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thru-hiking

Rue McKenrick smiles for the camera while hiking in the desert. The image is overlaid with "Out and Back: Rue McKenrick."

The American Perimeter Trail: the Newest Long-Distance Hike

by Mary Cochenour August 25, 2020

written by Mary Cochenour

Right now, the longest hiking route in America is being designed, mapped, and tested. The American Perimeter Trail circles the contiguous United States to make a 12,000-mile loop of existing trails, roads, and off-trail travel.

Long-distance hiker Rue McKenrick dreamed up the route after completing America’s thru-hiking Triple Crown of the Appalachian, Pacific Crest, and Continental Divide trails. He craved another engaging long-distance hike in the US, so he scoured the maps. When he couldn’t find another long trail to hike, he imagined a route that connected the Pacific Crest Trail to the Appalachian Trail through the states in between.

In June 2019, McKenrick left his home in Bend, Oregon to scout the best track for the American Perimeter Trail. He’s hiked some 8,000 miles since. McKenrick started his journey with a walk south along the Pacific Crest Trail. At the end of the Sierra, he turned east to walk across the Mojave desert through Death Valley. He’s walked across Texas and beyond.

Rue McKenrick hikes across a barren desertscape. He's carrying hiking poles and a backpacking pack.

In this interview, Shanty catches up with McKenrick during a town stop in western Michigan. McKenrick explains what inspired the American Perimeter Trail project, his vision for the trail, and the unbelievable encounters he’s experienced the way.

Hear about how he navigated his way around massive swaths of private property in Texas, endured police questioning for having a backpack and an “accent,” and what happened when shots were fired over his head.

McKenrick gets real with Shanty, revealing the one item he takes with him on every journey — an open heart.

“An open heart allows you to experience what’s in front of you without judgment and thinking it should be different,” McKenrick says. “An open heart allows you to say, ‘This is the time right now. This is it. There’s no past and there is no future’.”

Check out the American Perimeter Trail website and follow McKenrick’s journey with real-time updates on Instagram and the American Perimeter Trail Facebook page. Check out the American Perimeter Trail YouTube channel.

Episode Highlights

0:50: What is the American Perimeter Trail?
3:50: How Rue got into backpacking.
4:50: Rue grew up near the AT in PA and enjoyed spending time alone.
5:20: Rue got lost at summer camp.
7:10: Rue talks about his first long-distance hike: the AT.
8:00: Rue’s motivation to get into long-distance hiking.
9:30: What Rue learned about himself while pursuing the Triple Crown.
10:30: Hiking the AT redeemed Rue’s faith in humanity.
11:15: Hiking deepened Rue’s empathy towards others.
12:45: Aligning personal and professional values.
13:20: Rue lives a leave-no-trace lifestyle, even in the front country. He hasn’t driven a car in 10 years!
14:30: Rue hiked the PCT in 2005.
14:50: Rue hiked the CDT in 2007.
15:30: Rue felt like his life was taking a more domestic turn, but it never happened.
16:30: Existential introspection led Rue to create the APT.
17:40: Rue’s desire to explore the US before he goes back abroad.
18:30: The now-or-never reckoning moment that led Rue to start hiking the APT.
20:00: Goal of the APT is conservation through recreation.
22:30: Backpacking is like sandpaper. It’s smoothed out a lot of Rue’s edges.
24:00: The APT is not a finished product.
26:00: No long-distance trail is ever complete.
28:30: How Rue started building the APT.
30:00: A lot of Rue’s route decisions are day-to-day on the trail.
31:00: Rue doesn’t like to plan, but he prepares.
35:40: How Rue got through the waterless stretches of Death Valley.
39:00: How Rue is navigating the route.
40:20: Importance of staying found.
40:50: How Rue sees a 3D world when he looks at a map.
42:30 More of the APT is off-trail than on.
43:30: How Rue got through Texas, a state where only 4.2% of the land is public.
46:30: Challenge of thru-hiking through terrain without long-distance trail communities.
46:50: Someone shot at Rue.
47:00: How Rue navigated having guns pulled on him in a store.
52:20: The most discouraging thing Rue has encountered multiple times on the trail.
56:50: How Rue picks up essential items while on the trail.
57:00: Social isolating: Rue’s COVID-19 coping strategy while out on the trail.
58:30: The challenges of thru-hiking during a pandemic that you may not have considered.
59:45: Thru-hiking requires both soft and hard skills. The APT takes both to the max.
1:00:25: Funding the trip while on the trip.
1:00:30: How many times Rue will re-up gear on this project.
1:05:30: The one luxury item Rue can’t hike without — an open heart.
1:06:40: The best trail magic Rue has ever received.
1:08:10: The people who inspire Rue.
1:11: How people can support the APT.

