The Backpacking Podcast presented by Outdoor Vitals

213 Working Outdoors Lifestyle, Overcoming Fibromyalgia on Trail w/ Melissa (Unlikely Hiker)

01 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hiking and backpacking in the Adirondacks, Whites, Catskills and beyond keeps Melissa moving. She has fibromyalgia and wants others to understand it ...

212 Living Dangerously with Moondog Roop

24 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Disclaimer. This episode went sideways fast! If you're looking for something super informative, or the least bit serious, you may want to watch an...

211 take less. do more. with Glen Van Peski

17 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we are honored to have the founder of Gossamer Gear and one of the fathers of ultralight backpacking, Glen Van Peski on the show. His...

210 Eating Healthier AND Lighter On Trail w/ Aaron Owens Mayhew

10 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Aaron Owens Mayhew has the ultimate hack for backpacking; healthy food that acutally weighs less!!!! How is this possible? Definitely check out this e...

209 Leaving NO Trace with Rob Pelton

03 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Rob Pelton has backpacked all over the world. He’s shared his wealth of knowledge with everyone who has enjoyed his channel on YouTube. Now he’s t...

208 Patti and Jared Champion - ADHD, Married YouTubing, and Hiking with Dogs

27 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It’s not often you have two backpacking youtubers in one family, and it’s even more rare to have two that are married. In this episode, we chat wi...

207 REAL Ultralight, Hiking Out West, and An Unfortunate Privy w/ Frozen

20 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

He’s already taken down so many trails, including the Appalachian Trail. Now he’s getting ready to head west and tackle the Pacific Crest Trail. W...

206 The Tent Episode

13 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is all about tents. Where are the best spots to set one up? What are the best tents for backpacking? Ultralight? Maybe we’ll just go co...

205 Poop Painting Rocks, Drinking Poop Rinse Water with David Gray

06 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

David is accidental 'story teller'. Mostly sharing backpacking journeys that he have experienced over time, but also planning to venture '...

204 Mysteries, Volcanos, and Transient Living with Kyle O'Grady

28 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we have our good friend Kyle O'Grady sharing what the last year has been like for him. From getting to live anywhere he wants to ...

203 FKTs, Hallucinations, and Lava Poop with Tara Dower

21 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we got to hang out with AT Thru-Hiker and YouTuber from the channel “Tara Treks”, Tara Dower. We chatted about everything from pa...

202 CB Radios, Space Age Headlamps, and Say NO to PBTs!!!

14 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

JK and Jeremiah chat about everything from trips, new gear, and their preferred choices for lunch on trail.

201 👨‍🎓 Backpacking 201

07 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Once you're out of the beginner stages of backpacking, it's time to graduate up to the next level. Jeremiah and JK give tips for the intermedi...

The 200th Episode Livestream!

31 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We are taking a trip down memory, giving away some fun stuff, and having some visitors from episodes past.

199 We Make The Sawyer Squeeze PERFECT!

24 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremiah and JK chat about make the Sawyer Squeeze a better filter and discuss cold weather backpacking.

198 Follicular Pain, Giant Arches, and Energy Sapping Your iPhone

17 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the podcast, JK and Jeremiah go in a thousand directions from beautiful arches in Tennessee to dealing with hair pain.

197 We Hate Tents.....Mostly

10 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremiah and JK discuss common failures people with when using a tent.

196 Fear Part 2 - Can The Trail Spook You?

03 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremiah is still afraid of everything, and John still has no fear....well, that's what he'll tell you. In this episode, we continue our conve...

195 This Will Ruin EVERY Backpacking Trip You Take

27 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeremiah and JK discuss fears on trail. What are the things that you pack out of fear? What are the things that keep you from getting...

194 The Power Episode

20 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we're talking about power banks. How large of a capacity do you need? How heavy should they be? Who really needs them on the trai...

193 Hiking App Throwdown!!!!

13 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, JK and Jeremiah list their personal top 5 best hiking apps. Which one is easiest to use? Most dependable? Has the best user experienc...

192 Jeremiah's Written Apology in a Dress

06 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This is the last livestream of 2023, and we’re going out in a bang. Jeremiah will finally pay up on his bet with Jeff Garmire, and dons the dress to...

