On today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, presented by LMNT, we’re joined by Jeremy Phoenix, aka Smitty Werbenjagermanjensen, aka Javos, a Navajo-born, Amish-country-raised hiker, REI employee, grave digger, and Princeton attendee who completed the Colorado Trail in 15 days on his first backpacking trip and has been making up for lost time ever since.
In it, Smitty guides us through completing the 24-hour challenge three separate times on the PCT, a 35-foot solo free fall that he simply walked out of, being stalked by a mountain lion, surviving shin splints for most of the PCT, and a harrowing midnight ice traverse beneath Mount Whitney with no traction. He also shares what it means to be Navajo in America, including having code-speaking grandparents and introducing yourself to the land before each new section of trail.
We end the show with a tribute to long-time Patreon supporter Bill Jensen, who recently passed away at the CDT, the biggest hiking prep mistake, according to Peg Leg, addressing the question of which direction people predominantly face in the shower and the triple crown of things you can easily live without but should nevertheless be free for everyone.
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Interview with Jeremy Barney aka Smitty Werbenjagermanjensen
Timestamps and questions
00:06:30 – Reminders: Subscribe to the Trek newsletter, subscribe to trail correspondentsand listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!
00:09:18 – Introducing Smitty
00:10:34 – Tell us about the 24 hour challenges you have done on the PCT
00:13:00 – How did you get your route name?
00:16:25 – Tell us about the commercial you did with Alex Hannold.
00:22:30 – Tell us about working at REI
00:29:50 – Tell us about growing up Navajo in Pennsylvania.
00:35:30 – How did you start backpacking?
00:39:00 – Discussion of Smitty’s climbing and falling experience.
00:42:50 – What is your to-do list?
00:50:50 – Discussion of Smitty’s work as a gravedigger.
00:54:15 – How did you decide to hike the Colorado Trail?
01:03:00 – Tell us about the backpacks you have tried.
01:08:35 – Discussion on what Smitty sent home from the PCT
01:15:00 – What other compromises did you have to make when changing packages?
01:28:55 – What kind of discounts do you get at REI?
01:34:50 – Tell us about your meeting with Jabba
01:39:00 – Discussion on footwear and injuries.
01:41:30 – What was your scariest day on the road?
01:51:40 – Do you have any advice for aspiring hikers?
01:58:00 – Stay Salty Question: What is your best view of the backpacking world?
Segments
Propaganda Clues: After 22,000 miles of hiking, this is one of the biggest mistakes I see beginners make per wooden leg
QOTD: Do people look towards the shower head when they shower?
Triple Crown of things you can easily live without, but which should still be free for everyone
mail bag
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Check out our sound technician. @mi_chico_pauly/ and your coffee.
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