The Hexatrek is a 3000 km long-distance trail across France that begins at the border of Germany, traverses the Pyrenees Mountains, and ends at the Bay of Biscay. Thomas works for the Hexatrek organization and spent the summer and fall of 2022 hiking and documenting the trail. Thomas is able to recognize the realities of hiking a long and share all sides of that reality. He can describe the trail as an epic adventure that includes vineyards, castles, and mountains, but he’ll also tell you how mentally complacent you can become when one view blends into the next. If you’re dreaming of backpacking through France one day, you’re going to love this episode. Show Notes and Links Introduction to the Hexatrek Hexatrek backstory European hiking culture and trail experience Thru-hiking popularity in Europe The importance of having a beginning and end Hiking the Hexatrek vs an American long trail Daily life and cadence of the trail Making the hike your own Visa considerations Camping along the Hexatrek Food along the Hexatrek Experiencing France by foot Thomas’s backpacking story The highs and lows of thru-hiking Thoughts on losing reverence for an experience Life after the Hexatrek Finding balance in life is actually finding contrast The importance of gaining perspective through contrast What’s next for the Hexatrek Why “Hexatrek” How to followup with Thomas and the Hexatrek https://en.hexatrek.com/ https://www.instagram.com/hexatrek/ https://www.facebook.com/LHexatrek/ https://www.instagram.com/cartapouille https://youtu.be/9qIlOONM8sY Podcast: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-a-tent-with-a-french-man-a-daily-thru-hiking-journal/id1502733870 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0P8RD04n8UX0ubqwnFOvXj?si=b502ebfdafda4793 Support the show Thanks for listening! Check out the links below to learn more, connect, and support the show. Connect: emory@byland.co Main Website: https://byland.co/ Courses Homepage: https://courses.byland.co/ Learn How To Backpack: https://courses.byland.co/learnhowtobackpack 6 Weeks To Solo Backpacking: https://courses.byland.co/6-weeks-to-solo-backpacking-waitlist Recommended Backpacking Gear: https://byland.co/recommended-gear-summary YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EmoryByLand Facebook Groups: https://byland.co/facebook-groups Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emory_by_land Support the Show: https://byland.co/donate

Andrew Skurka is known throughout the backpacking industry as someone who knows what they’re talking about when it comes to spending time in the backcountry. He was thru-hiking before it became popular and has hiked well over 20,000 miles across both long and short expeditions. Andrew now operates a backpacking guide service. Andrew is a wealth of knowledge for all things backpacking but also has great insight into the mindset the backcountry requires. If you enjoy learning from the best, this episode will not disappoint. Show Notes and Links How Andrew Skurka got into thru-hiking How far backpacking has come since the early days Hiking the AT in the early days The benefit of uninterrupted long-duration hikes/adventures The importance of having an “end” to an expedition or experience On being goal-oriented rather than “wandering” How Andrew got into being a backpacking guide mindset from a guide to teacher Learning to slow down Learning to navigate groups and personalities High Routes explained How Andrew got into high routes The natural progression of outdoor exploration Plans for future expeditions Andrews backpacking advice Andrews favorite gear Thoughts on synthetic or natural fibers How to followup with Andrew Skurka Website: https://andrewskurka.com/ Guided Trips: https://andrewskurka.com/guided-trips/ Support the show Thanks for listening! Check out the links below to learn more, connect, and support the show. Connect: emory@byland.co Main Website: https://byland.co/ Courses Homepage: https://courses.byland.co/ Learn How To Backpack: https://courses.byland.co/learnhowtobackpack 6 Weeks To Solo Backpacking: https://courses.byland.co/6-weeks-to-solo-backpacking-waitlist Recommended Backpacking Gear: https://byland.co/recommended-gear-summary YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EmoryByLand Facebook Groups: https://byland.co/facebook-groups Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emory_by_land Support the Show: https://byland.co/donate

Katie O’mara is the driving force behind Trail Magik, an outdoor brand whose mission is to make hiking and backpacking with toddlers efficient and more enjoyable. Once kids grow out of their backpack-style carriers, parents are forced into deciding how far their little ones can hike before needing to be picked up, but oftentimes riding in a backpack is too much trouble because all the toddler really needs is a small break from walking. That’s where Trail Magik comes in. Katie is the best. She has a heart of gold and sincerely cares about her community. From the struggles of owning a small business to the ups and downs of being an outdoor family, we cover all of it in this episode and I came away from our conversation feeling inspired and encouraged. For those out there with young families trying to figure this whole thing out, I think this episode will be a bright spot in your day. It’s conversations like this one that keeps me going and I’m glad that people like Katie are out there encouraging others to be adventurous with their families. If you’re interested in picking up a carrier of your own or for someone else, you can use the code BYLAND to save 10% off at www.trailmagik.com. Show Notes and Links The Trail Magik origin story Why the carrier works for walking toddlers Entrepreneurial life Learning to get outdoors with kids Preparing for new outdoor adventures What it’s like putting a product into the world The importance of being yourself Feeling the pressure to adventure Do what you WANT to do out there Defining an “outdoor” family Growing up in the outdoors Why parents feel the pull to bring their kids outside Creating an outdoor lifestyle Biggest barriers for parents and kids in the outdoors Learning to enjoy the hiking parts of backpacking Katie’s closing thoughts How to followup with Katie and Trail Magik www.trailmagik.com Instagram YouTube Support the show Thanks for listening! Check out the links below to learn more, connect, and support the show. Connect: emory@byland.co Main Website: https://byland.co/ Courses Homepage: https://courses.byland.co/ Learn How To Backpack: https://courses.byland.co/learnhowtobackpack 6 Weeks To Solo Backpacking: https://courses.byland.co/6-weeks-to-solo-backpacking-waitlist Recommended Backpacking Gear: https://byland.co/recommended-gear-summary YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EmoryByLand Facebook Groups: https://byland.co/facebook-groups Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emory_by_land Support the Show: https://byland.co/donate

