In today’s episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Renee—one of my amazing clients living in Montana at the time of her successful summit, now living in Alaska. Even if Kilimanjaro isn’t on your radar, you’ll find plenty of motivation and training nuggets here for anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed by a big, iconic hike. Renee was 40 when she tackled the 19,341-foot summit of Mount Kilimanjaro and later braved a demanding Alaskan backpacking trip.

I’m Marcus Shapiro, hiking strength and conditioning coach and founder of FitForTrips.com. Join me as I sit down with Renee to explore how she conquered these epic adventures—and how her lessons can help you reach your own hiking goals.

Renee spent four years eyeing Kilimanjaro’s high-altitude summit. When a 20-mile test hike in the Tetons with 4,200 feet of elevation gain showed her she needed a structured training plan, she reached out for my coaching support. You’ll hear how we set her weekly goals, stayed in sync with Sunday-night check-ins, and used strategies like stair climbing to maximize her success. From building confidence to protecting her knees, the payoff was huge—and the summit itself turned out to be far easier than she’d ever imagined.

Stay tuned to the end because, after Kilimanjaro, Renee tapped me again for an Alaskan backpacking adventure. Her experience—and testimonial—on that trip is just as powerful, proving that with the right training, no trail is too big to tackle.

Ask Me How To Get Fit For Your Next Hike, Trek or Backpacking Trip:
https://fitfortrips.com/consultation/

Get Your 3 Free 12-Week Hiking Training Plans:
https://fitfortrips.com/free-hiking-training-plan/

LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos:
https://www.youtube.com/@HikeStrongPodcast

Check out the audio podcast version on all platforms:
https://fitfortrips.com/hikestrongpodcast

I sat down once again with Will Burkhart, founder of Badass Adventures, to dive into a new topic: non-technical high-altitude mountaineering. Will was my very first guest on this podcast, and his episode on Rim to Rim hiking is a must-listen for anyone tackling the Grand Canyon in a single day. But today, we’re going even higher!

We define non-technical high-altitude mountaineering as climbing between 14,000 and 19,400 feet without the use of ropes or belaying. Will has created a tiered approach to getting into this type of adventure, starting with Colorado’s Fourteeners (14,000+ feet), then progressing to Everest Base Camp (17,598 feet) and finally Kilimanjaro (19,431 feet). He walks us through the differences and similarities between these experiences, covering topics like:

Trail conditions – From well-groomed paths to rocky ascents

Daily mileage & number of hiking days – How long you’ll be on the trail

Landscape & foliage changes – From lush rainforests to barren alpine environments

Summit day intensity – What makes Kili’s summit push challenging

Cultural immersion – The contrast between the Everest Base Camp trail and Kilimanjaro

Sleeping & eating logistics – Tea houses vs. tents, and what’s on the menu

Acclimatization strategies – How to prepare your body for high altitude

Gear & fitness requirements – The essentials for success and why training matters

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to step into the world of high-altitude trekking, this episode is the perfect introduction. Whether your goal is to climb your first 14er, stand at Everest Base Camp, or summit Kilimanjaro, Will lays out the path for you.

Get in shape, pick your adventure, and go!

Badass Adventures owner, Will Burkhart:
https://www.badass-adventures.com
Text: 928-274-2424

Ask Me How To Get Fit For Your Next Hike, Trek or Backpacking Trip:
https://fitfortrips.com/consultation/

Get Your 3 Free 12-Week Hiking Training Plans:
https://fitfortrips.com/free-hiking-training-plan/

LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos:
https://www.youtube.com/@HikeStrongPodcast

Check out the audio podcast version on all platforms:
https://fitfortrips.com/hikestrongpodcast

In today’s episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with one of my amazing clients from Maryland, John. He was 62 years old at the time he hiked the Tour du Mont Blanc and a one-day Rim to Rim hike within one month of each other.

Our conversation toggles back and forth between TMB and R2R. You’ll learn about John’s hiking training strategies, tips for each of the iconic hikes, fueling strategies, and more. John also discusses his issues dealing with knee pain and how he managed to keep going strong despite that challenge.

And yes, after Covid stifled John’s trip to Kilimanjaro in 2020, he’s now booked it again. Moreover, I am working with his daughter well ahead of their departure to build her hiking base and boost her confidence.

