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The Backpacking Experience

The Backpacking Experience

By Devin Ashby

The Backpacking Experience unpacks the experiences we have in the backcountry with interviews from fellow hikers, education and trip reports. We're here to share our passion for backpacking and create a platform for others to share the experiences they have had on the trail. We'll talk with business owners about the gear that helps facilitate these experiences and provide education about backcountry travel through real experience on the trail.
The Backpacking Experience is hosted by Devin Ashby, a Utah native, and is supported by the Backcountry Exposure YouTube Channel.
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Behind The Scenes With Chris Smead - Uinta Highline Trail

The Backpacking ExperienceJan 27, 2020

00:00
55:37
How Outdoor Products Get Developed w/ Outdoor Vitals
Jan 03, 202201:08:09
Enjoy Better Backcountry Meals w/ Food For Adventures!
Oct 22, 202152:32
I Almost Died While Backpacking - Lessons Learned w/ Jim Williams
Sep 09, 202101:09:32
The Mind Of An Endurance Athlete w/ Jeff Garmire "Legend"
Aug 09, 202101:10:55
Depression, Self Esteem and Thru Hiking w/ Andrew Baldwin (Shanty)

Depression, Self Esteem and Thru Hiking w/ Andrew Baldwin (Shanty)

Andrew Baldwin, host of the Out N Back podcast, joins me on this episode to talk about his experience of Thru Hiking the AT and how his hike allowed him to work through some very dark times in his life. I want to thank Andrew for his time, sharing his experience and being honest about real struggles that many of us are working through every day. 

Check out the Out N Back Podcast here: https://www.gaiagps.com/outandback/

Jump onto Art Of The Trek and start adding new points of interest to the public map!
http://www.artofthetrek.com

Apr 06, 202101:16:31
Important Tips For Trip Planning With Justin Outdoors
Feb 11, 202101:07:11
Delicious Backcountry Food and Camping Tips w/ Amanda Outside
Jan 20, 202151:47
Sawyer Water Filters and Bug Repellent w/ Travis Avery
Dec 20, 202001:00:50
Dropping Everything To Travel Full Time w/ Catherine Gregory
Nov 16, 202053:14
What My Wife Thinks About Backpacking
Oct 27, 202001:03:48
Cold Weather Backpacking - Preparing Your Gear and Yourself
Oct 01, 202033:46
Better Trip Planning With Art Of The Trek
Sep 13, 202055:50
Backpacking With Your Dog with Alicia Baker (Girl On A Hike)
Aug 11, 202001:10:58
Understanding Our Impact On Public Lands
Aug 01, 202028:18
Don't Believe These Backpacking Myths

Don't Believe These Backpacking Myths

As a new backpacker do you remember being told certain things that ended up not being true? That's the goal of today's discussion. To break the myth and unpack the topic to understand where it came from. 

- Art Of The Trek: http://www.artofthetrek.com

The Backpacking Experience is supported by the Backcountry Exposure YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/backcountryexposure

Jun 09, 202032:22
Learning About Mental Health and Hiking w/ Plug It In Hikes

Learning About Mental Health and Hiking w/ Plug It In Hikes

Benny Braden (Plug It In) joins me to share his story about recovering and living with PTS as a long distance hiker. I am very grateful for Benny being so open and willing to share his story as a hiker and professional, as I hope it helps others who might be working through mental health challenges themselves and need some motivation in their life. 

Benny's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plugitinhikes and his YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnKi9dSMX8xdpUXGlcnSZhQ

In the episode we talk a lot about Reboot Recovery, here is where you can learn more about Reboot Recovery: https://rebootrecovery.com/

Thank you to Art Of The Trek for sponsoring today's episode. You can check out their new Buddies feature here: http://www.buddies.artofthetrek.com

Want to connect with me? Shoot me an email, backcountryexposure@gmail.com or message me on Instagram. @backcountryexposure or @backpackingexperiencepodcast


May 04, 202001:14:26
Becoming A Steward Of Our Public Lands w/ Darwin OnTheTrail
Apr 26, 202001:22:57
Backcountry BSing Reversed With The Schill Brothers!
Apr 20, 202001:09:10
Your PCT Dream Cancelled... Now What? With Luke Pearsall
Apr 14, 202055:18
Dan Becker Compares Backpacking To Disney World!

