Shows
Backcountry BanterOwn Less, Live More with Abby HollisDalton and Bryan visit Reno Nevada for their summer tradeshow and catch up with one of their favorite brands, Livsn. Abby Hollis, Director of Product and Sustainability chats with us about Livsn's approach to sustainability, their recent B Corp certification, and looking forward with Livsn product design. Learn more about Livsn and their brand initiatives, and what makes them such an amazing brand.Like what you hear? We'd love if you gave us a follow. Hit those three dots on our podcast profile page and give us a rating. Podcast ratings are like overnights...2025-07-2254 min
Backcountry BanterDebate: Top 3 States on the ATDalton and Bryan take a walk down memory lane in debating, what are the best 3 states along the Appalachian Trail? There are no rules in this great debate, all things can be considered including length, vistas, hostels, angels, food, shelters, or even privies. See how our picks stack up with your experiences, and perhaps find out what the greatest state along the AT is!Like what you hear? We'd love if you gave us a follow. Hit those three dots on our podcast profile page and give us a rating. Podcast ratings are like overnights in a...2025-06-161h 05
Backcountry BanterGear of the Year 2025Dalton and Bryan totally nerd out on their favorite gear from this year. This podcast takes a look at some new and exciting gear, the reasons why we love it, and why it matters to you. This podcast is all about highlighting some of our favorite new pieces including some killer items from Nemo, Oboz, Rab, and more. This duo puts backpacking gear to the test and has seen and used a lot through the years. Take a listen and get some insight into the industry while maybe finding your next great piece for the gear closet....2025-06-021h 24
Backcountry BanterThru-hiking the CDT (Finale)Surprise, Cast Iron completed his CDT thru-hike! We let Dalton acclimate back to life off the trail and the desert dust settle before catching up for the 3rd and final episode about his CDT hike. In this episode we find out about some of Dalton's favorite trail stories, his favorite and least favorite moments. We answer pressing questions like, "how much sushi can a thru-hiker eat?" and dive deep into the CDT experience. Don't miss this incredible conclusion. If you missed the first two segments, head back to season one and learn more about thru-hiking the CDT.2025-03-241h 18
Backcountry BanterThru-hiking the CDT (part 2)Dalton "Cast Iron" Spurlin has done over 1600 miles southbound on the Continental Divide Trail. He joins us remotely to tell us about his journey thus far. We talk to Dalton about the state by state challenges, the changing weather, trail towns, and more. Listen in to part two of this continuing series as we follow Dalton on his CDT thru-hike attempt.
Sponsorship provided by Fillo's. Go to fillos.com or stop by RRT to try their Walking Tamales. Fillo's walking tamales, tamales time anytime!
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Hit...2025-03-181h 12
Backcountry BanterPeace, Love, and All That Good StuffWe sit down with THE Mr. Fabulous in front of a live studio audience recording. This is an instant favorite as we had the opportunity to interview Derick Lugo about his book "The Unlikely Thru-Hiker", about his many hiking adventures, and his future forays into a new book about hiking the CDT. Derick is a hilarious storyteller and takes us on a pretty wild ride. Listen in as Derick shares some stories and secrets that he's never shared before.You can follow Derick Lugo here:Derick on InstagramDericklugo.com...2025-02-261h 30
Backcountry BanterAlta Via 1 - The Perfect Hut to Hut TrekWe're back! Season 2 of Backcountry Banter is back and better than ever. Mom let us buy a second microphone, and we added some sweet intro music from our friendNoah Smith. We've got some great episodes headed your way, say subscribe now to hear the latest.In this episode we sit down with Emily White. Emily is co-owner of Roads Rivers and Trails and trip planner extraordinaire. Emily is building an impressive international resume including hut to hut trips in Iceland, New Zealand, Switzerland, and Italy. Emily has hiked the Alta Via 1 twice. We sit...2025-02-1257 minBackcountry BanterMotz Moves: a 3,000 Mile JourneyWe're joined by Joe Motz, a local business founder, long distance traveler, and community steward in everything he does. Joe has built a sustainable community at the Motz Group; a Evergreen certified company that proves their commitment to people, values, and practices. Joe started Motz Moves an initiative for physical inspiration, but also a force for good with it's philanthropic missions.
