In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, we are joined by Carson Oliver, known on trail as Anita. Carson is an accomplished thru-hiker, cyclist, and adventurer. Following up his 2019 PCT thru-hike, Carson completed the Calendar Year Triple Crown in 2023. We of course learn all about this remarkable trek, his circuitous route to make it happen, highlights and lowlights from each trail, and much more. Carson also shares some personal stories, including the tragic loss of his father, who was murdered, and how this has shaped his perspective on life.

We wrap the show with news of the oldest woman to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail and a clarification of what it means to thru-hike the AT, and things we wish were holiday traditions, and the triple crown of cringy holiday moments.

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Interview with Carson Oliver

• Carson's Instagram

Time stamps & Questions

00:03:30 - Reminders: Support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content and apply to be a 2025 blogger OR vlogger!

00:06:05 - Introducing Carson

00:08:45 - How would you describe yourself?

00:10:22 - Where did you grow up?

00:14:27 - Where do you suspect your sense of adventure came from?

00:16:15 - Did you ride motorbikes in Vietnam?

00:18:20 - Did you find the north to south journey to be dangerous?

00:20:40 - How did your father’s death influence your future adventures?

00:24:38 - How did the PCT interface with processing your grief?

00:26:00 - Tell us about hitting a deer at 75 miles per hour

00:31:20 - Were you afraid to get back on a bike after the accident?

00:36:36 - Tell us about getting your hiking gear in Vietnam

00:40:30 - What’d you get rid of during your hike?

00:41:12 - What was it like to hike through the Sierra during a high snow year?

00:45:00 - Was it hard to split your group in the Sierras?

00:47:40 - Were you happy or sad to reach the end of the snow?

00:49:30 - Tell us about biking across the country

00:53:00 - Were you nervous to mountain bike after the deer accident?

00:55:40 - How do you assess the risk level of mountain biking vs motorcycles?

00:57:22 - How long did your ride take and what route did you take?

01:01:20 - How did your biking experience compare to the PCT?

01:03:00 - Why’d you stop being vegan?

01:04:02 - What was the inspiration for the Calendar Year Triple Crown?

01:07:35 - When and where did you start the trail?

01:13:00 - Was leaving Vermont the first time Type 1 or Type 2 fun?

01:15:45 - Were you stressed out going through the Whites?

01:18:18 - Tell us about being on Franconia Ridge

01:22:40 - Did you sleep in the huts in the Whites?

01:23:30 - How did southern Maine compare to the Whites?

01:25:30 - How was completing the AT and moving to the next trail?

01:30:30 - Did you hike southbound on the CDT and PCT?

01:33:30 - What stories standout from the CDT?

01:35:50 - Did you use your umbrella more for rain or sun?

01:38:00 - Did you ever get the doldrums during your CYTC?

01:40:45 - Any good poop stories?

01:43:35 - What was it like hiking north on the PCT?

01:44:52 - Were you relieved to complete the Sierras?

01:48:15 - What was the highlight of your year?

01:51:05 - Do you have any advice for someone interested in the CYTC?

01:53:40 - Fuck Marry Kill: PCT, CDT, AT and backpacking, motorbiking, and mountain biking

01:55:15 - Kumo Question: What is your favorite historical period and why?

Segments

Trek Propaganda: Linda “Nana” Vanderloop Just Became the Oldest Woman To Thru-Hike the Appalachian Trail by Kelly Floro

QOTD: What do you wish was a holiday tradition?

Triple Crown of cringy holiday moments

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

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