Tommy Corey’s eye for outdoor portrait photography landed him front and center in the hiking community during his 2018 PCT thru-hike when he began posting fashion-esque portraits of fellow thru-hikers under the project name “Hiker Trash Vogue.” The photo project captured the attention of major outdoor brands and was even featured in Outside Online. Tommy received high accolades for his work, but it was also pointed out that his subjects did not represent a range of diverse backgrounds in the outdoors. This podcast episode is a conversation between myself and Tommy about his CDT realizations, his upcoming project, and what “diversity” and “inclusion” really mean in the outdoors. This is a topic I often find to be tough to nail down at times, not to mention for some, emotionally charged. Those terms along with ones like “community” are thrown around like candy these days and I find myself sincerely wondering where it all leads and how to approach it. Conversations like this one aren’t meant to solve problems. They’re meant to discuss them and gain perspective which is exactly what I personally achieved. Please enjoy this episode with Tommy Corey. Show Notes and Links Catching up with Tommy after Hiker Trash Vogue What happened on the CDT in 2022 What Tommy was seeing and NOT seeing on the trail The creative process on the trail The idea of thru-hikes as a Pilgrimage What the PCT meant to Tommy Tommy’s new BIG project Understanding what diversity and inclusion actually mean Tommy’s creative process What diversity and inclusion means Thoughts on what “community” is Takeaways from Tommy’s interviews Taking on such a big photo project Experiencing how others enjoy the outdoors Understanding the “why” behind your actions Details on the release dates of the photo book How to follow the project tommycoreyphoto.com All Humans Outside on Instagram Support the show Thanks for listening! Check out the links below to learn more, connect, and support the show. Connect: emory@byland.co Main Website: https://byland.co/ Courses Homepage: https://courses.byland.co/ Learn How To Backpack: https://courses.byland.co/learnhowtobackpack 6 Weeks To Solo Backpacking: https://courses.byland.co/6-weeks-to-solo-backpacking-waitlist Recommended Backpacking Gear: https://byland.co/recommended-gear-summary YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EmoryByLand Facebook Groups: https://byland.co/facebook-groups Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emory_by_land Support the Show: https://byland.co/donate

This is the second part of a two-part mini-series with Marketa and David Daley who in 2022 hiked 1300 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail with their 3 young kids. David and I dive into the more holistic side of hiking the trail and explore the meaning behind the struggle and process of a thru-hike. For anyone who enjoys the non-technical side of a thru-hiking discussion, you’ll enjoy this, especially if you’re a parent yourself. David and I dive into what it was like to hike as Father on the PCT, how hard it was to learn to hike as slow as a child, and the spiritual connection we feel toward wild spaces. A thru-hike is a difficult thing to process and it was great to have the chance to explore the experience with David so soon after the end of his hike. Show Notes Digesting the trail The importance of immersing yourself in the wilderness Thoughts on possible long-term effects of thru-hiking with kids (hopes versus reality) Experiencing the PCT as a Dad Parental roles and responsibilities on the trail Holding hands for 500 miles then letting go… Learning to hike all-day What it’s like hiking at a child’s pace Reasons behind the hike The spiritual connection to wild spaces Is life balance possible? The willingness to easily find excuses not to do something Imagining life without the PCT Understanding why you hike Breakthrough moments on the trail Reflecting on relationships with fellow hikers The importance of community Final thoughts https://www.instagram.com/daleywalk Garage Grown Gear Ultralight and cottage backpacking brands. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show Thanks for listening! Check out the links below to learn more, connect, and support the show. Connect: emory@byland.co Main Website: https://byland.co/ Courses Homepage: https://courses.byland.co/ Learn How To Backpack: https://courses.byland.co/learnhowtobackpack 6 Weeks To Solo Backpacking: https://courses.byland.co/6-weeks-to-solo-backpacking-waitlist Recommended Backpacking Gear: https://byland.co/recommended-gear-summary YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EmoryByLand Facebook Groups: https://byland.co/facebook-groups Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emory_by_land Support the Show: https://byland.co/donate

