not through July 4th. Better be quick on this one, stuff is flying out the door with this retailer… The CampSaver.com 4th Anniversary Sale just started, and we’ve already seen orders [...]
Moosejaw Coupon - 20% OFF ONE ITEM!
Moosejaw emailed us and said they are offering a coupon that’s valid for 20% off one item. This is going to be an active promotion until June 29th. Pretty substantial savings. And the more you spend, the more you’ll save. Details: We have a great offer….Until June 29th receive 20% off any one item. Some brands [...]
Get Snowboard Gear Cheap!
Dogfunk.com has started their 4th of July sale already. Don’t miss out on the great savings available right now. Winter’s a ways off but nowz the time to gear up, that is if you’re into saving money. Here’s the email we got verbatim: Ladies and Gents, Another killer sale from Dogfunk.com….The 4th Of July Redneck Special Sale [...]
Free Peter Glenn Ski & Sports Gift Card
Crap loads of coupons, specials, summer deals and major summer sales are rolling out for all the top outdoor gear retailers online. Here’s yet another from Peter Glenn Ski & Sports: Get a Free $20 Gift Card with any Spy Or Smith Sunglasses Purchase Of $100 or More! Use Coupon Code: sggc0608 at check out. Brand Pages: [...]
Brand Name Deals at RockCreek
YO. More from Rock/Creek. There are a lot of outdoor gear brand name products (from The North Face, Montrail, Mountain Hardwear, more…) there offer killer savings right now. Check them out below. Links available so have at it: Deals from… The North Face Marmot Montrail- Odyssey Shoe Mountain Hardwear Winter Closeouts Sanuk- Select Styles On Sale Now Chaco Sandals Yakima Racks & Accessories Keen- [...]
June Teva Coupons
There is a rare purchase-wide coupon that’s active right now for Teva…valid through June 30th. Get $15 off orders of $10 using coupon code TevaSummer08 at checkout. There is also a free shipping coupon (code TSummerShip) that’s also valid through June 30th. Click the links below and use the respective coupon codes when you check [...]
Rock/Creek and Patagonia - $3,100 Grant
In a continued commitment to offer low impact access to the outdoors, Rock/Creek, in conjunction with Patagonia, announces a $3,100 donation to the Lula Lake Land Trust. The grant money supports a growing network of trails aimed at linking the Land Trust’s protected land with Cloudland Canyon State Park. Adelaide Bratcher, Development Head for the Lula [...]

Trail Run Outlet Blog Entries

Montrail Vitesse
The mighty Vitesse has been around for ever, if you like a shoe with a lot of cushion and protection you must give these a try! We run in the rugged Wasatch Range where you need a big toe box for the long technical downhills. The Vitesse has a anti roll lug that will [...]
Massanutten 100 closet finish ever.
Yes the closet finish ever took place last weekend in Virginia at the Massanutten 100, Todd Walker held off Keith Knipiling to finish just ahead of him buy a couple minutes. This was a true test of will for both runners as they were almost together at the last aid station heading towards the finish. On [...]
It turns out that the Thetan aliens who created and put us on earth might have been onto something when they designed our feet. An article in New York Magazine makes some interesting points regarding the relationship between shoes and physiological problems. The basic argument is that you walk and run in a way that [...]
Nalgene and Faux-Nalgene Bottles Will Likely Be Added to List of Toxic Substances in America Lite
CamelBak will end up looking like the smartest guys in the room with their non-BPA bottles if the Canadian government tags the Nalgenes as a toxic chemical. Some undercover scientist leaked to the press that the Canadian government is prepared to let the world know that camping and baby bottles are slowly poisoning them. How [...]
Wasatch Speed Goat Mountain Racing Team
Thr first ever blog sponorered trail running team is up and running. Scott from Wasatchspeedgoat.com put together 17 runners from all over the country! This gang is a group of seasoned trail runners who dedicate their whole life to the sport, running anywhere from 6 - 100 ultramarathons a year! The team is supported by [...]
The North Face Rucky Chucky Trail Shoe review
Fit: Excellent. The shoe fit me very well (slightly bigger than “normal”) and feels very smooth. It has good breathability. The shoe features an ergonomically-designed footbed that looks a bit weird at first but really does not bother your feet. Toughness: Very Good. The bottom of the shoe is very well protected with new “snake-plate” technology. Flexibility: [...]
Going Green ~ Trail Runner
Living in the mountains makes it really tough to drive to work! I used to commute 37 miles one way which would take up to two hours drive time, that’s because Park City, Utah is an over developed mining town. The whole area is being built up with second homes and golf courses, and we [...]
Hardrock 100 and head cams
Trail running is about to get a first hand view of the suffering and joy the Hardrock 100 hands out! This year I will be running in a Go Pro Head Cam during sections like Virginia’s Pass, Start, Finish and a couple others. This will give you a great perspective of the views we see [...]
Wasatch Speed Goat Mountain Racing Team
[...]
Marmot’s new Motion Jacket
Well it’s that time of year were you need a piece of light weight gear you can use and pack away during your trail run. The Marmot Motion Jacket is new for Spring of 2008 and is perfect for mother nature’s surprises, one minute the weather is raining and cloudy but later it clears up. [...]

