In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, we are joined by Carson Oliver, known on trail as Anita. Carson is an accomplished thru-hiker, cyclist, and adventurer. Following up his 2019 PCT thru-hike, Carson completed the Calendar Year Triple Crown in 2023. We of course learn all about this remarkable trek, his circuitous route to make it happen, highlights and lowlights from each trail, and much more. Carson also shares some personal stories, including the tragic loss of his father, who was murdered, and how this has shaped his perspective on life.
We wrap the show with news of the oldest woman to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail and a clarification of what it means to thru-hike the AT, and things we wish were holiday traditions, and the triple crown of cringy holiday moments.
Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com.
Holiday Book Bundle: Get Badger & Chaunce’s signed book package here.
CTDC: Donate $35 or more or sign up for monthly donations at cdtcoalition.org.
Duer: Get 20% off your first purchase at shopduer.com/backpacker.
[divider]
Interview with Carson Oliver
Time stamps & Questions
00:03:30 - Reminders: Support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content and apply to be a 2025 blogger OR vlogger!
00:06:05 - Introducing Carson
00:08:45 - How would you describe yourself?
00:10:22 - Where did you grow up?
00:14:27 - Where do you suspect your sense of adventure came from?
00:16:15 - Did you ride motorbikes in Vietnam?
00:18:20 - Did you find the north to south journey to be dangerous?
00:20:40 - How did your father’s death influence your future adventures?
00:24:38 - How did the PCT interface with processing your grief?
00:26:00 - Tell us about hitting a deer at 75 miles per hour
00:31:20 - Were you afraid to get back on a bike after the accident?
00:36:36 - Tell us about getting your hiking gear in Vietnam
00:40:30 - What’d you get rid of during your hike?
00:41:12 - What was it like to hike through the Sierra during a high snow year?
00:45:00 - Was it hard to split your group in the Sierras?
00:47:40 - Were you happy or sad to reach the end of the snow?
00:49:30 - Tell us about biking across the country
00:53:00 - Were you nervous to mountain bike after the deer accident?
00:55:40 - How do you assess the risk level of mountain biking vs motorcycles?
00:57:22 - How long did your ride take and what route did you take?
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Special Summer Offer: Exclusively on Apple Podcasts, try our Dateline Premium subscription completely free for one month! With Dateline Premium, you get every episode ad-free plus exclusive bonus content.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!