Best Hiking Podcasts | Top Outdoor & Backpacking Shows
There’s something almost magical about slipping on a pair of hiking boots, stepping onto a forest trail, and hearing nothing but your breath and the crunch of leaves beneath your feet — but these days, many of us also bring a different companion on the trail: our headphones. Hiking podcasts have exploded in popularity, becoming a go-to source for motivation, storytelling, practical advice, and gear wisdom.
In present time, the rise of audio content has dovetailed with a surge in outdoor activity. According to recent listener data, more people are turning to niche podcasts for education and mental refreshment — and the hiking community is no exception. Whether you’re planning your first backpacking trip, gearing up for a thru-hike, or simply daydreaming about far-flung trails, there’s a podcast out there for you.
This list highlights 10 of the best hiking podcasts — shows that are loved by long-distance backpackers, weekend day hikers, gear nerds, and adventure storytellers alike. Some offer trail wisdom, others dig into the emotional side of walking in nature, and a few blend both.
Here are the top 10 podcasts every hiking enthusiast should tune into for inspiration, learning, and pure trail joy.
1. Backpacking & Blisters — The One-Stop Backpacking Show
Host(s): Carl Mandrioli & Derek Platform(s): iHeart, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube Frequency: Weekly Best For: Backpackers, thru-hikers, people who want a mix of humor and real-world advice
Overview: Backpacking & Blisters is widely regarded as one of the top hiking podcasts for good reason. Carl and Derek bring decades of backpacking experience, and they balance serious discussions on trail safety, skill-building, and gear with humor and storytelling. Episodes range from interviews with ultralight hikers, trail legends, and outdoor educators to practical breakdowns of navigation, water purification, and risk management.
A standout episode is with Andrew Skurka — a well-known long-distance backpacker — discussing advanced backpacking techniques and what professional backpackers do differently.
Key Takeaways / What You’ll Learn:
Practical gear advice from seasoned backpackers
Real-life trail stories and tough lessons
Techniques for long-distance hiking
How to stay safe, light, and prepared
Why It’s Worth Listening: The hosts’ genuine camaraderie and willingness to laugh at themselves make this podcast feel like chatting around a campfire. It’s incredibly valuable not just for new hikers but also for seasoned trekkers who want to refine their approach or just hear some great stories.
2. Trail Tales – Thru-Hiking & Backpacking — Real Talk from the Long Trail
Host(s): Kyle O’Grady (Kyle Hates Hiking) Platform(s): Podbean, Spotify, Apple Podcasts Frequency: Every ~13 days (as per Listen Notes) Best For: Aspiring thru-hikers, long-distance hikers, adventure dreamers
Overview: This podcast dives deep into the world of thru-hiking, offering first-person stories, interviews with hikers, and gear talk. Kyle O’Grady (aka “Kyle Hates Hiking”) has himself completed a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, and he brings that lived experience into every episode. The show doesn’t just glamorize the trail — Kyle and his guests talk openly about the challenges, the failures, the mental toll, and the huge rewards.
One memorable episode explores why Kyle failed the Pacific Crest Trail for the second time, offering raw insights into resilience, planning, and self-doubt.
Key Takeaways / What You’ll Learn:
Honest trail narratives and resilience lessons
Mental health and hiking: how to cope with long days, uncertainty, failure
Why It’s Worth Listening: Kyle’s storytelling is unfiltered and relatable. For anyone dreaming of a thru-hike, or just wanting to connect with real hikers who’ve suffered blisters, heartbreak, and triumphs, Trail Tales is both inspiring and grounding.
3. Trails Worth Hiking — Explore Trails Around the World
Host(s): Jeremy Pendrey Platform(s): Apple Podcasts, Spotify Frequency: Monthly Best For: Backpackers, trekkers interested in both storytelling and trail logistics
Overview: Trails Worth Hiking combines narrative and how-to advice. Each episode is split into two parts: first, Jeremy and a guest share the history, stories, and cultural importance of a trail; second, they move to the practical side — how to hike the trail, what to watch out for, what gear to use, and more. This format makes the podcast useful for both armchair travelers and serious hikers planning their next trek.