Joe’s "Paddle for a Purpose" endeavor, is a 3,000 mile paddling journey that is working to raise funds and awareness for The Bridge Adaptive. An organization dedicated to increase awareness and promote opportunities for individuals with dis...2024-11-181h 23Backcountry BanterWheelzup Adventures, with Mandela EchefuIn what may be my favorite conversation yet, I catch up with a good friend, Mandela Echefu. An immigrant from Nigeria, accomplished professional, and entrepreneur. Mandela started (at the time) the 3rd black owned outdoor retailer, Wheelzup in Cumberland, MD in 2021. Mandela shares his origin story, his passion for the outdoors, for mentorship, and for representation in the space. Let's put on some Celine Dion and dive into this open and candid take on the outdoor industry.Disclosure: there are audio issues with this podcast. We believe in genuine conversations and did not want...2024-10-031h 01Backcountry BanterIf the Shoe Fits, with Woody DePernaIn this episode Bryan sits down with Woody DePerna of J&H Outdoors in Lexington Kentucky. Woody has spent 4 decades in the footwear industry, helping tens of thousands of people to better understand their feet and matching them with the best product for their journey. We'll talk about his experience, changes in the industry over the years, and challenges that we face in specialty outdoors.
Thank you to our sponsor Oboz. Dedicated to the highest social and environmental standards and B-Corp certified, Oboz remains true to the trail. For some of the best technical outdoor footwear checkout...2024-09-171h 16Backcountry BanterYour First Response, with Chris BroughtonChris Broughton has worked as a first responder as a paramedic, firefighter, search and rescue worker, disaster relief worker, animal welfare worker, and in a anti-poaching unit. Chris will share some of his experiences, passions, along with what brought him to this path of service. We'll explore the importance of wilderness first aid training on your adventures and share some stories from his time in the field. Lastly, we'll make Chris fill out our first ever MAD LIBS the SAR edition.
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Hit those three dots...2024-08-261h 24Backcountry BanterRudy's Road Trip RuminationsBryan sits down with Rudy Schieldknecht to discuss the great American road trip. We'll discuss what makes a good road trip, what are some stories from the road, and some favorite memories made. While we may have different experiences we both come to the same conclusion; it's about the journey, not the destination. Join us as we banter about turning up the volume, rolling the windows down, and the great open road.
Need a road trip playlist? Both Rudy and Bryan made their own for you to enjoy here:
Bryan: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/56...2024-08-191h 22Backcountry BanterThru-hiking the CDT (part 1)Dalton "Cast Iron" Spurlin has done over 800 miles southbound on the Continental Divide Trail. He joins us as our first ever remote guest on the podcast to tell us about his journey thus far. We'll talk about learning lessons, his pace, and counting calories on what will be part one of a continuing series as we follow Dalton on his CDT thru-hike attempt.
Sponsorship provided by Nemo:
Visit https://roadsriversandtrails.com and use code "CAPTAIN" for 15% all Nemo for a limited time.
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Hit...2024-08-051h 10Backcountry BanterGrizzled with Grizzly with Jene GalvinAt 81 Jene Galvin isn't slowing down one bit. A longtime friend of RRT, Jene sits down with us to discuss his time as a volunteer ranger in Lake Clark, Alaska, his secret to staying active into his 80's, and his transition to ultralight backpacking. Jene has inspired many though his journalism and storytelling, his new message; Getting older? Then speed up!
Sponsorship provided by Roads Rivers and Trails:
https://roadsriversandtrails.com/
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Hit those three dots on our podcast profile page and...2024-07-101h 11Backcountry BanterBean Curd Pancakes with Heath RowlandIn this episode we run the gamut with a long time friend and partner in the outdoor industry, Heath Rowland. We'll dive into Heath's passions in the outdoors, his business; Ground Up Sales, and his work with the Southeast Climbers Coalition. We'll sip some bourbon, play some games, and enjoy some classic banter. Come on the journey with us as we explore climbing in the Winds and Katahdin, and a friend fueled frenzy of a game called "Did Heath Say It?".
Learn More:
SCC Conservation Legacy Program
Ground Up Sales
Like...2024-06-191h 36Backcountry BanterGetting Down to Business: Tradeshow PrepIn this episode Bryan and Dalton discuss the upcoming GOA Connect tradeshow, one of 2 major tradeshows they attend. They talk about how they buy gear and bigger conversations with brands that guide their business. Take a unique look into the business of specialty outdoor retail.
A special thank you to our sponsor, the one and only Tire King. Be sure to check out RRT river clean up events here.
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Hit those three dots on our podcast profile page and give...2024-05-3053 minBackcountry BanterIs Lighter Always Better?Do you count pack weight by pounds, ounces, or grams? Bryan and Dalton have a different perspective when it comes to pack weight and try to argue their points in this new episode. While there may not always be a clear winner, their perspectives may shine a light on how you'd like to build out your kit.
Thank you to our sponsor Osprey. Take advantage of a special deal to get a free hydration bladder with a pack purchase of $100 or more. Use coupon code "STRAPITON". Shop here
Like what you hear? We'd love if you...2024-05-0655 minBackcountry BanterPuerto Rico: Adventure, Food, & CultureRRT'ers Bryan, Emily, and Joe all spent a week in Puerto Rico with family soaking in the culture, enjoying the food, and experiencing totally unique adventures. Bryan recounts the trip including hiking in El Yunque, paddling in the Bioluminescence, and walking the streets of San Juan.
