Wilderness on Wireless: Your Guide to the Great Outdoors, in Podcast Form
For those who find themselves daydreaming about alpine vistas during Zoom meetings or planning their next camping trip while stuck in traffic, outdoor podcasts offer the perfect escape when you can’t actually escape. From trail-tested adventurers sharing survival tips that might one day save you from becoming bear breakfast, to soothing narrations of nature that transport you from your basement apartment to the grandeur of national parks, the outdoor podcast landscape is as vast and varied as the wilderness itself.
Are you a seasoned backpacker who can start a fire with nothing but determination and a granola bar wrapper? Or maybe you’re a weekend warrior trying to figure out why your tent always leaks, or simply someone who appreciates nature from the comfort of your climate-controlled living room, this handpicked selection of the best outdoor podcasts will inspire your next adventure.
Outside Podcast
Outside’s established tradition of narrative-based literary content transforms into audio format through programs that simultaneously educate and amuse its audience. The audio initiative began in March 2016 with the inaugural series, Science of Survival, and has subsequently grown its programming to encompass various narrative structures, including dispatches from their journalists on location and conversations with prominent individuals in athletics, exploration, and outdoor recreation.
Backpacking Light
The Backpacking Light Podcast examines the equipment, techniques, expertise, and mindset of remote wilderness journeys through narratives, discussions with guests, and in-depth analytical features.
Outside/In
A program where inquisitiveness and the Earth’s environment intersect. It investigates scientific concepts, power resources, conservation efforts, and contemplations on our perception and representation of the outdoors, while consistently making room for ample playfulness and humor.
The Sharp End Podcast
Listen to The Sharp End Podcast
A podcast created and presented by Ashley Saupe, financially backed by Rocky Talkie and endorsed by the American Alpine Club. This show seeks to reduce upcoming wilderness mishaps through narrative communication. Authentic individuals sharing genuine experiences.
The Dirtbag Diaries
This podcast embodies the auditory essence of exploration. Ascend. Glide downslope. Trek. Pedal. Navigate waterways. Sprint. Journey. Regardless of your enthusiasm, we all share an affinity for outdoor pursuits. Fitz Cahall and the Duct Tape Then Beer collective deliver narratives about visionaries, competitors and nomadic souls.
She Explores
Motivation through female perspectives in natural environments. Conversations, on-location documentation, and audience contributions form a diverse collection of segments addressing subjects including unaccompanied trail walking and overnight wilderness stays, business creation, accessibility in nature, growing older, environmental protection, parenthood, ongoing health challenges, and additional topics as they connect with wilderness adventures.
Hiking Thru
A weekly podcast where the host chats with seasoned thru-hikers, diving into their trail adventures and tips for completing a successful thru-hike.
Backpacker Radio
Spanning from the Appalachian Trail to the Pacific Crest and all routes between them. Backpacker Radio delivers content centered on the fascinating realm of extended hiking journeys and distance trekking. Presenters Zach “Badger” Davis and Juliana “Chaunce” Chauncey reflect on wilderness expedition lifestyle and current happenings from various pathways biweekly.
Wild Ideas Worth Living
Listen to Wild Ideas Worth Living
Influential conversations designed for enthusiasts of exploration and natural environments. Presenter and reporter Shelby Stanger engages with elite travelers, competitors, writers, researchers, wellness specialists and business innovators regarding their methods for transforming ambitious concepts into actual experiences, providing inspiration for listeners to follow suit. Certain extraordinarily bold visions can result in the most fulfilling journeys.
Super Good Camping Podcast
Listen to Super Good Camping Podcast
They are a merged household of four with enthusiasm for outdoor recreation, natural surroundings, physical wellness, and exemplifying Canadian values. This family aims to motivate others to experience Canada’s scenic landscapes. Their children, despite technological interests, enjoy wilderness adventures and contribute content for young visitors. The adults share camping insights, evaluate equipment, offer meal plans, and provide practical advice with authentic, uncompensated opinions.
Out There
This podcast investigates profound inquiries through personal narratives set against the backdrop of wilderness environments.