Practical Backpacking Podcast Series

PBP Episode 36 - Big Agnes

In this episode I talk with Len Zanni, one of the co-owners of Big Agnes - a manufacture of outdoor equipment that prides itself in being "The Mother of Comfort."

Our conversation specifically focuses on the new Copper Spur tent line. However, I ask Len to share a concise overview of the other tents, bags, pads, and accessories that the Colorado-based company has to offer.

Listen in to learn about Big Agnes gear - including recent product changes and a few hints on what's to come.

PBP Episode 36 - Big Agnes

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PBP Episode 35 - Tarps 101

This episode is all about tarps. I've asked Ron Bell of Mountain Laurel Designs (MLD) to help me address concerns that some may have about using a tarp as their primary backpacking shelter.

Ron and I also discuss the many benefits that tarps provide as well as helpful tips on selection and pitching.

PBP Episode 35 - Tarps 101

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PBP Episode 34 - GoLite Ultra 20

In this episode, I interview Andy Burgess, the Vice President of Development for GoLite, regarding the Ultra 20° down sleep system.

Andy shares all the details regarding the Ultra 20's design, materials, sizing, weight, and more. Listen in to discover the advantages of using this lightweight quilt for your outdoor adventures.

PBP Episode 34 - GoLite Ultra 20

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PBP Episode 33 - New at Gossamer Gear

This episode is a double-feature in which I interview the executives of Gossamer Gear. First up, I talk with Grant Sible, the company's President, about new products and those that are soon to be released. Grant shares the details regarding new ultralight backpacking accessories and the changes and upcoming additions to their pack lineup.

Also featured is a detailed introduction to Gossamer Gear's new solo 1-pound shelter, The One, by Founder and Chairman Glen Van Peski.

PBP Episode 33 - New at Gossamer Gear

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PBP Episode 32 - New Hilleberg All-Season Tents

This episode features my conversation with Petra Hilleberg, President and CEO of Hilleberg (USA), about the company's new Soulo, Allak, and Kaitum 3 shelters.

Petra shares details regarding the construction and features for each of these new models. Listen in to learn about Hilleberg's light and durable Kerlon fabric, their spacious tunnel and sturdy dome designs, and other real-world-tested features that go into every Hilleberg tent.

PBP Episode 32 - New Hilleberg All-Season Tents

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PBP Episode 31 - CDT Yo-Yo

In this episode, Francis Tapon shares the exciting details of his extraordinary Yo-Yo of the Continental Divide Trail.

Francis hiked north on the CDT from Mexico to Canada and immediately turned around at the Canadian border and hiked southbound back to Mexico. This first-ever trek covered nearly 6,000 miles and took over 6 months to complete.

