The Backpacking Podcast presented by Outdoor Vitals
Episodes
313 - Our FINAL Livestream - April 1st Edition
03 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
All things must come to an end, and that includes this podcast. What does the future hold for the BPP and its hosts, John Kelley and Jeremiah Stringer...
312 JK Hates Hammocks?!?!?!?!?!
27 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Today, some of your favorite backpacking gear is going to court.....TRAIL COURT! What gear comes out better on the other side, and what fails to live ...
311 Worst Meals, Cabin Break-ins, and Squeaky Backpacks - a BPP Q&A
20 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
You send in the questions, and we answer them....probably in the worst way possible. In this episode, we open ourselves up to answer questions sent in...
310 JK & JS
13 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
310 JK & JS
309 He Left His Girlfriend in the Woods to DIE!!!!
06 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Jeremiah and JK break down controversial stories from the backcountry. Did a mountain climber from Austria leave his girlfriend in th...
308 - Surviving the Bubble Guts in the Backcountry
27 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
How do you deal with having to cut a trip short when nature calls? What does the "Hiker Diet" look like? Which backcountry all-star would yo...
307 Over 2000 Arches to Discover with Steven Martin
20 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's livestream, we are excited to chat with Steven Martin. Steven is a Geologist III with the Kentucky Geological Survey specializing in fi...
306 FISHNET FLEECE? Layer Up For the Cold!
13 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
How do you stay warm when it's icy cold? We're talking about how we keep toasty when the temps dip.Be sure to check out Outdoor Vitals and get...
305 Better Sleep on Trip: Hotel or Back of an SUV?
06 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
How do you sleep warm in different situations? Is it better to eat the cost of a hotel, or should you just sleep in the back of your vehicle? Companie...
304 Snowpocalypse 2026
30 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is all about what to do when you're snowed in. Don't expect a ton of backpacking content here. You will, however, laugh and proba...
303 Kevin Estela
23 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Help us welcome Kevin Estela, a bushcraft and survival expert, who is an avid world traveler and martial arts instructor, to the podcast. Kevin has wo...
302 Lions and Children and Bears...BACKPACKING!!!
16 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Nature comes with one terrifying reality...predators. How should a backpacker protect their food, their camp, and themselves? How should we handle ani...
301 Backcountry Mullets, Shady YouTubers, and the BPP Hall of Fame!
09 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Is the mullet an acceptable haircut? Should you trust the people on YouTube with your gear purchases? How safe is it to backpack at night in the rain?...
300 - A Triple-Century Mark and Look FORWARD to the FUTURE.
01 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Join us as we celebrate 300 episodes of the Backpacking Podcast. We're talking everything from our favorite guests to our New Years Resolutions. C...
299 All I Want For Christmas is.......
24 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you could have any backpacking gift for Christmas, what would it be? What would you turn your nose up to? We're talking all things Christmas, w...
298 Do We Have an INTERNATIONAL CRISIS in Our National Parks?
19 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Rates for international guests in our National Parks are rising. Students are getting punished with......hiking? Has the Arizona Trail lost access to ...
297 Jamie McCracken
12 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
297 Jamie McCracken
296 The Painful Reason Why You Don't Eat Burritos on Trail.
05 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What happens when Jeremiah decides to bring a burrito back to camp with him? What could the outcome possibly be? Let's just say there are explosiv...
295 Be A BACKPACKING SANTA with These Gear Shopping Lists
28 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Jeremiah and JK want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. We're talking Black Friday shopping! What are some great gifts that y...
294 Bionic Legs, Floating Backpacks, and All Trails Hates Us!
21 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're discussing products that physically help backpackers hike easier. We're also discussing the updates to AllTrails that h...
293 Favorite Gear, Nature's TP, and Free Time Hobbies
14 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
JK and Jeremiah go live with a Q&A Session. If we could have any gear, what would it be? What hobbies do we have outside of backpacking? These que...
292 Backcountry Fines, Expensive Parking, & Braindead Hikers
07 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are large charges fair in National Parks? Should unprepared hikers have to pay for their own search and rescue? Hot takes incoming....Holiday Sale Inc...