Next Episode: Backcountry Foodie

Aaron Owens Mayhew smiles while eating a bowl of pudding in the backcountry. An alpine lake and mountains are in the background.

In 2017, registered dietitian Aaron Owens Mayhew quit her job to hike the PCT. The only catch: she hated — and hated paying for — freeze-dried meals. Meal planning for a five-month thru-hike felt impossible, as did carrying enough nutritious food. So Owens Mayhew put her culinary expertise to work. Her thru-hike didn’t go as planned, but Backcountry Foodie was born.

In episode 11 of the Out and Back podcast, Owens Mayhew shares stories from her two decades of backpacking and the behind the scenes of how she created her popular backpacking food website and meal planning service. She also shares how you can cut down on food weight while eating healthier and delicious meals on the trail. And get ready for the big news: Backcountry Foodie is transitioning from a do-it-yourself website to selling packaged meals so you don’t have to bother prepping the food at home.

Check out Backcountry Foodie’s website and Instagram for backcountry cooking tips and inspiration.

Last Episode: Hiking Africa, the Himalayas, and the PCT in Winter with Justin Lichter

Circle back to the last episode of the Out and Back podcast with world adventurer and author Justin “Trauma” Lichter. Hear Lichter’s wildest stories from across the globe, including how stampeding elephants and stalking lions stopped him in his tracks on his attempted thru-hike of Africa. Learn about his high-altitude traverse of the Himalayas and the trip that made the most headlines — becoming the first person, with Shawn “Pepper” Forry, to successfully complete the Pacific Crest Trail in winter.

Lichter gives insights to the challenges and rewards of international adventure travel and the complications of winter travel on the PCT. And he digs into what motivates him to keep pushing the limits in the outdoors.

“The challenge — to see what what you can handle and what you can’t handle — that’s that’s definitely part of it,” Lichter explains. “And the other part that keeps you going is just seeing these places. It’s just rewarding. When you’re out there at the twilight in the alpenglow and nobody’s out there, it’s just an amazing moment.”

Lichter is truly an expert of backcountry travel in all its forms: hiking, skiing, and bikepacking. In fact, he’s the source of trail details and information on many of National Geographic’s Trails Illustrated maps. Tune is as Lichter discusses avalanche safety, winter gear, and international resupply strategies.

To learn more about Lichter, check out his website: www.justinlichter.com. Tap into his knowledge by reading one of his many books, including: Trail Tested: A Thru-Hiker’s Guide to Ultralight Hiking and Backpacking and Survive: Mountains.

Meet the Host: Andrew “Shanty” Baldwin

the host of the podcast Andrew Baldwin wearing an orange hat and blue jacket with a frosty beard, smiling

In 2019, host Andrew Baldwin completed a southbound thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. After five months on the trail, Baldwin returned home to pursue a career in voice acting. A friend of the Gaia GPS company, Baldwin was a natural choice for hosting the Out and Back podcast.

In each Out and Back episode, Shanty strives to bring you conversations with people who spend an extraordinary amount of time outdoors. Listen in as Shanty taps into each backcountry expert’s superpower so that you can take their knowledge and experience with you on your next adventure.

August 25, 2020

Gaia GPS Out and Back Podcast

Thru-hiking Africa, the Himalayas, and the Pacific Crest Trail in Winter with Justin “Trauma” Lichter

by Mary Cochenour August 17, 2020

written by Mary Cochenour

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Some endurance adventurers strive to become the first or the fastest person to accomplish something. Others simply want to learn about themselves along the way. Justin “Trauma” Lichter unintentionally accomplishes both. On episode 9 of the Out and Back podcast, world adventurer and author Lichter shares his wildest stories from across the globe. Lichter recounts how stampeding elephants and stalking lions stopped him in his tracks on his attempted thru-hike of eastern Africa. Learn about his 2,000 mile high-altitude traverse of the Himalayas. And get the behind the scenes scoop on his most headline-making trip: becoming the first person, with Shawn “Pepper” Forry, to successfully complete the Pacific Crest Trail in winter.

