20,000+ Miles in under 10 Years, a Desert Hike from Tucson to San Diego, and Life as a Mariner with Leah "Twig" Harman (BPR #313)

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by Leah Harman, known on trail as Twig. Although Twig is relatively new to the world of thru-hiking, with less than 10 years of experience, she’s hit the ground running, accruing well over 20,000 miles in the process. In addition to all the usual suspects, triple crown trails, Colorado Trail, TA, Arizona Trail…Twig has also completed a number of lesser known trails, including the Mogollon Rim Trail, Bigfoot Trail, and a Desert Winter Thru-Hike from Tucson to San Diego. We of course learn all about these treks, why cows are the most dangerous animal on trail, and how she makes her perpetual hiker trash lifestyle work. Leah also recounts her past life living and working aboard ships, confirming that all the stereotypes about drunk and horny sailors are, in fact, hilariously accurate, complete with some entertaining hazing stories.

We wrap the show with news of a group who trusted ChatGPT to plan their hike, and how that went terribly wrong, Chaunce details the stress associated with planning a wedding, and the triple crown of movie/tv shows that broke us.

LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.

Gossamer Gear: Use code “BACKPACKER20” for 20% off packs at gossamergear.com. 

Ombraz: Send a DM on Instagram or to [e-mail] for $30 off at ombraz.com.

Betterment: Learn more at betterment.com/trek.

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Interview with Leah “Twig” Harman

• Twig's Blog
• Twig's Instagram

Time stamps & Questions

00:05:30 - Reminders: Take our survey, sign up for the Trek’s newsletter, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon, reach out if you’ll be at Trail Days, and apply to blog for the Trek or to run Trail Correspondents! 

00:12:45 - Introducing Twig

00:15:30 - What’s your take on the current state of public lands?

00:20:46 - What should you do if you get charged by a burro or cow?

00:23:00 - Tell us about your career before backpacking

00:26:40 - What are your crazy stories from living on a boat?

00:35:30 - What was the wildest storm you encountered at sea?

00:43:20 - Story about rescuing another ship

00:44:45 - Tell us about working on fishing boats