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
#158 - Escaping the Thru-Hiking Mentality and Rediscovering Backpacking with Michael “Einstein” Gelfeld
Michael "Einstein" Gelfeld is an accomplished backpacker and bikepacker. He's logged thousands of miles doing both, but when you ask him what matters most after all of that, he'd tell you it's not the stats but instead, whether or not you enjoy what you're doing.
Einstein joins the podcast to discuss current backpacking culture, how he escaped the thru-hiking mentality, and how he rediscovered his love for backpacking.
Show Notes and Links
- Einsteins backpacking backstory
- A shift in perspective
- The accomplishment measuring stick
- Recapping the AZT YoYo attempt
- Redefining backpacking on a personal level
- Breaking free of the thru-hiking mentality
- The CDT hiker story - the epitome of where we’re at
- Where badge hunting gets dangerous
- Thru-Hikers are not backpackers
- Why thru-hiking is an attractive pursuit
- What actually motivates you up the trail
- Do the thing you want to do and enjoy it
- The importance of pursuing what you enjoy
- https://www.instagram.com/youth.retired/
- https://www.unpublishedeinsteinthoughts.com/
- https://lighterpack.com/r/p83g4d
- https://www.mgelfeldmath.com/
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Assorted outdoor gear and equipment.
Garage Grown Gear
Ultralight and cottage backpacking brands.
Backcountry
Assorted outdoor gear and equipment.
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