The Best Outdoors Podcast: A Few of Our Favorite Listens in 2024
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The Best 6 Outdoors Podcast Shows of 2024
Let’s face it. Sometimes it’s easier to listen than read.
We get it.
On that long run or meandering walk, plugging into a 45 minute podcast is a great way to unwind and detox from the day. Maybe, like me, listening to the best backpacking podcast gives you space to play detective.
Heading into the world of National Park lore or listening to a funny Q&A from through hikers is the perfect medicine after a hard day.
There are so many outdoor podcasts.
How do you know where to find a Outdoors podcast on Spotify or your device?
To find the best adventure podcasts Spotify and Apple have, you need two things: smart choice of words and the search button.
If Tech 101 is easy peesy for you, skip below. For those of us still learning how to use ALL the buttons on our devices, read on.
My kids are wizards when it comes to technology. I ask them one question and bam, they’ve found the answer along with 500 other ways to solve the problem. Me? I’m not so tech savvy and have been slowly learning how to find the best hiking and backpacker podcasts.
Step One: Think about what type of podcasts and books you enjoy listening to.
Options: Mysteries, Crime, Adventure, How-to’s, Hiking Gear Reviews, Personal thru-hiker narratives, simple recipes, dehydrated meals for trail hikes, best weather apps…you get the idea. The list is endless.
Step Two: Ask yourself, “If I was asking a human this question, what would I say?” Then add that group of words in the search bar.
More times than not, you’ll immediately find pages of content you didn’t know existed.
Step Three: Click on an episode that sounds interesting. Hit download and listen. You’ll get a list of recommendations based on what you’ve previously selected. Check those recs out and expand your outside podcasts listening repertoire.
These three simple steps are key to finding the best backpacking hiker podcasts on Spotify and other listening platforms.
PRO NOTE! The best adventure podcasts Spotify and Apple give you a few clues to ensure you’re getting quality content. Notice how many subscribers they have. Check out their reviews.
To find my favorite hiking podcasts, I utilize the search button a lot.
BUT how do you know if this Outdoors podcast is worth your time?
That’s where this little post comes in. I’ve listened to hundreds of hours of outdoor podcasts. Trust me, there are some REALLY great ones (see below) and others not worth your time.
We know you’re busy and don’t have time to do all that research.
Below are my five (current) favorite outdoor podcasts, each with hours of listening. Take a listen on the trail, walking the dog or cooking dinner.
Without further ado, here you go!
Take these five of the best outdoor podcasts on the trail with you today!
Our Six (Current) Favorite Outdoors Podcast Shows
Against the Odds
When an outdoor podcast has 19 seasons, you know they’re onto something great.
I’ve been a listener of Against the Odds from Season 1 - the Thai Cave Rescue. In 2018, 12 young Thai soccer players went cave exploring with their coach after practice one day. What was meant to be a fun afternoon of adventure turned into a months long waiting game for rescue.
I was particularly drawn to this story as a former Compassion International staff and current sponsor. One of the young boys in the cave is a Compassion child. It felt personal, seeing these moms and dads desperate for news, not knowing if their kids were even alive.
For these boys and their coach, what was intended to be a couple of hours of fun turned into a story of courage and survival.
Mt Hood
No name cave divers, men who simply did this for a hobby, risked their lives to rescue this soccer team. World famous photographer and rock climber, Jimmy Chin, made it into a movie, The Rescue (seen on Disney+). Highly recommend the movie. 100% recommend the podcast.
These outside podcasts average 40 minutes in length.
Each season of one of the best outdoor podcasts -Against the Odds- has its own unique spin on daring rescue attempts. Season 2 takes you into Somalia, following Jessica Buchanan’s months long kidnapping. Her harrowing tale involves guns, jeeps and the Navy Seals.
In 1986, a group of teens on a school outdoor hiking trip are trapped on Mt. Hood. Season 15 is 6 episodes of parental angst, teen bravery and terrible loss.
You’ll find yourself immersed in these outdoor survival stories, willing the outcome to be good.
I especially loved Season 7. A Uruguayan rugby team crashes in the Andes Mountain. The survivors’ will to live leads them into unimaginable choices.
