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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
Hiking Gear
Outdoor Adventure
Outdoor Adventures
Ultralight Gear
Appalachian Trail
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 weeklyEpisodes468Founded9 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
SportsComedy

Listen to this Podcast

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

Latest Episodes

Mike Wanders has been searching for bigfoot for years and he knows what he’s talking about. He’ll tell everyone his 3 best tips for finding Sasquatch while Carl runs his 3 creative, but novice ideas, by him as well. Also, what is Mike’s most compelli... more

Only 1% can do these 10 things that Jesse and Carl have observed over the years. And they’re not all good. Which skills, abilities, knowledge, efficiencies and gear do you have from this list? And what did they miss?

Some of the Topics Discussed

-U... more

YouTube

What does a professional mountain guide have to say to her clients to correct bad habits? Sunny Stroeer – premier adventurer – shares the 3 most common pieces of advice she has to reteach members of her backpacking crew.

Some of the Topics Discussed... more

YouTube

What are the 6 biggest fears you’re still packing? And what are you really afraid of? Alex Hatlevig joins the show to discuss the useless and semi-useless gear in your packs and what you can do or bring instead. Also, there are 3 things you’re not af... more

YouTube

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
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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

Dean Karnazes
Ultramarathon man, best-selling author, adventurer
Episode: DEAN KARNAZES: 3 Unorthodox Trail HACKS From the Ultramarathon Man
Eric Hanson
Backpacking expert and commentator
Open Air Problems
Episode: 10 Experts Share the #1 BEST GEAR Company (Hanson, Durston, Steven Smith, Ashby)
Andrew Skurka
Backpacking expert
My Life Outdoors
Episode: 10 Experts Share the #1 BEST GEAR Company (Hanson, Durston, Steven Smith, Ashby)
Brooke Whipple
Outdoor enthusiast and creator known as Girl in the Woods; off-grid adventure expert
Girl in the Woods / YouTube channel
Episode: BROOKE WHIPPLE 'Girl in the Woods': She Canoed the Yukon But Did Not Expect This to Happen... (TT)
Chase Fly
Emperor of the Outdoor Empire, guest on the show
Outdoor Empire
Episode: 2027 FUTURE GEAR That You'll Love - Sneak Preview w/ Outdoor Empire
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)

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 491 ratings
  • 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 Statesa month 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 Statesa month 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 States2 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 States2 months 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 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.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#37
Poland/Sports

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

DEAN KARNAZES: 3 Unorthodox Trail HACKS From the Ultramarathon Man
Q: What is the single hardest event you've ever done?
The Atacama Crossing, a six-day self-supported 250-kilometer race in the Atacama Desert, described as the driest place on earth, due to extreme heat and isolation.
We Tested the NEWEST & Most POPULAR Tents. Which One is BEST?
Q: Who sells the most backpacking tents by volume?
The hosts answer Big Agnes, explaining they are widely available in big box stores and recognized as a leading tent brand.
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.

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?

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 468 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. Dean Karnazes
2. Eric Hanson
3. Andrew Skurka
4. Brooke Whipple
5. Chase Fly
6. Ray Aldridge
7. James Magnet Parsons
8. Peter Longabardi

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