We know that escaping into the great outdoors is the ideal activity for those that crave Type 2 fun. But, for those times you’re tending to the obligatory duties of adult-ing, tuning into a stellar backpacking podcast can help scratch that itch for adventure. And, let’s be honest, thru-hiking 10 hours a day for 5 months listening to only the sounds of nature can leave our brains a bit scrambled. Thankfully, from comedy shows to expert advice, there’s plenty of backpacking content out there competing for our attention.

So without further ado, let’s introduce some of the intrepid adventurers taking to the airwaves to share tales from the trail, diverse guest spotlights, and expert information to accompany you on your next adventure.

  

Backpacker Radio 

Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek is all things thru-hiking and long distance backpacking. With Zach ‘Badger’ Davis and Juliana ‘Chaunce’ Chauncey, this show dives into everything from triple crown countdowns, expert guests, and epic poop stories sure to haunt your next backcountry cathole. With recent guests including: David ‘AWOL’ Miller, author of The AT Guide; record-holding Andrew Skurka (for his third appearance on the show); and the youngest person to complete all 11 National Scenic Trails, Ryan ‘Constantine’ Bunting, Badger and Chaunce are witty, reflective, and not afraid to dig into the nitty gritty of life on a long-distance hiking trail. 

 

A Helpful Review

“The interviews are very long so you really get an in-depth discussion. I tend to listen to the podcast while on solo backpack trips so it feels like hanging out with nutty hiker friends.” - Sbhikes via Apple Podcasts, 5 Stars

 

Listen Here: https://thetrek.co/category/podcasts/backpacker-radio/

 

  

The Hiker Podcast

Join Andy Neal in The Hiker Podcast as he takes you along on trail to review gear, explore hiking trends, and share stories of how hiking has inspired people to grow, create, and better the world around them. Andy never misses an opportunity to dive deeper in his interviews, and since going viral himself through TikTok videos and plus-sized hiking exposure, he’s taken even more care to contribute to the hiking community in a positive way. Between Andy’s authenticity and that of the guests on the show, recently including Will ‘Akuna’ Robinson and Shilletha ‘Dragonsky’ Curtis, this one is perfect for the hiker wanting to dig into the “why” behind long-distance backpacking.

 

A Helpful Review

“The interviews are in depth, completely chill, and just overall great quality. So interesting to hear everybody’s stories, both the similarities and what makes each unique.” - Sjsanto via Apple Podcasts, 5 Stars

 

Listen Here: https://www.hikerpodcast.com/ 

 

 

The Backpacking Podcast

Be prepared to listen to great stories, hear from incredible guests, and laugh until your stomach hurts with Jeremiah Stringer and John Kelley on The Backpacking Podcast. Tune in while J&J share experiences and knowledge from the trail while bringing the fun back to backpacking podcasts. Recent guests include Youtube stars Kelly Hays and Dan Becker. This hilarious podcast is sure to have you giggling all the way down the trail. 

 

A Helpful Review

“John and Jeremiah are the best! They keep me laughing. They are genuine, real people who are talking about what they love.” - Jbeckner71 via Apple Podcasts, 5 Stars

 

Listen Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-backpacking-podcast/id1495047937

 

 

By Land Podcast

With something new to learn every episode, Emory and the By Land Podcast aim to educate as well as entertain, while building up the outdoor community every step of the way. With a wide range of topics — including the process of making gear, the secrets behind dehydrated meals, and tales from the trail that can’t be beat — the wanderlust in you is sure to be tickled no matter which episode you land on. Recent guests include the patriarch of the largest thru-hiking family, a trail-blazing hiker on a mission to establish the American Perimeter Route, and many more. 

