Welcome to Better Backpacking! Whether backpacking, hunting, hiking, or simply enjoying the outdoors with family and friends, there is always a better way to do things and that is what this podcast offers. You deserve the very best experiences and By Land is here to help you attain them by simplifying the process, breaking down complicated subjects, and learning from people and organizations from around the world who are experts on the subject. Be it conservation, backcountry hunting, Thru Hiking, mountaineering, or general outdoor activities, By Land will give you tangible and actionable tips and tricks to take with you on your next outing into the wild.
Dan Becker is a backpacker from Wisconsin who turned his passion into his full-time profession. If you’ve poked around YouTube for backpacking, you’ve no doubt seen his videos a time or two. He’s grown a massive following and for good reason - he’s just a great guy. Dan is genuine, sincere, funny, and just loves to backpack. I didn’t know much about him before we spoke, but sincerely enjoyed getting to know him and now have a fond appreciation for what he’s been able to accomplish.
We cover a ton of ground in this episode, including everything from Wisconsin backpacking culture and learning how to find your own style of backpacking, to starting a YouTube channel and making it a real career. One of the things I find fascinating about Dan’s approach to making backpacking a “career” is that he looks at it like a business and a hobby. He’s been able to separate the two things, but also fuse them together which is really hard to do. Dan has used backpacking to create a business and business to create more backpacking adventures and I think a lot of outdoor creators can learn a thing or two from him. I mean, the guy has a family and goes backpacking for a living.
I have no doubt you’ll enjoy getting to know Dan as much as I did.
Show Notes and Links:
Support the showThanks for listening! Check out the links below to learn more, connect, and support the show.
The Hexatrek is a 3000 km long-distance trail that begins at the border of France and Germany just northwest of Stuttgart and runs through France across the Pyrenees mountains to the Atlantic ocean where it ends at the Bay of Biscay located at the Southwestern tip of France on the border with Spain. In American terms, that means nearly 1900 miles of backpacking through the mountains of France.
Thomas works for the Hexatrek organization and spent the summer and fall of 2022 hiking and documenting the trail.
The focus of this episode is to get to know what the trail is and how it works so if you’re interested in hiking it one day like I am, you’ll know what to expect, but we also dive into a number of other topics as well.
Thomas is a regular guy like you and me who just so happens to love backpacking and the outdoors, but it’s not all he is. He has an interesting backstory that allows him to reflect on his experiences in a way that’s honest and real.
Backpacking often gets the beauty filter treatment where people would prefer to only mention their love of everything wild rather than how they actually feel about certain aspects of the experience. I get why people omit tiring of a landscape and wishing for it all to be over so they can move on with life because it’s not sexy when you’re not balls to the wall excited about every little detail. But, if you’re only telling people about the amazing parts, then you’re short-changing whoever listens to you because you’re fabricating the entire experience.
Personal opinion here, but I prefer a little dirt mixed in with my glitter.
Thomas has the ability to recognize the realities of hiking a long trail like the Hexatrek and share all sides of that reality. He’ll describe the trail as an epic adventure that includes vineyards, castles, mountains, and stopping into a small village for a baguette or espresso, but he’ll also tell you how mentally complacent you can become when all you see are mountains and castles day after day after day. At some point, one view blends into the next and before long you’re not even noticing them anymore and you begin to feel bad about it
This is what I appreciate about Thomas, he gets it. He understands that the beauty in backpacking and life is about contrast.
If you’re dreaming of backpacking through France one day like I am, you’re going to love this episode and if you want to see the trail, Thomas is now beginning to upload a documentary series of his hike to YouTube so I’ll leave a link in the show notes for you to check that out when you have a chance.
Enjoy!
Show Notes
Introduction to the Hexatrek
The Hexatrek backstory
European hiking culture and trail experience
Thru-hiking popularity in Europe
The importance of having a beginning and end
Hiking the Hexatrek vs an American long trail
Daily life and cadence of the trail
Making the hike your own
Visa considerations
Camping along the Hexatrek
Food along the Hexatrek
Experiencing France by foot
Thomas’s backpacking story
The highs and lows of thru-hiking
Thoughts on losing reverence for an experience
Life after the Hexatrek
Finding balance in life is actually finding contrast
The importance of gaining perspective through contrast
What’s next for the Hexatrek (season 2)
Why the name “Hexatrek”
How to learn more about the Hexatrek
Links
Website: https://en.hexatrek.com/
IG for Hexatrek: https://www.instagram.com/hexatrek/
Hexatrek Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/LHexatrek/
IG for Thomas: https://www.instagram.com/cartapouille
Hexatrek Documentary: https://youtu.be/9qIlOONM8sY
In a Tent with a Frenchman Podcast:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-a-tent-with-a-french-man-a-daily-thru-hiking-journal/id1502733870
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0P8RD04n8UX0ubqwnFOvXj?si=b502ebfdafda4793
By Land Links
Learn How To Backpack: https://courses.byland.co/learnhowtobackpack
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChSSISEgIfwYz2cc0aHQj3g
Facebook Groups: https://byland.co/facebook-groups
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emory_by_land
Support the Show: https://byland.co/donate
Andrew Skurka is known throughout the backpacking industry as someone who knows what they’re talking about when it comes to spending time in the backcountry. He was thru-hiking before it became popular and has hiked well over 20,000 miles across both long and short expeditions. Andrew now operates a backpacking guide service.
Andrew is a wealth of knowledge for all things backpacking, but also has great insight into the mindset the backcountry requires.
If you enjoy learning from the best, this episode will not disappoint.
Show Notes
How Andrew Skurka got into thru-hiking
How far backpacking has come since the early days
Hiking the AT in the early days
The benefit of uninterrupted long-duration hikes/adventures
The importance of having an “end” to an expedition or experience
On being goal-oriented rather than “wandering”
How Andrew got into being a backpacking guide
mindset from a guide to teacher
Learning to slow down
Learning to navigate groups and personalities
High Routes explained
How Andrew got into high routes
The natural progression of outdoor exploration
Plans for future expeditions
Andrews backpacking advice
Andrews favorite gear
Thoughts on synthetic or natural fibers
How to followup with Andrew Skurka
Links
Website: https://andrewskurka.com/
Guided Trips: https://andrewskurka.com/guided-trips/
By Land Links
Learn How To Backpack: https://courses.byland.co/learnhowtobackpack
6 Weeks To Solo Backpacking: https://courses.byland.co/6-weeks-to-solo-backpacking-waitlist
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EmoryByLand
Facebook Groups: https://byland.co/facebook-groups
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emory_by_land
Support the Show: https://byland.co/donate
Katie O’mara is the driving force behind Trail Magik, an outdoor brand whose mission is to make hiking and backpacking with toddlers efficient and more enjoyable. Once kids grow out of their backpack-style carriers, parents are forced into deciding how far their little ones can hike before needing to be picked up, but oftentimes riding in a backpack is too much trouble because all the toddler really needs is a small break from walking. That’s where Trail Magik comes in.
Katie and her husband developed a lightweight and simple solution to giving toddlers a break from the trail by designing an adaptable kid carrier that attaches to any normal backpack. It allows a child to be carried on the front rather than the back and can be easily stowed away when not used.
As a parent with kids who have outgrown their larger carrier, I found myself looking for the solution that Trail Magik offers and after a bit of research, purchased one. I then reached out directly to Katie to see if she’d be willing to come on the show to talk about what they have going on and she kindly said she would.
Katie is the best. She has a heart of gold and sincerely cares about her community. From the struggles of owning a small business to the ups and downs of being an outdoor family, we cover all of it in this episode and I came away from our conversation feeling inspired and encouraged.
For those out there with young families trying to figure this whole thing out, I think this episode will be a bright spot in your day. It’s conversations like this one that keep me going and I’m glad that people like Katie are out there encouraging others to be adventurous with their families.
If you’re interested in picking up a carrier of your own or for someone else, you can use the code BYLAND to save 10% off at www.trailmagik.com.
Show Notes
Introductions
The Trail Magik origin story
Why the carrier works for walking toddlers
Entrepreneurial life
Learning to get outdoors with kids
Preparing for new outdoor adventures
What it’s like putting a product into the world
The importance of being yourself
Feeling the pressure to adventure
Do what you WANT to do out there
Defining an “outdoor” family
Growing up in the outdoors
Why parents feel the pull to bring their kids outside
Creating an outdoor lifestyle
Biggest barriers for parents and kids in the outdoors
Learning to enjoy the hiking parts of backpacking
Katie’s closing thoughts
How to followup with Katie and Trail Magik
Links
www.trailmagik.com
Click Here for 10% off ( or use code: BYLAND at checkout)
YouTube
By Land Links
LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK: https://courses.byland.co/learnhowtobackpack
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChSSISEgIfwYz2cc0aHQj3g
JOIN A FACEBOOK GROUP: https://byland.co/facebook-groups
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/emory_by_land
LEAVE A TIP: https://byland.co/donate
Tommy Corey’s eye for outdoor portrait photography landed him front and center in the hiking community during his 2018 PCT thru-hike when he began posting fashion-esque portraits of fellow thru-hikers under the project name “Hiker Trash Vogue.” The photo project captured the attention of major outdoor brands and was even featured in Outside Online. Tommy received high accolades for his work, but it was also pointed out that his subjects did not represent a range of diverse backgrounds in the outdoors.
Tommy went to work studying and trying to understand better what “diversity” and “inclusion” meant in the outdoors and in 2022 found himself once again on a trail headed north along the Continental Divide Trail. It took him 800 miles of hiking to realize he was not doing what he set out to do by documenting diversity in the outdoors so he left the trail to pursue a new and comprehensive portrait project he calls “All Humans Outside.” The idea is to be able to open a book of 100 portraits and stories and see someone like yourself represented in the outdoors.
This podcast episode is a conversation between myself and Tommy about his CDT realizations, his upcoming project, and what “diversity” and “inclusion” really mean in the outdoors. This is a topic I often find to be tough to nail down at times, not to mention for some, emotionally charged. Those terms along with ones like “community” are thrown around like candy these days and I find myself sincerely wondering where it all leads and how to approach it.
Conversations like this one aren’t meant to solve problems. They’re meant to discuss them and gain perspective which is exactly what I personally achieved.
Please enjoy this episode with Tommy Corey.
Show Notes
Catching up with Tommy after Hiker Trash Vogue
What happened on the CDT in 2022
What Tommy was seeing and NOT seeing on the trail
The creative process on the trail
The idea of thru-hikes as a Pilgrimmage
What the PCT meant to Tommy
Tommy’s new BIG project
Understanding what diversity and inclusion actually mean
Tommy’s creative process
What diversity and inclusion means
Thoughts on what “community” is
Takeaways from Tommy’s interviews
Taking on such a big photo project
Experiencing how others enjoy the outdoors
Understanding the “why” behind your actions
Details on the release dates of the photo book
How to follow the project
Links
tommycoreyphoto.com
All Humans Outside on Instagram
Personal Instagram
By Land Links
LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK: https://www.learnhowtobackpack.com/
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChSSISEgIfwYz2cc0aHQj3g
JOIN A FACEBOOK GROUP: https://byland.co/facebook-groups
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/emory_by_land
LEAVE A TIP: https://byland.co/donate
This is the second part of a two-part mini-series with Marketa and David Daley who in 2022 hiked 1300 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail with their 3 young kids. David and I dive into the more holistic side of hiking the trail and explore the meaning behind the struggle and process of a thru-hike. For anyone who enjoys the non-technical side of a thru-hiking discussion, you’ll enjoy this, especially if you’re a parent yourself.
David and I dive into what it was like to hike as Father on the PCT, how hard it was to learn to hike as slow as a child, and the spiritual connection we feel toward wild spaces. A thru-hike is a difficult thing to process and it was great to have the chance to explore the experience with David so soon after the end of his hike.
Show Notes
Digesting the trail
The importance of immersing yourself in the wilderness
Thoughts on possible long-term effects of thru-hiking with kids (hopes versus reality)
Experiencing the PCT as a Dad
Parental roles and responsibilities on the trail
Holding hands for 500 miles then letting go…
Learning to hike all-day
What it’s like hiking at a child’s pace
Reasons behind the hike
The spiritual connection to wild spaces
Is life balance possible?
The willingness to easily find excuses not to do something
Imagining life without the PCT
Understanding why you hike
Breakthrough moments on the trail
Reflecting on relationships with fellow hikers
The importance of community
Final thoughts
Links
https://www.instagram.com/daleywalk
By Land Links
LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK: https://www.learnhowtobackpack.com/
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChSSISEgIfwYz2cc0aHQj3g
JOIN A FACEBOOK GROUP: https://byland.co/facebook-groups
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/emory_by_land
LEAVE A TIP: https://byland.co/donate
Marketa and David Daley backpacked 1300 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail in 2022 with their 3 kids and proved to themselves that yes, it was possible to hike the PCT as a family. At times they moved at a snail's pace, questioned their own sanity, and were forced to find creative ways to motivate their kids to continue moving down the trail. Together as a family, they experienced the highs and lows of trail life, strengthened their family bonds, and in the end, found what they were looking for.
This is part 1 of a 2 part episode series where I interview Marketa and David separately to learn about them as people, their background, their motivations, and finally their hiking story.
I’m sincerely honored and humbled to have them on this podcast and grateful that they’re willing to share their experiences in such a real and transparent way.
Show Notes
Introductions
Initial expectations for the PCT
Emory’s internal conflict with kids on long trails
How Marketa and her family decided to hike
Maketa’s personal outdoor backstory
Previous hikes with kids leading up to the PCT
Why the PCT was so daunting as a hike
How the kids transitioned to the trail
The first 20 miles
Anticipating the struggle of a thru-hike with kids
How parenting changed on the PCT
How outdoor activities changed with more kids
How to break the barriers and remove excuses
Lessons learned with gear
Choosing kid’s clothes for backpacking
The importance of just starting
Motivating kids to keep moving
How parenting on the trail differs from parenting on the trail
How the trail bonded the kids
The transition from trail to home
Audience question: Thoughts and advice for taking a 4-year-old hiking and backpacking as a single parent
How to follow up with Marketa
Links
https://www.instagram.com/daleywalk
By Land Links
LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK: https://www.learnhowtobackpack.com/
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChSSISEgIfwYz2cc0aHQj3g
JOIN A FACEBOOK GROUP: https://byland.co/facebook-groups
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/emory_by_land
LEAVE A TIP: https://byland.co/donate
Evan Guzik is a Public Affairs Officer for the US Forest Service out of the Bridger Teton Forest and joins the podcast to walk me through the basics of wildfires. Not only am I honored to have the US Forest Service represented on my show, but it’s made even more special because Evan and I served together in the Marine Corps nearly 20 years ago.
My knowledge of wildfires is very basic. Aside from the obvious, I don’t really know a whole lot so Evan and I thought it would be good to just cover the basics of how all this stuff works so that we can all learn together and gain a better understanding of wildfires.
We cover what prescribed burns are and why they’re useful, how fires are managed from beginning to end, what to do if you see a fire or you’re around one when you’re hiking or backpacking, and how to handle yourself in an area after a burn.
There’s a lot of great stuff in this episode that to me is really helpful and I think you’re going to really enjoy it. Just the fact that I now know more about what goes on in our forests is huge because I figure the more I know, the better a steward I can be out there.
If you want to learn more about wildfires, Evan provided some links that I’ve listed in the show notes so be sure to check those out when you have a chance. Again, this episode is really special to me so thanks to Evan for doing the legwork to make this happen, and thanks to the US Forest Service for being willing to put this out there!
Show Notes
Introductions
Catching up with Evan
Evan’s backstory
Wildfire burns, prescribed burns, and a brief history of forest management
How a fire turns from good to bad
How a wildfire is fought and managed
How to handle a wildfire if you see one
How the Forest Service gauges fire danger
To build or not to build a fire?
What the public can do to help prevent wildfires
Advice for hiking through a burn area
Links
https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/ (fire information)
https://www.nifc.gov/ (Wildland Fire resources)
https://www.nwcg.gov/ (Wildfire Training)
https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Wildfire/Firewise-USA (Home Defensible Space)
https://smokeybear.com/
By Land Links
LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK: https://www.learnhowtobackpack.com/
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChSSISEgIfwYz2cc0aHQj3g
JOIN A FACEBOOK GROUP: https://byland.co/facebook-groups
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/emory_by_land
DONATE: https://byland.co/donate
Alex Harz is a man of many talents. He’s a filmmaker, mountaineer, and even a radio host, but for the purpose of this episode we’re diving into his Mount Everest Expedition and the film he’s produced about it called “The Quest: Nepal:”
I’ve always had a fond appreciation for climbers because of how absolutely absurd it is that a human can climb to such incredible elevations and live to tell about it, but when you start to add layers to these expeditions in the form of photography and video, it’s just a totally different beast so when Alex reached out to introduce himself I knew we had to connect.
One of the things I always say about this podcast is how grateful I am to meet such amazing people and Alex is no exception. Here’s a guy who has far more talents than the average person, has climbed Mount Everest while filming the entire thing, and yet he’s as humble and genuine as they come. In fact, the proof is really in the pudding because this film he’s produced and the project he’s working on isn’t actually about him. It’s about the people of the Mountain and the culture that makes it what it is.
Alex might be the physical vehicle for the telling of a story or the driving force behind it, but when you watch this film, you’ll learn quickly that while he does have a personal reason for being there and climbing, he also knows that without the culture and its people, there would BE no climb in the first place.
I absolutely loved getting to know Alex and picking his brain about this project he’s in the middle of because he was willing to tell his version of the story in a raw and honest way. Sure it’s Everest and it’s obviously epic in its own right, but there’s so much more to it than that, which is what we get into in this episode of the podcast.
Please go watch and support Alex’s film and what he’s doing!
Emory, By Land
By Land Links
LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK: https://www.learnhowtobackpack.com/
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChSSISEgIfwYz2cc0aHQj3g
JOIN A FACEBOOK GROUP: https://byland.co/facebook-groups
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/emory_by_land
DONATE: https://byland.co/donate
Show Notes and Links
https://www.thequestnepal.com/
http://www.instagram.com/Alex.Harz
http://www.instagram.com/TheQuestSeries
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClvw8nLPEJvtoScbCje3TgQ?view_as=subscriber
http://www.alexharz.com/
http://www.facebook.com/TheQuestSeriesPage
https://twitter.com/TheQuestSeries
Introductions
The backstory to Everest
About “The Quest: Nepal”
How Alex’s background has helped his mountain climbing
The principle of “yes, and”
What makes a person thrive in dangerous situations?
Post climb reflections and decompressions
The spirituality of the mountain
Why culture is so important to The Quest
The history of the Sherpa people
What the future holds for the Mountain and its People
What you think about when climbing
Capturing the climb in VR
What’s next for Alex and The Quest
What Alex hopes to accomplish with this films
Alex’s advice for achieving a personal goal
You might be wondering what canoe camping and backpacking have in common and why I’d be covering this on a “backpacking” podcast so to answer that question outright - they have ALOT in common. You’re required to plan, pack, stabilize a load, and bring what you need to get the job done safely and efficiently. Some canoe trips might be a day or two while others could last months on end if you’re on a large expedition.
Canoes have been around since the dawn of time and it’s a hobby I’ve always wanted to get into, but never knew where to begin so I decided to reach out to Old Town Canoes to see if they’d give me a crash course on canoeing. They put me in touch with Ryan Lilly and the rest is history.
Ryan Lilly works for Old Town, lives in Maine, and knows both backpacking and canoeing. He walks me through the basics of canoeing like how to choose a boat, materials, styles, and what a typical canoe camping loadout might look like. He does a great job of breaking everything down and uncomplicating a somewhat confusing topic (at least for me).
I firmly believe that by exploring other outdoor activities, you can get better at your own. Cross-pollinating skillsets is the only way to grow and expand your understanding of how everything works and this episode is a great example of that. The outdoors has endless possibilities and who knows, maybe after this one you’ll take interest in canoeing. At the very least, you’ll know the basics
Emory, By Land
By Land Links
LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK: https://www.learnhowtobackpack.com/
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChSSISEgIfwYz2cc0aHQj3g
JOIN A FACEBOOK GROUP: https://byland.co/facebook-groups
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/emory_by_land
DONATE: https://byland.co/donate
Show Notes and Links
https://www.oldtowncanoe.com/
https://www.instagram.com/oldtowncanoes/
https://www.facebook.com/OldTownCanoe/
https://www.youtube.com/user/oldtowncanoeandkayak
Introductions
How to choose the right canoe
Understanding canoe materials
Stability and how to improve ballast
When you may need a canoe that tracks better
What’s so great about canoe camping
Ryan’s typical camping loadout
The importance of proper planning and safety
Common canoeing mistakes
Ryan’s canoe suggestion for Emory
Parting thoughts
How to learn more about Old Town
Paul McTaggart is a family man and backpacker out of New Zealand who in recent years reignited his passion for the outdoors. He and I have been exchanging emails back and forth for some time now and I thought it was time we sit down for a real and open-ended conversation about backpacking.
This is the very first episode of the By Land Podcast where I bring you the audience member, and in this case Paul, on the show for a conversation for no other reason than to get to know one another. I consider all of you guys a friend so I figure why not start to get to know you!
This episode with Paul is incredible and he lays out an amazing bit of framework when it comes to how he plans for his backpacking trips. We talk about his background and younger years, his time spent hiking to Annapurna Base Camp, getting to know backpacking again after years away, and finally, we cover why it’s so important to do what’s right for you and your situation in the backcountry (aka the ultra-right backpacking reference).
I absolutely loved this conversation with Paul and cannot wait to bring more audience members on the show to get to know them, their stories, and glean what I can from their experiences so we can all learn together.
Here’s a link to Paul's amazing article and planning process. Click HERE.
Emory, By Land
By Land Links
LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK https://www.learnhowtobackpack.com/
YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChSSISEgIfwYz2cc0aHQj3g
FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/emory_by_land
DONATE: https://byland.co/donate
Show Notes and Links
Pauls article and planning process: https://byland.co/blog/planning-for-backpacking-applying-good-practice-principles-from-military-planning
Introductions
Paul’s backstory
Paul’s Annapurna base camp hike
Paul’s approach to journaling
On getting back into backpacking after years away
Parenting and getting kids outdoors at a young age
Advice for getting started again
How Paul plans his trips (AMAZING structure!)
The ultra-right backpacking philosophy
Tent choice/design discussion
Food and nutrition lessons learned
Planning for the team, not the dream
Estimating travel time
Melodie Edwards is the host and senior producer of the Modern West Podcast which dives into the history of the west, and how it’s shaped our landscapes and modern culture while digging up little-known facts about the past. The show is produced for Wyoming Public Media (aka the state’s NPR station) which is now going into its 5th season so for me, it was great to connect with someone who is doing some really great work out there. Being a podcast producer isn’t the only thing Melodie is though. She’s a bookstore owner and writer, all of which we get into in this episode.
The reason Melodie is on the show is to explore this weird crossroad between the past and the present with regard to how we as backpackers and hikers interact with the landscape. For example, for anyone who isn’t from the west, or specifically the Montana/Wyoming area, there are a lot of really large ranches in some very beautiful places and those ranches often graze cattle on land that you and I might hike through. So, you could be hiking along and bump into a cow or two, OR maybe you can’t access certain areas because it’s a private ranch.
There’s a lot of nuance to this and as we move further and further away from the past when ranching was a major industry, we begin to see a bit of a rub between those generational ranchers and the public who may want to either access their land, pass through it, or find a way to minimize livestock impacts on the landscape. It’s a lot, and this is just one aspect of this whole topic.
As the producer of the Modern West Podcast and doing her investigative work on topics like this, Melodie is joining the show to help enlighten or educate me (us), on where we’ve come from, where we are, and where we’re going. This podcast isn’t always about something clearly related to backpacking because I’d miss out on opportunities like this one to further educate myself on things like land access and the modernization of the west. To me, it’s conversations like this one that allow me to look at things through a different lens so that when I’m out there enjoying myself, I know what the heck I’m benefitting from or how it even came to be.
As I said, it’s a lot and Melodie is here to help me begin to sort it all out.
Emory, By Land
By Land Links
LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK https://www.learnhowtobackpack.com/
YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChSSISEgIfwYz2cc0aHQj3g
FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/emory_by_land
DONATE: https://byland.co/donate
Show Notes and Links
The Modern West Podcast
https://themodernwest.org/
Introductions
Melodie’s background
The history of the cowboy in the west
The impact that cattle ranchers have had on the landscape
How we got to where we are today with the modern landscapes
How cattle did on the landscape
Finding a balance
Finding common ground
Closing thoughts
Hammock Gear is one of the original cottage companies in the ultralight backpacking space. When I was just getting into backpacking, it was Hammock Gear that was prolific in the search engines and forums when it came to ultralight quilts. Having such a prolific and respectable brand represented on the podcast is both honoring and humbling to me.
Adam and Sally from Hammock Gear join the By Land Podcast to talk about the origins of the company, why and how Adam started it in the first place, and to offer some advice to those looking to make the jump to a hammock setup.
This is one of my favorite kinds of episodes because you’ll actually get to know the people behind the brand which I think is really important, especially these days with so many great options on the market. It was refreshing to have such a great conversation with a brand that so many people look up to and I have no doubt you’ll enjoy this one.
As a special offer to listeners, Hammock Gear is offering a 5% site-wide discount code to new customers. If you’d like to take advantage of that offer, use code ByLand5 at checkout
Emory, By Land
By Land Links
LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK https://www.learnhowtobackpack.com/
YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChSSISEgIfwYz2cc0aHQj3g
FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/emory_by_land
DONATE: https://byland.co/donate
Show Notes and Links
https://hammockgear.com/
https://www.instagram.com/hammockgear/
https://www.facebook.com/HammockGear/
https://twitter.com/_hammockgear_
Introductions
Adam’s background
Sally’s background
How Hammock Gear started
On being self-taught with making gear
What it was like making DIY gear in the early days
What’s required to stay comfortable in a hammock
How “insulation” works
Troubleshooting sleep issues
How to transition from a bag to a quilt
Adam helps Emory with his hesitation to hammocking
Adventures within adventures
Suggested Hammock Gear kits
Hammocking resources
The REAL Hiking Viking, aka Jabba, joins the podcast to talk about his upcoming hike up the Continental Divide Trail, life before backpacking, and the importance of doing what makes you happy in life. I’ve known Jabba for a while now and bumped into him a few places, but this is the first time we’ve had a chance to sit down to have a conversation. The last time we spoke, he introduced me to the magic that is double-stuffed Oreo and since that was pretty game-changing for me, I figured he probably had something else up his sleeves to share.
As it turns out, he did. This conversation isn’t about anything in particular, but it IS about a lot of things. It’s about life as a “professional” backpacker, finding what gives you enjoyment and pursuing that, knowing where you’ve come from, and looking forward to where you’re going.
Emory, By Land
By Land Links
LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK https://www.learnhowtobackpack.com/
YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChSSISEgIfwYz2cc0aHQj3g
FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/emory_by_land
DONATE: https://byland.co/donate
Show Notes and Links
https://www.instagram.com/therealhikingviking
https://www.youtube.com/user/therealhikingviking
https://thetrek.co/
Update on upcoming CDT hike/bike
The funny thing about Leave No Trace and absolutism
Double-stuffed Oreo admin item
Trail food talk
How food has changed from trail to trail
How this trail is different from a “planning” perspective
Jabba’s life before hiking
Thoughts on becoming a professional backpacker
Why Jabba keeps going
On the importance of making it on your own terms
What about the future?
How to follow Jabba’s adventures
Backpacking with dogs is something I think most of us dream of doing, but for Bailey Bremner, it’s a reality. Bailey is not only an accomplished backpacker and thru-hiker in her own right, but her dogs are too. Prima and Skittles have likely hiked more miles that most and between the 3 of them, they’ve hiked thousands of miles along some of the most beautiful trails in the United States.
Sometimes we tend to overcomplicate things while at the same time underestimating what is actually involved in an activity. Bailey joins the podcast to walk through her experiences backpacking and hiking with her dogs, lessons learned along the way, and offers some sound guidance and advice to those wanting to do the same.
Anyone looking to get out there with their furry friends will no doubt come away from this episode with a pile of knowledge and with any luck, just as much encouragement.
Go check out Bailey’s adventures and enjoy this episode!
Emory, By Land
By Land Links
LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK https://www.learnhowtobackpack.com/
YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChSSISEgIfwYz2cc0aHQj3g
FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/emory_by_land
DONATE: https://byland.co/donate
Show Notes and Links
https://themostimportantstep.com/
https://www.instagram.com/the_most_important_step
youtube.com/c/BaileyBremner
Backpacking with Dogs FAQ (Bailey’s article)
A quick recap of Bailey’s recent Pinhoti Trail experience
Background on Bailey and her past hikes with and without her dogs
Mistakes made early on with the dogs
How to prepare for longer trips with dogs
How to manage your dogs’ miles
Managing pack weight for dogs
Feeding routines while on trail
Options for training your dog for hikes
Common mistakes people make backpacking with dogs
Thoughts on breeds for backpacking
Why “structure” is a key part of a dogs’ performance on trail
Audience Questions:
Shelter choice for backpacking with dogs?
Thoughts and advice on dog packs/vests
“best” breeds for backpacking (additional thoughts)
Dog first aid?
Foot/pad care
Water treatment for dogs
How to keep your dogs from interacting with wildlife
How to follow up with Bailey
Dylan Tonkin had the crazy idea to take the fun design of a lightweight Hawaiian shirt and marry it with a design that would remind thru-hikers of their favorite long-distance trail. The result was “TownShirt” and it’s awesome.
This is Dylan’s second time on the podcast and in the two-plus years that have passed since our last chat, a lot has changed. Dylan is now married, has a kid, and has taken a fun little business concept and made it a reality with TownShirt. Since that first episode, Dylan and I have stayed in touch so when he randomly sent me a picture of a thru-hiking-inspired hiking shirt he’d been working on, I about fell out of my chair. I knew right away this was going to be something great. The designs were fun, they reflected the iconic imagery of the trail, and the shirts were functional as trail-wear.
Over the next few months, Dylan and I talked about what TownShirt was about, how he could give back to the community that had given him so much, and how to go about building a business that reflected his personality and values and not what the outdoor industry says it should be. Those were some of my favorite discussions and I told Dylan that when he was ready, he was welcome back on the show to talk about what he’s been up to.
That time is now and I couldn’t be more excited to put this episode together. Dylan has become one of my favorite people because he’s just a genuine person that wants to put positivity out into the world, do the right thing, and make an impact. This episode isn’t just about TownShirt, it’s about Dylan, it’s about community, and finding ways to stay connected to the community we love so much.
When you get a chance, please check out Townshirt.co and go give Dylan’s startup some love!
Emory, By Land
By Land Links
LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK https://www.learnhowtobackpack.com/
YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChSSISEgIfwYz2cc0aHQj3g
FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/emory_by_land
DONATE: https://byland.co/donate
Show Notes and Links
https://www.townshirt.co/
https://www.instagram.com/townshirt.co
Catching up with Dylan
The birth of Townshirt
The mission of Townshirt
On giving more than you take
How Townshirt is going to give back
Learning to not care what others are doing
Hiking trails in different ways
On the current thru-hiking culture
How life has changed as a Dad
The Townshirt collaboration with the PCTA
How to followup with Townshirt
Bruce McGlenn is the founder and lead instructor for Human Nature Hunting, a hunting school designed to teach newcomers, instill a connection to our past heritage, and create stewardship among the community by being an active participant in our ecosystem.