I found Season 11 a surprising departure from the normal theme of this outdoor podcast. Ada Blackjack, a native Alaskan woman overcomes insurmountable obstacles to survive living in the Arctic alone for an entire year.
I rank this as one of the best outdoor podcasts online at the moment. Against the Odds narratives true stories with realistic endings. Not everything ends with a nice bow. You just might find yourself crying. And as science tells us, tears are great stress relievers.
Listen to Against the Odds outdoors podcast on Apple Music and Spotify. Website and episodes.
Note! While I’ve not been in a survival situation, I’ve experienced my fair share of uncomfortable moments backpacking and hiking Colorado trails. The school of hard knocks is one of the best teachers learning and doing better, particularly when hiking alone. These hiking solo tips have helped me in a pinch..and might be life saving for you too!
Consider taking a Wilderness First Aid class. You’ll meet like minded people while learning some simple ways to keep everyone, including you, safe on the trail. We at Colorado Hikes and Hops are NOLS Wilderness First Aid certified.
Backpacker Radio
After dipping my feet into Colorado backpacking the Four Pass Loop, I’ve had a hankering to section hike the Colorado Trail (CT). In my spare time I’m constantly researching the best way to knock out this 567 mile trail.
While most thru-hikers block out a month and knock out this bad boy, I don’t have that flexibility at the moment. Section hiking seems the way to go BUT I needed to consult the professionals.
Hiking Four Pass Loop
Enter Backpacker Radio
Note! There is a tad bit of controversy around section hikers vs. through hikers I’ve come to learn. Episode 168 openly discusses this hot topic.
Walking my dog, I scrolled through the search button on Apple Podcasts. My words of choice that day were “backpacker podcasts’ and “best backpacking podcast.” I had several miles to kill and didn’t want to be lost in the monotony of neighborhood walking.
My search worked! I landed on Backpacker Radio episode #114, How to Afford a Thru-Hike. Within minutes it was downloaded, ready to listen. My poor dog was more than ready to get home to water at the end of my 2 hour listen session.
I was hooked!
Note! Most of these backpacking podcasts are 2 hours in length.
Hanging out at Kibo Hut on Mt Kilimanjaro before summiting
Co-hosts Chaunce and Zach have magical rapport. Spicy at times with colorful word choices, they are hilarious and smart. Time flies as they ask questions, joke and create amazing content for any wanna be backpacker (me) or serious (them) thru-hiker.
I immediately hit “like” on Backpacker Radio and binged dozens of episodes. Not only did my dog walks become much more interesting, I learned so much from these backpacker podcasts.
With over 170 hiking podcasts to choose from, you have a hours of entertainment at your fingertips.
A few of my favorite Backpacker podcast episodes include:
#118 Girl Stuff 2.0: Every question you’d want to ask about being a female on trail is covered here. Chaunce and guests dive deep into solo hiking tips, hygiene regimens, and favorite clothes. While I’m still gunshy about hitchhiking, I’m game to try a few other tips. Note to self - wet wipes are used by all!
#115 Summiting Kilimanjaro: Having summited Africa’s highest mountain twice, I was particularly curious about this outside podcast episode. While it was less about hiking Kilimanjaro and more about breathing techniques, I learned a lot. If climbing Kilimanjaro is a bucket list hike for you, take a listen. Oh, and if you’re curious about how to hold your breath for 3 minutes, the method they describe works!
#164 Danae and Olen Netteburg thu-hiking the CDT (Continental Divide Trail) with their 5 KIDS (one under one when they started):
Okay, this is one the best backpacking podcasts I’ve listened to. I mean, my kids complain after a four day car camping trip. I cannot imagine gearing up for a 2000 mile hike with kids all under 13.
I know. I get it. My mouth is still hanging open after listening to this one.
Backpacker Radio can be found on Apple Podcast. Website for show notes and details
*Fun Fact: Backpacker Radio is based in Colorado so they KNOW Colorado trails!
Loop back around next summer to see how I tackle the Colorado Trail. I always welcome free advice on the best way to hike this amazing trial.
