Originally aired March 8, 2019 Andrew is essentially a "professional backpacker" who is best known for his long-distance backpacking trips, many of which are firsts. For instance, his 6,875-mile Great Western Loop, his 7,778-mile Sea-to-Sea Route and his 4,679-mile "loop" of Alaska on foot, raft, and ski. He also has completed a plethora of shorter…

In this episode, I discuss a few important questions a hiker needs to consider when searching for a personal trainer or coach to help their training. Want to get fit, strong and pain-free for your hiking adventures? Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.htmlBy Rowan Smith

This week’s guest is Elina “Tip Tap” Osborne (aka @elinasborne)! . Oh my gosh, I had such a good time interviewing Elina. We have lots in common and the jokes were flowing!! We talked so much that this is going to be released as a two-part episode. . In this first part of our chat, we talk about loads of things. From life plans to the confidence we…

In this episode, I explore a few strategies to help a hiker improve their range of motion in tight muscles. Mobility training is important for most hikers. This is because, if certain muscles are restricted, this can cause compensations in other areas of the body, which can often lead to aches, pains and even injury. Unfortunately, about 95% of hik…

When 10-year-old Dana bought a book about Tarzan rather than a candy bar with his first $1 allowance, he had no idea just how fateful that decision would be. After being inspired by the book he told his dad, Don, that he wanted to walk to the Amazon River. Don, being the imaginative adventurer that he was, took his son's request seriously and began…

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, we are joined by Daniel White, known on trail as The Blackalachian. We learn all about The Blackalachian's life before he became a full-time adventurer, including his days as a rapper and his time in prison, how thru-hiking was put on his map, his experiences with racism on the AT, his …

The Tour Divide is over 2,750 miles of self-supported time trial endurance riding along the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route stretching between Banff, Alberta, Canada and the US-Mexico border in Antelope Wells, New Mexico. The route was created in 1997 by the Adventure Cycling Association. For 19 years now, bike packers have tackled this route with…

In this episode, I discuss a few quick gym tips for hikers, to help you avoid making the same mistakes I have made in the past. You will learn: How to tell if an exercise is unnecessarily complicated A simple question to ask yourself to understand if an exercise is working for you or not A buzz word commonly used in the gym, which you should be war…

In this episode, we discuss what a hiker can do to prevent always getting burning and tight calves while hiking. The calves are such an essential muscle group for hikers, trekkers, backpackers and mountaineers. They play a crucial role during ascents and descents and are crucial to protect the feet, ankles and knees while on the trail. But even tho…

Originally aired June 18, 2018 Ben Jamin (yep, real name!) joins us to share with us his transformation from corporate from the 9-5 grind to a life on the road driving a Kombi (VW Bus) from Chile to Alaska. His trip took him 6 years! His plan was to pick up riders along the way who needed transportation and who were willing to help with the costs f…

Welcome back to Season 1 of The Guidebook! I'm your host Rachel. This here episode 4 features Anne “Scrappy” Baker (@ennakrek). + Anne has hiked the Wind River Travers, the Teton Crest Trail, the Sheltowee Trace Trail, parts of the Appalachian Trail and Mountains to Sea Trail, and completed the PCT in sections. She’s a PhD candidate too! + Anne wro…

Rachael Rapinoe is the Founder & CEO of Mendi, a sports recovery brand. Rachael won an NCAA national championship with the University of Portland in 2005, played pro soccer in Europe in 2010, and eventually retired to pursue her passion in the health and fitness industry. Leveraging her Masters in Health and Exercise Science from PSU, Rachael went …

In this episode, I discuss how a hiker can close the gap between general and specific training when they can't get out on the trail to train. In many occasions, hikers find themselves incredibly busy before a significant adventure. And for some people, this means that finding time to go out hiking, or travel to the gym is just not realistic. And in…

In this episode, I interview Alicia Filley (founder of the Healthy Hiker), and we chat how internal training load can affect your hiking performance and risk of injury. You will learn: What internal and external training load is What types of things cause an increase in internal training load The consequences of a high internal load How to recognis…

In today's episode -we are back to recording in person(!)- and joined by Jamey Mossengren, also known as The Unicycling Unicorn. Jamey traded in his cushy 9-5 job to pursue the glamorous lifestyle of a street performer, and hasn't looked back since. Not only does Jamey make a living by putting on unicycle shows, he's also unicycled both the Colorad…

Although Johanna and Christine grew up in the same town of Appleton, Wisconsin, their paths would never cross. That is, until one day Christine was featured in a local newspaper for disappearing on a remote mountain in western China. Johanna’s mother picked up the story and became somewhat consumed with Christine’s background and how this bright yo…

Former NFL wide receiver, Mark Pattison, joins us on today's show to talk about going from playing professional football in the NFL to climbing the 7 Summits. Website: www.MarkPattisonNFL.com Facebook: facebook.com/NFL2SevenSummits Twitter: twitter.com/NFL2SevenSummit Podcast: markpattisonnfl.com/podcast Get your body back to balance with high qual…

