9 Backpacking Myths Debunked: Hitchhiking, Rain Gear, Norovirus, and Ursacks (BPR #381)

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by a couple of familiar faces- Katie and Elise- for a panel on backpacking myths that just refuse to die.

In this one, we cover the worst ways to blow your money for a thru-hike, why finding the perfect rain jacket might be a lifelong exercise in disappointment, discuss why carrying a satellite communicator doesn't mean you can outsource your survival to the SOS button, we cover the assumption that thru-hikers are all trust fund babies, make the case that a weeklong backpacking trip can actually be harder than a multi-month thru-hike, and of course we delve into bean soup theory.

We wrap the show with Trek Propaganda on swapping a $600 ultralight tent for a 5.5-ounce tarp, a Question of the Day about how many syllables are too many for a trail name, a Triple Crown of unconventional pets we wish we could have, a new Sun Hoodie Review of a dirt cheap option that earns a high score despite fitting like a muumuu, and a Mailbag from our dear Rachel about the absurd amount of work that goes into keeping her feet blister-free.

LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "BPR10" for 10% off shelters at gossamergear.com.

Darn Tough: Use code "BACKPACKER" for free shipping from darntough.com.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear: Use code "BPRADIO15" for 15% off at hyperlitemountaingear.com.

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Panel with Double Dip and Sauce

• Katie's Instagram
• Elise's Instagram

Time stamps & Questions

00:05:10 - Reminders: Join us for our LIVE holiday podcast in Denver! Apply to vlog or blog for the Trek, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!

00:09:10 - Introducing today's panel

00:10:34 - Zach's Myth #1: You need ultralight gear to start backpacking

00:18:00 - Katie's Myth #1: If you find the right rain gear it will keep you dry

00:26:20 - Elise's Myth #1: Hitchhiking is super dangerous

00:34:00 - Zach's Myth #2: You need hiking boots

00:44:55 - Katie's Myth #2: Soap kills norovirus

00:52:50 - Elise's Myth #2: Thru-hikers are trust fund babies

01:01:18 - Zach's Myth #3: Multi-month backpacking trips are orders of magnitude harder than weeklong trips

01:11:40 - Katie's Myth #3: Ursacks are bearproof or rodent proof

01:25:09 - Elise's Myth #3: If you have a satellite communicator, you'll be safe

01:34:20 - Stay Salty Question: What is your hottest take in the world of backpacking?

Segments

Trek Propaganda: I Swapped My $600 Ultralight Tent for a 5.5 oz Tarp by Katie Jackson

QOTD: How many syllables is too many for a trail name?

Triple Crown of unconventional pets you want

Sun Hoodie Review: Ascend 3D Cool Aerotrek Knit Hoodie

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

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Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

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