Skip to main content
The Backpacking Podcast

The Backpacking Podcast

By John Kelley, Jeremiah Stringer

Be prepared to listen to great stories, hear from incredible guests, and laugh until your stomach hurts. Jeremiah Stringer and John Kelley share from experiences and knowledge from the trail while bringing the fun back to backpacking podcasts. The main goal here is to make you smile, and you'll quickly realize that Wednesdays are the best day of the week.
Available on
Apple Podcasts Logo
Castbox Logo
Overcast Logo
Pocket Casts Logo
RadioPublic Logo
Spotify Logo
Currently playing episode

40 Southern Slang, Things to Avoid When Backpacking, and Stories From the Backcountry

The Backpacking PodcastJan 20, 2021

00:00
59:54
208 Patti and Jared Champion - ADHD, Married YouTubing, and Hiking with Dogs

208 Patti and Jared Champion - ADHD, Married YouTubing, and Hiking with Dogs

It’s not often you have two backpacking youtubers in one family, and it’s even more rare to have two that are married. In this episode, we chat with the Champions, Jared from the YouTube channel “Outside Comfort Zone” and Patti from “GIRL Plus DOG Adventures.”

Mar 27, 202458:35
207 REAL Ultralight, Hiking Out West, and An Unfortunate Privy w/ Frozen

207 REAL Ultralight, Hiking Out West, and An Unfortunate Privy w/ Frozen

He’s already taken down so many trails, including the Appalachian Trail. Now he’s getting ready to head west and tackle the Pacific Crest Trail. We are more than excited to welcome back Frozen from the YouTube Channel “Outdoor Adventures” to the podcast!

Mar 20, 202457:42
206 The Tent Episode

206 The Tent Episode

This episode is all about tents. Where are the best spots to set one up? What are the best tents for backpacking? Ultralight? Maybe we’ll just go completely off topic!!!!

Mar 13, 202401:02:30
205 Poop Painting Rocks, Drinking Poop Rinse Water with David Gray

205 Poop Painting Rocks, Drinking Poop Rinse Water with David Gray

David is accidental 'story teller'. Mostly sharing backpacking journeys that he have experienced over time, but also planning to venture 'beyond' to other genres as time moves on. His love for backpacking goes back many more years than the time he has actually spent on-trail, but he hope to hike trails and share these 'adventures' for many years to come.

https://davidcgray.smugmug.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@davidgrayin

https://www.instagram.com/davidgraymedia/

Mar 06, 202401:11:03
204 Mysteries, Volcanos, and Transient Living with Kyle O'Grady

204 Mysteries, Volcanos, and Transient Living with Kyle O'Grady

In this episode, we have our good friend Kyle O'Grady sharing what the last year has been like for him. From getting to live anywhere he wants to the explosion of his YouTube channel, Kyle gives us insights to what's going on behind the camera.

Feb 28, 202401:10:17
203 FKTs, Hallucinations, and Lava Poop with Tara Dower

203 FKTs, Hallucinations, and Lava Poop with Tara Dower

In this episode, we got to hang out with AT Thru-Hiker and YouTuber from the channel “Tara Treks”, Tara Dower. We chatted about everything from past trips to her upcoming FKT attempt of the AT.

Feb 21, 202459:49
202 CB Radios, Space Age Headlamps, and Say NO to PBTs!!!

202 CB Radios, Space Age Headlamps, and Say NO to PBTs!!!

JK and Jeremiah chat about everything from trips, new gear, and their preferred choices for lunch on trail.

Feb 14, 202444:30
201 👨‍🎓 Backpacking 201

201 👨‍🎓 Backpacking 201

Once you're out of the beginner stages of backpacking, it's time to graduate up to the next level. Jeremiah and JK give tips for the intermediate backpacker to level up their backpacking knowledge.

Feb 07, 202453:45
The 200th Episode Livestream!

The 200th Episode Livestream!

We are taking a trip down memory, giving away some fun stuff, and having some visitors from episodes past.

Jan 31, 202401:16:38
199 We Make The Sawyer Squeeze PERFECT!

199 We Make The Sawyer Squeeze PERFECT!

Jeremiah and JK chat about make the Sawyer Squeeze a better filter and discuss cold weather backpacking.

Jan 24, 202445:13
198 Follicular Pain, Giant Arches, and Energy Sapping Your iPhone

198 Follicular Pain, Giant Arches, and Energy Sapping Your iPhone

In this episode of the podcast, JK and Jeremiah go in a thousand directions from beautiful arches in Tennessee to dealing with hair pain.

Jan 17, 202453:35
197 We Hate Tents.....Mostly

197 We Hate Tents.....Mostly

Jeremiah and JK discuss common failures people with when using a tent.