191 Stolen Catholes and No Love For Mississippi

29 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremiah’s favorite dad is in the house tonight! Be sure to join in with us as the Kentucky Boys are together again. This conversation goes off the ...

190 Life Updates, Future Plans, and Growing Old

23 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this surprise livestream episode, JK and Jeremiah give updates on Jeremiah's health, JK's weight loss, and a host of other things. We'...

189 Embracing the SUCK with Andrew Miller

15 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we’re hanging out with Metro himself, Andrew Miller. He’s the creator behind the youtube channel “Metro On The Move”, and he’...

188 Running Till You’re Sick and LOVING It! Jason Wish & Jeff Garmire

08 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, it’s all about the FKTs. We’ll be chatting with the man that has held all three FKTs for the Sheltowee Trace, Jason Wish about tr...

187 Dying on Trail is Better than Living in a Cubicle.

01 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this livestream, JK and Jeremiah chat with the mad man behind the youtube channel Midwest Backpacker. We talk about his many adventures, the gear h...

186 Tim Buckley - The Black Hills, Wall Drug, and Dying in the Desert

25 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we’re hanging out with the world famous Tim Buckley! We're chatting it up about everything from recent adventures to being the ...

185 Blood Sucking, Hybernation, and More Tick Info Than You Ever Knew You Wanted

18 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this livestream, we’re talking with one of the leading experts on ticks in the US, Brian Anderson. We’ll learn everything from prevention to wh...

184 Tackling Mountains and Health Scares: A Trip Up Mt. Elbert

11 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this livestream, we got to chat with two gentlemen that tackled Mt. Elbert, a 14,438 ft. mountain in Colorado. The story to get there is just as im...

183 Old School Gear & The Changes We've Made

04 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremiah and JK discuss the gear they used on their first long trails and what has changed over the years.

182 Ben McMillen: Is it a Bear Napkin or a Metro Mat?

27 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we hang out with the founder of Hilltop Packs, Hilltop Packs Coffee, and Apex Gear, Ben McMillen. We’ll talk about everything from ...

181 JASON WAUGH: Wag Bag Hate, Luxury Privies, and Getting Lost in the Woods

20 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, the guys got to hang out with one of our absolute favorite people in the world, Jason Waugh from the youtube channel, Backpacking wit...

180 - Steven Smith and Justin Hick Reveal ALL!!!!

13 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, JK and Jeremiah got to hang out with the Gear Bros!!! Steven (My Life Outdoors) and Justin (Justing Outdoors) are the first guests of...

179 The Q&A to End All Q&As! (Something Like That)

06 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

JK and Jeremiah answer all your questions, and some of them are even about backpacking!!!! Who will future guests be? Will we ever do a livestream aga...

178 Big 3 Showdown! Whose Gear Wins?

30 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremiah and JK throwdown in a showdown over who has the best Big 3 of shelter, sleep system and backpack. Vote for your choice in the poll on spotify...

177 Gear Ruin, Boating Mishaps and A Camp Surprise

23 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

JK and Jeremiah discuss the best way to ruin the most expensive gear, how NOT to launch a boat, and finding an unpleasant surprise when you get to cam...

176 Bear Attacks in the Backcountry. Should We Be Afraid?

16 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Recent Bear attacks are starting up new conversations on bear safety and whether or not forest officials need to step in with new legislation on bears...

175 Trowels and Beach Towels

09 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

JK does an open box review of the pact trowel, and they guys discuss Jeremiah's recent kayak camping trip....and the crazy physical battle that he...

174 When Hot Is Just Too Much For Backpacking

02 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremiah and JK chat about how to tackle hot weather when backpacking. They tackle everything from sunscreen to sun umbrellas......and they got off to...

173 Expensive Tents, Ultralight Bug Repellent, and Deep Mud

26 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremiah and JK talk about the past several week's adventures and what they've been up to on trail. They also talk about some interesting new ...

172 The Stringers Take on the Camino!!!!!

19 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, JK is joined by, not only, Jeremiah, but also his lovely wife, Bridgette, as they break down their hike of the Camino de Santiago, a ...

