The Second Act Backpacking Podcast is for those who didn’t start in their 20s or have been away for a long time but still want to get out there. We cover beginner backpacking, gear, lessons learned, and real-world experiences to help you confidently take on your next adventure.
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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 should have been a simple weekend trip. The pack was overloaded with extra shelter pieces, too much sleep insulation, extra clothes, extra food, too much fuel, too much water, and a whole lot of “just in case” thinking. That trip went sideways fast. The weight wore me down, my morale crashed, and what should have been a confidence-building solo trip turned into a miserable lesson. But that failure bec
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 for a lot of us getting into or returning to backpacking later in life, that origin story may include a little regret. In this episode, I talk through my own backpacking origin story, from being introduced to the outdoors through Scouts, to discovering the Appalachian Trail as a kid, to dreaming about a thru-hike long before I ever actually stepped foot on the AT. Life has a way of changing the t
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 sometimes the lessons stick because we got something wrong first. In this episode of the Second Act Backpacking Podcast, we talk honestly about trail fails, backpacking regrets, and the mistakes that can actually make you a safer, smarter, and more confident backpacker. From forgetting a water bottle as a kid, to carrying a brutally overweight pack on a first solo trip, to realizing too late that
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 about them differently. Most backpackers already carry shelter, food, water treatment, navigation, extra layers, a headlamp, and first-aid supplies. The question is not simply whether those items are in your pack. The real question is whether your system still works when something fails, conditions change, or the trip takes longer than planned. In this episode, we look at the origins of the 10 Ess
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 world feels like a completely different planet. In this episode of Second Act Backpacking, we break down the transition from day hiker to backpacker without the noise, hype, or pressure to suffer through it. We talk about why backpacking doesn't have to be extreme, ultralight-obsessed, or built around proving anything to anyone. Instead, we focus on what actually matters: understanding your use case,
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 truth: thru-hiking is a type of backpacking. Backpacking is not just thru-hiking. In this episode of Second Act Backpacking, we cut through the noise around thru-hiking culture, Triple Crown goals, ultralight gear lists, and the social media version of backpacking that often dominates the conversation. Thru-hikers deserve respect. The Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail
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, and a full change of clothes for every day were considered normal. A lot has changed. Some of it is better. Some of it is hype. And if you are getting into backpacking, returning after a long break, or trying to lighten your pack after 40, clothing can get confusing fast. Instead of chasing brands or influencer recommendations, this episode introduces a simple decision-making filter called CARE: Co
Modern GPS tools are great, but what happens when your phone dies, breaks, or gets lost? In this episode, we discuss backpacking navigation in the age of GPS, including offline maps, route planning, compass basics, mental checkpoints, the STOP method, and what to do if you become lost in the backcountry.
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. Highlights include gear reviews and impressions — Garmin inReach, a Durston X‑Mid 2 tent, a lightweight stove and cook pot, sleep system adjustments, water filtration checks, and tech power planning — plus what worked and what still needs testing. Key takeaways: test gear before big trips, pack intentionally, prioritize first‑aid and safety, and ease into backpacking as you get older. Visit backpackingov
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 (blisters, minor cuts, and burns), how to prevent and treat them, and the basic lightweight items worth carrying. We also cover decision-making zones (green, yellow, orange, red), when to self-evacuate or seek rescue, and encourage getting formal first-aid/CPR training to be prepared and confident in the backcountry. What should you really carry in a backpacking first aid kit?And how much is just fear-base
In this episode of The Second Act Backpacking Podcast, we’re recording on the road and in the backcountry as we break down two critical topics every backpacker needs to understand: Why a shakedown trip is essential before any real adventure How to stay safe using a simple framework: The 4 W’s A shakedown trip isn’t about miles—it’s about making sure your gear works, your setup makes sense, and you don’t learn hard lessons 10 miles from your car. From there, we dive into the 4 W’s of backpacking safety: Way (your plan in and out) Wellness (hydration, calories, and decision-making) Weather (more
Ultralight backpacking dominates the conversation, but is it actually the best approach as you get older? In this episode, we break down the real trade-offs between weight, comfort, and mileage—and how to find your own sweet spot on the trail.
If you’ve ever thought about getting into backpacking but felt like you missed your window, this episode is for you. Likewise, if you're looking to return after a long hiatus, there's a lot you're wondering now that you're older. We break down what actually matters when starting later in life, and what doesn’t. In this episode, we cover: The biggest fears that stop people from starting Fitness myths vs reality on the trail Why age matters less than you think How gear has changed and made backpacking more accessible The question of belonging in the backpacking community Backpacking isn’t just f