Marketa and David Daley backpacked 1300 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail in 2022 with their 3 kids and proved to themselves that yes, it was possible to hike the PCT as a family. At times they moved at a snail's pace, questioned their own sanity, and were forced to find creative ways to motivate their kids to continue moving down the trail. Together as a family, they experienced the highs and lows of trail life, strengthened their family bonds, and in the end, found what they were looking for. This is part 1 of a 2 part episode series where I interview Marketa and David separately to learn about them as people, their background, their motivations, and finally their hiking story. I’m sincerely honored and humbled to have them on this podcast and grateful that they’re willing to share their experiences in such a real and transparent way. Show Notes Introductions Initial expectations for the PCT Emory’s internal conflict with kids on long trails How Marketa and her family decided to hike Maketa’s personal outdoor backstory Previous hikes with kids leading up to the PCT Why the PCT was so daunting as a hike How the kids transitioned to the trail The first 20 miles Anticipating the struggle of a thru-hike with kids How parenting changed on the PCT How outdoor activities changed with more kids How to break the barriers and remove excuses Lessons learned with gear Choosing kid’s clothes for backpacking The importance of just starting Motivating kids to keep moving How parenting on the trail differs from parenting on the trail How the trail bonded the kids The transition from trail to home Audience question: Thoughts and advice for taking a 4-year-old hiking and backpacking as a single parent How to follow up with Marketa https://www.instagram.com/daleywalk Support the show Thanks for listening! Check out the links below to learn more, connect, and support the show. Connect: emory@byland.co Main Website: https://byland.co/ Courses Homepage: https://courses.byland.co/ Learn How To Backpack: https://courses.byland.co/learnhowtobackpack 6 Weeks To Solo Backpacking: https://courses.byland.co/6-weeks-to-solo-backpacking-waitlist Recommended Backpacking Gear: https://byland.co/recommended-gear-summary YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EmoryByLand Facebook Groups: https://byland.co/facebook-groups Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emory_by_land Support the Show: https://byland.co/donate

Evan Guzik is a Public Affairs Officer for the US Forest Service out of the Bridger Teton Forest and joins the podcast to walk me through the basics of wildfires. Not only am I honored to have the US Forest Service represented on my show, but it’s made even more special because Evan and I served together in the Marine Corps nearly 20 years ago. We cover what prescribed burns are and why they’re useful, how fires are managed from beginning to end, what to do if you see a fire or you’re around one when you’re hiking or backpacking, and how to handle yourself in an area after a burn. There’s a lot of great stuff in this episode that to me is really helpful and I think you’re going to really enjoy it. Just the fact that I now know more about what goes on in our forests is huge because I figure the more I know, the better a steward I can be out there. If you want to learn more about wildfires, Evan provided some links that I’ve listed in the show notes so be sure to check those out when you have a chance. Again, this episode is really special to me so thanks to Evan for doing the legwork to make this happen, and thanks to the US Forest Service for being willing to put this out there! Show Notes and Links Introductions Catching up with Evan Evan’s backstory Wildfire burns, prescribed burns, and a brief history of forest management How a fire turns from good to bad How a wildfire is fought and managed How to handle a wildfire if you see one How the Forest Service gauges fire danger To build or not to build a fire? What the public can do to help prevent wildfires Advice for hiking through a burn area https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/ (fire information) https://www.nifc.gov/ (Wildland Fire resources) https://www.nwcg.gov/ (Wildfire Training) https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Wildfire/Firewise-USA (Home Defensible Space) https://smokeybear.com/ Support the show Thanks for listening! Check out the links below to learn more, connect, and support the show. Connect: emory@byland.co Main Website: https://byland.co/ Courses Homepage: https://courses.byland.co/ Learn How To Backpack: https://courses.byland.co/learnhowtobackpack 6 Weeks To Solo Backpacking: https://courses.byland.co/6-weeks-to-solo-backpacking-waitlist Recommended Backpacking Gear: https://byland.co/recommended-gear-summary YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EmoryByLand Facebook Groups: https://byland.co/facebook-groups Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emory_by_land Support the Show: https://byland.co/donate

Alex Harz is a man of many talents. He’s a filmmaker, mountaineer, and even a radio host, but for the purpose of this episode we’re diving into his Mount Everest Expedition and the film he’s produced about it called “The Quest: Nepal.” Alex might be the physical vehicle for the telling of a story or the driving force behind it, but when you watch this film, you’ll learn quickly that while he does have a personal reason for being there and climbing, he also knows that without the culture and its people, there would be no climb in the first place. I absolutely loved getting to know Alex and picking his brain about this project he’s in the middle of because he was willing to tell his version of the story in a raw and honest way. Sure it’s Everest and it’s obviously epic in its own right, but there’s so much more to it than that, which is what we get into in this episode of the podcast. Please go watch and support Alex’s film and what he’s doing! Show Notes and Links Introductions The backstory About “The Quest: Nepal” How Alex’s background has helped his mountain climbing The principle of “yes, and” What makes a person thrive in dangerous situations? Post-climb reflections and decompressions The spirituality of the mountain Why culture is so important to The Quest The history of the Sherpa people What the future holds for the Mountain and its People What you think about when climbing Capturing the climb in VR What’s next for Alex and The Quest What Alex hopes to accomplish with this films Alex’s advice for achieving a personal goal https://www.thequestnepal.com/ Instagram The Quest Instagram YouTube http://www.alexharz.com/ http://www.facebook.com/TheQuestSeriesPage https://twitter.com/TheQuestSeries Support the show Thanks for listening! Check out the links below to learn more, connect, and support the show. Connect: emory@byland.co Main Website: https://byland.co/ Courses Homepage: https://courses.byland.co/ Learn How To Backpack: https://courses.byland.co/learnhowtobackpack 6 Weeks To Solo Backpacking: https://courses.byland.co/6-weeks-to-solo-backpacking-waitlist Recommended Backpacking Gear: https://byland.co/recommended-gear-summary YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EmoryByLand Facebook Groups: https://byland.co/facebook-groups Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emory_by_land Support the Show: https://byland.co/donate