For those who never grew up in a hunting family, getting into hunting can be a massive hurdle to overcome. Between navigating regulations, gear, and acquiring the skills to not only pursue wild game but then care for it the right way, hunting can no doubt be overwhelming early on. Traditionally, if you want to learn how to hunt, you’d either have to find someone who would teach you or go it alone and figure it out on your own, but Bruce has created a third option.
The Human Nature Hunting school is a 4-day in-person course that walks new hunters through the entire hunting process from start to finish. Spanning everything from regulations, to finding game, and even processing game, Bruce has created a one-stop-shop hunting school that will prepare you for the season.
But, teaching the skills of hunting isn’t the only thing you’ll learn. Students attending the course have the chance to connect with one another over shared meals, time in the field, and discuss what it all means and how they feel about it. Hunting is and has always been a community activity. One that brings people together over shared experiences and that’s exactly what Bruce has created with Human Nature Hunting.
For those on the fence about hunting, curious about the activity, but have nowhere to start, I think this interview with Bruce will be helpful. His approach is sincere and genuine and I think there are a lot of people who could benefit from a mentor like Bruce. His insight and ability to self-reflect are top-notch and it was a pleasure getting to know him on this episode.
Emory, By Land
By Land Links
LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK https://www.learnhowtobackpack.com/
YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChSSISEgIfwYz2cc0aHQj3g
FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/emory_by_land
DONATE: https://byland.co/donate
Show Notes and Links
https://www.humannaturehunting.com/
https://www.instagram.com/humannaturehunting/
https://www.facebook.com/huntingschool/
https://humannaturehunting.substack.com/
Introductions
Bruce’s backstory
How a hunting school idea took roots
How an in-person hunting school works
What’s in the course and what days look like
Common barriers to entry to hunting
How processing an animal connects you
Thoughts on the modern representation of hunting
Bruce’s hunting journals and how they’ve changed over the years
On Bruce’s Dads approach to bringing him outdoors
Solo vs. group hunting dynamics
How to bridge the gap between hunters and non-hunters
How to followup with Glenn and Human Nature Hunting
Moose Mutlow is a member of the Yosemite Search and Rescue, the Senior Projects Director for planning, design, and construction of the National Environmental Science Center at Naturebridge in Yosemite National Park, and has spent a lifetime learning and teaching outdoor skills. He has quite a unique background which is why he’s able to have the perspective he has on the outdoors and our community as a whole.
When I first spoke with Moose and asked him what he’d been most passionate about lately, he told me it was the idea that the outdoor community has become too quick and too eager to shame those who make mistakes outdoors. Rather than practicing compassion and allowing that person to tell their story so we can learn from it, there’s a desire to make that person feel bad about the situation they got themselves into which ultimately isolates newcomers to the outdoors and creates a void amongst the community.
As a member of SAR, Moose has seen a bad turn to worse and he believes there are things we can learn from these situations if we’re simply willing to stop talking and just listen. As you’ll hear, Moose has a big heart for people. He wants the very best for them and he wants to strengthen the outdoor community in any way possible.
We also discuss the delicate balancing act between adventure and danger and the importance of recording personal stories and then TELLING those stories so that others may learn.
All in all, this is a wonderful chat with a really great person who I’m grateful to have on the show. It was a pleasure getting to know Moose and I’m just glad to know there are people like him out there in the world trying to do good things.
Emory, By Land
By Land Links
LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK https://www.learnhowtobackpack.com/
YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChSSISEgIfwYz2cc0aHQj3g
FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/emory_by_land
DONATE: https://byland.co/donate
Show Notes and Links
Website: https://www.moosemutlow.com/
https://www.instagram.com/moosemutlow
Searching: Finding purpose, laughter, and distraction through Search and Rescue https://amzn.to/3vU2dDJ
When Accidents Happen: Managing Crisis Communication as a Family Liaison Officer https://amzn.to/3tJ3w5G
Introductions and background
Moose’s journey to the National Park Service
The problem with public shaming those who have made mistakes outdoors
How to approach the topic of bad decision making
Riding the line between adventure, risk, and safety
The importance of mentorship
The importance of storytelling to pass along lessons learned
How to properly learn from an emergency scenario
Compassion and humility in SAR
The ability to put yourself in someone else’s shoes
Why Moose has chosen SAR
How to deal with a rescue operation afterward
The importance of writing out experiences
How to have an adventure
Yosemite Education Center
What we can do better in the next 100 years
How to followup with Moose
Adam Foss grew up hunting sheep in the mountains with his father and brother. He learned at a young age what it looked like to work hard for something, admire the beauty of accomplishment, and fully appreciate where sheep call home. If you want to hunt sheep, you’re going to experience some pretty incredible yet rugged country. Sheep hunting doesn’t come easy, which is probably why those that do it are in a league of their own.
Fast forward to today, and you’ll still find Adam chasing sheep in the fall months when he has the opportunity to, but you might also notice the camera hanging around his neck because he’s now a professional photographer who specializes in documenting hunts for some of the biggest names in the industry. He’s somehow found a way to make a living from the things he loves most and is without a doubt excelling at it. His skill set as both an outdoorsman and a creative makes him a bit of a unicorn when it comes to the world he works in.
Adam’s imagery can be found on the pages of photo books and in high-end ads for well-known brands. Chances are that if you follow brands like Sitka, Yeti, or Matthews then you’ve seen plenty of his work. His images are absolutely stunning and have a way of transporting the viewer to the exact moment in time when the picture was taken.
That’s what drew me to Adam and his work. I’ve followed him on social media for years and was always curious about his life, his upbringing, and his thoughts on all of it. Having watched from afar for far too long, I decided to reach out to see if he’d be willing to join me for an episode. He kindly agreed and I couldn’t have been more excited.
I wanted our conversation to go where it needed to go. I didn’t have a specific agenda other than to get to know who Adam is and why he does what he does. Hunting is hard in the mountains and it’s made even harder when you have a camera slung around your neck with clients eagerly awaiting an image that only happens once in a lifetime. You can’t reproduce moments of adventure; you either get or you don’t and Adam knows exactly how to do that.
We spend the first portion of the episode getting to know Adam, his upbringing, and how he came to start a freelance photography business with his wife then transition into a more philosophical conversation centered around hunting. Hunting has always been something difficult to explain to those who don’t engage in it. No matter how hard you may try to express what it is and what it means to you, all efforts seem to fall flat and never really measure up. It’s one of those things you have to experience to fully understand. We discuss this struggle to explain hunting and much more so if you’re into that kind of thing, then you’re in for a treat.
Adam has made a profession out of telling the story of hunting through imagery. He spends time with hunters, guides, and wildlife conservationists, taking care to capture moments that mean something. I am humbled to put Adam on my list of guests and honored to have had the opportunity to connect with him for an episode.
I sincerely hope you enjoy this chat with Adam Foss as much as I did.
Emory, By Land
By Land Links
LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK https://www.learnhowtobackpack.com/
YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChSSISEgIfwYz2cc0aHQj3g
FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/emory_by_land
DONATE: https://byland.co/donate
Show Notes and Links
Foss Media: https://www.foss.media/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fossman8
Best Laid Plans Film: https://youtu.be/-VzXkJ4yk0M
Searching For West Film: https://youtu.be/XoTsM5RYZPU
Adam’s background and current profession
How Adam manages such a long and active hunting season
The relationship between hunting and the discipline of sport
Decision making in the mountains
Mental tools to deal with hard situations in the backcountry
On Adams long-term relationship with the outdoors
How Adam’s appreciation for the places he goes impacts his photography
How Adam started a photography business with his wife
Adams passion for sheep
Trying to explain the story of hunting to the general public
Emory’s fall hunting experience with a bear
Entering a hunting flow state
Why hunting is important to our culture and the human experience
Thoughts on conservation as a whole
How to followup with Adam and his work
JR Harris has been backpacking for 60 years. It all started when his parents decided to send him to Boy Scout camp to avoid summers in NYC and though he may have gone against his own will that first time, it soon became something he missed when the summer came to a close.
JR is now in his mid 70’s and has seen adventures all around the world. He’s been to incredible places, diverse countries, and seen the wildest places, mostly on his own. In 1993 he was elected to the Explorers Club, which is a pretty prestigious honor. You can read all about his adventures in his book “Way Out There: Adventures of a Wilderness Trekker.”
I first learned of JR through a backpacking group on Facebook. He’d post vintage backpacking pictures of himself throughout the years and it didn’t take me long to realize he was the real deal, so I reached out. We jumped on a call and I knew right away that JR was my kind of person. He was humble, kind, and honest. The kind of person you become after spending so many years exploring the backcountry.
It was an honor to speak with him that first time, and I was even more excited to learn he’d be willing to join me for an episode of the podcast. I wanted to learn from JR and hear what his life has been like, how it got started, and where he came from. What happens to a person after 60 years of backpacking? Does it still mean the same things as it once did? Is the fire still alive?
I had all the questions and JR answered them with grace. He is no doubt an inspiration to so many and I couldn’t be more excited to bring him to you through the podcast.
I sincerely hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.
Emory, By Land
By Land Links
LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK https://www.learnhowtobackpack.com/
YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChSSISEgIfwYz2cc0aHQj3g
FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/emory_by_land
DONATE: https://byland.co/donate
Show Notes and Links
https://www.jrinthewilderness.com/
JR’s Book - Way Out There: Adventures of a Wilderness Trekker
Getting to know who JR is and his background
How and why JR’s parents sent JR to summer scout camps
What it was like returning to the city after a summer of Scouts
How summers with the Scouts impacted life in the city
JR’s thoughts on taking time to himself to re-energize
What JR gets out of living on the edge of discomfort
Thoughts on the life-changing trajectory JR’s parents put him on as a young man
On setting an example for younger generations
The power of being an example
JR’s book!
JR’s favorite backpacking trip
On having an adventure regardless of the outcome
Justin Helmkamp completed his Triple Crown of Thru-Hiking in 2021. He’s now hiked the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and the Continental Divide Trail in full. How’s that for an accomplishment?!
Justin is an outstanding human being. Between his PCT and CDT hikes, he worked as a Wilderness Therapy Guide helping troubled teens. As you’ll hear in this episode, it was during that time that Justin developed into who he is today.
His hike up the CDT this last summer was one for the books. He not only made the trail his own while capturing some absolutely stunning imagery, but he also freed himself of other people’s expectations. This might be my favorite portion of our conversation. In his own words, he’ll share a simple yet profound moment on the trail when it all clicked and he let it all go. He found freedom on the CDT this year and I believe that’s something we could all celebrate.
Give Justin a follow by using the links listed below and please enjoy this episode!
Emory, By Land
By Land Links
LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK https://www.learnhowtobackpack.com/
YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChSSISEgIfwYz2cc0aHQj3g
FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/byland.co
DONATE: https://byland.co/donate
Show Notes and Links
https://www.justinhelmkamp.com/
@justinhelmkamp
Catching up with Justin and his recent Triple Crown
What it feels like to be finished
What waiting to hike the CDT did for Justin’s personal growth
How experiences in wilderness therapy prepared Justin for the CDT
Themes for each trail on a personal level
The creative juice of a thru-hike
On giving yourself permission to do something adventurous
Thoughts on the “habitual” thru-hiking life
CDT self-realizations
What comes next
Favorite spot on the CDT
Grizzly bear moments
Thoughts on NOBO vs. SOBO on the CDT
Rue McKenrick is no doubt one of the most prolific long-distance hikers today, but he doesn’t know how many miles he’s hiked because he doesn’t care about that. It’s not what defines him, but if you need to know then let’s just start with his Triple Crown over a decade ago, the many long trails all over the US and abroad, and most recently a 12,000-mile route spanning the perimeter of the contiguous United States. Rue is a hiker, yes, but he’s also the Executive Director and founder of the American Perimeter Trail Conference.
In the words of the organization itself, “the vision of the American Perimeter Trail Conference is to create a protected corridor of land and natural resources available for recreational use roughly tracing the contiguous United States. The American Perimeter Trail seeks to connect the land, resources, people, and communities. It strives to encourage conservation efforts through recreation, allowing all people and generations to experience the diversity of the contiguous United States.”
It’s no doubt a gigantic undertaking, but it’s one Rue is dedicated to.
This conversation touches on a number of topics from where Rue came from, why he hikes, what conservation is so important, what’s wrong with the “industry” today, and finally, why he thinks backpackers will save the world.
Rue believes in community and sincerely wants to connect us together to form bonds strong enough to heal both ourselves and those around us.
Emory, By Land
By Land Links
LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK https://www.learnhowtobackpack.com/
YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChSSISEgIfwYz2cc0aHQj3g
FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/byland.co
DONATE: https://byland.co/donate
Show Notes and Links
Introductions
Is backpacking gaining in popularity?
Getting to know Rue’s background
Why the American Perimeter Trail
The mission of the APT
The inherent nature of building trails
What will happen because of trails
The APT as a conservation organization
The APT’s approach to conservation
Wildlife corridors
On supporting companies that support conservation
Thoughts on hiking for a cause
The need to start having open and honest conversations
What Rue gets out of backpacking
https://americanperimetertrail.org/
Kyle Kamp is a Registered and Licensed Dietitian who specializes in backcountry nutrition and performance. He recently became a full-time operator of his own business, Valley to Peak Nutrition, and is now 100% dedicated to helping people reach their personal goals with nutrition and performance.
Kyle is a return guest on the podcast so we spend some time catching up on what’s new with him and Valley to Peak Nutrition before diving into audience nutrition questions.
This episode is loaded down with great information so enjoy!
CALORIE NEEDS CALCULATION:
Bodyweight x 10 (then x13)
i.e. 165 lbs x 10 = 1650 cal (low end)
i.e. 165 lbs x 13 = 2145 cal (high end)
CALORIE RANGE = 1650-2145 cal
Emory, By Land
By Land Links
LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK https://www.learnhowtobackpack.com/
YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChSSISEgIfwYz2cc0aHQj3g
FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/emory_by_land
DONATE: https://byland.co/donate
Show Notes and Links
Optimal performance vs practical performance
On being married to your ideas of nutrition
Reintroducing Kyle Kamp as a full-time operator of Valley to Peak
What’s in store for Valley To Peak Nutrition going forward?
Nutrition across varying cultures
Food as a part of all cultures
Navigating overall calorie intake and management
Managing nutrition on the individual level for the specific person
QUESTION: Intermittent fasting on the trail
QUESTION: Timing meals in the backcountry
How the body decides how and what to use as fuel or stores
QUESTION: Where to source energy calories from
QUESTION: Diets for putting the body into recovery mode?
QUESTION: Recommended mix of sourced calories?
Calorie Needs Calculation: Bodyweight x 10 to 13
QUESTION: Thoughts on hydration and energy mixes?
QUESTION: Dealing with diabetes on the trail?
Website https://www.v2pnutrition.com/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/v2pnutrition
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/v2pnutrition/
Chase Tucker is a long-distance backpacker from Tasmania who specializes in training backpackers in the field of overall body mobility and fitness for their outdoor adventures. Chase is also an accomplished backpacker and traveler having hiked through both the Annapurna and Everest regions of Nepal as well as some of Spain’s long trails through the Pyrenees mountain range.
I first found Chase through YouTube where I easily deep dove a number of his videos both for their information and sense of adventure. Chase has a way of finding a great balance of providing you with important information as well as telling the story of his hike.
After a few exchanges online, Chase agreed to come on the podcast to talk about his background, why he does what he does, and the challenges hikers face in terms of overall mobility. This episode is packed full of great actionable information you can implement on your next hike or your training schedule.
Chase is one of the most sincere individuals you’ll come across and you can tell he has a passion for what he does. He cares deeply about the overall health and wellness of his students and is dedicated to helping them reach their goals.
Emory, By Land
By Land Links
LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK https://www.learnhowtobackpack.com/
YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChSSISEgIfwYz2cc0aHQj3g
FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/byland.co
DONATE: https://byland.co/donate
Show Notes and Links
Introductions and getting to know Chase
The backstory on Chase
The story of Chase helping a fellow hiker fix his lower body on the trail
Chase’s approach to fitness and mobility
Issues the majority of hikers are dealing with
Common feet problems
Choosing footwear for the conditions
Addressing “weak” ankles and finding the root cause
Exercises for building ankle strength
Daily movement for hikers (video)
Addressing hip issues and increasing hip mobility
The importance of engaging the glutes
The importance of trekking poles
Backpacking and hiking in Spain
Long-distance hiking through Spain
How to follow up with Chase and learn more
https://basecamptraining.com.au/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTEopVgqNCUhJq57CxTc4aw
https://www.instagram.com/chase_mountains/
https://www.patreon.com/chasemountains
https://youtu.be/WQauQv4uDLs
What if I told you “weak ankles” aren’t really a thing? What if I then told you that, like a muscle, you can strengthen them? Does that sound nice? Me too!
Cory Ford joins me on this episode to discuss the realities of “weak ankles,” what that actually means, and what you can do to battle back against previous ankle injuries. By the time this episode is over, you’ll have learned about how the body works with regard to footing, how various footwear functions, and how to go about choosing your footwear based on what YOU do. And, if you struggle with what you describe as “weak ankles,” I think you’ll come away from this episode feeling excited that you’re not doomed to wearing big boots for the rest of your life.
Emory, By Land
By Land Links
LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK https://www.learnhowtobackpack.com/
YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChSSISEgIfwYz2cc0aHQj3g
FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/byland.co
DONATE: https://byland.co/donate
Show Notes and Links
Introductions
Cory’s background
Misunderstanding “weak ankles”
Where to start in shopping for a shoe or boot
Where the “hunting boot” came from
How to know when you need additional support
Defining “shank”
The evolution of finding the right footwear
The importance of having a footwear quiver
Footwear insoles
Gear that can actually impact your trip
Do blisters mean your boots are bad?
The relationship between pack weight and ankle support
Optimizing for what you’ll ACTUALLY do
Closing thoughts
https://www.angryspike.com/
https://www.instagram.com/cory_d_ford/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUowcOft-UVAWtDJS04LFfw
Renee “Shera” Patrick is the Program Coordinator of the Oregon Desert Trail and has been hiking long distance trails for 20 years! Her work at the ODT has brought led her to be involved in the creation and launch of the new Blue Mountains Trail in NE Oregon which launches May 8, 2021.
Renee re-joins the show to catch up on recent happenings on the ODT, the launch of the Blue Mountains Trail, and chat about a proposed wilderness area in SE Oregon.
This episode will leave you feeling inspired and with a smile on your face. Renee is an incredible person, hiker, and steward of the backcountry and it was an honor to have her on the show again!
Emory, By Land
By Land Links
LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK https://www.learnhowtobackpack.com/
YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChSSISEgIfwYz2cc0aHQj3g
FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/byland.co
DONATE: https://byland.co/donate
Show Notes and Links
Blue Mountains Trail: https://www.hellscanyon.org/blue-mountains-trail
Oregon Desert Trail: www.onda.org/OregonDesertTrail
Blog: www.sherahikes.com
Bonie Shupe is the GM and Director of Product at Ibex. After a long history of creating some amazing products, Ibex closed its doors a few years ago, but has since been bought and rebooted. Bonie is the brains behind product design and is working hard to create the same great quality merino products that Ibex was known for.
When I learned Ibex was back up and running again, I had to know more so I asked Bonie if she’d be willing to come on for a chat. My original intention was to learn more about Ibex, their history, and what they’re up to but, as luck would have it, I stumbled onto some profound advice from Bonie based on her experience as an endurance athlete.
Yes, this is an episode about Ibex, their products, and how amazing Merino Wool is but, that’s just scratching the surface. Bonie takes the time to educate me on the differences of between 100% merino and blended merino, how merino is being used as insulation in garments now, and what it’s like getting to reboot a beloved brand.
More importantly, Bonie walks me through how she manages herself during endurance events. This is where the gold is, and this is where you’ll come away with a new perspective after hearing Bonie speak about her love for pushing her body.
I came away from our conversation feeling enlightened, educated, and with a new friend and I think you will too!
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
By Land Links
LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK https://byland.co/learn-how-to-backpack
YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChSSISEgIfwYz2cc0aHQj3g
FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/byland.co
DONATE: https://byland.co/donate
Show Notes and Links
Introductions
Who Bonie is and who she works for
How Bonie got into her line of work
Backstory on where Ibex went and how they came back
Relaunching a brand
Bonie’s obsession with Merino Wool and why
100% merino vs. blends
Expanding the uses of Merino (outerwear)
Bonie’s backstory in the outdoors
Bonie’s advice for “No expectations”
Where Bonie finds her enjoyment of endurance sports
How Bonie manages her “head” during these events
On experiencing the natural world
Contemplating the impact we have on the environment
How to act environmentally responsible
The future of Ibex and what to look forward to
How to follow up with Ibex
https://ibex.com/
https://www.instagram.com/ibexwool/
https://www.facebook.com/ibexwool/
Doug Laher is the Father of Thru-Hiker Trevor “Microsoft” Laher who tragically passed away while hiking near Apache Peak along the PCT. He was 11 days into his hike when conditions along the trail deteriorated quickly, putting him in a decision to either push through or find another way around. The section of trail he was on had been close for years until this point so any and all tribal knowledge of potential risks had been long since forgotten leaving Trevor and his new hiking partners to gauge for themselves what they should and shouldn’t do.
Trevor was 22 years old, a graduate of Ohio State, and had a software engineering job waiting for him at Microsoft once his hike of the PCT was complete. He had a determined soul, a brilliant mind, and reflective in all respects. His love of hiking continued to grow year after year and the PCT was to be his pinnacle dream.
In the months since Trevor’s passing, Doug has taken up a mission to educate hikers on how to approach risks, gauge safety, and make sure PCT hikers know of the dangers of Apache Peak and that section of trail. Doug joins me to tell the story of his Son so that others may learn from it.
I’m incredibly honored and humbled to be a small part of Trevor’s legacy and I urge all of you who hear his story to take heed of Doug’s message and embrace the alternate when and if conditions call for it.
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
By Land Links
LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK https://byland.co/learn-how-to-backpack
YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChSSISEgIfwYz2cc0aHQj3g
FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/byland.co
DONATE: https://byland.co/donate
Show Notes and Links
Introduction to Doug Laher
Recapping the events of March 27th, 2020
Getting to know Trevor
Doug and Trevor’s connection over backpacking
Trevor’s journey to the PCT
What Trevor wanted from the PCT and why he hiked
COVID decision making
Trevors decisions leading up to his fall
Doug’s mission to educate PCT hikers
The nuances of decision making
Doug’s unique take on “hike your own hike”
The Event Horizon of decision making
How Doug is able to remain objective and logical
Doug’s newfound mission in life and the impact it’s having on hikers
Common themes from hikers sharing stories with Doug
The dynamics of assessing risk tolerance
The impact culture has on decision making
Doug’s new connection to the hiking community
Addressing emergency beacons
Doug’s safety program for PCT hikers
How to followup with Doug
Trevor Spikes Program
https://nomadventures.com/product/trevor-spikes/
Doug’s articles on Trevor’s story
https://thetrek.co/pacific-crest-trail/trevors-eternal-trail/
https://www.altaonline.com/dispatches/a34785167/accident-pacific-crest-trail-louise-farr/
https://www.pcta.org/2021/doug-lahers-call-for-safety-in-memory-of-his-son-trevor-87656/
Other podcast interviews
https://backpackerradio.libsyn.com/73-dough-laher-and-riverside-mountain-rescue-unit-rmru
https://www.hiking-thru.com/episodes/doug-laher
https://trailtales.podbean.com/e/103-a-harrowing-reminder-of-what-can-go-wrong-on-the-pct-and-other-trails-with-doug-laher/
Ryan and Hillary Lampers are the husband and wife the team behind “Hunt, Harvest, Health,” a health and wellness company dedicated to promoting a healthy backcountry lifestyle. They offer everything from a Podcast, Nutrition Consultations, A Western Hunting Summit, and even natural supplements. Ryan and Hillary are passionate about helping others achieve a healthy lifestyle and have the experience and knowledge to do just that.
On this episode of The By Land Podcast, I sit down with Ryan and Hillary to discuss the benefits of CBD for backpackers. This is, as we all know, resonably new territory for the majority of the population, but as I’m sure you’ve heard by now through the grapevine, CBD is a pretty incredible and NATURAL supplement you can use to battle a number of ailments, to include inflammation while on the trail.
For my PCT hike in 2017, I popped Ibuprofin 3 times a day for 5 months straight and it worked, but I’m also not one to rely on medication for much and it bothered me that I was taking so much of it. This is why I wanted to learn about the benefits of CBD from Ryan and Hillary.
We cover not JUST CBD, but how to achieve a healthy body AND mind. Hillary takes this episode by storm and deep dives into the science behind what is happening in our bodies so if you’re looking to gain a better understanding of how everything works, this is the episode for you!
Be sure to check out the links below to learn more about Hunt, Harvest, Health!
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
BY LAND LINKS
LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK https://byland.co/learn-how-to-backpack
YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChSSISEgIfwYz2cc0aHQj3g
FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/byland.co
DONATE AND SUPPORT: https://byland.co/donate
DONATE AND SUPPORT
SHOW NOTES AND LINKS
Catching up with Ryan
Getting to know Hillary Lampers and her professional medical background
Getting to know Ryan and his background
Addressing inflammation
Hillary’s thoughts on the junk food diet
Deep diving inflammation
The state of our modern health and our unrelenting stress
Getting into a “wild routine”
Deep diving CBD
CBD implementation schedule
Staying healthy in the longterm
How to followup with Ryan and Hillary
HUNT, HARVEST, HEALTH
HUNT, HARVEST, HEALTH Podcast
Ryan’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/sthealthyhunter/
Hunt Harvest Health IG: https://www.instagram.com/huntharvesthealth/
Hillary’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/dochillary/
Western Hunting Summit
ELEVATE HEALTH MT
“Hunting is Conservation” has become by far the most popular slogan in the hunting/conservation industry in the past few years. If you’re a hunter, you’re well acquainted with its meaning because literally any and all conservation organizations promote hunting as THE way to preserve and protect wild animals in modern times. But, what if hunting ISN’T conservation? I’ve personally never accepted the idea that hunting is the ONLY way to conserve an animal population, but I can accept that hunting is one of MANY ways to do so.
Kevin Bixby is the Executive Director of the SW Environmental Center and recently published an article titled “Why Hunting Isn’t Conservation and Why It Matters” and I asked him on the show for this episode to help me better understand what he means by this. By no means is this an anti-hunting article, in fact Kevin is a hunter himself and is the first to admit that hunting has played a key role in the preservation of American big game animals. That said, he feels the modern conservation model needs to change in a way that reflects the values of ALL those interested in the preservation of wildlife. If you’re interested in reading the full article, you can find a link to this article in the show notes.
I sincerely enjoyed picking Kevin’s brain about the subject and I know that many hunters might fall out of their chairs just looking at the title of this episode, but I’d encourage those who have a vested interest in wildlife in North America, that they hear the message Kevin is putting out there and decide for yourself if you think the modern conservation model needs a facelift or not.
Enjoy!
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
DONATE AND SUPPORT THE SHOW
BY LAND LINKS:
DONATE AND SUPPORT THE SHOW: Donate HERE!
LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK https://byland.co/learn-how-to-backpack
YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChSSISEgIfwYz2cc0aHQj3g
FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/byland.co
SHOW NOTES:
Introductions
Kevin and his background
How Kevin got into the political side of conservation
Science versus value systems
The rise of new value systems
America’s Wildlife Values Survey
The changes in cultural values
A short history of the modern wildlife conservation model
The need to pivot to a modern conservation model
What’s wrong with the “hunting is conservation” argument
How state and federal wildlife agencies receive funding
The impact of invasive species
Does industry impact conservation efforts?
Game management as crop management
The current imbalance of decision making
The topic of wolves and predators
The future of hunting in modern times
The “hunting is conservation” mantra
What keeps Kevin going year after year
Border walls and the impact of wildlife migration
How to followup with Kevin and his work
EPISODE LINKS:
Kevin’s Original Article: https://rewilding.org/hunting-isnt-conservation/
America's Wildlife Values Survey: https://sites.warnercnr.colostate.edu/wildlifevalues/
Southwest Environmental Center: https://www.wildmesquite.org/index.php/
Contact Kevin: kevin@wildmesquite.org
Ben Crawford first appeared on the podcast for Episode 50, right after he and his family thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2018. Since then, he’s been working on writing a book about their family story and just recently published it for all to read and enjoy. I had the pleasure of having Ben on the podcast yet again to talk about the book, the writing process, and the experiences he had putting it together.
If you’re a family that enjoys the outdoors, or you one day WANT a family that enjoys the outdoors, I’d highly recommend exploring what Ben and his family are up to and how they approach parenting. And, if you’re wanting to help support an awesome family, go buy the book (links below)!
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Ben Crawford is an entrepreneur, author, and influencer who, along with his wife, Kami, and their six children, set the record in 2018 for the largest family and youngest female (7-year-old Filia Crawford) to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. His greatest goal is to discover the full potential of the human family, and to empower people to find freedom by questioning the status quo. Ben’s previous book, Unleash Your Family, details the Crawfords’ approach to turning the chaos of quarantine life into structured creativity. On his YouTube channel, Fight For Together, Ben aims to challenge existing perspectives on marriage, family, parenting, and self-awareness--through everything from running ultramarathons with young children, to experimenting with authority by living a year with no rules. The Crawfords live just outside Cincinnati, where they are currently planning their next adventure.
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
BY LAND LINKS
LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK https://byland.co/learn-how-to-backpack
YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChSSISEgIfwYz2cc0aHQj3g
FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/byland.co
SHOW NOTES AND LINKS
How having a family can alter perspectives
Pursuing things that shift perspective
Life after the AT family Thru-Hike
How the AT changed the family dynamics
Why we’re quick to forget the pain of an ordeal
Why Ben wrote the book on hiking the AT
Reliving the trail through the writing process
Ben’s low point on the trail
On reading the kids’ journal entries from the trail
The power of journaling
Details on the book variations
How to find the book and support Ben
THE BOOK: https://amzn.to/3lYbTW3
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT2WgHiawhWgbahB0CNENkg
IG: https://www.instagram.com/fightfortogether
Chris Cage quit a corporate job to travel and eventually hike the Appalachian Trail. When he was finally done, he had a choice to make. Either go back to corporate life or find a way to fund his new lifestyle. He chose the latter and founded Greenbelly Meals. Chris has had to make some big life-changing decisions that all came at a cost, but that’s makes it an adventure. To risk the known for the unknown.
On this episode, we get to know a little more about Chris Cage, Green Belly, and how he goes about managing risks. We also dive into entrepreneurship, his book on the AT, and a fun new social networking site for backpacking gear nerds called Packfire.
