Derek and Carl wrap up Season 2 reflecting on takeaways big and small. The Most Ridiculous Backpacker of All Time vote has concluded and the winner is announced (much to Carl's displeasure). Carl shares a blister story that he's been hanging onto for two seasons. And both guys throw out a video challenge for each other for the upcoming trip. Might this inspire others to create their own trip video challenge? We hope so. Thanks to everyone for becoming part of the Backpacking and Blisters community!

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This is an episode about embracing the challenge. Do you ever try to stretch yourself to your physical limits? Is there a high probability of disaster potential? "The Death Hike" is an event that Carl is attempting this July with a couple of guys from his backpacking crew -- Jared and Rocky. This episode discusses the details surrounding this Fastest Known Time (FKT) attempt. This includes training, gear, general strategy and putting this event together. Will telling somebody that they won't succeed actually motivate them to succeed? Does drinking fast food salsa a great nutritional trail strategy? And is jumping into a pool with your clothes on a great way to train? These are just a taste of the topics that pop up.

Please check out the Trailblaze Challenge mentioned in the tidbits of this episode. It's put on by the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

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Many of us have brought items into the backcountry that are regrettable. But some do this intentionally. Derek and Carl share the nominations for the Most Ridiculous Backpacker of All Time Award. Carl discusses his trip report from Capitol Reef NP -- highlights, challenges and, of course, fails. Carl has poked fun at Derek for making a silly mistake last summer. But did he make the same blunder? You be the judge.

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It's Easter weekend! Derek and Carl are rereleasing one of the more popular episodes from Season 1 with legendary backpacking filmmakers Chris Smead and Jason Fitzpatrick. There is one new release this week though...a video mockery of the podcast performed by Rocky and Jared out in Yosemite...

Mohawks and Mustaches on our Youtube Channel!

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Where did trail names come from and how does one get one? Derek and Carl explore the idea of trail names and then really dig into the results of a quiz they put out a few weeks back by plugging them into a newly designed "generator" to give a few folks some of the strangest names you've ever heard. Also, Carl shares some surprising (in a bad way) backpacking news about an upcoming trip. Does Derek have a good solution?

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Are the big trips your way to get your fitness on? Or do you train to dominate the trail? And which one will make for the better wilderness experience? Carl has made fun of Derek's lack of fitness over the last couple of years so Derek has upped his game. But is he simply spinning his wheels or making significant increases in his fitness goals? These are a lot of questions that this episode will answer. Thankfully we have Rowan Smith, an Australian expert trainer who specializes in fitness for hikers, backpackers, trekkers, etc. Check him out at Summit Strength. He will give you a taste of some of the best ways to increase your strength and stay injury free on the trail.

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There's a fine line between foolish decisions and straight up adventure. When should we play it safe and when should we just go for it. No equation has all the answers but Derek and Carl weigh in on a few scenarios. Also, what's in your first aid kit (if you have one). Purchased kits range from a few ounces to multiple pounds. Derek and Carl each share items they feel are essential and items most people can ditch. One of Derek's items causes some major confusion for Carl. Will you think what Carl is thinking or will you track with Derek the whole time?

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Green Beret, Ultimate Survival Alaska Star, Dual Survivalist and now, Ursack representative, Grady Powell joins the show to give a different perspective concerning proper food storage. He also shares his experience of throwing salmon at a Kodiak bear to stop it from chasing him. Derek and Carl follow up with their takeaways from the interview including What would it take to get an Ursack away from a bear? and How would a bear logically decided between attacking a canister or a bag?

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No doubt many of these celebrities know their stuff, but are some of them giving straight up bad advice? Derek and Carl weigh in on a couple of these types of situations. Also, how do you respond to falling through the ice on a pond, or being cliffed out during cross country travel, or having to descend a steep Mesa after a helicopter drop-off (one of Derek's ideas)? And finally, is backtracking the best solution to many of our survival dilemmas?

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Trip planning can be an art form. And it isn't for everybody. But is it for Derek? Carl challenges Derek to plan a specific trip for a group of people traveling to a popular area. Will he remember all of the key details for success? And if so, would Carl actually entrust him to plan a future trip? Also, how would Derek handle some specific examples of trip saboteurs? These questions and more will be answered.

Please check out this week's video Trip Saboteur!

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