Learn how fastpacking can help you cover more ground in less time. Outdoor Vitals’ Tayson Whittaker shares his trail-tested strategies on gear, nutrition, and planning for big-mile days in the backcountry.

This outdoor recreation news roundup covers the most important developments in the United States from March 1-7, 2025. Learn about federal staffing cuts affecting public lands, new state initiatives like Colorado’s Outdoor Recreation Caucus and Alabama’s Year of Trails, severe weather events, wildfire prevention efforts, and updates on fishing seasons and industry grants.

Rucking is one of the simplest, most effective ways to build endurance, strength, and mental resilience. In this episode, Bria Ruben of Ruck Evolution shares how anyone can get started and why rucking is more than just fitness—it’s a movement.

Discover how Kevin Timm, founder of Seek Outside, blends the two worlds of hunting and backpacking to create some of the most trusted outdoor gear on the market. This conversation dives into bridging the outdoor divide, building reliable equipment, and protecting public lands.

Chad Lubinski joins the podcast to share his journey of becoming an experienced thru-hiker, ultra-runner, and outdoor content creator. Our conversation ranged from the surprising controversy over waterfalls to navigating life’s pivotal moments and finding purpose in the outdoors.

Kevin Fedarko’s trek through the Grand Canyon is a story of resilience, community, and the life-changing power of wilderness. Discover the lessons behind his journey in A Walk in the Park and be inspired to see the wilderness in a whole new light.

Stop obsessing over the perfectly planned adventure. Discover why letting go of expectations can lead to your best backpacking adventures yet.

Alex Rich from Mystery Ranch reveals the thought process behind designing packs built for extreme conditions. From the groundbreaking overload system to the meticulous choice of materials, we explore how the company merges innovation with practicality. Whether for hunting or hiking, discover what makes Mystery Ranch packs stand out in the world of outdoor gear.

Finding the right lightweight mid-layer for outdoor adventures can be challenging. After nearly two years of using the Outdoor Vitals Ventus Active Hoodie, I’m convinced it’s one of the best lightweight, versatile, and warm mid-layers available.

I thought the perfect family backpacking tent didn’t exist until I found the Argali Absoroka 4P. It’s now my shelter of choice for the foreseeable future. Find out why.

Thinking about taking on a long-distance hike but not sure if you should go all-in on a thru-hike or break it up with section hiking? In this post, I’ll walk you through the pros and cons of each option—based on personal experience—covering everything from gear choices to time commitments. By the end, you’ll have a clearer idea of which path makes the most sense for your adventure.

Andrew Cottrell of Mystery Ranch shares the design secrets behind the Radix Series, a lightweight yet durable backpack built for serious hikers seeking comfort and versatility.

Curious about barefoot running and how it ties into living a more balanced, fulfilling life? In this episode, Barefoot Ted, the founder of Luna Sandals, to explore the power of minimalism, autonomy, and finding your flow. Ted shares his unique perspective on the three pillars of well-being and how embracing simplicity—both on the trail and in life—can lead to something pretty special.

Imagine thru-hiking the entire Pacific Crest Trail… with a nine-month-old! That’s exactly what Jack McClure and his wife did. In this episode, Jack shares what it was really like to take on such a massive adventure as a family—from managing gear and navigating medical scares to handling the emotional ups and downs along the way.

Everest has long been a symbol of human challenge and adventure, but the story behind its guiding industry is often misunderstood. Dive into the evolution of Everest guiding, the rise of Sherpa leaders, myths that surround the world's tallest peak, and discover how Everest continues to inspire adventurers while balancing accessibility and preservation.

Brad Brooks of Argali Outdoors joins the podcast to talk about backpacking with kids, his new lineup of tents, and the benefits of using polyester instead of nylon in backpacking tents.

Aaron Owens, founder of Backcountry Foodie, shares how a midlife crisis turned into a journey of redefining trail nutrition. Learn the importance of consistent, nutrient-dense meals for backpacking, balancing comfort foods with nutrition, and her passion for helping hikers through personalized meal planning and resupply services.

Robbie Kroger of Blood Origins joins the podcast to explore the complexities of wildlife conservation—from wolf reintroduction and wetland preservation to the ethics of hunting and cougar management in California. This episode offers a fresh, nuanced perspective on sustainable wildlife management.

Steve Speck and Mark Huelsing of Exo Mountain Gear join me for a behind-the-scenes look at their newest pack design; the K4. After over three years in development and a decade of pack-building experience, the K4 is a finely tuned design and the best pack Exo has designed.

Shelter size is a big deal for backpack hunters. Go too small and waiting out a storm for a few days will drive you crazy, but go too big and you might not find a suitable place to pitch it. Choosing the right sized shelter for your hunt will impact your overall comfort and capability so let’s get it sorted out!