Trail Runner Nation
Trail Runner Nation dedicates itself to distributing expertise and guidance to the off-road running community – from novices to elite athletes! They present recommendations and conversations concerning competition nourishment, speed management approaches, psychological concentration and numerous additional topics from highly regarded individuals within the path-running collective.
Catch Me Outside
Canada boasts over 21,000 named mountains, countless lakes, the world’s longest coastline, and endless adventure possibilities. Catch Me Outside Podcast features stories and insights from hikers, climbers, cyclists, mountaineers, and more, people who are keeping the spirit of the outdoors thriving. Looking to spend more time outside? This is your starting point.
Bear Grease
The Bear Grease Podcast, hosted by Clay Newcomb, offers powerful storytelling in a documentary format that uncovers the rich history, customs, and way of life in rural America. Through conversations with hunters, scientists, anthropologists, and folks from the backwoods, the show digs into our deep-rooted ties to nature.
Wild Thing
Where burnout meets van life, “Wild Thing” follows one person’s escape from conventional expectations in search of freedom and self-discovery. Hitting the road with no clear destination, this journey is about exploring the world, and within it, uncovering insights, purpose, and whatever lessons the open road has to offer.
The Firn Line
An intimate podcast featuring discussions about the lives of mountain climbers.
Trail Correspondents
Listen to Trail Correspondents
“Trail Correspondents” is your audio gateway to life on America’s long-distance trails. Every other week, a group of hand-picked thru-hikers from the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and American Discovery Trail share their real-time experiences. From triumphs to challenges, they reveal what it’s truly like to spend months hiking across the country, making this podcast the closest thing to hitting the trail yourself.
The Adventure Podcast
Listen to The Adventure Podcast
“The Adventure Podcast” is a long-form interview series hosted by filmmaker Matt Pycroft, featuring in-depth conversations with leading figures in exploration and adventure. From climbers and conservationists to polar experts and outdoor filmmakers, the show dives into the lives and insights of those pushing boundaries and living remarkable, adventurous lives.
Outside Voices Podcast
Listen to Outside Voices Podcast
This podcast is centered on the belief that nature is for everyone. Hosted by Sarah Shimazaki, the show uplifts voices often left out of mainstream outdoor stories, highlighting the experiences of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, the LGBTQIA+ community, people with disabilities, and others who are reshaping what it means to connect with the outdoors.
The Fine Line
“The Fine Line” podcast shares true tales of adventure, danger, and rescue from the rugged backcountry of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Produced by Backcountry Zero, an initiative by the Teton County Search & Rescue Foundation, the podcast uses storytelling to promote safety and preparedness in the backcountry.
Adventure Sports Podcast
Listen to Adventures Sports Podcast
Tune in twice a week for insightful interviews with adventure sports enthusiasts from across the globe. You’ll hear from athletes, explorers, guides, authors, business owners, and others who dedicate their lives to finding fulfillment through outdoor adventure.
The Enormocast: the climbing podcast
Listen to The Enormocast: the climbing podcast
With 35 years of climbing experience and 14 years of podcasting, Chris Kalous hosts a show that covers interviews, tributes, discussions, and plenty of laughs, capturing the essence of climbing culture. From rock climbing and big wall climbing to alpinism, ice climbing, bouldering, and competition climbing, if it’s related to climbing, it’s featured here. As Alex Honnold puts it, “If you’re a climber, you pretty much have to listen to the Enormocast.”
Out Alive from Backpacker
Listen to Out Alive from Backpacker
Raging rivers, hungry bears, massive avalanches, no matter how much preparation you’ve done, a simple walk in the wilderness can quickly turn deadly. “Out Alive” is a podcast that tells the true stories of individuals who survived the unthinkable. Each episode features a survivor recounting their ordeal, from the mistakes made to the missed warnings and pure bad luck, while experts and witnesses offer insights into what went wrong.
Downtime – The Mountain Bike Podcast
Listen to Downtime – The Mountain Bike Podcast
“Downtime” is the ultimate podcast for gravity riders. Whether you’re competing for podiums or pushing your limits on the trail, this podcast connects you with the top athletes, mechanics, and industry insiders shaping the sport. Get expert insights and stay ahead in the world of mountain biking. If you’re all about perfect flow and high-pivots, this is your go-to podcast.