291 Every Backpacker's WORST NIGHTMARE!!!!
02 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Jeremiah and JK discuss the most terrifying Halloween costumes for backpackers from Backpacker Magazine. Holiday Sale Incoming https:...
290 Lying About Trails, Paying to Park, and LIGHTSABERS!!!!
24 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
JK and Jeremiah are finally back together again and ready to hang out with the BPP Nation. We talk about everything from misclassifying the difficulty...
289 Finishing the Trail w/ a BROKEN HIP and hitting the SOS with Bronwyn Preece
17 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Writer and improvisational performance artist BRONWYN PREECE wrote the children's books Gulf Islands Alphabet and the upcoming ‘My Happy Hiking Trai...
288 - Inappropriate Things People Say On Trail
11 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Jeremiah is out of town, so JK is bringing in a guest cohost for the week, and that man is none other than Brad Felton of As the Crow Flies Hiking. We...
287 Bags of Poop, Stools & Showers: Trail Life Unfiltered
02 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Johnathan and Jeremiah unpack everything in the backcountry from bagging up your poop, surviving a tornado and the great stool/chair debate.Check out ...
286 Snake Killing, Yellow Jackets, and BSA Rescues a Senior Citizen
26 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, JK and Jeremiah talk about everything from annoying hornets to unethical hunting practices on trail, and the reality of backpacking a...
285 $700 Sleeping Bags, New Backpacks, and 4 Day Old Tuna Packets
19 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
285 $700 Sleeping Bags, New Backpacks, and 4 Day Old Tuna Packets
284 Psychedelics Are A BAD IDEA In The Backcountry
13 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Jeremiah and JK talk about a recent incident that occurred in the Catskill Mountains in New York where psychedelic mushrooms caused a...
283 Conquering the AT w/ Metro On The Move and Kriz Akoni
04 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today, we’ve got two AT thru-hikers, Kriz Akoni and Metro on the Move. Both recently summited Mt Katahdin and claimed their place in hiking history....
282 Dirty Secrets of the Backcountry
28 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Jeremiah shares the dirt on his most recent trip with Mr. Backpacking With Jason Sir. JK shares a list of things that most backpacker...
281 Blinded by EXPLODING WATER BOTTLES!!!
21 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, JK and Jeremiah revisit our most recent poll about where everyone prefers to do the "number 2", we discuss Wal-Mart's recall on explo...
280 Crocs, and Hippos, and Wolves...Oh My! with Moose Mutlow
14 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Check out the brand new Pursuit Apparel Line from Outdoor Vitals: https://alnk.to/2FE95c4Moose Mutlow is a senior trainer and family liaison officer o...
279 Escaping Wild Fires On Trail With Tim Buckley
07 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
He survived wildfires, and now he’s surviving Ben McMillan at Hilltop Packs. Welcome Tim Buckley to the livestream.Check out Outdoor Vitals: https:/...
278 There are 268 Mistakes Hikers Make with Ben McMillen
31 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
He’s a DJ, a YouTuber, a photographer, owner of Hiltop Packs and Apex Giant Gear, and now you can call him an author. Come hang out with us while we...
277 Bear Attacks A Sleeping Hiker On The AT
24 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, JK and Jeremiah hit several topics, from a recent bear attack caught on camera, dodging the rain on backpacking trips, and alternativ...
276 Giant Spiders, International Travel, and A Pick-Ax Trowel with Adam Roy
17 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’ve broken down many of his articles from Backpacker.com, and now we get to sit down and chat with the editor in chief himself, Adam Roy. We chat ...
275 95 Degrees with No Shade or 25 With The Wrong Gear?
10 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, JK and Jeremiah play a little game of "Would You Rather." They hilariously discuss which choices they would make given extr...
274 MORE Hot Takes from the Backcountry!
03 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
JK and Jeremiah discuss more hot takes and get your opinions in real time! What does the B.P. nation think about these ridiculous takes?Be sure to che...
273 Hot Takes from the Backcountry
26 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We look at hot takes from the people who should know best…backpackers. Backpacker magazine lists some of the hottest takes in the backcountry, and w...