171 How To Deal With Injuries On Trail

05 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever been injured on a hike? How did you cope? What did you do? In this episode, JK and Jeremiah discuss injuries on trail, and ways to hand...

170 We Design the PERFECT BACKPACK

28 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremiah and JK discuss the things that they think make up the perfect backpack. Is it capacity? Weight? Comfort? Weigh in in the comments.

169 Fighting the Rain and an Ocean Of Clouds In the Red River Gorge

21 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremiah and JK chat about a recent trip that JK took to the Red River Gorge and some of the "adjustments" he and his friends had to make.

168 We Design the Perfect Sleep System

14 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We had so much fun designing what we thought would be the perfect tent that we decided to design the perfect sleep system. Let us know if you agree wi...

167 We Design The PERFECT TENT!

07 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

JK and Jeremiah discuss what they love and hate about tents, and what they would do if they were building the perfect tent.

166 Urban Hiking Part 2 - The Essentials

31 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

JK and Jeremiah continue the conversation on Jeremiah and his wife, Bridgette's, trip to France to begin the Camino De Santiago. More importantly,...

165 The Backpacking Podcast vs. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

24 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremiah and JK ask popular A.I. engine, Chat GPT, what is the perfect loadout for a backpacking trip in the Rocky Mountains.

164 Urban Hiking in Foreign Countries - Part 1

17 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, JK and Jeremiah discuss Jeremiah's upcoming hike of the Camino De Santiago in France and Spain later this month. How is he...

163 Tarp Fails, Redemption, and Bug Nets

10 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

JK and Jeremiah chat about recent trips, gear failures, gear redemption, and personal preferences when it comes to bug prevention.

162 MIYAGI and MILOSH - Blue Mohawks, Creek Bathing, and Facial Hair Conspiracies

03 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we get to hear stories from a notorious backpacking pairing. Be ready to laugh until your gut hurts as Jeremiah and JK sit down to ch...

161 Colette Vartanian = Salty Sports Drinks, Potassium Overload and What is an ELECTROLYTE?

26 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

JK and Jeremiah chat with Colette Vartanian, MS, RD, a Sports Dietitian and  Athlete Care Manager that works at Skratch Labs, a company that make...

160 Q&A - Beard Oil, Bucket List Hikes, and ......

19 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

JK and Jeremiah went live and took the time to answer several questions ranging from their favorite YouTube channels to their favorite freeze dried me...

159 Lucy Barnard - Cartels, Columbia, and Canine Caretakers

12 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

***There were some technical issues with this episode. Thanks in advance for showing us a little grace.*** Join us as we chat with Lucy Barnard, an A...

158 Weird Gear We Take On Trail

05 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

JK and Jeremiah share about some of the more strange pieces of gear that they like to take on trail with them when they go backpacking.

157 Rue McKenrick: $40 Shoes, Swamp Toilets, and Not Taking Yourself So Seriously

29 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Our favorite ultra long trail hiker, Rue McKenrick is back on the podcast to share some of the many adventures he’s experienced while creating the A...

156 - MEMORIAL SERVICE: Saying Goodbye to the Beard

22 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, we celebrated the life of one we will all miss terribly. Several special guests showed up to share their condolences for the evening’...

155 Marty Morissette - Outdoor life in the CANADIAN WILDERNESS

15 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

JK and Jeremiah hang out with our friend from the great white north of Canada, Marty Morisette.  We talk about everything from surviving crazy co...

154 Fatal Flaws In The Backcountry

08 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremiah and JK chat about 5 fatal mistakes that could actually be life threatening and how to prevent them from happening.

153 Does Jeremiah Know His National Parks?

01 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

JK tries to stump Jeremiah on his National Park knowledge.  Think you can beat the King of Kentucky Backpacking in a battle of wits?

152 JESSICA MILLS ("Dixie" from Homemade Wanderlust) - An Alabama Girl Becomes a Backpacking Phenom

22 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, the guys are chatting with Jessica “Dixie” Mills from Homemade Wanderlust. They discussed her recent Kilimanjaro trip, past adven...

