In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by a couple of familiar faces- Katie and Elise- for a panel on backpacking myths that just refuse to die.

In this one, we cover the worst ways to blow your money for a thru-hike, why finding the perfect rain jacket might be a lifelong exercise in disappointment, discuss why carrying a satellite communicator doesn't mean you can outsource your survival to the SOS button, we cover the assumption that thru-hikers are all trust fund babies, make the case that a weeklong backpacking trip can actually be harder than a multi-month thru-hike, and of course we delve into bean soup theory.

We wrap the show with Trek Propaganda on swapping a $600 ultralight tent for a 5.5-ounce tarp, a Question of the Day about how many syllables are too many for a trail name, a Triple Crown of unconventional pets we wish we could have, a new Sun Hoodie Review of a dirt cheap option that earns a high score despite fitting like a muumuu, and a Mailbag from our dear Rachel about the absurd amount of work that goes into keeping her feet blister-free.

LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "BPR10" for 10% off shelters at gossamergear.com.

Darn Tough: Use code "BACKPACKER" for free shipping from darntough.com.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear: Use code "BPRADIO15" for 15% off at hyperlitemountaingear.com.

[divider]

Panel with Double Dip and Sauce

Time stamps & Questions

00:05:10 - Reminders: Join us for our LIVE holiday podcast in Denver! Apply to vlog or blog for the Trek, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!

00:09:10 - Introducing today's panel

00:10:34 - Zach's Myth #1: You need ultralight gear to start backpacking

00:18:00 - Katie's Myth #1: If you find the right rain gear it will keep you dry

00:26:20 - Elise's Myth #1: Hitchhiking is super dangerous

00:34:00 - Zach's Myth #2: You need hiking boots

00:44:55 - Katie's Myth #2: Soap kills norovirus

00:52:50 - Elise's Myth #2: Thru-hikers are trust fund babies

01:01:18 - Zach's Myth #3: Multi-month backpacking trips are orders of magnitude harder than weeklong trips

01:11:40 - Katie's Myth #3: Ursacks are bearproof or rodent proof

01:25:09 - Elise's Myth #3: If you have a satellite communicator, you'll be safe

01:34:20 - Stay Salty Question: What is your hottest take in the world of backpacking?

Segments

Trek Propaganda: I Swapped My $600 Ultralight Tent for a 5.5 oz Tarp by Katie Jackson

QOTD: How many syllables is too many for a trail name?

Triple Crown of unconventional pets you want

Sun Hoodie Review: Ascend 3D Cool Aerotrek Knit Hoodie

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Sign up for the Trek's newsletter

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Bob Peoples Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Go Bills, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Bret Mullins aka TakeOff, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, JaredNotFromSubway, Jason Kiser, Jason "I Miss Chaunce" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Nathan, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, Brad & Blair from Thirteen Adventures, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ack, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jacob Cheely, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lucas Hamilton, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, Salt Stain, and Tyler Powers.

9 Backpacking Myths Debunked: Hitchhiking, Rain Gear, Norovirus, and Ursacks (BPR #381)

Backpacker Radio

9 Backpacking Myths Debunked: Hitchhiking, Rain Gear, Norovirus, and Ursacks (BPR #381)