Practical Backpacking™ Podcast

PBP Episode 35 - Tarps 101

2008-03-15T21:13:27Z

This episode is all about tarps. I've asked Ron Bell of Mountain Laurel Designs (MLD) to help me address concerns that some may have about using a tarp as their primary backpacking shelter.

Ron and I also discuss the many benefits that tarps provide as well as helpful tips on selection and pitching.

PBP Episode 35 - Tarps 101

PBP Episode 34 - GoLite Ultra 20

2008-03-07T23:08:23Z

In this episode, I interview Andy Burgess, the Vice President of Development for GoLite, regarding the Ultra 20° down sleep system.

Andy shares all the details regarding the Ultra 20's design, materials, sizing, weight, and more. Listen in to discover the advantages of using this lightweight quilt for your outdoor adventures.

PBP Episode 34 - GoLite Ultra 20

PBP Episode 33 - New at Gossamer Gear

2008-02-01T00:05:15Z

This episode is a double-feature in which I interview the executives of Gossamer Gear. First up, I talk with Grant Sible, the company's President, about new products and those that are soon to be released. Grant shares the details regarding new ultralight backpacking accessories and the changes and upcoming additions to their pack lineup.

Also featured is a detailed introduction to Gossamer Gear's new solo 1-pound shelter, The One, by Founder and Chairman Glen Van Peski.

PBP Episode 33 - New at Gossamer Gear

PBP Episode 32 - New Hilleberg All-Season Tents

2007-12-19T22:50:15Z

This episode features my conversation with Petra Hilleberg, President and CEO of Hilleberg (USA), about the company's new Soulo, Allak, and Kaitum 3 shelters.

Petra shares details regarding the construction and features for each of these new models. Listen in to learn about Hilleberg's light and durable Kerlon fabric, their spacious tunnel and sturdy dome designs, and other real-world-tested features that go into every Hilleberg tent.

PBP Episode 32 - New Hilleberg All-Season Tents

PBP Episode 31 - CDT Yo-Yo

2007-11-09T23:08:37Z

In this episode, Francis Tapon shares the exciting details of his extraordinary Yo-Yo of the Continental Divide Trail.

Francis hiked north on the CDT from Mexico to Canada and immediately turned around at the Canadian border and hiked southbound back to Mexico. This first-ever trek covered nearly 6,000 miles and took over 6 months to complete.

Listen in to hear Francis tell his inspiring story, and to learn how he accomplished such an amazing journey. Why did he do it? How did he manage the cold, bears, loneliness, and seemingly endless miles? Which gear worked for him and which didn't? What life-lessons did he bring back? This episode is packed with candid answers to these and many other questions.

Warning the information in this episode may be lead to a hiking addiction -- but if you want more, be sure to check out the journals, photos, and videos on Francis Tapon's website.

PBP Episode 31 - CDT Yo-Yo

PBP Episode 30 - Clark Jungle Hammock

2007-11-01T21:31:52Z

This episode features an informative conversation with Spencer Clark of Clark Outdoor Products. The company manufactures full-featured camping hammocks in the USA from its Utah-based facilities.

Spencer is the Director of Public Relations for the family run operation, and he is intimately familiar with the details and use of the Clark Jungle Hammock models.

Listen in to hear how hammocking made its way into backpacking, and to discover if the practical and weight-saving advantages of a Clark Jungle Hammock are right for you.

PBP Episode 30 - Clark Jungle Hammock

PBP Episode 29 - Sierra Designs

2007-08-23T00:59:11Z

In this episode I "talk gear" with Kristine Carey - Brand Manager for Sierra Designs. For over 4 decades the Colorado based company has been enabling backpackers and other outdoor enthusiasts to venture into the wild equipped with innovative and reliable clothing and gear.

Kristine answers a variety of questions regarding a selection of outerwear, sleeping bags, and tents from the Sierra Designs product catalog.

Listen in to see which of these durable and feature-rich products may be right for you.

PBP Episode 29 - Sierra Designs

PBP Episode 28 - Western Moutaineering

2007-06-03T20:04:25Z

This episode features the Western Mountaineering line of sleeping bags. I recently interviewed Gary Peterson, the company's knowledgeable (and very busy) production manager. Gary wears many hats. He's directly involved in Western Mountaineering's sourcing of raw materials and research and development - among other things such as sales and human resources management.

Gary answered an hour's worth of questions regarding the down, fabric, sleeping bag models, care and cleaning, and even repairs and warranty issues. If you're interested in the company's history (over 35 years), you'll have to visit their website or contact them directly. This podcast is about sleeping bags - excellent ones - and all that goes into making a comfortable, feature-rich bag for people of all shape, sizes, and needs.

PBP Episode 28 - Western Mountaineering

PBP Episode 27 - Gossamer Gear

2007-04-20T00:34:40Z

In this episode I had the pleasure of interviewing Glen Van Peski, Founder and Chairman, of Gossamer Gear.