By Land Podcast
The “By Land Podcast” hosted by Emory features real conversations with seasoned adventurers, outdoor experts, and everyday outdoor enthusiasts. The podcast covers everything from practical skills and gear to conservation, mindset, and personal growth. Each episode aims to inspire, inform, and boost confidence, helping listeners develop the skills needed for outdoor adventures. If you’re passionate about exploring the outdoors, “By Land” is for you.
The Paul Kirtley Podcast
Listen to The Paul Kirtley Podcast
This podcast focuses on bushcraft, survival techniques, and wilderness expeditions. Hosted by Paul Kirtley, a respected bushcraft instructor, canoe leader, and outdoor guide, the podcast delves into his personal experiences and expertise. Paul also invites various outdoor specialists to share their knowledge, offering a diverse array of practical insights to elevate your outdoor adventures.
Paddling Adventures Radio
Listen to Paddling Adventures Radio
If you’re passionate about canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), rafting, or any form of paddling, this is the podcast for you. Covering everything from whitewater to adventure trips, we bring you news, interviews, and insights for the paddling community. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, we’ve got you covered.
Tooth & Claw: True Stories of Animal Attacks
Listen to Tooth & Claw: True Stories of Animal Attacks
In this podcast, wildlife biologist and animal behavior expert Wes Larson, along with his brother Jeff and their friend Mike, dive into the most intense wild animal attacks ever recorded. Each episode breaks down the details of these encounters, offering tips on how to avoid dangerous situations while deepening listeners’ understanding and respect for the wild creatures of the world.
The Outdoor Evolution Podcast
Listen to The Outdoor Evolution Podcast
Darwin Rakestraw, founder of Outdoor Evolution, hosts this podcast that digs deeper into the important issues facing the outdoor community. Joined by rotating co-hosts, they explore meaningful conversations about hiking, cycling, van-life, and the future of public lands.
The River Radius Podcast
This podcast blends stories, boating, science, adventure, and conservation, all centered around rivers.
Out and Back
The Out and Back Podcast, brought to you by Gaia GPS, features in-depth conversations with long-distance hikers, record-setting athletes, global overland travelers, and other remarkable adventurers who have perfected their outdoor skills. In each episode, hosts Shanty, Mary, and Abby tap into the expertise of these backcountry pros, sharing their insights and wisdom to help you on your next adventure.
The Outdoors Fix
The Outdoors Fix is an award-winning podcast that inspires you to embrace outdoor adventures. Hosted by hiker and journalist Liv Bolton, it features interviews with people who’ve transformed their lives to spend more time outdoors. The show offers tips on hiking, cycling, wild swimming, and photography, plus insights on how nature improves mental health and wellbeing.
Outdoors with AJ
Welcome to Outdoors with AJ! AJ here, and I’m passionate about the outdoor industry and the amazing people who make outdoor experiences even more enjoyable. Join us as we chat with National Park Rangers, Fly Fishing Guides, Outdoor Outfitters, and more, plus hear about personal adventures with friends.
The Wilderness and Wellness Podcast
Listen to The Wilderness and Wellness Podcast
This podcast explores outdoor skills and the healing power of nature, featuring bushcrafters, naturalists, hunters, fishermen, and more. It’s for anyone who values outdoor life, skills for safe exploration, and the ways nature can help people reconnect with themselves and their communities.
Trails Worth Hiking
On Trails Worth Hiking, we showcase some of the most fascinating backpacking and trekking routes globally. Each episode is split into two parts: first, we share the story behind the trail, and then we guide you on how to hike it. Our host, Jeremy, is joined by guests who’ve hiked the trail to discuss their experiences. Tune in as we explore the trail’s story and then embark on the adventure together.
The Child and Nature Alliance Podcast
Listen to The Child and Nature Alliance Podcast
A series of stories and interviews focusing on outdoor activities, as well as forest and nature schools across Canada.
Gaze At the National Parks
Listen to Gaze At the National Parks
Dustin Ballard and Michael Ryan explore the hiking trails of America’s National Parks. In each episode, they highlight one trail in a single park, taking you along as they scale towering peaks, trek across vast deserts, and wander through lush forests of these protected areas.
Do you know of another outdoor podcast that you think should be on this list? Let me know.
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