You might be wondering what canoe camping and backpacking have in common and why I’d be covering this on a “backpacking” podcast so to answer that question outright - they have ALOT in common. You’re required to plan, pack, stabilize a load, and bring what you need to get the job done safely and efficiently. Some canoe trips might be a day or two while others could last months on end if you’re on a large expedition. Canoes have been around since the dawn of time and it’s a hobby I’ve always wanted to get into, but never knew where to begin so I decided to reach out to Old Town Canoes to see if they’d give me a crash course on canoeing. They put me in touch with Ryan Lilly and the rest is history. Ryan Lilly works for Old Town, lives in Maine, and knows both backpacking and canoeing. He walks me through the basics of canoeing like how to choose a boat, materials, styles, and what a typical canoe camping loadout might look like. He does a great job of breaking everything down and uncomplicating a somewhat confusing topic (at least for me). I firmly believe that by exploring other outdoor activities, you can get better at your own. Cross-pollinating skill sets is the only way to grow and expand your understanding of how everything works and this episode is a great example of that. The outdoors has endless possibilities and who knows, maybe after this one, you’ll take interest in canoeing. At the very least, you’ll know the basics. Show Notes and Links Introductions How to choose the right canoe Understanding canoe materials Stability and how to improve ballast When you may need a canoe that tracks better What’s so great about canoe camping Ryan’s typical camping loadout The importance of proper planning and safety Common canoeing mistakes Ryan’s canoe suggestion for Emory Parting thoughts How to learn more about Old Town https://www.oldtowncanoe.com/ https://www.instagram.com/oldtowncanoes/ https://www.facebook.com/OldTownCanoe/ https://www.youtube.com/user/oldtowncanoeandkayak Support the show Thanks for listening! Check out the links below to learn more, connect, and support the show. Connect: emory@byland.co Main Website: https://byland.co/ Courses Homepage: https://courses.byland.co/ Learn How To Backpack: https://courses.byland.co/learnhowtobackpack 6 Weeks To Solo Backpacking: https://courses.byland.co/6-weeks-to-solo-backpacking-waitlist Recommended Backpacking Gear: https://byland.co/recommended-gear-summary YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EmoryByLand Facebook Groups: https://byland.co/facebook-groups Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emory_by_land Support the Show: https://byland.co/donate

Paul McTaggart is a family man and backpacker out of New Zealand who in recent years reignited his passion for the outdoors. He and I have been exchanging emails back and forth for some time now and I thought it was time we sit down for a real and open-ended conversation about backpacking. This is the very first episode of the By Land Podcast where I bring you the audience member, and in this case Paul, on the show for a conversation for no other reason than to get to know one another. I consider all of you guys a friend so I figure why not start to get to know you? This episode with Paul is incredible and he lays out an amazing framework for how he plans for his backpacking trips. We talk about his background and younger years, his time spent hiking to Annapurna Base Camp, and getting to know backpacking again after years away. Finally, we cover why it’s so important to do what’s right for you and your situation in the backcountry (aka the ultra-right backpacking reference). I absolutely loved this conversation with Paul and cannot wait to bring more audience members on the show to get to know them, and their stories, and glean what I can from their experiences so we can all learn together. Here’s a link to Paul's amazing article and planning process. Click HERE. Show Notes and Links Introductions Paul’s backstory Paul’s Annapurna base camp hike Paul’s approach to journaling On getting back into backpacking after years away Parenting and getting kids outdoors at a young age Advice for getting started again How Paul plans his trips (AMAZING structure!) The ultra-right backpacking philosophy Tent choice/design discussion Food and nutrition lessons learned Planning for the team, not the dream Estimating travel time Pauls article and planning process: https://byland.co/blog/planning-for-backpacking-applying-good-practice-principles-from-military-planning Support the show Thanks for listening! Check out the links below to learn more, connect, and support the show. Connect: emory@byland.co Main Website: https://byland.co/ Courses Homepage: https://courses.byland.co/ Learn How To Backpack: https://courses.byland.co/learnhowtobackpack 6 Weeks To Solo Backpacking: https://courses.byland.co/6-weeks-to-solo-backpacking-waitlist Recommended Backpacking Gear: https://byland.co/recommended-gear-summary YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EmoryByLand Facebook Groups: https://byland.co/facebook-groups Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emory_by_land Support the Show: https://byland.co/donate

