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Artwork for Backpacking & Blisters: A Hiking, Backpacking, and Adventure Show

Backpacking & Blisters: A Hiking, Backpacking, and Adventure Show

Carl Mandrioli, Bleav
Backpacking
Hiking
Ultralight Backpacking
Backpacking Gear
Camping Gear
Outdoor Adventure
Camping
Outdoor Gear
Hiking Gear
Outdoor Adventures
Appalachian Trail
Enlightened Equipment
Ultralight Gear
Adventure
Youtube
Outdoor Safety
Backpacking Essentials
Bigfoot
Yosemite
Pacific Crest Trail

Backpacking and hiking tips and tales...with a sense of humor. This is your one-stop show for backpacking, hiking and adventure entertainment. From backpacking gear to the trail situations you will encounter to popular guests, this podcast will deliver. Derek and Carl will hit on all of the backpacking and hiking topics you want with decades of good (and horrendous) experience.

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes449Founded9 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
SportsComedy

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for Backpacking & Blisters: A Hiking, Backpacking, and Adventure Show

Latest Episodes

Have you seen some weird stuff out on the trail like we have? We’ve got 12 signs that you (or somebody you know) simply doesn’t know what they’re doing. And don’t worry, we’ve got the solutions to overcome these odd situations.

Some of the Topics Di... more

Dan Durston joins the show to discuss the harsh truths behind the ultralight gear you’re buying. This is a real behind-the-scenes look at how the gear industry really works. There are a lot of misconceptions, lies and false accusations out there. Dur... more

YouTube

Rob Pelton's joins the show to discuss why your bucket list trips will fail...and how to overcome the issues. Also, are Canadian computer hackers helping people get permits. And Rob has a big and exciting announcement!

Check out Rob’s Awesome YouTub... more

10 backpacking experts share their favorite backcountry meals and other food ideas. Some of them are creative, some are good and some may be yucky. Which one(s) would you be willing to try.

The Backpacking Experts

-Darwin on the Trail

-Dixie ‘Home... more

YouTube

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Accepts Sponsors
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

Recent Guests

Jesse Mantai
A guest described as coming from the future 51st state, a longtime figure in backpacking circles
Independent/Backpacking community
Episode: 10 LIES the "Backpacking Experts" Told You
Vince Strawbridge
Hiker known for through-hiking multiple long trails including the Pacific Crest Trail
Independent explorer / author
Episode: Thru-Hikers vs. REAL BACKPACKERS with Vince Strawbridge (Bonus Thursday)
Michael Mann
Thru-hiker, gear tester, YouTuber
YouTube channel formerly known as I Suck at Hiking
Episode: We Tested the NEWEST, Most POPULAR Packs. Which One is BEST?
Eric Hansen
Adventurer and backpacking/filmmaking host who travels the world sharing gear reviews and adventures
REI gear testing/public figure
Episode: ERIC HANSON: REI's Best Selling Gear - What Passes? What Fails?
Brad Crow Felton
Backpacking content creator and ultralight enthusiast
Independent content creator / YouTube channel
Episode: 10 Ways to Go Super Duper Extra Ultralight Backpacking w/ Brad 'Crow' Felton
Jon Conti
Premier backpacking adventurer, gear expert
Episode: JON CONTI: Top Luxury Items for the LAZY Backpacker
Coach Marion Outdoors
Owner of Marion Outdoors, gear store owner
Marion Outdoors
Episode: 5 Pro Tips Gear Stores Tell OVERLOADED Backpackers with COACH Marion Outdoors (Bonus Thursday!)
Glen Van Peski
Owner of Gossamer Gear, engineer and ultralight backpacker
Gossamer Gear
Episode: GLEN VAN PESKI: Gossamer Gear Owner's 3 Unorthodox Ultralight Strategies
Jeff Pelletier
Trail runner, fastpacker, and documentary filmmaker
Jeff Pelletier (self-described)
Episode: JEFF PELLETIER: Controversial Gear Decisions For The Last Great Adventure (Throwback Thursday)

Hosts

Carl Mandrioli
Co-hosts discussions and provides hosting through a long-running outdoors-focused show.
Derek
Host known for delivering quick-witted banter and interview-led episodes.

Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars from 478 ratings
  • Some Episodes are decent!