The cover of Lichter's book, Ultralight Winter Travel, shows Lichter backcountry skiing.

In this episode, Lichter gives insights into the challenges and rewards of international adventures and the complications of winter travel on the PCT. He also digs into what motivates him to keep pushing the limits in the outdoors:

“The challenge — to see what you can handle and what you can’t handle — that’s definitely part of it. And the other part that keeps you going is just seeing these places. It’s just rewarding when you’re out there at twilight in the alpenglow and nobody’s out there. It’s just an amazing moment.”

Lichter masters backcountry travel in many forms, from hiking to skiing to bikepacking. In fact, he’s a primary source of trail details and information in NatGeo Trails Illustrated maps. Tune in to hear how Lichter scored that prestigious gig plus learn about avalanche safety, winter gear, and international resupply strategies.

Lichter backpacks up a barren climb in Africa. He wears a jacket, gloves, and a brimmed hat.

To learn more about Lichter, check out his website: www.justinlichter.com. Tap into his knowledge by reading one of his many books, including Trail Tested: A Thru-Hiker’s Guide to Ultralight Hiking and Backpacking and Survive: Mountains.

Episode Highlights

3:20: Trauma talks about nearing his goal of traveling to all seven continents.
4:20: Trauma has hiked over 40,000 miles.
5:00 Trauma grew up skiing and day-hiking with his parents. He loved running to see what’s around the corner.
6:30: Trauma discusses an eye-oping trip to southern Utah that inspired him to thru-hike the AT.
8:30: Why the AT?
9:45: Trauma talks about why he decided to pursue an outdoor adventure lifestyle.
11:15: Trauma reveals how he earned his trail name. (It’s a crazy story!)
12:30: Ravens dive-bombed Trauma on his first wilderness trip.
14:00: Trauma’s first major trip was a 1,500 mile adventure through eastern Africa.
15:30: Wildlife encounters forced Trauma to cut his trip short.
17:30: Trauma spooked a lion and got chased by an elephant.
19:00: People are not on the top of the food chain in Africa.
21:30: Learning to navigate African cultures.
23:30: Trauma was careful with water sources and vaccinations to avoid sickness.
26:00: Trauma’s second major trip took him to Katmandu, Nepal, for the Great Himalaya Trail.
28:50 Tricky resupply strategy for the Great Himalaya Trail.
31:30: Trauma ate a lot of convenience store food.
32:00: Altitude is draining.
33:30: Trauma and Pepper become the first people to complete the PCT in winter.
34:30: Trauma talks about his motivation to embark on a winter PCT thru-hike.
35:30 Trauma and Pepper indirectly spent a decade preparing for their winter PCT trip, dialing in their gear and skills.
36:30 Gear isn’t made for this type of trip. Trauma had to find the balance between winter gear weight and functionality.
37:45: How Trauma and Pepper met.
39:00: Trauma and Pepper have adventured thousands of miles together.
39:30: Pros and cons of having an adventure partner.
41:00: Trauma and Pepper lucked out with avalanche danger on the PCT.
42:50: Trauma and Pepper got frostbite.
45:00: Winter navigational challenges you probably haven’t considered.
47:00: What keeps Trauma going.
48:45: Trauma’s work for National Geographic Maps.
49:30: Trauma’s work on ski patrol.
53:50: One of Trauma’s hiking presentations turned into a full barroom brawl.
55:10: Trauma’s favorite hiking gear.
55:50: Trauma’s favorite hiking food.
56:05: The psychological differences between a zero and a “nearo.”

Next Episode: The American Perimeter Trail with Mastermind Rue McKenrick

Right now, the longest hiking route in America is being designed, mapped, and tested out. The American Perimeter Trail circles the contiguous United States to make a 12,000-mile loop of existing trails, roads, and cross-country travel.

Hiker Rue McKenrick dreamed up the route after completing America’s thru-hiking Triple Crown of the Appalachian, Pacific Crest, and Continental Divide trails. He craved another engaging long-distance hike in the US, so he scoured the maps. When he couldn’t find another long trail to hike, he imagined a route that connected the Pacific Crest Trail to the Appalachian Trail through the states in between.