In this episode, I discuss a few unusual ways of progressing your stair or hill intervals (which don't involve adding extra weight, spending more time or finding a new place to train). Hikers love stair training. With good reason! It is super specific for the trail. It can be seriously challenging. And, for many people, it is very convenient. The u…

In this episode, I discuss the right and the wrong way's for a hiker to use jump training (i.e. jump squats, lunge jumps etc.) in their workouts. I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with jump training. On the one hand, I KNOW that if applied right, it can be incredibly beneficial for hikers. On the other hand, I know that if applied wrong, it …

If you listen to this show, you know that adventure doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Today we’re talking with Jude Kneller who decided to bike across the USA on a $75 bicycle. On top of that, Jude was 19 when he did the journey alone. Pretty young for such a big trip! I hope you’re inspired by his stories and motivated to plan your own adventure of …

Today, we are joined by Doug Laher, the father of Trevor Laher, the hiker who tragically passed near Apache Peak on the Pacific Crest Trail earlier this year. Doug reads his beautiful tribute to Trevor, we talk about what lessons are to be learned from Trevors passing, and what can be done to prevent further tragedy on this dangerous stretch of the…

From the Without Compromise show notes: Avery grew up in the Midwest, far from the mountains of Colorado that he now calls home. He found running after years of playing basketball and the unique suffering of the sport quickly drew him into longer and longer events. That and the fact he was a broke college student that couldn’t afford a gym membersh…

In this episode, I explore a range of different progressions a hiker can use for their strength training, which doesn't involve adding weight or repetitions. == Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures? Check out our Online Training For Hiking: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online-training.html…

In this episode I discuss Altitude Masks (also known as Elevation Masks) and whether they are an effective training tool for hikers, trekkers or mountaineers heading off on a high altitude adventure. One of the most common questions I hear from aspiring trekkers is: "Should I be training with an 'altitude mask'. Will it help me?" Now on the off cha…

Jerome grew up in Northern Michigan surrounded by water. Reading books about harrowing adventures fueled his mind to live life outside of the box as he grew up. He started his sailing career late, but once he caught the bug, it took off and never stopped. In October of 2017, Jerome climbed aboard his Westsail 32, Mighty Sparrow, Jerome would circle…

Today we are joined by Luke “Strider” Jordan. Strider has a couple of very impressive treks on his resume including the North Country Trail (NCT), which is more than twice the length of the Appalachian Trail, as well as the 3,100 mile Great Plains Trail (GPT), which runs from Texas to North Dakota. We also discover the wild world of naked pooping, …

Originally aired September 28, 2015. As a former soldier in the British Special Forces, a military diver and lifelong adventurer, Peter Bray has led a very full life doing what he loves. He now works as a security consultant and outdoor pursuits instructor. In his 56 years, there are few extreme challenges that he has not attempted. Pete’s exploits…

In this episode, I interview Tori Hadley - adventure coach, guide and owner of Adventure Fitness Aus. Inside we explore some of her philosophies around training trekkers and mountaineers. You will learn: A common difference she often sees between male and female hikers (in regards to their training and preparation What areas of preparation she thin…

In this episode, I chat with Tyson Brown - a sports nutritionist, personal trainer and one of the sweatiest hikers I have ever met. Inside we explore several common nutrition questions I hear from hikers and trekkers. You will learn: What to do if you want to drop a few kilos before a big hike A few simple strategies to avoid the dreaded 'bonk' on …

Ari in the Air joins us again to talk about the world of paragliding. He spoke on his highlining adventures in episode 632. Listen to it here. Ari is an immensely fascinating person who thinks deeply about the ‘why’ behind doing adventure sports. Even if you never plan to paraglide, Ari’s reflections are something we can all learn from and can enjo…

While thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail in 1996, Whitney LaRuffa found his new hiking companion, a wandering dog which he named Erwin after the town in Tennessee where they met. Erwin continued the AT hike the rest of the way through to Maine and went on to accompany Allgood for 13 years on many more hikes. Whitney joins Travis from his Continental…

In this episode, I explore what a hiker a can do if they are always getting sick or nauseous when they are climbing a big hill. You will learn: A few simple nutrition guidelines to help your gut stay happy on tough sections of the trail Why intensity and speed matters when climbing a hill (and how you can control this to reduce your likelihood of f…

In this episode, I explore a number of exercises which I see commonly recommended to hikers, which I strongly believe you should skip. You will learn: The single most overused (and overrated) exercise in the fitness industry (and why your trainer always asks you to do them) When a hiker should consider using jumping exercises (Hint: it is not when …

You’ll remember Curt from episode 491 where he talks about zero-gravity experiences. Today is a much different episode as he and his wife, Cindy, join us to talk about how they plan to adventure now that they’re retired from teaching. Combined, they have 60 years in the classroom and have been able to put in place a fantastic plan for experiencing …