In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, we’re joined by Patrice and Justin La Vigne. Over the past decade-plus, Patrice and Justin have traded their corporate grind for, in their words, “a life less ordinary.” From their first thru-hike of the AT in 2011 (drink), to managing a hostel, embarking on multiple van tours to spread the thru-hiking gospel, thru-hiking the TA in New Zealand, and now living in a 300-square-foot cabin on the outskirts of Denali National Park in Alaska—they’ve done it all.
We dive into how they restructured their lives around adventure, what it’s really like living in a tiny cabin in remote Alaska, why moose are jerks, the challenges of thru-hiking with Crohn’s, and much more.
We wrap the show with the story of a man accused of staging a bear attack to cover up a murder, what the funniest sounding fart is (and introducing Chaunce to the world of covering your farts), and the triple crown of New Year's Resolutions.
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Interview with Patrice & Justin La Vigne
Time stamps & Questions
00:03:30 - Reminders: Support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content AND ad-free episodes and apply to be a 2025 blogger OR vlogger! And grab a ticket to our live show in Austin on April 17!
00:10:00 - Introducing Patrice and Justin La Vigne
00:11:00 - What was the inspiration to hike the AT in 2011?
00:14:25 - What’s the school experience like at ASU and Disney University?
00:19:53 - Tell us about your shakedown hike on the Long Trail
00:23:30 - Why did you decide to go southbound?
00:28:00 - What was your standout insect story on the AT?
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