Derek and Carl hit the desert trail with a crew of 12. And...the SOS button got pressed. That story and how Derek proved to be not only extremely helpful but also a bit of a saboteur at the same time.

5 Pieces of Gear We Recommend (Click on it to help us out!)

-Outdoor Vitals Shadowlight Backpack *Featured & Reviewed*

-Moon Cheese *Featured & Reviewed*

-Jetboil Stash Backpacking Stove

-Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter

-Therm-a-rest Neo Air Ultralight Sleeping Pad

GET MORE EPISODES! There are over 50 episodes of B&B that you can get by supporting us at 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 our Facebook page, @BackpackingAndBlistersPodcast on Instagram or email: hikercman@netscape.net

Get 20% new sponsor Marmoset Music for all of your music licensing needs with coupon code Blisters20.

Check out our wonderful sponsors: Prepared4X  and Summit Strength! Use Coupon Code 'Backpack20' for 20% off!

CHECK OUT our latest VIDEO: Maroon Bells: A Backpacking & Blisters Story

It's not all about going ultralight. And, to be honest, most of us don't. So, what's worth splurging on regarding weight and cost? Derek and Carl discuss some legitimate (and questionable) options. Also, Carl shares a story about how he was recently threatened with physical violence during a training session. Did he handle the situation correctly?

5 Pieces of Gear We Recommend (Click on it to help us out!)

-Outdoor Vitals Gear

-Jetboil Stash Backpacking Stove

-Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter

-Granite Gear Crown2 Backpack

-Therm-a-rest Neo Air Ultralight Sleeping Pad

GET MORE EPISODES! There are over 50 episodes of B&B that you can get by supporting us at Patreon. It's safe and secure and it helps us put out more content.

CHECK OUT our latest VIDEO: Maroon Bells: A Backpacking & Blisters Story

Get 20% new sponsor Marmoset Music for all of your music licensing needs with coupon code Blisters20.

To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Facebook page, @BackpackingAndBlistersPodcast on Instagram or email: hikercman@netscape.net

Check out our wonderful sponsors: Prepared4X  and Summit Strength! Use Coupon Code 'Backpack20' for 20% off!

What is one of the most dangerous places to travel when out on a mountainous backpacking trip? And how do you handle the curveballs that might be thrown at you? This episode will tell you!

5 Pieces of Gear We Recommend (Click on it to help us out!)

-Outdoor Vitals Gear

-Jetboil Stash Backpacking Stove

-Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter

-Granite Gear Crown2 Backpack

-Therm-a-rest Neo Air Ultralight Sleeping Pad

GET MORE EPISODES! There are over 50 episodes of B&B that you can get by supporting us at Patreon. It's safe and secure and it helps us put out more content.

Get 20% newest sponsor Marmoset Music for all of your music licensing needs with coupon code Blisters20, Prepared4X  (use Coupon Code 'Backpack20' for 20% off) and Summit Strength! 

To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Facebook page, @BackpackingAndBlistersPodcast on Instagram or email: hikercman@netscape.net

Derek and Carl explore some different clothing options for the trail and make suggestions for some that you can leave behind. Derek suggests he's willing to wear a ridiculous item for half a day if Carl brings it. (Carl is bringing it next week to Capitol Reef.) Also, Tayson from Outdoor Vitals weighs in with his latest and greatest clothing related release: an ultralight hoodie. And should we beware fake rangers?

Featured: Preorder the Ventus Active Hoodie from Outdoor Vitals

5 Pieces of Gear We Recommend (Click on it to help us out!)

-Outdoor Vitals Gear

-Jetboil Stash Backpacking Stove

-Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter

-Granite Gear Crown2 Backpack

-Therm-a-rest Neo Air Ultralight Sleeping Pad

GET MORE EPISODES! There are over 50 episodes of B&B that you can get by supporting us at Patreon. It's safe and secure and it helps us put out more content.

CHECK OUT our latest VIDEO: Maroon Bells: A Backpacking & Blisters Story

Get 20% new sponsor Marmoset Music for all of your music licensing needs with coupon code Blisters20.

To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Facebook page, @BackpackingAndBlistersPodcast on Instagram or email: hikercman@netscape.net

Check out our wonderful sponsors: Prepared4X  and Summit Strength! Use Coupon Code 'Backpack20' for 20% off!

In this second version of the 'love it or ditch it' series, Derek and Carl explore a number of new items. One of them leads to an old story that's never been shared when Carl challenged Derek and Derek was actually right.