I am grateful to receive his endorsement. Enjoy my conversation with John.

Ask Me How To Get Fit For Your Next Hike, Trek or Backpacking Trip:
https://fitfortrips.com/consultation/

Get Your 3 Free 12-Week Hiking Training Plans:
https://fitfortrips.com/free-hiking-training-plan/

LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos:
https://www.youtube.com/@HikeStrongPodcast

Check out the audio podcast version on all platforms:
https://fitfortrips.com/hikestrongpodcast

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/

Ask Me How To Get Fit For Your Next Hike, Trek or Backpacking Trip:
https://fitfortrips.com/consultation/

Get Your 3 Free 12-Week Hiking Training Plans:
https://fitfortrips.com/free-hiking-training-plan/

LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos:
https://www.youtube.com/@HikeStrongPodcast

Check out the audio podcast version on all platforms:
https://fitfortrips.com/hikestrongpodcast

My name is Marcus Shapiro, a hiking strength and conditioning coach and the founder of FitForTrips.com. Today, I had the pleasure of speaking with one of my backpacking clients, Dermot. At age 54, he successfully completed an incredible 8-day backpacking adventure in the Maroon Bells. In our conversation, we dove into the key challenges he faced during our 16 weeks of hiking training, and Dermot shared some profound insights that seemed beyond his years.

What makes this episode so relatable is Dermot’s journey—he trained in and around his home in Chicago for an intense Colorado hike, with no hiking experience and limited access to trails. His story proves that with the right training, you can prepare for any adventure, no matter where you live. I’m honored to have been a part of his journey, and I’m grateful for his endorsement. Enjoy this authentic and inspiring conversation with Dermot!

Ask Me How To Get Fit For Your Next Hike, Trek or Backpacking Trip:
https://fitfortrips.com/consultation/

Get Your 3 Free 12-Week Hiking Training Plans:
https://fitfortrips.com/free-hiking-training-plan/

LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos:
https://www.youtube.com/@HikeStrongPodcast

Check out the audio podcast version on all platforms:
https://fitfortrips.com/hikestrongpodcast

My loyal audience is accustomed to tuning in to my interviews with hiking and backpacking guides. But today, I'm taking a detour to speak with an interesting guy named Nathan (Nate) Pipenberg. I was reading an article titled "The Best Backpacking Packs for Any Adventure" on the Outside app. At the bottom of the article, it reads, "Meet our testers." Nate Pipenberg was listed as a tester, so I decided to approach meeting him literally and interview him for you today.

Nate writes a biweekly column for Backpacker Magazine and is the category manager for sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and trekking poles at Outside Magazine. Below is a sampling of some discussion topics:

- What’s the day in the life of a gear tester?

- Make your pitch about why new backpackers should go ultralight.

- Nate discusses an anecdote about Glen Van Peski, a pioneer in ultralight backpacking and founder of Gossamer Gear, a functional ultralight backpacking and hiking gear company.

- What inspired you to embrace ultralight backpacking?

- Define what base weight means.

- Comment on an anecdote from John Mackey, co-founder of Whole Foods, in the foreword to Glen's book "take less. do more.".

- What is the price someone would need to spend to achieve an ultralight base weight compared to a conventional backpack packing approach?

- What are some beginning steps someone can take to lighten their load?

- What are the most essential pieces of gear for someone transitioning to ultralight backpacking?

- Explain the Big 4 in the realm of backpacking: 1 - Backpack, 2 - Tent (or shelter), 3 - Sleeping Bag or Quilt, 4 - Sleeping Pad

- What are the initial ultralight gear items to invest in?

- What are some ultralight gear company brand names you recommend?

- What does ‘packing your fears’ mean?

- What common gear mistakes do beginners make when trying to go ultralight?

- In general, what are some unnecessary items people bring backpacking?

- Is there one item you always bring that you’d coach someone not to carry but you do anyway despite the extra weight?

- Discuss getting in shape for backpacking, especially ascending and elevation gain.

- Glen Van Peski mentioned that according to John Mackey, the third day of a backpacking trip is the most challenging, but it gets easier after that. How long does it take to get in shape just by hiking on the Appalachian Trail, for example?

- Hikers rarely have a point of reference to appreciate what goes into building hiking trails. Explain more so they can understand the process.

