Introduction
Andrew Skurka is a veteran of long-distance hiking. Perhaps best known for his sea-to-sea hike in 2004-2005 he also does long routes at unusual times like his winter 2007 trek through northern Minnesota. On April 9th he began a seven month, 6,875 mile, trek through the heart of the American West. He will pass through a dozen national parks and over 75 wilderness areas using both established trails and cross-country bushwhacking.
In the second part of this three part series Ryan and Andy discuss the gear he will use throughout his journey. Andrew Skurka's website contains complete information about the gear and food Andy will be using. We have mirrored some of the information below

Andrew Skurka's Gear List
Mirrorred from Andrew's website.
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Forum Index » Editor's Roundtable » The Great Western Loop
( SaltsMcDar )
Well, I was so excited to listen to the final podcast about Skurka's amazing journey. I settled down here at work, put my headphones on, and pressed play.
Three minutes later I had to turn it off. WHAT IS UP W/ THE HOST'S BREATHING. Every time Skurka talks you can hear the hosts wheezy, relentless breathing. Put the microphone down or mix it properly. Are you out of breath from saying one sentence? It is distracting and fairly disgusting.
This podcast has basically been ruined and I am disappointed because I followed Skurka all the way.
( kenknight - BPL STAFF - M )
Locale:
SE Michigan
Perhaps everyone has already noticed but 52 more photos covering the time from October 1 to 18 are now online.
Soon to come more wonderful video from Andy over that same period. After Thanksgiving the last set of photos and videos will appear.
( askurka - BPL STAFF - M )
Salts - Please take it easy bud. Ken Knight, the host of the last podcast, did an amazing amount of work to bring you and other listeners all of the Podcasts and photos throughout this trip. It was very fitting that Ken was there for the finish and that he did the last interview -- he lived this trip more than anybody else (he saw every photo I took and watched every video I shot before selecting the best to show you), except for me. Please accept our apology that the last podcast is not perfect, but please look beyond it too. Thanks.
( Greyhound - M )
Locale:
Sierra Nevada
Good to see you back on the boards Andy! Now that you've completed the Great Western Loop, what are you going to do next?
Que answer: I'm going to Disneyland!
As for the breathing on the final broadcast, yes it was somewhat irritating, but totally understandable.
The newspaper I work for is going through many of the same growing pains as BPL for video and podcasts, and I myself had to deal with my own breathing (along with snorts and sniffs), wind, and an untold number of other variables while doing daily video interviews on my tahoe Rim Trail thru-hike.
I guess I just appreciate Andy and BPL attempting to introduce multi-media into the website, regardless of imperfections.
( rswanson )
Locale:
Midatlantic
I'm late to the party with this...I still wanted to post a congratulatory note on your successfully completion of possibly the single greatest hiking trek I've ever heard of anyone undertaking.
( Joshjknapp - M )
Locale:
Northern Mn, Superior Hiking Trail
Great Job to both Andy and Ken!
I had a great time living vicariously through these podcasts. Got to give a big applause to both of them for putting in all the time and effort it took to bring the podcasts to us. I'm quite sure it was a lot of work for both of them, and I'm sure after putting in a 40 mile day, Andy had other things he wanted to do (i.e. eat and sleep), than give an trip update.
Love all the BPL podcast! Keep bringing them to US! They are Very Interesting and informative. And great for all those times we want to be out on the trail but can't.
josh
( bobbycartwright )
Locale:
i don't need no stinkin badges!
Who interviewed Andy for this podcast? I think a quick lesson in broadcasting etiquette is in order. I couldn't make it halfway through the broadcast due to the interviewer's constant breathing into the microphone, which almost drowned out Skurka at points.
While the guest is talking, it would be good to make the interviewer's mike go dead, or at least hold it far enough away from the face, nose, mouth areas to ensure that we don't hear you breathe throughout the interview.
Otherwise, apart from the incessant loud breathing, it was a good interview.
( jshann - M )
Locale:
North Texas
Someone already brought it up months ago and it was explained by Andy....if you read the thread first.
Edited by jshann on 07/25/2008 08:14:55 MDT.
( bobbycartwright )
Locale:
i don't need no stinkin badges!
I won't split hairs but I don't think that was an adequate explanation, whatever.