Listen in to hear Francis tell his inspiring story, and to learn how he accomplished such an amazing journey. Why did he do it? How did he manage the cold, bears, loneliness, and seemingly endless miles? Which gear worked for him and which didn't? What life-lessons did he bring back? This episode is packed with candid answers to these and many other questions.

Warning the information in this episode may be lead to a hiking addiction -- but if you want more, be sure to check out the journals, photos, and videos on Francis Tapon's website.

PBP Episode 31 - CDT Yo-Yo

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PBP Episode 30 - Clark Jungle Hammock

This episode features an informative conversation with Spencer Clark of Clark Outdoor Products. The company manufactures full-featured camping hammocks in the USA from its Utah-based facilities.

Spencer is the Director of Public Relations for the family run operation, and he is intimately familiar with the details and use of the Clark Jungle Hammock models.

Listen in to hear how hammocking made its way into backpacking, and to discover if the practical and weight-saving advantages of a Clark Jungle Hammock are right for you.

PBP Episode 30 - Clark Jungle Hammock

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PBP Episode 29 - Sierra Designs

In this episode I "talk gear" with Kristine Carey - Brand Manager for Sierra Designs. For over 4 decades the Colorado based company has been enabling backpackers and other outdoor enthusiasts to venture into the wild equipped with innovative and reliable clothing and gear.

Kristine answers a variety of questions regarding a selection of outerwear, sleeping bags, and tents from the Sierra Designs product catalog.

Listen in to see which of these durable and feature-rich products may be right for you.

PBP Episode 29 - Sierra Designs

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PBP Episode 28 - Western Moutaineering

This episode features the Western Mountaineering line of sleeping bags. I recently interviewed Gary Peterson, the company's knowledgeable (and very busy) production manager. Gary wears many hats. He's directly involved in Western Mountaineering's sourcing of raw materials and research and development - among other things such as sales and human resources management.

Gary answered an hour's worth of questions regarding the down, fabric, sleeping bag models, care and cleaning, and even repairs and warranty issues. If you're interested in the company's history (over 35 years), you'll have to visit their website or contact them directly. This podcast is about sleeping bags - excellent ones - and all that goes into making a comfortable, feature-rich bag for people of all shape, sizes, and needs.

PBP Episode 28 - Western Mountaineering

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PBP Episode 27 - Gossamer Gear

In this episode I had the pleasure of interviewing Glen Van Peski, Founder and Chairman, of Gossamer Gear.

For more than a decade, Glen and his ultralight manufacturing company has been helping an ever-growing number of weight-conscious backpackers move closer to the "light."

Gossamer Gear is headquarted in Austin, Texas, and produces innovative and affordable ultralight packs, shelters, sleeping gear, and backpacking accessories.

Listen in to pickup some of Glen useful tips and lightweight backpacking knowledge, and to learn the finer details of Gossamer Gear.

[This episode features an extended testimonial section that immediately follows the interview.]

PBP Episode 27 - Gossamer Gear

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PBP Episode 26 - Pacific Outdoor Equipment

This episode features the Pacific Outdoor Equipment line of sleeping mats. Greg Garrigues is the company's General Manager who is directly involved in product design and development.

Greg is quite knowledgeable about the materials and technology that goes into making comfortable sleeping mats. And he explains the season, gender, size, and genre-of-user specific features that are available in the Pacific Outdoor Equipment line of sleeping mats.

Whether in need of a new backcountry mattress or not, you're sure to gain some helpful insight and tips from this episode.

PBP Episode 26 - Pacific Outdoor Equipment

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PBP Episode 25 - Andrew Skurka - Great Western Loop

In this episode Andrew Skurka answers questions about his long distance hikes and wilderness experiences. Andy became widely known in the backpacking community after the completion of his 11-month, 7,778-mile Sea-to-Sea hiking journey in 2005.

