By Land Podcast
The By Land Podcast is a personal record of what I’m learning in the outdoors.
Some episodes are practical field notes focused on skills, gear, and lessons learned, while others are deeper reflections that explore my evolving perspectives. And some are conversations with people from different backgrounds to learn from their experiences.
At its core, this podcast is about learning through experience and sharing the process along the way.
Take what’s useful, leave what’s not, and make it your own.
-Emory, by land
By Land Podcast
#158 - Escaping the Thru-Hiking Mentality and Rediscovering Backpacking with Michael “Einstein” Gelfeld
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
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/
Audience Feedback and Survey
If you'd like to help shape the future of the podcast, please fill out the form by visiting the link below or email me at emory@byland.co. Thanks!
Assorted outdoor gear and equipment.
Garage Grown Gear
Ultralight and cottage backpacking brands.
Backcountry
Assorted outdoor gear and equipment.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Thanks for tuning in! Check out the links below to learn more, connect, and support the show.