In June 2019, McKenrick left his home in Bend, Oregon to scout the best track for his burgeoning vision of the American Perimeter trail. McKenrick has hiked some 8,000 miles since. He started with a walk south along the Pacific Crest Trail. Next, he turned east to walk across the Mojave desert through Death Valley. He’s walked across Utah, Texas, and beyond.

In this interview, Shanty catches up with McKenrick during a town stop in western Michigan. McKenrick explains what inspired the American Perimeter Trail project, his vision for the trail, and the unbelievable encounters he’s experienced all the way.

Hear about how he navigated his way around massive swaths of private property in Texas, endured police questioning for having a backpack and an “accent,” and what happened when shots were fired over his head.

McKenrick gets real with Shanty, revealing the one item he takes with him on every journey — an open heart.

“Over the years, I’ve found that the one item I need to take with me on every trip is an open heart,” McKenrick says. “An open heart allows you to experience what’s in front of you without judgment and thinking it should be different. An open heart allows you to say, ‘This is the time right now. This is it. There’s no past and there is no future.’”

Check out the American Perimeter Trail website and follow McKenrick’s journey with real-time updates on his Instagram.

Last episode: How Hiking Helped Heal Professional Hiker Will “Akuna” Robinson“

When Army veteran Will Robinson returned home from a combat tour in Iraq, he struggled with depression and PTSD. He spent more and more time at home, withdrawing from civilian life and turning to alcohol for self medication. One day, he flipped on the TV and saw Reese Witherspoon wrestling with an oversized backpack in the movie “Wild.”

That movie scene took Robinson back to his deployment overseas when he read a book about hiking the 2,660-mile Pacific Crest Trail. Inspired, Robinson shut off the TV and got to work planning his hike. Just two weeks later, Robinson put two feet on the trail and began walking north.

That first PCT thru-hike “was like an epiphany,” Robinson says. “I really, really enjoy through hiking. You know, this is going to be my life. This is for me, it’s not just that I want to come back next season because I had a goal and I feel like I didn’t accomplish it. I want to come back next season because I love this lifestyle and it’s helped me so much and I enjoy it so much. I just need to go back.”

Robinson, dubbed “Akuna” on the trail, sat down with Shanty in Out and Back podcast, episode 8. He engages in a frank discussion about how the trail helps him find purpose, community, and the space and time he needs to focus on himself. He recounts how the PCT hike allowed him to address his PTSD and Depression. Inspired by how the trail made him feel, Akuna continued on to hike the Appalachian Trail and the Continental Divide Trail — becoming the first Black man to complete the Triple Crown of long trails in America.

Akuna hugs a post signifying the end of the PCT.

Tune in as Robinson talks about being the first Black man to complete the Triple Crown, what that achievement has meant to him, and how all the hateful comments on social media mentally drained him. Akuna also touches on the recent flood of media requests in his inbox regarding speaking about the issues people of color face in the outdoors. He explains what he believes his fellow hikers can do on trail to make the outdoors a more welcoming place for people of color, and what it means for outdoor brands to become better allies. Laid back yet passionate about hiking, Akuna highlights the healing nature of trails everywhere, whether long, short, or in between.

Learn more about Akuna on his brand new website www.akunahikes.com and follow Akuna on Instagram to catch a glimpse of his latest adventures.

Meet the Host: Andrew “Shanty” Baldwin

August 17, 2020

Out and Back: Will "Akuna" Robinson is superimposed over an Image of Akuna hiking.

Gaia GPS Out and Back Podcast

How Hiking Heals with Will “Akuna” Robinson

by Mary Cochenour August 11, 2020

written by Mary Cochenour

Get up to 50% off
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That movie scene took Robinson back to his deployment overseas when he read a book about hiking the 2,660-mile Pacific Crest Trail. Inspired, Robinson shut off the TV and got to work planning his hike. Just two weeks later, Robinson put two feet on the trail and began walking north.

That first PCT thru-hike “was like an epiphany,” Robinson says. “I really, really enjoy through hiking. This is going to be my life. This is for me. It’s not just that I want to come back next season because I had a goal and I feel like I didn’t accomplish it. I want to come back next season because I love this lifestyle and it’s helped me so much and I enjoy it so much. I just need to go back.”

