Season 7, Episode 105 · The Backpacking Podcast
331 Backpack or Send It Back
7 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 1 min
Episode notes
Tushar Rain Jacket from Outdoor Vitals: https://alnk.to/3U5xxk6 John Kelley and Jeremiah Stringer go live for a wide-ranging backpacking hangout packed with trail talk, gear opinions, and chat-driven detours. They compare trusted weather sources, weigh the changing role of satellite messaging, and put new gear through a round of “Backpack or Send It Back”—including Yeti’s active packs, a high-powered Petzl headlamp, and HydroPak’s updated filter cap.The conversation also covers Garmin subscription changes, favorite trail meals, fast-food fries and chicken sandwiches, plus a preview of what’s…
Podcast
The Backpacking Podcast
John Kelley, Jeremiah Stringer · Sport · English
Be prepared to listen to great stories, hear from incredible guests, and laugh until your stomach hurts. Jeremiah Stringer and John Kelley share from experiences and knowledge from the trail while bringing the fun back to backpacking podcasts. The main goal here is to make you smile, and you'll quic
More from The Backpacking Podcast All episodes →
-
S8 · E1 · 11 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 2 min
336 You Might Not Be A Backpacker If...
GPS Pin For Parking Meetup (Oct 9th-11th, 2026): https://maps.app.goo.gl/7NFAWh3hv4ajryKN6Trail Map From Car to Campsite (1.3 miles): https://www.ccl-bsf.com/mapsCharit Creek Lodge Website: https://www.ccl-bsf.com/ In this episode, we explore humorous and practical aspects of backpacking, including gear reviews, funny anecdotes, and safety tips for encounters with wildlife. Join us for a lighthearted yet informative discussion perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
-
S7 · E109 · 4 Sep 2026 · 53 min
335 Chiggers Ate Us Up, Even THERE! Welcome to Backpacking
GPS Pin For Parking Meetup (Oct 9th-11th, 2026): https://maps.app.goo.gl/7NFAWh3hv4ajryKN6Trail Map From Car to Campsite (1.3 miles): https://www.ccl-bsf.com/mapsCharit Creek Lodge Website: https://www.ccl-bsf.com/Season 7 comes to an end with one of our wildest and most packed episodes yet! We talk backpacking, hiking, trail conditions, upcoming meetups, outdoor adventures, crazy trail stories, and some of the biggest backpacking and outdoor news making headlines.We also take a look at the upcoming YouTuber backpacking meetup in the Big South Fork area of Tennessee, including the campsite,…
-
S7 · E108 · 28 Aug 2026 · 59 min
334 - The Gub-ment HATES the Outdoors
In this episode, John Kelley and Jeremiah Stringer explore a wide range of topics from AI and social media controversies to outdoor adventures and environmental policies. They share personal stories, current events, and practical advice, making it a must-listen for outdoor enthusiasts and curious minds alike.
-
S7 · E107 · 21 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 2 min
333 A Naked Man, a Missing Nun & The Park Ranger Who SAW IT ALL w/Kristy Slaven
Outdoor Vitals Tern Merino Wool Hoodie & Tee: https://alnk.to/bEmXZ6e In this episode, we sit down with retired park ranger Kristy Slaven to hear some of the strangest, funniest, and most unbelievable experiences from her time working in and around the great outdoors. From bizarre encounters with people in the wilderness to mysterious situations and stories that sound almost too strange to be true, Kristy shares what life was really like as a park ranger. If you've ever wondered what park rangers actually deal with, what can happen in the woods, or what kinds of strange people and situations…
-
S7 · E106 · 14 Aug 2026 · 54 min
332 I Thought Bigfoot Was a Joke… Until This - w/ MK Ultra (Michael Kirkpatrick)
What if the thing you thought was just a legend actually changed the way you look at the wilderness?In this episode, we dive deep into Bigfoot, strange encounters, backpacking, camping, the wilderness, and the unsettling stories that make you question what might really be out there. What starts as a conversation about Bigfoot quickly becomes a fascinating look at the experiences, evidence, and questions surrounding one of the most famous mysteries in the world.Joining the conversation is Michael Kirkpatrick (MK Ultra) as we talk about Bigfoot sightings, unexplained encounters, what people…
-
S7 · E104 · 31 Jul 2026 · 43 min
330 Even This Won't Stop a Bear
In this episode, Jeremiah Stringer and JK discuss bear activity updates along the Appalachian Trail, creative and humorous bear deterrent ideas, and share personal stories about neighbors, HOA regulations, and hiking injuries. They also send heartfelt prayers to Danny Warnock after his son's passing.
-
S7 · E103 · 24 Jul 2026 · 50 min
329 We Slept In 1 Sleeping Bag Together For 150 Nights w/ Justin C. (Let's Hit The Trail - YouTube)
Let's Hit The Trail YT https://www.youtube.com/@JustinAndAnna key topics Trail partnership secrets: communication and honesty Wildlife encounters: bears, sheep, and more Trail mishaps: poops, gear, and surprises Long-distance hiking: PCT, Wonderland Trail, Santa Fe to Taos Trail gear and camping setups for comfort and safety Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Justin and his trail adventures 01:58 Justin's recent hikes: Santa Fe to Taos and PCT 03:56 Secrets to successful trail partnerships 05:58 The story of losing each other on the trail 07:53 Wildlife encounters: bears, sheep, and deer 12:14…
-
S7 · E102 · 17 Jul 2026 · 29 min
328 Ultimate Vibe Killers Of The Outdoors
Barking dogs, fire bans, and snoring campers.....oh my! JK and Jeremiah discuss the things that can derail the vibe of any backpacking trip .
-
S7 · E101 · 10 Jul 2026 · 58 min
327 They Hiked For Children With Cancer
They just hiked 10 miles in 10 days in 10 states!!! And we get the lowdown on all of it. Welcome Rugged Mountain Dad, Sister and Mister to the show, otherwise known as DMS Adventures.Be sure to give to St. Jude on behalf of DMS Adventures: https://tiltify.com/@dmsadventures2020/backpacking-10-10-10-challenge?origin=dashboard
-
S7 · E100 · 3 Jul 2026 · 1 hr
326 When Nature Calls... But You're Too Late w/ Marion Outdoors
Coach's Website: https://www.marionoutdoors.com/ Coach's Social Media: @MarionOutdoors Join us as we chat with Coach Livingston from Marion Outdoors about his journey from theater to outdoor outfitter, the importance of community in hiking, and practical tips like using a backpacking bidet. Discover how passion, family, and a love for the outdoors come together in this inspiring episode.