Quick episode links:
Kayak Puerto Rico
Flavors of San Juan
Thank you to our sponsor Osprey. Take advantage of a special deal to get a free hydration bladder with a pack purchase of $100 or more. Use coupon code "STRAPITON". Shop here
Like what...2024-05-0157 minBackcountry BanterScotland: A Week at the GlenmoreDalton spent a week in Scotland with a small group of independent retailers from around the globe, all sponsored by Rab and Gore-Tex. During that time he attended product clinics and a Mountaineering course up steep ridges from the Glenmore Lodge. We'll recount his experience and play another game of "False Summits" the Scotland Edition.
Huge thanks to Rab for the opportunity and making the most badass mountain gear out there: SHOP
More information on the Glenmore Lodge: HERE
Like what you hear? We'd love if you gave us a...2024-04-0446 minBackcountry Banter10 Minute Trip Report: Mt. CammererWelcome to 10 minute trip reports, where we share quick details from our adventures to give you quick and concise inspiration and information. We hope to open your eyes to new places and give you some quick tips to making it happen.
In this TMTR Emma and Rudy guest host to tell us about the Mount Cammerer loop in the Great Smoky Mountains. Find out more about this two night backpacking adventure, listen in!
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Hit those three dots on our podcast profile page and...2024-03-2112 minBackcountry BanterConfessions from a Guide with Nancy BallNancy Ball from Summit Trek and Travel joins Backcountry Banter. Nancy is an accomplished entrepreneur and writer. She is author of “How to Poop in the Woods”, she is a trip leader with the Sierra Club and wrote the curriculum for the Miami chapter's backpacking school, she is the owner of Summit Trek and Travel a local and international guide service who also operates the Summit Sisters backpacking school, a school dedicated to empowering women to be independent in the outdoors.
We talk about her book, her experiences in guiding, and her draw to the outdoors. We also...2024-03-1553 minBackcountry BanterInnovative Gear Awards 2024RRT spends hundreds of hours every year in the quest for the very best equipment, footwear, and clothing. We meet with brands pre-production and about a year from product delivery to our door. In special cases, we get prototypes to take on trail and test before ever placing our orders. We literally summit mountains to assure that we bring in an assortment of specialty gear that is right for you our customer, and the breadth of adventures you will take it on. In this podcast we'll talk about our favorites and the most innovative gear for 2024.
Shop...2024-03-0955 minBackcountry BanterSpringer FeverHave you or someone you love been impacted by Springer Fever? Bryan and Dalton talk about what is Springer Fever, who does it infect, and why? Your draw to the Appalachian Trail and other outdoor experiences is curable, and you're not alone. Join us for a Second Date Update, some unique podcast sponsors, and a conversation on that unexplainable desire to head to Springer Mountain, GA every Spring.
Click here for Springer Fever Merch
As always, you can check out RRT and our mission, or shop at: roadsriversandtrails.com
References:
The Trek
American Psychological Association
Like what you hear? We'd love if yo...2024-02-2238 minBackcountry BanterLayering: Clothing, Cakes, Onions, and OgresDalton and Bryan continue their conversation on cold weather trekking. In this episode they tackle clothing and the perfect layering system, how to pack your kit, and what other changes to expect in your gear assortment. Bryan challenges Dalton to a game of "False Summits" where we promise you'll learn about destinations you've never heard of before!
Thank you to this week's sponsor Hillsound Equipment. You can check out some of Hillsounds gear and use code "UPRIGHT" for 20% off for a limited time at roadsriversandtrails.com
Like what you hear? We'd love if you gave us a...2024-02-0952 minBackcountry BanterOut Cold- Numb Toes and Mountain GlowsBryan and Dalton recount some of their cold weather trips in the backcountry and share some of their tips and tricks to making the best of it! Dalton was surprised with games like "How Low Can You Go" and "Bad Weather or Bad Gear?" while the two also discussed a warm sleeping set up and the dangers of winter travel.
Thank you to this week's sponsor Hillsound Equipment. You can check out some of Hillsounds gear and use code "UPRIGHT" for 20% off for a limited time at roadsriversandtrails.com
Like what you hear? We'd love...2024-02-0255 minBackcountry BanterThe IntroductionAs we enter digital immortality with Backcountry Banter we want to start by introducing ourselves. We'll introduce our hosts; Bryan and Dalton, our company RRT, and the goals we have with this podcast.
We hope to make Backcountry Banter your go-to podcast for outdoor adventure tips, tricks, and stories! Hosts Bryan Wolf and Dalton Spurlin each have trekked thousands of miles including tackling long distance treks like the Appalachian Trail. Professionally the duo works to equip, educate, and prepare other people for their adventures, with a combined two decades of specialty service in the outdoor industry. In...2024-01-3130 min