On today’s episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, presented by LMNT, we’re joined by Eric Volk, who we’re trying to track down under the name «5-16.»
In just six years, Eric went from a novice hiker to an expert off-trail adventurer, completing his own custom routes through the Sierra, Grand Canyon, North Cascades, and Alaska, including his Brooks Range Traverse and his Arctic trek. He is believed to be the first or second person to walk from the Canadian border to the Arctic Ocean entirely on foot.
Today we’re getting a detailed tutorial on everything related to off-trail and route-based hiking. Eric provides a detailed overview of how to get started on off-trail adventures, the biggest differences between hiking on and off-trail, recommended «beginner» routes, key equipment considerations, the navigation skills required (including the specific tools he uses and recommends), the wide variety of terrain you may encounter, weather considerations, the importance of doing your due diligence, and much more.
Eric also shares some fun stories from his trails, including hiking the mathematically most remote place in the US, incredible wildlife encounters with caribou, grizzly bears, muskox and mountain lions, and the ethics of posting GPX tracks.
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Interview with Eric Volk
Timestamps and questions
00:07:20 – Reminders: Apply as a vlog or blog for Trek, apply to be a trail correspondent, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreonand subscribe to The Trek Youtube!
00:11:00 – Introducing Eric
00:11:50 – How did you get into outdoor adventures?
00:15:07 – Was it easier to start the Lost Coast journey because someone encouraged you?
00:16:52 – Do you like to level up the difficulty in other aspects of life?
00:19:42 – What is your road resume?
00:21:40 – Do off-trail routes prevent you from hiking?
00:22:45 – Where should someone start if they want to start doing off-piste routes?
00:25:15 – What does the class system generally mean?
00:32:10 – What are some navigation skill requirements?
00:45:55 – What are some of the navigation apps you’ve tried?
00:52:00 – What are some tips for someone starting out with CalTopo?
00:56:20 – How should someone transition from a GPX track to the real world?
01:02:00 – Discussion on additional navigation tips
01:04:10 – How would someone build a beta version for their route?
01:15:45 – What are the gear differences to consider when getting off the road?
01:25:30 – Discussion on the benefits of ultralight and compact equipment.
01:28:25 – Has your first aid kit changed anything?
01:31:20 – What is the minimum amount of activity that would require pants?
01:37:40 – What is your sun protection strategy?
01:40:12 – How do you handle the weather?
01:45:45 – How structured are your days when route finding?
01:48:50 – How do you know for sure where to find water?
01:53:45 – What other tips do you have for knowing your surroundings?
01:56:00 – What are some of your most notable wildlife encounters?
02:08:35 – Tell us about your Black Belt Triple Crown
02:17:00 – Discussion about Eric’s route through Alaska
02:22:30 – Is there a rating scale for remoteness?
02:24:15 – What are the three most challenging elements of this route?
02:29:00 – What part of this route was fun for Guy 1, Guy 2, and Guy 3?
02:30:10 – Tell us about the Ruta Alta Súper Sierra
02:38:20 – Tell us how to follow the North Rim of the Grand Canyon
02:40:50 – What are the three most challenging elements of this route?
02:46:35 – Discussion on the ethics of hiking the Grand Canyon.
03:01:00 – Discussion on sharing route information publicly
03:03:30 – Stay Salty Question: What is your best view of the backpacking world?
03:05:35 – What’s next for you?
Segments
Propaganda Clues: Fewer people hiked the AT in 2025. Is the trail’s popularity declining? By Katie Jackson
thing of the week
Triple Crown soups/chilis
mail bag
5 star review
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