Trust The Trail

On this episode we share our knowledge with the best way to store your food while in the backcountry, how to hang your food bag, and discuss the Bear Canister debate. Is it really necessary to bring one? We also will give you a list of all the National Parks that require a Bear Canister for backpacking Why it’s necessary Best way to store food How to hang your food bag The Bear Canister debate List of National Park that require bear canister How to hang a Bear Bag PCT Style Ursack  Bear Resistant Sack Bag LOKSAK Opsak Barrier OPD2-12 X 20, Inner Dimensions: 12.25″x 20″,2pk Storage Bags WHERE BEAR RESISTANT CANISTERS ARE REQUIRED As mentioned, each park area decides what bear canisters are permitted. This information changes frequently. You will need to check the park area website for the latest requirements, pick-up locations, and fees. Here is the most current information (as of March 2017) on where, what, and when bear-resistant containers are required. Alaska Gates of the Arctic National Park – all treeless areas; canister rent is free. Glacier Bay National Park – all treeless areas; canister rent is free. Denali National Park – selected areas; canister rent is free. California Sierra Wild, jointly operated by the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management, provides an overview of allowed bear canisters in the Sierra and an overview map of where canisters are required in the Sierra. Yosemite National Park – entire backcountry; daily canister rental fee. Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks – selected areas from May 1 – Oct 31; daily canister rental fee. Inyo National Forest – selected areas; daily canister rental fee. Lassen Volcanic National Park – entire backcountry from Apr 16 – Nov 30; daily canister rental fee. Colorado Rocky Mountain National Park – entire backcountry below treeline from May 1 – Oct 31; daily canister rental fee at Estes Park Mountain Shop. New York The Adirondack Mountains Eastern High Peaks Wilderness – entire backcountry between Apr 1 – Nov 30; rentals available at many nearby outfitters. Washington Olympic National Park – selected areas; daily canister rental fee at Wilderness Info Centers. North Cascades National Park – selected areas from Jun 1 – Nov 15; canister rentals free at several park office locations.

On this episode we explore how to use your body to save weight in packing your food for the first 100 miles of your Appalachian Trail thru-hike. Then we bust the myth on cold soaking your food, reviewing what value it may or may not provide. Does “Cold Soaking” really save weight? What we talk about: * Your body is a piece of gear, don’t forget that * How many calories does it take to burn a pound? * Good Fat…is good * Peanut Butter and Jelly is really good for you * Cold Soaking weight VS Scott’s stove weight Huge thank you! It’s because of people like you that inspire us to keep podcasting our passion. If you’ve been enjoying the show and want to help others find it, We’d love a review from you in iTunes. Each and every review helps more people find the show (each one counts and we are super grateful). To leave a review, click here and then go to “ratings and reviews”. It takes one minute and we read every one? Please help support us on Patreon so we can keep up the weekly Podcast’s. We promise you won’t be disappointed.

On this episode we discuss how to choose rain gear for your next hike, and define what “waterproof” really means. We also share two kinds of ratings that you should look for and different rain gear fabrics that will help you determine what to buy for your outdoor adventure. What exactly to look for depending on where you will be going and what key rating is important. What we talk about: * Is Waterproof a reality or a dream? * Welded Seam VS Stitched Seam * Is Gortex the best? * Fisherman know the best rain jackets, but boy do they sweat * Shawshank Redemption and Andy Defrane Huge thank you! It’s because of people like you that inspire us to keep podcasting our passion. If you’ve been enjoying the show and want to help others find it, We’d love a review from you in iTunes. Each and every review helps more people find the show (each one counts and we are super grateful). To leave a review, click here and then go to “ratings and reviews”. It takes one minute and we read every one? Please help support us on Patreon so we can keep up the weekly Podcast’s. We promise you won’t be disappointed.