Two great beginner backpack trips to try:
With solid training under your belt (3-6 months of methodical workouts) and stellar preparation, hiking the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim to Rim is an attainable bucket list hike. If you’re unsure where to start, we take the guesswork out with a 47 page ebook. Everything you need to know about camping at the canyon floor, permits and food.
Four Pass Loop is a 30ish mile four summit hike. Consider tackling one of those peaks - West Maroon Peak - on an overnight backpack hike. Start this top Colorado hike in Crested Butte, hiking your way over West Maroon Pass to Aspen. This hike offers stunning views and gives you an idea of why type of gear you need for a longer time on the Colorado trails.
Park Predators
Let’s forage into the darker side of an outdoors podcast. Hesitant to start this series for fear I’d never want to venture into my beloved outdoors again, I was relieved to learn this show is more about unraveling mysteries than getting into the gore of grisy acts.
Park Predators is the National Park version of Crime Junkies. Episodes average 45 minutes in length, the perfect weekday run entertainment.
A word of caution - Don’t listen to this before camping in a National Park. Every noise will freak you out. You might find yourself second guessing all the ‘friendly” people you meet.
Glacier National Park
Hosted by Delia D’Ambra, this investigative journalist’s speciality is cold cases and unsolved crimes. Her story telling is easy to listen to and filled with answers to the questions you’re asking as you listen.
I’d dare say this is one of the best mystery outdoor podcasts I’ve listened to in years. Yep, grisly murders and gore included. D’Ambra brilliantly weaves in police reports, tip line stories and family and friend insights into each episode.
Each podcast episode features a separate National Park murder. Some you’ve probably heard of - Bonus Episode features newlywed Jordan Graham who pushed her husband off a cliff in Glacier National Park ON THEIR honeymoon.
South Kaibab Trail in the Grand Canyon
Or episode, The Widower, who dies mysteriously in Grand Canyon National Park in 1993.
Many others are just downright horrific. The River is a tale of family rafting trip gone horribly wrong when mom and daughter are found dead and Dad is the key suspect.
While the content is sad and sometimes hard to listen to, the stories are fascinating. D’Ambra does a marvelous job tying together new content and uncovering clues. Outdoor podcasts like these help bring closure for families and loved ones who otherwise might never know what happened.
Listen to Park Predators on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Website and show notes.
PS. If after listening to The Widower you’re still game for a Grand Canyon adventure, check out our 47 page guide.
We hope to never be in the position of these episode “stars.” While bad people exist, implementing a few safe hiking habits helps in eliminating most danger. These beginners hiking tips are worth a quick scan. And don’t forget essential hiking gear as well as letting at least one person know where you’re going to hike and when you plan on getting back.
Outside Podcast
Growing up in Africa, magazines were luxury items. When I got my hands on them, I was mesmerized with the content. I didn’t care how outdated they were. I’d turn over the glossy pages and marvel at the ads, drinking in the articles.
Those feelings remain in my adulthood. On snowy afternoons, I head to our local library and devour Backpacker, 5280 and Outside magazines.
Much to my delight, I found Outside has a podcast and quickly became a proud member of the “I’ve listened to all 275 outside podcasts” club.
Outside Podcast is one of the best outdoors podcast (released weekly) that often highlight articles just published in their magazine.
Along with single episodes like fighting a bear with a pocket knife (spoiler alert- he survived, the bear did not) and a bold new way to poop in the outdoors, the series are just as provocative.
Summer Read series features the Outside Book Club. Free membership with some amazing hidden gems. I picked up Florence Williams “Heartbreak: A Personal and Scientific Journey” after listening to an interview on the Outside podcast. Williams relates the tale of her divorce and how nature (in this case, rafting) healed her heart.
A conversation with Michael Finkel on an Outside episode related the fascinating tale of Christopher Knight in “A Stranger in the Woods.” I picked up the book, mesmerized by this strange man who lived off grid as a true hermit for 27 years.
Staying dry on Tanner Trail hiking near Canyon City, CO
Sweat Science series is all about sweat. Okay, it’s more than just sweat with topics like the Ketogenic diet, endurance runs, SEAL team breath tests and John Orth, record holder of doing 10,000 pull ups in one hour.