Melodie Edwards is the host and senior producer of the Modern West Podcast which dives into the history of the west, and how it’s shaped our landscapes and modern culture while digging up little-known facts about the past. The show is produced for Wyoming Public Media (aka the state’s NPR station) which is now going into its 5th season so for me, it was great to connect with someone who is doing some really great work out there. Being a podcast producer isn’t the only thing Melodie is though. She’s a bookstore owner and writer, all of which we get into in this episode. Melodie is on the show to explore this weird crossroad between the past and the present regarding how we as backpackers and hikers interact with the landscape. For example, for anyone who isn’t from the west, or specifically the Montana/Wyoming area, there are a lot of really large ranches in some very beautiful places and those ranches often graze cattle on land that you and I might hike through. So, you could be hiking along and bump into a cow or two, OR maybe you can’t access certain areas because it’s a private ranch. As the producer of the Modern West Podcast and doing her investigative work on topics like this, Melodie is joining the show to help enlighten or educate me (us), on where we’ve come from, where we are, and where we’re going. This podcast isn’t always about something clearly related to backpacking. I’d miss out on opportunities like this one to further educate myself on things like land access and the modernization of the west. To me, it’s conversations like this one that allows me to look at things through a different lens so that when I’m out there enjoying myself, I know what the heck I’m benefitting from or how it even came to be. As I said, it’s a lot and Melodie is here to help me begin to sort it all out. Show Notes and Links Melodie’s background The history of the cowboy in the west The impact that cattle ranchers have had on the landscape How we got to where we are today with the modern landscapes How cattle did on the landscape Finding a balance Finding common ground Closing thoughts Links The Modern West Podcast https://themodernwest.org/ Support the show Thanks for listening! Check out the links below to learn more, connect, and support the show. Connect: emory@byland.co Main Website: https://byland.co/ Courses Homepage: https://courses.byland.co/ Learn How To Backpack: https://courses.byland.co/learnhowtobackpack 6 Weeks To Solo Backpacking: https://courses.byland.co/6-weeks-to-solo-backpacking-waitlist Recommended Backpacking Gear: https://byland.co/recommended-gear-summary YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EmoryByLand Facebook Groups: https://byland.co/facebook-groups Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emory_by_land Support the Show: https://byland.co/donate

Hammock Gear is one of the original cottage companies in the ultralight backpacking space. When I was just getting into backpacking, it was Hammock Gear that was prolific in the search engines and forums when it came to ultralight quilts. Having such a prolific and respectable brand represented on the podcast is both honoring and humbling to me. Adam and Sally from Hammock Gear join the By Land Podcast to talk about the origins of the company, why and how Adam started it in the first place, and to offer some advice to those looking to make the jump to a hammock setup. This is one of my favorite kinds of episodes because you’ll actually get to know the people behind the brand which I think is really important, especially these days with so many great options on the market. It was refreshing to have such a great conversation with a brand that so many people look up to and I have no doubt you’ll enjoy this one. As a special offer to listeners, Hammock Gear is offering a 5% site-wide discount code to new customers. If you’d like to take advantage of that offer, use code ByLand5 at checkout Show Notes and Links Adam’s background Sally’s background How Hammock Gear started On being self-taught with making gear What it was like making DIY gear in the early days What’s required to stay comfortable in a hammock How “insulation” works Troubleshooting sleep issues How to transition from a bag to a quilt Adam helps Emory with his hesitation to hammocking Adventures within adventures Suggested Hammock Gear kits Hammocking resources https://hammockgear.com/ https://www.instagram.com/hammockgear/ https://www.facebook.com/HammockGear/ https://twitter.com/_hammockgear_ Support the show Thanks for listening! Check out the links below to learn more, connect, and support the show. Connect: emory@byland.co Main Website: https://byland.co/ Courses Homepage: https://courses.byland.co/ Learn How To Backpack: https://courses.byland.co/learnhowtobackpack 6 Weeks To Solo Backpacking: https://courses.byland.co/6-weeks-to-solo-backpacking-waitlist Recommended Backpacking Gear: https://byland.co/recommended-gear-summary YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EmoryByLand Facebook Groups: https://byland.co/facebook-groups Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emory_by_land Support the Show: https://byland.co/donate

The REAL Hiking Viking, aka Jabba, joins the podcast to talk about his upcoming hike up the Continental Divide Trail, life before backpacking, and the importance of doing what makes you happy in life. I’ve known Jabba for a while now and bumped into him a few places, but this is the first time we’ve had a chance to sit down to have a conversation. The last time we spoke, he introduced me to the magic that is double-stuffed Oreo and since that was pretty game-changing for me, I figured he probably had something else up his sleeves to share. As it turns out, he did. This conversation isn’t about anything in particular, but it IS about a lot of things. It’s about life as a “professional” backpacker, finding what gives you enjoyment and pursuing that, knowing where you’ve come from, and looking forward to where you’re going. Emory, By Land By Land Links LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK https://www.learnhowtobackpack.com/ YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChSSISEgIfwYz2cc0aHQj3g FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/ INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/emory_by_land DONATE: https://byland.co/donate Show Notes and Links https://www.instagram.com/therealhikingviking https://www.youtube.com/user/therealhikingviking https://thetrek.co/ Update on upcoming CDT hike/bike The funny thing about Leave No Trace and absolutism Double-stuffed Oreo admin item Trail food talk How food has changed from trail to trail How this trail is different from a “planning” perspective Jabba’s life before hiking Thoughts on becoming a professional backpacker Why Jabba keeps going On the importance of making it on your own terms What about the future? How to follow Jabba’s adventures Support the show Thanks for listening! Check out the links below to learn more, connect, and support the show. Connect: emory@byland.co Main Website: https://byland.co/ Courses Homepage: https://courses.byland.co/ Learn How To Backpack: https://courses.byland.co/learnhowtobackpack 6 Weeks To Solo Backpacking: https://courses.byland.co/6-weeks-to-solo-backpacking-waitlist Recommended Backpacking Gear: https://byland.co/recommended-gear-summary YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EmoryByLand Facebook Groups: https://byland.co/facebook-groups Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emory_by_land Support the Show: https://byland.co/donate

Backpacking with dogs is something I think most of us dream of doing, but for Bailey Bremner, it’s a reality. Bailey is not only an accomplished backpacker and thru-hiker in her own right, but her dogs are too. Prima and Skittles have likely hiked more miles that most and between the 3 of them, they’ve hiked thousands of miles along some of the most beautiful trails in the United States. Sometimes we tend to overcomplicate things while at the same time underestimating what is actually involved in an activity. Bailey joins the podcast to walk through her experiences backpacking and hiking with her dogs, lessons learned along the way, and offers some sound guidance and advice to those wanting to do the same. Anyone looking to get out there with their furry friends will no doubt come away from this episode with a pile of knowledge and with any luck, just as much encouragement. Go check out Bailey’s adventures and enjoy this episode! Emory, By Land By Land Links LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK https://www.learnhowtobackpack.com/ YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChSSISEgIfwYz2cc0aHQj3g FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/ INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/emory_by_land DONATE: https://byland.co/donate Show Notes and Links https://themostimportantstep.com/ https://www.instagram.com/the_most_important_step youtube.com/c/BaileyBremner Backpacking with Dogs FAQ (Bailey’s article) A quick recap of Bailey’s recent Pinhoti Trail experience Background on Bailey and her past hikes with and without her dogs Mistakes made early on with the dogs How to prepare for longer trips with dogs How to manage your dogs’ miles Support the show Thanks for listening! Check out the links below to learn more, connect, and support the show. Connect: emory@byland.co Main Website: https://byland.co/ Courses Homepage: https://courses.byland.co/ Learn How To Backpack: https://courses.byland.co/learnhowtobackpack 6 Weeks To Solo Backpacking: https://courses.byland.co/6-weeks-to-solo-backpacking-waitlist Recommended Backpacking Gear: https://byland.co/recommended-gear-summary YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EmoryByLand Facebook Groups: https://byland.co/facebook-groups Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emory_by_land Support the Show: https://byland.co/donate

Dylan Tonkin had the crazy idea to take the fun design of a lightweight Hawaiian shirt and marry it with a design that would remind thru-hikers of their favorite long-distance trail. The result was “TownShirt” and it’s awesome. This is Dylan’s second time on the podcast and in the two-plus years that have passed since our last chat, a lot has changed. Dylan is now married, has a kid, and has taken a fun little business concept and made it a reality with TownShirt. Since that first episode, Dylan and I have stayed in touch so when he randomly sent me a picture of a thru-hiking-inspired hiking shirt he’d been working on, I about fell out of my chair. I knew right away this was going to be something great. The designs were fun, they reflected the iconic imagery of the trail, and the shirts were functional as trail-wear. Over the next few months, Dylan and I talked about what TownShirt was about, how he could give back to the community that had given him so much, and how to go about building a business that reflected his personality and values and not what the outdoor industry says it should be. Those were some of my favorite discussions and I told Dylan that when he was ready, he was welcome back on the show to talk about what he’s been up to. That time is now and I couldn’t be more excited to put this episode together. Dylan has become one of my favorite people because he’s just a genuine person that wants to put positivity out into the world, do the right thing, and make an impact. This episode isn’t just about TownShirt, it’s about Dylan, it’s about community, and finding ways to stay connected to the community we love so much. When you get a chance, please check out Townshirt.co and go give Dylan’s startup some love! Emory, By Land By Land Links LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK https://www.learnhowtobackpack.com/ YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChSSISEgIfwYz2cc0aHQj3g FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/ INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/emory_by_land DONAT Support the show Thanks for listening! Check out the links below to learn more, connect, and support the show. Connect: emory@byland.co Main Website: https://byland.co/ Courses Homepage: https://courses.byland.co/ Learn How To Backpack: https://courses.byland.co/learnhowtobackpack 6 Weeks To Solo Backpacking: https://courses.byland.co/6-weeks-to-solo-backpacking-waitlist Recommended Backpacking Gear: https://byland.co/recommended-gear-summary YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EmoryByLand Facebook Groups: https://byland.co/facebook-groups Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emory_by_land Support the Show: https://byland.co/donate

Bruce McGlenn is the founder and lead instructor for Human Nature Hunting, a hunting school designed to teach newcomers, instill a connection to our past heritage, and create stewardship among the community by being an active participant in our ecosystem. For those who never grew up in a hunting family, getting into hunting can be a massive hurdle to overcome. Between navigating regulations, gear, and acquiring the skills to not only pursue wild game but then care for it the right way, hunting can no doubt be overwhelming early on. Traditionally, if you want to learn how to hunt, you’d either have to find someone who would teach you or go it alone and figure it out on your own, but Bruce has created a third option. The Human Nature Hunting school is a 4-day in-person course that walks new hunters through the entire hunting process from start to finish. Spanning everything from regulations, to finding game, and even processing game, Bruce has created a one-stop-shop hunting school that will prepare you for the season. But, teaching the skills of hunting isn’t the only thing you’ll learn. Students attending the course have the chance to connect with one another over shared meals, time in the field, and discuss what it all means and how they feel about it. Hunting is and has always been a community activity. One that brings people together over shared experiences and that’s exactly what Bruce has created with Human Nature Hunting. For those on the fence about hunting, curious about the activity, but have nowhere to start, I think this interview with Bruce will be helpful. His approach is sincere and genuine and I think there are a lot of people who could benefit from a mentor like Bruce. His insight and ability to self-reflect are top-notch and it was a pleasure getting to know him on this episode. Emory, By Land By Land Links LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK https://www.learnhowtobackpack.com/ YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChSSISEgIfwYz2cc0aHQj3g FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/ INSTAGRAM https Support the show Thanks for listening! Check out the links below to learn more, connect, and support the show. Connect: emory@byland.co Main Website: https://byland.co/ Courses Homepage: https://courses.byland.co/ Learn How To Backpack: https://courses.byland.co/learnhowtobackpack 6 Weeks To Solo Backpacking: https://courses.byland.co/6-weeks-to-solo-backpacking-waitlist Recommended Backpacking Gear: https://byland.co/recommended-gear-summary YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EmoryByLand Facebook Groups: https://byland.co/facebook-groups Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emory_by_land Support the Show: https://byland.co/donate

Moose Mutlow is a member of the Yosemite Search and Rescue, the Senior Projects Director for planning, design, and construction of the National Environmental Science Center at Naturebridge in Yosemite National Park, and has spent a lifetime learning and teaching outdoor skills. He has quite a unique background which is why he’s able to have the perspective he has on the outdoors and our community as a whole. When I first spoke with Moose and asked him what he’d been most passionate about lately, he told me it was the idea that the outdoor community has become too quick and too eager to shame those who make mistakes outdoors. Rather than practicing compassion and allowing that person to tell their story so we can learn from it, there’s a desire to make that person feel bad about the situation they got themselves into which ultimately isolates newcomers to the outdoors and creates a void amongst the community. As a member of SAR, Moose has seen a bad turn to worse and he believes there are things we can learn from these situations if we’re simply willing to stop talking and just listen. As you’ll hear, Moose has a big heart for people. He wants the very best for them and he wants to strengthen the outdoor community in any way possible. We also discuss the delicate balancing act between adventure and danger and the importance of recording personal stories and then TELLING those stories so that others may learn. All in all, this is a wonderful chat with a really great person who I’m grateful to have on the show. It was a pleasure getting to know Moose and I’m just glad to know there are people like him out there in the world trying to do good things. Emory, By Land By Land Links LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK https://www.learnhowtobackpack.com/ YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChSSISEgIfwYz2cc0aHQj3g FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/ INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/emory_by_land DONATE: https://byland.co/donate Show Notes and Links Website: https://www.moosemutlow.com/ https://www.instagram.com/moosemutlow Searching: Finding purpose, laughter, an Support the show Thanks for listening! Check out the links below to learn more, connect, and support the show. Connect: emory@byland.co Main Website: https://byland.co/ Courses Homepage: https://courses.byland.co/ Learn How To Backpack: https://courses.byland.co/learnhowtobackpack 6 Weeks To Solo Backpacking: https://courses.byland.co/6-weeks-to-solo-backpacking-waitlist Recommended Backpacking Gear: https://byland.co/recommended-gear-summary YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EmoryByLand Facebook Groups: https://byland.co/facebook-groups Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emory_by_land Support the Show: https://byland.co/donate

Adam Foss grew up hunting sheep in the mountains with his father and brother. He learned at a young age what it looked like to work hard for something, admire the beauty of accomplishment, and fully appreciate where sheep call home. If you want to hunt sheep, you’re going to experience some pretty incredible yet rugged country. Sheep hunting doesn’t come easy, which is probably why those that do it are in a league of their own. Fast forward to today, and you’ll still find Adam chasing sheep in the fall months when he has the opportunity to, but you might also notice the camera hanging around his neck because he’s now a professional photographer who specializes in documenting hunts for some of the biggest names in the industry. He’s somehow found a way to make a living from the things he loves most and is without a doubt excelling at it. His skill set as both an outdoorsman and a creative makes him a bit of a unicorn when it comes to the world he works in. Adam’s imagery can be found on the pages of photo books and in high-end ads for well-known brands. Chances are that if you follow brands like Sitka, Yeti, or Matthews then you’ve seen plenty of his work. His images are absolutely stunning and have a way of transporting the viewer to the exact moment in time when the picture was taken. That’s what drew me to Adam and his work. I’ve followed him on social media for years and was always curious about his life, his upbringing, and his thoughts on all of it. Having watched from afar for far too long, I decided to reach out to see if he’d be willing to join me for an episode. He kindly agreed and I couldn’t have been more excited. I wanted our conversation to go where it needed to go. I didn’t have a specific agenda other than to get to know who Adam is and why he does what he does. Hunting is hard in the mountains and it’s made even harder when you have a camera slung around your neck with clients eagerly awaiting an image that only happens once in a lifetime. You can’t reproduce moments of adventure; you either get or you don’t and Adam knows exactly how to do that. We spend the first portion of the episode getting to know Adam, his upbringing, and how he came to start a freelance photography business with his wife then transition into a more philosophical conversation centered around hunting. Hunting has always been something difficult to explain to those who don’t engage in it. No matter how hard you may try to express what it is and what it Support the show Thanks for listening! Check out the links below to learn more, connect, and support the show. Connect: emory@byland.co Main Website: https://byland.co/ Courses Homepage: https://courses.byland.co/ Learn How To Backpack: https://courses.byland.co/learnhowtobackpack 6 Weeks To Solo Backpacking: https://courses.byland.co/6-weeks-to-solo-backpacking-waitlist Recommended Backpacking Gear: https://byland.co/recommended-gear-summary YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EmoryByLand Facebook Groups: https://byland.co/facebook-groups Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emory_by_land Support the Show: https://byland.co/donate

Joey Bennett headed west this past September to meet a personal goal of hunting elk in Colorado. It would be the first time he’d hunt elk, the first time he’d hunt Colorado, the first time he’d ever go backpack hunting, and he did it alone. When I saw Joey’s big smile on an Instagram post after his hunt, I knew we needed to talk. He spent a solid 5 days backpack hunting in Colorado in an area he was completely unfamiliar with and although he never punched a tag, he couldn’t have been more excited about the experience. I asked Joey to come on the show to talk about his journey, his hunt, and to pick his brain about what it was like traveling west to hunt elk that he’d never hunted before. He’s a regular guy like me and you who has a job, a family, and a passion for adventure. Joey made up his mind he wanted to give it a shot, and he made it happen. That’s what I love about his story. It’s about just going for it regardless of the unknowns that lay ahead. There are great bits of wisdom and insight sprinkled throughout this episode and I hope you take a little inspiration from Joey and just go do what you dream of doing. Don’t worry about what you don’t know. Just make a plan, go, and have an adventure! Show Notes Introductions Joey’s solo elk hunt summary Planning for a western elk hunt to an unknown area Joey’s backstory with the outdoors Diving into the details of Joey’s trip Lessons learned Gear talk! Links Joey’s IG https://www.instagram.com/jjbennett64 Support the show Thanks for listening! Check out the links below to learn more, connect, and support the show. Connect: emory@byland.co Main Website: https://byland.co/ Courses Homepage: https://courses.byland.co/ Learn How To Backpack: https://courses.byland.co/learnhowtobackpack 6 Weeks To Solo Backpacking: https://courses.byland.co/6-weeks-to-solo-backpacking-waitlist Recommended Backpacking Gear: https://byland.co/recommended-gear-summary YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EmoryByLand Facebook Groups: https://byland.co/facebook-groups Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emory_by_land Support the Show: https://byland.co/donate

JR Harris has been backpacking for 60 years. It all started when his parents decided to send him to Boy Scout camp to avoid summers in NYC and though he may have gone against his own will that first time, it soon became something he missed when the summer came to a close. JR is now in his mid 70’s and has seen adventures all around the world. He’s been to incredible places, diverse countries, and seen the wildest places, mostly on his own. In 1993 he was elected to the Explorers Club, which is a pretty prestigious honor. You can read all about his adventures in his book “Way Out There: Adventures of a Wilderness Trekker.” I first learned of JR through a backpacking group on Facebook. He’d post vintage backpacking pictures of himself throughout the years and it didn’t take me long to realize he was the real deal, so I reached out. We jumped on a call and I knew right away that JR was my kind of person. He was humble, kind, and honest. The kind of person you become after spending so many years exploring the backcountry. It was an honor to speak with him that first time, and I was even more excited to learn he’d be willing to join me for an episode of the podcast. I wanted to learn from JR and hear what his life has been like, how it got started, and where he came from. What happens to a person after 60 years of backpacking? Does it still mean the same things as it once did? Is the fire still alive? I had all the questions and JR answered them with grace. He is no doubt an inspiration to so many and I couldn’t be more excited to bring him to you through the podcast. I sincerely hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. Emory, By Land By Land Links LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK https://www.learnhowtobackpack.com/ YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChSSISEgIfwYz2cc0aHQj3g FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/ INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/emory_by_land DONATE: https://byland.co/donate Show Notes and Links https://www.jrinthewilderness.com/ JR’s B Support the show Thanks for listening! Check out the links below to learn more, connect, and support the show. Connect: emory@byland.co Main Website: https://byland.co/ Courses Homepage: https://courses.byland.co/ Learn How To Backpack: https://courses.byland.co/learnhowtobackpack 6 Weeks To Solo Backpacking: https://courses.byland.co/6-weeks-to-solo-backpacking-waitlist Recommended Backpacking Gear: https://byland.co/recommended-gear-summary YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EmoryByLand Facebook Groups: https://byland.co/facebook-groups Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emory_by_land Support the Show: https://byland.co/donate