Episode Details

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Nathan Hankes. Nathan is an army veteran, having served a tour in Iraq as a drone operator for the United States Army in the aftermath of 9/11. Upon returning from his tour, Nathan turned to the Appalachian Trail to sort out the residual anger and anxiety he was dealing with as a result of his time serving overseas. We go deep on Nathan's experience in Iraq, how that affected his political outlook, how the Appalachian Trail helped him heal after his tour, and learn more about the process of his writing, "Waking Up On the Appalachian Trail: A Story of War, Brotherhood, and the Pursuit of Truth", a memoir about his hike.

We have a triple crown of tips to lighten your pack, a one minute gear review (including some gear for the pups), and tackle some hard hitting listener questions.

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Download this episode.

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Backcountry discount code: Use code: Backpacker15 for 15% off your first purchase at backcountry.com/backpackerradio.

Minus33 discount code (listen to episode to get the code): 15% off your first purchase at minus33.com.

True Thru-Hiker Shirt & Mug

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Interview with Nathan Hankes

• Get a signed copy of Nathan book: Waking Up on the Appalachian Trail: A Story of War, Brotherhood and the Pursuit of Truth on his website.
  • Use code: BPR for free shipping (so he can compete with Jeff Bezos).
  • Half of the proceeds from the book go to helping four combat veterans write a book.
• Find him on social media @nbhankes

00:04:30 - QOTD: How has the trail healed you?

00:08:00 - Trail Correspondents will happen again next year!

00:08:40 - Intro to Nathan Hankes

00:08:56 - Can you give us a quick bio of yourself?

00:09:55 - Where in the midwest are you from?

00:10:32 - What was your interest in the military?

00:11:44 - What do you attribute the naivety you had (re: joining the military) to?

00:12:39 - How old were you when you joined the military?

00:13:47 - What is the ASVAB?

00:14:49 - How big are military drones?

00:15:47 - Which branch of the military did you serve in?

00:15:59 - What were you expecting when you were deployed and what was the reality of the situation?

00:18:12 - W