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
By Land Links
LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK https://byland.co/learn-how-to-backpack
YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChSSISEgIfwYz2cc0aHQj3g
FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/byland.co
SAY HELLO!! https://byland.co/contact
Show Notes and Links
Introduction to Greenbelly
Backstory on Chris Cage
Why Chris decided to hike the AT
Life after the AT and deciding to create a food product
Deciding to make BIG life changing decisions
Why Chris started a business instead of continuing to travel
How Chris knew Greenbelly would be sustainable
How Chris self published his book on hiking the AT
Deciding where to spend your time and energy
The backstory on Packfire and who it’s for (ie fun!)
What Greenbelly Meals offer
Backstory on the name “Greenbelly”
Final advice for those needing to make a big decision
https://www.greenbelly.co/
https://packfire.com/
https://www.instagram.com/greenbellymeal
How to Hike the Appalachian Trail: A Comprehensive Guide to Plan and Prepare for a Successful Thru-Hike
This past fall I launched my the LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK backpacking course for those out there who are just beginning to dip their toes into this whole backpacking hobby. I’ve mentioned it on the show before but wanted to take some time to talk about why I created it and who it’s for.
Since me telling you about a course isn’t all THAT helpful, I’ve also included a few of the topics that I cover in the course. They are FINDING YOUR BACKPACKING STYLE, MANAGING EXPECTATIONS, AND MANAGING YOUR BODY. Each one of these I cover in the course so I thought I’d share them with you on this episode. With any luck, you’ll come away from this episode with some actionable tips to take with you on your next trip to the backcountry!
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
By Land Links
LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK https://byland.co/learn-how-to-backpack
YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChSSISEgIfwYz2cc0aHQj3g
FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/byland.co
SAY HELLO!! https://byland.co/contact
Show Notes and Links
Origin of the backpacking course and why I made it
What’s in the course
Why pay for the course?
Finding YOUR backpacking style
Managing expectations
Managing the miles on the trail
How I manage my own self
Why to avoid walking fast
The food and water formula
LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK https://byland.co/learn-how-to-backpack
Chad Lubinski messaged me a few years ago after my PCT hike asking questions about how to section hike various portions of the PCT through Oregon because he’d never really considered any sort of hiking or backpacking outside of the hunting season. Since that first interaction, Chad has dived headfirst into backpacking. In 2019 he battled his first big chunk of miles along the PCT and just one year later he completed his first-ever thru-hike of the John Muir Trail. That one single thru-hike that put him through the wringer forced him to adapt to the changing conditions of the trail and when he came out the other side, he had a brand new lease on backpacking. It was like a rocket ship to backcountry freedom because when he came home, he went to work pounding out the miles as often as he could down some of the best trails Oregon and Washington have to offer.
In this episode, if the By Land Podcast, Chad shares his personal story, lessons learned, and what it’s like to hit the backcountry with confidence.
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
By Land Links
LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK https://byland.co/learn-how-to-backpack
YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChSSISEgIfwYz2cc0aHQj3g
FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/byland.co
SAY HELLO!! https://byland.co/contact
Show Notes and Links
Introductions
Chad’s background
Chad’s transition from hunting to backpacking
What caused Chad to begin section hiking
Experiencing the hiking culture
Observing the efficiency of thru hikers
How efficiency can improve your enjoyment
What changed between 2019 and 2020
Chad’s experience on the JMT
Navigating the permit process
Preparing for the JMT
Getting punched in the face by the JMT
Lessons learned on the JMT
Learning the rhythm of the mountains
The powerful connection to others on the trail
Chad’s takeaway from the JMT
Confidence equals freedom in the backcountry
How to followup with Chad online
https://hikertrashnation.com/
https://www.instagram.com/chadahooche_/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK9Hz3X4LcG4fczA5vtz59Q
This episode of the By Land Podcast might get uncomfortable for hunters because I’m going to take a very hard and very uncomfortable look at the reality of what hunting culture actually is in 2020. This is not a topic that I take lightly. I’ve been sorting this out in my head for a long time now and thought it was time to put this out to listeners for them to consider as well.
This episode is a sort of thought experiment. We’ll dive into a number of questions regarding my own realities when it comes to hunting and what it is and isn’t, explore a hypothetical question of how long it would take for hunting ethics to breakdown, and lastly what this means for hunting in the future if my assumptions are correct.
This was not an easy episode to put together and I expect it will not be easy to listen to for some hunters out there who believe that their own version of hunting is the REAL version of hunting.
I’ll also dive into my concerns on whether or not echo chambers exist within minority factions of hunting communities and how that may be damaging to the future of hunting as a whole if left unaddressed.
Episode 120 a loaded one and for those who decide to stick around, I hope it sparks conversation within your own small social circles so that we as a collective can begin to find solutions to the harsh reality of modern hunting culture.
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
By Land Links
LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK https://byland.co/learn-how-to-backpack
YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChSSISEgIfwYz2cc0aHQj3g
FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/byland.co
SAY HELLO!! https://byland.co/contact
Show Notes and Links
Introductions
The questions I’ve asked myself about hunting culture
Definition of “echo chamber”
What is the reality of what hunting culture is?
What is the future of hunting?
How many hunters do the right thing?
My experiences with others’ bad ethics
Who’s the real majority?
Is “what hunting is and isn’t” just a big echo chamber?
My thought experiment on human nature
Change comes from a desire to change
What is the future of hunting?
What is the reality of hunting?
What happens if hunting is voted out of existence
The attempt of the industry to change the narrative of what hunting is and isn’t
The hunting narrative isn’t working
Analyzing the kill shot
Final thoughts
Mark Huelsing is a Dad, Husband, hunter, and just so happens to work at Exo Mountain Gear, however, on this episode of The By Land Podcast, we go in a bit of a different direction. No gear talk and no hunting stories (ok..maybe one). I’ve always appreciated Mark’s insight that goes beyond the generic gear talk. Anytime I need an outside opinion on something, he’s ready and willing to offer a thoughtful perspective.
I reached out to Mark and asked if he’d want to come on the show to chat. He initially told me he probably didn’t have anything important to talk about, but after shooting me a few things he’d been thinking about lately, we set a time and made it happen.
This is NOT a gear episode. Instead, this is more of a conversation you’d have at the end of a long day on the trail or hunt while sitting around a campfire. We cover everything from why it’s good for you to be bad at something, the feeling of needing to be productive with your time in the outdoors while also wanting to relax, and the realization that some of us might not ever be the worlds greatest hunter.
If you’re in the mood for a conversation that explores more than just gear and stories, this is the one for you. I’m incredibly grateful Mark was willing to open up about these topics and I’d encourage each of you listening to do the same. Ask yourself the hard questions and see what comes of it.
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
By Land Links
LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK https://byland.co/learn-how-to-backpack
YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChSSISEgIfwYz2cc0aHQj3g
FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/byland.co
SAY HELLO!! https://byland.co/contact
Show Notes and Links
Introduction to Mark
Where Mark gets his enjoyment from him early morning training
Thoughts on the crux of need to feel “productive” in the woods when away from family
How hunting creates participation with nature
The contrast created by wanting to be relaxed in the field AND productive
Learning to allow your mind to run with it when you’re in the field
Where Mark’s outdoor story begins
The benefits of sucking at something
Marks conscious decision to NOT be an amazing hunter in favor of spending more time with family (and being okay with it)
The desire to have story and process over result
The “pressure” in the industry to outperform everyone
Being honest about what you’re willing to sacrifice for
Taking advantage of opportunities when you have them
How to followup with Mark
https://exomtngear.com/
https://exomtngear.com/pages/the-hunt-backcountry-podcast
Out of the blue in 2017 I realized I had been sitting on a pile of camouflage hunting gear that I only used once a year during the hunting season. The remainder of the year it sat in boxes gathering dust. Literally thousands of dollars worth of camo that I wasn’t using and wouldn’t use anytime outside of the hunting season.
I concluded it was time to quit camouflage and swap those items out with solids in order to optimize my purchases. Since doing so, I haven’t looked back.
This episode is a spin off of the original article I wrote called “3 Reasons You Should Consider Quitting Camouflage.” It has since become my MOST popular article on the site so I figured I’d do a full episode going through the 3 reasons I think YOU should consider quitting camouflage as well.
Enjoy!
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
By Land Links
LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK https://byland.co/learn-how-to-backpack
YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChSSISEgIfwYz2cc0aHQj3g
FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/byland.co
SAY HELLO!! https://byland.co/contact
Show Notes and Links
Episode introduction
Clearing the air and setting the stage
How I came to quit camouflage
Reason #1: Cost Savings
Reason #2: Camo is more about marketing than camouflage
How we got into this camo fiasco in the first place
Camouflage as a marketing tool
Reason #3: More Options
What and how deer and elk see
Ultraviolet
How to choose a camouflage pattern
Final thoughts
The original article with links: https://byland.co/blog/2017/12/11/3-reasons-you-should-consider-quitting-camouflage
Visible Light Spectrum: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Color
I’ve been on the hunt for a lightweight mountain rifle for a few years now and just recently learned of Bergara Rifles USA after a friend said I should check them out. I looked them up and reached out to learn more and the next thing I knew, I was on the phone with Tony Smotherman talking about the Bergara backstory. Since this is a backpacking podcast, I think we’re due for an episode regarding a backpacking friendly mountain rifle. That’s exactly what the Bergara Premier Series Mountain Rifle 2.0 is. It’s light, durable, and comes in a number of popular hunting calibers.
This episode might be focused on getting to know Bergara and what they do best, but I think it’s more than that. Tony shares his personal story of how he got into the outdoors and I think it’s something a lot of people can relate to.
This is what I love about this podcast. I can cover something as simple as a backcountry rifle and the company that makes it while simultaneously driving home the idea that we all have something in common, regardless of where we are from and what we do in the backcountry.
For those backcountry hunters out there listening, you’ll FOR SURE want to check out Bergara after this episode. And for those non-hunters, I think you’ll still enjoy the episode from the perspective of learning about other outdoor cultures.
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
By Land Links
LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK https://byland.co/learn-how-to-backpack
YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChSSISEgIfwYz2cc0aHQj3g
FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/byland.co
SAY HELLO!! https://byland.co/contact
Show Notes and Links
Introduction to Tony and Bergara Firearms
Backstory on Tony Smotherman
How and why Tony got into the outdoor industry
Learning to chase your dreams and goals
Getting to know Bergara Firearms and their backstory
Bergara’s decision to build custom firearms
Employing veteran gunsmiths
The team behind Bergara
Product line comparisons
The importance of the weight of a rifle
The impact of rifle weight
Benefits of carbon fiber rifle stocks (vs. wood)
Choosing the right tools for the job
Learning not to sweat the small stuff
How to followup with Bergara Firearms
https://www.bergara.online/us/
https://www.bergara.online/us/rifles/premier/mountain-2-0-rifle/
https://www.instagram.com/bergara_rifles/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5_KVcmKS9L8VpFFCdCbO-g
Chris Niccolls has been reviewing cameras and camera systems on YouTube for years now. If the system exits, there’s a pretty solid chance he’s not only had his hands on it, but he’s been able to run it through it’s paces and created a video about it. This is what Chris does; he learns about the tech, the features, and the capabilities of the entire camera system as a whole so YOU, the viewer, can decide whether or not it’s going to work for you or not.
This is exactly why I wanted to talk to Chris. To hear from his perspective what is important in a camera system and how to choose one of your own for backcountry adventuring.
If you’re into photography or videography and you’re searching for a system to call your own, this episode should no doubt help you on your search.
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
By Land Links
LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK https://byland.co/learn-to-backpack
YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChSSISEgIfwYz2cc0aHQj3g
FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/byland.co
SAY HELLO!! https://byland.co/contact
Show Notes and Links
Introductions
Backstory with Chris
Digesting the complicated nature of photography
Pairing photography with technology
Exciting trends in the camera industry
How to navigate the available camera choices
Pros and cons of micro 4/3 systems
Dialing in on a system that works for you
Enjoyment over image quality
Learning to be specific on your use case
Camera carry
The Fuji X100V for backpacking and hiking
The thing about landscape photographers
The rise of hybrid shooting and what that means
https://www.dpreview.com/
https://www.youtube.com/user/dpreviewcom
https://www.instagram.com/dpreview
https://www.instagram.com/chris.niccolls
bonus links
https://amzn.to/3j1KzF7
Karla Amador is the co-founder of the 52 Hike Challenge, an organization dedicated to encouraging adventure and getting people outside. On this episode we dive into Karla’s personal backstory and how she came to create the 52 Hike Challenge as well as how to deal with the negative self talk that often happens when we’re in the middle of a physical or mental challenge.
Karla has a very relatable story that I think a lot of people can identify with and she’s willing to share it openly with others so they can learn from her journey. She has a big heart and an encouraging spirit!
Please enjoy this episode with Karla and thanks for tuning in!
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
By Land Links
LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK https://byland.co/learn-to-backpack
YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChSSISEgIfwYz2cc0aHQj3g
FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/byland.co
SAY HELLO!! https://byland.co/contact
Show Notes and Links
Introductions
Origin story of the 52 Hike Challenge
How hiking changed Carla’s life
Why hiking was so beneficial to healing to Karla
Experiencing the John Muir Trail
How to deal with the struggle
Lessons learned from the JMT
Why 52 Hikes in a year?
What you can get out of a 52 hike challenge
Training your mind to deal with challenges
Why we tend to go to the negative instead of the positive
What to make of the current COVID 19 pandemic and the energy surrounding it
How to followup with Karla and the 52 Hike Challenge
https://www.52hikechallenge.com
https://www.instagram.com/52hikechallenge/
https://twitter.com/52hikechallenge
Fun Links
https://www.americanbackcountry.com/store/national-parks-catalog/repreve-5/new-for-2020.html
https://www.americanbackcountry.com/store/national-parks-catalog/repreve-5.html?limit=30
Aron Snyder is the President of Kifaru International, a household name and brand in the world of backcountry hunting. When I first heard of Aron, I was commuting to and from work an hour each way and spent a lot of that time learning as much as I could from his experiences via podcasting because at the time, I was beginning to get nice and cozy with the idea of backpack hunting. I needed as much information as possible and that’s what I got along with a lot of entertainment.
Aron has spent a lot of time in the field learning things that you can only learn IN THE FIELD. He’s succeeded, failed, and succeeded again and, as you’ll hear in this episode, it’s the getting the reps in that count. Nothing is a substitute for miles and time in the backcountry because that’s what ACTUALLY teaches you what you need to learn. Once that experience is gained, you’ll look back and see that those spreadsheets you made detailing every single nut and bolt you carried with you are actually not so useful after all. You’ll no longer care about how much an item weighs because you’ll already know that information and you’ll know HOW that item fits into your kit and WHY it’s there in the first place.
Backpacking will become second nature at some point and that’s when the doors begin to open for you.
This episode with Aron Snyder is littered with incredible insight from a guy who designs packs for a living, runs a backcountry hunting company, and has put a countless amount of hours in the field doing the hard work. When he speaks, listen closely and take he says and apply it to your own backcountry efforts.
From getting to know where Aron came from and how he came to work for Kifaru to what ACTUALLY matters out there, it’s all in this episode and you’ll no doubt come away with some great nuggets of wisdom.
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
By Land Links
LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK https://byland.co/learn-to-backpack
YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChSSISEgIfwYz2cc0aHQj3g
FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/byland.co
SAY HELLO!! https://byland.co/contact
Show Notes and Links
Introductions
Arons backstory and road to Kifaru
Kifaru’s product testing and revision process
Patrick’s background in the backpacking industry
On “chasing the lightweight rabbit”
How to change your approach for different backpacking styles
Designing for others, not yourself
Adapting for the situation you’re headed into
The approach to Kifaru design
Un-complicating the backpacking process
Learning how to backpack is a constantly evolving process
Learn from your failures
Shoot for the “happy medium” gear
Gear for the fun of it, and gear for the application
Different gear for different missions
More backcountry, fewer spreadsheets
How to followup with Aron and Kifaru
https://kifaru.net/
https://www.instagram.com/kifaru_intl/
https://www.facebook.com/kifaruinternational/
https://www.youtube.com/Kifarutube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBSWT5C8eSDWrDiHETNO3_Q
https://www.instagram.com/aron_snyder
https://www.instagram.com/kifarucast
There is no “one size fits all” solution for backcountry footwear. The wall of shoes at your local outdoor store should be proof enough of that, but how in the world are you supposed to choose? It’s a process, just like anything else, and that’s exactly why Josh Kirchner is back on the show to share his journey with backcountry footwear.
Josh is the voice behind Dialed In Hunter and a number of other great publications. He’s put a lot of miles under his feet in the deserts of Arizona chasing wild critters and has learned a few things about what works and what doesn’t FOR HIM when it comes to backcountry footwear. In this episode, we dive into a discussion on where to even begin finding the right boot or shoe and techniques on how to then massage the fit and feel to where it works for your foot.
If you’re struggling to figure out this whole footwear thing for backpacking, this is the episode you’ll want to tune into!
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
By Land Links
LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK https://byland.co/learn-to-backpack
YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChSSISEgIfwYz2cc0aHQj3g
FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/byland.co
SAY HELLO!! https://byland.co/contact
Show Notes and links
Introductions
Why footwear is SO important
Josh’s journey to finding the right boot
Troubleshooting fit issues
Understanding boot styles
What boot Josh uses today
The importance of Leukotape
Finding footwear is a process
Fighting the desire to overdo it
Footwear as tools
Thoughts on socks
Addressing “weak ankles”
Trekking poles as an extension of footwear
Walking techniques that help with foot problems
The impact of lacing up a boot
Choosing the right sock
Josh’s book “Becoming a Backpack Hunter”
5 Tips For Choosing A Hunting Boot
Becoming a Backpack Hunter
http://dialedinhunter.com/
https://www.instagram.com/dialedinhunter/
https://www.facebook.com/dialedinhunter
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6ItIjVnltPYvPWohOPk0dQ?
https://twitter.com/dialedinhunter
In this episode of The By Land Podcast, we’re going to get to know Brad and Jason of Argali Outdoors. Together, they are the driving forces behind Argali, the incredible films being produced, and the “why” behind why Argali exists in the first place. Knowing “why” you do what you do is the one thing that you can look back on when making both personal and business decisions and it’s pretty clear that Jason and Brad defined that first before doing anything else.
Brad was on the show a while back talking about one if their films, but a few things have changed since then so I thought it would be great to have Argali back on to update everyone on what they’re up to nowadays. We ended up have a great chat that to me is a great way to get to know who is behind Argali so you as a consumer and viewer have a better understanding of where they’re coming from and where they’re going.
Please enjoy this chat with Brad and Jason!
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
By Land Links
LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK https://byland.co/learn-to-backpack
YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChSSISEgIfwYz2cc0aHQj3g
FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/byland.co
SAY HELLO!! https://byland.co/contact
Show Notes
Introductions
Getting to know Brad
Getting to know Jason
How Brad and Jason linked up
Jason’s background with film
The early days learning to film a hunt
How Argali came to be
Growing Argali
The importance of storytelling
What’s new with Argali
The importance of “why”
Changes to video projects
Argali branded products
Jason’s thoughts on camera choices for backcountry filmmaking
How to follow up with Argali
Links
https://argalioutdoors.com/
https://www.instagram.com/argali_official/
https://www.facebook.com/argaliofficial/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA_R_X4kk4P-ZUSrt2CXmng
I wouldn’t change a single thing about my 2017 hike of the Pacific Crest Trail because what happened out there made it MY hike and I love it for what it was. That said, we can’t help but reflect on the things we’d do differently and I like to think of it as learning valuable lessons rather than being unhappy with various aspects of my hike.
I’ve had three years to digest my lessons learned and have come away with a short list of things I’d do differently if I had to do it all over again from scratch. Some are PCT specific, others are not. Even if you’re not planning on hiking the PCT or any other long trail, I think you’ll benefit from some of the items on my list.
To those who ARE planning a hike sometime down the road, know this - you’ll never be 100% ready and NOTHING will go as planned. You’re going to make mistakes along the way, but as long as you learn from them then that’s all that matters.
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
By Land Links
LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK https://byland.co/learn-to-backpack
YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChSSISEgIfwYz2cc0aHQj3g
FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/byland.co
SAY HELLO!! https://byland.co/contact
Show Notes
NOT hike with an Organization or sponsor
Hike alone more
Simplified layering system
Hike in Altra Lone Peaks
Ditch my pack lid
Bring my nice camera
Hike slower for longer
Spend less time in town
No more resupply boxes
Garmin InReach instead of SPOT tracker
Bring my Wife
Not obsess about upcoming miles
Paul Medel has spent a lifetime learning as much as he can about elk. From the time he first heard a bugle on a tape as a young man, he knew he had to know more and that’s what he set out to do. For over 20 years, Paul has been educating people on the ins and outs of how elk talk to each other and has helped countless hunters notch a tag during the fall hunting seasons.
This episode isn’t about hunting though. It’s about Paul and his passion for elk and elk calling. Even if you don’t hunt elk or know nothing about it at all, I think you’ll have a hard time not smiling from ear to ear while you hear Paul talk about why he loves calling elk so much. His energy is contagious and his passion is deep.
I believe it is good for us to learn as much as we can about the world around us. Even if you never blow through an elk call or hunt them in the fall, knowing what they sound like and what they mean when they make that sound puts you in a unique position to become PART OF THE WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE. Elk are incredible creatures and the sounds they make are even more incredible. By the end of this episode, you might actually find yourself wanting to try calling one in yourself even if only to take a closer look.
Enjoy!
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
by land links
LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK https://byland.co/learn-to-backpack
COMIC BOOK https://byland.co/comic-book
YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChSSISEgIfwYz2cc0aHQj3g
FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/byland.co
SAY HELLO!! https://byland.co/contact
need backpacking gear?
2 FOOT ADVENTURES https://2footadventures.com/
Show Notes and Links
Introductions
Paul’s background growing up
The early days of calling elk
How Paul learned about how elk communicate
Learning to communicate back to elk
How communicating with elk has enhanced the wilderness experience
What happens when to a skill your intention changes
What’s so alluring about elk hunting?
What keeps Paul going back for more each year?
Pauls passion for the outdoors
What impacts calling responses
Elk calling examples
How to learn more about Paul and the Elk Nut App
http://www.elknut.com/
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/elknut/id1231479425
https://www.instagram.com/elknutoutdoors
https://www.instagram.com/elknutapp
When my Wife and I first got pregnant, I was told by far too many people to count that our days hiking and wandering the woods would be brought to a screeching halt. Demoralizing is putting it lightly but lucky for me, my Wife and I were on the same page and determined to figure out how to pair hiking and backpacking with having kids.
I’ve done a number of episodes prior to this one showcasing the experiences of others raising kids in the outdoors, but now that we have a solid year and a half under my belt, (yep, still a lot to learn) I thought I’d share what we’ve learned so far.
By no means do we have it figured out. It’s a learning process each time we go out, but I think for the most part we’ve done a great job and had really positive experiences. Heck, we even backpacked with our little girl when she was 9 months old!
If you have kids or want to have kids, I think you’ll find this episode pretty helpful and encouraging at the very least. If you don’t have kids, it’s still going to be helpful because you likely know someone who has them and is struggling to get them outside so now you’ll be able to offer some tips and tricks.
Enjoy!
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK!
If you’re new to backpacking and want to shorten the learning curve, I’m creating an ONLINE BACKPACKING COURSE that will get you going.
The By Land Podcast Facebook Group
I have a facebook group specifically for listeners! See you in there!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/
Show Notes
When kids can ride in a kid carrier
Longterrm thoughts on the Deuter Kid Comfort Pro
Layering up your baby
Wearing a kid carrier
Bring snacks!
Backpacking with a kid and kid carrier
Dealing with the elements
Making it a one person job
Comfort for YOU is key!
Final Thoughts
Links
Summit Strength 28 Day Challenge: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/28-day.html
2 Foot Adventures Ultralight Backpacking Gear Shop: https://2footadventures.com/
LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK https://byland.co/learn-to-backpack
Dan Solsman found himself caught up in the rat race of collecting more gear rather than more knowledge. Each year would bring new gear that marketing told him he had to have in order to be successful. Realizing it he was on a never ending cycle of chasing the latest and greatest, he decided to stop the bus, get off, and begin chasing down more knowledge rather than more gear.
We often thing new gear or better gear is going to make up for our lack of skills, dedication, and training, but all it does is put a dent in our wallets and leave us wanting something more.
On this episode, Dan shares his thoughts on how he went from gathering gear to gathering knowledge and what’s happened since making the shift.
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK!
If you’re new to backpacking and want to shorten the learning curve, I’m creating an ONLINE BACKPACKING COURSE that will get you going.
The By Land Podcast Facebook Group
I have a Facebook group specifically for listeners! See you in there!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/
Need gear? Try 2 Foot Adventures!
2 Foot Adventures specializes in ultralight backpacking gear that will get you up the trail efficiently with everything you need. If you’re on the search for great gear, check them out!
Show Notes
Introductions
Dan’s philosophy on collecting gear instead of skills
How streamlining your gear enhances the experience
Dan’s decision NOT to wear camouflage
On how to be selective with gear
On working on your weaknesses
Learning to be patient
what you need versus what you think you need
How challenges can recalibrate your mind
We all start somewhere
Closing thoughts
Links
https://www.instagram.com/dansolsman/
The Coronavirus is impacting the dreams and aspirations of a LOT of thru hikers so I wanted to take a few minutes to talk about how those impacted can cope with it. I also dive into backcountry decision making and why it’s such an important skill to have.
Even if you’re not thru hiking this year, there are some concepts in this episode I think you may be able to apply to your own hikes and adventures.
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK!
I’m creating an ONLINE BACKPACKING COURSE that will shorten your learning curve in more than half and get you going on the right path to a backcountry adventure.
The By Land Podcast Facebook Group
I have a facebook group specifically for listeners! See you in there!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/
Show Notes
Introduction
Thoughts for hikers who are missing their hike
Thoughts for hikers who CAN hike but wonder if they SHOULD hike
Thoughts on backcountry decision making
Links
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChSSISEgIfwYz2cc0aHQj3g
By Land Podcast Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/byland.co
LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK https://byland.co/learn-to-backpack
Backpacking alone is NOT the easiest thing in the world to do. In fact, it can be downright uncomfortable or even scary at first, but if you’re willing to put in the work, being alone in the backcountry can be pretty darn incredible. On this episode of The By Land Podcast, I’m going to share with you what I’ve learned about backpacking and hiking alone and give you some tips and tricks on how you can get there yourself.
I won’t just cover HOW to backpack alone, but WHY you’d want to so in the first place, and what my personal journey has been (successes and failures).
Wherever you’re at in your backpacking journey, this episode will help you go from always having to hike in a group or with a partner, to embarking on an adventure by yourself.
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK!
I’m creating an ONLINE BACKPACKING COURSE that will shorten your learning curve in more than half and get you going on the right path to a backcountry adventure.
The By Land Podcast Facebook Group
I have a facebook group specifically for listeners! See you in there!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/
Show Notes
Why you would want to backpack alone
Benefits of backpacking alone
My personal journey learning to backpack alone
How my failures prepared me for success being alone
My first time really hiking alone for some distance
A turning point in being alone on the PCT
8 Tips on how how to backpack, hike, and hunt alone
Warm up in small stages
Camp ALONE in a group
Do backpacking things BY YOURSELF
Go somewhere familar and don’t make it a big trip
Distract your mind from the silence
Choose a great camping location
Tire yourself out!
Bring what makes you feel safe
Final thoughts
Links
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChSSISEgIfwYz2cc0aHQj3g
By Land Podcast Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/byland.co
LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK https://byland.co/learn-to-backpack
The Eco Defense Group is a non-profit organization whose mission is to help train and equip personnel on the front lines of the poaching war in Africa. On this episode, the President of EDGE,Nathan Edmondson, joins me to talk about the organization, what they do to fight poaching of African game animals, and what we can do to help.
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK!
I’m creating an ONLINE BACKPACKING COURSE that will shorten your learning curve in more than half and get you going on the right path to a backcountry adventure.
The By Land Podcast Facebook Group
I have a Facebook group specifically for listeners! See you there!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/
Show Notes
Introductions
Nathan’s background and how he got involved
Where the passion for African animals came from
The story behind EDGE and what they do
Understanding the “value” of animals throughout the world
What it’s like telling the story of what’s happening in Africa
Experiencing Africa
How you can help fight poaching in Africa
How to followup with EDGE
Links
https://ecodefensegroup.org/
https://www.instagram.com/ecodefensegroup
http://www.facebook.com/ecodefensegroup
https://twitter.com/ecodefensegroup
I never thought in a million years I’d ever be one to hike 20-30 miles in a single day. Those numbers are daunting if you’ve never done it and having felt the pain that can come from a 10 mile day I figured doubling or tripling that number was a feat I’d never be able to do. As it turns out, I CAN do big miles because I put into practice a specific process that works for me.
On this episode, I’m going to dive in to my process for hiking big miles. From start to finish, I’ll walk you through my approach and even cove the benefits of hiking so many miles in a single day.
If you dream of hiking a long trail or want to pack in more miles, more views, and more experiences into your weekend trips, this episode is for you!
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK!
I’m creating an ONLINE BACKPACKING COURSE that will shorten your learning curve in more than half and get you going on the right path to a backcountry adventure.
The By Land Podcast Facebook Group
I have a facebook group specifically for listeners! See you in there!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/
Show Notes
Defining what a “big” day is
Benefits to hiking bigger miles
My step by step process for hiking big miles
Efficiency
Speed versus time
Hike in intervals and take scheduled breaks
Feed your body (https://www.v2pnutrition.com/)
Reducing pack weight
Self care
Proper planning
Closing thoughts
Links
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChSSISEgIfwYz2cc0aHQj3g
By Land Podcast Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/byland.co
LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK https://byland.co/learn-to-backpack
Have you ever had a drive to maybe start your own outdoor website, podcast, or even a YouTube channel? Over the past few years, I’ve had a lot of conversations with people who are thinking about it but don’t know if it’s worth doing or not. They have a voice, but either don’t know where to begin or just need a little nudge to get over the fear of putting themselves out there. If that’s you, this episode is for you!
I asked my good friend Josh Kirchner on the show to talk about his journey with his website, Dialed In Hunter. What began as a simple passion project writing for free to those out there wanting a straightforward narrative on what it’s like to be a hunter and a real person has now turned into something where Josh ACTUALLY gets paid to write. You heard that correctly, Josh USED to write for FREE, but now he gets PAID to do it. How cool is that?!
Josh and I dive into the weirdness of starting something online and discuss the personal benefits that can come of it even if you never see a single cent come your way.
Enjoy!
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK!
I’m creating an ONLINE BACKPACKING COURSE that will shorten your learning curve in more than half and get you going on the right path to a backcountry adventure.
The By Land Podcast Facebook Group
I have a Facebook group specifically for listeners! See you in there!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/
Show Notes
Introductions
How Josh found himself writing about hunting
Exploring the idea of finding a “voice”
Deciding what to share and talk about with an audience
Josh’s startup story and getting past the “weird” part
On being honest and genuine
Dreams versus reality
What publications WANT to see from writers
On honing your craft
Finding “why”
When you know you can charge for your work
Friendships that come from putting your work out there
Josh’s future goals
Final thoughts and Advice
How to follow up with Josh online
Links
http://dialedinhunter.com/
https://www.instagram.com/dialedinhunter/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6ItIjVnltPYvPWohOPk0dQ
On this episode of The By Land Podcast, we’re going to dive into how you can SAVE MONEY, EXPAND CAPABILITY, and OPTIMIZE your next gear purchase. I’ve spent a lot of money on gear over the years and only recently did I realize I haven’t done a very good job of expanding my capabilities with each and every purchase.
