Ben and Carl discuss some of the weirdest gear they could find that you might bring on a backpacking trip. Is it worthwhile? Can these pieces of gear improve your trip? Would you buy any of these? Topics Covered: -Ultralight Backpacking -Backpacking Gear -Where to buy or not buy backpacking gear Portable Chair Sock Shoes Special Knife Haven Hammock…

Welcome to Throwback Thursday! In this episode Dan Becker, Sean "Shug" Emery, John Kelley, Rocky Brown and more guests weigh in with their best backpacking tips in order to celebrate our 200th episode! Some of the Topics Discussed -Backpacking Gear - Trip Planning and locations -Tips for Newbies Enlightened Equipment: Check out the best Ultralight …

Huck Outdoors, Adam from Dad Camps and Vince Strawbridge join the show as part of an expert panel on backpacking skills. Each gives insight on a variety of backpacking topics as well as unexpected stories to boot. Topics Covered: -Ultralight Backpacking -Backpacking Gear -Backpacking Skills Get Vince Strawbridge’s full story ‘Pretty Good at Walking…

Dan Durston joins the show to discuss cutting edge backpacking gear that might blow your hair back. Ben and Carl ask Dan about some controversial decisions in creating the gear as well as a controversial video that was put out about one of his tents. Also, Carl runs a couple of his own gear innovations by Dan and offers a licensing deal. Topics Cov…

Alice Ford went on a backpacking trip with a daypack. Was that a good idea? Was she able to survive the night? What did she learn? And what can we learn from her experience to lighten our load? Topics Covered: -Ultralight Backpacking -Backpacking Gear -Hiking strategies Check out Alice's YouTube Channel Enlightened Equipment: Check out the best Ult…

Welcome to B&B Jeopardy! We’ve got 3 contestants vying for the first ever, backpacking-related Jeopardy game show. Steven Smith is a famous YouTuber from the My Life Outdoors Channel. Doc is a famous podcaster who host Hiker Trash Radio. Sally Chaffin Brooks is a famous comedian and author. Topics Covered: -Backpacking trivia -National Parks -Backp…

Derek and Carl discuss some things that you simply can't overcome on the trail -- minor or major annoyances. Do these bother you as well? Enlightened Equipment: Check out the best Ultralight Quilts on the market! Teton Gear: If you’re looking for high quality gear at a great price, this is the best option for all entry to mid level backpackers. Get…

Rick and Marty Lagina join the show to discuss the upcoming season of History Channel’s The Curse of Oak Island. Ben and Carl ask the questions you’ve always wanted to ask (or never thought of). And will Carl try to crash the Lagina Thanksgiving dinner? Topics Covered: -The mystery of the Oak Island treasure -The world’s most famous treasure hunter…

Timber Cleghorn – someone who could possibly be the most interesting man in the world – joins the show. He grew up in a militia camp. He is a freelance humanitarian who heads to war zones across the world. He is an Alone contestant in the latest season. And he’s taking at leading all guest at the lightning round. Topics Covered: -Bushcraft gear -Th…

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 judge! John Kelley's Youtube Channel and Instagram Page Jeremiah Stinger's Youtube Channel and Instagram Page Some of the Topics Discussed -National Parks -Backpacking Gear -Backpacking Trip Planning -T…

Are you looking for creative ideas to lighten your pack load? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Ben and Carl each suggest 4 ultralight tips that you’ve never heard before. And some of them can shave some serious weight. Topics Covered: -Backpacking gear -Ultralight backpacking -Shaving weight off of your pack Check out the Ultralight Tips Video…

YouTuber Matty Outdoors joins the show to discuss backpacking trends that make no sense. Ben and Carl suggest a couple of their own as well. What is your take on the subject? Also, Ben challenges everyone with ‘trend trivia’. Topics Covered: -Backpacking gear -Ultralight trends -Backpacking hacks and trends Subscribe to Matty Outdoors on YouTube Ch…

You’ve never heard of a backpacking trip like this before. Are these 7 weird things that happened in the Trinity Alps game changing ideas that can enhance your trip? You be the judge. Topics Covered: -Backpacking gear -Ultralight and Ultraheavy gear -Strange Encounters on/off the trail -Unique Backpacking Ideas Watch the full video of this trip cre…

Can we really trust the gear companies with all of their claims, fancy marketing, and price gouging? Ben and Carl get to the bottom of things. VP of marketing for Teton, Jeremy McLerran, joins the show to reveal behind-the-scenes secrets that most gear companies won’t tell. This just might help you make better informed gear decisions. Topics Covere…

TV star and former MMA fighter Kru Williams joins the show. Kru shares behind-the-scenes stories from Deadman’s Curse: Legend of the Lost Gold. You can imagine the types of questions Ben and Carl are going to ask Kru. Please tune in for this very compelling conversation. Topics Covered: -Backpacking, mountaineering in British Columbia -Searching fo…

In this Throwback Thursday episode, Derek and Carl discuss some of the craziest things Bear Grylls has suggested over the years. If you follow some of the advice given on various survival shows you just might die. But don’t worry Derek and Carl will save you with their own sage advice. Topics Covered: -Bear Grylls -Survival in the backcountry -Prop…

