Are you bringing items that should be left home? Everybody has an item or two (or more) in their pack that could easily be replaced with a lighter option or simply gotten rid of. Derek and Carl examine a number of these items that don't always get the attention they deserve but probably end up in your pack anyway. Will they suggest to ditch gear that's near and dear to you or will they downplay the importance of a critical piece of your arsenal? Probably. Also, Derek introduces the most outrageous gear people have brought in his trivia questions.

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Twitter Account: @BackpackingBli1

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It's hard to find the right people to go with...but it's worth it! Expert Devin Ashby from famed Youtube Channel Backcountry Exposure joins the show to share some of his experiences with different folk on the trail as well as the dos and don'ts of setting up a group trip. Derek and Carl come up with their own list of ways to find the right people to backpack with. Also, Derek has the most awkward response to a listener comment...maybe ever!

Check out Devin's Channel Backcountry Exposure

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Twitter Account: @BackpackingBli1

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Are you packing extra items because you're simply concerned about the 'what if?' Probably. Most of us do that. But there are ways to prevent overpacking these unnecessary pieces of gear. There are lighter options and better methods to make sure you're simply not overloading your pack. Also, was Derek a podcast saboteur in the last episode as he made judgments about gear he'd never tried out?

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.

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When you go to your local outdoor store or shop online you find the usual big name gear companies that dominate the market. Derek and Carl have 5 up and coming gear companies that you may or may not have heard of before that can help make your trip better. For ultralighters to newbies to budget conscious folk to clothing wearers to people who eat food...there's something for everyone! Also Derek and Carl get into a minor argument about trivia (shocking).

Rakaia Designs even quoted Derek from this episode. Check them out!

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Twitter Account: @BackpackingBli1

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This is not your typical list of backpacking skills. Youtuber Kevin Outdoors joins the show to provide some insight on a few skills that will make your trip better. Derek and Carl then chip in with a couple of their own unexpected trail talents. Also, Derek administers a trivia that causes some controversy. 

Check out Kevin Outdoors' Youtube Channel. He's got some great stuff!

Twitter Account: @BackpackingBli1

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Derek and Carl are joined in this episode by the Trust the Trail podcast.

Please check out our Death Hike video!

Twitter Account: @BackpackingBli1

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It's time to start putting trips on the calendar! Whether you're an experienced planner or it's your first crack at it, Derek and Carl explore a variety of strategies and considerations when putting the pieces together. Joined by expert Victoria Livschitz from RightonTrek.com, issues for the time-crunched traveler, the hesitant explorer and/or the hiker who simply needs some good plans and structure are also addressed.

Also check out EXO Protein Bars and use BACKPACKING as a coupon code to save 15%!

Please check out our Death Hike video!

Twitter Account: @BackpackingBli1

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Just how dirty is too dirty? Just how smelly is too smelly? What should we really bring in our toiletry kits and what can we leave at home? These questions and more are answered (or an attempt is made to answer them) by Derek and Carl. 

Also check out EXO Protein Bars and use BACKPACKING as a coupon code to save 15%!

Please check out our Death Hike video!

Twitter Account: @BackpackingBli1

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Since it's Christmas week Derek and Carl have an abbreviated episode. For those that have listened since toward the beginning or those that have gone back to listen to most of the back episodes we've got a trivia challenge. Listen to this episode to play along, get some hints, or just for fun.

Take the trivia quiz here.

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There's more to blister prevention than simply wearing the right socks. Derek and Carl give a thorough explanation of how to find the right footwear in order to keep your feet happy. There's A LOT to consider and there is A LOT of unhelpful information out there. This episode is an attempt to sift through all of that. Also, Derek shares a story involving Nalgene shrapnel.

Also check out EXO Protein Bars and use BACKPACKING as a coupon code to save 15%!

Please check out our Death Hike video!

Twitter Account: @BackpackingBli1

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or email:  hikercman@netscape.net