151 Who Decides What Ultralight Is?

15 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

JK and Jeremiah discuss what it takes to get to that allusive title of "ultralight" while still disagreeing on the merits of Chick-Fil-A and whether o...

150 The Government CAN Fine You For Using Cameras in National Parks/Forests

08 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Tonight, Jeremiah and JK chat about a recent trip that Jeremiah took this past week and what exactly happened.  We also take some time to talk ab...

149 Dirty Secrets Backpackers Won't Talk About

01 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

JK and Jeremiah talk about those things that most people won’t talk about in public when it comes to backpacking. Some are weird.  Some are rud...

148 How to Prepare for a BIG Hike and Not Fail!!!!

25 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeremiah and JK talk about preparing for a hike that's more than just a week or just simply larger in scale.  How do you get rea...

147 - ANDREW SKURKA: Gear Tips, Trail Guidance and Being the Professor of Backpacking

18 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremiah and JK get to hang out with outdoor legend, Andrew Skurka, to chat about everything from recent adventures to the gear he uses out on trail. ...

146 Chasing a Polar Vortex and Being Let Down in the Red River Gorge

11 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremiah and JK spend some time talking about recent trips, bad weather and even the College Football Championship.

145 We REACT To Your COMMENTS!!!

04 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We sincerely apologize for the audio in this podcast.  We had some technical difficulties, but were able to use our laptop audio.  In this e...

144 Your Tent is NOT WARM ENOUGH, and Some of Your Other Gear Might Not Be Either.

28 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremiah and JK discuss how to have the proper gear for winter backpacking. Are tents better than hammocks?  Are quilts better than sleeping bags...

143 Hypothermia Kills!!! How To Dress Warm In Cold Weather

21 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

JK and Jeremiah have a little chat about dressing properly in cold weather.  How do you layer? How do you stay dry? Can Jeremiah and John agree o...

142 New Gear We're Using in 2023: Good Choices? Bad Choices?

14 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremiah and JK chat about some of the new gear they're excited about getting out on trail with in 2023. Are they making good choices?  You decid...

141 Our Favorite BACKPACKING GEAR of 2022!

07 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremiah and JK discuss the gear that they were most excited to discover in 2022, as well as some close runners up.

140 JASON WISH Secret FKT Attempts, Dealing with Injury, and Knowing When to Call It Quits

30 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jason Wish makes a surprise visit to the Casa De Stringer.  We talk about everything from his many FKT attempts to what shoes he...

139 JESSE MANNTAI - Grizzly Bears Are Bumble Bees and Wise Men Prepare At Night

23 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, JK and Jeremiah get to have a great conversation with Jesse Manntai of the YouTube Channel Backcountry Forward.  We talk about e...

138 GREG MORTON and KATE LYSAUGHT - From Feral to Fitting Back In: a Journey from the AT and Back.

16 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Tonight, we're going to enjoy chatting with 2022 Appalachian Trail Thru Hikers, Greg Morton and Kate Lysaught about their adventures on the trail. The...

137 JASON WAUGH - Gear Failure, Digging For Poop, Visits From Fireball Angels

09 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

John and Jeremiah are joined by Mr. Backpacking With Jason, Sir for an episode full of laughs, stories from the trail and of course, pooping. 

136 Truck Tents, New Socks, and Long Hikes in the Woods

02 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremiah and JK sit down to talk about recent and upcoming adventures, as well as some new gear they’re trying out.

135 - Jeremiah Takes Over and Everything Falls Apart!

26 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What happens when Jeremiah takes the reigns of the Backpacking Podcast?  What kind of shenanigans will he try to pull off?  Could this mean ...

134 - Q&A with the Guys

19 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Questions were asked, questions were answered, and everyone had a great time during this live stream.  We tackle everything from gear to our most...

133 Buckley and Bridgette Stringer - Hiking World's Collide in the Red River Gorge

12 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremiah is going in solo this week on the livestream, but he has two fantastic guests in our good friend, Buckley, and Jeremiah's better half, Bridge...

132 Gear Companies Should HIRE US! Disappointments and Confusion Over New Gear

05 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, JK and Jeremiah discuss gear purchases that made them scratch their heads at companies' decisions in production.

