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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
Camping
Outdoor Gear
Outdoor Adventure
Hiking Gear
Outdoor Adventures
Appalachian Trail
Ultralight Gear
Enlightened Equipment
Youtube
Backpacking Essentials
Pacific Crest Trail
Outdoor Safety
Bigfoot
Yosemite
Bears

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 weeklyEpisodes478Founded9 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
SportsComedy

Listen to this Podcast

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

Latest Episodes

Justin Outdoors joins the show to discuss the Top 10 Toughest “Trails”. Some of the answers go off the rails a bit (of course). But, if you’re looking for a challenge we’ve got 10 suggestions ranging from long day hikes to weekend backpacking trips t... more

YouTube

Before tariffs and before inflation, tents suddenly skyrocketed in price. No other piece of gear matched that sudden increase. And one tent literally doubled. Why is that? Did a cottage brand prove that backpacking consumers were willing to pay high ... more

YouTube

Shug has battled cancer this year but now he’s back and in full Shug form. This episode digs into his thoughts and reflections about his personal experience. There is definitely some backpacking-related content but the bulk of the episode hits on his... more

YouTube

These are not Outdoor Conspiracy Theories, these are actual conspiracies that Ricky ‘Your Trail Buddy’ and Carl investigated. They provide the evidence they found and opportunities were given to the people and companies mentioned to respond. Some did... 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.

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Recent Guests

Ricky Stevenson
Trail buddy, outdoor gear influencer and host of Your Trail Buddy
Episode: 6 Outdoor CONSPIRACIES That Are VERIFIED (Sort of) with Ricky 'Your Trail Buddy'
Christine Machado
Adventurer, Nomad Unknown
Nomad Unknown / YouTube hiking channel
Episode: 5 Issues Backpackers Have That Nobody Talks About w/ NOMAD UNKNOWN (Christine Machado)
Stuart Howe
Hiking YouTube creator focused on backcountry safety, bears and hiking with teenagers
Howe's the Hike
Episode: Why Most Backcountry Rescues are NOT About BAD LUCK with Stuart 'Howe's the Hike'
Ben McAuliffe
Backpacking and hiking enthusiast who co-hosts this episode
Episode: The 6 Deadliest Trails on Earth...and How to Survive Them! (Throwback Thursday)
Kurt Avery
Owner of Sawyer, an outdoor products company
Sawyer
Episode: Are Gear Companies Lying About The Stats They Advertise? SAWYER Owner KURT AVERY
Sunny Stroeer
Backpacking and mountaineering guide; founder of All Expeditions and Summit Scholarship Foundation
All Expeditions; Summit Scholarship Foundation
Episode: Backpacking Guides Have to RETEACH Clients These 3 Things with SUNNY STROEER
Lloyd Vogel
Owner of Garage Grown Gear
Garage Grown Gear
Episode: LLOYD VOGEL: Red Hot Outdoor Trends That Died This Year (and Some That Began)
Dean Karnazes
Ultramarathon man, best-selling author, adventurer
Episode: DEAN KARNAZES: 3 Unorthodox Trail HACKS From the Ultramarathon Man
Steven Smith
My Life Outdoors
My Life Outdoors
Episode: 10 Experts Share the #1 BEST GEAR Company (Hanson, Durston, Steven Smith, Ashby)

Hosts

Derek
Host of Backpacking & Blisters; introduces guests and guides interview
Carl Mandrioli
Co-host and host of the show; frequent presence and dynamic banter
Jesse Mantai
Co-host discussing ultralight concepts and trip planning

Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars from 495 ratings
  • One of My Favorites

    Carl and friends are great. This podcast is entertaining, educational, informative, and sometimes silly (which is part of the fun!) I love hiking, backpacking, bikepacking, and ESPECIALLY gear so this podcast hits the spot. Thanks for a great show and being authentically you.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    GE_PGH
    United States2 months ago
  • For the ladies?

    Any way you can find a few more ladies to include? I like the content but it’s mostly dudes and more than half the world is female!

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    greenlaughter
    United States3 months ago
  • Really enjoy this podcast

    I’ve been listening to every episode! I’m only up to 123 but will most likely listen to all of them. There’s so much info on gear, handling people, planning, challenges, permits…soo good! Love Carl and Derek. I laugh every time I think about Derek’s intro of Carl when he says Carl uses his face mask as a swimming suit, (during covid era). Looking forward to the new hosts and ongoing info.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Quakefan
    United States3 months ago
  • 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 States3 months 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 States4 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Listeners appreciate candid gear critiques and long-distance hiking stories.
Engaging gear-focused discussions with strong guest lineups.
A good mix of humor and practical backpacking insights.
Audience sometimes tweaks toward male audience; some desire more female guests.
Diverse guests from cottage brands and survival experts are a strength.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Are Gear Companies Lying About The Stats They Advertise? SAWYER Owner KURT AVERY
Q: How do you measure 100,000 gallons? Do you actually test it?
Avery says Sawyer ran 20 filters through an automated cycle using Arizona dust, then backflushing them, until they had processed 100,000 gallons. All filters met a seven-log measure, and he says the test took nearly two years.
Are Gear Companies Lying About The Stats They Advertise? SAWYER Owner KURT AVERY
Q: How do you measure the effectiveness of teaching people about how to use the filters and know that they're actually following up with it?
Avery says Sawyer conducts behavior-change education and follow-ups at two weeks, eight weeks, and a year, tracking illness and filter use. He says families may initially set filters aside but often adopt them after seeing the health benefits.
SHUG is Back!...and Answering all the TOUGH Questions!
Q: What were you most afraid of losing or leaving behind?
Shug jokes about leaving his stash of European candy, then says his main fear was leaving his wife and daughter. He says the experience narrowed his focus to the people closest to him.
SHUG is Back!...and Answering all the TOUGH Questions!
Q: So did you question or consider where you've landed in terms of your spiritual beliefs with that uncertain future that you had just a few months ago?
Shug describes his beliefs as still shifting and says the cancer experience brought anger toward God as well as continued openness to prayer and spiritual questions.
Why Most Backcountry Rescues are NOT About BAD LUCK with Stuart 'Howe's the Hike'
Q: Variable number five, is what's the consequence of being wrong?
Howe says hikers should consider how serious a mistake could be, including the possibility of waiting hours or days for rescue, and plan contingencies before setting out.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

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

The show centers on backpacking, gear, and trail stories with a lively, humorous banter between two main hosts and a rotating cast of guests. Episodes frequently dissect ultralight gear, test new tents, discuss cottage-brand products, and share long-distance hiking experiences, practical trip planning, and trail culture. A standout is the consistent emphasis on real-world testing, candid opinions about equipment, and guest expertise—from gear designers and cottage brands to survival experts and prominent through-hikers—delivering actionable tips with entertaining personality. Listeners likely enjoy practical gear discussions paired with relatable humor and strong emphasis on the outdoor lifestyle, making it attractive to enthusiasts who val... more

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this podcast launched 9 years ago and published 478 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. Ricky Stevenson
2. Christine Machado
3. Stuart Howe
4. Ben McAuliffe
5. Kurt Avery
6. Sunny Stroeer
7. Lloyd Vogel
8. Dean Karnazes

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