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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
Camping Gear
Backpacking Gear
Outdoor Adventure
Camping
Outdoor Gear
Hiking Gear
Outdoor Adventures
Appalachian Trail
Ultralight Gear
Enlightened Equipment
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 weeklyEpisodes458Founded9 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
SportsComedy

Listen to this Podcast

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

Latest Episodes

Chase Fly from Outdoor Empire and Carl got a preview of future outdoor and backpacking gear coming 2027. They each picked their favorite 4 pieces that they’re most excited about and discuss the highlights (and lowlights). Also, Chase has one of the w... more

Cottage companies in the outdoor world are on the rise! This episode features 3 that are up and coming. They’re innovative, creative and just solid good people. Two of them have gear in Carl’s pack on every trip this summer. But...can they help you? more

YouTube

Whether you’re waiting for help to arrive after pressing the red button or you’re looking to hone your survival skills, Gordon and Carl share 13 weird survival tips that just might save your life. Also, Gordon shares some strange stories he’s investi... more

YouTube

Are you trying to lighten your backpacking load? You’ve heard all of the same strategies…until now! Carl and Jesse have 6+ calculated risks that you could take to really reduce pack weight. And we’ve got new backpacking gear products that might be up... 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

Ray Aldridge
Owner of Igneous Gear
Igneous Gear
Episode: 3 Cottage Gear Companies You Should Check Out! (Bonus Thursday)
James Magnet Parsons
Through-hiker, gear designer, founder of Magnet Designs
Magnet Designs
Episode: 3 Cottage Gear Companies You Should Check Out! (Bonus Thursday)
Peter Longabardi
Owner of ULA Packs
ULA Packs
Episode: 3 Cottage Gear Companies You Should Check Out! (Bonus Thursday)
Bill Gamber
Co-founder of Big Agnes
Big Agnes
Episode: BIG AGNES Co-Founder Bill Gamber: The Future of ULTRALIGHT GEAR (Bonus Thursday)
Christine Reed
Author of Alone in Wonderland, outdoor advocate
Episode: Top 10 Reasons YOU WILL QUIT on a Backpacking Trip w/ Christine Reed
Moose Mutlow
Senior Yosemite Search and Rescue trainer, outward-bound instructor, and former street performer
Yosemite Search and Rescue
Episode: Yosemite SAR Shares SHOCKING but True Wilderness Tales w/ Moose Mutlow (Throwback Thursday)
Dan Durston
Designer and founder of Durston Gear
Durston Gear
Episode: DAN DURSTON: Harsh Truths Behind the Ultralight Gear You're Buying
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?

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 481 ratings
  • Pretty solid backpacking pod

    The religious stuff was a little off-putting at first, but they don’t throw it in your face and if you can get past that, it’s a pretty entertaining and informative podcast. I especially enjoy their interviews with some of the big players in the UL gear industry.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    Gnütsak
    United States9 days ago
  • I mean Walker

    I’m looking for somehow to carry my water and my cell phone and maybe keys latest as possible

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    gonzo150413
    United States25 days ago
  • 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 States3 months 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
    4 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 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.

Top Sports Podcasts

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

3 Cottage Gear Companies You Should Check Out! (Bonus Thursday)
Q: What makes the Circuit pack stand out among ultralight options, and how do you handle feature tradeoffs?
Peter Longabardi explains the balance of comfort, durability, and ultralight design, noting the Circuit's capacity, included features, and its durability advantages over lighter designs; he also discusses the value of standard features like hip belt pockets and integrated accessories.
3 Cottage Gear Companies You Should Check Out! (Bonus Thursday)
Q: How did Magnet Designs come to be, and what inspires your product line?
magnet Parsons recounts a thru-hiking background and a transition into gear making, detailing how the Alpha Direct fleece and other custom options evolved from his own hikes and testing mindset, along with plans for natural fiber iterations.
3 Cottage Gear Companies You Should Check Out! (Bonus Thursday)
Q: What's the hottest item Igneous Gear is making right now?
Ray explains the two-pronged popularity: their water bottle fills a market void and the Ultralight Pot Gripper (Pot Hopper) has a passionate user base; he also shares how the team experiments with advanced manufacturing techniques inspired by satellites and aerospace.
3 Cottage Gear Companies You Should Check Out! (Bonus Thursday)
Q: So joining us is the owner of Igneous Gear, Ray Aldridge. How's it going today?
Ray describes his path from making gear for personal use to a business after an enormous early order, emphasizing the importance of lightweight innovations and community feedback surrounding their products like the lightweight bidets and water bottle accessories.
13 Weird SURVIVAL Tips You Need to Know w/ Gordon Crum (Grim Granite)
Q: What is a classic signal or signaling tactic when you're trying to be found?
High-contrast ground signals and simple makeshift markers using available resources are essential; bold SOS or arrows laid out in snow or clear ground can grab attention when color is limited.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
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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 458 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. Ray Aldridge
2. James Magnet Parsons
3. Peter Longabardi
4. Bill Gamber
5. Christine Reed
6. Moose Mutlow
7. Dan Durston
8. Vince Strawbridge

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