Derek and Carl dive into strategies to reduce the dreaded day 2 soreness. Carl even has a solution to completely prevent backpacking soreness. Also, how do you get elevation gain at the grocery store? And, a top 5 most depressing backpacking moments from Nate of Colorado Springs.

Our Top 5 Pieces of Gear We Recommend (Click on it to help us out)

-*Featured in this episode* Chirp Wheel

-Outdoor Vitals Gear

-Jetboil Stash Backpacking Stove

-Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter

-Katadyn BeFree Water Filter

CHECK OUT our latest VIDEO! Maroon Bells: A Backpacking & Blisters Story

Get 20% new sponsor Marmoset Music for all of your music licensing needs with coupon code Blisters20.

GET MORE EPISODES! There are over 50 episodes of B&B that you can get by supporting us at Patreon. It's safe and secure and it helps us put out more content.

Check out our sponsor Prepared4X!!! Use Coupon Code 'Backpack20' for 20% off!

To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Facebook page, @BackpackingAndBlistersPodcast on Instagram or email: hikercman@netscape.net

Check out our wonderful sponsors: Outdoor Vitals and Summit Strength!

Derek and Carl have had their fair share of trip failures. Some are unavoidable or unpredictable but the 6 characters outlined in this episode you've probably already experienced (or will experience) in some form or fashion. Is Derek the kinder, gentler soul when a fellow hiker is having an issue? He discusses his 'hug quota' per day to suggest as much. Also, Carl reveals a way a recent trip was sabotaged in an unexpected way by a member of his family...before it even started.

Our Top 5 Pieces of Gear We Recommend (Click the link to help us out)

-Outdoor Vitals Gear

-Jetboil Stash Backpacking Stove

-Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter

-Katadyn BeFree Water Filter

-Granite Gear Crown2 Backpack

CHECK OUT our latest VIDEO! Maroon Bells: A Backpacking & Blisters Story

GET MORE EPISODES! There are over 50 episodes of B&B that you can get by supporting us at Patreon. It's safe and secure and it helps us put out more content.

Check out our new sponsor Prepared4X!!! Use Coupon Code 'Backpack20' for 20% off!

To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Facebook page, @BackpackingAndBlistersPodcast on Instagram or email: hikercman@netscape.net

Check out our wonderful sponsors: Outdoor Vitals and Summit Strength!

Famous Youtuber Dan Becker joins the show to discuss gear choices he wish he bought sooner based upon a series of videos he's put out over the last couple years. Carl agrees with some of his choices but gives some pushback on others. Derek seems to agree with all of Dan's choices...even when they contradict prior statements made by him on the show. Also, feedback about Derek's REI purchase history is shared...and it is more surprising than you might think (or at least more surprising than Carl was expecting).

Gear Featured in this Episode! (Click the link to help us out)

-Therm-a-rest Compressible Pillow

-Flextail Portable Air Pump

-Helinox Chair Zero

-Katadyn BeFree Water Filter

GET MORE EPISODES! There are over 50 episodes of B&B that you can get by supporting us at Patreon. It's safe and secure and it helps us put out more content.

Check out our new sponsor Prepared4X!!! Use Coupon Code 'Backpack20' for 20% off!

To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Facebook page.

or email: hikercman@netscape.net

Check out our wonderful sponsors: Outdoor Vitals and Summit Strength!

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Derek and Carl explore some common beliefs/sayings/wisdom that revolves around backcountry travel and challenge the validity of each. Carl thinks his can be easily debunked. Derek presents 3 that Carl does not believe are common trail myths at all. No surprise there. Also, Carl has a revealing phone call with Ranger Eric from Yosemite. Derek is actually shocked by a few parts of the conversation.

Our Top 5 Pieces of Gear We Recommend (Click on it to help us out)

-Outdoor Vitals Gear

-Jetboil Stash Backpacking Stove

-Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter

-Katadyn BeFree Water Filter

-Granite Gear Crown2 Backpack

Check out our new sponsor Prepared4X!!! Use Coupon Code 'Backpack20' for 20% off!

GET MORE EPISODES! There are over 50 episodes of B&B that you can get by supporting us at 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 our Facebook page.

or email: hikercman@netscape.net

Check out our wonderful sponsors: Outdoor Vitals and Summit Strength!

Derek and Carl discuss a new stove on the market that might help you out (especially in the long run). What is adventure revenge? And Carl has come up with a plan to solve a backpacking mystery discussed on the podcast once and for all. Derek has a very, very strong reaction to this. 

Our Top 5 Pieces of Gear We Recommend (Click on it to help us out)

- *FEATURED* Jetboil Stash Backpacking Stove

-Outdoor Vitals Gear

-Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter

-Katadyn BeFree Water Filter

-Granite Gear Crown2 Backpack

Check out our new sponsor Prepared4X!!! Use Coupon Code 'Backpack20' for 20% off!

