Thru-Hiking with 50-Year-Old Gear with Jared "Snackbox" Champion

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by Jared "Snackbox" Champion. Snackbox is s a hiker, father, and Youtuber who, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Colorado Trail, hiked it almost exclusively with 50 year old gear.

We talk about the process of sourcing this gear, the hardest items to acquire, the least backpacker-friendly items of the bunch, which gear hasn't advanced as much, and how his appreciation for gear has changed in light of this experience. Jared also shares the story of bonding with his now-wife over their shared love of the Colorado Trail, life as a professor, managing ADHD on trail, and much more.

We wrap the show with a last call for Trek Vlogger applications, Chaunce and I share our take on cowboy (and cowgirl) camping, how thin a pancake can be before it's a crepe, and the triple crown of things we've changed our minds on.

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

Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKER20" for 20% off packs at gossamergear.com.

Timeline: Get 33% off your first order at timeline.com/backpacker33.

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Interview with Jared "Snackbox" Champion

• Jared's Instagram
• Jared's Youtube

Time stamps & Questions

00:05:10 - Reminders: Support us on Patreon, get tickets to our live show in Austin on April 17, and apply to vlog for the Trek!

00:07:45 - Introducing Jared

00:08:15 - What's your trail name origin story?

00:09:50 - What's your favorite dad joke?

00:10:14 - Tell us about your hiking resume

00:11:45 - Tell us about meeting your wife on trail

00:16:34 - Tell us about hiking the Dodson Loop in Big Bend

00:18:33 - Sell Zach on the Collegiate Loop

00:21:50 - Where did this CT hike idea come from?

00:24:30 - Discussion about being a professor

00:27:00 - Discussion about finding sponsors

00:30:55 - Discussion about choosing the shoes

00:32:30 - What pack did you use?

00:35:40 - What tent did you use?

00:38:00 - How did you determine what gear you could cheat on a bit?

00:41:30 - What sleeping bag did you use?

00:44:37 - What did you bring for apparel?

00:45:50 - What was the weight of your pack and how did your mileage change?

00:48:50 - What's your overarching thesis about the hike?

00:52:45 - Do you appreciate ultralight gear more now?

00:55:12 - When does the documentary come out?

00:56:50 - How does ADHD interface with your backpacking experience?

01:03:07 - What fun Colorado Trail history facts do you have?

01:05:02 - Do you know what your next project will be?

01:07:30 - Do you think thru-hiking has curbed any negative symptoms of ADHD?

01:08:40 - Stay Salty Question: What's your hottest take in the world of backpacking?

Segments

Trek Propaganda

• Be Honest. Do Any of You Actually Like Cowboy Camping? By Kelly Floro
• 12,000 Miles and Counting: Peg Leg's Backpacking Gear That Survived the Triple Crown and Beyond by Peg Leg

QOTD: How thin can a pancake be before it becomes a crepe?

Triple Crown of things you've changed your mind on

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

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