HikeStrong Podcast
The HikeStrong Podcast is where I share practical guidance on hiking, backpacking, and trekking preparation. Each episode blends fitness insight with real-world training strategies to help you build strength, endurance, and confidence for any trail.
I sit down with guests to break down how to train for demanding hiking, backpacking, and trekking goals using smart strength training, endurance training, and conditioning approaches. You’ll hear clear advice on altitude training, uphill training, and injury prevention, all woven into training conversations that support preparation for major destinations such as Kilimanjaro, Everest Base Camp, Rim to Rim, Tour du Mont Blanc, the Camino de Santiago, Patagonia, Machu Picchu, the Alps, and the Dolomites.
Because training is never one‑size‑fits‑all, I also bring listeners inside real programs. In select episodes, I interview clients in a deep‑dive format that reveals week‑by‑week training details — real data, real challenges, and real solutions — offering a clearer picture of how people actually prepare for hiking, backpacking, and trekking goals.
A cornerstone of my approach is elevation‑gain training. I believe that consistently building weekly elevation gain is one of the strongest predictors of success on any major adventure. In each episode, I share clear, actionable ways to develop that strength — even if you don’t have access to hiking terrain — so you can stay on track whether you train on hills, treadmills, stair machines, or step‑ups.
If you're preparing for a major trip, gearing up for a multi-day backpacking route, or building a long-term plan for tougher hiking or trekking challenges, you’ll find episodes that support every step of your training.
Beyond training, some episodes feature voices from across the hiking, backpacking, and trekking worlds — guides, operators, storytellers, and industry experts whose insights can shape how you think about adventure. These conversations broaden your perspective and influence your outdoor experiences, even when the focus isn’t directly on training.
Listen, train with purpose, share with your adventure partners — then take on at least one unforgettable hiking, backpacking, or trekking experience each year. Train | Hike | Repeat
I’m Marcus Shapiro, a hiking strength and conditioning coach and an early pioneer in online training for hiking, backpacking, and trekking, helping adventurers get physically ready for everything from local elevation goals to high-altitude expeditions.
HikeStrong Podcast
Ultralight Wisdom: Glen Van Peski on Gear, Adventure, and Life Lessons | Hike Strong Podcast | Ep. 11
In this episode of the Hike Strong podcast, host Marcus Shapiro sits down with a true icon in the ultralight backpacking world, Glen Van Peski. Known by his trail name "Home Made" for his self-crafted gear, Glen is also dubbed "Legend" by friends like John Mackey, co-founder of Whole Foods Market, due to his profound influence on the hiking community. But Marcus has a different name for him—"Sage"—a nod to Glen’s wisdom that extends far beyond the trails.
An engineer, father of three, founder of Gossamer Gear, and author of the insightful book take Less. do more, Glen blends ultralight packing expertise with 15 life lessons that anyone can apply. The episode opens with key takeaways from his book, touching on the power of meaningful relationships—something Glen has mastered, whether it’s his connections with influential figures like John Mackey, Dan Buettner, or actor Matthew McConaughey.
As the conversation unfolds, Glen shares his philosophy on ultralight backpacking, valuing simplicity in both gear and experience. He offers practical advice for reducing pack weight, catering to both novice and experienced hikers, and reflects on the evolution of the ultralight movement.
With Glen’s thoughtful insights on balancing efficiency with enjoyment, this episode is sure to inspire anyone curious about adopting the ultralight mindset.
Whether you're new to backpacking or a seasoned ultralighter, you’ll walk away with valuable lessons on gear, relationships, and the sheer joy of being on the trail.
Glen Van Peski
https://www.glenvanpeski.com/
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