Backpacking & Blisters: A Hiking, Backpacking, and Adventure Show

8 Movie Characters That Are On Your Backpacking Trips!

19 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Derek and Carl break down 8 movie characters that seem to sum up some interesting companions that have been on your trips. There's some good, some bad...

JUSTIN OUTDOORS: Game Changing Gear That’s ”The Best I’ve Ever Used” (Episode 211)

12 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Youtuber Justin Outdoors joins the show to discuss his best game changing gear picks as well as an encounter with a bear that wanted to kill him. Also...

Backpacking Shark Tank: ”Genius” Ideas That Will Solve Your Trail Problems! (Episode 210)

05 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Brice, an entrepreneur and CEO of Vaucluse Gear, joins the show to discuss innovative and unique ideas for the outdoor community. Brice shares his own...

Gear Showdown!!! Debating THE BEST Gear Options with Brad ’Crow’ Felton (Episode 209)

28 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

'As the Crow Flies Hiking' (Brad Felton) joins the show to co-host and debate the best gear options in 4 different categories. Check out Crow's Conten...

EMILY FORD: How to Thru Hike in Winter, Borrow a Dog, Backpack With Old Gear & More! (Episode 208)

21 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Famous backpacker Emily Ford joins the show to discuss the documentary of her winter thru hike of the Ice Age Trail. Villain Jesse co-hosts and has ve...

Villain Jesse’s IMPOSSIBLY BAD Backpacking BLUNDERS...And How to Overcome Them (Episode 207)

14 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Villain Jesse joins the show to conduct a reverse interview. He shares some of his biggest blunders from his Great Divide Trail video series. Derek an...

Would You Survive This?! 4 Insane Stories of Human Perseverance (Episode 206)

07 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Derek and Carl have scoured the libraries of American and the trillions of pages of internet resources to give you 4 insane stories of human survival....

Podcast Showdown!!! B&B VS. The Backpacking Podcast (Episode 205)

31 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

John Kelley and Jeremiah Stringer join the show for a podcast competition. Backpacking tips, trivia and Derek's nonsense ensue. Who won? You be the ju...

Grand Tetons and the Trip of Doom (Episode 204)

24 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Derek and Carl take you on a trip that had the makings of disaster. In this unique, narrative-based episode a recent trip to the Grand Tetons is chron...

ROWAN SMITH: How to Overcome Nausea, Disaster Days, Stair Machines & More! (Episode 203)

17 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Rowan Smith from Summit Strength joins the show and drops pearls of wisdom about challenges with training. Per tradition, Carl throws his own ideas at...

DEVIN ASHBY: Bad Habits and Mistakes EVERY Backpacker Makes (Episode 202)

10 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Devin Ashby from the Backcountry Exposure joins the show to discuss his experiences with his latest Youtube Video about bad habits and mistakes for ba...

10 Lies Bear Grylls Told You (Episode 201)

03 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Derek and Carl run down a list of 10 ridiculous things that have been promoted on Bear Grylls' survival show. Which of these would Derek actually be w...

BECKER, SHUG, JOHN KELLEY, ROCKY & MORE! - Their Best Backpacking Tips (Episode 200)

26 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Season 6! In this episode Dan Becker, Sean "Shug" Emery, John Kelley, Rocky Brown and more guests weigh in with their best backpacking tips...

199 - The BEST Tips for...Taking Kids, Teens , Spouses, Etc.

19 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Derek and Carl discuss the best tips for taking the younger ones -- many of which you probably have not heard. Many of these tips apply to spouses, gi...

198 - ROB BOURGOIN: Hiking With Bags Over Our Heads, Gear Gone Missing & Another Fake Ranger

12 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Rob Burgoin joins the show as a co-host. A number of interesting and unexpected stories emerge from a recent trip Rob took with Carl. Even though he m...

197 - Genius Ideas or Foolish Blunders -- YOU BE THE JUDGE!

05 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Derek and Carl discuss experiences from the trail (and beyond) to determine if these are legit life hacks or foolish decisions that could get people i...

