Backpacking & Blisters: A Hiking, Backpacking, and Adventure Show

Meet Dr. Hazel Barton, a remarkable scientist who descends into Earth's darkest corners in search of microscopic life that could transform our future. Nicknamed the "Lara Croft of microbiology," Hazel combines cutting-edge science with death-defying exploration in some of the most remote cave systems on our planet. The heart of this episode recounts Hazel's terrifying near-death experience in a cave in China. Miles underground in what they believed was a dry passage, Hazel and her team suddenly heard the roar of approaching water as an underground river changed course. What followed was a desperate fight for survival against a raging torrent, requiring split-second decisions and extraordinary human cooperation to escape. Her vivid description of climbing across slippery ledges with certain death below will leave you breathless. Beyond the adventure, Hazel reveals how her research carries profound implications for our everyday lives. Her team has discovered cave microbes capable of breaking down nylon—potentially revolutionizing how we handle this problematic plastic that often ends up as ocean pollution. Other microorganisms they've studied can extract rare earth elements from rock, offering potential solutions for securing these crucial components used in everything from smartphones to electric vehicles. Hazel's journey from a working-class British family to becoming a geology professor who's explored caves across 37 countries and all seven continents is equally fascinating. She shares how an early experience watching pus shoot from a cat's abscess at a veterinary clinic sparked her interest in microbiology, while a childhood caving trip revealed her unusual comfort in underground spaces. Her career advice is refreshingly straightforward: focus on what makes you jump out of bed in the morning, not titles or salaries. Whether you're fascinated by extreme exploration, cutting-edge science, or simply curious about extraordinary career paths, Hazel's story offers a perfect blend of adventure and inspiration. Listen now to discover the hidden worlds beneath our feet and the microscopic treasures they contain. BOOK: Lechuguilla Cave: Discoveries in a Hidden Splendor - https://www.amazon.com/Lechuguilla-Cave-Discoveries-Hidden-Splendor/dp/3982171423 Hazel Barton wins the "Oscar" of Caving Award in 2025 - https://geo.ua.edu/2025/09/10/dr-hazel-barton-wins-prominent-caving-award/ Hazel's Lab Website - http://www.cavescience.com/ Follow Hazel on X - https://x.com/cavescience Follow Hazel on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hazel-barton-4124148/ Send us a text If you enjoyed this episode, please give us a five-star rating and review, and tell a friend about the show. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Former CEO of Whole Foods and one of the most famous backpackers of all time, John Mackey, joins Derek and Carl to bust backpacking myths, discuss gear strategies and give some insider information about backpacking food. And Mackey has some very interesting answers in this week’s lightning round. Some of the Topics Discussed -Busting backpacking myths -Backpacking gear -Backpacking Food Check out John Mackey’s epic stories and wisdom! Check out Magnet Designs for the best, US-made backpacking clothing on the market! Enlightened Equipment: Check out the best Ultralight Quilts on the market! GET BONUS SEGMENTS & EPISODES ON PATREON: There are over 50 BONUS episodes of B&B that you can get by supporting us on Patreon. It's safe and secure and it helps us put out more content. To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on… Facebook Instagram: @BackpackingAndBlistersPodcast Email: [email protected] Please check out our website: backpackingandblisters.com Our Favorite Gear Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt Outdoor Vitals Summit Down Sleeping Bag Gregory Paragon/Maven Backpack (Full Comfort) Nemo Tensor Sleeping Pad Therm-a-Rest Neo Loft (for ultra comfort) Jetboil Flash (for larger groups) MSR Pocket Rocket 2 (for solo or smaller groups) Katadyn BeFree Black Diamond Spot Garmin InReach Mini 2 Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Watch Big Agnes Copper Spur Nemo Hornet   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Gear expert Villain Jesse joins the show to discuss the top luxury items of 2025. Luxuries include items that are not necessities, upgrade of essential items or simply really expensive items that might be worth having on the trail. Buy the Multi Tool Glove Prototype: https://www.ebay.com/itm/326900498222 Some of the Gear Discussed -Bend Alpha 90 Hoodie -Most comfortable Sleeping pad -Best backpacking chair -Best Sleeping Pad Inflator -Ditty/Storage Bags Check out Magnet Designs for the best, US-made backpacking clothing on the market! Enlightened Equipment: Check out the best Ultralight Quilts on the market! GET BONUS SEGMENTS & EPISODES ON PATREON: There are over 50 BONUS episodes of B&B that you can get by supporting us on Patreon. It's safe and secure and it helps us put out more content. To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on… Facebook Instagram: @BackpackingAndBlistersPodcast Email: [email protected] Please check out our website: backpackingandblisters.com Our Favorite Gear Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt Outdoor Vitals Summit Down Sleeping Bag Gregory Paragon/Maven Backpack (Full Comfort) Nemo Tensor Sleeping Pad Therm-a-Rest Neo Loft (for ultra comfort) Jetboil Flash (for larger groups) MSR Pocket Rocket 2 (for solo or smaller groups) Katadyn BeFree Black Diamond Spot Garmin InReach Mini 2 Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Watch Big Agnes Copper Spur Nemo Hornet   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Derek and Carl discuss all sorts of gear mistakes they've made, you've made, we've all made...and how to fix them. Derek gives Carl advice about first aid kits. And Carl doesn't understand adjustable trekking poles. Check out Magnet Designs for the best, US-made backpacking clothing on the market! Enlightened Equipment: Check out the best Ultralight Quilts on the market! GET BONUS SEGMENTS & EPISODES ON PATREON: There are over 50 BONUS episodes of B&B that you can get by supporting us on Patreon. It's safe and secure and it helps us put out more content. To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on… Facebook Instagram: @BackpackingAndBlistersPodcast Email: [email protected] Please check out our website: backpackingandblisters.com Our Favorite Gear Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt Outdoor Vitals Summit Down Sleeping Bag Gregory Paragon/Maven Backpack (Full Comfort) Nemo Tensor Sleeping Pad Therm-a-Rest Neo Loft (for ultra comfort) Jetboil Flash (for larger groups) MSR Pocket Rocket 2 (for solo or smaller groups) Katadyn BeFree Black Diamond Spot Garmin InReach Mini 2 Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Watch Big Agnes Copper Spur Nemo Hornet   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Derek and Carl discuss deranged, irrational, unusual, odd, weird and funky outdoor adventures that you might consider adding to your bucket list. Are you tired of loops, out and backs and point-to-point hiking trails? It’s time to increase the intensity, purpose and strangeness of your trips with this list. Some of the Topics Discussed -National Park Adventures -Area 51 and Area 51 Trivia -Traveling to the odd corners of the Earth Check out Magnet Designs for the best, US-made backpacking clothing on the market! Enlightened Equipment: Check out the best Ultralight Quilts on the market! GET BONUS SEGMENTS & EPISODES ON PATREON: There are over 50 BONUS episodes of B&B that you can get by supporting us on Patreon. It's safe and secure and it helps us put out more content. To react publicly or privately to any of our episodes post/message on… Facebook Instagram: @BackpackingAndBlistersPodcast Email: [email protected] Please check out our website: backpackingandblisters.com Our Favorite Gear Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt Outdoor Vitals Summit Down Sleeping Bag Gregory Paragon/Maven Backpack (Full Comfort) Nemo Tensor Sleeping Pad Therm-a-Rest Neo Loft (for ultra comfort) Jetboil Flash (for larger groups) MSR Pocket Rocket 2 (for solo or smaller groups) Katadyn BeFree Black Diamond Spot Garmin InReach Mini 2 Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Watch Big Agnes Copper Spur Nemo Hornet   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.