SO, you get to learn from my mistakes so you can avoid them yourselves. In the long run, you’ll save far more money and be able to far more activities in the outdoors!
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK!
I’m creating an ONLINE BACKPACKING COURSE that will shorten your learning curve in more than half and get you going on the right path to a backcountry adventure.
THE BY LAND PODCAST FACEBOOK GROUP
I have a Facebook group specifically for listeners! See you in there!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/
SHOW NOTES
Introduction to shopping for new gear
Mistakes I’ve made when shopping for new gear
Three examples of my screw-ups
What’s wrong with how I’ve purchase gear?
What should I do differently going forward?
Buy gear that moves the needle, expands capability, and comfort
An example of doing it right
My real-world example of a current decision
Closing thoughts
LINKS
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChSSISEgIfwYz2cc0aHQj3g
By Land Podcast Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/byland.co
LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK https://byland.co/learn-to-backpack
Welcome to Episode 101! I can’t believe it’s already here!
On this episode, I’m flying solo and sharing with you my lessons learn from 2019. These are just a handful of takeaways that I’ve come up with that I believe are worth sharing with you in hopes that maybe you can learn something from my experiences. I’ll also be detailing some exciting changes to the podcast that will ensure I get back to regularly uploading on a weekly basis. At the end of the day, my only hope for By Land is to provide as much value as possible and I think my new plan is a sure fire way to do just that.
Enjoy!
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK!
I’m creating an ONLINE BACKPACKING COURSE that will shorten your learning curve in more than half and get you going on the right path to a backcountry adventure.
The By Land Podcast Facebook Group
I have a facebook group specifically for listeners! See you in there!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/
Show Notes
The future of The Podcast
Lessons learned Never underestimate the Power of Cheap gear
Backpacking with a baby is 100% possible
As life changes, so do our outdoor adventures and goals.
You can have a bad day in the woods.
I’m still learning
I learned I REALLY enjoy backpacking or hunting for the purpose of documenting something or someone.
How and When to Use Fleece
Links
My inexpensive Wrangler pants https://www.wrangler.com/shop/mens-performance-series-outdoor-cargo-pant-nw780?variationId=NW780FK#hero=3
To celebrate Episode 100, my Wife, Jessica, joins me on the podcast to talk about what it was like for her when I hiked the PCT in 2017. We always hear about the trials and tribulations of a hiker, but we never hear what it’s like being the loved one at home waiting for a hike to wrap up. Be it a spouse, friend, family member, or significant other, those left behind during a Thru Hike are left sorting through a an emotional journey of their own.
Those we love reliably answer poorly timed phone calls, offer words of encouragement when in need of their own, ship off needed items to random locations they’ve never been to in hopes that it arrives in time, and patiently wait at home praying for the safety of their hiker. They balance the load for us emotionally and their voices are often never heard.
When the dust settles and the hike is complete, they don’t have memories of tall peaks, beautiful valleys, or quiet morning walks in the woods, rather they’re left to live the trail life from afar, merely peering inside from time to time when able in hopes to glean some form of relief. If they could be there they would, each and every step of the way, mile for mile.
For me, Jess was my rock. My reason for pushing and no doubt the only reason I was able to hike so many miles that summer. She was far more dedicated to me, than I was to the trail and I’ll forever be grateful for all she did for me.
This episode is dedicated not only to my Wife, but to all those who support thru hikers on long trails. You’ll never really know how important you are to the journey.
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK!
I’m creating an ONLINE BACKPACKING COURSE that will shorten your learning curve in more than half and get you going on the right path to a backcountry adventure.
The By Land Podcast Facebook Group
I have a facebook group specifically for listeners! See you in there!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/
Show Notes
Introductions
When Emory first told Jess about the PCT
Our approach to the unknowns
Emory asks Jess to marry him before he left for the PCT
Why was Jess so confident about me leaving?
Relationship prep leading up to the trail
Planning visits
The importance of being all in
Jess’ connection to the trail
Saying goodbye
Dealing with the lack of information
Benefits of a GPS tracker brings to loved ones
What it’s like on the other side of things
How short videos helped us feel connected
Visiting Emory on the trail
Pros and Cons of visits
Saying goodbye after a visit
Observing hiking habits
How to handle your partner when they want to quit
When and how to communicate feelings
Jess’ worst goodbye
Looking to Canada and the importance of Jess being there
Canada
The smell of a hiker
What the trail means to Jess
What it’s like being an “outsider” to the hiking world
Advice to family and friends AFTER the trail
The dynamics of a partner wanting to be there
Watching the trail to life transition
What about hiking WITH your hiker?
What helped the MOST to feel close
Concerns about thru-hiking becoming a habit
How to deal with the desire to hike
On this episode of The By Land Podcast, we get to know Garage Grown Gear and one of the co-founders, Lloyd Vogal.
Garage Grown Gear offers backpacking products you’re not likely to find in big box stores like REI. They focus specifically on cottage brands that could be just one or two people deep and making products by hand. By partnering with smaller cottage brands to represent them in their marketplace, these startups can grow significantly faster and reach a wider audience. As GGG likes to say, it’s like the “farm to table” version of backpacking gear.
If you’re looking to find new gear from up and coming brands, you’ll want to be sure to take Garage Grown Gear for a spin.
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK!
I’m creating an ONLINE BACKPACKING COURSE that will shorten your learning curve in more than half and get you going on the right path to a backcountry adventure.
The By Land Podcast Facebook Group
I have a facebook group specifically for listeners! See you in there!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/
Show Notes
Introductions
Lloyd’s background and the road to co-founding GGG
How Lloyd first got into watersports
What it was like being an outdoor guide
Standout lessons from the guiding life
Getting to know GGG
Who GGG carries
Why GGG is important to cottage brands for exposure
How GGG chooses who to showcase
Who’s GGG’s audience and customer base
Benefits of showcasing smaller cottage brands
Current trends in ultralight backpacking
The thing about ultralight backpacking…
What Lloyd enjoys most about GGG on a personal level
How to connect with GGG
Links
https://www.garagegrowngear.com/
https://www.instagram.com/garagegrowngear/
https://www.facebook.com/GarageGrown
Woody Hartman wasn’t expecting to climb Mount Everest in 2019, but sometimes life takes some interesting turns and before you know it, you’re doing something you never thought you would.
On this episode, we dive into how Woody found himself on the summit of Everest, what it took to get there, and what it all means now that it’s over. This is no doubt one of my favorite conversations because Woody is about as grounded as they come and allows us to peer into how he’s learned to adapt to changing life circumstances. He also walks us through his journey through how he learned to be comfortable being uncomfortable and why it’s so important to dream bit, take risks, and use our goals as a catalyst for other adventures and life situations.
You’ll love this episode with Woody!
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK!
I’m creating an ONLINE BACKPACKING COURSE that will shorten your learning curve in more than half and get you going on the right path to a backcountry adventure.
The By Land Podcast Facebook Group
I have a facebook group specifically for listeners! See you in there!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/
Show Notes
Introductions
Woody’s path to Everest
How Woody decided to climb
Learning to make uncomfortable decisions
Finding happiness being uncomfortable
The barrier to being uncomfortable
How imagination plays a role in preventing adventure
What pushes people to climb Everest
What drives us to do push the limits
What climbing Everest means now that it’s over
Preparing for life after a big life goal/event
Learning to use big goals as a catalyst to a better place
How to center yourself when you’re in the middle of chaos
Woody’s 7 Summits project
Links
https://www.gofundme.com/f/woodybravetrails
https://www.instagram.com/woodys_unreality
On this episode, I talk with Kyle O’Grady of The Trail Tales Podcast about what it’s like dealing with the “Post Trail Blues.” We talk a lot about the grand adventure when we’re ON it or look back at it fondly when we’re not, but we rarely talk about what it’s like after it’s all over. For most of us, we’re left with a sense of wondering what we’re supposed to do next. We’ve built an identity around this adventure and now that it’s no longer something to look forward to we tend to slip into a slight depression.
Kyle spent his high school and college years planning to hike the Appalachian Trail and when he graduated he did it. Then he went back to work and was left to sort it all out on his own.
We talk about what the Post Trail Blues are, why it happens, and what we can do to deal with it. We also get to know who Kyle is and what he’s all about.
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK!
I’m creating an ONLINE BACKPACKING COURSE that will shorten your learning curve in more than half and get you going on the right path to a backcountry adventure.
The By Land Podcast Facebook Group
I have a facebook group specifically for listeners! See you in there!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/
Show Notes
Introductions
Getting to know Kyle
What it’s like getting into podcasting and seeing it grow
Exploring podcasting topics
Kyle’s journey into backpacking and Thru Hiking
What happens mentally after a long trail
The emotional connection to a grand goal
The reality of post trail blues
How to cope with missing the trail
What it was like getting back out on the trail again
Kyle’s experience with being in his head
Advice for future thru hikers
Links
https://trailtalespod.com/
Trail Tales Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trail-tales/id1441376382?mt=2
My Episode with Trail Tales https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/43-thru-hiking-pct-starting-byland-podcast-pacific/id1441376382?i=1000448508661
I started following Jon’s journey on the PCT before the PCT even happened for him. Once he got on trail, I enjoyed every moment of his journey via social media. He crushed miles early on, braved the snow in the Sierra, and ultimately arrived at the Northern Terminus on his own terms.
I asked Jon to come on the podcast to share his journey and to learn what it was like hiking his hike. We cover life before the trail, life ON trail, and life after.
Go follow Jon, he’s a good dude!
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK!
I’m creating an ONLINE BACKPACKING COURSE that will shorten your learning curve in more than half and get you going on the right path to a backcountry adventure.
The By Land Podcast Facebook Group
I have a facebook group specifically for listeners! See you in there!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/
Show Notes
Introductions
Jon’s backpacking backstory
How the PCT became a reality
How the beginning of the trail felt
When reality sets in on the PCT
Hiking the desert
Dealing with and addressing “fear mongering”
Finding and learning your limits
Decision making process
Addressing the snow in the Sierra
Why the PCT and backpacking is so important to Jon
Dealing with emotions on the trail
Nearing the end of the trail
What it means to “miss” the trail
Life after the trail
Lessons learned from the PCT
How daily routing dictates gear selection
Jon’s journey with photography while hiking
Plans for followon trails
Closing thoughts
How to follow Jon online
Links
https://www.instagram.com/jonathonfrankson
It never fails that when I dive down the backpacking rabbit hole on YouTube, I find myself watching a video by Darwin. He’s a constant voice of solid outdoor information and at the time of this podcast release has over 200k subscribers on YouTube. He’s literally helping hundreds of thousands of people reach their outdoor goals by providing real and honest backcountry advice based on his own personal experiences.
This episode explores the personal backpacking journey of Darwin. You’re going to hear what his life was like prior to backpacking and where it’s now headed. In this interview, Darwin explains the ups and downs of the trail, what inspires him to keep going, and what it means to be a creative that is part of the trail community.
I absolutely love this episode and am honored to have had a chance to connect with Darwin on such personal topics. If you’re in the need for a little entertainment and some inspiration, this episode is going to do you some good!
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK!
I’m creating an ONLINE BACKPACKING COURSE that will shorten your learning curve in more than half and get you going on the right path to a backcountry adventure.
The By Land Podcast Facebook Group
I have a facebook group specifically for listeners! See you in there!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/
Show Notes
Introductions
Getting to know Darwin
How Darwin got into backpacking
What it was like going BACK to the AT to finish
Life after the AT
The Story of Baltimore Jack
The connection to your first trail
Looking back at what life might have been without hiking
What it was like making a big life change
The story of the AZ Trail
How Darwin came to do what he does
Origin of the AZ Trail documentary
Exploring what happens when you’re on a long trail
Why Darwin does what he does
Explaining the AZ Trail Doc
Final Thoughts
How to find Darwin online
Links
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC18exdGWh7piVWisrnDXiZg
https://theoutdoorevolution.com/
https://www.instagram.com/darwin_onthetrail/
I’ve personally struggled for a lot of years with the idea of carrying a tripod into the backcountry. Whether for photography, birding, or hunting, tripods seem to be that tool everyone says you need to have but no one explains why or how to decide which one is best for you.
On this episode, Greg Napoli from Slik USA joins me to help decode the mystery behind tripods. He runs me through everything from top to bottom and explains why you need one and how to select the one for you.
If you’re looking to get educated on tripods, this episode is dedicated to you!
15% AUDIENCE DISCOUNT
If you ARE interested in making a purchase, Slik is offering a 15% discount on any new full priced item. Just use code ByLand15 during checkout!
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK!
I’m creating an ONLINE BACKPACKING COURSE that will shorten your learning curve in more than half and get you going on the right path to a backcountry adventure.
THE BY LAND PODCAST FACEBOOK GROUP
I have a facebook group specifically for listeners! See you in there!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/
SHOW NOTES
Introduction to Greg
How Greg found himself working at a tripod company
Background on Slik USA
What it means when a tripod “performs”
Selecting the type of tripod you need
Working within limitations
The importance of tripods today
Considering brand choice
When better “quality” is needed
A rundown description of the Slik tripod I’ve been trying
Thoughts on learning your craft
How to choose a ball head or video head
Thoughts on leg extension type
Suggested Slik Tripods for backpackers
How to followup with Slik
LINKS
https://slikusa.com/
https://slikusa.com/collections/tripod/products/sprint-pro-iii-bh-kit-black
https://byland.co/gear-reviews/slik-pro-cf-634svh-kit-with-svh-501-video-head-review
https://www.instagram.com/slikusa/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBGIuCWv1mqIvnM2uyucL8w
https://www.facebook.com/slikusa/
For the past 8 years, Marion Mauran has been producing a documentary about Sam Fox’s FKT attempt of the Pacific Crest Trail. In this interview, Marion and I dive in to what the documentary is about, how it came to be, and what she learned from the process.
If you’re a fan of documentary film making paired with the outdoors, this episode will be right up your ally.
As of October 2019, the film has been released and I highly encourage you to take the time to watch it.
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
The By Land Podcast Facebook Group
I have a facebook group specifically for listeners! See you in there!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
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Show Notes
Introductions
What “Elevation Change” is about
How Marion got involved in the story
Preparing and planning for the shoot
The creative process of a documentary
How to tell someone’s story
Interviewing Scott Williamson
Was Sam prepared for the mental struggle?
How an 8 year project impacted Marion
Biggest takeaways from the film
Why filmmaking as a creative medium
How to watch the film and learn more
Links
http://elevationchangedoc.com/
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/elevationchange/355390794
https://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/elevation-change/id1478858993
https://www.facebook.com/elevationchangedoc/
If you’ve ever wondered how a trail that spans 2650 miles across 3 large states is managed and protected, this is the episode you’re going to want to listen to.
Mark and Megan of the PCTA join me for Episode 92 to talk about how the PCTA is working to protect the Pacific Crest Trail. We discuss the history of the PCTA, what each of their roles are in the organization, how the PCTA works alongside the Federal Government to protect the trail, and finally a discussion of a recent acquisition of land along the trail corridor that will help keep the trail safe.
This episode showcases the backbone of how these trails we love remain wild and safe for future generations to come.
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
The By Land Podcast Facebook Group
I have a facebook group specifically for listeners! See you in there!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
SWAG - http://byland.co/shop/
Comic Book - http://byland.co/comic-book/
Show Notes
Introduction to Mark and Megan
PCT and PCTA History
How the PCTA functions and works
Why the PCT was started
What it means to be a National Scenic Trail
PCTA Land aquisition
Overview of the Land and Water Conservation Fund
What happens when lands transfer to an org like the PCTA and what that means
How land easements work
How the PCTA raises awareness of the trail
The economic impact of the PCT
What keeps Mark and Megan coming back time and again to the PCT and the wilderness
Links
Trail maintenance page: https://www.pcta.org/volunteer/trail-skills-college/
National Trails System page: https://www.pcta.org/our-work/national-trails-system/
Advocacy page: https://www.pcta.org/our-work/advocacy/
History: https://www.pcta.org/about-us/history/
Trail skills college: https://www.pcta.org/volunteer/trail-skills-college/
Land Protection: https://www.pcta.org/our-work/land-protection/
Trinity Divide Land Acquisition: https://www.pcta.org/2019/the-trinity-divide-land-acquisition-is-a-big-leap-toward-protecting-the-entire-pacific-crest-trail-66288/
Stevens Pass Land Acquisition: https://www.outsideonline.com/2264601/private-landowner-almost-cut-pct
http://media.blubrry.com/thebylandpodcast/static1.squarespace.com/static/55faf2dde4b0ef3f50c609aa/t/5d7e5f0a2d2bcf38407255ce/1568563273138/Episode+91+How+To+Balance+Your+Love+Of+Backpacking+With+Your+Love+Of+Family+With+Dan+Kriesberg.mp3/original/Episode+91+How+To+Balance+Your+Love+Of+Backpacking+With+Your+Love+Of+Family+With+Dan+Kriesberg.mp3?download=true
A goal of mine for 2019 was to go bear hunting in an area I’d always wanted to explore. My window of opportunity was closing so I got the green light from my Wife and headed out this past weekend for a solo backpack hunt.
When I got there and my excitement wore off, I started to feel heavy. I was glassing this huge basin for bears as the sun was going down, but it just wasn’t doing anything for me. All I could think about was my little girl being tucked in at home and how much more rich this experience would be if she and my wife were here with me. Hell, even just a walk in the woods would be more enjoyable than what I was currently doing.
After exploring this feeling of wanting to be home, I realized that I just wasn’t feeling it that day. As the sun went down, I packed my things and hiked out in the dark.
This episode explores what happened, why, and what it all means.
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
The By Land Podcast Facebook Group
I have a facebook group specifically for listeners! See you in there!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
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Show Notes
My goals explained
What actually happened
Deep diving my thoughts
Ideas on why I packed it in early
Deep diving those ideas
What it all means
Final Thoughts
Links
https://www.instagram.com/byland.co/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChSSISEgIfwYz2cc0aHQj3g
Jeff Balch is the founder and creator of the mobile navigation app “Basemap.” If you’re familiar with using your phone as a GPS, then you know how it works, but are you using it to its full extent?
On this episode Jeff explains how Basemap came about, how it differs from other applications on the market, but more importantly he runs me though HOW he uses this thing he’s created.
Understanding HOW Jeff uses his application allows us to understand why it was built and how best to use it for our own purposes. This episode is loaded with great bits of information and I for one will be implementing a lot of what Jeff talks about.
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
The By Land Podcast Facebook Group
I have a facebook group specifically for listeners! See you in there!
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
SWAG - http://byland.co/shop/
Comic Book - http://byland.co/comic-book/
Show Notes
Introductions
What tipped Jeff in the direction of creating Basemap
GPS accuracy of mobile devices
Building trust with your navigational device
Jeff’s life before Basemap
Learning to build maps
What Jeff wanted in an navigational app that he wasn’t able to get on the market
Using the app as a journal/log
How Jeff uses manages his field data
Data Jeff records and color coordinates his data
3D features
Features inside Basemap that make it different
Who Basemap is for
Transferring data from other applications
Supported mobile devices
Pricing Structure
How to followup with Basemap
Links
https://www.basemap.com/
https://www.instagram.com/basemap_huntfish
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUoFYFsMGydUqZklg7w0cBQ
10% off Premium Membership
Daniel Galhardo discovered the Japanese method of fly fishing called “Tenkara” while researching the fishing culture of Japan. After realizing how effective it was not only for fishing but for backpacking and backcountry travel, he decided to Introduce Tenkara to the United States and has been successfully doing so for over 10 years.
I wanted to have Daniel on to talk about fly fishing in the backcountry, but I ended up getting so much more than that. He has an incredible way of explaining things and is willing to dive into topics that create the foundation of our experiences in the backcountry. You don’t have to be interested in fly fishing to enjoy this episode because there’s so much great thought that Daniel brings to this episode that we could probably have a full length one just on backcountry philosophy.
For those interested in experiencing the backcountry in a new way, you’re going to enjoy this episode with Daniel of Tenkara USA!
AUDIENCE DISCOUNT!!!
FOR A LIMITED TIME audience members can receive 20% off Tenkara USA products by calling Tenkara USA at 1-888-483-6527 AND referencing The By Land Podcast. VALID ONLY FROM 19-29 AUGUST 2019!!!
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
The By Land Podcast Facebook Group
I have a facebook group specifically for listeners! See you in there!
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
SWAG - http://byland.co/shop/
Comic Book - http://byland.co/comic-book/
Show Notes
Introduction to Daniel and Tenkara USA
How Daniel found the the Tenkara method
What it’s like bringing Tenkara to the US
The effectiveness of the simple Tenkara design
What makes traditional fly fishing rods cumbersome for backcountry travel
How the Tenkara design works
“Limitations” of the Tenkara (and gear in general)
How embracing limitations can help us
How Daniel learned to embrace simplicity
How to help people find their excuse to get outside
New backcountry hobbies equal new places to explore
How to find fish
What makes Daniel return to streams to fish
Exploring the question of “why”
How Daniel decides to keep fish and when to release them
Advice for choosing a Tenkara USA rod
How to reach Tenkara USA
Links
https://www.tenkarausa.com/
https://www.tenkarausa.com/learn-tenkara/
https://www.tenkarausa.com/cooking-trout-campfire/
https://www.tenkarausa.com/shop/product_info.php/products_id/207
Tyler Lau his an experienced member of trail crews and even teaches HOW to build trails the right way. On this episode we dive into how trails are designed, built, and maintained. We also chat about the do’s and don’ts along where we as hikers can help keep trails in their proper conditions so trail crews can attend to other trails in need of maintenance.
We also spend some time discussing diversity in the outdoors. Tyler is the first person of color to complete the Calendar Year Triple Crown so I wanted to take the opportunity to find out what Tyler’s experience has been and how he sees diversity in the outdoor industry.
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
The By Land Podcast Facebook Group
I have a facebook group specifically for listeners! See you in there!
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
SWAG - http://byland.co/shop/
Comic Book - http://byland.co/comic-book/
Show Notes
Introductions
Catching up with Tyler since EP 69
Diversity in the outdoors and Tyler’s personal experiences
How to think about trail building
Scouting a trail
What makes a “good grade”
“Flagging” a trail for rework or future work
How trails are physical made
Deciding trail widths and tread
Trail building tools: the cross cut saw
Bridge building
Cutting Switchbacks
The cost of trail crews
How to learn more about trail building
Following up with Tyler
Links
https://www.instagram.com/hikingprodigy
https://www.facebook.com/hikingprodigy/
hikingprodigy@gmail.com
https://byland.co/podcast/episode-69-the-calendar-year-triple-crown-with-tyler-lau
Rowan Smith is a personal trainer who specializes in helping trekkers, mountaineers, and backpackers prepare for their upcoming adventures.
On this episode we dive into an article he wrote regarding the “6 Overrated Training Methods for Trekkers” to discuss why these exercises are “overrated” and what might be done to correct them or replace them with ones better suited for the backcountry traveler.
This episode is packed full of great information from Rowan so be sure follow up with him at the links below for additional information!
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
The By Land Podcast Facebook Group
I have a facebook group specifically for listeners! See you in there!
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
SWAG - https://byland.co/shop/
Comic Book - https://byland.co/comic-book/
Show Notes
Introductions
What Rowan does and how he helps backcountry travelers
Rowans backstory in the outdoors
The hiking/backpacking culture in Australia
How backpacking can help you learn about a culture or landscape
What Rowan saw as a gap in training for the backcountry
Rowans 6 Overrated Training Techniques
Heart Rate Training
Jump Training and replacement exercises
Altitude Masks
Fasted Training
High Intensity Training
The resurgence of strength training
Knee pain - common causes and prevention
How to reach Rowan
Links
https://www.summitstrength.com.au/
https://www.summitstrength.com.au/blog/6-overrated-training-methods-for-trekkers
https://www.instagram.com/summitstrength.au/
https://www.facebook.com/summitstrength.au
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA8GRU1X-_ewtGM2y5213EQ
Nicholas Reichard is a thru hiker who documents his trails with film cameras. He's hiked the AT, PCT, and part of the CDT doing just that and documenting his time on trail. We cover everything from how he got started to what it all means.
Jeff Garmire has logged 21 thousand miles and counting at the time of this episode being aired. Funny thing is, you wouldn’t really know it because he doesn’t exactly care to shout it from the rooftops. Rather, he goes about his business by chasing his passion, learning, and trying new things.
On trail, Jeff goes by “Legend.” As such, I figured it would be beneficial to pick the brain of someone who has hiked so many miles, completed a Calendar Year Triple Crown, attempted and completed the FKT of the Arizona Trail, and countless other endeavors. You don’t have to want to follow in Jeff’s footsteps in order to learn something from him. What Jeff knows can apply to literally any backpacking trip, big or small, that you will ever do. We cover everything from his early days, to how he deals with the mental struggles of the trail, speed versus efficiency, and his latest AZ Trail adventure. You name it, we cover it and Jeff does so in a way that isn’t intimidating or hard to follow.
This episode is no doubt packed full of great talking points!
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
The By Land Podcast Facebook Group
I have a facebook group specifically for listeners! See you in there!
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
SWAG - http://byland.co/shop/
Comic Book - http://byland.co/comic-book/
Show Notes
Introductions
Jeff remembers Tyler Lau from when he was attemping his own Calendar Triple Crown
Connecting with others on trail
Where and how Jeff’s backpacking story began
What the PCT culture was like when Jeff started
Jeff’s first PCT experience and how it compares to today
Deciding to hike again
Hiking the PNW Trail
Deciding to attempt an FKT
Mental vs. Physical
Techniques for staying mentally sharp
Planning out the AZ Trail FKT
Learning what your body is capable
Learning to hike big miles
Efficiency versus speed
Walking techniques
Hiking and being inside your head
Dealing with the mental redline
Thoughts on what a “backpacker” is and what it means to backpack
How to follow up with Jeff
Links
https://www.instagram.com/thefreeoutside
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcFxqculFnBmXQo9HbYGKOQ
https://www.facebook.com/freeoutside/
On this episode, I’m rolling solo again and answering 12 questions that I found inside the “Backpacking” group on Facebook. Some are basic, others are not. Either way, I think it’s good to at least hear feedback from various resources on commonly asked backpacking questions.
And yes, I know I don’t know everything, but have hiked a little in my day…
Enjoy!
Always Learning By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
The By Land Podcast Facebook Group
I have a facebook group specifically for listeners! See you in there!
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
SWAG - http://byland.co/shop/
Comic Book - http://byland.co/comic-book/
Show Notes
Twist lock or Clip Lock Trekking Poles?
Any really good non-deet bug repellent? Want something that’s not only easier on the sleeping bag but also more natural.
I was wondering where you find Tyvek for DIY footprints. And is it cheaper than buying a $50 footprint
Favorite drink mix for water while on the trail?
Sometimes my pack gets heavy and I use my trekking poles to hold it up against the tree so I can put it on has anybody else ever tried to do something like this and if so what are your methods upholding your pack up against a tree so that you can put it on?
All packed to hit the trail on Wednesday. First time the hubby is coming in a long time. So it took longer to pack and Everything he has is seriously extra large 🙄. While I feel like a BA when I pack light he seems to feel carrying the fridge and kitchen sink is the badge of honor. How does taking your significant other change what you do pre trail and on ??
Looking for recommendations on a personal locator/tracker. Best one for the money?
Anyone here use Nikwax products to clean and restore water repellent clothing or treat gear? Is it worth the money?
Who uses a backpacking cot when camping in the back country? I know they are extra weight, but if you’re a side sleeper, I hear they are a game changer!!
What do you guys think about mountain bikes on hiking/foot path trails? A local trail group wants to submit a proposal to turn several foot path trails into mountain biking trails also. Personally I hate the idea for many reasons. What's your take?
Are there any other packs besides Osprey that are even worth looking at? Edit: Maybe I could have worded my question a different way, but whatever. I’m in the market for a new pack, recommendations on other brands besides Osprey that are worth the time to look at.
Is there a noticeable difference in packed volume between down that is 950 vs 800? Does the 950 pack down a lot smaller or negligible?
Links
https://journalofmountainhunting.com/ep143-myth-busting-layering-apparel-systems/
I found Dylan Tonkin through a post of his on Linkedin where he described what it was hating his job, quitting, hiking a long trail, and finally starting his own business.
On this episode, Dylan and I chat about his personal story and what he’s learned from all of it. We discuss what it means to be happy, what it means to FIND happiness, and how important it really to pursue what you want by taking action.
This episode is riddled full of motivation for anyone out there needing a little extra bump to get going in the right direction.
Enjoy!
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
The By Land Podcast Facebook Group
I have a facebook group specifically for listeners! See you in there!
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
SWAG - http://byland.co/shop/
Comic Book - http://byland.co/comic-book/
Show Notes
Introductions
Backstory on Dylan’s social media post
The breaking point for Dylan
What it was like taking the leap
Experiencing the AT
The decision to do more trails
Life after the trail
Taking risks
On being happy
The result of Thru Hiking and life after the trail
Thoughts on the increase in vlogging on trails
What’s next for Dylan
Advice for those who might be where Dylan was at work
How to followup with Dylan
Links
https://www.facebook.com/dtonkin3
https://www.facebook.com/dstonkin/
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dylan-tonkin-show?fbclid=IwAR0ulQirCzZn3qXYIRLKWsiqL3LYfX2iVWPINSuYZKeENmJcwrqH9cI_YWk
https://www.instagram.com/dstonkin
It never fails that I learn about a new function of backpacking at least a few times a month. While watching a few YouTube videos a while back, I came across a film detailing a backpack hunt that wasn’t like something I’d seen before. It all looked familiar, but the game pursued was a bird and that bird was the Himalayan Snow Cock.
I’d never once heard of someone backpacking into the backcountry specifically for a bird hunt, but because of the nature of the Snow Cock, there’s really no other choice. As I watched the film I became enamored with this new idea of pairing bird hunting and backpacking together. Once the video ended, I researched who made it and voila, Episode 81 was born.
On this episode I interview Matt Hardinge, one of the hunters in the film and who also happens to be a representative of the organization Pheasants Forever. We cover everything from what the Snow Cock is, how it was introduced, why it’s so difficult to hunt, and what Pheasants Forever is doing to protect birds of all species so they can flourish as their natural habitat becomes increasingly damaged.
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
Interested in talking about the show with other listeners??
First things first, thanks for taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions, comments, or want to dive further into the details of this show and others, you can join the By Land Podcast Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/ to link up with myself and other listeners. See you on there!
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
SWAG - http://byland.co/shop/
Comic Book - http://byland.co/comic-book/
Show Notes
Introductions
Matt’s background
Accessibility to public lands
Introduction to the Himalayan Snow Cock
How Matt found his way to pursuing this bird
What makes the Snow Cock so difficult to hunt?
How to hunt these Snow Cock’s
Transitioning from the standard bird hunt to a backpacking bird hunt
Why the bird was introduced into North America
Conservation in the world of birds
What habitat upland birds need to survive
How hunting plays a role in the conservation of a species
The general feel for how bird populations are currently doing
Intro to the Pheasants Forever Organization
How acquiring land works with the Org.