Jan 10, 202433:34
196 Fear Part 2 - Can The Trail Spook You?

196 Fear Part 2 - Can The Trail Spook You?

Jeremiah is still afraid of everything, and John still has no fear....well, that's what he'll tell you. In this episode, we continue our conversation on things that go bump in the night and dealing with the fears that can ruin a trip.

Jan 03, 202450:15
195 This Will Ruin EVERY Backpacking Trip You Take

195 This Will Ruin EVERY Backpacking Trip You Take

In this episode, Jeremiah and JK discuss fears on trail. What are the things that you pack out of fear? What are the things that keep you from getting on trail? We discuss these and more in part one of our two week deep dive into Fears on the trail.

Dec 27, 202344:04
194 The Power Episode

194 The Power Episode

In this episode, we're talking about power banks. How large of a capacity do you need? How heavy should they be? Who really needs them on the trail anyway? We'll ask those questions and more, and we'll hopefully help you decide what you need on trail.

Dec 20, 202344:47
193 Hiking App Throwdown!!!!

193 Hiking App Throwdown!!!!

In this episode, JK and Jeremiah list their personal top 5 best hiking apps. Which one is easiest to use? Most dependable? Has the best user experience? There's controversy, deception, and even an injury in this podcast, so prepare yourself for a wild ride.

Dec 13, 202347:25
192 Jeremiah's Written Apology in a Dress

192 Jeremiah's Written Apology in a Dress

This is the last livestream of 2023, and we’re going out in a bang. Jeremiah will finally pay up on his bet with Jeff Garmire, and dons the dress tonight and apologizes for not having any merch.
Dec 06, 202301:04:43
191 Stolen Catholes and No Love For Mississippi

191 Stolen Catholes and No Love For Mississippi

Jeremiah’s favorite dad is in the house tonight! Be sure to join in with us as the Kentucky Boys are together again. This conversation goes off the rails quickly, and the laughter lasts an hour.
Nov 29, 202301:15:02
190 Life Updates, Future Plans, and Growing Old

190 Life Updates, Future Plans, and Growing Old

In this surprise livestream episode, JK and Jeremiah give updates on Jeremiah's health, JK's weight loss, and a host of other things. We'll also chat about dealing with condensation in your tent in colder weather, and why going ultra light is a great idea as you get older. Here's the link to the video from Jeremiah's Dutch friend, Clemens: Camino Video (Clemens van Aken) https://youtu.be/v54q7zk7c0I?si=sEYfliPWP84WpasS

Nov 23, 202351:45
189 Embracing the SUCK with Andrew Miller

189 Embracing the SUCK with Andrew Miller

In this episode, we’re hanging out with Metro himself, Andrew Miller. He’s the creator behind the youtube channel “Metro On The Move”, and he’s got some incredible stories from the trail to share with us. Metro is all personality, so get ready for a fun ride!

Nov 15, 202359:48
188 Running Till You’re Sick and LOVING It! Jason Wish & Jeff Garmire

188 Running Till You’re Sick and LOVING It! Jason Wish & Jeff Garmire

In this episode, it’s all about the FKTs. We’ll be chatting with the man that has held all three FKTs for the Sheltowee Trace, Jason Wish about training, understanding your body and pushing through the pain. We’ll also be hanging out with his trainer, Jeff Garmire, who is no stranger to FKTs. He’s also the only man alive who has run trail races in Crocs and/or a dress. Tonight should be a great one!
Nov 08, 202356:02
187 Dying on Trail is Better than Living in a Cubicle.

187 Dying on Trail is Better than Living in a Cubicle.

In this livestream, JK and Jeremiah chat with the mad man behind the youtube channel Midwest Backpacker. We talk about his many adventures, the gear he uses, and what crazy things he's experienced on the trail. If you'd like to help our friend, Susan "Trips" Conley, in her battle with cancer, please click on the link below. All funds raised will help to cover medical expenses, travel to and from treatment and all the additional unforeseen costs that are sure to arise. https://www.gofundme.com/f/ugjsw-susie?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&mibextid=Zxz2cZ
Nov 01, 202301:06:29
186 Tim Buckley - The Black Hills, Wall Drug, and Dying in the Desert

186 Tim Buckley - The Black Hills, Wall Drug, and Dying in the Desert

In this episode, we’re hanging out with the world famous Tim Buckley! We're chatting it up about everything from recent adventures to being the spokesmodel for Hilltop Packs. There are tons of laughs in this one.