196 - Two Up and Coming Gear Companies That Can Help You and One...

29 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Three gear companies join the show for this jam-packed episode. Derek and Carl have found two gear companies that they think might be helpful to you a...

195 - Rodent Revenge, Hiking Liars & Alltrails Misdirection in One Trip!

22 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

There is A LOT to learn from the extremely strenuous July trip this year. Derek leads the interview to figure exactly what happened in the Pacific Nor...

194 - CHRISTINE REED: Gear Talk, Ranger Wisdom & Inspiring Perseverance

15 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Author Christine Reed joins the show to talk about all things backpacking and life. Fun, heart-warming and self-reflective moments from her book, Alon...

193 - Eliminate These 7 Newbie (and Veteran) Mistakes with Jesse

08 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jesse from Backcountry Forward joins the show as a guest host to discuss common mistakes new backpackers, and sometimes veterans, will make. Also, Jes...

192 - Little Pack of Horrors

01 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Derek and Carl try to shave more weight from backpackers who are WAY OVERPACKED! Tupperware Mike and Craftroom Jason literally weigh in with their pac...

191 - RANGER ANN: Getting Deputized, Dangerous Intel & Secret Trails

25 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Ranger Ann joins the show to talk everything from taking the law into your own hands to the hopeful end of WAG bags. Also, why is the ranger station t...

190 - Are You Self-Contained and Selfish or a Gear-Sharing Disaster?

18 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Derek and Carl break down weight savings vs. convenience and make a case for both sides of this debate. But there's one piece of gear they suggest eve...

189 - The BEST Gear We Found at the Outdoor Retailer Show

11 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We attended this summer's OR Show and picked out the best gear we could find. On-site interviews, gear reviews and the story about Carl finally connec...

188 - TAYSON WHITTAKER: The 6 Biggest Gear Mistakes You Might Be Making

04 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Tayson from Outdoor Vitals joins the show to discuss some of the biggest gear mistakes you might be making. Gear choices can impact your comfort, perf...

187 - SEAN ”SHUG” EMERY: In Defense of Junk Food, Spoons & Chocolate Drawers

27 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Shug joins the show to talk about everything from hammocks to spam to trail food ideology. If you know Shug then you know there's never a dull moment ...

186 - Your Most Bizarre Trail Questions...Answered!!!

20 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Should I bring bear spray in black bear country? Can I burn toilet paper in my cat hole? Can Derek name a national park (other than Yosemite)? These a...

185-10 Tiny Pieces of Gear That You Should Bring! (Or Leave Behind)

13 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What are the small essentials? How big should your knife be? Are portable batteries becoming a necessary part of backpacking? Derek and Carl are joine...

Gear Hacks That Might Change Your Life (Revisited)

06 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This episode explores using gear in creative ways and learning how to handle gear more efficiently to make for more successful trail days. How do you ...

184 - The Darwin Awards - The Best of the Worst Decisions You’ll Ever Hear

30 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What is the worst decision you've ever made on the trail? Perhaps this episode will make you feel better about that. Derek and Carl highlight some hum...

183 -JACKIE KRUEGER: Crazy Stories & Surprising Gear Fails on the PCT

23 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Thru hiker Jackie Krueger joins the show to share some of the most unique, surprising and downright crazy hiking experiences Derek and Carl have ever ...

182- 9 Pieces of Gear That Succeeded/Failed in Canyonlands

16 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What happened when Derek and Carl took 10 others to Canyonlands? A lot! Surprising stories come out as they review 9 pieces of gear they tested. And a...

181 - Is the Backpacking Illuminati Manipulating Gear Sales? (And Other Conspiracy Theories)

09 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What 6 Conspiracy Theories have a direct impact upon your gear purchases, trail enjoyment and backcountry knowledge? Or, which ones are just generally...

180- 4 Revolutionary Trip Plans That Will Cause...Adventure!!!

02 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Is there a way to level up your trip plans to create a unique type of adventure? Derek, Carl and fellow adventurer, Matt, suggest 4 different structur...