How Matt came to do what he does
Why Matt is attracted to the outdoors
Recruiting new hunters
Matt’s favorite way to cook game birds
How to reach Matt or learn more
Links
The film https://youtu.be/Ul7XJmBoGeg
https://www.pheasantsforever.org/
https://projectupland.com/
https://www.instagram.com/matthardinge/
This episode recaps my experience on the Exo Death Hike in 2019. At the time of its release, it’s been one week since these events occurred so it was important for me to capture my thoughts and get them down into an episode for others to learn from.
This is a solo show, meaning it’s only me on this time. In it I cover what the Death Hike is, how it works, what it entailed this year, and most importantly, what I learned from it. This hike is meant to push your limits and it did just that. There were a number of things that happened to my body that I think are worth talking about in hopes that others can learn from my experiences.
This podcast was created to help people backpack better. Sometimes we do well, sometimes we don’t. What matters is that we continue to learn and share that knowledge with those around us.
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
Interested in talking about the show with other listeners??
First things first, thanks for taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions, comments, or want to dive further into the details of this show and others, you can join the By Land Podcast Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/ to link up with myself and other listeners. See you on there!
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
SWAG - http://byland.co/shop/
Comic Book - http://byland.co/comic-book/
Show Notes
Intro to the Death Hike
What the Death Hike involved
How my body performed
Issues with eating and how to avoid a personal hunger strike
Feedback on the new Exo K3 Frame
Lessons learned from the Death Hike
Footwear
Pace
The importance of challenges
Stop comparing yourself to others
Passionate people doing passionate things
Gear highlights
Audience Q & A
Final Thoughts
Links
https://exomtngear.com/
https://byland.co/podcast/2017/12/5/finding-your-limits-with-dan-solsman
https://byland.co/podcast/2017/9/26/blp-004-steve-speck-and-the-anatomy-of-a-backpack
Shanti Hodges is the founder of Hike It Baby, an organization that was built to encourage and invite young families to hike in the outdoors. On this episode, we dive into the origins of Hike It Baby, what it is, who it serves, and how it helps parents with young kids.
Even if you don’t have kids, this episode with motivate you, but if you do, this one is not something you’ll want to miss!
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
Interested in talking about the show with other listeners??
First things first, thanks for taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions, comments, or want to dive further into the details of this show and others, you can join the By Land Podcast Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/ to link up with myself and other listeners. See you on there!
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
SWAG - http://byland.co/shop/
Comic Book - http://byland.co/comic-book/
Show Notes
Introductions
The backstory of Hike It Baby
The benefits of being outside with your child
Origins of Hike It Baby and why it was started
Organizing the organization
What it’s like hiking with Hike It Baby
The impact of Hike It Baby
Common personal barriers to hiking
The support structure
Goal setting and expectations
The power of community
Learning to hike with your kids
How to motivate your kids on trail
Expert advice for avoiding bad situations
Planning ahead of time
Tips and tricks
The future of Hike It Baby
The age range included
How to followup with Hike It Baby
Links
https://hikeitbaby.com/
https://www.instagram.com/hikeitbaby/
http://www.hikingmyway.com/
Have you ever found yourself wishing you had something with you on trail that could alleviate pain or avoid it altogether without having to haul a heavy massage tool around with you or asking a friend to help “roll you out?” I have…a lot. Ever since I hiked that long trail, I have been looking for something to toss in my pack that won’t take up space or add weight.
Thanks to the internet gods, I found Marek from Rawlogy and reached out for an interview.
Marek is the founder or Rawlogy, a company that’s making super lightweight massage balls for backcountry travelers. They’re eco friendly, won’t take up space, and make it so you can give yourself better self care when you’re out there in the wilderness battling muscle fatigue.
On this episode, we dive into who and what Rawlogy is, how massage balls work, and why Marek is doing this in the first place.
This one is going to be great!
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
Interested in talking about the show with other listeners??
First things first, thanks for taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions, comments, or want to dive further into the details of this show and others, you can join the By Land Podcast Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/ to link up with myself and other listeners. See you on there!
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
SWAG - http://byland.co/shop/
Comic Book - http://byland.co/comic-book/
Show Notes
Introductions
Making a sustainable product
Marek’s backstory
How rolling out can alleviate pain
How much the Rawlogy balls weigh and what each are used for
How to implement self care
Addressing IT bands
How impactful self care actually is
Reviews since launch
What the journey of Rawlogy has been like
What the outdoors means to Marek
The future of Rawlogy
Differences in what products are available
How to reach Rawlogy
For those dog lovers out there who dream of taking their best pal in the world on a backpacking trip, this episode is for you!
Effie Drew has hiked thousands of miles with her dog Luna along some of the best trails the United States has to offer and on this episode, we dive into what that looks like. We cover everything from training for a trail, managing food and water, to deciding how much weight your dog can carry down a trail.
Enjoy!
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
Interested in talking about the show with other listeners??
First things first, thanks for taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions, comments, or want to dive further into the details of this show and others, you can join the By Land Podcast Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/ to link up with myself and other listeners. See you on there!
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
SWAG - http://byland.co/shop/
Comic Book - http://byland.co/comic-book/
Show Notes
Introductions
Effie’s background in backpacking
How Effie became interested in Thru Hiking the AT
Remembering the AT
Effie’s decision bring a dog on the AT
Reflecting on the AT and if dogs belong on trail
What the “hiking” lifestyle looks like and requires
Heading into the second trail with a dog
Seeing Luna make decisions on her own based on experience
Training a dog to hike off leash
Managing a dog’s well being and health on trail
Training your dog to hike like you train yourself
Learning to read your dog on trail to know how they’re doing
The connection with your dog after a trail
Gear for dogs and load carry
Caring for paws
Learning to push your dog at times
Feeding your dog on trail
Dealing with emotions on trail
Recovery for your dog
How to reach Effie for more information
Links
http://www.babygotbackwoods.com/
https://www.instagram.com/babygotbackwoods_/
https://www.facebook.com/effie.drew
Frans sent me an email a while back detailing an experience he had in the mountains while on a trail run with his dog. In years past, he would have brought a mountain of gear “just in case” but this time he packed only what he needed so he could move more quickly and cover more ground.
Halfway through the run he found himself in deep snow and had a moment of “what if.” He resolved to keep moving until he found himself back on the main trail headed to the truck. From this experience Frans began to have some realizations about how much gear is too much gear and how much is too little.
On this episode we explore this exact topic. We talk about what can be achieved by bringing only the essentials and Frans’ personal journey in backpacking.
Lot’s of great stuff to think about in this one!
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
Interested in talking about the show with other listeners??
First things first, thanks for taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions, comments, or want to dive further into the details of this show and others, you can join the By Land Podcast Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/ to link up with myself and other listeners. See you on there!
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
SWAG - http://byland.co/shop/
Comic Book - http://byland.co/comic-book/
Show Notes
Introduction to Frans
Thoughts on public lands having come from the Netherlands to Canada
The learning curve of backcountry hunting
What kept Frans going back after having a less than idea experience
Reducing pack weight and living simple in the backcountry
Frans’ thoughts after an experience on a recent day trip
The great debate of how much gear to bring and when
On mental awareness in the backcountry
Exploring various gear loadouts
What opportunities exist when you reduce pack weight
Thoughts on using emergency beacons
Moving forward in future backcountry endeavors
How the hunting mindset has impacted other outdoor activities and adventures
How to follow up with Frans
Links
http://www.crooked-arrow.com/
https://www.instagram.com/_crookedarrow/
The Washington Trails Association is an example of what is possible when people come together in a concerted effort to help ensure our trail systems are here to stay. Since the beginning of this podcast, I’ve had guests mention time and again that the WTA is making a difference and I wanted to find out why.
On this episode, we dive into the history of the WTA, their reach, their projects, their mission, and everything else that makes up a trails association. We not only discuss the past and present, but we dive into what the future holds for our trail systems as well.
Enjoy!
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
Interested in talking about the show with other listeners??
First things first, thanks for taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions, comments, or want to dive further into the details of this show and others, you can join the By Land Podcast Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/ to link up with myself and other listeners. See you on there!
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
SWAG - http://byland.co/shop/
Comic Book - http://byland.co/comic-book/
Show Notes
Introductions
Backstory on the WTA
What the WTA is and does
How the WTA works
What’s possible with an org like the WTA
Partnering with other organizations
How trails were created and what prevents them from being maintained
The dream scenario and long term plans
The impact of the outdoor economy
Investing in the outdoors
A return to the outdoors
Getting involved in a trail crew
A day in the life of a trail volunteer
Funding the WTA
What’s at risk by doing nothing to protect the outdoors
Eduction first
Finding a trail to hike
Learning to a ppreciating the small things on a hike
How to follow up with the WTA to learn more
Links
https://www.wta.org/
Devin Everett might actually be one of the most motivating people to talk with.
On this episode we cover everything from what spurred her Thru Hike of the AT, her battle with Lyme Disease, finding a cause to hike for, and what it means to be mindful in the backcountry. From start to finish, this chat with Devin is simply motivating.
If you’re in need of a feel good episode that makes you want to get out and do more, this is the one for you!
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
Interested in talking about the show with other listeners??
First things first, thanks for taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions, comments, or want to dive further into the details of this show and others, you can join the By Land Podcast Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/ to link up with myself and other listeners. See you on there!
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
SWAG - http://byland.co/shop/
Comic Book - http://byland.co/comic-book/
Show Notes
Introductions
Devin’s backstory
Leading up to Devin’s Thru Hike
Backpacking experiences prior to the AT
What it takes to Thru Hike
Realizations while on trail
Choosing to hike the PCT
Hiking for a cause
How hiking has helped Devin on a personal level
Tips for how to center yourself and meditate when backpacking
What it feels like going into trail number 2
Lyme Disease explained
What happens to the body with Lyme
Treatments
Symptoms
Checking for ticks
How ticks get on you
Common spots ticks are found on the body
Removal of ticks
Devin’s longterm plan
Devin’s thoughts on quitting a stable and reliable job to pursue a dream
Links
https://www.devineverettyoga.com/
https://www.instagram.com/devineverettyoga/
Deuter kid carriers are some of the most acclaimed carriers out on the market today. After doing personal research on which pack I should use to haul my little girl around in, the reviews and feedback always came back to those offered by Deuter.
On this episode, we chat with Liz Esche of Deuter who walks us through the brand new 2019 line up of kid carriers. As a new father looking for help on what to look for in a kid carrier, I run through a laundry list of questions with Liz and learned a number of new things along the way. We cover the new updates to the lineup, common features, differences in models, and of course the amazing Deuter Warranty.
If you’re in the market for a kid carrier, either now or in the future, this episode is for you!
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
Interested in talking about the show with other listeners??
First things first, thanks for taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions, comments, or want to dive further into the details of this show and others, you can join the By Land Podcast Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/ to link up with myself and other listeners. See you on there!
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
SWAG - http://byland.co/shop/
Comic Book - http://byland.co/comic-book/
Show Notes
Introductions
The history of Deuter
Sorting through the 2019 kid carrier lineup
When is a carrier appropriate for a kid
How Deuter carriers function
How much extra gear can be carried with a carrier
Considerations for choosing a carrier and various features
Finding the right fit
Adjustability
Cleaning the carrier
Putting on the pack
Hydration features
Reaching and tending to the baby/kid when hiking
The Deuter Warranty
Kid friendly backpacks
General guidance on when kids can begin wearing packs
Hike It Baby
Price points
Where to find and try the backpacks
Differences between last years model and this years model
Closing thoughts
How to learn more about about Deuter products
Links
http://www.deuter.com/
https://info.deuterusa.com/blog/eight-tips-for-introducing-your-kids-to-backpacking
https://www.deuterusa.com/collections/kids
https://hikeitbaby.com/
Carrot Quinn is a long distance hiker, blogger, and author of the book “Thru Hiking Will Break Your Heart,” a memoir of her time on the Pacific Crest Trail.
I came across Carrot’s work after having heard from a number of audience members that she was a source of inspiration to them so I reached out and asked if she’d be willing to come on to chat about her story. She willingly accepted the invitation and as a result, I had the pleasure of diving into a number of topics with Carrot throughout this episode.
We discuss her journey in long distance hiking, why she decided to write a book about it along with what that was like, and what backpacking means to her after all these years and experiences. Additionally, Carrot shares with me some things that might be difficult for some to hear and understand, but this is what I love about this podcast and connecting with people who share a similar passion for the outdoors. Because of backpacking, I had the opportunity to connect with someone about things I wasn’t aware of. Now it’s on me to investigate these topics further for my own knowledge and awareness.
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
INTERESTED IN TALKING ABOUT THE SHOW WITH OTHER LISTENERS??
First things first, thanks for taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions, comments, or want to dive further into the details of this show and others, you can join the By Land Podcast Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/ to link up with myself and other listeners. See you on there!
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
SWAG - http://byland.co/shop/
Comic Book - http://byland.co/comic-book/
SHOW NOTES
Introductions
Why Carrot decided to write her book on Thru Hiking
On the process of writing and self publishing
The dynamic of writing a book versus a blog post
Who Carrot was writing for
Breaking the mold of “what a backpacker is”
Exploring the narrative of the outdoors
The power of social media in exposing the unheard narrative
How we can help marginalized communities
Learning to be open to new ideas and concepts
The usage of public lands and the effects it can have on certain groups of people
How wilderness areas can impact issues on the US/Mexican border
The humanitarian crisis on border wilderness areas
How Carrot’s research on the border crisis has impacted her awareness of backpacking
What backpacking means now after the years
Finding new challenges in backpacking
LINKS
https://carrotquinn.com/
Thru Hiking Will Break Your Heart
https://www.instagram.com/carrotquinn/
Justin “2 Taps” Helmkamp is a Thru Hiker who recently completed the southern section of the Te Araroa Trail in New Zealand. He’s also an advocate for mental health and, when he’s not hiking a long trail, he spends his time working with a teens and young adults in a Wilderness Therapy program.
On this episode, we talk about his time hiking abroad in New Zealand, how to deal with constant wet feet, how to allow and adventure to take palce, and how the wilderness can be a useful tool for mental health.
Justin is a cool cat and someone you’re going to want to pay attention to.
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
Interested in talking about the show with other listeners??
First things first, thanks for taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions, comments, or want to dive further into the details of this show and others, you can join the By Land Podcast Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/ to link up with myself and other listeners. See you on there!
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
SWAG - http://byland.co/shop/
Comic Book - http://byland.co/comic-book/
Show Notes
Introductions
Justin’s path to backpacking
The inspiration to hike
Learning to Thru Hike from scratch
Deciding to hike the Te Araroa in New Zealand
Details of the trail
The Approach to planning the Te Araroa Trail
Learning to let adventure happen and building confidence
How hiking really let’s you experience a place
Learning to hike New Zealand
How to deal with wet feet
Being comfortable being uncomfortable
A note on backpacking footwear
Is hiking becoming more popular?
Hike for Mental Health and wilderness therapy
Finding another purpose while out on an adventure
Why the wilderness therapy works
Learning to be bored
Can video or photography ruin an experience?
Details on guided wilderness therapy
How the movement of hiking plays a role in therapy
What can happen in your head when hiking
Allowing yourself to learn from the outdoors
How to follow up with Justin and what he’s doing
Links
https://www.hikeformentalhealth.org/
https://www.instagram.com/justinhelmkamp/
https://secure.hikeformentalhealth.org/np/clients/hike/campaign.jsp?campaign=103&fundraiser=9836
Mary from 2 Foot Adventures is BACK to discuss all things Pacific Crest Trail 2019 related!
Mary and her partner run a mobile gear shop focused on ultralight gear built for the Pacific Crest Trail. They operate in a few locations throughout the hiking season and as of now are located in Warner Springs, California, at right about the 110 mile marker. These mobile gear shops are converted airstream style trailers that literally have everything you need for a Thru Hiker or really any type of backpacking. Trust me when I say they’re a godsend when gear is getting the best of you.
For years now, Mary has been operating these mobile gear shops and you can tell just by talking to her that it is without a doubt her passion. She absolutely loves the Thru Hikers and the PCT. She also has a unique look into what works for hikers and what doesn’t given the fact that she sees dozens and dozens of them in a single week (probably more like hundreds).
On this episode, we recap the 2018 PCT hiking season, chat about trends in gear, common pain points and problems hikers experience, and we even dive into the holistic side of what Thru Hiking means. There’s no shortage of great perspective and information in this episode and it’s now become one of my favorite conversations to look forward to each year.
Please enjoy!
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
Interested in talking about the show with other listeners??
First things first, thanks for taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions, comments, or want to dive further into the details of this show and others, you can join the By Land Podcast Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/ to link up with myself and other listeners. See you on there!
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
SWAG - http://byland.co/shop/
Comic Book - http://byland.co/comic-book/
Show Notes
Introductions
Recap of what 2 Foot Adventures is
Why being at Warners Springs so important
Everything you need in 200 square feet
Specialty gear you can expect to see in the trailers
Trends in backpacking from year to year
The issue with “believing” in the gear we’ve purchased
What finding the right gear can do for you
Why being flexible and open minded can improve your experiences
The PCT as a pilgrimage
Common issues in the first 100 miles
On finding the right gear that works for YOU
How hikers change as they move north along the trail
What about quitting the trail?
Finding YOUR trail along the trail
Life lessons from the trail
Learning to enjoy the process
On responding to problems
Audience Q and A:
Most popular water filter
Most popular shelters
Average amount of time it takes to hike the PCT
When is the best time to start the PCT
How many miles to start with?
Best resupply strategy?
Considerations for the PCT this year
Closing thoughts
How to connect with 2 Foot Adventures
Links
https://2footadventures.com/
https://instagram.com/2FootAdventures
http://facebook.com/2FootAdventures
Tyler “The Prodigy” Lau completed the Calendar Year Triple Crown in 2018. That means, he hiked the PCT, CDT, and AT all in one single year. That’s a huge accomplishment and one that he’ll probably be digesting for years to come.
On this episode, I have the opportunity to pick his brain about why, how, and what it all means now that it’s over with. To say the least, there is a load of great information in this episode and it’s coming from a guy who just spent a lot of time on trail going through some incredible landscapes and situations.
Please enjoy!
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
Interested in talking about the show with other listeners??
First things first, thanks for taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions, comments, or want to dive further into the details of this show and others, you can join the By Land Podcast Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/ to link up with myself and other listeners. See you on there!
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
SWAG - http://byland.co/shop/
Comic Book - http://byland.co/comic-book/
Show Notes
Introductions
Tyler’s background and personal history
Tyler’s experience working the with the PCTA trail crews
Trail design and maintenance
Tyler’s path to completing a Calendar Year Triple Crown
What the Calendar Triple Crown is and means
Exploring the “why?”
Planning and logistics for 3 long trails in 1 year
Learning to be flexible, adaptive, and accepting changes as they come
What it means to “hike your own hike”
The feelings and emotions associated with a Calendar Year Triple
The realization of the end
The physical toll
Mental games, focus, and rabbit holes
Changes in Tyler’s approach to hiking
Lessons learned
Dialing in the essentials
How to followup with Tyler
Links
https://www.gofundme.com/8000milesto8000smiles
https://www.instagram.com/hikingprodigy
https://www.facebook.com/hikingprodigy/?__tn__=%2Cd%2CP-R&eid=ARD53piLXj_gdwfmKRfcRxtVyNAX3K0DG2Nm8B37o6RSTdadVsw9qUwG16F1yPFj5KB26-Q4QTZA4Zg2
http://www.hikingprodigy.com
https://coalatree.com/blogs/news/5-things-i-learned-while-hiking-8-000-miles-across-the-united-states
In 2017, I hiked over 2000 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail and learned a lot about what my body needs to perform. By the time I finished hiking, I had dialed in my food plan and it wasn’t exactly what you’d think it should be. It was basically junk food, but it worked. The thing is though, I didn’t know HOW or WHY it worked.
Kyle Kamp is a registered Dietitian and on this episode, he helps explain how the body processes food and why a “junk food” diet during extreme athletic events such as backpacking, thru-hiking, and hunting actually works. The food we eat directly impacts our experience in the backcountry and though you can certainly eat whatever you like, there are certain foods that work better than others in the name of peak performance.
Please enjoy this episode with Kyle Kamp!
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
Interested in talking about the show with other listeners??
First things first, thanks for taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions, comments, or want to dive further into the details of this show and others, you can join the By Land Podcast Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/ to link up with myself and other listeners. See you on there!
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
SWAG - http://byland.co/shop/
Comic Book - http://byland.co/comic-book/
Show Notes
Introductions
Kyle’s personal backstory in the outdoors
What a dietitian is and how it differs from being a Nutritionist
The backstory of THIS conversation
Detailing Emory’s PCT junk food diet
Rationalizing and explaining the junk food hiking diet
Carbs versus fats and how they impact performance
Why we tend to look down on junk food as a super fuel option in the field
When carbs are good, bad, or neutral
How the body recognizes carbs, proteins, and fats
Diet based on activity level and environment
Food trends and marketing tools
The impacts of junk food on inflammation
Where inflammation comes from
Detailing food and calorie intake for a backpacking trip
Why we feel a delayed hunger in the field
How the body uses reserves
How to followup with Kyle (info@v2pnutrition.com)
LINKS
https://www.v2pnutrition.com/
https://www.instagram.com/v2pnutrition/
https://www.facebook.com/v2pnutrition/
Some of you might have heard me talk about this thing I call “barriers to entry” when it comes to backpacking. It can be physical, mental, gear related, fear related, or really anything that keeps you from doing what you want to do outdoors. These barriers come in all forms and they’re unique to each of us. Nutrition is one of those barriers and I think it’s a great topic of conversation.
Katie Gerber is a certified nutritionist who focuses on helping people become what she calls “Adventure Ready.” Having experienced many forms of backpacking to include Thru-Hiking, Katie knows what you’re either going through or about to go through. It’s with that knowledge that she can coach you through the process of not only performing once you’re out there doing it, but more importantly, getting you ready prior to ever stepping down that trail.
I personally had a lot of great take aways from this conversation with Katie and I know you will too. For those of you looking to get better in the area of health and wellness, Katie has you back.
Enjoy!
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
Interested in talking about the show with other listeners??
First things first, thanks for taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions, comments, or want to dive further into the details of this show and others, you can join the By Land Podcast Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/ to link up with myself and other listeners. See you on there!
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
SWAG - http://byland.co/shop/
Comic Book - http://byland.co/comic-book/
Show Notes
Introductions
Katie’s backstory
How Katie helps people with their nutrition
How and why Katie got into backpacking
Addressing the “hiker diet”
Being “Adventure Ready”
Katie’s online coursework for outdoor adventurers
What’s in the course
The impact of stress on health
The importance of sleep
Which module could stand alone on it’s own
Katie’s personal story with finding what foods work best for her
FREE GUIDE!
How to find and connect with Katie
Links
http://katiegerber.com/
https://www.instagram.com/katiegerber/
https://www.facebook.com/bykatiegerber/
Mark Lampman is someone I’ve followed for a while now on Instagram because he motivates me. He’s nearly twice my age, but time and time again he gets after it in the mountains. I look at Mark as someone who inspires me to push myself past what I think I’m capable of and to not ever use age as an excuse to stop exploring difficult places.
When I asked Mark to come on the podcast, I told him I just wanted to hear his perspective on things. I wanted to learn what it was like from his point of view and understand why he does what he does. What I got in return were some great stories, a unique look into what his journey has been with backpacking, and even more inspiration than before.
This chat with Mark is something I’ll cherish for a long time. If you have an appreciation for seeing the backcountry through the eyes of someone else, I think you’ll really like this episode.
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
Join the facebook group!
First things first, thanks for taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions, comments, or want to dive further into the details of this show and others, you can join the By Land Podcast Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/ to link up with myself and other listeners. See you on there!
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
SWAG - http://byland.co/shop/
Comic Book - http://byland.co/comic-book/
Show Notes
Introductions
Who is Mark Lampman?
Why Mark continues to push himself at 60 yrs old
Making the switch to backcountry hunting later in life
Mule deer and solo hunting
Hunting in Grizzly country
How to deal with a Grizzly - spray vs. firearms
Mark’s Grizzly stories
Why Mark continues to return to the backcountry
When it all changed for Mark
The power of building confidence
Seeing things differnetly with age
Younger Mark versus older Mark
Gear talk with Mark
Mark’s backpacking learning curve
On having quality gear
How to follow up with and find Mark
Links
https://www.instagram.com/marklampmam
https://www.facebook.com/mark.lampman.79
It’s not very often you get to interview someone BEFORE they hike a long trail, but for this episode, that’s exactly what I was able to do.
Marie-Pier Tremblay is a graphic artist/illustrator from Montreal, Canada who begins her hike of the PCT in April of 2019. We connected after my wife hired her to illustrate my PCT terminus photo as a birthday present. After receiving the gift and hearing about how awesome she was to speak with, I got on the ol’ gram, shot her an invitation, and here we are!
I personally had a blast with this episode and it was great to have the opportunity to hear from Marie how she decided to hike the PCT, what she’s excited about, and also what keeps her up at night. One of the unique aspects of her upcoming hike is that because Marie is an artist, she’s intending on illustrating her journey in some fashion along the way. What comes of the illustrations is yet to be determined and whether or not she’ll have the energy to keep up with them is yet another question, but nonetheless, that’s the game plan and we dive into how that may play out as well during this interview.
If you’re curious about what a hiker goes through leading up to a long trail, you’ll love this episode!
Enjoy!
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
Interested in talking about the show with other listeners??
First things first, thanks for taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions, comments, or want to dive further into the details of this show and others, you can join the By Land Podcast Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/ to link up with myself and other listeners. See you on there!
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
SWAG - http://byland.co/shop/
Comic Book - http://byland.co/comic-book/
Show Notes
Introductions
Why did Marie decide to hike the PCT?
Background on Marie and her early years
How the PCT seed got planted
The feeling of the PCT choosing you
The years between childhood and now
Where Marie was when she made the decision to hike the PCT
What it felt like hearing from the thru hiking community
Preparing and training for the PCT
Advice from other hikers
What Marie hopes to get from the trail
Settling into the idea of the PCT
Marie draws the PCT
Plans to manage drawing the PCT
The work behind the artwork
Thoughts on Marie’s style
How to find, reach, and follow Marie
Links
https://www.instagram.com/mariedraws_thepct
https://www.mariepiertremblay.com/thruhikingportraits/
Jared Frasier is the Executive Director of 2% for Conservation, a Non-Profit Organization that certifies that brands and people are donating 1% of their time and 1% of their money to conservation efforts. This episode covers a lot of ground, hence why it is nearly double the regular show lengths, but it’s for good reason. Jared shares not only what 2% does, but he also covers the history of conservation, where we’re at today with funding and efforts, and where everything is headed to in the future.
This episode is jam packed full of great content and I sincerely left my chat with Jared feeling enlightened and motivated to do more for these special places.
Please enjoy this episode with Jared Frasier!
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
THANKS FOR LISTENING!!
Taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions or comments, feel free to reach me at emory@byland.co or leave a comment below. I'd love to hear from you.
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
SWAG - http://byland.co/shop/
Comic Book - http://byland.co/comic-book/
Show Notes
Introductions
Why Jared is on the show
Intro to 2% for Conservation
What 2% is
A history lesson on wildlife conservation
Assessed taxes that fund conservation
Where to start with giving back
The predicament of not knowing how and where to give back
On the risk of echochambers
How 2% helps others find the right brands doing the right things
There are actually bad people and brands out there
Building conservation in to the business plan
On protecting the landscape
How big the impact COULD be if we all gave back
The impact of volunteering
How dwindling hunting numbers are impacting state/federal conservation efforts and funding
The idea of assessing a “backpack” tax
Adjusting to the modern culture and buying practices
Brands leading the way on giving back
What would Teddy do or say?
Closing thoughts
How to reach 2% for Conservation
Links
https://fishandwildlife.org/
https://www.instagram.com/2percentforconservation
Johnny Mack is the creator of https://wabackcountry.com/ where his mission is to mentor those looking to learn the art of hunting. After going through the struggles of learning to hunt as an adult, Johnny realized his experiences could help others and thus the website was born.
Johnny is no doubt passionate about helping people hunt and because he comes from the coaching and teaching world, he’s naturally created a platform to reach others who need a hand. On this episode, we discuss Johnny’s background, his personal transition into hunting, and why he built WA Backcountry.
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
THANKS FOR LISTENING!!
Taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions or comments, feel free to reach me at emory@byland.co or leave a comment below. I'd love to hear from you.
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
SWAG - http://byland.co/shop/
Comic Book - http://byland.co/comic-book/
Show Notes
Introductions
Johnny’s backpacking background
Why get into hunting
Choosing between hobbies.
Making the transition to hunting
Putting everything together
What it feels like to enter a predatory mindset in the wilderness
How hunting reduces food waste
Explaining hunting
Adapting backpacking skills to hunting
Early experiences in backpacking
How Johnny helps people transition to hunting
The reason Johnny started “Washington Backcountry”
Taking new hunters hunting and establishing mentorship
Advice to new hunters
How to find Johnny Mack
Links
https://wabackcountry.com/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdd6C2Z2ZMj8mOGFGxeqWFg
https://www.instagram.com/washington_backcountry/
https://www.facebook.com/washingtonbackcountry/
https://twitter.com/WAbackcountry
We’ve covered a lot of topics on this podcast over 61 episodes, but this one might tip the scales into a new realm. Gillian Larson is a Thru Rider which means she rides her horse on long trails from start to finish covering thousands of miles in the process.
Yes, you read that correctly. She rides her horse thousands of miles over some of the most incredible landscapes this Nation has to offer. To date, Gillian has ridden the PCT twice, the CDT, and the Arizona Trail in their entirety, not to mention the numerous trails in between.
On this episode of The By Land Podcast, we get to know Gillian and how she is able to manage riding a horse for such long distances, the logistics behind it, and what it’s like to even do such a thing. She discusses how she got into Thru Riding and why she continues to do it time and time again.
For me, after having lived on the PCT for a season, the most fascinating element of the story is the management of the horses and how she’s able to supply them with what they need while on trail as well as getting them around various obstacles on the trail.
Even if you’re not into riding horses, you’re going to love this episode. Gillian is a wonderful guest and I’m incredibly honored to have had the opportunity to pick her brain on what it takes to Thru Ride.
Enjoy!
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
THANKS FOR LISTENING!!
Taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions or comments, feel free to reach me at emory@byland.co or leave a comment below. I'd love to hear from you.
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
Lifestyle Shop - http://byland.co/shop/
Comic Book - http://byland.co/comic-book/
Show Notes
Introductions
What made Gillian get into Thru Riding
How it all began
Dealing with trail reports being inaccurate
How horses deal with obstacles on the trail
Gillian’s experiences prior to Thru Riding
Prepping for the PCT
PCT kickoff
Learning to Thru Ride
Supporting a Thru Ride - talking logistics
Lessons learned after over 9 thousand miles of riding
Why Gillian re-rode the PCT
Answering the question of “why not just hike?”
Seeing the trail through the eyes of a horse
How to learn more about Gillian
What’s next?
Links
https://www.pacificcrestquest.org/
https://www.instagram.com/thru_rider
Dave and Amy Freeman spent an entire year living in the Boundary Waters, a vast wilderness in northern Minnesota that many flock to throughout the year for its pristine waters and canoeing adventures. That’s not all they’ve done though, they’ve made a life out of exploration and on this episode, we learn all about it.