In a recent episode, Jeremy revisits Hadrian’s Wall Path, weaving in tales of Roman history, local legends, and modern hiking advice.
Key Takeaways / What You’ll Learn:
Deep context on world-famous and offbeat trails
Planning insights: permits, logistics, terrain
Cultural and historical stories tied to nature
Firsthand experiences through guest interviews
Why It’s Worth Listening: It’s like travel + guidebook + trail journal in audio form. If you love combining adventure with storytelling, or if you’re planning international or long-distance hikes, this podcast is a treasure trove.
4. Bush & Banter — Bold Stories from Radical Trail Voices
Host(s): Jennifer Frederick & Dyana Carmella Platform(s): iHeart, Apple Podcasts, Spotify Frequency: Weekly Best For: Outdoor storytellers, adventure seekers, hikers interested in the emotional and human side of exploration
Overview: Bush & Banter is a beautifully produced podcast of storytelling and conversation, hosted by Jen and Dyana. They highlight adventurers who push boundaries — from long-distance thru-hikers to filmmakers and environmental advocates. Their episodes blend trail narrative with deep reflections on nature, resilience, and personal growth.
One powerful episode features Sam Schild, who hiked the 1,200-mile Pacific Northwest Trail. The discussion travels through the physical challenges of the trail, but also memorializes the emotional journey, the wilderness solitude, and transformation.
Key Takeaways / What You’ll Learn:
Inspiring personal stories from the trail
Insight into mental and emotional states during long hikes
Trail safety, planning, and perseverance
Connection between nature and human purpose
Why It’s Worth Listening: This podcast feels like sitting by the campfire with old, wise friends. It’s equal parts adventure and introspection, making it uniquely uplifting and reflective.
5. The Thru-Hiking Podcast — Trail Safety & Skills for Serious Hikers
Host(s): Various / Mountain Education Experts Platform(s): Apple Podcasts Frequency: Varies Best For: Hikers preparing for long thru-hikes (e.g. PCT, Appalachian, JMT), safety-focused adventurers
Overview: The Thru-Hiking Podcast is less about storytelling and more about education. Many episodes focus on safety, risk management, and technical skills. For instance, there are episodes dedicated to creek crossing techniques, using trekking poles safely, and how to navigate tricky terrain without exposing yourself to danger.
Key Takeaways / What You’ll Learn:
Creek crossing techniques and water safety
Best practices for snow, rivers, and high-altitude terrain
Essential thru-hiking skills for long-distance hikes
Advice from trail guides and mountain education specialists
Why It’s Worth Listening: If you’re planning a serious thru-hike, this podcast can be your virtual mentor. It offers actionable, safety-first lessons that can make the difference between a risky hike and a smart, prepared journey.
6. The Walking Podcast — Meditative Hiking & Ambient Reflection
Host(s): Jon Mooallem Platform(s): Apple Podcasts, Spotify Frequency: Multiple seasons (ambience style) Best For: Listeners who want calm, ASMR-like hike sounds and reflective conversation
Overview: Unlike conventional interview podcasts, The Walking Podcast is an ambient, meditative experience. Jon Mooallem records himself walking in the Pacific Northwest, capturing natural soundscapes — leaves, footsteps, wind — interspersed with occasional voiceovers or guest dialogue. The effect is atmospheric and almost therapeutic, giving listeners a sense of virtual forest bathing.
Key Takeaways / What You’ll Learn:
The calming power of walking and nature sound
Reflections on place, walking rituals, and our relationship with the landscape
A meditative escape through audio solitude
Why It’s Worth Listening: It’s perfect for decompressing, for background focus, or for anyone who wishes they were on a quiet hike — even when they’re stuck in the city. The podcast’s ambient quality makes it an ideal mindfulness tool.