Dan Becker Compares Backpacking To Disney World!

Is backpacking the same as Disney World? Likely not, but Dan Becker joins the conversation today to talk about what it's like to live in the midwest and travel to Utah to go backpacking. I very much enjoyed having Dan on the podcast and recommend checking out his YouTube channel!

- Dan's YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/2UItTbO

Highline Film - Highline follows 5 hikers as they traverse a lesser known mountain range in Utah called the Uinta.  Viewers will experience the adventures and challenges along the way.  Local archaeologist Tom Flanigan adds another layer of depth to the experience by sharing stories from the past and conveying the importance of this lesser known place.  As the story progresses,  viewers begin to learn more about the hikers, and why they choose to hike for days, weeks, and even months at a time.  Stories of PTSD recovery, addiction recovery, health and family issues are heavy topics in the film.

- For more information on Highline: https://highlinefilm.com/

OUTDOOR VITALS: Get your 2.5 oz nylon stretch pillow from Outdoor Vitals here: https://tribe.outdoorvitals.com/pillow 

This episode is sponsored by Art Of The Trek: Check out Art Of The Trek's new buddy feature here: http://buddies.artofthetrek.com/

The Backpacking Experience Podcast is supported by the Backcountry Exposure YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/backcountryexposure

Apr 05, 202001:02:25
Enjoying The Outdoors Amid A Pandemic

Enjoying The Outdoors Amid A Pandemic

Please follow local and state directives on being responsible with how you choose to enjoy the outdoors. Please do not put others at unnecessary risk to get your backcountry fix. 

This episode is simply focused on some basic ways you and I can still enjoy our outdoor passions while we navigate the COVID-19 situation. 

Get your FREE Outdoor Vitals UL Pillow here (Just pay shipping): https://tribe.outdoorvitals.com/pillow

This episode is sponsored by Art Of The Trek: http://www.artofthetrek.com

The Backpacking Experience podcast is supported by the Backcountry Exposure YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/backcountryexposure

Mar 30, 202022:53
Why (Your) Kids Need Nature

Why (Your) Kids Need Nature

This episode features an excerpt from the best selling book, Last Child In The Woods. https://amzn.to/39ggqvE

Do you find it difficult to get your kids outside? This episode is all about why your kids need nature and some tips on how to make getting outside with your kids easier. 

This episode is sponsored by Outdoor Vitals. Get their ultralight backpacking pillow for FREE! Just pay shipping! https://tribe.outdoorvitals.com/pillow

The Backpacking Experience is supported by the Backcountry Exposure YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/backcountryexposure

Got questions or just want to chat? Shoot me an email! Backcountryexposure@gmail.com or DM me on Instagram: @backpackingexperiencepodcast

Mar 24, 202043:48
Unscripted With JK Is Hiking - Camping With Kids and Training For Altitude
Mar 16, 202001:01:47
A Backpacking Q&A - Sleeping Bags vs Quilts and Bucket List Trips

A Backpacking Q&A - Sleeping Bags vs Quilts and Bucket List Trips

Got some questions for me to answer or want to just send a message? Use the voice message feature in Anchor to send a voice message to me for the podcast! http://www.anchor.fm/thebackpackingexperience/message

This episode is the first Q&A of the Backpacking Experience. I take a few questions from a few listeners and backpacking YouTube friends of mine. We discuss everything from sleeping bags and quilts to bucket list type backpacking trips. Thank you to everyone that shared a question with me. 