Over the course of the year Carl asked representatives from various backpacking companies 1 question: what is one piece of gear that you developed that never made it to market. 6 companies share their answers. Ben and Carl discuss whether or not there is a market for each of these potential products. Topics Covered: -Backpacking Gear -Future Backpa…

This is a unique look at a true crime story that involved both a heist and a very long backpacking trip. You’ve seen (or heard) dramatic true crime tales before. But not like this. Topics Covered: -The Backpacking Heist story -Who are we really backpacking next to -How to use a backpacking trip to go off the grid Check out the 4 Ultralight Tips You…

Ben and Carl have concocted 6 backpacking missions that they dare you to complete. They’ve put some gear on the line if you can put together some trips that include these fun opportunities. Ben claims his missions are ‘doable’ which Carl believes is the exact opposite purpose of a mission impossible. You be the judge. Some of the topics covered: -C…

You’re not going to get eaten by a mountain lion or mauled by a bear (at least statistically speaking). So, what are the worst case scenarios you might encounter? Or, what are some likely terrible scenarios that Carl and Ben have encountered? And how do you survive them. You can trust these guys to lead to you to safety…for the most part. Some of t…

Alisha from Terradrift joins the show to talk about gear decisions, having a very low base weight, gear sacrifices and advice for Carl regarding privacy when going to the bathroom in the woods. Also, what gear is simply just not worth it? Alisha’s Big 4: -Gossamer Gear Gorilla -Enlightened Equipment Synthetic Quilt -Thermarest NeoAir Xlite -Gossame…

Some people love this gear while others would never, ever bring it along. What are the controversial pieces of backpacking gear Carl and, guest host, Ben McAuliffe come up with this time. They each make the case for why they’re controversial and whether or not they actually bring those items along. Some of the topics discussed in this week’s episod…

Ultralight backpacking has been the rage since the 90s. But you should stop ultralight backpacking. We’ll give you 6 reasons why. Some of the topics discussed in this week’s episode: -Ultralight Backpacking -Ultralight Backpacking Gear -Luxury Gear Items Check out the YouTube Comedy Skit we referenced! Gear Review: Teton Mountain Ultra 2 Person Ten…

Adventure athlete, podcast host and friend of the show Rowan Smith checks in and is ready to help you get faster on the trail. He’s got 3 tips that you can incorporate -- without any training – that should speed you up on those hills. Guest host Ben McAuliffe inserts his own agenda with stories about skunk battles and how jelly beans got him a litt…

Outdoor adventure filmmaker Chris Smead joins the show to discuss backpacking gear that we both loved…and now leave behind (or sell on eBay). You may know Chris from the movie ‘Highline’ or from some of his amazing documentary projects. Chris always brings a positive and creative spin to the topic anytime he’s on the show. Some of the topics discus…

What are the deadliest trails on Earth? What makes them so dangerous? And how do we defeat them? Rest assured the B&B podcast has the answers and cheat codes for these challenging hikes. Ben McAuliffe joins the show to weigh in on this conversation. Some of the topics discussed in this week’s episode: -The deadliest trails on earth -Trip Planning -…

Who is the worst backpacker of all time? What are the characteristics of a terrible backpacker? This is not a fitness-shaming discussion. These are real attributes, from real people (including the hosts) that need to be stopped at all costs. Or at least they needed to be made fun of. Ben McAuliffe joins the show to weigh in on this conversation. So…

Grim Granite (Gordon Crum) joins the show to discuss how to survive a zombie apocalypse…while backpacking. As a survival expert who has actually been on the show ‘Doomsday Preppers’, Gordon is more than prepared to have a semi-serious and humorous discussion about this scenario. Even though this episode is mostly just for fun, Gordon shares quite a…

On this Throwback Thursday episode Derek, Carl and Tupperware Mike discuss the small essentials. How big should your knife be? Are portable batteries becoming a necessary part of backpacking? Topics Discussed -Best Backpacking Gear -Backpacking Gear List -Best Hiking Gear -Backpacking for beginners to advanced hikers GET MORE CONTENT! Please suppor…

Justin Outdoors joins the show to discuss how to upgrade a gear setup and shave weight with $150. Just how much weight can you reduce with $150 these days? Let’s find out from the best gear expert going. Some of the topics discussed in this week’s episode: -Reducing pack weight -Budget Backpacking Gear -The best backpacks, sleeping bags, sleeping p…

It's time to talk bears: the controversy of hanging food, how to avoid bear canisters, bear attacks, running from bears, chasing bears, and much, much more! Ben McAuliffe joins the show to co-host and provide his own “insight”. Please bear with us. Some of the topics discussed in this week’s episode: -The controversy of hanging food -Bear Canisters…

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 in this interview! Some Topics Discussed Include: -Backpacking Gear -Backpacking Hammocks -Backpacking Food -Calling Search and Rescue Check out Shug's Youtube Channel!: https://www.youtube.com/user/s…

New gear from the future, innovative updates and fun new snacks round out the discussion from this year’s Outdoor Retailer Show. Tupperware Mike and Jendiana join Carl to discuss all of these great gear items and stories behind various companies on site! Some of the companies discussed in this week’s episode: -Enlightened Equipment -Scratch Labs -O…