179 - How to Lose Weight on a Backpacking Trip

25 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Can you drop a few pounds on a trip? Derek and Carl think so! They each give their top 4 weight loss tips as it relates to the trip (completely unqual...

178 - We Give 3 REAL Backpackers a Gear Shakedown

18 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Can Derek and Carl lighten your load? They examine the gear and decisions of 3 backpackers from different states to identify areas of improvement. Is ...

177- VILLAIN JESSE: 10 Innovative Gear Options

11 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hiking season is heating up! Will Derek, Carl and guest host Jesse have some gear options that peak your interest for your upcoming miles? Also, why d...

176 - 5 Pro Tips for Trip Planners (and Lazy Coattail Riders)

04 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

How can you make your trips better/more efficient/smoother/funner? And who doesn't trust the advice of a podcast that uses the word 'funner'? Derek an...

175 - THE TICK TERMINATOR: How to Avoid or Destroy Bugs

28 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Do bugs tick you off? Then this episode is for you! Brian Anderson AKA 'The Tick Terminator' joins the show to talk about bug avoidance and destructio...

174 - THE...BEST...POOP TIPS & GEAR!!!

21 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Does Derek or Carl have any suggestions that can help make one of the more uncomfortable parts of backpacking more...comfortable? It's time to find ou...

173 - You Can Do It! The BEST Fishing Tips & Gear For the Backcountry

14 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Who doesn't want an episode about fishing from two guys who don't fish? Fortunately backcountry fishing expert Derek Roedel joined the show to both ea...

172 - Our Biggest Gear Purchasing Mistakes (Don’t Do What We Did)

07 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Is there any gear you wished you hadn't bought? Learn from Derek and Carl's mistakes and don't buy the items that have failed them (and continued to f...

171 - We Bust So Many Myths It Will Make Your Head Spin!

28 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Do backpacking myths and old wives tales drive you the make decisions about gear and backcountry actions that are simply incorrect? Derek and Carl bus...

170 - Danger! Danger! Imposter Rangers & 7 Trail Pitfalls That Can Kill You!

21 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What are the biggest risks on the trail (not counting wild animals or monsters)? Derek and Carl address 7 trail pitfalls and how to overcome them. An ...

169 - Are Toe Socks Weird? Can Good Base Layers Make You Hike Faster? Is One Pair of Underwear Enough? And More!

14 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Is a good quality base layer a game changer? Yes! Derek and Carl explore what they think is the best option: XOSKIN. Kroy Taughinbaugh joins the show ...

168 - These 8 Horrible Things Will Happen to You! (And How to Deal With Them)

07 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

How will you respond when the 8 events discussed in this episode happen to you or someone you know? Derek and Carl discuss the tough circumstances the...

167 - Get Your Total Pack Weight Under 30 lbs Now!

31 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Does base weight really matter if your total pack weight is too heavy? Derek and Carl give a list of tips and tricks to get your pack under 30lbs (or ...

166 - DAN BECKER: The Best Gear Last Year Had to OffeR

24 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What gear is worth purchasing this year? Gear expert Dan Becker answers that and a host of other questions that range from gear breakdowns to an absur...

165 - TRUST THE TRAIL: The Absolute Worst _________ That You Should Avoid At All Costs

17 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What is the worst trail you've traveled? What is the worst piece of gear you've used? What is the worst backcountry meal you've had? Derek and Carl pu...

164 - 8 Pieces of Gear UNDER $50 to Strongly Consider

10 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Are there any pieces of critical backpacking gear that are simply inexpensive? Yes! Derek and Carl each list off a few of their favorites. These piece...

163 - ASHLEY COLE-WICK: (Almost) Every Question You‘ve Ever Wanted to Ask a Zoologist

03 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What would you ask? What would Derek and Carl ask? Professional zoologist Ashley Cole-Wick joins the show and answers all of the interesting, tough an...

162 - How to Have a Showdown With These Trail Villains!