If you'd like to support the podcast beyond just listening, you can now support the podcast with a monetary donation each month.
https://anchor.fm/thebackpackingexperience/support

The Backpacking Experience is supported by the Backcountry Exposure YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/backcountryexposure

This episode is sponsored by Art Of The Trek: http://www.artofthetrek.com

Wanna chat or got a question about gear or just backpacking in general, shoot me an email: Backcountryexposure@gmail.com

Mar 09, 202030:00
How To Choose The Right Tent For Backpacking
Mar 02, 202036:48
Live Ultralight with Outdoor Vitals
Feb 24, 202001:07:06
Altra Running Shoes with Co-Founder Brian Beckstead
Feb 17, 202048:31
From Hollywood To PCT Thru Hiker with Luke Pearsall

From Hollywood To PCT Thru Hiker with Luke Pearsall

Luke Pearsall joins the podcast to discuss how he went from working in Hollywood, building his resume in the film industry, to preparing to hike the PCT. Luke is a professional adventure photographer and shares in this episode some of his life story about how he ended up working in Hollywood, becoming an adventure guide, walking the Camino de Santiago, to now preparing to hike the PCT. 

Follow Luke on Instagram: @lukepearsallphoto

This episode is sponsored by Art Of The Trek: http://www.artofthetrek.com

The Backpacking Experience is supported by the Backcountry Exposure YouTube Channel. http://www.youtube.com/backcountryexposure

Follow us on Instagram: @backpackingexperiencepodcast

Email me: Backcountryexposure@gmail.com

Feb 10, 202059:15
Backpacking Quilts and Tarps With UGQ Outdoor

Backpacking Quilts and Tarps With UGQ Outdoor

UGQ Outdoor is a cottage company based in Jackson, MI. "Founded in 2011 we are a small cottage company dedicated to making some of the lightest and highest quality gear in the world. Our commitment to customer service, quality, and design has made UGQ one of the most respected brands in the ultralight community. Every piece of gear is made by our small team of highly invested individuals providing a level of attention to detail not found in other brands. Whether you need the lightest gear available or a more robust piece of gear for your next adventure you can rest assured the quality will be maintained at all price points." - UGQ About Page

I had a great time talking gear with Chad from UGQ and learned a lot about how they have created many of the products they produce and the level of care and detail that goes into each piece of gear. Thank you to Chad for taking time to share the brand with everyone on a more intimate level. 

UGQ Outdoor: http://www.ugqoutdoor.com

This episode is sponsored by Art Of The Trek. Check them out for a rad mapping and trip planning tool: http://www.artofthetrek.com

The Backpacking Experience Podcast is supported by the Backcountry Exposure YouTube channel. http://www.youtube.com/backcountryexposure

Got questions for me or feedback on the podcast? Follow us on instagram, @backpackingexperiencepodcast or email me, backcountryexposure@gmail.com

Feb 03, 202044:30
Behind The Scenes With Chris Smead - Uinta Highline Trail

Behind The Scenes With Chris Smead - Uinta Highline Trail

For most of human history, we lived in wild places. Ten days. Five friends. One trek across Utah's Uinta Highline Trail. Watch as the ancient history of the trail is woven together with the personal history of each of the hikers as they get back in touch with the world, and each other.

This is the topic of today's episode, as I sit down with Chris Smead, Producer, Cameraman, Director and straight up rad dude, to talk about the filming and hiking of the Uinta Highline Trail. 

The Uinta Highline Trail is an east to west, 104 mile long trail that truly is a special place. It's also a much lesser known trail in comparison to many of the trail throughout the country. But full of rich history, amazing views, high altitude and more, it's a trail that ought to be on any hikers bucket list. 

I talk with Chris through the episode to break down the "Highline" documentary film that premiered in Vernal, UT on Friday January 24, 2020. It features 5 hikers from all types of backgrounds and shares their stories and their time on the Highline trail. This film is worth your time to check out. 

