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 backpacking
The story of host Gale Straub's first backpacking trip
Conversation with Heather Balogh Rochfort, author of Backpacking 101, about practical advice for women who are new to backpacking, including:Safety
Hygiene
What to pack
Leave No Trace

Advice from listeners about what they wish they knew when they got started, as well as specific advice for fellow solo backpackers
A 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 Essentials
The 7 Leave No Trace Principles
Bear Safety:NPS Bear Safety Tips
Bear Spray and Other Options

Personal HygieneBackpacking with your period
Going to the bathroom
Kula Cloth
Moon Cup


Heather Balogh Rochfort: Instagram, Blog & Books - Backpacking 101 & Women Who Hike
Listeners Featured:Maggie Rehberg: Instagram
Holly Bullis: Instagram & Website
Jennifer Jansen: Personal Instagram & Wanderluv Maps: Instagram & Website
Lindsey Falkenburg: Instagram & Tandem Trekking Blog
Victoria Wang: Instagram & Teacher Life Pod
Laura Navar: Instagram
Tori Morrison: Instagram & Tickled by Travel Blog
Marie Vanderpool: Instagram & Photography Site
Lori O'Connell: Instagram & Feed N Flow - Outdoor Adventure and Keto lifestyle blog
Sarah Grothjan: Instagram & Website; She Explores Podcast Episode - Apple Podcasts & Spotify
Alexandra Goldman: Instagram & the Ladies of the JMT facebook group she referenced 
Meg Dagon: Instagram
Julie Hotz: Instagram, Website, and Unrooted Podcast

Sponsors
Merrell: Learn more at Merrell.com and check out the Moab-2 Mid Hiking boots
Rooted: Get 15% off your order by heading to Rooted.nyc/explore and using the code 'Explore' at checkout
Deuter: 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.