Best Rowan Smith Hiking Podcasts (2024)

1
ROWAN SMITH: 3 Tips That Will Make You FASTER...Immediately 1:01:48

1h ago1:01:48

1:01:48

Adventure athlete, podcast host and friend of the show Rowan Smith checks in and is ready to help you get faster on the trail. He’s got 3 tips that you can incorporate -- without any training – that should speed you up on those hills. Guest host Ben McAuliffe inserts his own agenda with stories about skunk battles and how jelly beans got him a litt…

1
CHRIS SMEAD: Gear We LOVED...and Now We Don't 46:42

4d ago46:42

46:42

Outdoor adventure filmmaker Chris Smead joins the show to discuss backpacking gear that we both loved…and now leave behind (or sell on eBay). You may know Chris from the movie ‘Highline’ or from some of his amazing documentary projects. Chris always brings a positive and creative spin to the topic anytime he’s on the show. Some of the topics discus…

1
TFT364: Nutrition For Hot Weather Hiking 44:20

4d ago44:20

44:20

Today I interview Kyle from Valley To Peak nutrition about nutrition for hot weather hiking. Inside he shares some great tips, strategies and ideas to help beat the heat on the trail! == Want to find Kyle from Valley To Peak Nutrition? Website: www.v2pnutrition.com/ Podcast: www.v2pnutrition.com/podcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/v2pnutrition/ …

1
The 6 Deadliest Trails on Earth...and the Cheat Codes to Defeat Them 50:25

1d ago50:25

50:25

What are the deadliest trails on Earth? What makes them so dangerous? And how do we defeat them? Rest assured the B&B podcast has the answers and cheat codes for these challenging hikes. Ben McAuliffe joins the show to weigh in on this conversation. Some of the topics discussed in this week’s episode: -The deadliest trails on earth -Trip Planning -…

1
The WORST BACKPACKER of All Time! 55:40

8d ago55:40

55:40

Who is the worst backpacker of all time? What are the characteristics of a terrible backpacker? This is not a fitness-shaming discussion. These are real attributes, from real people (including the hosts) that need to be stopped at all costs. Or at least they needed to be made fun of. Ben McAuliffe joins the show to weigh in on this conversation. So…

1
TFT363: Are You Improving? 8:42

15d ago8:42

8:42

In this podcast I talk through some important measures to keep in mind to understand if your hiking is improving (or not). == Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures? Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.htmlBy Rowan Smith

1
GRIM GRANITE: Legit Plans For Escaping the Zombie Apocalypse…While Backpacking 54:03

15d ago54:03

54:03

Grim Granite (Gordon Crum) joins the show to discuss how to survive a zombie apocalypse…while backpacking. As a survival expert who has actually been on the show ‘Doomsday Preppers’, Gordon is more than prepared to have a semi-serious and humorous discussion about this scenario. Even though this episode is mostly just for fun, Gordon shares quite a…

1
10 Tiny Pieces of Gear That You Should Bring! (or Leave Behind) -- Throwback Thursday! 58:42

30d ago58:42

58:42

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…

1
TFT362: Understanding Pacing 22:26

22d ago22:26

22:26

If you always struggle with breathing on steep uphills, pacing is an incredibly important skill. In this episode we explore what good pacing is for hikers and how to practice and develop this skill. == Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures? Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.html…

1
JUSTIN OUTDOORS: How Much Weight Can You Shave with $150 These Days? 1:01:00

30d ago1:01:00

1:01:00

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…

1
WARNING! This Episode is Un-Bear-Able 1:00:50

1M ago1:00:50

1:00:50

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…

1
SEAN 'SHUG' EMERY: Trail Food From Gas Stations, Weird Gear & Face Quilts for the Cold (Throwback Thursday) 1:09:37

1M ago1:09:37

1:09:37

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…

1
Gear From the Future, New Snacks, & More...Outdoor Retailer Show 2024 1:01:49

1M ago1:01:49

1:01:49

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…

1
TFT361: Coaching and Support 8:17

1M ago8:17

8:17

In this episode I explore the third Pillar of the Online Summit Program - Coaching and Support. Want to learn more about how we help hikers get fit, strong and resilient for their adventures? Book a chat with our team here: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/apply.htmlBy Rowan Smith

1
TFT360: Education 5:56

1M ago5:56

5:56

In this episode I explore the second Pillar of the Online Summit Program - Education. Want to learn more about how we help hikers get fit, strong and resilient for their adventures? Book a chat with our team here: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/apply.htmlBy Rowan Smith

1
TFT361: Pillar One - Training 14:01

1M ago14:01

14:01

Over the next three episodes, we explore some of the details of the Online Summit Program, and how we help hikers get fit, strong and resilient for their adventures :) This episode covers the first Pillar of the Program - Personalised Training. Want to learn more about the program? Book a chat with our team here: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/a…

1
TFT358: Revamping Your Training 10:02

1M ago10:02

10:02

Did you start the year strong with your training but lost momentum after a few months? Are you feeling like the middle of the year is the time to revamp your routine and get moving again? Do you have a big trip coming up later in the year and can't put off your training any longer? If you answered yes to any of those questions, today's episode is f…

