Backpacker Radio #33: Andrew Skurka and Second Chance Hiker

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by adventuring legend, author, blogger, and backcountry guide Andrew Skurka.  This is a very meaty show; we touch on a huge number of subjects, including his ridiculous backpacking endeavors, his favorite backcountry routes, his bear bagging recommendations, the current state of rain gear, specific gear recommendations for an AT or PCT thru-hike, and so much more.  Strap in; this is a fun interview filled with a ton of valuable insight. We also debut a new segment, featuring a popular YouTube personality by the name of Second Chance Hikes, and close out the show with a triple crown of survival items.

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Subjects discussed in the episode include:

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Comments 6

  • Pony : Mar 29th

    Great to hear from Andrew Skurka. He is a true wellspring of knowledge.

    Regarding the bear-hang controversy, I’m in Skurka’s camp. Unless there is a particular issue of concern in a given area, I sleep with my food — inside an aLOKsak, which is inside a Kevlar Ursack Minor, aka “critter sack.”

    I don’t talk about it because some people freak out, but the great thing is, I am never, ever bothered by “mini-bears,” whether in my tent, a shelter or cowboy camping. Bottom line: with the odor-proof plastic, critters large and small have no idea you even have food near your person, and on the off chance that one did, the critter sack will repel small, sharp teeth (it will not repel bear teeth; for that, you’ll need an Ursack Major — which can, interestingly, be gnawed through by mini-bears).

    The vast majority of “bear hangs” I see on trail are not only terrible, but arguably a temptation to bears (at least), and even mini-bears. Dangling a thin nylon food bag six feet off the ground on a spindly stripling is not going to stop anything; it’s essentially a bear pinata.

    Thanks for the show, as always.

    Reply
  • Ellen Comeau : Mar 29th

    Thank you for having Corey Chance as your hiker of the week!

    Reply

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