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August 4, 2025 49 mins

What are the 3 most dangerous countries to visit for a backpacking trip? And how can you get in? Former CIA Counter-Terrorism Analyst Brent Giannotta joins the show to share his expertise. Carl and Ben also pepper him with every CIA movie reference and conspiracy theory they can muster.

Please follow Brent and subscribe to his Substack!

Some of the Topics Covered:

-Most Dangerous Places to Backpack

-Life or Death Backpacking Situations

-CIA Conspiracy Theories

Enlightened Equipment: Check out the best Ultralight Quilts on the market!

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Email: backpackingblisters@gmail.com

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Our Favorite Gear

Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt

Outdoor Vitals Summit Down Sleeping Bag

Gregory Paragon/Maven Backpack (Full Comfort)

Nemo Tensor Sleeping Pad

Therm-a-Rest Neo Loft (for ultra comfort)

Jetboil Flash (for larger groups)

MSR Pocket Rocket 2 (for solo or smaller groups)

Katadyn BeFree

Black Diamond Spot

Garmin InReach Mini 2

Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Watch

Big Agnes Copper Spur

Nemo Hornet  

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