    Some of the episodes I love but others are just so dumb. For example, even with a good sense of humor who wants to hear someone talk about being an ultralighter using marshmallows as a pillow or making a rain jacket out of fruit roll ups. Just dumb. I do enjoy the podcasts for the most part and enjoy listening to backpacking stuff but cmon, some of the episodes are just too stupid. I guess they make up for it by having some good interviews with famous YouTubers but sometimes I have to just next ... more

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    spatattack
    United Statesa month ago
  • This is an awesome podcast with great banter between the cohosts. If you are looking to learn how to be successful, just follow Carl's advice, or just do the opposite of what Derek recommends. Carl claims to not be detail oriented, but he cross-examines Derek like an experienced DA on Law and Order. Derek is a good sport and takes it all with a laugh. The constant ribbing and dead-pan humor has me laughing out loud, and my kids love them. Subscribe now.

    Podcast Addict
    5
    Jack
    2 months ago
  • JesusLovesYou&MadeFootball

    This podcast, which is kind of a Godcast, is awesome. Your life will change for the better by listening. Also, if YOU can survive Derek’s trivia, you will be able to take on anything this world throws at you.

    Plus, this Godcast gets better with every episode and as the years roll onward!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Eyes on Jesus
    United States3 months ago
  • Great Content

    I enjoy the show and I love the fact that it starts off with a Bible verse. Get out and enjoy His creation!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    AnonymousReviewerToday
    United States3 months ago
  • Good job Mr mandrioli

    You should teach us about this is class

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Jack Mankamyer
    United States4 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Positive feedback about gear insights and entertaining trivia, with some mixed views on formatting or religious elements.
Listeners appreciate the entertainment value, banter, and actionable gear talk, though some critique too much emphasis on humor or Christian references.
Many praise guest variety and practical advice on gear and trips.
The overall sentiment highlights strong chemistry between hosts and guests with consistent humor and engaging storytelling.
A portion notes inclusivity and more female voices could broaden appeal.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#61
Finland/Sports

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

10 Backpacking EXPERTS Share the BEST Meals (Darwin, Dixie, Hanson, Ashby, Coach & More!)
Q: What is your number one favorite freeze-dried meal of all time?
The host asks guests to name their top freeze-dried option, leading to varied answers across brands like Peak Refuel, Pinnacle, and others, with commentary on taste, nutrition, and weight considerations.
ERIC HANSON: REI's Best Selling Gear - What Passes? What Fails?
Q: What's your take on the Osprey Atmos compared to ultralight packs?
Hansen considers the Atmos a failed choice for his style, noting ultralight packs can be better, but acknowledges larger packs may still serve specific needs like long water carries on canyon expeditions.
ERIC HANSON: REI's Best Selling Gear - What Passes? What Fails?
Q: What surprised you the most about the REI top-sellers list?
The Jetboil Flash topped the list, largely due to price and rapid boil time, even though Hansen believes there are cheaper, equally effective alternatives today.
ERIC HANSON: REI's Best Selling Gear - What Passes? What Fails?
Q: So my first question is, how do you know these are REI's top sellers? How did you get this data?
Miranda in the wild (REI staffer) explained there are filtering tools on REI's site that help identify top-sellers, which Hansen cross-referenced with known REI employees for consistency and anecdotal confirmation.
10 Ways to Go Super Duper Extra Ultralight Backpacking w/ Brad 'Crow' Felton
Q: How do you view the balance between humor and practicality in these tips?
The hosts and guest emphasize the satire, gently signaling that these ideas aren't serious recommendations but a playful exploration of ultralight concepts.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This show blends practical backpacking and hiking tips with humor and banter. Episode topics frequently center on gear evaluation, weight-saving strategies, and camp/morning routines, often featuring guests who are gear experts, ultralight enthusiasts, or seasoned outdoor guides. A distinctive element is the mix of punchy banter between hosts and guest insights, plus recurring sponsor integrations. Listeners likely appreciate actionable gear knowledge delivered in an entertaining, approachable style, with occasional religious or motivational framing that some episodes leverage to connect with a broader audience. Overall, it's useful for climbers, hikers, and budget-conscious outdoors people who want real-world gear guidance without being ov... more

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this podcast launched 9 years ago and published 449 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on this podcast?

Recent guests on this podcast include:

1. Jesse Mantai
2. Vince Strawbridge
3. Michael Mann
4. Eric Hansen
5. Brad Crow Felton
6. Jon Conti
7. Coach Marion Outdoors
8. Glen Van Peski

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