For more than a decade, Glen and his ultralight manufacturing company has been helping an ever-growing number of weight-conscious backpackers move closer to the "light."

Gossamer Gear is headquarted in Austin, Texas, and produces innovative and affordable ultralight packs, shelters, sleeping gear, and backpacking accessories.

Listen in to pickup some of Glen useful tips and lightweight backpacking knowledge, and to learn the finer details of Gossamer Gear.

[This episode features an extended testimonial section that immediately follows the interview.]

PBP Episode 27 - Gossamer Gear

PBP Episode 26 - Pacific Outdoor Equipment

2007-03-22T22:12:56Z

This episode features the Pacific Outdoor Equipment line of sleeping mats. Greg Garrigues is the company's General Manager who is directly involved in product design and development.

Greg is quite knowledgeable about the materials and technology that goes into making comfortable sleeping mats. And he explains the season, gender, size, and genre-of-user specific features that are available in the Pacific Outdoor Equipment line of sleeping mats.

Whether in need of a new backcountry mattress or not, you're sure to gain some helpful insight and tips from this episode.

PBP Episode 26 - Pacific Outdoor Equipment

PBP Episode 25 - Andrew Skurka - Great Western Loop

2007-02-26T21:48:33Z

In this episode Andrew Skurka answers questions about his long distance hikes and wilderness experiences. Andy became widely known in the backpacking community after the completion of his 11-month, 7,778-mile Sea-to-Sea hiking journey in 2005.

This spring (2007), Andy will begin a 7,000 mile Great Western Loop hike comprised of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), Pacific Northwest Trail (PNT), Continental Divide Trail (CDT), Grand Enchantment Trail (GET), Arizona Trail (AZT), and a self-made route across the Mohave and Sonoran deserts of Arizona and California.

Andy put this hike together so that he could set out to see some of the best that the West has to offer. He will journey though 12 national parks and over 75 wilderness areas along the way.

Someone who hikes this many miles certainly has something to say about backpacking gear, experience, and technique. Listen in to hear about Andy's extraordinary adventures.

PBP Episode 25 - Andrew Skurka - Great Western Loop

PBP Episode 24 - Gear Mix 1

2007-02-10T22:37:46Z

In this Gear Mix episode, I've included concise interviews with 4 cottage industry gear manufacturers: Brian Frankle of Ultralight Adventure Equipment, Ron Bell of Mountain Laurel Designs, Joe Valesko of Zpacks, and Henry Shires of TarpTent.

Gear Mix 1 features: the new ULA Amp pack, the recently released SUL products of Mountain Laurel Designs, the newly updated Zpacks Z1 pack, and the latest edition to the TarpTent shelter lineup - the TarpTent Contrail.

PBP Episode 24 - Gear Mix 1

PBP Episode 23 - PCT Thru-Hike Planning

2007-02-08T21:08:36Z

Are you considering a Pacific Crest Trail thru-hike or wondering what it takes to accomplish this 2,650 mile journey? If so, you'll want to listen in to Robert Francisco answering important questions regarding this hike through the beautiful and challenging wilderness areas of California, Oregon, and Washington.

Robert is an active volunteer advocate for the Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA). And he frequently speaks on topics related to and in benefit of the Pacific Crest Trail. Robert also serves as a mentor - helping others succeed in their goal of hiking this spectacular National Scenic Trail.

The focus of this episode is on the detail-packed planning that is necessary to complete a PCT thru-hike.

PBP Episode 23 - PCT Thru-hike Planning

PBP Episode 22 - Six Moon Designs

2007-01-19T22:43:22Z

This episode features a conversation that I had with Ron Moak. Ron is a long-time lightweight backpacker who's taken his passion for hiking and gear and invested it into an ultralight packs and shelter manufacturing business: Six Moon Designs.

Ron shares some of his personal hiking experience on popular national trails, and gives detailed information for his company's unique gear designs.

There are some time-tested tips to be learned from Ron. He's been backpacking and making gear for decades and has gained a wealth of practical insight from trial and error along the way.

PBP Episode 22 - Six Moon Designs

PBP Episode 21 - Snowshoeing with MSR

2006-12-30T02:10:19Z

In this episode I talk with Jon Almquist and Lee Getzewich of Mountain Safety Research (MSR). MSR designs, manufactures, and markets innovative adventure gear for outdoor enthusiasts.

My conversation with Jon and Lee is focused on snowshoeing and the MSR line of snowshoes. Jon is a MSR Global Brand Manager and Lee is a Product Manager who specializes in MSR's winter gear. Both are experienced snowshoers and full of helpful information about snowshoeing as it relates to winter backpacking.

Want to know more about snowshoeing and the MSR line of snowshoes? Listen in. This episode features a thorough introduction to setting out on a winter backpacking trip - equipped with the traction and advice you'll need to float (hike) safely on the snow.

PBP Episode 21 - Snowshoeing with MSR