On this episode it’s all about the adventures and beauty of the Sycamore Wilderness Canyon and how we found the perfect campsite that we will never forget. We also share how 10  years ago, Scott was lost in the Canyon and how he found his way out. The Sycamore Wilderness Canyon measures more than 21 miles in length and, at points, seven miles in width. designated the Sycamore Canyon Wilderness in 1972 and it now has a total of 58,441 acres. We also talk about: * Bull Cows are scary * What defines “Remote” * The creek has no water * A 360 panoramic view * Indian Ruins that will blow you away To see the video of the trip 10 years ago. Go to our YOUTUBE channel. Click HERE for the Video Huge thank you! It’s because of people like you that inspire us to keep podcasting our passion. If you’ve been enjoying the show and want to help others find it, We’d love a review from you in iTunes. Each and every review helps more people find the show (each one counts and we are super grateful). To leave a review, click here and then go to “ratings and reviews”. It takes one minute and we read every one? Please help support us on Patreon so we can keep up the weekly Podcast’s. We promise you won’t be disappointed.

On this episode we talk all about what it was like to take a wilderness survival class and how it changed the way we go backpacking. We share what we leaned – and discuss if the class was worth the investment. We sum it all up in answering…Surviving in the wilderness is hard. What we talk about: * Reality TV shows VS Reality * Our Instructor is a BAD ASS * Ariane stays in a cold creek for 25 minutes * What’s it like to spend all night out in the wilderness..WITH NO GEAR * Huge graduation expectations Huge thank you! It’s because of people like you that inspire us to keep podcasting our passion. If you’ve been enjoying the show and want to help others find it, We’d love a review from you in iTunes. Each and every review helps more people find the show (each one counts and we are super grateful). To leave a review, click here and then go to “ratings and reviews”. It takes one minute and we read every one? Please help support us on Patreon so we can keep up the weekly Podcast’s. We promise you won’t be disappointed.

On this episode we talk all about sleeping bags – from down to synthetic and everything in between. We will offer you pro tips on how maximize your sleeping bags life and loft. Then answer the age old question – what is the best sleeping bag out there. Is there really a “best one”? On this podcast we talk about: * EN Ratings / TEMP CONTROL * COLD VS HOT * How to buy a sleeping bag? Work backwards * Q & A – We answer your questions about sleeping bags. Pro Tips: In an 80% relative humidity environment, an untreated 15-degree down sleeping bag loses up to 30% of its loft over a period of eight hours. A 30% loss of loft essentially turns a 15-degree sleeping bag into a 30-degree sleeping bag. DriDown™ sleeping bags avoid this loss of thermal efficiency by retaining 98% of their loft. Hang your sleeping bag up by the loops on the foot of the bag in a dry place out of direct sunlight. This allows the insulation to be fully uncompressed while your bag is in storage and ensures a long life for you bag. If you’re short on space, lay your bag under your bed so it stays fully lofted and out of your way. Huge thank you! It’s because of people like you that inspire us to keep podcasting our passion. If you’ve been enjoying the show and want to help others find it, We’d love a review from you in iTunes. Each and every review helps more people find the show (each one counts and we are super grateful). To leave a review, click here and then go to “ratings and reviews”. It takes one minute and we read every one? Please help support us on Patreon so we can keep up the weekly Podcast’s. We promise you won’t be disappointed.

In celebration of our 50th Podcast – this episode is dedicated to WHY WE LOVE THE OUTDOORS and a celebration to NEW BEGINNINGS! We share stories from all of the people we have met on the trail and who have become a part of our outdoor family.   Huge thank you! It’s because of people like you that inspire us to keep podcasting our passion. If you’ve been enjoying the show and want to help others find it, We’d love a review from you in iTunes. Each and every review helps more people find the show (each one counts and we are super grateful). To leave a review, click here and then go to “ratings and reviews”. It takes one minute and we read every one? Please help support us on Patreon so we can keep up the weekly Podcast’s. We promise you won’t be disappointed.

This episode is based solely on one quote:  “The journey only requires you to put one foot in front of the other…again and again and again. And if you allow yourself opportunity to be present throughout the entirety of the trek, you will witness beauty every step of the way, not just at the summit.” end quote (author unknown) Topics we talk about on this Podcast: * The journey is not in the summit * The journey BEGINS when you make a decision in life * EVERYONE’S SUMMIT IS DIFFERENT * Hiking is the Parallel of life Huge thank you! It’s because of people like you that inspire us to keep podcasting our passion. If you’ve been enjoying the show and want to help others find it, We’d love a review from you in iTunes. Each and every review helps more people find the show (each one counts and we are super grateful). To leave a review, click here and then go to “ratings and reviews”. It takes one minute and we read every one? Please help support us on Patreon so we can keep up the weekly Podcast’s. We promise you won’t be disappointed.