While Dave and Amy might live an adventurous life in these wild places, they also take protecting these places even more seriously. Enter the threat to the Boundary Waters. In summary, this vast wilderness is being threatened by a mining operation, but there’s still time to help. At the time of this episode going up, there is a deadline near the end of January 2019 to offer signatures and comments on a proposal to begin mining in the Boundary Waters. Dave and Amy walk me through what this operation is, how it came to be, and what we can do to help prevent it from taking place in this beautiful landscape that so many love.
Please enjoy this episode with a couple of incredible individuals who have a huge heart for wild places.
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
THANKS FOR LISTENING!!
Taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions or comments, feel free to reach me at emory@byland.co or leave a comment below. I'd love to hear from you.
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
Lifestyle Shop - http://byland.co/shop/
Comic Book - http://byland.co/comic-book/
Show Notes
Introductions
Save the Boundary Waters Org
Spending a year in the Boundary Waters
Backstory on how Dave and Amy came to live in the Boundary Waters
Previous adventures
Why it’s important to do these things in the wild
Where the adventure bug stems from
Details of the Boundary Waters
Visiting the BW
What living in the BW was like
What happens to the human senses after living in the wilderness for long periods of time
Deep diving the threat to the Boundary Waters
What we can do to help protect the Boundary Waters
Dave and Amy’s Book!
How to find and reach Dave and Amy
Last Question: Do Dave and Amy feel they may have been born in the wrong century?
Links
https://www.freemansexplore.com/
https://www.instagram.com/freemanexplore/?hl=en
https://www.facebook.com/FreemanExplore/
http://www.wildernessclassroom.com/
https://www.savetheboundarywaters.org/
https://www.instagram.com/savethebwca/
https://www.facebook.com/savethebwca
Why do we go through such great lengths to showcase wild places? What’s it all for and why is it so important?
Brad Brooks of Argali Outdoors joins me for Episode 60 to deep dive this question. No, we don’t solve the worlds problems with this chat, but we do explore why we do such things. Brad in particular release a film in October of 2018 detailing a hunt in the Frank Church Wilderness of Idaho. While it may have been a hunting film, the intent wasn’t to showcase the hunt, but rather to showcase the vast rugged wilderness of the Frank Church. This video is what originally sparked the topic of this episode and as a result we now have the very first episode of 2019!
Enjoy this chat with Brad Brooks.
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
THANKS FOR LISTENING!!
Taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions or comments, feel free to reach me at emory@byland.co or leave a comment below. I'd love to hear from you.
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
Lifestyle Shop - http://byland.co/shop/
Comic Book - http://byland.co/comic-book/
Show Notes
Introductions
Hunting the last wild places
Origin of Argali
Exploring the “Why” behind exploring and showcasing wild places
The idea of preservation
The Frank Church Wilderness
What the wilderness does for us
The history in the Frank Church
Why make a film about the Frank Church
Brad’s early path to exploring and hunting wild places
Deep diving the various wild places
The oddity of National Parks
The next steps for Argali films
Random Question: What would Teddy Think?
How to reach Brad
Links
https://argalioutdoors.com/
https://www.instagram.com/argali_official/
https://www.facebook.com/argaliofficial/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA_R_X4kk4P-ZUSrt2CXmng
Anastasia Allison is the violinist of the Musical Mountaineers and the founder/inventor of Kula Cloth, but living a life of entrepreneurship and adventures wasn’t always the case. After being involved in a bad car accident, Anastasia realized it was time to stop putting off her dreams and start engaging them.
A handful of years later, she’s found herself being more inspired than ever before and going after those dreams she had previously been told weren’t attainable.
If you’re in the need of a little inspiration and finding yourself feeling stuck in a rut, this episode with Anastasia is going to motivate you to chase down those dreams you’ve been putting off.
I had a blast talking with Anastasia and I know you’ll enjoy the heck out of this episode!
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
THANKS FOR LISTENING!!
Taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions or comments, feel free to reach me at emory@byland.co or leave a comment below. I'd love to hear from you.
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
Lifestyle Shop - http://byland.co/shop/
Comic Book - http://byland.co/comic-book/
SHOW NOTES
Introductions
Anastasias’ background
On finding purpose and going for it
The musical mountaineers
Why we explore the backcountry
Bringing classical instruments into the backcountry
The origin story of Kula Cloth
Stepping into the world of entrepreneurship with Kula Cloth
The reach of Kula Cloth
What it is and why it works
Dealing with self doubt and finding purpose
Anastasia’s podcast
How to reach Anastasia
LINKS
https://anastasiaallison.com/
https://kulacloth.com/
https://www.youtube.com/themusicalmountaineers
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-inspired-adventurepreneur-podcast/id1272926801?mt=2&i=1000391542251
https://www.instagram.com/anastasia.allison/
Jeff “IBTAT” Oliver has been saved by mountains. In 2013, he went cold turkey from alcohol and focused his energy on hiking. Fast forward to today and he’s now completed the Appalachian Trail (2018) and will be stepping down the Pacific Crest Trail in 2019, but that’s just the beginning. Jeff has his sights set on the entire Triple Crown and after talking with him, I have no doubt he’ll see his goal through.
Jeff is one awesome guy. He’s an open book who loves hiking, sharing his story, and being exactly who he is. If you visit his website, you’ll see that at the end of the day he hopes to inspire others that have struggled with drugs or alcohol to choose a new path.
On this episode, we talk about Jeff’s 2018 AT Thru Hike, his future goals with the Triple Crown, and why he chose backpacking over drinking.
Please enjoy this episode with Jeff “IBAT” Oliver!
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
THANKS FOR LISTENING!!
Taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions or comments, feel free to reach me at emory@byland.co or leave a comment below. I'd love to hear from you.
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
Lifestyle Shop - http://byland.co/shop/
Comic Book - http://byland.co/comic-book/
Show Notes
Introductions
Jeff’s transition from hunting to thru hiking
Learning to enjoy the trail
Craving the trail after the trail
Jeff’s gear story
The goal of completing the Triple Crown
What it means to attain the Triple Crown
Sacrificing to reach your dreams
Jeff’s mindset towards shorter trips after hiking the AT
Jeff’s life prior to backpacking and his battle with drinking
How backpacking changed Jeff’s life
Replacing alcohol with hiking
How to avoid drinks on trail
Applying what was learned on the trail to everyday life
Becoming efficient on the trail
Food on the trail
What Jeff is changing going into the PCT
On being alone in the wilderness
Addressing mental challenges
Advice for future hikers
How to find and follow Jeff
Links
https://www.ibtat.com/
https://www.instagram.com/savedbymtns/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3aILHxDPaRH8fHO5JcE6qQ
Aria Zoner is the author of The Hot Springs Trail guidebook and a guy who sincerely wants you to experience the landscape as you wish to experience it.
On this episode, we talk about what exactly the Hot Springs Trail is, where it’s at, why Aria created it, and what the its proposal status is as a National Scenic Trail. Additionally, we discuss how Aria went from eating junk food on long trails to eating whole foods and how that impacted his overall experiences and performance.
This episode is loaded with some great advice and you’ll be able to tell very quickly how passionate Aria is about helping people backpack.
BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE!!!
Thanks to Aria, I have two Hot Springs Trail guidebooks to give away. The first two listeners to hit me up via email at emory@byland.co will be the lucky recipients of this incredible book.
Please enjoy this episode with Aria!
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
THANKS FOR LISTENING!!
Taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions or comments, feel free to reach me at emory@byland.co or leave a comment below. I'd love to hear from you.
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
Lifestyle Shop - http://byland.co/shop/
Comic Book - http://byland.co/comic-book/
Show Notes
Introductions
Background on the Hot Springs Trail
Aria’s path with backpacking
How a knee surgery was the beginning of everything
The importance of the Hayduke Trail
A hiking meditation
Making the hike your own for your own reasons
The impact that food has on a hike
Whole food versus junk food
The status of the Hot Springs Trail proposal
Aria’s advice for hiking the Hot Springs Trail
How to find your own style of hiking
What is in Aria’s food bag
Matching a diet to the region
Current state of the Hot Springs Trail
How to reach Aria
Links
https://www.wholefoodhiker.com/
Hot Springs Trail https://www.wholefoodhiker.com/hot-springs-trail
https://www.instagram.com/thehotspringstrail/
https://www.instagram.com/ariazoner/
Feral is a backpacking gear store in the Denver area that was started by Jimmy Funkhouser after he decided to leave the corporate world behind to chase a passion. Fast forward just a few short years and Feral is growing to the point where they’re opening a second location in the Denver area.
I personally have a love-hate relationship with outdoor stores , so when I learned of what Jimmy was doing at Feral, it struck a chord with me and I knew I had to learn more. Our conversation for this episode was nothing short of refreshing and inspiring.
Jimmy is doing things far different than your average outdoor store. He meets the customer where they are in their journey and makes them feel at home and accepted no matter what.
You’re going to love this chat with Jimmy and wish badly you had a Feral store of your own.
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
THANKS FOR LISTENING!!
Taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions or comments, feel free to reach me at emory@byland.co or leave a comment below. I'd love to hear from you.
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
Lifestyle Shop - http://byland.co/shop/
Comic Book - http://byland.co/comic-book/
Show Notes
Introductions
Origin of Feral
Outdoor gear shops as the front line to conservation
The transition from corporate to business owner
The desire to make a difference
How the outdoors changed Jimmy’s life
The draw of the Rockies
What inspired Jimmy to get outdoors
Meeting the customer where they’re at in their journey
On not having an elitist attitude towards customers
The Feral Experience
Advice to new backpackers
Links
https://feralmountainco.com/
https://www.instagram.com/feralmountainco/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaSMq7RHKiiP8F_mt3xWqlQ
https://www.facebook.com/feralmountainco/
https://twitter.com/feralmountainco
If there was any one out there who completely changed the face of what photography is along the Pacific Crest Trail, or really any long trail for that matter, it’s Twerk. In 2018, he created what began as a bit of a goof off session with fellow hikers on the PCT that quickly turned into an entire body of work called “Hiker Trash Vogue.”
For over 2000 miles, Twerk photographed hikers along the PCT and did so in a manner that is unlike anything out there. He was able to take his passion of both hiking and photography and mash them together in what is now going to be a coffee table book and an entire creative effort from here on out.
Twerk is an incredible guest that had me laughing throughout our entire chat. We talk about his experiences on the trail and how hard it can be to keep going, but how amazing it is to finally see that monument you’ve walked so far to get to.
If you enjoy great stories and great personalities, you’re going to love this episode with Twerk!
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
THANKS FOR LISTENING!!
Taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions or comments, feel free to reach me at emory@byland.co or leave a comment below. I'd love to hear from you.
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
Lifestyle Shop - http://byland.co/shop/
Comic Book - http://byland.co/comic-book/
Show Notes
Introductions
Being hiker famous
How HTV came to be
How HTV became motivation to finish the trail
Dealing with the mental struggles of the trail
Digesting the trail and life after
Learning to be yourself on the trail
Thoughts on being a source of confidence to the gay community
The Thru Hiking community is a family
How the trail finds a way to turn you into mush
How it felt to see Canada
The future of Hiker Trash Vogue
Twerk’s advice for potential thru hikers
Links
https://tommycoreyphoto.com/2018/06/23/hikertrashvogue/
https://www.instagram.com/twerkinthedirt
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu72dEMAOuzqsdP8j-1sjcg
We all have personal barriers to the adventures we want to have, but what happens if the adventure you want to have means having to pack out an entire moose out alone? Do you go for it or come up with an excuse not to go? If you’re Jeff Lusk, you just pony up and go for it. You take one step at a time and enjoy whatever the adventure throws at you.
On this episode, I talk with Jeff Lusk about a solo moose hunt he went on this past hunting season. While it’s always fun to recap an interesting hunt, it’s even more fun learning about the struggles involved in any such adventure. What Jeff learned on his hunt can directly apply to your adventures even if you’re not into hunting. Jeff was alone, battling the cold, the mental debates in his head of whether or not he should be there, and the physical toll that packing out a moose alone comes with.
At the end of the day, he did it and he can now take what he learned forward on future adventures. That’s what it’s all about right? Learning and pushing yourself each time you go out so you can continue to grow as a person.
Please enjoy this episode with Jeff Lusk. I have no doubt you’ll get some good nuggets of wisdom from it!
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
THANKS FOR LISTENING!!
Taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions or comments, feel free to reach me at emory@byland.co or leave a comment below. I'd love to hear from you.
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
Lifestyle Shop - http://byland.co/shop/
Comic Book - http://byland.co/comic-book/
Show Notes
Intro to Jeff
Managing expectation on a solo moose hunt
How Jeff got to the point where he went solo moose hunting
Dealing with the mental struggles solo hunting
Why we find excuses to go home early
Staying curious
Tips to staying in the field longer when you’re alone
Working up to a solo trip
Self talk when you’re solo
The rewards of pushing yourself
The bonds build with others in the backcountry
Backcountry lessons applied to daily life
The story of the solo moose hunt
Battling the mental side of being solo
Choosing to push yourself
How we get past mental barriers
Falling in love with the process of what you’re doing
Learning to battle excuses
Project Waypoint
How to reach Jeff
Links
Project Waypoint IG https://www.instagram.com/projectwaypoint
If you’ve ever tried to haul photography and videography gear into the backcountry then you know how frustrating it can be to find a place in your pack for all of your assorted bits of kit. Before Atlas Packs came along, photographers were either left with a photography centric pack that wasn’t built for the mountains or a mountain dwelling pack that wasn’t suited well for photography. Now, thanks to Allan Henry and his team at Atlas Packs, that’s no longer the problem.
Atlas Packs was designed by photographers FOR photographers who backpack. Plain and simple, it’s an amazing solution to a problem that every photographer or videographer has experienced. On this episode, I chat with Co-founder Allan Henry of Atlas Packs to find out more about his company, his vision, and his designs.
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
THANKS FOR LISTENING!!
Taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions or comments, feel free to reach me at emory@byland.co or leave a comment below. I'd love to hear from you.
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
Lifestyle Shop - http://byland.co/shop/
Comic Book - http://byland.co/comic-book/
Show Notes
Introductions
Allan’s background
Intro to Atlas Packs
How and why Allan built and created these packs
Identifying pain points
Developing the design
Camera carry previous to Atlas designs
Initial reviews of the packs
Learning to work within the limitations of your gear
Launching the product and garnering input
Why understanding the limitations of gear is important to the experience
What you get when you purhcase an Atlas Pack
How to reach Atlas Packs for more information
Links
https://atlaspacks.com/
https://www.instagram.com/atlaspacks/
https://www.youtube.com/atlaspacks
If you want to learn about backpacking from someone who knows a thing or two, you’ll want to open your ears to Liz Thomas. She’s hiked over 17,000 miles of trail along the Triple Crown of Thru Hikes, captured the Fastest Known Time on the AT, and spent countless miles along many other trails in the US over the years. The good news for you is that she’s decided to open up her experiences so that others may learn from her successes and trials in the form of not only an incredible book, but also an online course.
Liz Thomas is not only a hiking rockstar, but she’s a great person who just wants to help you get better and reach your full potential. If you want to chase down a long distance trail of your own one day, she’ll help you. Or, if you just want to get out there for your first time, well, she’ll have your back there too.
This episode is loaded with great advice and information on backpacking, so sit back, relax, and enjoy this chat with Liz Thomas.
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
THANKS FOR LISTENING!!
Taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions or comments, feel free to reach me at emory@byland.co or leave a comment below. I'd love to hear from you.
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
Lifestyle Shop - http://byland.co/shop/
Comic Book - http://byland.co/comic-book/
Show Notes
Introductions
Who is Liz Thomas?
How Liz came to hike over 17k miles
The first experience of a long trail
Deciding to attempt the FKT of the AT
Liz’s long distance hiking book
Benefits of long distance hikes
What Liz has learned in all those thousands of miles
Learning to hike long distances and how to do it
Mental challenges on long trails and how to deal with them
Treeline Review - Liz’s new website!
What to expect
A short discussion on footwear
Liz’s Thru Hiking course for sale
Liz’s advice to new backpackers
Links
http://www.eathomas.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lizthomashiking
Mastering the Art of the Thru Hike - https://amzn.to/2JLXpq9
https://www.treelinereview.com/
Learn to Thru Hike https://www.aimadventureu.com/courses/plan-a-successful-thru-hike?utm_source=backpacker.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=thruhiking-landingpage&__hstc=182365880.19891fc792b85605995244e86c9f4cb7.1541018803058.1541018803058.1541018803058.1&__hssc=182365880.5.1541018803058&__hsfp=1290966886
Believe it or not, Granite Gear actually started out in the canoeing industry making portage packs for those venturing into the Boundary Waters over thirty years ago. Fast forward to today, and they’ve been a staple on long distance trails after striking a chord with Thru Hikers when the Vapor Trail design came out and once again with the second iteration of the Crown.
Rob Coughlin joins me for this episode to discuss all things Granite Gear. Rob is a great guy to spend time chatting with and shares a number of history lessons about the company, some background on himself and how he came to work with Granite Gear, as well as a couple of programs the company is working with to help make lives and wild place better.
If you’re wanting to get to know a long standing company in the backpacking/canoeing industry, you’ll want to take a listen to this episode. There is no doubt a solid group of people behind the scenes at Granite Gear and they’re creating things with you in mind.
Enjoy this chat with Rob from Granite Gear!
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
THANKS FOR LISTENING!!
Taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions or comments, feel free to reach me at emory@byland.co or leave a comment below. I'd love to hear from you.
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
Lifestyle Shop - http://byland.co/shop/
Comic Book - http://byland.co/comic-book/
Show Notes
Introductions
Robs background in the outdoor industry
Origins of Granite Gear
The importance of the Boundary Waters
How GG got involved in ultralight packs
Retooling of the Blaze pack
Testing and proving gear
Grounds Keepers Program
Warrior Expeditions
New stuff from Granite Gear
Advice to new backpackers
How to reach Granite Gear
Links
https://www.granitegear.com/
https://www.granitegear.com/discover/thegroundskeepers
https://www.youtube.com/user/granitegear/
https://www.instagram.com/granitegear/
The Crawfords are a family of 8 with kids ranging from 2 years old to 17. In 2018 they hiked the entire Appalachian Trail together as a family unit and while they might agree it sounds like a crazy task, when you get to know them a little, you’ll find that this is simply just the result of the family culture they’ve built from day one.
Ben Crawford joins me for Episode 50 not to talk about the AT, backpacks, gear, or the logistics of hiking over 2000 miles with a family of 8, but rather to talk about how those of us with kids can redefine what it means to build a family unit. We discuss how he and his Wife began breaking the mold of what a family can and can’t do and how those of us with families can begin taking steps to get outside more and more often with our little ones, regardless of age.
For me, this episode is yet another example of why this podcast exists. You’re going to love this chat with Ben as we walks be through how not to be a prisoner of fear.
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
THANKS FOR LISTENING!!
Taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions or comments, feel free to reach me at emory@byland.co or leave a comment below. I'd love to hear from you.
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
Lifestyle Shop - http://byland.co/shop/
Comic Book - http://byland.co/comic-book/
Show Notes
Introductions
How the family decided to backpack the AT
Building an outgoing family culture
Dealing with safety in the outdoors with kids
Changing the mindset of child rearing
Addressing fear based mindsets
Experiences enhanced with those closest to you
The early days backpacking with a family
Where to start with family outings
Kids can walk
Managing the cry
Believing in your kids
Managing expectations and deciding outcomes
Life after the trail
Final thoughts
How to find and follow the Crawfords
Links
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT2WgHiawhWgbahB0CNENkg
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fightfortogether/
Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/fight-for-together/id1437289666?mt=2&i=1000420431040
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/fightfortogether/
Great tasting backpacking meals are hard to come by. That said, it appears more and more options are coming on the market which makes me incredibly excited because I’m tiring of eating the same things over and over again.
Enter “Backpackers Bistro!” I recently had a chance to taste some of what Backpackers Bistro offers and was blown away. After a short face to face conversation with the founder of the brand, I knew I had to get her on the podcast to talk about what she does and why.
This food is good…and I mean GOOD!
In this episode, we tackle the story behind Backpackers Bistro, what they offer, why, and a number of other topics all related to backpacking.
These meals are made by a professional chef who is also a backpackers so you can rest assured we all speak the same language!
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
THANKS FOR LISTENING!!
Taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions or comments, feel free to reach me at emory@byland.co or leave a comment below. I'd love to hear from you.
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
Lifestyle Shop - http://byland.co/shop/
Comic Book - http://byland.co/comic-book/
Show Notes
Introductions
Origin of Backpackers Bistro
Ingredients talk
Choosing to dehydrate
Why start making backpacking food?
How Melissa got into backpacking
Introducing others to backpacking
Backpacking with kids
Product lineup from Backpackers Bistro
How to reach Backpackers Bistro
Melissa’s “must have” when backpacking
Links
https://www.backpackersbistro.com
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/backpackersbistro/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/backpackersbistro
Luxe Hiking Gear is an outfit out of Forks, Washington that makes quality shelters at a great price point.
I recently met the Luxe Team at PCT Days in Cascade Locks and had a chance to see their shelters first hand. After a long chat and a close inspection of how the shelters function, I knew I had to get them on the podcast to talk about what they offer.
As always with these brand features, we talk about who Luxe is, but we also dive into some other great topics as well…specifically how to backpack in the rain and stay comfortable.
Jake Morrison walks me through how he manages life in the Olympic Peninsula where it rains a lot…and I mean, a lot! We talk about how to reduce condensation, manage the wet, and how to accept conditions as they are. I learned a ton from this chat and I know you will too!
Enjoy this episode with Jake from Luxe Hiking Gear!
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
THANKS FOR LISTENING!!
Taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions or comments, feel free to reach me at emory@byland.co or leave a comment below. I'd love to hear from you.
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
Lifestyle Shop - http://byland.co/shop/
Comic Book - http://byland.co/comic-book/
SHOW NOTES
Living in the Olympic Mountain Range
Backpacking in the Olympics
How Luxe products perform in rainy environments
evolving gear lists
Battling condensation
Managing gear expectations
Rainy backpack hunting shelter choices
Knowing when to bring a wood burning stove with you
Luxe product lines
When and how to visit the Olympic Mountains
LINKS
https://luxe-hiking-gear.com/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/luxehikinggear/
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj-mmTebK0RiX1mXT2p_NXQ
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LuxeHikingGear
Outdoor Vitals was created by Tayson Whittaker with $500 and a mountain of passion.
On this episode of The By Land Podcast, I talk with Tayson about why he started an outdoor gear company and what makes his product offerings unique. We also dive into the world of hammock camping and root out all the misconceptions that might be out there about how valid choosing a hammock over a tent might be.
If you’re interested in learning about new brands, good people, and new ways to backpack, then this episode should satisfy that itch pretty good.
Enjoy!
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
THANKS FOR LISTENING!!
Taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions or comments, feel free to reach me at emory@byland.co or leave a comment below. I'd love to hear from you.
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
Lifestyle Shop - http://byland.co/shop/
Comic Book - http://byland.co/comic-book/
Show Notes
Introductions
Origin story of Outdoor Vitals
Sorting out outdoor products on Amazon
Fixing previous bad experiences with better gear
Sleep systems
What it’s like getting into ultra light gear
Design principles
Intro to hammocking - everything explained
Pads versus under quilts
Pitch time
Hanging distances
Hammock camping for hunters
Advice to new backpackers
How to find Outdoor Vitals
Links
https://outdoorvitals.com/
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA0hrAlLlRRw_RNlE6-Nnjg
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/outdoorvitals
Christof Teuscher is the new owner of the Fastest Known Time (FKT) of the Washington section of the Pacific Crest Trail. To do this, he had to run just over 500 miles in a little over 10 days time. Yeah...think about it.
On this episode of The By Land Podcast, Christof joins me to talk about his recent accomplishment. We chat about his experience how he came to run such crazy distances, what motivates him, how this whole FKT thing works, and his experiences on the trail both mentally and physically. It's not every day you get to pick the brain of such an athlete so I thought it might be a good idea to do so.
Even though this isn't backpacking centric, there's a lot of great nuggets of wisdom in this episode. At the very least you get to hear a pretty fascinating story about some epic mileage.
Enjoy!
By Land,
Emory R. Wanger
THANKS FOR LISTENING!!
Taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions or comments, feel free to reach me at emory@byland.co or leave a comment below. I'd love to hear from you.
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
Lifestyle Shop - http://byland.co/shop/
Comic Book - http://byland.co/comic-book/
Show Notes
Introductions
Fastest Known Time (FKT)
The FKT aftermath of the Washington section of the PCT
Preparing and planning to run 500 miles in 10 days
Managing resupply
The first few days
How to manage and feeding the body
What it’s like to see your body perform over so many miles
How to entertain yourself during all those miles
Heavy and dark moments during the run
How these long runs have impacted daily life
Life before running long distances
Learning to have mental strength and learning from failure
Coaching someone through failures
Doing by doing
Benefits behind pushing personal limits
How running long distances has affected Chrisof’s work
Being comfortable with uncertainty
Healing up
What next?
Christof’s advice to those wanting to run long distances
Daily routine and timelines during the Washington FKT
Links
http://www.christofteuscher.com
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9Eq4WTtQB8c--Lyaz89BZg
https://www.instagram.com/christof.teuscher/
On this episode of The By Land Podcast, I'm joined once again by Josh Kirchner of dialedinhunter.com to talk about sleep systems. This episode is different in that it's not actually an interview, but rather it's a conversation between the two of us where we talk about what we're currently using, where we came from, and what we look for in gear.
This episode covers sleep systems only. That includes shelters/tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and accessories.
Sometimes it's nice to hear from others how they've come to choose their gear and why. Josh and I do a lot of talking on this episode so be prepared for some long winded answers.
Our goal for this episode was to compare and contrast our gear decisions. If you're into that kind of thing, I think you'll enjoy this chat with my good friend Josh Kirchner.
By Land,
Emory Ronald
THANKS FOR LISTENING!!
Taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions or comments, feel free to reach me at emory@byland.co or leave a comment below. I'd love to hear from you.
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
Lifestyle Shop - http://byland.co/shop/
Comic Book - http://byland.co/comic-book/
SHOW NOTES
Introductions
Shelters/Tents
Bags
Pads
Accessories
LINKS
http://dialedinhunter.com/
https://www.instagram.com/dialedinhunter/
When we think about the outdoors, we normally let our brains dive right into choosing the right gear, but what if you get that right, but fail to prepare yourself for your adventure? Wilderness Athlete is a performance supplement company focused on serving those venturing into the outdoors. On this episode, Kevin Guillen joins me to discuss what Wilderness Athlete is, why is was created, and how supplements can play a role in your outdoor activities.
This episode is loaded with a bunch of great information centered around using supplements as a tool to enhance your adventures. Kevin coaches me through how I would approach bringing some of the WA products with me on an adventure and why they would be important.
If you're headed into the backcountry, you're going to want to be as prepared as possible and that doesn't mean having the right gear. It means having the right mindset and tools with you to make sure that time out there is as good as it can me.
Please enjoy this episode with Wilderness Athlete!
By Land,
Emory Ronald
THANKS FOR LISTENING!!
Taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions or comments, feel free to reach me at emory@byland.co or leave a comment below. I'd love to hear from you.
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
Lifestyle Shop - http://byland.co/shop/
Comic Book - http://byland.co/comic-book/
Show Notes
Introduction to Kevin and Wilderness Athlete
Origins of WA
Why WA was founded
Creating an outdoor focused supplement brand tailored to that community
Who WA serves and who they are as a company
Kevin’s background and how he came to work for WA
Using supplements for the outdoors
How supplements can enhance performance in the outdoors
Kevin’s supplement advice for a long distance trail
How supplements can apply to an average backpacking or hunting trip
Kevin’s advice to newbs
How to reach Wilderness Athlete
Links
https://wildernessathlete.com/
https://www.instagram.com/wilderness_athlete
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqWSE8LCxa6ZMGZOXnSFDQg
"Rare are the times in life when you can feel yourself growing as a person. Some are obvious, children being born, joining the military, certainly major life events. This hike however snuck into that same category. I was tested, I was broken, mentally defeated by pain through a war of attrition. I had so little skin left on my feet after day 2 I wanted to quit, it was all I think about. I wrestled with it alone for hours. Each step felt like walking on broken glass. I won’t lie I actually broke down and cried at one point around mile 80 I was struggling so badly. The bottom line is I was able to pull from the guys around me when I was weak, I reached into a reserve tank I had never felt before. By mid morning day 3 I would’ve walked through fire to finish. I had to prove to myself and my guys I could do this, no matter what. EVERYONE should get to this level at some point and it doesn’t matter where or how far it takes. One line from the @jockowillink podcast bounced in my head and seemingly fit this situation like a glove. “Human will is a superpower when called upon.” Amen to that." - Dan Solsman
The above quote is what sparked this episode. It was written by my guest Dan Solsman, shortly after his experience on the Exo Mountain Gear "Death Hike." I found Dan when he came on the Hunt Backcountry Podcast to talk about this exact post and what it meant to him. After getting a taste for where his thoughts were, I decided to reach out for a chat. He kindly obliged and this podcast episode is the result.
On this episode we talk about pushing our personal limits and why it's important to do so. This episode is dedicated to those of you who know what it's like to find your limits and hopefully it's an inspiration to those who are sitting back waiting for something to happen.
Dan is a hell of a guy and has a straight forward way about him. He's direct about why he does what he does and has a great personal story about how he came to enjoy finding his personal limits.
Please enjoy this episode with Dan!
By Land,
Emory Ronald
THANKS FOR LISTENING!!
Taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions or comments, feel free to reach me at emory@byland.co or leave a comment below. I'd love to hear from you.
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
Lifestyle Shop - http://byland.co/shop/
Comic Book - http://byland.co/comic-book/
SHOW NOTES
Introductions
Dan’s background and upbringing in the outdoors
Dan’s transition from hunting the midwest to the mountains of Idaho
Learning to hunt the mountains via backpacking
Pushing the limits and diving into solo backcountry hunting
What keeps Dan going back for more in the mountains
Intro do the Exo Mountain Gear Death Hike
Dan’s detailed mental and physical experience on the hike on days 1-3
Reflections of the Death Hike - how to digest all of these experiences
What it means to push yourself so hard that you’re reaching a mental and physical line you’ve never been at before
How it feels to reach that “line” and how to deal with the desire to quit
How to push through deep dark mental and physical moments
The will to endure
Intentionally pushing your limits and finding that line
How Dan learned about NOT quitting in his childhood
How to encourage people to reach that “line”
Setting limitations on quitting
Thoughts on teaching children about quitting and pushing themselves
Incorporating the lessons learned in the outdoors into our daily lives
Building mental strength
Being the sum of the things we accomplish
When and how Dan decided to begin pushing himself
What “normal” looks like when you’re pushing the limits and reaching the “line”
Learning to push yourself is like exercising a muscle
Using a “failure” as fuel
Dan’s lessons learned and what he’d do differently next time
How to reach Dan online
LINKS
https://theproviderlife.com/
https://www.instagram.com/dansolsman/
Steven Drake is a photographer and videographer who makes his living working with brands and personalities in the hunting world. His career has brought him all over the world and through pretty much every situation you can imagine. When I started following Steve's work, it became very apparent that he is no stranger to pushing himself to that next level and somehow finding a way to document it while doing so.
