Thru-Hiking with 50-Year-Old Gear with Jared "Snackbox" Champion

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by Jared “Snackbox” Champion. Snackbox is s a hiker, father, and Youtuber who, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Colorado Trail, hiked it almost exclusively with 50 year old gear. 

We talk about the process of sourcing this gear, the hardest items to acquire, the least backpacker-friendly items of the bunch, which gear hasn’t advanced as much, and how his appreciation for gear has changed in light of this experience. Jared also shares the story of bonding with his now-wife over their shared love of the Colorado Trail, life as a professor, managing ADHD on trail, and much more. 

We wrap the show with a last call for Trek Vlogger applications, Chaunce and I share our take on cowboy (and cowgirl) camping, how thin a pancake can be before it's a crepe, and the triple crown of things we've changed our minds on.

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. 

Timeline: Get 33% off your first order at timeline.com/backpacker33.

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Interview with Jared “Snackbox” Champion

• Jared's Instagram
• Jared's Youtube

Time stamps & Questions

00:05:10 - Reminders: Support us on Patreon, get tickets to our live show in Austin on April 17, and apply to vlog for the Trek!

00:07:45 - Introducing Jared

00:08:15 - What’s your trail name origin story?

00:09:50 - What’s your favorite dad joke?

00:10:14 - Tell us about your hiking resume

00:11:45 - Tell us about meeting your wife on trail

00:16:34 - Tell us about hiking the Dodson Loop in Big Bend

00:18:33 - Sell Zach on the Collegiate Loop

00:21:50 - Where did this CT hike idea come from?

00:24:30 - Discussion about being a professor

00:27:00 - Discussion about finding sponsors

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