7. Overheard at National Geographic — Nature, Travel & Storytelling
Host(s): Peter Gwin & Amy Briggs (National Geographic) Platform(s): National Geographic site, Apple Podcasts, Spotify Frequency: Weekly / Biweekly Best For: Curious hikers, nature lovers, science-focused adventurer
Overview: While not strictly a hiking podcast, Overheard at National Geographic often explores themes that resonate deeply with hikers: remote ecosystems, wildlife, human interaction with wild places, and environmental science. Each episode tells a story — perhaps about a remote species, a scientific expedition, or a hidden corner of the world — bringing the grandeur of nature into listeners’ earbuds.
Key Takeaways / What You’ll Learn:
Hidden science and ecological stories from around the globe
Insights into conservation, wildlife, and remote landscapes
Exploration of nature through a lens of discovery and narrative
Why It’s Worth Listening: If you love hiking but also crave intellectual stimulation, this podcast fills that space. It inspires awe, deepens your appreciation for wild places, and often motivates a return to the trail.
8. Wild Ideas Worth Living — Outdoor Philosophies & Big Dreams
Host(s): Shelby Stanger (REI) Platform(s): REI Co-op Podcast Network, Spotify, Apple Podcasts Frequency: Weekly / Biweekly Best For: Dreamers, adventurers, outdoor entrepreneurs, lifestyle hikers
Overview: Wild Ideas Worth Living features stories and interviews with people who have pursued bold outdoor dreams: ultrarunners, explorers, mountaineers, environmentalists, and more. Each episode examines how the guest defines “wild,” why they choose challenge, and what drives them to persist. The podcast is both motivational and deeply human.
Key Takeaways / What You’ll Learn:
How to integrate outdoor passion into daily life
Real-life lessons from people doing extraordinary things
The emotional journey behind big adventures
Balancing risk, vision, and practicality in outdoor goals
Why It’s Worth Listening: Whether you want inspiration to start a thru-hike, to run a trail ultramarathon, or just to find your next big outdoor goal — this podcast fuels the soul. It’s less technical, more philosophical, and deeply resonant for anyone who loves nature.
9. Outside In — Walking, Hillwalking & Mountain Culture
Host(s): John D. Burns & Others Platform(s): Outside In website, Apple Podcasts, Spotify (via feed) Frequency: Varies Best For: Hillwalkers, mountaineers, people interested in cultural and outdoor tradition
Overview: Outside In covers the vast world of walking, from hillwalking in the UK to mountain culture in remote regions. The show dives into both the practical and philosophical dimensions of walking in nature: tradition, history, culture, personal stories, and conservation. It’s grounded in real places, and every episode feels like a conversation pulled from a mountain ridgeline.
Key Takeaways / What You’ll Learn:
The cultural history behind walking and hiking in different regions
Conservation challenges and human-wildlife interaction
Personal stories from walkers, hillwalkers, and mountaineers
Tips and reflections on walking for mental and physical wellbeing
Why It’s Worth Listening: If you consider hiking a way of life — not just a weekend hobby — Outside In will speak to you. It brings depth and context to walking, helping you connect more meaningfully with the landscapes you love.
Host(s): Fitz Cahall Platform(s): Dirtbag Diaries website, Apple Podcasts, Spotify Frequency: Varies (story-driven) Best For: Story lovers, backpackers, and anyone who appreciates poetic outdoor narratives
Overview: A classic in the outdoor podcast space, Dirtbag Diaries blends narrative storytelling with raw, adventurous spirit. Each episode is a self-contained tale: someone’s long trip, a mistake in the backcountry, a dream pursued, or a mountain conquered. The host and guests explore not just the how of hiking, but the why — the meaning, risk, and joy behind choosing a “dirtbag” outdoors life.
Key Takeaways / What You’ll Learn:
Real, emotional stories from the trail
Perspectives on risk, sacrifice, and reward
How ordinary people accomplish extraordinary hikes
Deep connection with nature and self-discovery
Why It’s Worth Listening: This is less about gear and logistics and more about heart. Whether you’re out on the trail or daydreaming from home, Dirtbag Diaries will move you, challenge you, and inspire you to lace up your boots again.