I wanted to bring Steve on to talk about his journey with not only his career as a photographer, but also as a backpacker and hunter. Sometimes I can't believe that I'm lucky enough to talk with people like Steven Drake and learn as much as possible from them in the short amount of time I have them on the phone.
If you own a camera, enjoy pushing yourself in the backcountry, and want to know how to pair those things together in a way that makes sense, this episode is for you.
By Land,
Emory Ronald
THANKS FOR LISTENING!!
Taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions or comments, feel free to reach me at emory@byland.co or leave a comment below. I'd love to hear from you.
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
Lifestyle Shop - http://byland.co/shop/
Comic Book - http://byland.co/comic-book/
Show Notes
Introductions
The background on Steven Drake and how he came to do what he now does
Steve’s intro into backpacking while working with Mystery Ranch
Steve’s experience with a smattering of backpacking cultures - mountaineers to hunters
The transition into professional photography
What it’s like being responsible for portraying the culture of hunting
Steve’s advice for us amature photographer/videographers traveling the backcountry expecting to get incredible images.
Steve’s learning curve to capturing images as a professional
Tempering photography and video expectations
Planning imagery themes before you head out
Documenting the BC Goat hunt
Calorie management in harsh winter conditions
What happens to your body when you’re calorie deficient
Steve’s advice to new backpackers
Bucket list dreams
How to reach Steven Drake
Bonus round - Steve’s moving to IG TV!
Links
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz0emU2npX8aVB_sNkvdKEQ
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/stevendrakephoto/
https://www.annulicollective.com/
Kieren Britton is the founder of The Lady Alliance, an organization dedicated to connecting women together, building community, and encouraging those women to be the best possible version of themselves.
Like most guests I find, I came across the Instagram profile of the organization and reached out to learn more. They plugged me in directly with Kieren and while I hoped for a great conversation, I received so much more. Kieren has a way of speaking that you can't help but feel inspired by. You can tell she loves what she does and has a huge heart.
On this episode, we talk about who the organization is for, what they do, and how it came to be. We also discuss why the outdoors is such a great place to build confidence and character. If you are someone who is looking for a caring and understanding community that will work with you through your personal challenges, you're going to want to look into what The Lady Alliance offers.
Buckle your seat belts, you're going to love this episode with Kieren!
By Land,
Emory Ronald
THANKS FOR LISTENING!!
Taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions or comments, feel free to reach me at emory@byland.co or leave a comment below. I'd love to hear from you.
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
Lifestyle Shop - http://byland.co/shop/
Comic Book - http://byland.co/comic-book/
Show Notes
Introductions
The Lady Alliance explained
Kieren and her background
How the Lady Alliance came to be
Kieren’s path to the outdoors
How Kieren’s parents influenced and instilled confidence in her
How the Lady Alliance creates enviroments for women to be successful in the outdoors
How and when the Lady Alliance went from an online community to an person community
Common barriers to going on an adventure
Creating a support system of likeminded women
Kieren’s thoughts on why the outdoors has such an impact on personal confidence
Self Love - a focal point of The Lady Alliance
The future of The Lady Alliance
Women only? What happens to the dynamic of a group of women when men are introduced into an event
How to reach The Lady Alliance
Links
https://www.theladyalliance.com/
https://www.instagram.com/theladyalliance/
I love finding new and upcoming companies that are out there doing good things. For a while now I've been following the Off Grid Food Company located in Washington State and decided it was time to reach out to have them on for a conversation.
Spencer has a pretty awesome story about how he came to create his backpacking/hunting food company. Not only is a great story, but Spencer has a way about him that makes approaching the topic of food logical and not at all confusing.
If you're like me, you sometimes struggle finding new foods to bring with you and often find your appetite changing once you're out in the mountains. You might also wonder what the heck backpacking food is all about and why it looks like something from outer space.
On this episode, Spencer and I talk about his company, how it started, why it started, and what it offers consumers. It's a great conversation with a great guy and I was honored to have him on the podcast.
Please enjoy this episode with the Off Grid Food Company!
By Land,
Emory Ronald
THANKS FOR LISTENING!!
Taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions or comments, feel free to reach me at emory@byland.co or leave a comment below. I'd love to hear from you.
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
Lifestyle Shop - http://byland.co/shop/
Comic Book - http://byland.co/comic-book/
Show Notes
Introductions
Spencer’s background
Intro to Off Grid Food Company
Origin story of Off Grid
Spencer’s life in the outdoors
What it’s like starting new career, project, and business
Where Off Grid started and where they’re going
Sourcing quality food and ingredients
Freeze drying versus dehydrating
Basics of freeze drying
Choosing the right recipe
Product offerings both present and future
Hurdles to opening a freeze dried food company
Spencers backcountry food choices
Spencers advice to new backpackers/hunters
How to reach Off Grid Food Company
Links
Website https://offgridfood.co/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/offgridfoodco/
So you have all the gear, a trail picked out, and you're ready to make your way up that trail. Have you thought about how your weekend excursion will impact the environment for years to come? If not, you're not alone.
On this episode, I had the pleasure of talking to Aaron and Doniell from Leave No Trace about how to properly interact with the wild places we visit. They blew my mind with the amount of science based advice they offered up! I really had no idea how much information I was missing and can tell that I could use a lot more educating on the subject of Leave No Trace.
Aaron and Donielle are traveling trainers who specialize in educating others on how to lesson our impact on nature when we're out and about. They have a passion for the topic and you'll learn quickly that they're just scratching the surface of the topics we cover on this episode.
If you're a backcountry traveler, it's important to know how you impact the world around you. This episode will give you a solid foundation from which to build upon.
Enjoy!
By Land,
Emory Ronald
THANKS FOR LISTENING!!
Taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions or comments, feel free to reach me at emory@byland.co or leave a comment below. I'd love to hear from you.
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
Lifestyle Shop - http://byland.co/shop/
Comic Book - http://byland.co/comic-book/
Show Notes
Introductions
Background on Donielle and Aaron
Why they continue to teach Leave No Trace principles
What is Leave No Trace?
How Leave No Trace reaches outdoor users
“Why” Leave No Trace?
Leave No Trace based on real science
What’s at risk if we fail to take care of the backcountry
Impacts of camp sites on the environment
Varying regional practices
An overview of the “7 Principles of Leave No Trace”
How dog waste plays into Leave No Trace
Recap of the idea of Leave No Trace
How to learn more and what training is available
How Subaru supports waste reduction and the organization
Advice to new backpackers
Links
Leave No Trace website https://lnt.org/
Leave No Trace IG https://www.instagram.com/leavenotracecenter/
Aaron and Donielle IG https://www.instagram.com/dirtbagvictorylap/
Aaron Hitchins is part of the talented team at Rockhouse Motion. I've always had an appreciation for storytelling in the way of video and recently decided I'd do what I could to begin learning the trade. With the access to beautiful imagers these days that are capable of far more than they were just a handful of years ago, I decided to reach out to Aaron to see if he'd be willing to walk me through where to even begin with video.
Aaron might be one of the easiest guys to talk to and it was a pleasure to spend on the phone with him discussing the outdoors, his personal story, his career, and how to approach story telling with video. He was not only helpful, but he was willing to be an open book about everything.
I know I've been covering a lot of creative episodes lately, but I think it's important that we talk about the skills of backpacking AND the creative side around it. If you want to document your personal journey or that of a family member so you can have it for years to come, it's good to hear from guys like Aaron so we can be prepared to capture the moments when the happen.
Aaron isn't just a great photographer or videographer. He's also passionate about the impact wild places can have on people of all ages and cultures. I can't tell you how much it means to me that guys like Aaron are willing to come on the show to offer up their experiences so that others may learn from them as well.
Learning from others is what this show is all about. We might be 38 episodes in now, but we're just getting started!
Enjoy this chat with Aaron from Rockhouse!
By Land,
Emory Ronald
THANKS FOR LISTENING!!
Taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions or comments, feel free to reach me at emory@byland.co or leave a comment below. I'd love to hear from you.
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
Lifestyle Shop - http://byland.co/shop/
Comic Book - http://byland.co/comic-book/
Show Notes
Introductions
The path to Rockhouse
Background on Rockhouse
How Aaron’s background in the outdoors influences his work with customers
How Aaron deals manages his profession that lives inside this passions (dealing with a pile of care)
Aaron’s passion projects
Student of the Wild Essay
Where would Aaron be if he wasn’t doing what he’s doing
“Beyond the Roar” Film
Understanding videography and storytelling with video
“Filming the things that make you feel”
Videography versus Photography
How to approach videography
Becoming efficient at storytelling
Setting expectations for a project
Aaron’s advice to newbs
Links
www.rockhousemotion.com
Aaron's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aaronhitchins/
Rockhouse IG https://www.instagram.com/rockhousemotion/
Matt White IG https://www.instagram.com/matt_white_rockhouse/
Colin MacMillan IG https://www.instagram.com/colinphoto_rockhouse/
Dustin Lutt IG https://www.instagram.com/dustin_rockhouse/
Footsteps Film https://vimeo.com/100748072
Beyond the Roar Film https://vimeo.com/174373879
Jillian Brown and her adventure partner Martin Trahan are currently (as of July 2018) canoeing their way from the Pacific Ocean to Atlantic via river ways across the United States.
I found their journey via Instagram where I saw an image taken by Jillian of her parter huddled under a canoe from the rain. After further investigation, I found out about what they were doing and promptly reached out to chat.
Jillian kindly took an hour out of her day to talk with me while resting in Helena, Montana. Her and Martin had just finished paddling up the Columbia River and hiking their gear over 300 miles to the Missouri River form where their next leg of the journey would begin.
This might not be a backpacking story, but it's incredible and one that you should listen to. Jillian is a gem and her energy is contagious. She has an amazing story to tell and by the end of the summer of 2018, she'll have yet another story to tell.
Please enjoy this talk with Jillian Brown!
By Land,
Emory Ronald
THANKS FOR LISTENING!!
Taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions or comments, feel free to reach me at emory@byland.co or leave a comment below. I'd love to hear from you.
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
Lifestyle Shop - http://byland.co/shop/
Comic Book - http://byland.co/comic-book/
Patreon - http://byland.co/patreon/
Show Notes
Introductions
What Jillian and her paddling partner are in the middle of doing right now!
How does someone paddle from the Pacific to Miami via water way?
Background on the expedition.
Jillian’s background and how she ended up on this expedition.
A note on partnerships in and expedition like this.
Where did Jillians wilingness to try things for the first time come from?
How has the river helped focus thoughts while on such a long journey
The Squirrel Story
How to process low moments of a journey and learning to push through
Long distance paddling - what’s the game plan?
What it’s like paddling upriver
Paddling a big river
A day in the life of a long distance paddle
Why choose a canoe over a kayak?
Why is Jillian and her partner paddling this expedition and how are they able to do this?
Experiencing the kindness of strangers
How to find and follow the journey
Links
www.coursingthroughamerica.com
http://coursingthroughamerica.com/track-us.html
https://www.instagram.com/jillianabrownphotography/
https://www.instagram.com/martin_trahan_canoeist/
Sometimes when you see passion in someone, it's hard not to keep looking. Shane Vander Giessen is exactly that in my opinion and you can't help but hear it in his voice, see it on his channels, and read it in his words.
I found Shane a while back on YouTube while looking for some info on Blacktail Hunting. I found his channel and was immediately impressed with this love for the mountains. Fast forward a year or two and I found him again on YouTube as well as on social media. It seemed his passion had progressed into something more so I decided to investigate.
After seeing what he was up to online, but having no real idea who Shane was, I told myself I'd find out by asking if he'd be willing to come on the podcast to share his story and his love for all things mountain related. I'm so glad I did because Shane has this thing about him that is incredibly contagious and you can't help but smile when you hear him talk about why he loves the outdoors.
This episode with Shane is special to me. Shane is unique, but he's not unlike a lot of you out there who can't seem to get enough of those wild places. To me, Shane represents what we're all trying to exemplify and explain with our actions. He's one man, but he represents so much passion and I personally feel that it's not only motivating to hear Shane talk, but it's refreshing as well.
If you enjoy hearing people talk about their journey into the outdoors, their love of the backcountry, and some great hunting stories, you'll want to give this episode a listen.
By Land,
Emory Ronald
THANKS FOR LISTENING!!
Taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions or comments, feel free to reach me at emory@byland.co or leave a comment below. I'd love to hear from you.
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
Lifestyle Shop - http://byland.co/shop/
Comic Book - http://byland.co/comic-book/
Patreon - http://byland.co/patreon/
SHOW NOTES
Introductions
Who is Shane Vander Giessen?
Shane’s background with hunting and backpacking
What hunting means to Shane and why he does it and why he shares his adventures
Where did Shane’s passion for hunting and the outdoors stem from?
Early childhood memories
Shane’s passion for bear hunting explained
Why Shane now hunts Blacktail in the high alpine environments
How Shane learned to hunt Blacktailed Deer
Shanes love for Mountain Goats explained
Shane’s thoughts on hunting and how he can hunt an animal he care about
How Shane approaches backpacking
Capturing stories with video and stills while hunting/backpacking
What keeps Shane going back for more in the mountains?
Shanes advice to newcomers to hunting
How to find Shane online
LINKS
www.lonegoatmedia.com
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lonegoatmedia/
Shane's Blacktail hunt he referenced and his YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5o9bpSxS4N4
Sometimes we forget what it's like to be new to something. As we progress in our work, life, or hobby, it's natural that we lose track of where we came from and what it was like to have no idea where to even begin something new.
Josh Kirchner runs an amazing website at www.dialedinhunter.com where he documents his journey in hunting. After years of trial and error, Josh has now introduced backpack hunting into the mix, however contrary to what you might think, he didn't grow up backpacking.
Like most of us, Josh took the hard route into backpack hunting. He had to learn on his own and work up to bigger and bigger trips. Looking back now, he's thankful he jumped in head first, but to say it was easy would a lie.
On this episode of The By Land Podcast, Josh and I talk about what it was like starting out backpacking and backpack hunting. We discuss the basics of how it all works and share our individual stories of where we came from and how far we've come.
This episode is all about learning the basics of backpack hunting. It's a raw and real discussion about lessons learned. If you're looking to start a new hobby like backpack hunting, give this episode a listen. I think you'll really enjoy this conversation with Josh.
By Land,
Emory Ronald
THANKS FOR LISTENING!!
Taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions or comments, feel free to reach me at emory@byland.co or leave a comment below. I'd love to hear from you.
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
Lifestyle Shop - http://byland.co/shop/
Comic Book - http://byland.co/comic-book/
Patreon - http://byland.co/patreon/
Show Notes
Introductions
Who Josh is and what he does with www.dialedinhunter.com
How and why Josh decided to get into backpack hunting
Josh’s first backpacking experiences and how he got started
Starting small and working up to bigger trips
Common hurdles to backpack hunting and how to overcome them
Sorting through all the possible gear solutions and how to uncomplicate them
Josh brings a friend backpack hunting for the first time…
Misconceptions of what backpack hunting is and isn’t
Emory’s first backpack hunting experience
Learning to backpack hunt and build up to longer trips
Understanding why you are out there in the first place
How to successfully combine backpacking and hunting
Planning out your backpack hunt and what to take into account (ie game evacuation)
Benefits of backpack hunting - tactical advantage
Considerations for backpack hunting - things to keep in mind
Choosing the right shelter for your style of backpack hunting
Recap of the episode highlights
Josh’s closing thoughts and final bits of advice on being alone in the wilderness
How to reach Josh
Links
www.dialedinhunter.com
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dialedinhunter/
Twitter https://twitter.com/DialedInHunter
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/dialedinhunter
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6ItIjVnltPYvPWohOPk0dQ
A while back I came across the Instagram account of a PCT Hiker named Dirty Avocado. That then led me to her YouTube channel and to one specific video with her discussing the trail, what she learned, and her battle with footwear.
After hearing her talk about the importance of listening to what your body is trying to tell you, I decided I wanted to have her on as a guest to walk me through her lessons learned.
On this episode, we cover how she got into long distance backpacking, the feeling of freely hiking a trail, the importance of listening to your body, and what happens after the trail.
It's a great episode, and like me, Dirty Avocado just wants to reach people and help them find their adventures.
Special thanks to her for being willing to come on to talk about her personal story. Also, thank YOU, the audience, for coming back week after week! It means the world.
By Land,
Emory Ronald
THANKS FOR LISTENING!!
Taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions or comments, feel free to reach me at emory@byland.co or leave a comment below. I'd love to hear from you.
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
Lifestyle Shop - http://byland.co/shop/
Comic Book - http://byland.co/comic-book/
Patreon - http://byland.co/patreon/
SHOW NOTES
Introductions
How DA got into long distance backpacking
How DA decided to hikg the PCT in 2017
DA’s background in backpacking and where she came from
Why hike thousands of miles?
Long trail mindsets
The ups and downs of the trail and how DA dealt with these worked through them.
Learning to reduce pack weight and what the impact is both physically and mentally
Repercussions of not listening to your body
Seeing the monument and what happens after mentally
Life after the trail what comes next
Rationalizing the damage a long trail does to the body
Reaching people through social media and YouTube
Benefits of long distance backpacking
Advice to aspiring Thru Hikers
How to find Dirty Avacado online
Bonus Round
What’s with the name Dirty Avacado?
How to eat Vegan on the trail
Links
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cotezi/
YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/c/CoteziHikes
George Bryant is the VP and GM of Sierra Designs and knows a thing or two about designing livable gear for the backcountry.
I've known of Sierra Designs for a number of years. As you'll hear in this episode, SD made one of my first and favorite tents. Up until I purchased this tent from SD, I basically hated all shelters. They were complicated, took too long to pitch, and came with far too many irritations that I actually preferred NOT to use a tent.
This new shelter of mine from SD wasn't some sort of ground breaking design that changed the face of an industry, but it did, however, change the face of my personal narrative. It made me believe in gear that worked how I wanted it to work and more importantly provided a far better experience than what I had had in the past. That one little tent from Sierra Designs set me on a course that I'll always be grateful for. It made my life better out there and more importantly, made me want to go back time and time again.
As you'll hear George discuss, gear is there to enhance your experience in the outdoors, not take away from it. Since the 1960's, Sierra Designs has done just that; made gear that makes life better out there in the wilderness when it means the most.
I hope you enjoy this episode with Sierra Designs. I know I enjoyed recording it and I'm so incredibly grateful that a brand such as SD would take the time to talk with me on this podcast about gear and all the great things about the outdoors.
Special thanks to George Bryant for coming on and thank YOU for listening week after week to this podcast. I means the world to me.
By Land,
Emory Ronald
THANKS FOR LISTENING!!
Taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions or comments, feel free to reach me at emory@byland.co or leave a comment below. I'd love to hear from you.
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
Lifestyle Shop - http://byland.co/shop/
Comic Book - http://byland.co/comic-book/
Patreon - http://byland.co/patreon/
SHOW NOTES
Introductions
The background on George Bryant and how he came to work with SD
Where did the passion for the outdoors come from?
How living in Colorado comprares to how it was growing up in Wisconsin
The draw of Colorado
Putting the passion of the outdoors into the work at Sierra Designs
Genisis story of Sierra Designs
Curation of progressive designs at SD and where it begins
How does SD reach experienced hikers and the weekend warrior in one single line?
Sierra Designs and hunting?!
Setting the bar and forecasting needs
Evolution of design
Shelter designs for 2018
What the future holds for SD
What it’s like seeing the lifecycle of a successful design
The team behind Sierra Designs
What George would want people to know and understand about SD
Advice to new backpackers
Links
www.sierradesigns.com
https://www.youtube.com/user/SierraDesignsGear
https://www.instagram.com/sierradesigns/
https://www.facebook.com/SierraDesignsGear
If you love using and having access to the thousands of miles of hiking trails throughout the United States, you're going to want to listen to this episode of The By Land Podcast. Clay Jacobson is a Thru Hiker who works with the Idaho Trails Association and helps manage the coordination of the Idaho Centennial Trail (which he hiked not too long ago).
On this episode, you'll hear about Clay's personal story of how he got into long distance backpacking and why he's now focused on saving as many miles of trail as possible. We cover the current state of trails in the US, how they're funded and maintained, and why there are sometimes thousands of miles of trail disappearing each year.
This podcast is all about backpacking, but there wouldn't be any such thing if organizations like the Idaho Trails Association didn't exist. Non-profits like the ITA organize themselves to help preserve our trail systems and they need your help to keep doing it.
You won't want to miss this episode with Clay Jacobson. Not only does he drop some serious knowledge on me, but he's a great dude as well. It was a pleasure talking with him.
Enjoy!
By Land,
Emory Ronald
THANKS FOR LISTENING!!
Taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions or comments, feel free to reach me at emory@byland.co or leave a comment below. I'd love to hear from you.
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
Lifestyle Shop - http://byland.co/shop/
Comic Book - http://byland.co/comic-book/
Patreon - http://byland.co/patreon/
SHOW NOTES
Introductions
Who is Clay Jacobson?
How Clay got into Thru Hiking and his background with backpacking (this is a good one)
Training for a Thru Hike
How Clay’s education in literature impacted his desire to adventure
How each trail Clay has done has prepared him for the next one
Clay’s experience on the Idaho Centennial Trail
The state of trails in the US: how they’re maintained, funded, and cared for.
What happened between the time trails were established and where we are today?
Trail organization
How are other outdoor organizations communicating their “value” in order to recieve funding for trail maintenance
What it means when trails disappear; is it always a bad thing?
National Trails Day - how to get involved in keeping trails open and cleared
How a trail crew works!
How to reach the Idaho Trails Association or other trail organizations
(bonus info on the Idaho Centennial Trail)
Links
Idaho Trails Association - http://www.idahotrailsassociation.org/
Washington Trails Association - https://www.wta.org/
National Trails Day - https://americanhiking.org/national-trails-day/
Adam Janke is the Editor in Chief of the Journal of Mountain Hunting and the host of The Beyond the Kill Podcast. After being a guest on his podcast, I asked Adam if he'd be willing to join me for an episode to talk about why he feels such a passion for hunting, what he feels is needed in the hunting community, and to discuss his soon-to-be-release film about a late season Mountain Goat Hunt on the winter slopes of B.C..
There's something really special about the passion Adam has for mountain hunting. His passion led him a normal every day job to establishing an online and now print editorial focused on telling the story of hunting the way he believes it to be told. Adam's ability to deep dive subjects big and small is truly amazing and he's the type of guy that wears his heart on his sleeve when it comes to the things he loves.
To cap off this conversation, we dive into his upcoming film about a mountain goat hunt he recently filmed in the mountains of B.C.. I had the opportunity to see a rough cut of the film and believe it to be one of the best portrayals of mountain hunting there is. No fluff and no fancy stuff, just straight hard work and a dedication to a mission with a group of focused individuals working together for a common goal.
You're going to enjoy this chat with Adam!
By Land,
Emory Ronald
THANKS FOR LISTENING!!
Taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions or comments, feel free to reach me at emory@byland.co or leave a comment below. I'd love to hear from you.
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
Lifestyle Shop - http://byland.co/shop/
Patreon - http://byland.co/patreon/
SHOW NOTES
Introductions
The Journal of Mountain Hunting and Beyond the Kill Podcast
How Adam made the jump to a full time hunting editorial
The building blocks of Adam’s passion for mountain hunting
How to explain the passion and pull of hunting
Adam’s upcoming hunting film and the purpose of telling the story
What Adam hopes to achieve with his film
Lessons learned from mountain hunting (gear, food, mindset)
How to find Adam and his content
Links
https://journalofmountainhunting.com/
https://www.instagram.com/journal_mtn_hunting/
https://journalofmountainhunting.com/podcast/
I've known of Hill People Gear for a number of years. In fact, they were one of the first companies I came across when searching for new and interesting brands outside of what you see in big box stores. I own a few of their products and always find myself visiting their website time and again to see what they're up to.
To say I was excited to have founder, Evan Hill, join me on the podcast to talk about his company is an understatement. It's honestly an honor and incredibly humbling to spend an hour talking with people like Evan because it's not every day you can pick the brains of someone who knows a thing or two about pack design.
On this episode of The By Land Podcast, Evan talks about the origin of Hill People Gear, the design principles, and his background with backcountry travel. He also gives a number of solid bits of advice to backpackers.
Enjoy!
By Land,
Emory Ronald
THANKS FOR LISTENING!!
Taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions or comments, feel free to reach me at emory@byland.co or leave a comment below. I'd love to hear from you.
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
Lifestyle Shop - http://byland.co/shop/
Patreon - http://byland.co/patreon/
SHOW NOTES
Intro to Evan and Hill People Gear
Origin of HPG
First product of HPG - the Kit Bag
How Evan came up with his unique harness system and how it works
The evolution of the HPG suspension system
Evan’s thoughts on overall pack weight and backpacking efficiency
Efficiency in design
Who HPG is for
Evan’s favorite HPG pieces
Backpack structure (stays)
Backpack fitting
Common errors made my new backpackers
Spending time doing, learning, and observing
Whats next for HPG
Evans final thoughts on “gear”
How to find HPG
Links
www.hillpeoplegear.com
https://www.facebook.com/HillPeopleGear/
https://www.youtube.com/user/HillPeopleGear
https://www.instagram.com/hillpeoplegear/
Thor and Sarah Tingey are the folks behind Alpacka Raft. If you're not familiar with the company, it's important to know that it's a leader in the industry of Packrafting. Thor goes way back with the company to the very beginning when it was just him and is Mom creating lightweight portable rafts for people making treks across the landscapes of Alaska.
Fast forward to today, Alpacka Raft is made here in the U.S. and serves customers around the world!
On this episode, you'll hear Thor and Sarah speak about what packrafting is, how to get into it, how to choose a raft, the history of packrafting, and even conservation. It's a full set of topics here on this episode and it won't disappoint.
This is no doubt a great conversation with some wonderful people and I'm honored to have had the opportunity to speak with them so candidly.
Enjoy!
By Land,
Emory Ronald
THANKS FOR LISTENING!!
Taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions or comments, feel free to reach me at emory@byland.co or leave a comment below. I'd love to hear from you.
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
Lifestyle Shop - http://byland.co/shop/
Patreon - http://byland.co/patreon/
SHOW NOTES
Introductions
Thor’s background with the founding of Alpacka Rafts
Thors intro into what packrafting is
Sarah’s background
Thor’s eye opening realization about what is possible in the backcountry
Thoughts on and benefits of long duration backcountry trips
What keeps Thor and Sarah returning to wild places
How Thor and Sarah make each of their trips unique
How comparing your trip to the trips of others can sour the experience
How to make your trip your own
Using topographical maps to build basic skills and to understand your area of interest
How to learn and build on basic skills
The history of packrafting as told by Thor - also lots of great stories!
How Alpacka Rafts was created
How packrafting can open up opportunities in the backcountry
How to choose an Alpacka Packraft
Packrafts compared to regular kayaks
Things to know before you get into packrafting
The growing popularity of packgrafting
The growth and maturity of Alpacka Rafts
How to buy an Alpacka Raft
What it’s like to see the growth and useage of Alpacka products around the world from the perspective of the founders
Thor’s favorite inspirational story from a customer
Sarah’s reason behind why she loves what Alpacka Rafts offer customers and her love for customer service
Where Thor and Sarah get their most satisfaction and inspiration
Trends and the future of Alpacka Rafts - What’s next?
How Alpacka Rafts support the conservation effort - access to public water
Links
https://www.alpackaraft.com/rafting/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/alpacka_raft/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/alpackaraftllc/
In the far reaches of SE Oregon, there's a trail that spans over 700 miles through the Oregon desert. On this episode of The By Land Podcast, I'm joined the Oregon Desert Trail Coordinator, Renee Patrick, to talk about what the trail offers, how it began, and what adventurers can expect to see in this incredible high desert landscape.
Renee is not exactly a newb when it comes to backpacking. She is a highly accomplished long distance hiker who's resume includes the Triple Crown (AT, CDT, PCT) and a number of other trails to include the Oregon Desert Trail. Renee and I discuss not only the mission of the Oregon Desert Trail, but also how Renee approaches backpacking, what it means to her, and how she came to do what she does now as a profession.
You're going to love hearing from Renee about backpacking and the Oregon Desert Trail. It was a pleasure spending time on the phone with her and I found myself eager to get back into the hills once again after listening to her talk about the thing she loves the most.
On a personal note, I feel like this episode really embodies what this podcast is about. We cover so many great topics that I think there's something in this one for everyone out there.
Enjoy!
By Land,
Emory Ronald
THANKS FOR LISTENING!!
Taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions or comments, feel free to reach me at emory@byland.co or leave a comment below. I'd love to hear from you.
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
Lifestyle Shop - http://byland.co/shop/
Patreon - http://byland.co/patreon/
SHOW NOTES
Introduction to Renee and the Oregon Desert Trail
Renee’s background prior to being the Trail Coordinator for the ODT
What the Oregon Desert Trail offers and its history
How the ODT compares to other trails in the US
How Renee began backpacking and what made her start long distance backpacking
How Thru Hiking has impacted Renee’s backcountry trips
What Long Distance backpacking means to Renee
How the ODT manages relationships with land owners to retain access to the trail
Where and how to begin planning a hike of the ODT
Renee’s thoughts on the future of hiking
What Renee has learned about backpacking after all these years
How Renee has changed since her first long distance trail
The future of the Oregon Desert Trail
How to find and support the ODT
LINKS
www.ONDA.org
https://onda.org/regions/oregon-desert-trail/
https://www.instagram.com/theoregondesert/
https://www.youtube.com/user/OregonDeserts
When it comes to navigating the backcountry, there are a lot of tools out there for us today. One of those is navigation using our fancy smartphones and it happens to work really, really well. OnX Maps was built with the hunter in mind. From the very moment you open the application, you can tell it's loaded with information that hunters will benefit from.
On this episode of The By Land Podcast, you'll learn about using the mobile navigation application called onX Maps. From top to bottom, you'll come away from this chat with Dylan knowing exactly what the company believes in and how their platform benefits the backcountry hunter. Loaded with features and a well designed interface, onX Maps delivers time and again.
It's important to make time to venture into the wild, but it's just as important to come home.
Enjoy this chat with onX Maps!
By Land,
Emory Ronald
THANKS FOR LISTENING!!
Taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions or comments, feel free to reach me at emory@byland.co or leave a comment below. I'd love to hear from you.
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
Lifestyle Shop - http://byland.co/shop/
Patreon - http://byland.co/patreon/
SHOW NOTES
Introduction to Dylan and onX Maps
The origin of onX Maps
What onX Maps is and who its for
Dylan’s experience with mobile mapping via onX Maps
How onX Maps can enhance the hunting experience
How the mobile app is managed by the user
Trusting a mobile phone for navigation
How to use onX Maps when hunting and preparing to hunt
New special features of onX Maps
Using onX Maps outside of hunting
How upgraded layers work
Connecting your mobile app with the desktop app
The future of onX Maps
Contacting onX Maps
LINKS
https://www.onxmaps.com/
https://www.instagram.com/onxhunt/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9hrSBHB1WDeFcjRK8g5C8g
https://www.facebook.com/onxhunt
If you spend any amount of time researching ultralight backpacking companies, you're going to come across the company Z Packs and for good reason. They've become a staple of long distance backpackers over the past decade and continue to push the boundaries of what ultralight backpacking is.