On this episode we discuss water filtration vs water purification and what is best for you. So, what really is the difference between a backpacking water filter and a backpacking water purifier? AND why might you opt for buying one over another? No matter whether you are backpacking or a traveling in a RV, clean water is super important. Topics we talk about on this Podcast: * Don’t drink the water if green ooze is present * 95% of US creeks, streams, lakes and rivers are ok to Filter Water * Some people are allergic to Iodine * Dogs can get Giardia Water Filtration we use on the trail and we recommend for backpacking: Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter Sawyer 3 way inline Filter – Very easy to make your own gravity system Top Pick for International Travel MSR Guardian Purifier Top Pick for Ultralight Filtration Only Aquamira Water Treatment Drops Top Pick for Ultralight Purification MSR Aquatabs Huge thank you! It’s because of people like you that inspire us to keep podcasting our passion. If you’ve been enjoying the show and want to help others find it, We’d love a review from you in iTunes. Each and every review helps more people find the show (each one counts and we are super grateful). To leave a review, click here and then go to “ratings and reviews”. It takes one minute and we read every one? Please help support us on Patreon so we can keep up the weekly Podcast’s. We promise you won’t be disappointed. https://mailchi.mp/8f01634e3e69/podcast-listener-feedback-wanted

On this episode we discuss what new backpackers should know and offer you tips on how to get started. In the end we will share with you a practical exercise that will help you plan your next backpacking adventure. New Backpackers often make some common mistakes that we go over them on this podcast. What we discuss on this Podcast: * The History of the 10 Essentials and what are they * Break your Trail Shoes in for heaven’s sake * Base weight is a range, not a specific weight * Do you even like backpacking? Yes, then test your gear * Scott – how to visually prepare for a backpacking trip Huge thank you! It’s because of people like you that inspire us to keep podcasting our passion. If you’ve been enjoying the show and want to help others find it, We’d love a review from you in iTunes. Each and every review helps more people find the show (each one counts and we are super grateful). To leave a review, click here and then go to “ratings and reviews”. It takes one minute and we read every one? Please help support us on Patreon so we can keep up the weekly Podcast’s. We promise you won’t be disappointing

On this episode we share with you one of the most dangerous trails in America – The Kalalau Trail, an 11 mile one-one hike that takes you along the rugged Na Pali Coast on the island of Kauai in Hawaii. Though despite all of this, it was the defining confidence I gained in having to make tough calls when Mother Nature’s boundaries were no match for me and over COMING fears when facing questionable footing. The Kalalah Trail will without doubt remain one of my more empowering hikes to date. What we discuss on this Podcast: * I was in no way prepared for the INSANE BEAUTY this trail * flash floods, terrain is muddy slippery and dangerous in wet conditions * When bathing under a Waterfall always look over your shoulder * Do your homework on this trail Huge thank you! It’s because of people like you that inspire us to keep podcasting our passion. If you’ve been enjoying the show and want to help others find it, We’d love a review from you in iTunes. Each and every review helps more people find the show (each one counts and we are super grateful). To leave a review, click here and then go to “ratings and reviews”. It takes one minute and we read every one? Please help support us on Patreon so we can keep up the weekly Podcast’s. We promise you won’t be disappointing

On this Episode, we compare 2 trends growing in popularity = lightweight backpacking and minimalist living – AND do the two truly parallel each other. So, we ask – is less really more? In recent years the nomadic life has become a socially appealing trend and for some, a generally acceptable lifestyle to explore. As lightweight backpackers we HAD to ask ourselves are we lightweight living? And we think the answer is YEAH, we are. Though it wasn’t always that way for us. What we discuss on this Podcast: * Does Life Parallel the trail? * How does lightweight backpacking equate to a lightweight lifestyle? * Trusting the Trail is always a new experience * Getting rid of a 1974 ash tray. Huge thank you! It’s because of people like you that inspire us to keep podcasting our passion. If you’ve been enjoying the show and want to help others find it, We’d love a review from you in iTunes. Each and every review helps more people find the show (each one counts and we are super grateful). To leave a review, click here and then go to “ratings and reviews”. It takes one minute and we read every one? Please help support us on Patreon so we can keep up the weekly Podcast’s. We promise you won’t be disappointing