- What is the difference between East Coast trails and West Coast trails?

- What is your Musical Trekking recommendation?

Nathan Pipenberg
https://pipenberg.com/

Ask Me How To Get Fit For Your Next Hike, Trek or Backpacking Trip:
https://fitfortrips.com/consultation/

Get Your 3 Free 12-Week Hiking Training Plans:
https://fitfortrips.com/free-hiking-training-plan/

LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos:
https://www.youtube.com/@HikeStrongPodcast

Check out the audio podcast version on all platforms:
https://fitfortrips.com/hikestrongpodcast

My name is Marcus Shapiro. I am a hiking strength and conditioning coach and founder of FitForTrips.com. Today, I had the privilege of speaking with one of my Kilimanjaro trekking clients. His name is David, and he was 65 at the time of his successful Kilimanjaro summit. Our conversation revealed the elements that led to his climbing achievement. This was an honor and a pleasure for me. I am grateful to receive David’s endorsement. Enjoy the conversation...

Ask Me How To Get Fit For Your Next Hike, Trek or Backpacking Trip:
https://fitfortrips.com/consultation/

Get Your 3 Free 12-Week Hiking Training Plans:
https://fitfortrips.com/free-hiking-training-plan/

LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos:
https://www.youtube.com/@HikeStrongPodcast

Check out the audio podcast version on all platforms:
https://fitfortrips.com/hikestrongpodcast

Oh, so you don’t know who Sunny Stroeer is? Do you know what an FKT is? Have you heard a clear explanation of how to hike successfully at high altitudes? Do you think trekking poles are for wimps? Sunny provides answers to these questions and more. So what are you waiting for? Click play now!

In this really fun interview, Marcus Shapiro skillfully draws valuable insights from Sunny Stroeer’s expertise in extreme hiking as she simplifies the information into actionable steps. She is the co-owner of Dreamland Safari Tours, founder of AWExpeditions, professional photographer, Harvard graduate, professional endurance athlete, and set speed records across the globe. Don’t worry, you won’t feel inferior. She is dedicated to motivating individuals to choose challenging hikes and backpacking trips outside of their comfort zones. Below is a sampling of discussion topics:

-Tell us about your Aconcagua FKT record attempt.

-AWExpeditions will plot out a trajectory for women to set lofty adventure goals. Tell me about that.

-Recall events that led to you and your husband Paul deciding to purchase Dreamland Safari Tours.

-What region of the US do Dreamland Safari Tour itineraries cover, and make a pitch why hikers would love to explore the area?

-What attributes do you hope to find in your clients from a physical and mental perspective?

-Share your training philosophy as it relates to preparing for the challenging Grand Canyon Deer Creek / Thunder River Loop itinerary.

-Let’s talk about these three itineraries and what makes them so special: Paria Canyon Backpack, The Wave Tour, and Grand Canyon Deer Creek / Thunder River Loop

-Let’s talk about Kilimanjaro or Everest Base Camp because they are non-technical higher-altitude climbs, very accessible, and have a high success rate for clients who commit to do the necessary preparation. One of the concerns for many clients is breathing at altitude. The conventional wisdom is that you can’t train for altitude.
- Can you flush this out for the listeners?

-Provide solutions for these three common concerns.
1 - The endurance to climb uphill.
2 - Knee pain going downhill.
3 - Keeping up with the group.

-Address how you fuel in these situations.
1 - Pushing yourself for time where you want to stop as infrequently as possible.
2 - Hiking at high altitudes.

-Do you have any tips on using trekking poles to get the most out of them?

-How did you handle injuries in the past when you had an exciting adventure planned that you might have to cancel?

Sunny Stroeer / https://www.sunnystroeer.com / Awesome video
Dreamland Safari Tours / https://dreamlandtours.net
AWExpeditions / https://awexpeditions.org

Ask Me How To Get Fit For Your Next Hike, Trek or Backpacking Trip:
https://fitfortrips.com/consultation/

Get Your 3 Free 12-Week Hiking Training Plans:
https://fitfortrips.com/free-hiking-training-plan/

LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos:
https://www.youtube.com/@HikeStrongPodcast

Check out the audio podcast version on all platforms:
https://fitfortrips.com/hikestrongpodcast