Along with complete disbelief in the human body’s ability to overcome crazy endeavors, you’ll learn a thing or two about what your body needs (or could do without) to thrive.
Science of Survival is stories of life and death moments along with great advice on how to make it out alive. A range of topics include: snakebites, wildfires, being frozen alive, struck by lightning, and scuba diving air fails.
Yep, it’s intense. Honestly, these stories are my worst case scenarios. The good news? Everyone on the episodes survive!
Download one of these outdoor podcasts for adrenaline filled moments. While episodes vary in length, they average 40 minutes.
Hop on their website to see pictures of featured guests and learn more about how to be OUTSIDE.
Find Outside on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
The right hiking gear sure helps with combating hypothermia and keeping wildlife at bay. In the decades of hiking, I’ve uncovered some amazing jackets (Patagonia nano puff!) and unique gear (current fave? carabiners). I’ve also had to “rehome” some not so great pieces.
Check out Colorado Hikes and Hops outdoorsy gear guide - we only recommend what we use, love and gift to others.
The First 40 Miles
I found The First 40 Miles when on a search for quick vegan “do it yourself meal options” for backpacking. It’s amazing what internet searches find for you these days.
I immediately found this backpacker hiking podcast to be a winner with episode 147: Dried, the Dehydrated Food Episode.
In about 30 minutes I had a few amazing recipes to try (with step by step notes on their website) along with a gear review.
I realized, a few episodes in, that The First 40 Miles follows a pretty stellar format:
Today’s Top 5 List
Summit Gear Review
Backpack Hack of the Week
Fun Quote or short poem
This fun quirky format packs a punch, giving you so much advice and backpacking how to’s in just 30 minutes or less.
While I haven’t listened to all 214 episodes of this outdoors podcast, I do have a few stand out favorites from the ones I’ve downloaded.
Episode 194: The Woman’s Advantage. As the title indicates, the top five list lays out the female’s advantage over the male when it comes to hiking. There were a few surprises for me. I found myself nodding in agreement with the discussion on how far hiking gear has come for women. Not too long ago women were borrowing men’s outerwear.
Episode 190 Cold and Hungry describes some pretty stellar meals you can make on trail without a stove. Who knew raman could made Italian, Asian or American? The Backpack Hack of the week on this episode is outstanding - the good ‘ole Talenti ice cream container. Take a listen. I guarantee you’ll be adding Talenti to your grocery order.
As a perpetual Daylight Savings hater, I was drawn to Episode 110: The Shortest, Darkest Day of the Year. I find December to be a mood killer, despite all the fanfare and twinkling lights of the season. Aside from offering a fun gear review, The First 40 Miles highlights 5 types of light for a backpacking trip. I hadn’t heard of a button light and immediately googled that sucker! It’s now on my “need to buy” essential gear list.
Note! Unfortunately this husband/wife duo wrapped up their last outdoor podcast on December 2018 with episode 214. Their website continues to host all episodes with great show notes and content.
The First 40 Miles can be found on Apple podcasts. Check out their website for amazing content and show notes.
REI Podcasts
A proud REI member since 19 years old, I was thrilled to find they now feature several of the best outdoors podcast on their website. Yep! Not only does REI have really good gear, they tell the stories of those who use that amazing outdoor gear!
Hope on to the REI website and get connected with various outdoors celebrities.
I loved Surfing, Fitness, and Plus-Size Adventuring with Kanoa Greene. Found on Wild Ideas Worth Living, Greene’s refreshing take on life as an average woman in a not so average world was deeply refreshing. What a joy to see a woman stand up to societal norms, calling out the judgement we give each other rather than grace and acceptance.
A huge fan of the show, Alone, I was immediately drawn to Surviving Alone in the Wild with Kielyn Marrone. This amazing woman finished third in her season, surviving 80 days ALONE. If you don’t have time to plow through the tv series, take an hour and listen to Marrone’s harrowing tale on one of the best outdoor podcasts out there!
Camp Monsters is a beast of its own. Hop on here for some spooky and sure to keep you inside your tent moments while overnight camping. Hilarity combined with paranormal makes Camp Monsters one of REI’s newest series fun to listen to!