131 JAYMIE SECORD - Conquering Kilimanjaro and Becoming Joe Wilderness

28 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

JK and Jeremiah get the chance to talk with Canada's own, Joe Wilderness, Jamie Secord.  We'll be talking about all of his hiking exploits and hi...

130 Jeff Garmire - FKT Life: Hallucinations, Hunger, and Finishing with a Splash

21 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremiah and JK are excited to hang out with the one and only Tiger King, Legend himself, Jeff Garmire. After completing his FKT of the John Muir Trai...

129 Kelly Hays - Heartbreak on the PCT and Moving Forward

14 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremiah and JK hang out with AT thru hiker and van lifer, Kelly Hays, as we chat about recent adventures and her tough decision to step off the Pacif...

128 Ripped Toenails, Far Out Updates, and The Dream Job

07 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

JK and Jeremiah talk about life, trails, and recent updates to the Far Out app that are of significance to them.  They also chat about a hiker's ...

127 Rob Pelton: Inspiration from Nepal, Being a Hammock Master, and Enjoying Life

31 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Join us tonight for the livestream as we chat with Rob Pelton of YouTube fame and one half of Chewing the Fat. We'll be talking about everything from ...

126 Devin Ashby: Backpacking with Kids, Futuristic Wag Bags, and Making the Ultimate Day Pack

24 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we're talking with the OG of the outdoors and start of Backcountry Exposure on YouTube, Devin Ashby.  We'll be talking about eve...

125 Shaved Eyebrows, High End Gear, and Challenge Hikes: An EPIC Q&A!

17 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremiah and JK risk it all by doing a live Q&A Episode that may be one of the most entertaining episodes we've ever had.

124 Brad Felton: The High Uintas, Smelling like Beef and Cheese, and Open Air Defacation

10 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

JK and Jeremiah hang with Brad Felton from As The Crow Flies Hiking on YouTube.  We talk about everything from his recent trip to the Uinta Mount...

123 Brian "Flash" Carpenter and Ben "Guru" Minegar - Hiking the JMT and Living to Talk About It

03 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this audio only episode, Jeremiah and JK sit down to chat with two guys who just finished the world famous John Muir Trail in California.  The...

122 Broken Backs, KY Heat, and Falling Trees

27 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremiah and JK chat about everything from cancelled trips to making YouTube videos.

121 Tannins in the Water, Backcountry Bidets, and Burning Plastic in the Campfire

20 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Todays episode is all about "This vs. That". Jeremiah and JK compare different pieces of gear, different styles of backpacking and even hit on a bit o...

120 The 7 Most ANNOYING People You Hike With

13 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, JK and Jeremiah discuss the 7 types of people that can drive you crazy when on trail.  Is it possible that they're talking about...

119 Someone Shaved Jeremiah's Hair On Trail, Ban Horses From Hiking Trails, Visiting South Dakota

07 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

John and Jeremiah deep dive into Jeremiah's recent trip to South Dakota with a crew of other backpackers. Jeremiah was forced to wear terrible facial ...

118 Walking Tacos, Attempted Vehicular Manslaughter, and Beautiful Bald Mountains

29 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we give a sincere thank you to everyone who sent wag bag messages to our friend, we chat about recent trips, and discuss just how cra...

117 Summer Hacks, New Gear and John Rants Like an Old Man

22 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremiah and JK share some hacks they use on trail in the summer while talking about topics that get John a little heated.

116 Are Wag Bags Going to Be Put Into Law?

15 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

116 JK & JSJeremiah and JK chat about several topics, but really dive into whether or not the wag bag will become a law in all national parks.

115 Going Ultralight On Big 3, Motorcycles To Save Gas, Hiking South Dakota, Ditching Stuff Sacks

08 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

John & Jeremiah discuss how to become more ultralight and how, as you get older, it often becomes a necessity.

114 When Karen Strikes, The Kentucky Crud, and Waterfalls for Days

01 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

JK and Jeremiah sit down to chat about Jeremiah's most recent trip to the Sipsey Wilderness in the great state of Alabama.