The Backpacking Podcast presented by Outdoor Vitals

Afleveringen

• 323 Best Backpacking Gear Is NOT In Stores... w/ Ben McMillen 12.06.2026 1u 2min

  Founder's Sale by Outdoor Vitals (Early-Bird List): https://bit.ly/4v2qWkYJeremiah and John sit down with Ben McMillen, owner of Hilltop Packs, to talk about the world of cottage gear, building a backpacking business, and what sets small outdoor brands apart from the big manufacturers. Ben shares the story behind Hilltop Packs, the importance of customer connection, company culture, American-made gear, tariffs, product innovation, and the surprising item that became one of Hilltop's biggest sellers.Whether you're a gear nerd, small business supporter, or backpacker looking for insight into the outdoor industry, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most recognizable cottage brands in backpacking.#Backpacking #HilltopPacks #CottageGear #BackpackingPodcast #HikingGear #ThruHiking #OutdoorIndustry
• 322 The POOP EPISODE 05.06.2026 58min

  It's all about number 2 and how it affects our time in the outdoors. We're discussing "would you rather" scenarios and revealing personal moments on trail.Check out the Outdoor Vitals StormLoft Down TopQuilt: https://alnk.to/aARYkpC
• 321 Best Backpacking Gear of 2026 29.05.2026 1u 9min

  What is the best tent, backpack, sleeping bag, and more on this episode of the Backpacking Podcast.If you want to check out two of our favorite backpacks, go over to Outdoor Vitals: https://alnk.to/aARVPc7
• 320 Is AI Ruining the Appalachian Trail? 22.05.2026 59min

  700 Acres of land are being used to build an AI data center, only 1/3 of a mile from the Appalachian Trail. What will this do to scenic views, pollution, and noise on trail? Was the ATC even contacted about it?Check out our friends at Outdoor Vitals and their Carbon EVO 50 Backpack: https://alnk.to/8PIgYvd
• 319 Should We Fear BEAVER ATTACKS on Trail? 15.05.2026 50min

  Do you have to be a person of privilege to thru-hike? Should we be worried about beaver attacks? This and more on today's episode.Check out this great gear from Outdoor Vitals:Pursuit Hybrid Fleece: https://alnk.to/gKUn7dSVentus Hoodie: https://alnk.to/31vgBB4Carbon EVO 50 Backpack: https://alnk.to/8PIgYvd
• 318 We're Spraying ROUNDUP in our National Forests? 08.05.2026 1u 7min

  Is the Forest Service really spraying Round Up in our forests? Is the Garmin InReach Mini 3 worth the money you'd spend on it? How likely are you to be attacked by a grizzly bear in Yellowstone? All this and more in this episode of the Backpacking Podcast.Get signed up for the Live Ultralight Membership at Outdoor Vitals: https://alnk.to/fSkxDxLGive us your thoughts on this article: https://www.backpacker.com/stories/essays/opinion/thru-hiking-demands-sacrifice-but-it-still-favors-privilege/
• 317 Jessica "Dixie" Mills - Mom-Life and Getting Eaten by Coyotes 01.05.2026 1u 1min

  In this episode, we have the honor of spending an hour with a true treasure in the backpacking world, Jessica Mills, AKA "Dixie". We'll be talking about everything from her new podcast to the challenges of Backpacking as a new mom.Looking for a new backpack? Check out the new Showdowlight Carbon 60 from Outdoor Vitals: https://alnk.to/cHQRrZL
• 316 Horse Diapers On Trail? Hut to Hut Backpacking, and Wildfires in KY 24.04.2026 57min

  Wildfires in KY? Should horses have doggy bags for on trail? Hut to Hut Backpacking. Is this really a thing? All this and we find out who has the most rock and roll knowledge in this episode of the Backpacking Podcast.Get your hands on the Pursuit Hybrid Fleece over at Outdoor Vitals: https://alnk.to/cHQOQG7
• 315 Has Government Overreach Finally Happened in the Outdoors? 17.04.2026 1u 5min

  What happened on Jeremiah's Top Secret Vacation? Is the US Forest Service being dismantled, and what happened to the Trek correspondent who died on the PCT? All this and more on the Backpacking Podcast.The Satu Adventure Pants are on an insane sale right now! Check them out over at Outdoor Vitals: https://alnk.to/8PI6JGr
• 314 Jeremiah's Spirit Animal, Poisonous Snakes, and Mystery Vacations 10.04.2026 33min

