By Land Podcast
Welcome to the By Land Podcast! My name is Emory, and this show is all about having real, honest conversations with experienced adventurers, outdoor experts, and everyday people who love spending time outside. My goal is to help you feel inspired, informed, and confident to take on your own outdoor adventures—whether you're into backpacking, hiking, hunting, camping, or just getting started.
I cover a wide range of topics like practical outdoor skills, gear, conservation, mindset, and personal growth. Each episode offers something different—whether it’s an inspiring story, hard-earned lessons, or actionable advice to help you build confidence and develop the backcountry skills you need to explore further and adventure better.
By Land is about learning, growing, and making the most of our time in the outdoors. If you’re into that kind of thing, you’re in the right place.
By Land Podcast
#153 - Hard-won Insights with Andrew Skurka
Andrew Skurka is known throughout the backpacking industry as someone who knows what they’re talking about when it comes to spending time in the backcountry. He was thru-hiking before it became popular and has hiked well over 20,000 miles across both long and short expeditions. Andrew now operates a backpacking guide service.
Andrew is a wealth of knowledge for all things backpacking but also has great insight into the mindset the backcountry requires.
If you enjoy learning from the best, this episode will not disappoint.
Show Notes and Links
- How Andrew Skurka got into thru-hiking
- How far backpacking has come since the early days
- Hiking the AT in the early days
- The benefit of uninterrupted long-duration hikes/adventures
- The importance of having an “end” to an expedition or experience
- On being goal-oriented rather than “wandering”
- How Andrew got into being a backpacking guide
- mindset from a guide to teacher
- Learning to slow down
- Learning to navigate groups and personalities
- High Routes explained
- How Andrew got into high routes
- The natural progression of outdoor exploration
- Plans for future expeditions
- Andrews backpacking advice
- Andrews favorite gear
- Thoughts on synthetic or natural fibers
- How to followup with Andrew Skurka
- Website: https://andrewskurka.com/
- Guided Trips: https://andrewskurka.com/guided-trips/
Thanks for listening! Check out the links below to learn more, connect, and support the show.
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