- Highline Film: http://www.highlinefilm.com

- Outmersive Films: http://www.outmersivefilms.com


Got questions about the podcast or want to share some feedback? Email me: Backcountryexposure@gmail.com

Follow the podcast on Instagram: @backpackingexperiencepodcast


The Backpacking Experience is supported by the Backcountry Exposure YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/backcountryexposure

Follow Backcountry Exposure on Instagram: @backcountryexposure

Jan 27, 202055:37
Making Smart Decisions In The Backcountry
Jan 20, 202001:33:13
Custom Printed Gear With Hilltop Packs

Custom Printed Gear With Hilltop Packs

Cottage companies in backpacking are popping up all over the place, creating amazing gear items that solve problems for backpackers in about every way you can imagine. Hilltop Packs is a new cottage backpacking company that specializes in printing photos and art directly to ultralight fabrics for bear bags, gadget bags and even custom frameless backpacks. Ben McMillen, who is also a professional photographer started Hilltop Packs in 2019 after seeking a better solution for a bag to carry camera bodies and lenses on the trail. What resulted was something bigger than he had anticipated. 

Check out Hilltop Packs here: https://bit.ly/2FLvnJU

The Backpacking Experience Podcast is supported by the Backcountry Exposure YouTube Channel. http://www.youtube.com/backcountryexposure

Jan 13, 202040:50
Gear Backpackers Should Ditch!

Gear Backpackers Should Ditch!

Do you really need to bring all that stuff when you go backpacking?! This episode is meant to have a discussion about certain gear items that can be changed or left behind completely that will simplify your backpacking gear and make your backpack weight more manageable. This isn't an exhaustive list of things to change or consider, but are some simple things to do that will make an immediate impact on your experience in the backcountry with your gear. 

The Backpacking Experience Podcast is supported by the Backcountry Exposure YouTube Channel!

Backcountry Exposure on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/backcountryexposure

Email me: Backcountryexposure@gmail.com

Follow me on instagram: @backcountryexposure

Thank you to all of you for listening and being part of this podcast adventure!

Jan 06, 202022:45
Tips To Lighten Your Backpack

Tips To Lighten Your Backpack

It goes without saying that the lighter your backpack, the more comfortable on the trail you can be. In this episode I cover some basic tips on how you can save some weight in your backpacking system without going to the extreme. These tips don't all require money to be invested to save those pounds from your pack weight. They are things that can make a quick and simple difference in the weight, but also simplify your backpacking gear system. 

The Backpacking Experience Podcast is supported by the Backcountry Exposure YouTube channel. Check out Backcountry Exposure and subscribe for more backpacking related content and gear reviews. 

http://www.youtube.com/backcountryexposure

Dec 30, 201921:12
FKT Record Setting On The Sheltowee Trace With Jason Wish
Dec 23, 201901:02:47
Confused?! Trip Planning, Water, and Sleeping Pads

Confused?! Trip Planning, Water, and Sleeping Pads

For this episode I take the entire conversation to address questions and comments I asked on the community tab of my YouTube channel, Backcountry Exposure. I asked about things that have been confusing for you about backpacking. The responses were well thought out, and made for a great discussion about how to find locations to go backpacking, how to find people to go with, and also finding water sources. Then we discuss r values of sleeping pads and sleeping bag temperature ratings. 

Backcountry Exposure on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/backcountryexposure

Sleeping Pad Comparison: https://youtu.be/8u4Hp8X87TA

Sleeping Bag Temperature Ratings Explained: https://youtu.be/wu7wlAkhUM0

Contact me: @backcountryexposure on Instragram or backcountryexposure@gmail.com

Dec 16, 201936:40
You're New To Thru Hiking... with Jeremiah Stringer
Dec 10, 201951:39
Seeking Type 2 Fun In Backpacking
Dec 01, 201927:31
Introduction

Introduction

Welcome to The Backpacking Experience Podcast. Backpacking is our passion and the experiences we have out in the backcountry can be some of the best, or potentially the worst experiences we have. 

This podcast is focused on sharing these experiences, how outdoor adventures can happen for everyone, and discussions around the gear that helps facilitate having a quality time in the outdoors. 

You'll find personal trip reports, gear reviews, outdoor education, and interviews with fellow hikers here, so be sure to subscribe, rate and share The Backpacking Experience with all your outdoor and backpacking friends. 

The Backpacking Experience Podcast is supported by Backcountry Exposure. Visit Backcountry Exposure on YouTube for additional backpacking and outdoor content. http://www.youtube.com/backcountryexposure

Nov 28, 201902:42