In this Throwback Thursday episode Darwin on the Trail covers a range of topics from hiking gear to the challenges of being a ‘famous’ backpacker. He also introduces his own line of gear which is very well established at this point. Some of the Topics Covered: -Backpacking gear -Adventure Tips -What happens when you become a famous backpacker Enlig…

What are some hiking and backpacking gear traps that you are falling for? Mowser joins the show – all the way from Tasmania – to discuss his observations as an experienced mountain guide. He also shares some of his biggest backpacking blunders. They are stories you won’t want to miss! Some of the Topics Covered: -Backpacking gear -Useless backpacki…

Derek and Carl discuss the dumb gear that they (mainly Carl) has been making fun of for years. On the most recent trip to Catalina, Carl brought 8 items that he thinks are downright terrible. He gave them all a fair shake. What actually changed his mind? And what crazy things happened along the way? Some of the Topics Covered: -Backpacking gear -Us…

Power rankings! Derek and Carl discuss the top two in each of the categories as well as item/company that’s on the bottom. Additionally, what do the masses say? When poled with these same topics, Derek and Carl share the results for what most people are thinking. And, does Derek share a luxury item that’s not really a luxury item? Some of the Topic…

On this Throwback Thursday episode, Derek and Carl discuss some of the crazy stories that have happened in the wilderness that are simply unexplained. In their light-hearted version of these intense stories, they will ask questions and consider circumstances that have never been done before (or likely ever again). Enlightened Equipment: Check out t…

Kane Does Outdoors joins the show for a gear load-out! What are the best backpacking clothing gear options? Do any of them give you extra protection against bears? Kane seems to think so? There’s also a surprise guest to weigh in with the female clothing perspective. Some of the Gear Covered: -Mountain Hardwear Sunshield Sun Hoodie -Lowa Amplux 2 -…

Derek and Carl discuss 6 things that “every” backpacker does wrong…all the time. Or at least most of the time. Are there any strategies to minimize the impact of these mistakes? Are there any ways around them? Or should we simply suffer and cope? What do you think? Some of the Topics Covered: -Backpacking Gear -Backpacking Food -Backpacking Blunder…

Derek and Carl share their best tips for you to shave pack weight and get rid of unnecessary items. But, over the years, the B&B community has pushed back on many of these tips – seemingly with little reason. If you want to lighten your load, this is the way. Some of the Topics Covered: -Tips to lighten your backpacking weight -Backpacking gear -Ul…

The 72 Year Old Thru Hiker – Hiking Rev – joins the show to discuss some strange stories from the trail as well as tips and advice for older, weaker, newer and scared hikers. Also, how did he handle a very creepy encounter while hitchhiking? Some of the Topics Covered: -Tips for older, weaker, newer, scared hikers and backpackers. -Hitchhiking tech…

Derek and Carl recap their Desolation Wilderness trip and all of the mistakes they made along the way. From missing car windows, to strange outfits, to ranger encounters, to failed pranks, there’s a lot going on with this trip. And what did they finally decide regarding punishments for the next trip for their trivia failures? Topics Covered: -Backp…

Hiking Guy Cris Hazzard joins the show as our tech guru. What are the top 3 tech devices or gadgets he recommends? And what are the top 3 pieces of tech Carl suggests that you ditch immediately. Also, when can we stop bringing locator beacons in lieu of our phones? Some of the Tech Gear Covered: -Garmin InReach Mini 2 -Garmin Enduro GPS Watch -LcFu…

Derek and Carl choose the BEST backpacking tips, hacks and advice that the ultralight backpacking community has to offer. Does that mean they’re all good? Probably not. But there should be at least a couple of takeaways from the collective ‘wisdom’ of backpackers across the world. Topics Covered: -Backpacking hacks, tips and tricks -Backpacking Gea…

Derek and Carl discuss the first 5 things you need to do when arriving to camp…in order. They suggest that you do these things or you’ll pay the price (one way or another). Of course, their lists are entirely different. Which one do you trust? Topics Covered: -Backpacking Tips and tricks -Camping strategies -Inappropriate camp behaviors Enlightened…