27 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Do you encounter trail villains? Do you just slink away from them in order to keep the peace? Perhaps you're allowing them to continue to wreak havoc ...

161 - GREG HILL: Avalanche Survival, Bug Hordes & Mountain Guide Wisdom

13 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

How do you survive an Avalanche? Professional ski/mountaineer, Greg Hill, joins to the show to discuss a range of topics including Electric Greg (a do...

160 - Futuristic Inventions & Innovations That Will Change Your Adventures...Forever!

06 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Do you fear change like everyone else? Well, get prepared! Derek and Carl discuss major advancements (both good and bad) that will impact your outdoor...

159 - Unsolved Mysteries: 3 Insane Stories That You Could Help Us Solve!

29 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever watched a mystery show and thought you knew the answer? This is your chance! Derek and Carl provide three outdoor themed (but family fri...

158 - Sit Pads & Other Useless Items You Might Be Bringing

22 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Are you carrying extra pounds and bulk for no reason? Derek and Carl discuss items they‘ve brought or they‘ve seen in the backcountry that simply ...

157 - The BEST Device to Save Your Life

15 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Over the last year Derek and Carl have investigated a few different devices for remote communication. This episode features the one they landed on: th...

156 - VILLAIN JESSE: Odd Challenges You Might Encounter in Remote Areas

08 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jesse, from Youtube Channel Backcountry Forward, joins the show to discuss the highs and lows of hiking the Great Divide Trail. Which gear choices hel...

155 - Rocky‘s 70lb Pack Fiasco & How to Avoid Pack Hoarding

01 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In the Season 5 Premier Derek and Carl explore what it takes to have a 70lb pack that puts a trip in jeopardy. Rocky ”weighs in” on the matter and...

154 - When You (or Carl) Take a Left on Disaster Road...

04 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

How do you make it to camp (or back to the trailhead) when you've got nothing left? How do you handle the group member who's hitting the wall? Does th...

153 - Altitude Got You Down? (& Trip Report)

20 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Derek and Carl come up with an odd list of problems and solutions related to altitude sickness. Carl just got back from taking some flatlanders to ele...

152 - Game Changing Gear, Ridiculous Equipment & A New Sock Drying Method!

23 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Carl attended the latest Outdoor Retailer show in Denver and he brought the mic with him! Derek reacts to a series of interviews with a variety of org...

151 - How Would You Handle These 6 Unusual/Creepy Encounters?

09 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Back from the Wind River Range, Derek and Carl discuss the theme of this year's big July trip: interesting encounters with a variety of hikers. Somebo...

150 - Your Problems, Our ”Solutions” (Season Finale)

12 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A host of fellow adventurer share some of their backpacking problems (big and small). Both Derek and Carl weigh in on how to tackle issues with packin...

149 - ’Broken Promise’ with Jim Kern

06 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Author, trial advocate, founder of the Florida trail, and co-founder of the American Hiking Society Jim Kern joins the show to discuss issues surround...

148 - KEVIN OUTDOORS: ’The Backpacking Variety Show’

28 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

One of our most popular guests, Youtuber Kevin Outdoors, joins the show to talk about a variety of topics. There's definitely a few in there that you ...

147 - ‘Become the Perfect Trip Planner‘ with Cassie

21 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Admittedly Derek and Carl have had some trip planning issues over the years. Cassie from Illinois lays out trip planning tips that will make newbies f...

146 - You Can Do It!!! Longer Trails and Thru Hikes

14 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Rowan Smith from Summit Strength joins the show to discuss how to move beyond the weekend trip. Whether it's a week long or multi-week adventure there...

145- Backpacking Skills ”They” Say You Need But...

07 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

You don't need to be a survival expert, a ranger, or a scout to have an outdoor adventure. Derek and Carl explore skills you mistakenly feel you might...

144 - 7 Snake Oil Salesman Products to Avoid

01 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Derek and Carl identify and discuss products that make false claims that you might believe. Some are from reputable companies. Also, Carl's wife, Jess...

143 - Your Irrational Fears...SOLVED!!!