272 Has All-Trails Lost Their MINDS?!?!?! 🤬
19 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Jeremiah goes on a trip to West Virginia, and there's a lot of disappointment in the new tier system with All Trails. If you want to hear a good, ...
271 Cartels, Rednecks with Guns, and a Taste of Americana with Lucy Barnard
12 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
She started hiking at the southern tip of South America and has made her way through Central America and Mexico. Now she’s joining us from Montana! ...
270 Underworld of Sleeping Bags & Quilts with Chad Houghton of UGQ
05 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tushar Rain Jacket by Outdoor Vitals: https://alnk.to/8PGgizAJoin us as we chat with longtime friend of the podcast and backcountry innovator, Chad Ho...
269 Tackling Tornadoes & Wrong Turns on Trail
29 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Outdoor Vitals Tarp: https://alnk.to/aLKyeIPWe are joined by WoodAllTrails today to talk about his trip surviving a tornado while backpacking and lots...
268 Trading a Heat Wave for Snow Capped Mountains with Steven Smith
22 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we are excited to have Steven Smith join us for the podcast. In a very short time, My Life Outdoors has become the gold standard of backpac...
267 Follow the Yellow Brick Cairn?
15 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Check out the Ventus Active Hoodie from Outdoor Vitals: https://alnk.to/cb4x1CEGarage Grown Gear Sale (90+ Brands) https://alnk.to/apUXnooThis week, w...
266 Feeding Grizzly Bears Bacon In The Backcountry
08 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Free Gear Outdoor Vitals Live UL Membership: https://alnk.to/1N3KpTVToday, we finish off the list of the 8 most controversial topics in the backcountr...
265 The Greatest CONTROVERSIES of the Last Year
01 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Check out our good friends at Outdoor Vitals (Live Ultralight Membership): https://alnk.to/1N3KpTVWhat were the top 8 controversies of the last year i...
264 Will Logging Destroy National Forests?
24 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Skyline Trail Joggers by Outdoor Vitals: https://alnk.to/gVMS3NhToday, we’re talking about increased logging in our national forests. Is it to help ...
263 Never Trust a TSA AGENT on Your Way To ARKANSAS
17 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Check out the Neebo Windbreaker (up to 22% off): https://alnk.to/gKS4xGNWhat happened when JK went to Arkansas with a bunch of strangers? Why does he ...
262 Too Much Food, Too Little Warmth, and Not Enough Sleep with Devin Ashby
10 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How do you train up a new backpacker to be ready for the backcountry? What does that first trip look like? We’ll be answering these questions and mo...
261 Backpacking On A Budget with WoodAllTrails
03 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join us breaking down budget backpacking and Cranberry Wilderness with Johnathan Woodall from WoodAllTrails.Outdoor Vitals trekking poles ALL ON SALE:...
260 Broken Ankle Redemption with Jason Waugh
27 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Jason Waugh from the YouTube channel "Backpacking with Jason" jumps on the show to tell us about his epic adventure on the ...
259 National Forests are Burning Down.....sorta
20 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What is getting ready to happen in the Daniel Boone National Forest?!?!? Discover how prescribed burns are crucial for maintaining forest health and r...
258 Could Tariffs Shut Down Cottage Companies?
15 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Regardless of political leanings, recent tariffs placed on other countries from the US will have an effect on American consumers and companies. In thi...
257 Ride Along, Search and Rescue, and Landscaping
06 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Check out the Vario jacket from Outdoor Vitals: https://outdoorvitals.com/products/vario-ultralight-jacketIn this video, we recount our recent off-roa...
256 Car Camping Gourmet, Bidets, and Colonic Viruses
27 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the first livestream of 2025, we find ourselves talking about just about anything! Between what kind of food we like to eat when camping out to und...
255 HIgh Quality H2O: The WATER Episode
20 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join us as we dive into the crucial role water plays in backpacking! We cover essential topics like effective filtration techniques, personal tips, an...
254 It's ILLEGAL to HIKE into CANADA from the USA
13 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, we delve into the newly enacted laws that make crossing the Canadian border illegal for hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail. Join us as...