Check out Tim's YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@BackpackingwithBuckley

Oct 25, 202301:00:60
185 Blood Sucking, Hybernation, and More Tick Info Than You Ever Knew You Wanted

185 Blood Sucking, Hybernation, and More Tick Info Than You Ever Knew You Wanted

In this livestream, we’re talking with one of the leading experts on ticks in the US, Brian Anderson. We’ll learn everything from prevention to what makes a tick….tick. This is easily one of the most informative podcasts we've done to date.

Oct 18, 202301:00:33
184 Tackling Mountains and Health Scares: A Trip Up Mt. Elbert

184 Tackling Mountains and Health Scares: A Trip Up Mt. Elbert

In this livestream, we got to chat with two gentlemen that tackled Mt. Elbert, a 14,438 ft. mountain in Colorado. The story to get there is just as important as the hike itself.

Oct 11, 202301:04:13
183 Old School Gear & The Changes We've Made

183 Old School Gear & The Changes We've Made

Jeremiah and JK discuss the gear they used on their first long trails and what has changed over the years.

Oct 04, 202337:02
182 Ben McMillen: Is it a Bear Napkin or a Metro Mat?

182 Ben McMillen: Is it a Bear Napkin or a Metro Mat?

In this episode, we hang out with the founder of Hilltop Packs, Hilltop Packs Coffee, and Apex Gear, Ben McMillen. We’ll talk about everything from his history in backpacking to making the gear that many of us are using in the backcountry today. There also might be a little giveaway.


Check out Hiltop Packs online:

www.hilltoppacks.com

youtube.com/@hilltoppacks

Instagram: @hilltoppacks

Sep 27, 202301:03:30
181 JASON WAUGH: Wag Bag Hate, Luxury Privies, and Getting Lost in the Woods

181 JASON WAUGH: Wag Bag Hate, Luxury Privies, and Getting Lost in the Woods

In this episode, the guys got to hang out with one of our absolute favorite people in the world, Jason Waugh from the youtube channel, Backpacking with Jason. They talked about everything from wandering in the woods with no plan to wag bags. This is a do not miss episode! Check Jason out on his YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@BackpackingWithJason

Sep 20, 202301:02:46
180 - Steven Smith and Justin Hick Reveal ALL!!!!

180 - Steven Smith and Justin Hick Reveal ALL!!!!

In this episode, JK and Jeremiah got to hang out with the Gear Bros!!! Steven (My Life Outdoors) and Justin (Justing Outdoors) are the first guests of season 5, and we were excited to chat about everything from trips to gear and to what the future holds for both backpacking all-stars.

Sep 13, 202301:01:42
179 The Q&A to End All Q&As! (Something Like That)

179 The Q&A to End All Q&As! (Something Like That)

JK and Jeremiah answer all your questions, and some of them are even about backpacking!!!! Who will future guests be? Will we ever do a livestream again? What if Jeremiah was President of the US of A? Listen in and find out!

Sep 06, 202301:02:25
178 Big 3 Showdown! Whose Gear Wins?

178 Big 3 Showdown! Whose Gear Wins?

Jeremiah and JK throwdown in a showdown over who has the best Big 3 of shelter, sleep system and backpack. Vote for your choice in the poll on spotify or youtube, and leave us a message with your big 3.

Aug 30, 202347:13
177 Gear Ruin, Boating Mishaps and A Camp Surprise

177 Gear Ruin, Boating Mishaps and A Camp Surprise

JK and Jeremiah discuss the best way to ruin the most expensive gear, how NOT to launch a boat, and finding an unpleasant surprise when you get to camp at the end of a long day.

Aug 23, 202345:41
176 Bear Attacks in the Backcountry. Should We Be Afraid?

176 Bear Attacks in the Backcountry. Should We Be Afraid?

Recent Bear attacks are starting up new conversations on bear safety and whether or not forest officials need to step in with new legislation on bears. Jeremiah and JK discuss recent events and potential measures being taken to reduce bear activity around humans in the backcountry.

Aug 16, 202348:22
175 Trowels and Beach Towels

175 Trowels and Beach Towels

JK does an open box review of the pact trowel, and they guys discuss Jeremiah's recent kayak camping trip....and the crazy physical battle that he went through while it was going on.

Aug 09, 202301:06:28
174 When Hot Is Just Too Much For Backpacking

174 When Hot Is Just Too Much For Backpacking

Jeremiah and JK chat about how to tackle hot weather when backpacking. They tackle everything from sunscreen to sun umbrellas......and they got off topic.....A LOT!!!! JK also makes a gear purchase while live on the podcast.

Aug 02, 202301:15:53
173 Expensive Tents, Ultralight Bug Repellent, and Deep Mud

173 Expensive Tents, Ultralight Bug Repellent, and Deep Mud

Jeremiah and JK talk about the past several week's adventures and what they've been up to on trail. They also talk about some interesting new gear that's coming out on the market.