Dubbed “Akuna” on the trail, Robinson sat down with Shanty for episode 8 of the Out and Back podcast. He engages in a frank discussion about how the trail helps him find purpose, community, and the space and time he needs to focus on himself. He recounts how the PCT hike allowed him to address his PTSD and depression. Inspired by the way the trail made him feel, Akuna continued on to hike the Appalachian Trail and the Continental Divide Trail — becoming the first Black man to complete the Triple Crown of long trails in America.

Akuna hugs a pole signifying the US/Canadian border and also the end of the PCT.

Episode Highlights

3:50: Akuna describes his upbringing living in Germany as a military kid and coming back to New Orleans.
6:30: Racism is real; it is not a made up thing.
7:05: Akuna did not grow up backpacking and camping, but enjoyed being outside as a kid.
8:45: Akuna’s dad told him that joining the military was out of the question.
9:15: An Army recruitment officer diverted Akuna from going down the wrong path in 1999 when he was a young man.
11:10: Akuna served in Iraq and was medically evacuated and sent home to New Orleans.
13:45: Upon returning home, Akuna underwent a number of surgeries and struggled with PTSD.
18:20: The military was not yet prepared to addressed the number of soldiers coming home with PTSD.
18:30: Akuna fell into a downward spiral, getting worse and worse. His room at home became a prison and he withdrew from social interactions.
20:00: Akuna knew he had to do something drastic to get out of this situation.
20:20: He looked up at the TV and saw the movie “Wild” and it inspired him to hit the Pacific Crest Trail.
21:20: Akuna thought “this is where I need to be” and two weeks later he was in Campo ready to start the trail.
24:30: Social interaction is the best part of Akuna’s thru-hiking experience.
27:15: Learn how Akuna earned his trail name.
28:20: Akuna loves the desert section of the PCT.
30:35: How thru-hiking helped alleviate Akuna’s PTSD and Depression symptoms.
39:00 Akuna is dealing with injuries on the PCT and has to leave the trail.
45:00: Akuna comes back and completes the PCT and goes on to nab the AT and CDT, becoming the first Black man to complete the Triple Crown.
48:00: Akuna shares his experience on each of the three trails and the benefits of each.
51:03: Akuna inadvertently completed the Triple Crown.
54:10: Akuna is proud to be first Black man to achieving the Triple Crown because it provides an example to other people of color that they can complete the trails too.
55:40: The community response to his Triple Crown achievement was overwhelming.
56:00: Akuna is sponsored by Merrell.
57:00: Since George Floyd’s murder, Akuna and other Black and BIPOC athletes’ phones have been ringing off the hook.
59:00: Akuna’s advice on how hikers and outdoor brands can be better allies to people of color in the outdoors.
1:04:10: Akuna took a mental health break from social media recently.
1:05:00: What’s on Akuna’s bucket list of hikes? You will NEVER guess.
1:08:05: Favorite trail town food: milkshakes.
1:09:00: Shout out to Erick Schat’s Bakery in Bishop, California, Akuna’s favorite trail town stop.

Next Episode: Justin “Trauma” Lichter on Lessons from Africa, the Himalayas, and a Winter Traverse of the PCT

You won’t want to miss the next episode of Out and Back with world adventurer and author Justin “Trauma” Lichter. Hear Lichter’s wildest stories from across the globe, including how stampeding elephants and stalking lions stopped him in his tracks on his attempted thru-hike of Africa. Learn about his high-altitude traverse of the Himalayas, and the trip that made the most headlines — becoming the first person along with Shawn “Pepper” Forry to successfully complete the Pacific Crest Trail in winter.

Lichter is truly an expert of backcountry travel in all its forms: hiking, skiing, and bikepacking. In fact, he’s the source of trail details and information on many of National Geographic’s Trails Illustrated maps.

To learn more about Lichter, check out his website: www.justinlichter.com. Tap into his knowledge by reading one of his many books, including: Trail Tested: A Thru-Hiker’s Guide to Ultralight Hiking and Backpacking and Survive: Mountains.

Last Episode: Thru Hiking Budgets and Urban Backpacking Routes with Liz “Snorkel” Thomas

Snorkel smiles as she reaches out a hand filled with blueberries. She stands in a field, with a full backpacking pack on her back.

