If You Want to Try Backpacking, You're in Good Company

With the help of listeners and Backpacking 101 author Heather Balogh Rochfort, we share stories of first-time backpackers and advice to get started. 

Whether you're a seasoned backpacker or a beginner, there's inspiration and a little trail magic (not the thru-hiking kind) to be found in this episode.

Woman featured in this episode: Voice memos: Maggie Rehberg, Holly Bullis, Jennifer Jansen, Lindsey Falkenburg, Victoria Wang, Laura Navar, Tori Morrison, Marie Vanderpool, Lori O’Connell, Sarah Grothjan, Alexandra Goldman, Meg Dagon, and Julie Hotz.

Interview with Heather Balogh Rochfort on getting started backpacking.

Hosted by Gale Straub

Sponsored by Merrell, Deuter, and Rooted

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In this episode, you'll hear:

Stories of listeners' first time out backpackingThe story of host Gale Straub's first backpacking tripConversation with Heather Balogh Rochfort, author of Backpacking 101, about practical advice for women who are new to backpacking, including:SafetyHygieneWhat to packLeave No TraceAdvice from listeners about what they wish they knew when they got started, as well as specific advice for fellow solo backpackersA bit of cheerleading you didn't know you needed to take the final step towards your first backpacking trip!

Resources

Beginner backpacking resources mentioned:The 10 EssentialsThe 7 Leave No Trace PrinciplesBear Safety:NPS Bear Safety TipsBear Spray and Other OptionsPersonal HygieneBackpacking with your periodGoing to the bathroomKula ClothMoon CupHeather Balogh Rochfort: Instagram, Blog & Books - Backpacking 101 & Women Who HikeListeners Featured:Maggie Rehberg: InstagramHolly Bullis: Instagram & WebsiteJennifer Jansen: Personal Instagram & Wanderluv Maps: Instagram & WebsiteLindsey Falkenburg: Instagram & Tandem Trekking BlogVictoria Wang: Instagram & Teacher Life PodLaura Navar: InstagramTori Morrison: Instagram & Tickled by Travel BlogMarie Vanderpool: Instagram & Photography SiteLori O'Connell: Instagram & Feed N Flow - Outdoor Adventure and Keto lifestyle blogSarah Grothjan: Instagram & Website; She Explores Podcast Episode - Apple Podcasts & SpotifyAlexandra Goldman: Instagram & the Ladies of the JMT facebook group she referenced Meg Dagon: InstagramJulie Hotz: Instagram, Website, and Unrooted Podcast

Sponsors

Merrell: Learn more at Merrell.com and check out the Moab-2 Mid Hiking bootsRooted: Get 15% off your order by heading to Rooted.nyc/explore and using the code 'Explore' at checkoutDeuter: Learn more at Deuter.com and check out the backpacking bag Laura took to the Eastern Sierras

Episodes air weekly on Wednesdays-- subscribe wherever you listen so you never miss an episode.

Music is by Kai Engel, Lee Rosevere, Meydän, and Josh Woodward using a creative commons attributions license.