On this 'Throwback Thursday' episode Kyle O'Grady joins the show to discuss a variety of topics that include common, beginner backpacking mistakes, cults on the trail and trivia! Check out Kyle's popular YouTube Channel! Topics Covered: -Beginner Backpacking mistakes -Backpacking gear -Weird Backpacking Stories Enlightened Equipment: Check out the …

Epic film-maker Kraig Adams joins the show. He might be the #1 backpacking film-maker (or film-maker who backpacks) out there. What are 3 big and unexpected challenges Kraig has encountered while traveling all over the world? People hiding in strange places, taking a ‘short cut’ down a mountain, and some odd food choices are just scratching the sur…

Derek and Carl discuss there single toughest day backpacking...and what you can do to avoid their mistakes. Also we have breaking news! A new backpacking stove was just released this week! Details on that and more! Topics Covered: -New backpacking stove -Overcoming a tough backpacking day -Bear attack Enlightened Equipment: Check out the best Ultra…

New 2025 Backpacking Gear is here! Backpacks, sleeping pads, tents, gadgets, chairs…you name it. Gear expert Devin Ashby from Backcountry Exposure joins the show to weigh in (and disagree) about all of the gear presented. Some of the Gear Covered: -Therm-a-rest Boost 650 -Danner N45 -Gregory Paragon/Maven -Cumulus Climalite Jacket -Crazy Creek Air …

What are the backpacking trends, fads or whatever you want to call them – that are really lame? Derek and Carl weigh in on this topic and come out firing! Also, Derek catches Carl in a major error from a previous episode. Topics Covered: -Ultralight backpacking -Ultralight Gear -Backpacking trends and fads -Trail Name nonsense Check Out ‘Ian the Ou…

Are you or is somebody you know an ultralight nerd? Derek and Carl have the criteria. If any of their descriptions resonate with you…then you might be an ultralight nerd. Also what ripoff gear company Carl get significant pushback about? Topics Covered: -Ultralight backpacking -Ultralight Gear -A Ripoff Gear Company -Leave No Trace Lies Enlightened…

Ryan Van Duzer (Bikepacker, Ultra Marathon Runner, Adventurer, Youtuber) joins the show to discuss the secret to your adventure success. He also shares some of the crazy things he tends to bring into the backcountry. Topics Covered: -Strange backpacking luxury items -Bikepacking adventures -The secret to your adventure success Enlightened Equipment…

What is the best tent or hammock option for you? Top hammock expert, Shug, joins the show to drop some hammock knowledge on us. Various tent categories and tent options are discussed as well. Check out Shug’s awesome YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@shugemery/featured Topics Covered: -Best backpacking hammocks -Best backpacking tents -Best…

Derek and Carl discuss the worst national parks for backpacking. Scenery, over-regulations, bear canisters, crowding and many more factors are considered. Some of the parks that make the list may surprise you. Also, Rocky calls Derek out for unreasonable texting expectations. B&B Documentary is out! Topics Covered: -Terrible National Parks for Back…

Steven Smith from My Life Outdoors joins the show to discuss all sorts of backpacking topics that you think you know about…but you might not. Is your gear poisoning you? Are sleeping pad R values highly misleading? Why is a mesh base layer the best option? And how does Derek mess up the Lightning round…again? Topics Covered: -Ultralight Backpacking…

John Kelley joins the show discuss backpacking gear companies that are ripping you off. Which products are you overpaying for? And what are some reasonable alternatives? B&B Documentary is out! Topics Covered: -Ultralight Backpacking Gear -Expensive Backpacking Gear -The Best/Worst Deals Going Check out John Kelley’s ‘The Backpacking Podcast’ Enlig…

Derek and Carl discuss the top 10 ways you are most likely going to die on the trail...and how to avoid them. These are based on data provided for many years. Also, Carl tries to track down the REI clerk that Derek rejected in his backpack purchasing process. B&B Documentary is released! Topics Covered: -Backpacking Survival Tips -Backpacking Gear …