 

A Helpful Review

“Covering such a wide variety of outdoor subjects from an angle that nearly everyone can relate to is not an easy task. Emory does it with ease. Thanks for all the advice and great content.“ - MPhillips30 via Apple Podcasts, 5 Stars

 

Listen Here: https://byland.co/podcast 

 

 

Outside Voices Podcast

Outside Voices Podcast aims to celebrate and amplify BIPOC, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+, and others who don’t always see themselves represented in the “Great Outdoors” narrative. Tune in to ethical storytelling as guests cover a broad range of outdoor activities with tales that will inform and inspire you. While you’re binging the most recent episodes, don’t skip Outside Voice’s, Belonging - A Mini-Series Celebrating Immigrants in the Outdoors, as they work to support those who are redefining outdoorsy. 

 

A Helpful Review

“It’s an absolute relief to finally see a high-production podcast about the great outdoors work to bridge the gaps in the intersectionality between it and race. It’s a conversation that’s long overdue and Sarah is a terrific host and guide for the process.” - GreggoPWN via Apple Podcasts, 5 Stars

 

Listen Here: https://www.outsidevoicespodcast.com/

  

 

The Dirtbag Diaries 

With more than 300 episodes, The Dirtbag Diaries has earned Outside Magazine’s designation as best podcast and now celebrates 15 years of storytelling. After beginning as a solitary project, the show has turned listeners into writers as part of an ongoing media experiment; they collect and tell the best tales from the outdoor community that come their way. From rediscovering long-lost passions to love stories sewn in snow, you’re sure to enjoy the narratives this show has to offer as you daydream about your next adventure.

 

A Helpful Review

“This podcast is really great for anyone who wants to hear about all the cool stuff going on around the outdoor community. There is a lot of good info and really cool stories shared.” - Chewy18990 via Apple Podcasts, 5 Stars

 

Listen Here: https://dirtbagdiaries.com/

 

 

Outdoor Evolution Podcast

As Darwin on the Trail announces his retirement from Youtube, the Outdoor Evolution Podcast is standing strong. With relatable topics, from backcountry nutrition to post adventure blues, let Darwin and his co-hosts Michael ‘Einstein’ Gelfed and Emory ‘Pooparazzi’ Wanger guide you from one engaging episode to the next. 

 

A Helpful Review

“Darwin has great co-hosts and has great deep conversations on topics that really matter. He gets beyond the Instagram cool of the outdoor culture.” - ChrissyCovz via Apple Podcasts, 5 Stars

 

Listen Here: https://theoutdoorevolution.com/podcast

  

 

Latinas Who Adventure

Join Latinas Who Adventure as they host fellow Latina and BIWOC outdoor enthusiasts to share their tips, advice, and experiences in nature. From periods in the outdoors to adventuring with your significant other, these ladies aren’t afraid to tackle subjects that women in the outdoors may want to know about. 

 

Listen Here: https://latinaswhoadventure.podbean.com/

 

 

For the Love of Climbing

In pursuit of sharing doughnuts and conversations with strangers, Kathy is the host of For the Love of Climbing. She looks beyond the carabiners to see what really makes climbers tick, and though this show doesn’t always stick to the sport per say, it does always share an inspiring story. Join Kathy and a plethora of diverse guests as she weaves something meaningful together with every episode.

 

A Helpful Review

“I love the storytelling in this podcast and the deep dives that it takes with the individuals interviewed. It explores such human, universal themes through the lens of climbing and the outdoors.” - KatieP1005 via Apple Podcasts, 5 Stars

 

Listen Here: https://www.fortheloveofclimbing.com/

 

 

Trailside Radio

While Trailside Radio is no longer updated, it is still worth a listen if you’re in the mood for a good story. This mini-series follows a 2015 PCT thru-hiker and serves as a travel log of his adventures from the trail. From his mom’s questions and fears before he takes off to the relationships he forms with trail angels, this story is seriously touching to experience over a podcast (albeit a somewhat dated one).

 

Listen Here: https://podbay.fm/p/trailside-radio

 

  

How many of these popular backpacking, long-distance hiking and generally outdoorsy podcasts have you tuned into? Which is your personal favorite? Is there one not on our list that stole your heart? Leave a comment below with what’s been in your queue lately!