GET MORE EPISODES! Our 13th bonus episode is going live this week. Plus there are over 30 episodes that are no longer available on most podcast apps that you can get by supporting us at Patreon. It's safe and secure and it helps us put out more content.

Please watch our latest video: A Backpacking 'Who Dunnit'

To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Facebook page.

or email: hikercman@netscape.net

Check out our wonderful sponsors: Outdoor Vitals and Summit Strength!

Fellow adventurers from across the nation and beyond submitted a number of backpacking related questions to the podcast seeking the advice and wisdom from outdoor "expert" Derek. Topics range all over. There's something for everyone. Also, is Derek the kind of guy who microwaves Tuna in a crowded breakroom and then leaves to eat it somewhere else? Last thing: does anybody read these descriptions?

Our Top 5 Pieces of Gear We Recommend (Click on it to help us out)

-Outdoor Vitals Gear

-Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter

-Katadyn BeFree Water Filter

-Granite Gear Crown2 Backpack

Check out our new sponsor Prepared4X!!! Use Coupon Code 'Backpack20' for 20% off!

GET MORE EPISODES! Our 13th bonus episode is going live this week. Plus there are over 30 episodes that are no longer available on most podcast apps that you can get by supporting us at Patreon. It's safe and secure and it helps us put out more content.

Please watch our latest video: A Backpacking 'Who Dunnit'

To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Facebook page.

or email: hikercman@netscape.net

Check out our wonderful sponsors: Outdoor Vitals and Summit Strength!

Season 2 winner of the hit TV show 'Alone', Dave McIntyre, joins the show and discusses survival, behind-the-scenes details, life after the victory and much, much more. Derek and Carl react to his wealth of information and evaluate their own chances of success at the show. Also, Derek gets challenged on his thought that bringing only 1 pair of underwear on a trip is appropriate. 

Our Top 5 Pieces of Gear We Recommend (Click on it to help us out)

-Jetboil Stash Backpacking Stove

-Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter

-Granite Gear Crown2 Backpack

-Katadyn BeFree Water Filter

-Therm-a-rest Neo Air Ultralight Sleeping Mattress

Check out our new sponsor Prepared4X!!! Use Coupon Code 'Backpack20' for 20% off!

As mentioned in the episode Dave McIntyre's The Fall. Also you can book him for a speaking engagement here.

GET MORE EPISODES! Our 13th bonus episode is going live this week. Plus there are over 30 episodes that are no longer available on most podcast apps that you can get by supporting us at Patreon. It's safe and secure and it helps us put out more content.

Please watch our latest video: A Backpacking 'Who Dunnit'

To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Facebook page.

or email: hikercman@netscape.net

Check out our wonderful sponsors: Outdoor Vitals and Summit Strength!

Strangely, this is the first time Derek and Carl have had a formal debate episode. Five "hot" topics were chosen for the guys to debate. Derek comes prepared, Carl doesn't think he needs to. Also, does name dropping a much-discussed ranger win Derek a point? And can it be cold when the sun's out?

Our Top 5 Pieces of Gear We Recommend (Click on it to help us out)

- *FEATURED* Granite Gear Crown2 Backpack

-Jetboil Stash Backpacking Stove

-Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter

-Katadyn BeFree Water Filter

-Therm-a-rest Neo Air Ultralight Sleeping Mattress

GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers.

Please watch our latest video: A Backpacking 'Who Dunnit'

To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Facebook page.

or email: hikercman@netscape.net

Check out our wonderful sponsors: Outdoor Vitals and Summit Strength!

Can you shave pounds without spending any money? Yes! A number of options discussed by Derek and Carl are free! Are all of them 'easy' as the title suggests (and Carl intended)? You be the judge. Also, Carl gets ahold of a customer service rep from a company that he's been trying to reach for about a year. And did a successful trail prank get thwarted by one of the B&B crew after all?

Our Top 5 Pieces of Gear We Recommend (Click on it to help us out)

-*FEATURED* Scrubba Portable Wash Bag

-Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter

-Granite Gear Crown2 Backpack

-Katadyn BeFree Water Filter

-Therm-a-rest Neo Air Ultralight Sleeping Mattress

GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers.

Please watch our latest video: A Backpacking 'Who Dunnit'

To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Facebook page.

or email: hikercman@netscape.net

Check out our wonderful sponsors: Outdoor Vitals and Summit Strength!