On this episode we discuss “Embrace the Suck” and how that relates to the outdoors. Mother Nature doesn’t always care about your weekend plans, and She certainly doesn’t take note to all the planning, costs and coordination involved in those plans. When the majority of us hermit inside as inclement weather hits, we challenge you to think differently. These are the time that is actually best to just get up and go! Sometimes you have to simply – and genuinely – embrace the suck to appreciate the one thing you cherish so deeply. The Great Outdoors. What we discuss on this Podcast: * Embracing the suck while lost in the Wilderness * Embracing the suck on Scott’s 2003 AT Thru-Hike * Embracing the suck when Mother Nature doesn’t care about your weekend plans Thanks for listening! We absolutely love connecting with our community and appreciate all the e-mails and messages. Huge thank you! It’s because of people like you that inspire us to keep podcasting our passion. If you’ve been enjoying the show and want to help others find it, We’d love a review from you in iTunes. Each and every review helps more people find the show (each one counts and we are super grateful). To leave a review, click here and then go to “ratings and reviews”. It takes one minute and we read every one? Please help support us on Patreon so we can keep up the weekly Podcast’s. We promise you won’t be disappointing  

This is one outdoor Podcast you don’t want to miss. On this episode we sit under the Super Blood FullMoon with our friends on a LIVE discussion about the outdoors. We raise a glass of champagne to celebrate the Full Moon and share laughs and stories. This is what the outdoors is all about, sharing experiences and adventures with people that inspire and motivate us. Here is to the first Full Moon of 2018 and here is to a great year. (clink) What we discuss on this Podcast: * We introduce our friends all under the Full Moon * Ina shares her hiking trails and her South Carolina roots * Claudette shares her camping adventure * Steve shares his “Mr Gadget” persona * Jim shares the story of the Oreal Cookie Serial Killer? What? Thanks for listening! We absolutely love connecting with our community and appreciate all the e-mails and messages. Huge thank you! It’s because of people like you that inspire us to keep podcasting our passion. If you’ve been enjoying the show and want to help others find it, We’d love a review from you in iTunes. Each and every review helps more people find the show (each one counts and we are super grateful). To leave a review, click here and then go to “ratings and reviews”. It takes one minute and we read every one? Please help support us on Patreon so we can keep up the weekly Podcast’s. We promise you won’t be disappointing

Many times eating in the backcountry can get mundane with the same ol foods. On this episode we share some of our favorite recipes we have cooked (many times) on the trail. We give you some great tips on what to buy, where to buy, and how to cook it.  Never underestimate just how creative you can get eating the foods you like. They are all found (usually) at your local grocery store. What we discuss on this Podcast: * Bacon! do we need to say anything more? * What is Scott’s favorite cooking pot * Cooking an entire Thanksgiving Day meal on a Pocket Rocket * How to make Blueberry Pie after you pick Blueberries. BREAKFAST: biscuits and gravy – biscuits packed frozen, packaged gravy bagel bacon cream cheese french toast – powdered eggs mixed in bag, texas toast bread absorbed in baggie, fry in skillet DINNER: jubalaya – precooked sausage and mini shrimp full thanksgiving meal on a pocket rocket – mashed potatoes, powder pack of gravy, indv frozen bags corn , sliced ham, dried cranberries pizza coscous mushroom a peas – spices *crushed red pepper and lemon etc AND TO TOP OFF FOR DESSERT: blueberry pie – hand picked blueberries/blackberries, keebler mini pie crusts, carnation instant milk, powdered whip cream (no follow rec) Thanks for listening! We absolutely love connecting with our community and appreciate all the e-mails and messages. Huge thank you! It’s because of people like you that inspire us to keep podcasting our passion. If you’ve been enjoying the show and want to help others find it, We’d love a review from you in iTunes. Each and every review helps more people find the show (each one counts and we are super grateful). To leave a review, click here and then go to “ratings and reviews”. It takes one minute and we read every one? Please help support us on Patreon so we can keep up the weekly Podcast’s. We promise you won’t be disappointing