This spring (2007), Andy will begin a 7,000 mile Great Western Loop hike comprised of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), Pacific Northwest Trail (PNT), Continental Divide Trail (CDT), Grand Enchantment Trail (GET), Arizona Trail (AZT), and a self-made route across the Mohave and Sonoran deserts of Arizona and California.

Andy put this hike together so that he could set out to see some of the best that the West has to offer. He will journey though 12 national parks and over 75 wilderness areas along the way.

Someone who hikes this many miles certainly has something to say about backpacking gear, experience, and technique. Listen in to hear about Andy's extraordinary adventures.

PBP Episode 25 - Andrew Skurka - Great Western Loop

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PBP Episode 24 - Gear Mix 1

In this Gear Mix episode, I've included concise interviews with 4 cottage industry gear manufacturers: Brian Frankle of Ultralight Adventure Equipment, Ron Bell of Mountain Laurel Designs, Joe Valesko of Zpacks, and Henry Shires of TarpTent.

Gear Mix 1 features: the new ULA Amp pack, the recently released SUL products of Mountain Laurel Designs, the newly updated Zpacks Z1 pack, and the latest edition to the TarpTent shelter lineup - the TarpTent Contrail.

PBP Episode 24 - Gear Mix 1

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PBP Episode 23 - PCT Thru-Hike Planning

Are you considering a Pacific Crest Trail thru-hike or wondering what it takes to accomplish this 2,650 mile journey? If so, you'll want to listen in to Robert Francisco answering important questions regarding this hike through the beautiful and challenging wilderness areas of California, Oregon, and Washington.

Robert is an active volunteer advocate for the Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA). And he frequently speaks on topics related to and in benefit of the Pacific Crest Trail. Robert also serves as a mentor - helping others succeed in their goal of hiking this spectacular National Scenic Trail.

The focus of this episode is on the detail-packed planning that is necessary to complete a PCT thru-hike.

PBP Episode 23 - PCT Thru-hike Planning

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PBP Episode 22 - Six Moon Designs

This episode features a conversation that I had with Ron Moak. Ron is a long-time lightweight backpacker who's taken his passion for hiking and gear and invested it into an ultralight packs and shelter manufacturing business: Six Moon Designs.

Ron shares some of his personal hiking experience on popular national trails, and gives detailed information for his company's unique gear designs.

There are some time-tested tips to be learned from Ron. He's been backpacking and making gear for decades and has gained a wealth of practical insight from trial and error along the way.

PBP Episode 22 - Six Moon Designs

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PBP Episode 21 - Snowshoeing with MSR

In this episode I talk with Jon Almquist and Lee Getzewich of Mountain Safety Research (MSR). MSR designs, manufactures, and markets innovative adventure gear for outdoor enthusiasts.

My conversation with Jon and Lee is focused on snowshoeing and the MSR line of snowshoes. Jon is a MSR Global Brand Manager and Lee is a Product Manager who specializes in MSR's winter gear. Both are experienced snowshoers and full of helpful information about snowshoeing as it relates to winter backpacking.

Want to know more about snowshoeing and the MSR line of snowshoes? Listen in. This episode features a thorough introduction to setting out on a winter backpacking trip - equipped with the traction and advice you'll need to float (hike) safely on the snow.

PBP Episode 21 - Snowshoeing with MSR

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PBP Episode 20 - Buck Tilton - Winter Backpacking

This episode features my talk with Buck Tilton. Buck is the co-founder of the NOLS Wilderness Medicine Institute (WMI). He has authored 24 books, including NOLS Winter Camping, and written more than 1,000 magazine articles.

Buck has also been awarded the Paul Petzoldt Award for excellence in wilderness education and the Warren Bowman Award for contributions to wilderness medicine.

Listen in and pick up some of Buck's useful tips for winter backpacking gear and safety.

PBP Episode 20 - Buck Tilton - Winter Backpacking

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PBP Episode 19 - AT Wish Hikers

In this episode I talk with Joe White and Bryan Wolf. Bryan and Joe are in the midst of a Fall and Winter southbound Appalachian Trail thruhike.