Why Hiking Podcasts Are Game Changers
1. Audio Learning Meets Outdoor Passion The popularity of podcasts has soared — and hiking podcasts tap into a unique synergy. As more people seek both inspiration and practical advice, these shows become a portable classroom plus mental escape. Whether you’re commuting, prepping for a hike, or resting on a trail, you’re learning and connecting.
2. Building Community Through Voice Hikers are often solitary, but listening to trail stories on a podcast fosters a sense of belonging. Hosts who’ve thru-hiked, guest experts, and fellow adventurers all contribute to a shared outdoor culture. Voice builds trust: listeners feel guided, understood, and encouraged.
3. Trustworthy, Expert-Driven Content Many hiking podcasts feature experts (mountain educators, experienced hikers, guides), which helps demystify complex topics like wilderness navigation, safety, and gear. The depth of discussion encourages safer, smarter hiking.
4. Mental & Emotional Connection Walking in nature isn’t just physical — it’s therapeutic. Podcasts like The Walking Podcast or Bush & Banter tap into the mental well-being benefits of nature, combining storytelling with soundscapes to calm, inspire, or reflect.
How to Choose the Right Hiking Podcast for You
Here’s a quick guide to help you pick hiking podcasts that match your needs:
Define your goal:
Adventure stories & inspiration → Dirtbag Diaries, Bush & Banter, Wild Ideas Worth Living
Thru-hiking insights & prep → Trail Tales, The Thru-Hiking Podcast
Gear and tech advice → Backpacking & Blisters
Meditation & walking soundscapes → The Walking Podcast
Cultural & historical context → Trails Worth Hiking, Outside In
Check your listening style:
Do you like long, in-depth interviews (60+ min)?
Or bite-sized, ambient, or narrative episodes?
Consider activity timing:
On-trail or off-trail listening: some shows are very helpful while walking, others better during rest.
Evaluate frequency:
Weekly shows keep the content fresh; monthly or less frequent ones may feel more curated or thematic.
Platform accessibility:
Android or iOS? Do you want YouTube versions, or only audio apps?
Tips to Get the Most Out of Hiking Podcasts
Use playlists: Build a “trail mix” playlist combining instructional, ambient, and storytelling episodes.
Take notes: If you hear gear tips, route ideas, or safety advice, note them down for future hikes.
Share episodes: Recommend to your hiking buddies or bring up interesting episodes in your hiking group — it’s a great way to learn and bond.
Join the community: Many podcasts have social media groups, Discord/server communities, or live events; engaging there deepens your trail knowledge and network.
Re-listen on trail: Download episodes for offline listening — perfect for low-signal areas or long days when you want familiar voices.
Expert Insights & Data
Podcast Growth Trend: According to Edison Research, podcast consumption continues to grow, particularly in niche genres like outdoor adventure.
Mental Health Impact: Studies show that spending time in nature and listening to natural soundscapes (or nature-themed audio) reduces stress and improves well-being — podcast creators like Jon Mooallem tap into exactly that.
Safety Education: Trail educators emphasize that even veteran hikers benefit from ongoing learning. Podcasts featuring experienced hikers and mountain educators help spread knowledge more broadly than traditional guidebooks.
Final Thoughts
Hiking podcasts are more than background noise — they’re companions, guides, and storytellers. Whether you’re walking a trail in real life or daydreaming from your desk, these shows help you learn, reflect, and dream bigger about your next adventure.
From practical trail safety on The Thru-Hiking Podcast, to raw thru-hiking tales on Trail Tales, to ambient forest sounds on The Walking Podcast, there’s a hiking podcast for every kind of listener. These podcasts empower both new and experienced hikers to grow, connect, and find their rhythm in the wild.
So plug in, press play, and let the trail — through voice — guide you. Happy hiking!