If you’ve ever wondered how much money it takes to set off on a long thru-hike like the Appalachian Trail or the Pacific Crest Trail, guess no more. In this episode, Shanty tackles thru-hiking’s financial costs with author, gear reviewer, and dedicated long-distance hiker Liz Thomas. Known as “Snorkel“ in the trail community, Thomas gives an honest and realistic picture of a thru-hiker’s budget. Learn Snorkel’s philosophy on buying gear, ways to save money in trail towns, and get a glimpse at hidden expenses that most hikers never even consider.

Snorkel also takes us out of the wilderness and onto the city sidewalk with 14 urban trekking routes across American cities. From Los Angeles to Seattle, Snorkel created 100-mile hikes through metropolitan areas to make the joy of thru-hiking more accessible to people who enjoy the comforts of civilization. The best part of urban thru-hiking, Snorkel says, includes checking out city art exhibits, walking through neighborhoods you never knew existed, and getting to eat the most delicious trail food for every meal. One of her favorite routes samples all the breweries in Denver. While not the most economical thru-hike, these trips provide a unique way to experience the hustle and bustle of any metropolis.

Learn more about Liz Thomas and her urban thru-hikes on her blog and follow her on Instagram. Follow Snorkel’s latest adventure: Treeline Review, a comprehensive gear-review website that helps you find and buy the right equipment the first time around. Read her book Long Trails, Mastering the Art of the Thru-Hike and her recent Falcon Guide, Hiking Waterfalls Southern California: A guide to the Region’s Best Waterfall Hikes, released in November 2019.

Meet the Host: Andrew “Shanty” Baldwin

August 11, 2020

Gaia GPS Out and Back Podcast

Thru-Hiking Budgets and Urban Backpacking with Liz “Snorkel” Thomas on the Out and Back Podcast

by Mary Cochenour August 5, 2020

written by Mary Cochenour

Get up to 50% off
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If you’ve ever wondered how much money it takes to set off on a long thru-hike like the Appalachian Trail or the Pacific Crest Trail, guess no more. In this episode of the Out and Back podcast, Shanty tackles thru-hiking’s financial costs with author, gear reviewer, and dedicated long-distance hiker Liz Thomas. Known as “Snorkel” in the trail community, Thomas gives an honest and realistic picture of a thru-hiker’s budget. Learn Snorkel’s philosophy on buying gear, ways to save money in trail towns, and hear about all the hidden expenses that most hikers never even consider.

Snorkel also takes us out of the wilderness and to the city sidewalk with 14 urban trekking routes across American cities. From Los Angeles to Seattle, Snorkel created 100-mile hikes through metropolitan areas to make the joy of thru-hiking more accessible to people who enjoy the comforts of civilization. The best part of urban thru-hiking, Snorkel says, includes checking out city art exhibits, walking through neighborhoods you never knew existed, and getting to eat the most delicious trail food for every meal. One of her favorite routes samples all the breweries in Denver. While not the most economical thru-hike, these trips provide a unique way to experience the hustle and bustle of the metropolis.

Learn more about Liz Thomas and her urban thru-hikes on her blog and follow her on Instagram. Check out Snorkel’s latest adventure: Treeline Review, a comprehensive gear-review website that helps you find and buy the right equipment the first time around. Read her book Long Trails, Mastering the Art of the Thru-Hike and her recent Falcon Guide, Hiking Waterfalls Southern California: A guide to the Region’s Best Waterfall Hikes, released in November 2019.

Snorkel stands on a mountain top, looking off her shoulder into the distance. Green and blue mountains extend behind her. — *Liz Thomas, known as Snorkel on the trail, has hiked more than 20,000 miles. She is founder and editor-in-chief of her new website Treeline Review. Photo credit: Naomi Hudetz*