These young men are carrying traditional, durable gear with pack weights that have been as high as 65 pounds. They've managed to cut the weight in half along the way, as they've become more familiar with their needs and comfort requirements. It didn't take them long, for example, to send a 12 pound tent home.

Joe and Bryan's AT thru-hike is also raising awareness and support for the Make a Wish Foundation.

I'm sure you'll find both of these hikers and what they have to say about their gear and journey both interesting and inspiring.

PBP Episode 19 - AT Wish Hikers

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PBP Episode 18 - Jacks R Better

This episode features an interview that I conducted with Jack Tier and Jack Myers. Jack and Jack are longtime friends and co-owners of the Virginia-based manufacturing company: Jacks 'R' Better.

The company specializes in lightweight down quilts for weight-conscious backpackers.

Listen in to learn about the down, fabric, and thoughtful ingenuity that is used to make their versatile backcountry sleep systems

PBP Episode 18 - Jacks R Better

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PBP Episode 17 - Petra Hilleberg - Hilleberg the Tentmaker

In this episode I interview Petra Hilleberg. Petra is the President and CEO of Hilleberg USA.

Hilleberg The Tentmaker has been manufacturing all-season tents, by hand, for over 30 years. These tents are well-known for their brilliant attention to detail, durability, and all-season construction.

Petra shares details about several tent designs that are well-suited for backpackers - regardless of the season or weather conditions.

Tips on dealing with condensation and tent care are also discussed.

PBP Episode 17 - Petra Hilleberg - Hilleberg the Tentmaker

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PBP Episode 16 - Demetri Coupounas - GoLite Now

This episode features a conversation that I had with Demetri Coupounas. Coup, as he's casually known, is a co-founder and President of a lightweight clothing and gear manufacturing company known as GoLite.

Coup explains the concept and benefits of going light, and brings us up-to-date on the new products that GoLite has to offer.

You'll also get to know more about Coup as a backpacker, including some details regarding his recent backpacking trips.

PBP Episode 16 - Demetri Coupounas - GoLite Now

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PBP Episode 15 - Karen Berger - Hiking Light

In this episode I speak with author and hiker Karen Berger. Karen has hiked thousands of miles, including thu-hikes of the AT, CDT, and PCT, and has authored nearly a dozen helpful books on backpacking related topics.

Karen tells us about her hikes across the USA and Europe, and shares tips on how those who carry heavy gear can reduce their overall pack weight.

PBP Episode 15 - Karen Berger - Hiking Light

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PBP Episode 14 - Ron Bell - Mountain Laurel Designs

This episode features my conversation with Ron Bell. Ron is the owner of Mountain Laurel Designs located in Roanoke, Virgina.

Mountain Laurel Designs manufactures super ultralight sleeping bags, bivy sacks, tarps, hammocks, shelters, and various backpacking accessories.

Ron explains the array of fabrics that are used for his unique designs, and shares detailed information for each of his company's products.

Even if you're not a gram or ounce counter, with regard to your gear, you're likely to hear something that will be of use in making your backpacking experiences more enjoyable.

PBP Episode 14 - Ron Bell - Mountain Laurel Designs

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PBP Episode 13 - Barry Robertson - Sea to Summit

Today I spoke with Barry Robertson of Sea to Summit. Barry answers questions regarding several Sea to Summit products that feature various levels of protection, for both backpackers and their gear, from the sometimes unpredictable elements in the backcountry.

Listen in and hear all about Sea to Summit's pack liners, pack covers, dry sacks, tarp-ponchos, and more.

PBP Episode 13 - Barry Robertson - Sea to Summit

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PBP Episode 12 - Laurent Gaudreau - Grand Canyon Hiker

In this episode you'll hear my conversation with Laurent Gaudreau (aka Maverick). Maverick has hiked the Grand Canyon, from rim to rim, over 100 times, and is currently attempting to hike it 80 times this year - one complete rim to rim hike for each year of age.

