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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 weeklyEpisodes445Founded9 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ComedySports

Listen to this Podcast

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

Latest Episodes

Who are these “backpacking experts” that are telling us lies? And have what lies have we believed that should be cleared up? Jesse and Carl discuss 10 lies from a variety of sources that we should all stop believing. From backpacking gear to reviews ... more

YouTube

Vince Strawbridge joins the show to debate this very issue. Carl and Vince make strong accusations at one another in this semi-heated debate.

Check out Vince Strawbridge's Book "Pretty Good at Walking".

If you’re interested in joining us for the mon... more

We’ve got the latest, greatest, most popular packs and we’ll tell you which ones are worth investing in, who they’re best for and our personal experiences with them. Michael from the ‘Open Air Problems’ joins the show to provide his thru-hiking, gear... more

YouTube

TV host, YouTuber Eric Hanson joins the show to discuss REI’s best-selling gear. Which items will he bring on future trips that will earn a ‘pass’ and which does he ‘fail’? And Carl, of course, will weigh in with his own opinions. Eric also shares so... 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.

Similar Podcasts

Recent Guests

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
Jesse Mantai
A man from a province where the average citizen's IQ is only 85
Episode: Is Your BACKPACKING IQ Over 100? Find Out Now!
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)
Chris Cage
Owner of Greenbelly Foods; host of Greenbelly YouTube channel
Greenbelly Foods
Episode: 6 Gear Trends That Are DISRUPTING Hiking This Year with CHRIS CAGE (Bonus Thursday)
Nick Darwin-Rickstraw
Top multi-sport adventurer, storyteller, and beard wearer
Darwin on the Trail / Evolved Supply Co.
Episode: DARWIN: Watch Out! 3 Gear FAILURES You Need to Know!

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 475 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 States25 days 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 States2 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 States2 months ago
  • Good job Mr mandrioli

    You should teach us about this is class

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Jack Mankamyer
    United States3 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
#226
Sweden/Sports

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

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.
10 Ways to Go Super Duper Extra Ultralight Backpacking w/ Brad 'Crow' Felton
Q: What motivates the ultralight strategies you're sharing today?
The guest explains that the tips are intentionally outrageous and satirical, meant to entertain while showcasing creative, sometimes impractical, ways people think about weight reduction on trips.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
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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 445 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. Eric Hansen
2. Brad Crow Felton
3. Jesse Mantai
4. Jon Conti
5. Coach Marion Outdoors
6. Glen Van Peski
7. Jeff Pelletier
8. Chris Cage

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