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…

In this episode of Tell Me Something Good About Retail, host Bob Phibbs, the Retail Doctor, and Nicole Leinbach, founder of Retail Minded, delve into their extensive retail experiences. They discuss evolving consumer behaviors, the critical role of community collaboration for small businesses, and the impact of different generations on retail. Nico…

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 …

Chris was involved from the very beginning of Ted Baker in 1988 and headed up the Retail Team for over 30 years as the company's Global Retail Director. During this time, Chris was responsible for many aspects of Ted's unique retail style and is considered one of the leading lights of the drive to create 'retail theatre.' Since leaving the brand in…

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…

Shawn D. Nelson is the author of Let Me Save You 25 Years: Mistakes, Miracles, and Lessons from the Lovesac Story. He is the founder and CEO of the Lovesac Company, which designs, manufactures, and sells such furniture as modular couches and bean bag chairs. Nelson holds a BA in Mandarin Chinese from the University of Utah and a Master’s degree in …

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…

Jim Fielding is a respected retail and media industry veteran whose expertise combines storytelling, product innovation, merchandising, and consumer experiences. Jim currently serves as a partner at Archer Gray, an independent media company, and president of its Co-Lab Division. Having led consumer products groups at the world’s largest media compa…

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…

The World's Toughest Race (The Eco Challenge) is currently the best running adventure-based series on Amazon Prime. Sonja Wieck, from team Iron Cowboy, joins the show to discuss all things adventure. Dubbed the race "that eats Iron Men for breakfast" Sonja discusses all aspects of adventure and what it's like to have Bear Grylls give you some encou…

Extreme Adventurer Chad Lubinski joins the show to discuss some truly amazing stories from some of America’s long trails. He legitimately almost died in 3 different circumstances. What was the secret to his survival? What should he have done to avoid those situations? How did he handle spilling his water on a dry section of the Highline trail? Also…

Michael Hinshaw is the founder and president of customer experience consultancy McorpCX and has been recognized on over a dozen "Top Global CX Influencers" lists. He's also co-author of the best-selling book Smart Customers, Stupid Companies: Why Only Intelligent Companies Will Thrive and How to Be One of Them. He has been published and quoted in d…

Derek and Carl discuss the BEST backpacking items that come in around $1. While many of the suggestions may prove helpful…even to the well-seasoned backpacker, Derek has 1 or 2 that will blow your socks off. Derek accuses Carl of cutting coupons. And how will Derek perform in $1 trivia this week? Some of the topics discussed: -Backpacking Gear -Bac…

Derek and Carl discuss fun, light-hearted and mean-spirited pranks. They recount a number of pranks they’ve already pulled off (and one that keeps failing). Additionally, they highlight interesting prank opportunities for the upcoming trip. Derek believes Carl pranked himself with a rock. One of the guys admits to eating paste as a kid; the other s…

On our first THROWBACK THURSDAY, famous Youtuber Dan Becker joins the show to discuss gear choices he wish he bought sooner based upon a series of videos he's put out over the last couple years. Carl agrees with some of his choices but gives some pushback on others. Derek seems to agree with all of Dan's choices...even when they contradict prior st…

Brooke is back! One of the most popular guests of last season, Brooke Whipple joins the show to share about her Yukon canoe adventure, her latest off-grid projects, and some interesting (and surprising) obstacles that came up along the way. As always Brooke brings an encouraging, you-can-do-it vibe that is so inspirational. Inspired by her recent r…

Derek and Carl discuss the new gear from some of the biggest backpacking companies. Carl had a chance to sit down with reps from various brands to hear about the latest and greatest backpacking gear of 2024 and beyond. Hear if from the source! How does Carl ask the tough question to the company he’s been poking fun at for years? Also, Derek is up t…

Robert Grimmett is a visionary creative leader with over 20 years of experience shaping the retail landscape. Renowned for his work with iconic global brands, he's an award-winning entrepreneur and designer. As a thought leader, Robert frequently shares insights at industry conferences and in publications. At the intersection of innovation and insi…

Sam ‘Shade’ Carter joins the show to discuss one of the most interesting backpacking stories we’ve heard to date. He’s 21 years old. His goal was the hike the calendar year Triple Crown (PCT, AT, CDT). He wanted to do this with a 3lb base weight. How did it go? What were the biggest challenges and how did he overcome them? Find out on this week’s s…

Derek and Carl discuss legit trip planning and gear tips that are helpful, controversial, and, sometimes, questionable. Are these the cheat codes you’ve been looking for to go on your bucket list trips? Probably. Hopefully. Also, does Derek really know what he’s talking about with these tips? Finally, Derek has trivia this week. What crazy question…

John Kelley from The Backpacking Podcast joins the show as a guest host to discuss backpacking gear we used to hate, but now we like. Carl accuses John of intentionally sabotaging the upcoming Red River Gorge Patreon trip. And Carl confesses to purchasing something he told everybody to avoid. Also, some serious punishments are on the line for Terri…

‘Frozen’ from Frozen’s Outdoor Adventures joins the show to discuss an array of relevant backpacking topics. As an Appalachian Trail thru hiking veteran who is about to embark upon the Pacific Crest Trail, Frozen shares some crazy stories and backpacking knowledge that will give you at least a couple of important takeaways. Derek and Carl somehow r…

Epic bushcraft expert Joe Robinet joins the show! What are the 3 essential bushcraft skills every outdoorsperson should know? Joe will tell you. And how to Derek and Carl measure up with these skills? Joe also shares stories about meeting Survivorman Les Stroud in a Blockbuster Video and he responds to Carl’s outlandish scenarios for future video i…

Derek and Carl discuss some of the nonsense backpacking advice that’s lingering around the internet, or in your local gear store. Carl sites specific sources that may surprise you. Derek references his ‘friends around’ as supposed experts. Either way, what are they saying and what is the correct advice? Derek and Carl with set you straight. Also, a…

This is a rare second episode this week! Todd & Ashlie Martin from the current season of the Amazing Race join the show to discuss some of the life challenges, physical challenges and fun stories from the show. Follow Todd & Ashlie on Instagram! Check out all things Amazing Race on Todd & Ashlie's YouTube Channel! GET BONUS SEGMENT FROM THIS SHOW &…

Backpacking Tech Gear Expert Cris ‘Hiking Guy’ Hazzard joins the show to discuss the latest and greatest GPS locator beacon devices. Are phones rivaling the capabilities of these devices to the point where we don’t even need them? Which one is the best GPS device to buy for functionality and overall bang for your buck? Cris has answers for everythi…

Backpacking Gear Expert Justin Outdoors joins the show to discuss red flags for popular ultralight backpacking gear that he consistently recommends. Carl brings up a few red flags of his own. Poor fitting jackets, backpacks that pool water in pockets, sleeping pads that are too thin are just a few things items discussed. Justin also recommends his …