1
GEAR LOAD-OUT! The Exact Gear We're Bringing to Desolation Wilderness 1:04:16

2M ago1:04:16

1:04:16

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…

1
RAY ZAHAB: He Ran Across a Frozen Siberian Lake & Encountered...Strange Creatures... 54:55

2M ago54:55

54:55

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…

1
BONUS THURSDAY Debating The Undisputed World's Toughest Race w/ Hiker Trash Doc & Alice Ford 40:52

2M ago40:52

40:52

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 …

1
MOOSE MUTLOW: Yosemite Search & Rescue Answers All of Our Crazy Questions 1:02:53

2M ago1:02:53

1:02:53

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…

1
DEVIN ASHBY: The Top 10 Overpacked Items That Only YOU Can Prevent 52:55

2M ago52:55

52:55

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…

1
The Darwin Awards - The Best of the Worst Decisions You’ll Ever Hear (Throwback Thursday) 44:21

2M ago44:21

44:21

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…

1
You Will NOT BELIEVE These STRANGE (but True) Tales From Red River Gorge 47:12

3M ago47:12

47:12

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…

1
SERIOUSLY OVERRATED (and Underrated) Backpacking Gear 48:35

3M ago48:35

48:35

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…

1
9 Pieces of Gear That Succeed/Failed in Canyonlands (Throwback Thursday) 55:37

3M ago55:37

55:37

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…

1
SALLY C. BROOKS: Comedian, Author Shares Strange Tales from the Appalachian Trail 1:04:46

3M ago1:04:46

1:04:46

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…

1
Our 10 Most Embarrassing Rookie Backpacking BLUNDERS 39:49

3M ago39:49

39:49

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 …

1
Our BIGGEST Gear Purchasing MISTAKES! Don't Do What We Did (Throwback Thursday) 41:08

4M ago41:08

41:08

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…

1
IB TAT: How to Get Kicked out of Walmart & Break Into a Backcountry Ranger Cabin 1:04:52

4M ago1:04:52

1:04:52

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…

1
TFT357: Have A Follow Up Plan 16:56

4M ago16:56

16:56

In this episode I explore why coming up with a follow up plan BEFORE you finish your training can be so valuable. == Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures? Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.htmlBy Rowan Smith

1
STEVEN of 'My Life Outdoors': I DARE You to Find Better Gear for Less! 1:12:23

4M ago1:12:23

1:12:23

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…

1
Get Your Total Pack Weight Under 30 LBS NOW!!! (Throwback Thursday) 42:04

4M ago42:04

42:04

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…

1
TFT356: Self Reflection 10:12

4M ago10:12

10:12

In this episode I explore how self reflection can be SO powerful when you are getting towards the tail end of a training process. == Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures? Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.htmlBy Rowan Smith

1
DAVE STEWART: Napkin Maps, Sleeping w/ Bears, Expert Tips & More! 1:00:00

4M ago1:00:00

1:00:00

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…

1
TFT355: Simplicity 11:52

4M ago11:52

11:52

In this episode I explore one powerful question you can use, when things start to feel a bit overwhelming in your training and preparations. == Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures? Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.htmlBy Rowan Smith

1
15 of Your WORST Pet Peeves...SOLVED! 56:57

4M ago56:57

56:57

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…

1
SONJA WIECK: Surviving Bear Grylls' World's Toughest Race (Throwback Thursday) 1:17:31

4M ago1:17:31

1:17:31

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…

1
TFT355: Have A Mantra 8:20

5M ago8:20

8:20

In this episode I explore an incredibly simple, but powerful, mental strength strategy which can make a dramatic difference when things get tough. == Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures? Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.htmlBy Rowan Smith

1
CHAD LUBINSKI: 'I Should Have Died 3 Times in the Outdoors But...' 1:08:26

5M ago1:08:26

1:08:26

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…

1
TFT353: Have A Prepared Answer 7:18

5M ago7:18

7:18

In this episode I explore a simple strategy which can save you A LOT of mental energy if you are going through a big training journey. == Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures? Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.htmlBy Rowan Smith

1
The BEST Backpacking Items...Around $1! Yes $1! 44:24

5M ago44:24

44:24

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…

1
TFT352: Be Serious About Your Recovery 10:33

5M ago10:33

10:33

In this episode I explore the subject of recovery and how it can make or break a training journey. == Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures? Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.htmlBy Rowan Smith

1
Top Notch Trail Pranks...You Have to Try! 46:13

5M ago46:13

46:13

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…

1
Throwback Thursday DAN BECKER: 'Gear I Wish I Bought Sooner' 56:02

5M ago56:02

56:02

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…

1
BROOKE WHIPPLE: She Canoed the Yukon But Did Not Expect This to Happen... 49:48

5M ago49:48

49:48

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…

1
Exclusive New & Unreleased Gear: MSR, Buff, Mystery Ranch, Deuter, Platypus, Grayl 1:00:20

6M ago1:00:20

1:00:20

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…

1
BONUS THURSDAY SAM CARTER: 'I Tried Hiking the Triple Crown With a 3 LB Base Weight' 46:02

6M ago46:02

46:02

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…

1
TFT351: Search Out Support 11:01

6M ago11:01

11:01

In this episode I explore how having some simple conversations can make a dramatic difference to the chance of success during a training process. = Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures? Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.html

1
Controversial, Insider Trip Planning Cheat Codes for Permits, Gear & More! 43:25

6M ago43:25

43:25

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…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Rowan Smith Hiking Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide