Blog – Trust The Trail Podcast

Our 2022 Backpacking Pack & Shelter Gear Guide

Posted on November 29, 2021November 29, 2021 by nocmanus

This last year (2021) we have traveled across the Country in some pretty remote areas. From Mountains of Montana, to the deserts of Arizona. 2021 was mostly in the High Desert with little to no humidity and not a lot of water. So our gear choices really reflect the environment that we hike in the...

Backpacking With Type 1 Diabetes Working Through The Fear

Posted on July 24, 2021July 24, 2021 by nocmanus

Written by Amy Tappendorf “What was your favorite part?" It's a common question I get after returning from a backpacking trip. The thing is, I have a really difficult time answering that question. To pick a favorite part or to categorize these moments means leaving out the whole process, every...

INCREASE YOUR LUNG CAPACITY FOR BACKPACKING

Posted on July 20, 2021July 20, 2021 by nocmanus

Lung capacity is a critical factor in your ability to conquer long trails or climb to high elevations. When I climbed Longs Peak in Colorado (14,000 feet) I couldn't believe how the high altitude affected me. If you are a beginner, there’s no need to feel self-conscious about being out of...

Surviving Mosquito’s and Ticks

Posted on July 12, 2021July 12, 2021 by nocmanus

Insects may be small, but they can cause some serious issues when backpacking/hiking. Protecting yourself from insect-borne diseases, decreases your chances of developing a life-threatening illness. Ariane and I try to avoid DEET as much as possible, but sometimes there is just no other choice....

How To Hike The Kalalau Trail

Posted on April 13, 2021April 13, 2021 by Ariane Petrucci

Do you have a "bucket list" hike? How about one of the most dangerous hikes in the Country. Well, it's in Hawaii and it's called the Kalalau Trail and here is how I hiked it. The Kalalau Trail is an 11-mile trail that traverses through five valleys before dropping down into a protected secluded...

What Has It Been Like Taking Our Podcast On The Road Full Time?

Posted on March 22, 2021March 24, 2021 by nocmanus

In the 7 months we have taken our Trust The Trail Podcast on the road full time we can say for certain that it's been great! Not withstanding the challenges of Full Time Travel in the middle of a National Pandemic. Our goal was, and still is, to meet our listeners and offer anyone who wanted to go...

Badass Female Hikers – BECOME A PEEING PRO

Posted on March 9, 2021March 9, 2021 by Ariane Petrucci

If you are a female backpacker, then you've already thought of how to manage the 3 p's out in the wilderness. Pee. Poop. Period.These are genuine hygiene concerns and possibly real fears that can hold us back from exploring nature to it's fullest. So the question really is, are you prepared to...

How I Infected Myself With The Norovirus

Posted on February 27, 2021February 27, 2021 by Ariane Petrucci

After 2020, social distancing might be a normal way of life now. We've adapted to becoming more aware of what we touch and regularly washing our hands. You've got it down by now, I'm sure. Though you've also got your sights set on backpacking the Appalachian Trail because let's face it, all this...

3 Season VS 4 Season Winter Backpacking

Posted on February 1, 2021February 1, 2021 by nocmanus

There is a huge difference between 3 season Winter Backpacking and 4 Season Winter Backpacking. It's important to know the difference so you don't spend money on gear you don't necessarily need. Winter Backpacking often requires more gear thus more weight. True Winter backpacking usually means you...

How to Blast a Duke in the Desert

Posted on January 12, 2021January 12, 2021 by nocmanus

Just to be clear, blasting a duke means poop. Our command by the way for our Blue Healer, Caldonia. Seems to be a little more ingonito when in public. However, for Backpackers Poop is by any other name, pooping. And there are a few things to know when "Blasting a Duke" in the desert sand. There...