24 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Derek and Carl address common irrational fears many hikers have. Do alligators view hammock campers as hanging burritos? Is sleeping outside less scar...

142 - 14 Things to Tell Your Newbie Friends (or Yourself)

17 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Derek and Carl discuss their lists to help newbies prepare for a trip. Carl posed this topic to a backpacking group online and shares the top response...

141 - What to Buy First When Spending Some $$$

10 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Derek and Carl rank the top 6 pieces of gear to buy -- in order -- that will not onl get you the most weight savings for your buck but will also impro...

140 - Pressing the Red Button in Capitol Reef NP

03 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 help...

139 - 10 Splurge Areas That Might Improve Your Trip

26 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 disc...

138 - The Danger Zone

19 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 thro...

137 - TAYSON WHITTAKER: ”Advice” For Escaping the Fashion Police

12 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 will...

136 - Love It, Ditch It, or Mooch It? (AKA: Offend Everyone Vol. 2)

05 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 nev...

135 - Help Your Achy Breaky Body

29 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Derek and Carl dive into strategies to reduce the dreaded day 2 soreness. Carl even has a solution to completely prevent backpacking soreness. Also, h...

134 - Solutions for 6 Trip Saboteurs You Might Encounter

22 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

133 - DAN BECKER: ’Gear I Wish I Bought Sooner’

15 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 co...

132 - Debunking 6 Trail Myths You Might Believe

08 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Derek and Carl explore some common beliefs/sayings/wisdom that revolves around backcountry travel and challenge the validity of each. Carl thinks his ...

131 - A Game-changing Stove, Adventure Revenge & a Mystery...Solved!!!

01 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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...

130 - Dear Derek (A Marginal Advice Episode)

22 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Fellow adventurers from across the nation and beyond submitted a number of backpacking related questions to the podcast seeking the advice and wisdom ...

129 - ’Alone’ Winner Dave McIntyre!

15 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 an...

128 - Derek vs. Carl - Debating Trail Controversies

08 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 p...

127 - The Top 5 ”Easiest” Ways to Lighten Your Load

01 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 su...

126 - Stop Making These 8 Mistakes!

25 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 l...

125 -Fun Facts for Gear Nerds (and Normal People)

20 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

124 - Trendy Ideas That Are Going to Die

11 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Derek and Carl discuss trends related to backpacking and the outdoors that they will predict will soon die out. They, of course, completely disagree w...

123 - 9 Lies Your Sales Clerk Told You

04 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 o...

122 - B&B Radio Volume 2

28 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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...

121 - Monster Miles with Sam

21 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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...

120 - NATHAN PETTIJOHN: Travels With Hafa

14 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Author Nathan Pettijohn joins the show to share his story Travels With Hafa. Billed for adventurers, vagabonds, and dog lovers there's a little someth...

119 - Talk to Yourself...From the Future

07 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this awkwardly named, Derek-themed episode, the guys discuss each of their top 3 pieces of advice to their younger selves. Carl then brings up the ...

118: SONJA WIECK: The World’s Toughest Race

30 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The World's Toughest Race (The Eco Challenge) is currently the best running adventure-based series on Amazon Prime. Sonja Wieck, from team Iron Cowboy...

117 - JESSE MANTAI: Spice Up Your Meals (Without a Spice Wheel)

23 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Jesse from the famous Backcountry Forward Youtube channel joins the show as a guest host. He brings helpful tips and comedic genius to an episode that...

116 - A Series of Unfortunate Canyonlands Events

16 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Derek and Carl recount a series of bad decisions from preparation to execution that led to another backcountry debacle. Fellow adventurer, Nate from t...

115 - ”Small” Upgrades That Make a Big Difference

09 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Derek and Carl discuss "minor" adjustments that they've tried over the years that improved their outdoor adventures. The word "small&qu...

114 - The Random Gear Box

02 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We all have gear that's been collecting dust for years. What do we do with it? And are any of us at risk of becoming a gear hoarder? (Derek certainly ...