In Episode 13 of Second Act Backpacking, we’re talking about packing your fears. This episode starts with the story of my first solo backpacking trip, where I carried more than 50 pounds for what…
Episode 12: Backpacker Origin Stories Everyone has a backpacking origin story. Some people find the trail early. Some come to it later. Some step away for years and eventually find their way back. And…
Backpacking social media makes it look like every trip is perfect: golden sunsets, clean gear, easy miles, and smiling hikers who never forget anything. But real backpacking has a learning curve, and…
The classic outdoor checklist becomes a stress test for the backpacking systems you already carry. The 10 Essentials have been part of outdoor education for generations, but backpackers need to think…
Are you a day hiker who keeps looking at longer trails and thinking, “Maybe it’s time to try backpacking”? Or maybe you used to backpack years ago, drifted into day hiking, and now the modern gear…
Somewhere along the way, backpacking content started to feel like it only counts if you quit your job, hike from Georgia to Maine, and know your base weight to the tenth of an ounce. But here is the…
In this episode of Second Act Backpacking, we take a practical look at modern backpacking clothing through the eyes of someone who remembers when 40 to 60-pound packs, heavy boots, military ponchos,…
What happens if your phone dies, breaks, or disappears over the edge of a mountain overlook? In this episode of the Second Act Backpacking Podcast, we dig into one of the most important safety topics…
We're back from our shakedown trip with tales from the trail and lessons learned. This episode covers a short, low-stress overnight that tested gear, packing choices, and solo-safety routines.…
In this episode of the Second Act Backpacking Podcast we continue the shakedown hike series with a clear, practical look at first aid for the trail — what injuries you’re most likely to face…
