Episode Details

“I will wake up at 7am and think to myself, ‘Why am I doing this?’ But then I get on the trail and I’m meeting people and seeing things that are just so beautiful, that I never would have seen unless I was walking. When the day ends I’m always thankful that I made that decision to get up and just go.” –Forrest Mallard

In this episode of Deviate, Rolf and Forrest talk about how they know each other, and how Forrest got into travel (4:00); the time-honored tradition of walking, and why hiking is a fantastic way to travel in and experience other countries (9:45); the tradition of the Camino de Santiago, and Forrest’s humbling early experiences with international trekking on the West Highland Way (21:30); Forrest’s further adventures and counterintuitive tips for how to prepare and what to pack on a trek (37:00); the appeal of hiking in Slovenia (45:00); and advice for getting started, saving money, meeting people, and getting in touch with yourself while trekking (49:00).

Forrest Mallard is the founder of Tramposaurus Treks, a camping and adventure-travel planning community that aims to show people just how accessible, affordable and doable international hiking excursions can be. Forrest currently splits his time between Dubai and far-flung destinations and backcountry trekking trails around the world, including – in recent months – Pakistan, Hunza Hanging Bridge, Fairy Meadows, Chilas, Granada, and Valencia.

Notable Links:

• Werner Herzog on “The Portal” (podcast episode)
• Flâneur (French concept of an urban wanderer)
• Camino de Santiago (pilgrimage route in Spain)
• The Pilgrimage, by Paulo Coelho (book)
• West Highland Way (long-distance path in Scotland)
• Europe on a Shoestring (travel guidebook)
• Caminho Português (Camino route starting in Portugal)
• Camiño francés (Camino route starting in France)
• Slovenian Mountain Hiking Trail (long-distance trail in the Julian Alps)
• Alpine Association of Slovenia (hiking club)
• Simien Mountains National Park (Ethiopian hiking area)
• Tiger Leaping Gorge (Chinese hiking area)
• Torres del Paine National Park (Chilean hiking area)
• Hostelworld.com (lodging booking service)

This episode of Deviate is brought to you by Tortuga Backpacks, which set the standard for the best, most durable, organized, and comfortable travel back