NOTE! No matter which episode you land on, exploring the best of outdoor podcasts on REI’s blog is truly a great way to spend some time.
For all of REI’s amazing podcast episodes, head to REI Uncommon Path. Most of the podcasts can be heard via Spotify and Apple.
DOWNLOAD THE FULL GUIDE TO CAMPING IN COLORADO (PDF)
Together, we have over 50 years combined camping experience all over the world.
We know camping can be intimidating, especially when it comes to the right gear, finding campsites, cooking over a fire, and making sure everyone's having a blast.
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Our 65 full-page Exploring and Enjoying Camping in Colorado eBook (PDF) covers:
Types of Campgrounds
How to Practice Leave No Trace Principles While Camping (lnt.org/)
How to Book a Campground Online
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Our Favorite Campgrounds in Colorado
How to Set Up Your Entire Campsite
How to Set Up Your Camp Kitchen
11 Camping Recipes Everyone Loves
Cooking Over a Campfire
Camping Bin Checklists
Personal Camping Pack List
Things to Consider While Off the Grid / In Case of Emergency
And more!
BONUS:
Backpacking & Blisters: A Hiking, Backpacking and Adventure Show
I found Backpacking & Blisters when training for the Grand Canyon rim to rim to rim hike. I found myself on the gym treadmill every damn day, up and down. The monotony only subdued by a self made promise that I could only watch certain shows on the ‘ole climber.
There’s only so much tv to watch AND I’m a high achievement sort of gal. If I had my phone on me, my steps would record. I found myself scrolling for the best backpacking podcasts that gave me tons of “how to’s” to conquer big hikes.
PS. I’m pleased to report that winter stair climbing and treadmill running have consistently created a solid base for summer backpacking.
Derek and Carl co host the show, living in California and Colorado respectively. Show guests are plentiful along with interactive content, reviews and a whole lot of fun.
Backpacking & Blisters have so many standout outside podcasts episodes.
Here are just a few of my favorites.
Episode 203 with Rowan Smith: How to Overcome Nausea, Disaster Days, Stair Machines & More! I wish I’d had this when training for the Rim to Rim to Rim hike. Spoiler alert! If you make fun of those gym people walking backwards on the stair climber, you should feel ashamed. According to Smith, it’s actually helpful to incorporate opposite movement to strengthen every muscle in your legs.
Outdoor episode 199 would have been really helpful when preparing for the Four Pass Loop backpacking trip I did with my college daughter. Alas, after listening to the sage wisdom on how to backpack with teens and kids, I’ve armed myself with tactics for next summer’s hikes.
Episode 187 made me chuckle and nod my head. “In Defense of Junk Food, Spoons and Chocolate Drawers” I’ve always been a believer in “positive reinforcements” when hiking with kids. “Shug” does a great job breaking down all the categories, giving lots of affirmations for food choices on and off the trail.
With over 200 outside podcasts episodes to choose, this is a dynamic show that’s both entertaining and really helpful, dare I say educational.
Episodes vary in length but tend to stick around the 1 hour mark.
Backpacking & Blisters can be found on Spotify and apple platforms.
Speaking of blisters and how to’s, do you know that hiking boots, shoes and trail runners can make or break your fantastic Colorado hiking plans? Don’t get caught with blisters from ill fitting shoes! Better yet, snag a pair of Smartwool Socks, getting fitted for the right hiking footwear and you’ll own that trail!
These five outdoor podcasts are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to active outdoorsy listening. You never know what rabbit hole you’ll head down….one hiking backpacker podcast leads to another great listen. Book recommendations are always bonus.
Speaking of books, consider adding audiobooks to your listening queue as well. I’m a subscriber of Audiobooks. I have one credit a month which I use very wisely.
No matter how you listen or where you listen, leave a comment about the best outdoor podcasts you’ve gotten hooked on. We love recommendations around here.
Oh, and if you’re looking for some fun outdoor adventure books, check out Trails and Tales where I read and review high adventure, outdoorsy books, dish on outdoor tips and muse about all kinds of hiking stories.