That's right, Maverick is 80 years old and going strong. When he's not hiking he's lifting weights. How many 80 year olds do you know who hike the Grand Canyon and pump iron?

Listen in and hear Maverick discuss his Grand Canyon adventures and the non-traditional gear that he uses.

PBP Episode 12 - Laurent Gaudreau - Grand Canyon Hiker

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PBP Episode 11 - Jeff Knight - Granite Gear

In this episode I share the conversation that I had with Jeff Knight the CEO and Co-Founder of Granite Gear.

Granite Gear is an innovative manufacturer of backpacks and other outdoor gear products. The focus of my talk with Jeff is on the company's Ultralight pack series - including the popular Vapor Trail and Nimbus Ozone packs.

[Note: This episode also includes a preview of the new Nimbus Meridian pack.]

PBP Episode 11 - Jeff Knight - Granite Gear

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PBP Episode 10 - Trauma and Yoni - 10000 Miles

Today I met with Justin Lichter, also known by his trail-name Trauma, and his dog Yoni on the Eagle Creek Trail in Oregon. The Eagle Creek Trail is a PCT alternate route that thru-hikers often take because of its amazing scenery - including several spectacular waterfalls.

Trauma and Yoni have been hiking the last 7 months or so as part of a 10,000 mile journey. Their entire trip consists of the Eastern Continental Trail (including the Appalachian Trail), the Pacific Crest Trail, and the Continental Divide Trail.

There are no phones in the wilderness, so I packed up and did the podcast on the trail. You'll hear the constant flow of the water of Eagle Creek in the background and other occasional sounds. If you listen closely, you'll even hear from Yoni.

PBP Episode 10 - Trauma and Yoni - 10000 Miles

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PBP Episode 9 - Shana Tarter - Wilderness Medicine

In this episode you'll hear the conversation that I had with Shana Tarter.

In over 10 years with the Wilderness Medicine Institute (WMI) of the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), Shana has trained thousands of students and instructors in the prevention, recognition, and treatment of wilderness injuries and illnesses. In her current role as the Assistant Director of WMI, Shana consults for outdoor programs developing medical and evacuation protocols unique to remote environments.

Listen in and hear Shana's answers to question on topics such as Blister Prevention and Care, Hydration, Personal Hygiene, Snake Bites, Altitude Sickness, and the minimum first aid supplies that should be carried in the backcountry.

PBP Episode 9 - Shana Tarter - Wilderness Medicine

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PBP Episode 8 - Francis Tapon - Hike Your Own Hike

In this episode I talk with author, thru-hiker, and world-traveler Francis Tapon on the eve of his PCT southbound thru-hike.

Francis has traveled to over 60 countries and has thru-hiked the entire Appalachian Trail from Maine to Georgia. You'll hear some of his urban and rural backpacking experiences he's had around the world, his close call with death in the Olympic National Park in Washington state, and details regarding his gear choices for his Pacific Crest Trail journey.

Francis is also the author of the book Hike Your Own Hike - 7 Life Lessons from Backpacking Across America. He shares an overview of this unique book that merges the lessons he's learned on his AT thru-hike with practical wisdom for successful living.

You may even learn a secret or two on how to budget and manage an extended backpacking trip of your own. His book is offered at a special price here on the Practical Backpacking™ Podcast site.

PBP Episode 8 - Francis Tapon - Hike Your Own Hike

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PBP Episode 7 - Victoria Seher - Black Bear Expert

In this episode, I had the pleasure of talking with Victoria (Tori) Seher. Tori has worked in Yosemite National Park for thirteen years and has worked for the Wildlife Management Branch for the last nine years. As a Wildlife Biologist, Tori oversees the park's Human-Bear Management Program.

Tori discusses such topics as the importance of proper food storage and what to do when confronted by a black bear.

PBP Episode 7 - Victoria Seher - Black Bear Expert

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Backpack Review
Mountainsmith Dog Trippin Backpack

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