Will Cockrell joins the podcast to discuss his recently published book detailing the history of Mount Everest, his perspective on the draw of mountaineering, and the connection between suffering and achievement.

Will also explains the need to tell the full story of Everest, as well as the misconceptions and negative narratives surrounding the mountain. He challenges the idea of who deserves to climb Everest and questions the romanticism and judgment associated with mountaineering. Our conversation covers various themes related to climbing Everest, including the issue of discounting different approaches, the individualized nature of climbing, the perspective of seasoned climbers, the perception of Everest as spoiled, the reality of the Sherpa role, the misunderstanding of the Sherpa culture, the monetization of Everest, and the importance of seeking the whole Everest story.

Will shares insights from his book, reflecting on the state of the industry and the motivations of climbers and explores the relationship between Western climbers and Sherpas, highlighting the positive changes in recent years. Finally, we dive into the challenges of waste management and the future of Everest, emphasizing the importance of stewardship and the understanding of different perspectives.

Show Notes and Links

• Introductions
• Early Years and Pursuit of Guiding
• Specializing in Mo
• The Draw of Mountaineering
• The Connection Between Suffering and Achievement
• The Comfort of the Wilderness
• The Need for a Book on Guiding on Everest
• The Counter Narrative to the Negative Perception of Everest
• Questioning Who Deserves to Be on Everest
• The Romanticism and Judgment of Mountaineering
• The Perception of Crowding on Everest
• The Difficulty of Defining Who Deserves to Climb Everest
• The Individualized Nature of Climbing Everest
• The Perspective of Seasoned Everest Climbers
• The Reality of the Sherpa Role
• The Monetization of Everest
• The Importance of Seeking the Whole Story
• Reflections on the Everest Industry
• The State of the Everest Industry
• The Impact of Tourism on Everest
• The Experience at Everest Base Camp
• The Dilemma of Camp 4
• Balancing Conservation and Access
• The Future of Everest
• Opportunities for Professional Climbers
• Will's book

Support the show

Thanks for listening! Check out the links below to learn more, connect, and support the show.

• Website
• Join the podcast email newsletter
• Make a One-Time Donation (+ Affiliate Links)
• Monthly Podcast Support
• Courses
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  • 6 Weeks To Solo Backpacking
  • Thru-Hiking 101
• Resources
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• emory@byland.co

Brad Brooks joins the podcast to compare notes on our recent backpacking trips with our kids and discuss the importance of exposing children to the outdoors. We share our experiences and challenges while planning and executing our trips, emphasizing the value of involving children in the decision-making process and building their confidence in doing hard things. We also discuss the unique benefits of backpacking, such as disconnecting from technology and experiencing raw, uncurated adventures.

We also discuss Argali’s new lineup of tents, their design, what makes these shelters unique, and Argali’s philosophy of constantly seeking improvement and innovation in gear design. Brad dives into educating me on the materials used in the tent designs and the pros and cons of each.

Show Notes and Links:

• Introduction and Catching Up
• Planning and Preparing for Backpacking with Kids
• The Challenges and Rewards of Backpacking with Kids
• Involving Kids in the Planning Process
• Building Confidence and Creating Lasting Memories
• The Future of Outdoor Experiences
• Conclusion and Final Thoughts
• The Design and Functionality of the Absaroka TP Tent
• Polyester vs Nylon: The Debate in Tent Materials
• Innovation and Thinking Outside the Box in Gear Design
• The Importance of Functionality and Simplicity in Tent Design
• The Demands of the Hunting Community for High-Quality Gear
• Balancing Weight and Functionality in Gear Selection
• Encouraging Innovation and Creativity in the Outdoor Industry
• Passion for the Outdoors and Enhancing the Outdoor Experience
• Website
• YouTube
• Instagram
• Absoroka 4P
• Absoroka Full Insert
• Fabric Article
• Last Wild Places Film

Support the show

Thanks for listening! Check out the links below to learn more, connect, and support the show.

• Website
• Join the podcast email newsletter
• Make a One-Time Donation (+ Affiliate Links)
• Monthly Podcast Support
• Courses
  • Learn How To Backpack
  • 6 Weeks To Solo Backpacking
  • Thru-Hiking 101
• Resources
• YouTube
• Instagram
• Facebook Groups
• emory@byland.co

Aaron Owens runs “Backcountry Foodie,” a one-stop shop for backpackers and long-distance hikers who want to level up their food game in the backcountry. From ultra-light food recipes and meal planners to a robust calorie calculator and resupply service, Aaron has you covered. She loves backcountry food so much that she’ll even pack your food bag for you and ship it to your home so all you need to do is toss it in your pack and head out the door!


Key Takeaways:

• Food plays a crucial role in backpacking and can impact performance and enjoyment on the trail
• Creating a diverse menu with foods that you enjoy from home can help maintain energy levels and prevent boredom
• Understanding your caloric needs and eating regularly throughout the day is essential for sustained energy and avoiding bonking
• While junk food can provide quick energy, it's important to balance it with complex carbohydrates, protein, and fats for optimal performance
• Transitioning to a new diet on the trail should be done gradually to avoid digestive issues and other negative effects on the body.
• Customize your meal plans based on your hiking strategy and preferences.
• Maximize the nutritional value of each bite by incorporating combination foods
• Eat every hour to hour and a half to maintain energy levels throughout the day
• Consider freeze-drying your own meals for a lightweight and personalized backpacking experience
• Keep a hiking food journal to track what works and what doesn't for future trips

Show Notes and Links:

• Aaron's Backstory
• The Importance of Food in Backpacking
• Creating a Diverse Menu
• Understanding Caloric Intake
• The Importance of Eating Regularly
• The Pros and Cons of a Junk Food Diet
• Transitioning to a New Diet and Its Effects
• Emergency Food and Snacks
• Customized Meal Plans Based on Hiking Strategy
• Maximizing Caloric Intake
• Combination Foods
• Eating for Warmth in Cold Weather
• Eating on the Go
• Palette Changes
• Freeze Drying
• Foodie Services
• https://backcountryfoodie.com/aff/53/
• https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_foodie
• https://www.youtube.com/c/BackcountryFoodie

Support the show

Thanks for listening! Check out the links below to learn more, connect, and support the show.

• Website
• Join the podcast email newsletter
• Make a One-Time Donation (+ Affiliate Links)
• Monthly Podcast Support
• Courses
  • Learn How To Backpack
  • 6 Weeks To Solo Backpacking
  • Thru-Hiking 101
• Resources
• YouTube
• Instagram
• Facebook Groups
• emory@byland.co