Q&A: Backpacking with a Gun, Crush It Syndrome, Overrated Gear, Emotionally Draining Trail Experiences, and More

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are bringing back another edition of Q&A. Today we're joined by our pal and chronic thru-hiker and adventurer, Steven "Twinkle" Shattuck to answer your burning trail-related questions. Today's episode covers a wide range of topics, including the feasibility and necessity of carrying a gun while backpacking, the dangers of "crush it syndrome" in light of Christopher Roma's recent tragic passing, Twinkle's top trails from around the world, the most overrated piece of gear, how we prevent blisters, and much more. Simply put, if you like your Qs being A'd, you have stumbled upon the right episode.

We wrap the show with the top sleeping bags, quilts, and pads from the AT last year, the top home theft suggestions to mildly inconvenience your victim, and the triple crown of foods that are way better or worse when homemade.

Jenna Davis: Email jenna@firstsummitrealty.com or call 303-946-9476 to get a free consultation.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "DINGLEBERRY" for 20% off packs at gossamergear.com.

Ka'Chava: Get 10% off at kachava.com/backpacker.

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Panel with Steven "Twinkle" Shattuck

• Twinkle's Instagram
• Backpacker Radio Episode #6: Steven "Twinkle" Shattuck on Dirt-Bagging for a Year, The Best Headlamps for Thru-Hiking, and Curing Anxiety on Trail
• Backpacker Radio 61 | Grace and Steven "Twinkle" Shattuck on Their 15 Month Dirtbagging Adventure

Time stamps & Questions

00:02:50 - Bid on our Tyvek wall until February 29, apply to be a blogger, and support us on Patreon!

00:05:22 - Introducing Twinkle

00:08:30 - Crush It Syndrome - check out Skurka's article, Christopher Roma: Learning to turn back

00:28:17 - Backpacking with a gun

00:53:45 - Twinkle's top 3 trail recommendations in the world

00:57:11 - Twinkle's favorite international hikes

01:00:40 - What's the most overrated piece of gear?

01:14:53 - How do you stay safe from ticks while outside? How much do you worry about them? (Check out episode 200 to learn more about Lyme disease)

01:22:50 - If you had to do a medium length trail (100-500 miles) this year, which one would it be? (Check out Eloise Robbin's article, The Best Time of Year to Hike These 23 Popular Long Trails and Swami's website, The Hiking Life)

01:29:51 - As a future dad, how do you instill both an interest and a respect for nature in young kids? (Check out episode 152 to hear Nancy East discuss this topic)

01:37:48 - What is your daily routine for foot care to prevent blisters while doing big miles?

01:42:30 - Can you tell us about your most emotionally draining experience on trail?

01:52:11 - What brand of instant coffee will help you poop the best?

01:53:58 - How does someone get into canyoneering? Where do you begin?

01:55:56 - What is the best 311 song or album?

Segments

Trek Propaganda: The Top Sleeping Bags, Quilts, and Pads on the Appalachian Trail: 2023 Thru-Hiker Survey by Kate Richard

QOTD: You're a burglar but you can only steal things that mildly inconvenience your victims. What are you taking?

Triple Crown of foods that are way better or worse when homemade

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

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A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex & Misty with Navigators Crafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Austin Ford, Brad & Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Dayne, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Ironhike endurance productions, Jason "Snail" Snailer, Liz Seger, Patrick Cianciolo, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, and Tracy "Trigger" Fawns.

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: 12 Trees Farms, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Hailey Buckingham, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Jeff LaFranier, Joann Menzer, Keith Dobie Jr, Peter, and Ruth S.