Backpacker Radio #126 | Andrew Hughes

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, we are joined by Andrew Hughes.  Andrew is quite possibly the most accomplished mountaineer that you have never heard of.  Some of his feats include climbing the highest summit in all seven continents and six of the seven highest volcanic summits, he’s the third person ever to complete the Antarctica Trifecta, and he’s very close to completing the Explorers’ Grand Slam.  If you’re not familiar with what these last two feats are, you’re certainly not alone, we do a deep dive on all this and much more.

We learn about a missing hiker who ignored rescuers’ calls for a hilarious reason, a very last minute, seasonal triple crown, and we hear from Chaunce’s #1 fan.

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Interview with Andrew Hughes 

Time stamps & Questions

00:04:24 – QOTD: If you had to select an expedition team of past BPR guests to summit Everest, who would you pick? 

00:07:10 – Welcome to Andrew Hughes 

00:07:38 – You were going down a traditional career path, how did you discover that wasn’t fulfilling you? 

00:11:08 – What was the first thing you did that brought you to the outdoors? 

00:12:55 – How did you bridge the gap between your hobby and your career? 

00:15:32 – What’s the name of your gear company? 

00:16:17 – Tell us about your first Everest attempt

00:18:40 – How do you evaluate when it’s time to throw in the towel? 

00:22:16 – What did you adjust for your second attempt? 

00:25:45 – How long does the ascent of Everest take? 

00:28:20 – What type of distance do you cover on Everest? 

00:30:14 – How would you best explain how it feels to be on top of Everest? 

00:34:18 – Is it tough staying focused on the descent?

00:38:20 – Can you tell me about your volcano summits? 

00:41:27 – So what are the 7 volcanoes? 

00:43:14 – What is the Antarctica Trifecta? 

00:46:06 – What does the isolation feel like in Antarctica? 

00:49:12 – Do you reach a point where your threshold for enjoyment in the outdoors is increased? 

00:53:46 – Can you share what the Explorers Grand Slam is? 

00:55:55 – How does an expedition team work? 

00:57:53 – How long does the planning process and physical preparation take? 

01:03:23 – Have you ever said no to an expedition? 

01:06:14 – What is a hypoxic tent? 

01:10:52 – Do you deal with any post-expedition depression? 

01:13:48 – Any advice for others looking to get into mountaineering? 

01:16:36 – Where should people find you on social media? 

 

SEGMENTS

Trek Propaganda 

• Missing Hiker Ignored Rescuers’ Phone Calls Because They Didn’t Recognize Number

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