Jul 26, 202301:01:40
172 The Stringers Take on the Camino!!!!!

172 The Stringers Take on the Camino!!!!!

In this episode, JK is joined by, not only, Jeremiah, but also his lovely wife, Bridgette, as they break down their hike of the Camino de Santiago, a 500 mile trek through Western France and into Spain.

Jul 19, 202301:06:02
171 How To Deal With Injuries On Trail

171 How To Deal With Injuries On Trail

Have you ever been injured on a hike? How did you cope? What did you do? In this episode, JK and Jeremiah discuss injuries on trail, and ways to handle different situations.

Jul 05, 202331:32
170 We Design the PERFECT BACKPACK

170 We Design the PERFECT BACKPACK

Jeremiah and JK discuss the things that they think make up the perfect backpack. Is it capacity? Weight? Comfort? Weigh in in the comments.

Jun 28, 202301:00:28
169 Fighting the Rain and an Ocean Of Clouds In the Red River Gorge

169 Fighting the Rain and an Ocean Of Clouds In the Red River Gorge

Jeremiah and JK chat about a recent trip that JK took to the Red River Gorge and some of the "adjustments" he and his friends had to make.

Jun 21, 202333:24
168 We Design the Perfect Sleep System

168 We Design the Perfect Sleep System

We had so much fun designing what we thought would be the perfect tent that we decided to design the perfect sleep system. Let us know if you agree with our choices, or if we've lost our minds.

Jun 14, 202336:37
167 We Design The PERFECT TENT!

167 We Design The PERFECT TENT!

JK and Jeremiah discuss what they love and hate about tents, and what they would do if they were building the perfect tent.

Jun 07, 202334:31
166 Urban Hiking Part 2 - The Essentials

166 Urban Hiking Part 2 - The Essentials

JK and Jeremiah continue the conversation on Jeremiah and his wife, Bridgette's, trip to France to begin the Camino De Santiago. More importantly, they decide what really needs to go on this trip and what can stay home.

May 31, 202333:38
165 The Backpacking Podcast vs. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

165 The Backpacking Podcast vs. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Jeremiah and JK ask popular A.I. engine, Chat GPT, what is the perfect loadout for a backpacking trip in the Rocky Mountains.

May 24, 202355:49
164 Urban Hiking in Foreign Countries - Part 1

164 Urban Hiking in Foreign Countries - Part 1

In today's episode, JK and Jeremiah discuss Jeremiah's upcoming hike of the Camino De Santiago in France and Spain later this month. How is he planning for this trip? What will he and his wife, Bridgette, bring for luggage/backpacks, and a lot more.

May 17, 202338:58
163 Tarp Fails, Redemption, and Bug Nets

163 Tarp Fails, Redemption, and Bug Nets

JK and Jeremiah chat about recent trips, gear failures, gear redemption, and personal preferences when it comes to bug prevention.

May 10, 202330:55
162 MIYAGI and MILOSH - Blue Mohawks, Creek Bathing, and Facial Hair Conspiracies

162 MIYAGI and MILOSH - Blue Mohawks, Creek Bathing, and Facial Hair Conspiracies

In this episode, we get to hear stories from a notorious backpacking pairing. Be ready to laugh until your gut hurts as Jeremiah and JK sit down to chat with Miyagi on the trail and his brother from another mother, Milosh.

May 03, 202301:00:27
161 Colette Vartanian = Salty Sports Drinks, Potassium Overload and What is an ELECTROLYTE?

161 Colette Vartanian = Salty Sports Drinks, Potassium Overload and What is an ELECTROLYTE?

JK and Jeremiah chat with Colette Vartanian, MS, RD, a Sports Dietitian and  Athlete Care Manager that works at Skratch Labs, a company that makes sports nutrition that helps you perform better without tasting gross.  She’s be sharing her knowledge on sports nutrition and how to get the most out of your food while hiking.

Apr 26, 202301:04:31
160 Q&A - Beard Oil, Bucket List Hikes, and ......

160 Q&A - Beard Oil, Bucket List Hikes, and ......

JK and Jeremiah went live and took the time to answer several questions ranging from their favorite YouTube channels to their favorite freeze dried meals. The laughs were constant, and the question were incredible.

Apr 19, 202301:04:49
159 Lucy Barnard - Cartels, Columbia, and Canine Caretakers

159 Lucy Barnard - Cartels, Columbia, and Canine Caretakers

***There were some technical issues with this episode. Thanks in advance for showing us a little grace.***

Join us as we chat with Lucy Barnard, an Austrailian woman who started her hike in Argentina and will end it in Alaska! She’s currently hanging out in Central America and making time for us, and we can’t wait to hear her adventures!
Apr 12, 202301:03:30