253 R-Value is For Sissies!!!!
06 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today we talk about myths within the realm of sleeping bags and quilts. What makes them warm? How should they be used? Find out in today's episode. J...
252 When The Stupid Cold Becomes the Unexpected
30 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Jeremiah and JK talk about Jeremiah's recent trip out into the snow and cold here in the Bluegrass state. What happened and who did Jeremiah drag ...
251 Treadhead Money Scams
23 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What would you do if someone asked for your help financially only to find out it's a deliberate scheme to get money from hikers? That's what w...
250 HOAs are EVIL! So are Privacy Fences and Stray Dogs
16 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's episode 250 of the Backpacking Podcast!!! What have we learned? Are we growing as backpackers? Do we still succumb to our ADHD during each episod...
249 Winter Backpacking Is For Insane People
09 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
JK and Jeremiah discuss the plusses and minuses of backpacking in the cold. Be sure to check out our title sponsors, Outdoor Vitals and their Vario J...
248 Hiking Bibs, Tree Stands, and Abnormal Backpacking Food w/ Mr. Backpacking with Jason, Sir!
02 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join us as we ring in the new year with one of our best friends and chat about new gear, trips, and whatever comes to our twisted minds. https://www....
247 Backpacking Gear UPGRADES w/ Johnathan Woodall
26 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We all start out somewhere with our gear, and we progressively update as we learn more. Join JK, Jeremiah, and special guest Johnathan Woodall from th...
246 When AI Teaches Us How To BACKPACK!
19 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Jeremiah and JK ask Chat GPT to give us tips on how to start backpacking. Were they good ideas? Were they awful? Get your own Backpacking Podcast S...
245 Our FAVORITE BACKPACKING GEAR For 2024
13 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Jeremiah and JK discuss their choices for favorite gear for 2024. Check out some of the gear in this video: Rain Jacket: https://alnk.to/3ycvzHT ...
244 All I Want For A BACKPACKING CHRISTMAS
12 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Jeremiah and JK talk about the recent temperature drop and what they would want for Christmas this season. Check out our title sponsors, Outdoor Vita...
243 How to ALMOST DIE, Then COME BACK for More with Gordon Crum
27 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Tonight, we hang out with a true backcountry creative. He’s skilled in bushcraft, backpacking, and survival. But there’s a lot more to Gordon Crum...
242 Microspikes, Ramen Noodles, and Conquering the CDT with Ben Minegar
20 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
He’s a long trail veteran who has recently conquered the Continental Divide Trail. We’ll pick his brain on how he prepared, planned, and accomplis...
241 Hypothermia, Survival Failures, and Taking Celebrities Snowmobiling with Brent Fuchs
13 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This Veterans Day, we’re having former US Special Forces medic Brent Fuchs on the show. Brent is an avid outdoorsman and professional speaker who is...
240 Saving Lives While Almost Losing His Own - John May
06 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Get you BPP Swag here: shop.backpackingpodcast.comIn this podcast, we’re hanging out with John May, the Chief of the Wolfe County Search and Rescue ...
239 The BPP Halloween Special
30 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join us for a spooky night of mayhem and madness on this episode. We’ll hit on a number of scary topics sure to keep you up at night. Be sure to che...
238 Turkey Pew Pews & Baby Doo Doos
23 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, JK and Jeremiah talk about everything from trail maintenance in emergency situations, to turkey hunting, to baby poo stories. This is...
237 Epic Camp Food, Northern Lights and Hiking with Your Kids w/ Phillip Barker
16 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we chat with Phillip Barker, founder and owner of Delicioats and the director of the Bonding Through Backpacking Summit. We also chat...
236 New Food, New Gear, New Life with Devin Ashby
09 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
After spending a year as a full-time podcaster, Devin Ashby sits down with JK to share about what this last year has looked like, what gear he's most ...
235 Pee In Bottles, Poop In Bags & Hiking For Mental Health with Woody Ellis
02 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Woody's Bio: Charity hike 2.0. 2,000+ miles across North America for mental health awareness and healing. Join me for a stretch and we will feature th...