Special forces operator, survival expert, TV star Mykel Hawke joins the show and shares 6 unexpected survival tips that you’ve likely never heard before. How do you actually fight off an attacking bear? What did Tom Hanks do wrong in Castaway? Find out on this week’s episode. B&B Documentary (releases Wed Evening)! Topics Covered: -Backpacking Surv…

Derek and Carl discuss backpacking scams, lies and myths that you should beware of. Is Derek’s list really all that helpful? You be the judge. Also, how does Derek respond when somebody tries to scam him out of his bank account number? Probably not the same way you do. Topics Covered: -Ultralight backpacking gear -Wild Animal Encounters -Scams Enli…

The most knowledgeable backpacking gear expert, Justin Outdoors, joins the show to discuss the Ultralight Backpacking Gear Awards. Get some ideas of what to bring to lighten your load. And find out what Justin’s last nightmare was about in the lightning round! Topics Covered: -Ultralight backpacking gear -Backpacks, Tents, Gadgets and more -Backpac…

Epic Film-maker and YouTuber Harmen Hoek joins the show on this BONUS THURSDAY! Harmen has filmed some of the most famous and most impressive trails in the world. What is the most beautiful trail? What is the toughest trail? What is the hardest permit to get? And how do you keep things dry in 100% humidity? Harmen answers these questions and much m…

Derek is back after a loooong hiatus. And he’s not pulling any punches. Jumping in right where he left off, Derek and Carl discuss absolutely terrible and ridiculous backpacking that they’ve seen. Are you doing any of these? Did they miss any? Topics Covered: -Good Backpacking Hacks -Terrible Backpacking Hacks -Ultralight backpacking methods -Wipes…

Backcountry Chef Corso joins the show to give you some of the best backpacking food tips you’ve ever heard. And he continues to provide a wealth of resources on his YouTube Channel and website, Outdoor Eats. Check both of those out to level up your food game! Also, what sabotages would Chef Corso inflict and endure on the future B&B show: Backcount…

Merry Christmas everyone! As mentioned in the episode here's Ben's email: [email protected] Carl Mandrioli

It's time for a list of backpacking activities like you’ve never heard before. Ben and Carl are joined by Rocky to discuss some of the most plausible, fun, outlandish but realistic trail activities that are sure to spice up your trip. Topics Covered: -Ultralight Backpacking -Backpacking Gear -Strange Backpacking Activities Enlightened Equipment: Ch…

Ben and Carl discuss some of the weirdest gear they could find that you might bring on a backpacking trip. Is it worthwhile? Can these pieces of gear improve your trip? Would you buy any of these? Topics Covered: -Ultralight Backpacking -Backpacking Gear -Where to buy or not buy backpacking gear Portable Chair Sock Shoes Special Knife Haven Hammock…

Welcome to Throwback Thursday! In this episode Dan Becker, Sean "Shug" Emery, John Kelley, Rocky Brown and more guests weigh in with their best backpacking tips in order to celebrate our 200th episode! Some of the Topics Discussed -Backpacking Gear - Trip Planning and locations -Tips for Newbies Enlightened Equipment: Check out the best Ultralight …

Huck Outdoors, Adam from Dad Camps and Vince Strawbridge join the show as part of an expert panel on backpacking skills. Each gives insight on a variety of backpacking topics as well as unexpected stories to boot. Topics Covered: -Ultralight Backpacking -Backpacking Gear -Backpacking Skills Get Vince Strawbridge’s full story ‘Pretty Good at Walking…

Dan Durston joins the show to discuss cutting edge backpacking gear that might blow your hair back. Ben and Carl ask Dan about some controversial decisions in creating the gear as well as a controversial video that was put out about one of his tents. Also, Carl runs a couple of his own gear innovations by Dan and offers a licensing deal. Topics Cov…

Alice Ford went on a backpacking trip with a daypack. Was that a good idea? Was she able to survive the night? What did she learn? And what can we learn from her experience to lighten our load? Topics Covered: -Ultralight Backpacking -Backpacking Gear -Hiking strategies Check out Alice's YouTube Channel Enlightened Equipment: Check out the best Ult…