This is not your typical record of mistakes. Whether you're a beginner or a trail veteran, you're probably making one or eight from Derek and Carl's lists. It's time to fix these problems! Derek offers up some surprisingly legit solutions. Also, Carl discusses podcast review drama.

anger Eric from Yosemite. Derek is actually shocked by a few parts of the conversation.

Our Top 5 Pieces of Gear We Recommend (Click on it to help us out)

-Jetboil Stash Backpacking Stove

-Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter

-Granite Gear Crown2 Backpack

-Katadyn BeFree Water Filter

-Therm-a-rest Neo Air Ultralight Sleeping Mattress

GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers.

Please watch our latest video: A Backpacking 'Who Dunnit'

To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Facebook page.

or email: hikercman@netscape.net

Check out our wonderful sponsors: Outdoor Vitals and Summit Strength!

Derek and Carl explore some details about gear that you just may not know...and may actually help you. Carl attempts to lay some ground rules for the episode and challenges Derek on the "fun" portion of his gear facts. Each of the guys share what they are nerds about. Derek is somehow a water nerd (whatever that means). 

anger Eric from Yosemite. Derek is actually shocked by a few parts of the conversation.

Our Top 5 Pieces of Gear We Recommend (Click on it to help us out)

-Jetboil Stash Backpacking Stove

-Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter

-Granite Gear Crown2 Backpack

-Katadyn BeFree Water Filter

-Therm-a-rest Neo Air Ultralight Sleeping Mattress

GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers.

Please watch our latest video: A Backpacking 'Who Dunnit'

To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Facebook page.

or email: hikercman@netscape.net

Check out our wonderful sponsors: Outdoor Vitals and Summit Strength!

Derek and Carl discuss trends related to backpacking and the outdoors that they will predict will soon die out. They, of course, completely disagree with each item on their counterpart's list. Carl challenges Derek about how trendy his ideas are in the first place. Derek doesn't believe half of Carl's ideas even exist as an issue. Also, why is Derek listening to another podcast about horoscopes? 

anger Eric from Yosemite. Derek is actually shocked by a few parts of the conversation.

Our Top 5 Pieces of Gear We Recommend (Click on it to help us out)

-Jetboil Stash Backpacking Stove

-Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter

-Granite Gear Crown2 Backpack

-Katadyn BeFree Water Filter

-Therm-a-rest Neo Air Ultralight Sleeping Mattress

GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers.

Please watch our latest video: A Backpacking 'Who Dunnit'

To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Facebook page.

or email: hikercman@netscape.net

Check out our wonderful sponsors: Outdoor Vitals and Summit Strength!

Derek and Carl address some information passed on by outdoor sales clerks that might not be completely true. Some of them are funny and absurd while others are things you might still believe. The guys do their best to explain these falsehoods and Carl attempts to bring science into one of his explanations. Also, is Derek a liar? Carl challenges Derek with some old stories that haven't been shared on the podcast before.

GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers.

anger Eric from Yosemite. Derek is actually shocked by a few parts of the conversation.

Our Top 5 Pieces of Gear We Recommend (Click on it to help us out)

-Jetboil Stash Backpacking Stove

-Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter

-Granite Gear Crown2 Backpack

-Katadyn BeFree Water Filter

-Therm-a-rest Neo Air Ultralight Sleeping Mattress

Please watch our latest video: A Backpacking 'Who Dunnit'

To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Facebook page.

or email: hikercman@netscape.net

Check out our wonderful sponsors: Outdoor Vitals and Summit Strength!

Derek and Carl field a variety of questions and comments from fellow adventurers. Just a few questions/topics that came up: how do you handle a creepy group member, do other people (besides Derek) use old episodes as "research", and what does Derek have nightmares about?

Please check out guest Cassie's Facebook Group.

Also, guest Chris from Bexar Outfitters has some helpful videos!

GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers.

Please watch our latest video: A Backpacking 'Who Dunnit'

To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Facebook page.

or email: hikercman@netscape.net

Check out our wonderful sponsors: Outdoor Vitals and Summit Strength!

What does it take to hike monster miles? Sam Bonnecroy made an attempt at the Fastest Known Time record on the Centennial Trail last summer. He shares some interesting strategies, interesting circumstances and an unexpected trail dessert. Also, could Carl hang with the likes of Sam on the Centennial Trail?

Please watch our latest video: A Backpacking 'Who Dunnit'

GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus episodes, videos, and priority invites to B&B "events!" It's a safe and secure way to support your favorite content providers.

To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on our Facebook page.

or email: hikercman@netscape.net

Check out our wonderful sponsors: Outdoor Vitals and Summit Strength!