234 50 Year Old Gear on a 50 Year Old Trail with Jared Champion
25 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this livestream, we’re hanging out with Jared Champion, who just hiked the Colorado Trail using gear that would’ve been used the year the trail...
233 Two Guys, One Bronco, Driving in a Lake! David Gray and Jeremy Rodeffer
18 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
All they do is drive SUVs over really big rocks and video it! We’re here for all of it in this episode as we have two backpacking vets joining us t...
232 Going to Maine with Sally Chaffin Brooks
11 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join us as we hang out with author, comedian, and Appalachian Trail thru hiker, Sally Chaffin Brooks. Be sure to check out Sally’s new book, “Goin...
231 National Park Reviews Gone WRONG!!!!
04 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Jeremiah and JK discuss some of the worst reviews online for our national parks. Were they warranted, or were they ridiculous? Go check out our title...
230 Caves are BORING and Bears BITE!
28 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Mammoth Caves National Park has the strangest advertising in USNP history, and what happens when two men go in the Alaska wild and are attacked by a b...
229 Beef Jerkey, Salted Nuts, and Iodine
21 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What happened when an 89 year old man got lost in the woods for 10 days? Watch the video and find out. Go check out our title sponsor, Outdoor Vitals...
228 Which LONG TRAIL Would You Hike?
14 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you could choose any long trail to hike, which one would it be? Which one do you have no interest in? Check out our title sponsor, Outdoor Vitals!...
227 The Guide To Ruining Peoples Backpacking Trip
07 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode covers more of the most annoying people to backpack with. A complete guide to ruining other's experiences backpacking. Check out Out...
226 How To Make Your Friends ANGRY On Trail
31 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you want to make campfires uncomfortable, hiking unbearable, and dinner time a chore, listen to this episode. Check out Outdoor Vitals and their n...
225 More DIRTY SECRETS Of Backpacking
24 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
225 More DIRTY SECRETS Of Backpacking
224 Dealing With A Softball Sized Ankle with Jason Waugh
17 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we continue the story of Jason's ankle and how he was able to finish his most recent kayak camping trip. Check out Outdoor Vitals...
223 Broken Ankle On Jeremiah's Recent Trip... Backpacking With Jason
11 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
John, Jeremiah and Jason unpack the adventure that led to a broken ankle in part one of this epic tale. Check out Outdoor Vitals and their new Skyline...
222 Jeremiah Puts JK To The TEST!!!!
03 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Jeremiah quizzes JK about the top 10 Frequently Asked Questions from New Backpackers. Check out Outdoor Vitals and their new Skyline Trail Joggers at...
221 The SHELTER SYSTEMS We Love!
26 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
JK and Jeremiah share their favorite shelter systems they actually use on trail. Check out Outdoor Vitals and their new Skyline Trail Joggers at: htt...
220 Offroading with Dad, Shelter Systems, and Jeremy Hates Bugnets
19 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Jeremiah and JK spend too much time talking about an offroading trip trip before chatting about their favorite shelter systems...both tents AND hammoc...
219 What Backpacks Do We Actually Use?
12 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode kicks off a 3-week series on our personal Big 3. This week it's all about the backpacks....and other stuff because we can never stay ...
218 The Redemption Hike
05 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever had one of those trips where things just went off the rails? Did you want to tackle it again to get redemption for that trip? That's...
217 Solo Hiking with an ORV Rager!
29 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Jeremiah shares one of his latest adventures and some of the strangeness along the way. Only Jeremiah can find himself in such interesting situations...
216 We Found a Toilet That Can Fold Flat
22 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Jeremiah and JK talk about new gear discoveries, including a chair that rivals the Helinox Chair Zero and a number of toilet options you can keep in y...
215 Backcountry Bocce and Horses In Your Campsite with Carl Mandrioli
15 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We’re finishing off the last livestream of season 6 with our Good friend, Carl Mandrioli of the Backpacking and Blisters Podcast. We’ll be talking...
214 Climbing Mountains, Catching Trout and Holding Back Prairie Dogs with Jason Huckeba
08 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we’re hanging out with OG backpacking youtuber, Jason Huckeba. He’s going to share from his adventures out west and tell us about some ...