I have Will and Matt from Z Packs join me for this episode of The By Land Podcast to talk about Z Packs; what they offer, how they go about designing gear, and what is important to them as people making gear for other backpackers. These two guys have been around the company for a lot of years and have a ton of great stuff to share with you about the company.
It was an honor to have the opportunity to spend an hour talking with a couple of great guys who just want to do good things for people headed out on adventures. Will and Matt offer a history lesson on how ultralight backpacking came to be, suggestions on gear, and some insight into what is coming down the pipe for Z Packs in the future. You're going to love hearing what these two gentlemen have to say!
Enjoy!
By Land,Emory RonaldTHANKS FOR LISTENING!!Taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions or comments, feel free to reach me at emory@byland.co or leave a comment below. I'd love to hear from you.
HELP THE SHOWIf you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
Lifestyle Shop - http://byland.co/shop/
Patreon - http://byland.co/patreon/
SHOW NOTES Introductions to Matt and Will from Z Packs
Origin story of Z Packs
Why Z Packs was founded
A history lesson in ultralight backpacking gear
What has made ultralight backpacking so popular
Earning the trust of consumers
The durability factor of chosen fabrics
How long distance backpacking has influenced general backpacking
What Z Packs is doing to improve the users backpacking experience
Z Packs design principles
What it means to design gear to be a part of someone’s adventure
Popular Z Packs gear choices
New Z Packs rainwear
How to reduce overall pack weight
How to deal with rain
Matt and Will’s advice to new backpackers
The future of Z Packs! What’s coming!
How to find and contact Z Packs
LINKSwww.zpacks.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/zpacks/
John Z knows how to hike, but he also knows how to do it the right way without risking injury to himself. On this episode of The By Land Podcast, hiker John Z joins me to talk about how he manages to hike 50 miles per day and how he's come to live a minimalist life. John is also one of the creators of Pa'lente Packs, a pack company that is intentional about being minimal and functional.
I asked John on the podcast because he has a method of hiking that allows him to cover crazy distances in a day and I wanted to know how he does it. Additionally, I wanted to learn from John how he's been able to reduce his pack weight to 8 lbs.. We talk about this and so much more.
If you're looking to get better at streamlining your process, reducing pack bulk, and want to know the proper techniques to moving down a trail, you're not going to want to miss this episode. John is a great dude, super chill, and just loves what he does.
Enjoy!
By Land, Emory Ronald
THANKS FOR LISTENING!!
Taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions or comments, feel free to reach me at emory@byland.co or leave a comment below. I'd love to hear from you.
Also, if you have a topics you'd like covered, email me and I'll look into making it happen!
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
Lifestyle Shop - http://byland.co/shop/
Patreon - http://byland.co/patreon/
SHOW NOTES
Introductions John’s background and how he built up to hiking 50 miles in a single day Proper hiking technique for reducing impact on the body The impact of pack weight on the body The choices of gear - bringing what you need depending on the trip Adapting to trail conditions and scenarios John’s food plan and being aware of your body How to be minimal - making do with what you have Why John continues to hike and explore the backcountry Johns new pack company - behind the design Who’s John’s pack is designed for How John decided not to use a waist belt for a pack “Packing your fears” John’s advice to new backpackers Finding John online What’s next for John and the pack company John’s camera choice John and Emory BS session… LINKS
Pa'lente Packs - https://palantepacks.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jawnzee/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/johnzahorian
I'm pretty sure I found my photography spirit guide from a Craigslist purchase. Guillaume is not only a talented and unique photographer, but he has this way of explaining the art of photography that makes an all to often complicated topic not so complicated. Let me back up a bit and explain how this episode came to be.
Life has a funny way of working out. I couple of years ago I met Guillaume when he sold me a tripod on Craigslist. When I went home that night, I looked up his website and was blown away by his work. I followed him on Instagram immediately and was always entertained by his images.
Fast forward to a few months ago, we reconnected yet again via Craigslist when he was selling a camera lens I was interested in purchasing. Over the course of a few email exchanges, I realized that this guy had more to say about photography than what I had originally anticipated. He walked me through the ins and outs of ensuring I'd be making the right purchase rather than taking advantage of a random photography newb. After our exchanges, it hit me that I needed to get him on the podcast so out of the blue, I asked Guillaume if he would be willing to join me for an episode to give me some straight talk about photography.
My original intent was to have some super awesome tech talk, but as a spirit guide would, he made me realize that before tech talk, we needed to talk about photography from a holistic standpoint. What followed during our conversation was nothing short of incredible.
Guillaume is a damn good photographer, but he might be just as good of a teacher.
Enjoy!
By Land, Emory Ronald
THANKS FOR LISTENING!!
Taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions or comments, feel free to reach me at emory@byland.co or leave a comment below. I'd love to hear from you.
Also, if you have a topics you'd like covered, email me and I'll look into making it happen!
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
SHOW NOTES
Introductions How Guillaume went from being an engineer to being a travel journalist Gear - The initial struggle with photography Understanding what makes a good photograph and reading the environment Example of reading the environment to capture an image Decision making in photography Simplifying the photography process How to properly employ an entire photography kit Matching the photography gear to the adventure Guillaume’s backpacking kit for an average trip How reducing gear can increase the amount of keepers The struggle of tripods for photography Purpose driven trips for photography - being intentional Understanding the subject you’re shooting Applying Guillaume’s advice The importance of weather sealing for a camera Carrying a camera when backpacking How to find Guillaume LINKS
https://www.photoxplorer.com/
Superior Wilderness Designs is a cottage company out of Michigan that builds ultralight backpacks for the Thru Hiking crowed. Brandon McIntyre and Ashley Thick started SWD early in 2016 and promptly left to hike the Pacific Crest Trails with their handmade packs.
I asked Brandon to come on the podcast to talk about his company, but what we ended up doing is having a far more in depth conversation. We touch on his pack designs, how he got started and why, and what backpacking means to him. I found Brandon to be a pleasure to talk to and immediately felt like I was in the presence of someone who loves what backpacking can do for people.
I really think you're going to enjoy this episode with Brandon. He's laid back, passionate, and sincere about what he does at SWD. If you're looking for a company to connect with on a personal level, SWD is where you should begin looking. I personally learned a number of things from my chat with Brandon so I know you will too.
Enjoy!
By Land, Emory Ronald
THANKS FOR LISTENING!!
Taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions or comments, feel free to reach me at emory@byland.co or leave a comment below. I'd love to hear from you.
Also, if you have a topics you'd like covered, email me and I'll look into making it happen!
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
SHOW NOTES
Introduction to Brandon and SWD Superior Wilderness Designs - customized packs! How Brandon got into backpacking Brandon’s first backpacking trip How and why Brandon started SWD Brandon’s DIY gear creations and background with sewing Lessons learned in pack design Durability in a pack - what is needed and what is not The Thru Hiking pack design - where did this stem from? How Brandon feels about being a part of someone’s backpacking story SWD pack designs Materials - Cuben versus X-Pac When Cuben fiber makes sense and when it doesn’t X-Pac fabric explained Weather proofing a pack Pack liners versus pack covers Stretch fabric versus netting for an outside pack pocket What customers can expect from contacting SWD The culture around Thru Hiking and how SWD is carrying on that culture The future offerings from SWD How to find SWD Brandon’s advice to backpackers Saved rounds: The emotional connection to Thru Hiking and how the trail can change your life LINKS
www.swdbackpacks.com
Joe Wilkins, among many things, is the author of a recently published book called "Gates of the Arctic National Park: Twelve Years of Wilderness Exploration." For more years than you and I can imagine, Joe Wilkins has explored, guided, trained Park Rangers and helped educate as many people as possible about the riches of his beloved National Park.
Joe was an absolute blast to talk with. You can tell that his passion for the outdoors runs as deep as the deepest forest in Alaska and is as pure as the water flowing from those incredible mountains he's loved for so many years.
You're going to love hearing Joe talk about his book, his experiences in the backcountry, and what he's learned over the many decades he's spent in the wilds of Alaska.
By Land, Emory Ronald
THANKS FOR LISTENING!!
Taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions or comments, feel free to reach me at emory@byland.co or leave a comment below. I'd love to hear from you.
Also, if you have a topics you'd like covered, email me and I'll look into making it happen!
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
SHOW NOTES
Introductions The backstory to Jim Wilkins How Jim became interested in Alaska Joe’s experience in Gates of the Arctic National Park Fun facts about Alaska Intro to Gates of the Arctic National Park Features of the park Adventures in the park Animals located in the park and Jim’s interactions with them How Jim learned to be comfortable around wild predators Jim’s experience working with and training new park Rangers Learning to live in the Arctic Wilderness The importance of Jim’s book How to find Jim’s book Jim’s cause helping Veterans with the proceeds of the book Jim’s advice to new backpackers and adventurers
LINKS
www.joesalaskabook.com https://www.amazon.com/Gates-Arctic-National-Park-Exploration/dp/161254973X
Pillsbury (real name Mary) is a former PCT hiker and one of the founders of "2 Foot Adventures," a high end pop up gear shop located along the Pacific Crest Trail. Each year, Mary and her partner help dozens, if not hundreds, of weary Thru Hikers who are struggling with injury, gear troubles, and mental fatigue.
Located at both Warner Springs and Lone Pine, hikers will find a retrofitted Airstream trailer full of all the gear a Thru Hiker could ask for and sound advice to go along with it. For some, 2 Foot Adventures is a source of rejuvenation and encouragement, while for others it's a place to drop some serious pack weight. 2 Foot Adventures is a high end mobile outfitter focused on helping as many Thru Hikers as it can as they make their way up the PCT.
Mary is about as passionate as they come. She not only cares about the hikers, but she cares about the trail, the idea of backpacking, and wants nothing but to see hikers make it as far up the trail as their bodies will take them. We spoke for over an hour about common injuries on the PCT, how to get past the first 100 miles, what gear is proven to work, the benefits of Thru Hiking, and her advice to Thru Hikers on the PCT.
You're going to love this episode of The By Land Podcast because you'll hear how passionate Mary is about what she does. If you're hiking the PCT in 2018, be sure to stop by her gear shops as you make your way up the trail!
By Land, Emory Ronald
THANKS FOR LISTENING!!
Taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions or comments, feel free to reach me at emory@byland.co or leave a comment below. I'd love to hear from you.
Also, if you have a topics you'd like covered, email me and I'll look into making it happen!
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
SHOW NOTES
Introduction to 2 Food Adventures Common issues after 100 miles on the PCT Common Footwear issues and remedies Over use injuries, causes, and remedies Long distance hiking routines and techniques Ego on the trail - miles, pace, distance The PCT as a mental game Post trail feelings Benefits of long distance hiking PCT Gear advice! Clothes Packs Sleeping system The ultralight movement - pros and cons Gear and backpacking dvice to the general backpacker Tips for reducing overall pack weight How to find 2 Foot Adventures Closing thoughts: Misconceptions of “who” a Thru Hiker is
LINKS
www.2footadventures.com
Jacob Moon has an interesting backstory. Until about year ago, he was a full time nurse. He spent his days off exploring the mountains and taking incredible landscape images that he mostly kept to himself until a friend prompted him to post them to Instagram and the rest is history. Fast forward about a year, he's now a full time photographer, adventurer, and a family man.
I contacted Jacob to ask about an image he posted of his baby sleeping in a tent above an incredible landscape. He and his wife have found a way to integrate their baby into their active outdoor lifestyles and I wanted to learn more about it. I learned this and so much more.
Jacob Moon loves the mountains. He conveys his love for the outdoors through his images and I personally think they're incredible. Where words aren't enough, Jacob captures an image.
By the end of this episode, you'll learn what makes Jacob tick, how he manages risk in the mountains, how he learned to backpack with a baby, and a great tip on taking landscape images. You're going to love it!
By Land, Emory Ronald
THANKS FOR LISTENING!!
Taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions or comments, feel free to reach me at emory@byland.co or leave a comment below. I'd love to hear from you.
Also, if you have a topics you'd like covered, email me and I'll look into making it happen!
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
SHOW NOTES
Introduction to Jacob Moon How Jacob became a full time photographer What pushed Jacob to start climbing mountains and what brings him back time and again Learning to climb mountains Being safe in the mountains - learned or natural? Introducing photography into mountain climbing Integrating family into the outdoors Car camping with a 3 week old baby Backpacking with a baby How the outdoors impacts a baby and the parents How Jacob came to love the outdoors The benefit of quality time with family Advice to families looking to get outdoors and how to get started camping and backpacking with kids Jacobs tips for landscape photography
LINKS
http://www.moonmountainman.com/ https://www.instagram.com/moonmountainman/
Chris McMaster is the owner of ULA Equipment, a backpacking company that's become quite the hit on long distance trails as of late. I had Chris on to talk with me about the company, the history, and what makes ULA so unique that Thru Hikers are choosing to carry these packs over others.
Chris is a great dude, and was a pleasure to speak with. If you're looking to get to know other brands out there in the backpacking space, be sure to give ULA a look.
By Land, Emory Ronald
THANKS FOR LISTENING!!
Taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions or comments, feel free to reach me at emory@byland.co or leave a comment below. I'd love to hear from you.
Also, if you have a topics you'd like covered, email me and I'll look into making it happen!
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
SHOW NOTES
Intro to Chris and ULA Origin story of ULA How Chris came to own ULA Design elements of ULA The Thru Hiker buy-off What makes a ULA pack different Pack features Roll tops versus zippers ULA suspensions Most popular ULA pack The benefit of weight savings Common seen issues with backpackers - poor fitting How to fit a ULA pack ULA belt systems Pack warranty Thoughts on cuben fiber as a fabric Advice to new backpackers
LINKS
www.ula-equipment.com
I recall being utterly confused the first time I researched water filters for backpacking. There are pumps, squeeze, and gravity types, but no one told me what to purchase and I was terrified I'd choose one that wouldn't protect me.
On this episode, I talk to Travis Avery of Sawyer (the water filter, bug spray, and sun screen maker), about what they offer and how their products solve the problem of filtering water. I learned some things I didn't know previously and I think if you're on the search for knowledge, this episode will suit you well. Travis gives me a rundown of what they offer, how it works, and why their products are so popular.
I want to add that Sawyer has a huge heart for people around the world that don't have access to clean drinking water. You'll hear Travis talk about this towards the end of the episode, so if you want to support a company that supports those in need, check out Sawyer.com.
Enjoy!
By Land,Emory RonaldTHANKS FOR LISTENING!!Taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions or comments, feel free to reach me at emory@byland.co or leave a comment below. I'd love to hear from you.
Also, if you have a topics you'd like covered, email me and I'll look into making it happen!
HELP THE SHOWIf you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
SHOW NOTESIntro to Sawyer and Travis Avery
Background on Sawyer
How Sawyer approaches water filtering
Unique attributes of the Sawyer design
Types of water filtering (squeeze versus gravity versus pump)
Common issues that arise from not filtering water
How much dirty water it takes to cause digestive track issues
How the industry regulates what filters are safe and how Sawyer approaches delivery to the customer
Besides form factor, are all filters equal?
Sawyer Mini versus the Sawyer Squeeze
Lifetime Warranty of the Sawyer Squeeze - how does that work?
Proper maintenance of Sawyer water filters
Before Sawyers hollow fiber solution, what were filters using to filter water?
Latest and greatest from Sawyer for 2018
Solutions for added contamination (Adsorbtion)
Other Sawyer product offerings
How Sawyer is helping bring clean water to those in need around the globe.
LINKSwww.sawyer.com
Sawyer's global impact - https://international.sawyer.com/
Chris McMaster is the owner of ULA Equipment, a backpacking company that's become quite the hit on long distance trails as of late. I had Chris on to talk with me about the company, the history, and what makes ULA so unique that Thru Hikers are choosing to carry these packs over others.
Chris is a great dude, and was a pleasure to speak with. If you're looking to get to know other brands out there in the backpacking space, be sure to give ULA a look.
By Land, Emory Ronald
THANKS FOR LISTENING!!
Taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions or comments, feel free to reach me at emory@byland.co or leave a comment below. I'd love to hear from you.
Also, if you have a topics you'd like covered, email me and I'll look into making it happen!
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
SHOW NOTES
Intro to Chris and ULA Origin story of ULA How Chris came to own ULA Design elements of ULA The Thru Hiker buy-off What makes a ULA pack different Pack features Roll tops versus zippers ULA suspensions Most popular ULA pack The benefit of weight savings Common seen issues with backpackers - poor fitting How to fit a ULA pack ULA belt systems Pack warranty Thoughts on cuben fiber as a fabric Advice to new backpackers
LINKS
www.ula-equipment.com
I recall being utterly confused the first time I researched water filters for backpacking. There are pumps, squeeze, and gravity types, but no one told me what to purchase and I was terrified I'd choose one that wouldn't protect me.
On this episode, I talk to Travis Avery of Sawyer (the water filter, bug spray, and sun screen maker), about what they offer and how their products solve the problem of filtering water. I learned some things I didn't know previously and I think if you're on the search for knowledge, this episode will suit you well. Travis gives me a rundown of what they offer, how it works, and why their products are so popular.
I want to add that Sawyer has a huge heart for people around the world that don't have access to clean drinking water. You'll hear Travis talk about this towards the end of the episode, so if you want to support a company that supports those in need, check out Sawyer.com.
Enjoy!
By Land,Emory RonaldTHANKS FOR LISTENING!!Taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions or comments, feel free to reach me at emory@byland.co or leave a comment below. I'd love to hear from you.
Also, if you have a topics you'd like covered, email me and I'll look into making it happen!
HELP THE SHOWIf you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
SHOW NOTESIntro to Sawyer and Travis Avery
Background on Sawyer
How Sawyer approaches water filtering
Unique attributes of the Sawyer design
Types of water filtering (squeeze versus gravity versus pump)
Common issues that arise from not filtering water
How much dirty water it takes to cause digestive track issues
How the industry regulates what filters are safe and how Sawyer approaches delivery to the customer
Besides form factor, are all filters equal?
Sawyer Mini versus the Sawyer Squeeze
Lifetime Warranty of the Sawyer Squeeze - how does that work?
Proper maintenance of Sawyer water filters
Before Sawyers hollow fiber solution, what were filters using to filter water?
Latest and greatest from Sawyer for 2018
Solutions for added contamination (Adsorbtion)
Other Sawyer product offerings
How Sawyer is helping bring clean water to those in need around the globe.
LINKSwww.sawyer.com
Sawyer's global impact - https://international.sawyer.com/
If I told you there were people who ran 200 mile races you'd probably think that was pretty cool. What if I told you there are people who run 3 races that total over 600 miles in under 3 months time? Crazy right?
Mike McKnight is a runner. He's the is the first winner of the Triple Crown of Ultra 200 Mile races and knows a thing or two about enduring. Mike has the lowest combined time of the Bigfoot 200, Tahoe 200, and the Moab 240. He loves the sport and is incredibly humble about his accomplishment.
I asked Mike to come on the podcast to talk about what he does and how he does it. Even though this isn't backpacking, the idea of pushing yourself is the same. I think you're going to love hearing Mike's story and how it came to be. Like most things, Mike didn't set out to run three races in three months, but that's what happened and because he stuck it out, he has a pretty cool story to tell.
Mike McKnight is a straight up inspiration to me. He spoke with me about his ability to push through when he wanted to quit, his love for his family, and his admiration for fellow runners. I don't care if you never run a single mile in your life, you're going to love hearing Mike tell this story.
By Land, Emory Ronald
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
SHOW NOTES
Intro to Mike McKnight The history of the Triple Crown and how it works How Mike started down the path of ultra running The ups and downs of each trail How the desire to quit played a role in Mike’s success in the Triple Crown Digesting the experience of Mikes accomplishment and what the trail means Altra Footwear - benefits and design Mikes advice to getting into long distance running and how to work up to ultra distances LINKS
Triple Crown of 200's film Instagram @dirtymike_89 www.altrarunning.com
Chris Burkard is a well known adventure photographer, but he's also a family man. He's made a name for himself photographing the life of surfers all around the world and in some pretty extreme environments.
I asked Chris if he'd be willing to come on the podcast to share his story and he kindly agreed. While we could have talked at great length about how to physically take a picture, I think it's more important to understand where Chris comes from, how he looks at the world around him, and why his images are so well received.
This was a unique experience for me to speak with Chris. I've been a fan of his work for a few years now and having this opportunity to pick his brain was an honor. I'm humbled that Chris would take the time out of his day to connect with me and sincerely hope what we covered in this chat helps someone somewhere break down a barrier they've been struggling with.
You're going to learn about photography in this episode, but you'll also learn how to be a photographer inside and how to tell a story through images. When we venture out into those place we love, I think we all want to return with pictures that tell the story so those stories live on long after we're gone. I think that by the end of this episode, you might learn a few things about how to do that successfully with whatever gear you have on you.
By Land, Emory Ronald
SHOW NOTES
Introduction to Chris and what he does Chris’s background The process of framing and image and owning the process Who Chris was prior to photography and what gave him to passion to explore the world How Chris finds balance in his work and what he wishes to communicate How to return to challenging places over and over again and do so successfully Viewing yourself as a story teller How Adventure Photography works What Chris gets from photography as a person How art has played a roll in telling the human story through history Advise to young creatives How to find Chris online
This quilt isn't a product of your Grandmothers quilting guild. Enlightened Equipment creates solutions for backpackers who desire to carry less weight in their packs without giving up an ounce of comfort (see what I did there?). If you've never heard of a backpacking quilt, this episode is dedicated to you. And, if you're on the search for ways to lighten your load then again, this episode is for you.
Skylar Ogren is the Head of Marketing for Enlightened Equipment and joins me on this episode to explain what exactly a "quilt" is and how it will benefit you in the backcountry. In short, you're about to learn why you should begin challenging everything you've ever known about the traditional sleeping bag.
I created By Land to help you have a better time backpacking. This episode is the epitome of that very concept. If you're looking for a tool to help lighten your load by and easy 2 pounds or more, you're going to want to give this one a listen.
You're about to learn what a quilt is, how it works, who Enlightened Equipment is, how down "fill" ratings impact your comfort levels and overall pack weight, and much more!
By Land, Emory Ronald
THANKS FOR LISTENING!!
Taking the time to listen to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you have questions or comments, feel free to reach me at emory@byland.co or leave a comment below. I'd love to hear from you.
Also, if you have a topics you'd like covered, email me and I'll look into making it happen!
HELP THE SHOW
If you enjoyed this show and want to help me out, please leave me an honest review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts from. Doing so will help my podcast reach others and grow more and more. I can't do it without you!
SHOW NOTES
Intro to EE Defining a “quilt” Quilts versus regular bags Common concerns with going with a sleeping quilt Sleeping in a quilt How a quilt can reduce your overall pack weight Benefits of better sleep Why Thru Hikers have chosen quilts over traditional bags AT Speed Record set this year by a user of Enlightened Equipment Impacts of having more weight than what you need in your pack The differences in down the quality of down How down fill weight works Enlightened Equipment origin story and timeline Ordering process, options, and custom built quilts Times when quilts don’t make “sense” How to choose a quilt for you application Skylar’s advice for choosing gear Enlightened Equipment product offerings How to reach EE LINKS
www.enlightenedequipment.com Videos on EE quilts Instagram - @enlightenedequipment
Ellie was only a year old when her parents put her in a backpack and embarked on a dream hike on the Appalachian Trial. With baby in tow, they found a way to complete their hike all while raising a baby. Ellie spent just over six months watching the world go by at 3mph through amazing landscapes and meeting some of the most amazing people of the Thru Hiking community. She even learned to walk while on the AT!!!
This podcast is the story of baby Ellie, Bekah, and Derrick Quirin hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2017. For me, it's an inspirational story that makes me believe even more in chasing dreams and removing what some might deem as impossible barriers.
Bekah and Derrick are incredible people who want to live the life they've always dreamt of and they're doing it as a family. You're doing to love their story and with any luck, maybe be inspired to dream bigger than you ever have.
Enjoy!
By Land,
Emory Ronald
On this episode I dive into a solo review of the Seek Outside Redcliff shelter. This is a popular article on my website, so I decided to put it in audio format and let you listen to my review rather than read it.
I've had this shelter for a couple of years now and love it just as much today as I did when I first showed up at my door.
If you're interested in switching to a floorless style shelter for your backcountry adventures and Seek Outside has been on your radar, you'll want to give this episode a listen.
For additional images and comments, please see the links below!
Show Notes Why and how I chose the Seek Outside Redcliff Initial impressions of the Redcliff Common issues with going "floorless" - mainly bugs Durability and wind resistance Ease of pitching What sold me on the Redcliff - Livability Packability of the Redcliff Condensation solutions Seam sealing rants... Redcliff Sizing Redcliff best uses Overall design Redcliff compared to the Cimarron and Silvertip
Welcome to the very first company profile episode! This will be the first of many, and I couldn't be more excited to have my first one be with the founder of SIXSITE Gear, Stephen Holley.
Stephen Holley from SIXSITE Gear joins me to talk about the company he founded and what makes his products or brand different than his competitors. I've known of SIXSITE for a while now and like most, had questions about their offerings and why I might choose to purchase from them versus through someone else.
By the end of this episode, I had all my questions answered and more. Stephen is a great guy with a passion to make great products, but it doesn't stop there. He stands behind his offerings with an incredible warranty.
We cover the "why" behind SIXSITE, products offered, how Stephen chose to go down the route of being consumer direct, and the heavy meaning behind marketing his brand as "Navy SEAL designed."
You're going to love getting to know Stephen Holley and SIXSITE!
Intro to SIXSITE Gear
How and why SIXSITE Gear was founded
Why go consumer direct
Special Ops to hunting transition
What the “former Navy SEAL” label means to Stephen and the community he comes from
SIXSITE Gear product offering overview
Hunting pack design
SIXSITE apparel “style and fit”
SIXSITE Warranty, shipping, and return policy
Ryan Lampers is a solo hunter, and he's good at it. Like, really good. He's been doing it nearly all his life and while it may have begun out of necessity, it's turned into something he's come to cherish. Solo hunting gives Ryan a dynamic challenge that can only be found when the sole person responsible for pushing himself is himself.
Solo hunting isn't easy. In fact, it's hard both mentally and physically. On this episode of The By Land Podcast, Ryan joins me to talk about the uniqueness of what he does and how he does it. He talks with me about how he got into solo hunting, why he continues to do it, and what he gets out of it as opposed to hunting with a partner.
You don't have to be a hunter to appreciate this conversation with Ryan. If you're a backpacker and ever find yourself in a situation where a friend can't go or maybe cancels on your last minute and you question whether or not you should continue alone, then this episode is for you.
Rolling solo into the wilderness is a daunting task no matter how far you go or what you're doing out there. It brings an entirely new dynamic to an adventure and as you'll hear Ryan discuss, you either love it or hate it.
For those willing to go solo, something special very awaits you. Self reliance, confidence, instinct, enhanced senses, and decision making are all on your shoulders. You decide each move and have no one to blame for your mistakes. On the flip side, you're also the only one responsible when you're successful in the field and when that happens, it's just that much sweeter.
Solo or not, you're going to love this chat with Ryan Lampers. Thanks for tuning in!
Brendon Weaver, a co-founder of Maven Built Optics, joins me to explain the basics of the optics world. We talk about how to choose an optics, what goes into them, and what the numbers mean. If you're currently shopping, you won't want to miss this one!
Ashli Baldwin from www.tentside.com joins me on this episode to answer an audience members question about what it's like for women in the outdoors? From gear to mindset, Ashli covers it all and offers some great advice to women getting into backpacking.
What happens when we love the outdoors, but then a baby comes along? Does everything end until they're grown, or is there a way to continue having adventures in the wild while simultaneously raise a family? What changes when this happens and how do you even find a balance between the love of your outdoors and the love of your family?
Taren Weigandt of www.binosinthediaperbag.com joins me to talk about how to stay active in the outdoors with a family. Taren is a blogger, hunter, mother of 3 (including twin boys), and a wife. She was raised in a hunting family and has always lead an active lifestyle even while raising a family. If you're struggling to get outside because you have a family or you're thinking of starting a family and are curious about what happens to your adventures after that first baby comes along, you're going to want to give this one a listen.
Taren and her husband have found a way to balance two major loves - family and the outdoors and I brought her on to find out how they do it. What changes when I have a family of my own? Do all my outings come to a close? After talking with Taren and peppering her with questions, I personally came away with some great tools to take forward when I start my own family.
Enjoy this episode and if you have any questions or comments about the content, please don't hesitate to reach out. I'd love to hear your thoughts!
By Land,
Emory Ronald
Show Notes
Introductions What changes when kids arrive? How to find balance between the outdoors and family Introducing kids to hunting How to keep kids happy in the outdoors Lessons learned Taren's advice to the outdoorsy family Links:
www.binosinthediaperbag.com Instagram
On this episode of the By Land Podcast, I talk with Brad Neathery and Tyler Sharp from Modern Huntsman to discuss their Kickstarter campaign to create a biannual publication focused on telling the story of hunting through beautiful writing and photography
On this episode of the By Land Podcast, I talk with Ashli from Gaia GPS (also a fellow Thru Hiker and backpacker) about this idea of using your mobile device as a navigation tool. If you're curious about mobile land navigation and not sure about making the switch to using your smartphone as a backcountry mapping tool, this episode is for you!
On this episode of the By Land Podcast, I talk with Kevin Time from Seek Outside about flourless shelters, also known as Ultralight Tipis. We discuss what goes into a shelter like this, how to properly use one, and the pros and cons to this kind of tent.
On this episode, I talk with Scott Haugen about patience plays a part in his success with hunting. We cover how to hunt Blacktailed deer in the general season and during the rut, techniques on how to do so, and what Scott is up to these days with his career. If you're a hunter of any kind, you'll love this episode and enjoy what Scott has to offer his audience.
If you've ever wondered what goes into a backpack in terms of design, this podcast episode is for you. Steve Speck from Exo Mountain Gear joins me on the podcast to discuss the anatomy of a backpack and how everything works together. Steve breaks it all down by component and describes what each part does and what he's learned throughout the process of being a successful pack maker. This is a must listen!
On this episode of The By Land Podcast, I sit down with Josh Kirchner from www.dialedinhunter.com to discuss the weird struggles of successfully disconnecting when we head into the mountains. Josh offers his perspective on the subject and tools to help keep your mind active and focused when things get tough.
On this very first episode of the By Land Podcast, I sit down with my hiking partner, Jose (Bubbles), to discuss our journey up the Pacific Crest Trail in 2017. We cover not only what it was like on the trail, but what it's like coming home and transitioning back into normal life. In addition, we discuss our decisions, the mental struggles of Thru Hiking, and what we learned along the way.
On this episode of the By Land Podcast, I speak for just a few minutes about what By Land is and what you can expect from the Podcast going forward. If you're looking to learn about the outdoors from those who either make a living in it or those who have simply found a way to enjoy their time successfully, this podcast is for you!