  Jeremiah daydreams about singing on The Voice. Are "surprise" vacations a GOOD thing? What are the most poisonous snakes in the world? All of this and more on an unexpected livestream episode of the podcast.Check out Outdoor Vitals' most recent piece of gear, the Cirq Tent: https://alnk.to/3nkuzzm
• 313 - Our FINAL Livestream - April 1st Edition 03.04.2026 58min

  All things must come to an end, and that includes this podcast. What does the future hold for the BPP and its hosts, John Kelley and Jeremiah Stringer?Check out the Cirq Tent: https://alnk.to/3nkuzzm
• 312 JK Hates Hammocks?!?!?!?!?! 27.03.2026 55min

  Today, some of your favorite backpacking gear is going to court.....TRAIL COURT! What gear comes out better on the other side, and what fails to live up to the hype? Find out on today's livestream. Cirq Tent Deep Dive with OV: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuWEYDjQneACheck out the Cirq Tent: https://alnk.to/3nkuzzmSign up for the OV 100 Mile Challenge: https://alnk.to/5joN1Jm
• 311 Worst Meals, Cabin Break-ins, and Squeaky Backpacks - a BPP Q&A 20.03.2026 1u 1min

  You send in the questions, and we answer them....probably in the worst way possible. In this episode, we open ourselves up to answer questions sent in by BPP fans, and the results are hilarious. Cirq Tent Deep Dive with OV: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuWEYDjQneACheck out the Cirq Tent: https://alnk.to/eDUX0X4Sign up for the OV 100 Mile Challenge: https://alnk.to/5joN1Jm
• 310 Camping in THUNDERSTORMS and Silly UL Gear 13.03.2026 44min

  Jeremiah gives a trip report, and we discuss silly things that ultralighters do.Check out Outdoor Vitals and the new Carbon EVO 50 Backpack: https://alnk.to/bPg5BoQ
• 309 He Left His Girlfriend in the Woods to DIE!!!! 06.03.2026 58min

  In this episode, Jeremiah and JK break down controversial stories from the backcountry. Did a mountain climber from Austria leave his girlfriend in the woods to die? Should the government have the right to break laws to secure the border and damage our wild spaces?Check out Outdoor Vitals and the new Carbon EVO 50 Backpack: https://alnk.to/bPg5BoQWANT TO HAVE YOUR VOICE HEARD ABOUT THE WALL IN BIG BEND?No Big Bend Border Wall: https://nobigbendborderwall.com/Texas State Congress: https://capitol.texas.gov/Home.aspxGovernor Abbott: https://gov.texas.gov/apps/contact-us/opinion
• 308 - Surviving the Bubble Guts in the Backcountry 27.02.2026 1u 4min

  How do you deal with having to cut a trip short when nature calls? What does the "Hiker Diet" look like? Which backcountry all-star would you want to sit next to on a flight? These questions and more are answered in this episode of the Backpacking Podcast presented by Outdoor Vitals.Check out the Zulu Jacket and the Carbon EVO 50 Backpack over at Outdoor Vitals: https://alnk.to/bPg5BoQ
• 307 Over 2000 Arches to Discover with Steven Martin 20.02.2026 59min

  In this week's livestream, we are excited to chat with Steven Martin. Steven is a Geologist III with the Kentucky Geological Survey specializing in field-based research, mapping, and the documentation of natural arches. He leads efforts to inventory over 2,000 natural rock openings across the state and created a trail guide to showcase Kentucky’s geological heritage in a project called, "Natural Arches of Kentucky."Check out Natural Arches of Kentucky: https://kgs.uky.edu/arches/Go to Outdoor Vitals and grab a Zulu Down Jacket: https://alnk.to/bPg5BoQ
• 306 FISHNET FLEECE? Layer Up For the Cold! 13.02.2026 57min

  How do you stay warm when it's icy cold? We're talking about how we keep toasty when the temps dip.Be sure to check out Outdoor Vitals and get your hands on a new Zulu down jacket: https://alnk.to/bPg5BoQ
• 305 Better Sleep on Trip: Hotel or Back of an SUV? 06.02.2026 1u 7min

  How do you sleep warm in different situations? Is it better to eat the cost of a hotel, or should you just sleep in the back of your vehicle? Companies are now sponsoring thru-hikes of the major long trails. How can you get sponsored? And do we really live on stolen land?Head over to Outdoor Vitals and join the OV 100 Mile Challenge: https://alnk.to/bPg5BoQ
• 304 Snowpocalypse 2026 30.01.2026 1u 19min

  This episode is all about what to do when you're snowed in. Don't expect a ton of backpacking content here. You will, however, laugh and probably shake your head in confusion over the things that JK and Jeremiah say.Head over to Outdoor Vitals and join the OV 100 Mile Challenge: https://alnk.to/bPg5BoQ