In the Season 7 Finale, Derek and Carl discuss the exact gear they plan to bring for the Desolation Wilderness July trip. And this trivia is one you won’t want to miss! If you’re interested in any of the gear discussed, it helps our podcast! Outdoor Vitals Summit Down Sleeping Bag Mystery Ranch Radix Nemo Tensor Sleeping Pad Katadyn BeFree Black Di…

Extreme Adventurer Ray Zahab joins the show to share some stories from the far side of the world. What did he encounter when crossing a frozen Siberian Lake? What happens when a Polar Bear yanks your hiking partner out of your tent? What is the one piece of gear a professional adventurer recommends? All this and more in this week's conversation. So…

Doc from Hiker Trash Radio invited Carl to debate him on the world's toughest race. Doc says it's the Barkley Marathons. Carl says it's the Eco Challenge. Travel Expert and TV Personality Alice Ford is brought in to moderate. What's on the line? And how will this go down? GET BONUS SEGMENT FROM THIS SHOW & BONUS EPISODES ON PATREON: There are over …

Yosemite Search and Rescue Operator Moose Mutlow joins the show! He might literally be the most interesting man in the world. Share in the crazy stories he shares with his experience on the job as well as the critical feedback he gives Carl about being a frequent flyer in the SAR network. This is one you won’t want to miss. Some of the topics discu…

Devin Ashby from Backcountry Exposure joins the show as a guest host to discuss the top 10 overpacked items that only you can prevent. As a backpacking instructor Devin observes a lot of common mistakes with overpacked items. Some of them are downright ridiculous. And Devin challenges Carl with something pretty hefty if he passes trivia. Some of th…

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 humorous trail blunders that might catch you by surprise. The latest Lifestraw filter is reviewed. And Rocky weighs in about Chia seed water. GET MORE CONTENT! Please support us at Patreon to get bonus e…

Derek and Carl discuss the recent Patreon trip to Red River Gorge. Carl shares the ‘strange but true’ moments. Derek reacts and weighs in with his own opinions on the situation. And how will Derek handle Kentucky trivia? Some of the topics discussed: -The Red River Gorge -Camp Activities -Trip Planning Strategies Gear Review: Superfeet GET BONUS SE…

Derek and Carl discuss seriously overrated (and underrated) backpacking gear. What will make Derek’s list? And how will Carl fair with Derek’s trivia that includes a question from ‘some survey’? Some of the topics discussed: -Overrated Backpacking Gear -Underrated Backpacking Gear -Backpacking Gear Review Gear Review: Therm-a-rest Neo Air Xlite NXT…

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 also, what did they do right and what did they do wrong? Some of the topics discussed: -The Best Backpacking Gear -The Worst Backpacking Gear -Stories from Canyonlands National Park GET BONUS SEGMENT F…

Comedian, Author Sally Chaffin Brooks joins the show. Her comedic take on her Appalachian Trail thru hike is highly entertaining. From trying to form a relationship with a fellow hiker to encountering a trash-bag wearing creep – who may not have even been real – Sally brings a lot of fun to this episode! Some of the topics discussed: -Appalachian T…

It’s time for Derek and Carl to come clean about their top rookie mistakes. Many of these made on recent trips (well after they considered themselves ‘experienced backpackers’). Please learn from these ridiculous blunders and don’t do what they did. While some well-chronicled stories are shared about such things as the fanny pack incident, and the …

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 fail them in some cases). Also, can Derek pass 'License Plate Trivia'? GET MORE EPISODES! There are over 80 episodes of B&B that you can get by supporting us on Patreon. It's safe and secure and it hel…

Film-maker, photographer, thru-hiker IB TAT joins the show to share his unique perspective and some engaging, outlandish stories from the trail. Why would a Walmart kick out hikertrash next to a long trail? Why did he feel compelled to break in to a backcountry ranger cabin? And what happened as a result? Also, Derek crafts a controversial trivia q…

Steven Smith from My Life Outdoors joins the show for some legit gear talk. He dares you to find better gear for less. And he will even give you an 11% discount if you buy the items on his list. He also shares one the biggest gear scams currently going. Some of the topics discussed: -Ultralight Backpacking Gear -Budget Backpacking Gear -Best Backpa…

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 to simply reduce your pack pack). What can you get rid of? What should you replace? And what should you upgrade? Also, Carl accuses Derek of creating the worst trivia questions...ever. Do you agree? G…

Dave Stewart joins the show to discuss some of the most interesting and dramatic backcountry stories the B&B show has ever heard. From napkin maps to having to keep watch in bear country, Dave Stewart has had some truly compelling adventures. Also an expert fly fisherman, Dave shares his top 3 tips for anybody looking to start. Some of the topics d…

Derek and Carl reached out to the backpacking community to find out what the biggest (and weirdest) pet peeves everyone has. Are these legitimate issues, fake problems or things that the B&B crew causes? After addressing each one, Derek and Carl then come up with ‘legitimate’ solutions. Also, how will Derek do with Pet Peeves Trivia? Some of the to…