The Backpacking Podcast

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 his history in backpacking to making the gear that many of us are using in the backcountry today. There also might be a little giveaway.

Check out Hiltop Packs online:

www.hilltoppacks.com

youtube.com/@hilltoppacks

Instagram: @hilltoppacks

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 with Jason. They talked about everything from wandering in the woods with no plan to wag bags. This is a do not miss episode! Check Jason out on his YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@BackpackingWithJason

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 season 5, and we were excited to chat about everything from trips to gear and to what the future holds for both backpacking all-stars.

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 again? What if Jeremiah was President of the US of A? Listen in and find out!

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 or youtube, and leave us a message with your big 3.

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 camp at the end of a long day.

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. Jeremiah and JK discuss recent events and potential measures being taken to reduce bear activity around humans in the backcountry.

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 went through while it was going on.

Jeremiah and JK chat about how to tackle hot weather when backpacking. They tackle everything from sunscreen to sun umbrellas......and they got off topic.....A LOT!!!! JK also makes a gear purchase while live on the podcast.

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 gear that's coming out on the market.

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 500 mile trek through Western France and into Spain.

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 handle different situations.

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

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.

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 with our choices, or if we've lost our minds.

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

JK and Jeremiah continue the conversation on Jeremiah and his wife, Bridgette's, trip to France to begin the Camino De Santiago. More importantly, they decide what really needs to go on this trip and what can stay home.

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

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 planning for this trip? What will he and his wife, Bridgette, bring for luggage/backpacks, and a lot more.

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

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 chat with Miyagi on the trail and his brother from another mother, Milosh.

JK and Jeremiah chat with Colette Vartanian, MS, RD, a Sports Dietitian and  Athlete Care Manager that works at Skratch Labs, a company that makes sports nutrition that helps you perform better without tasting gross.  She’s be sharing her knowledge on sports nutrition and how to get the most out of your food while hiking.

JK and Jeremiah went live and took the time to answer several questions ranging from their favorite YouTube channels to their favorite freeze dried meals. The laughs were constant, and the question were incredible.

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 American Perimeter Trail 

Go to https://americanperimetertrail.org/ to learn more about the work that Rue is doing.

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’s festivities. We laugh. We cry. We remember.......Jeremiah's beard. Our Guests on this episode: Jason Waugh https://www.youtube.com/@UCobwtnc4-EUkVZzo1RaaLrA Tim Buck https://www.youtube.com/@BackpackingwithBuckley Taylor McDonald https://www.youtube.com/@SouthernHike

JK and Jeremiah hang out with our friend from the great white north of Canada, Marty Morisette.  We talk about everything from surviving crazy cold weather to getting your kids out in the backcountry.  We also chat about life as a youtuber and social media outdoorsman while trying to keep working a 9 to 5.  

Check out Marty on these platforms: 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UC_r18WC3sQi_vEacyfJQwqQ  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martymorissetteyt/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@martymorissetteyt

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

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

In this episode, the guys are chatting with Jessica “Dixie” Mills from Homemade Wanderlust. They discussed her recent Kilimanjaro trip, past adventures, and gave the livestream audience the opportunity to ask questions.  If you ever wondered if Dixie was the genuine article, this episode will prove she definitely is.

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 or not Jeremiah is buying what JK is selling.

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 about the ruling that has made it nearly impossible for YouTubers, or possibly anyone to film in the backcountry without paying for a permit.

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 rude.  Some are just down right disturbing.  Laugh along with us as we discuss the secret underbelly of backpacking

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 ready?  What gear do you need?  Hopefully, we can answer some of those questions.

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. This is like getting a masterclass in backpacking from a true professional.  If you'd be interested in registering for one of Andrew's trips, go to: www.andrewskurka.com

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

We sincerely apologize for the audio in this podcast.  We had some technical difficulties, but were able to use our laptop audio.  In this episode, JK and Jeremiah react to viewer and listener comments. How rough were you guys on the podcast?  Listen to the podcast and find out.

Jeremiah and JK discuss how to have the proper gear for winter backpacking. Are tents better than hammocks?  Are quilts better than sleeping bags?  Hopefully, you can find some answers in this episode.

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 on any of this?  Listen up and find out.

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 decide!

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

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's fallen in love with in the last year.

In this episode, JK and Jeremiah get to have a great conversation with Jesse Manntai of the YouTube Channel Backcountry Forward.  We talk about everything from finishing the GDT to getting married, and, as always, Jesse keeps the positivity going.

Check out Jesse's wild adventures on his YouTube Channel, Backcountry Forward: https://www.youtube.com/@BackcountryForward

Tonight, we're going to enjoy chatting with 2022 Appalachian Trail Thru Hikers, Greg Morton and Kate Lysaught about their adventures on the trail. There's a ton of great conversation, laughter, and, quite possibly, a great poop story.

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. 

What happens when Jeremiah takes the reigns of the Backpacking Podcast?  What kind of shenanigans will he try to pull off?  Could this mean the end of the Backpacking Podcast?  Probably not, but that definitely sounds epic!!!!

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

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, Bridgette. Everything from YouTuber meetups and basement renovations is discussed. There's no shortage of laughs.