Welcome to B&B Jeopardy! We’ve got 3 contestants vying for the first ever, backpacking-related Jeopardy game show. Steven Smith is a famous YouTuber from the My Life Outdoors Channel. Doc is a famous podcaster who host Hiker Trash Radio. Sally Chaffin Brooks is a famous comedian and author. Topics Covered: -Backpacking trivia -National Parks -Backp…

Derek and Carl discuss some things that you simply can't overcome on the trail -- minor or major annoyances. Do these bother you as well? Enlightened Equipment: Check out the best Ultralight Quilts on the market! Teton Gear: If you’re looking for high quality gear at a great price, this is the best option for all entry to mid level backpackers. Get…

Rick and Marty Lagina join the show to discuss the upcoming season of History Channel’s The Curse of Oak Island. Ben and Carl ask the questions you’ve always wanted to ask (or never thought of). And will Carl try to crash the Lagina Thanksgiving dinner? Topics Covered: -The mystery of the Oak Island treasure -The world’s most famous treasure hunter…

Timber Cleghorn – someone who could possibly be the most interesting man in the world – joins the show. He grew up in a militia camp. He is a freelance humanitarian who heads to war zones across the world. He is an Alone contestant in the latest season. And he’s taking at leading all guest at the lightning round. Topics Covered: -Bushcraft gear -Th…

John Kelley and Jeremiah Stringer join the show for a podcast competition. Backpacking tips, trivia and Derek's nonsense ensue. Who won? You be the judge! John Kelley's Youtube Channel and Instagram Page Jeremiah Stinger's Youtube Channel and Instagram Page Some of the Topics Discussed -National Parks -Backpacking Gear -Backpacking Trip Planning -T…

Are you looking for creative ideas to lighten your pack load? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Ben and Carl each suggest 4 ultralight tips that you’ve never heard before. And some of them can shave some serious weight. Topics Covered: -Backpacking gear -Ultralight backpacking -Shaving weight off of your pack Check out the Ultralight Tips Video…

YouTuber Matty Outdoors joins the show to discuss backpacking trends that make no sense. Ben and Carl suggest a couple of their own as well. What is your take on the subject? Also, Ben challenges everyone with ‘trend trivia’. Topics Covered: -Backpacking gear -Ultralight trends -Backpacking hacks and trends Subscribe to Matty Outdoors on YouTube Ch…

You’ve never heard of a backpacking trip like this before. Are these 7 weird things that happened in the Trinity Alps game changing ideas that can enhance your trip? You be the judge. Topics Covered: -Backpacking gear -Ultralight and Ultraheavy gear -Strange Encounters on/off the trail -Unique Backpacking Ideas Watch the full video of this trip cre…

Can we really trust the gear companies with all of their claims, fancy marketing, and price gouging? Ben and Carl get to the bottom of things. VP of marketing for Teton, Jeremy McLerran, joins the show to reveal behind-the-scenes secrets that most gear companies won’t tell. This just might help you make better informed gear decisions. Topics Covere…

TV star and former MMA fighter Kru Williams joins the show. Kru shares behind-the-scenes stories from Deadman’s Curse: Legend of the Lost Gold. You can imagine the types of questions Ben and Carl are going to ask Kru. Please tune in for this very compelling conversation. Topics Covered: -Backpacking, mountaineering in British Columbia -Searching fo…

In this Throwback Thursday episode, Derek and Carl discuss some of the craziest things Bear Grylls has suggested over the years. If you follow some of the advice given on various survival shows you just might die. But don’t worry Derek and Carl will save you with their own sage advice. Topics Covered: -Bear Grylls -Survival in the backcountry -Prop…

Over the course of the year Carl asked representatives from various backpacking companies 1 question: what is one piece of gear that you developed that never made it to market. 6 companies share their answers. Ben and Carl discuss whether or not there is a market for each of these potential products. Topics Covered: -Backpacking Gear -Future Backpa…