Episode 7 Highlights: Long-Distance Hiker Liz Thomas

4:40: Snorkel explains how she got her trail name.
6:05: Snorkel talks about her 20,000 miles hiked, including the Triple Crown.
7:00: If she could only hike one trail again, it would be the CDT, and here’s why!
8:00: Snorkel held the women’s speed record on the Appalachian Trail for five years before Heather “Anish” Anderson broke it.
9:30: Snorkel completed the first traverse of the Wasatch Range.
13:40: Find out Snorkel’s motivation to keep hiking all these miles.
14:35: Outside Magazine named Snorkel the Queen of “Urban Hiking.”
15:45: Snorkel has thru-hiked 14 US cities. New York was the most intimidating.
19:10: You can get the same benefits on an urban hike that you get on a wilderness hike.
27:08: Gear is about 40 percent of your hiking budget.
28:20: All the expenses that people forget about when planning a long hike.
29:40: Snorkel tells us what type of gear to invest in for your first long hike.
30:35: Resupply in town versus mail drops. Liz says first-timers should buy in town and for good reason.
33:10: Shanty blew his budget on the Appalachian Trail.
33:50: The thru-hiking budget rule of thumb.
34:20: Shout out to Paul Magnanti “PMags” for his super cheap thru-hike budget.
36:40: How to save money when you backpack into a trail town.
43:00: Don’t try to keep up with the Joneses on your first trail hike.
49:00: Liz is an ambassador of the American Hiking Society.
53:00: Liz talks about the motto of her new gear website, Treeline Review. “Buy right the first time.”
55:16: Snorkel craves the weirdest trail food ever. There is seriously something wrong here.

Next Episode: Hiking with Will “Akuna” Robinson

Will Robinson raises his arms above his head. His eyes look up to the sky. A mountain looms behind him.

Army veteran Will Robinson returned home from a combat tour in Iraq and struggled with depression and PTSD. He spent more and more time at home, withdrawing from civilian life and turning to alcohol for self medication. But one day, he flipped on the TV and saw Reese Witherspoon wrestling with an oversized backpack in the movie “Wild.” That scene brought Robinson back to his deployment overseas when he had read a book about hiking the 2,660-mile Pacific Crest Trail. He remembered how learning about the PCT inspired and intrigued him. Robinson shut off the TV. Just two weeks later, he put two feet on the trail and started walking north.

Tune in as Robinson, who earned the trail name “Akuna” on his first hike of the PCT, engages in a frank discussion about how the trail has helped him find purpose, community, and the space and time he needed to focus on himself. Akuna recounts how his PCT hike inspired him to keep walking and complete the Appalachian Trail and the Continental Divide Trail — becoming the first Black man to complete the Triple Crown of long trails in America.

Akuna talks about being the first Black man to complete America’s Triple Crown, what that achievement means to him, and how hateful comments regarding people of color on social media has mentally drained him. Laid back yet passionate about hiking, Akuna highlights the healing nature of trails everywhere, whether long, short, or in between.

Learn more about Akuna on his brand new website www.akunahikes.com and follow Akuna on Instagram to catch a glimpse of his latest adventures.

Last Episode: Adventure Alan Dixon and Discovering Intention on the Trail

"Out and Back Ep. 6 Adventure Alan Dixon" is overlaid onto a photo of Dixon sitting in the backcountry, surrounded by all of his camping gear.

On the last episode of Out and Back, listen in to a deep conversation with “Adventure Alan” Dixon. Dixon inspires all of us to simply put “two feet on the trail” and get out there.

A trailblazer of ultralight backpacking and author of one of the most popular and comprehensive backpacking websites, Dixon is widely known for his spec-heavy, detail-oriented backpacking gear reviews and expert advice on all things backcountry. But in this interview, Dixon leaves behind his engineering background and gear spreadsheets to reveal his more vulnerable side.

Dixon recounts one of the most harrowing mishaps of his outdoor career, bringing him and his climbing partner to hallucinations and the brink of death in Wyoming’s Tetons. He talks about the “controlled chaos” of his upbringing that trained him to love high adventure in the outdoors and why he prefers high routes to slaying miles on long-distance trails. Although an early adopter of the most extreme versions of ultralight backpacking, Dixon tells us that you should not wait until you have the perfect gear or are in better physical shape to get moving on the trail. His goal is to encourage everyone to start hiking today.

Tune in to episode 6 to learn more about Adventure Alan’s backpacking philosophy, including the one thing you need to leave behind to lighten your backpack. Check out his website at www.adventurealan.com and follow him on Facebook and Instagram to tap into his gear reviews, backpacking trip reports, and expert backpacking tips. Watch his informative backpacking videos on YouTube.

Also, check out Adventure Alan’s ultralight backpacking tips on the Gaia GPS blog. The article sheds light on how to reduce your pack’s weight without having to spend a dime on expensive ultralight gear.

Meet the Host: Andrew “Shanty” Baldwin

August 5, 2020

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