Episode Details

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Nika "Early Bird" Meyers. Nika is a backpacking badass. Not only is she a triple crowner, but Early Bird has set a pair of speed records, including the unsupported FKT on the Long Trail and the self-supported FKT on the Colorado Trail, which she set last year with a time of 9 days 14 hours, and 19 minutes (keep in mind, this takes most people a full month). We get a full chronology of Nika's backpacking career, when and where the idea of attempting FKTs first entered her world, her background in competitive skiing, the most important lesson she's learned when attempting thru-hikes, her incredible artwork, and much more.

We wrap the show with a series of Elise-centric segments (as she's sitting in for Chaunce today), including how she's preparing, what gear she's using, how she's budgeting for the CDT, and much more. We also chat about some 4-6 day backpacking trips in the West to put on your bucket list, how thru-hiking has changed our lives, and we get a surprise visit from Jabba at the end of our interview.

[divider]

Download this episode.

[divider]

Gossamer Gear: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at gossamergear.com.

Organifi: Use code "backpacker" for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker.

Enlightened Equipment: Use code "ultralight10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com.

[divider]

Interview with Nika "Early Bird" Meyers

• Nika's Website
• Nika's Instagram
• Nika's Art Instagram

Time stamps & Questions

00:05:11 - QOTD: What are your hiking plans for this summer?

00:07:27 - BPR Announcements: Trail Days Road Trip, Asheville Meetup May 11, 6:30pm

00:08:30 - Introducing Nika

00:08:56 - How did you get your trail name?

00:10:33 - What's relevant in your background before you started thru-hiking?

00:13:51 - Did you know right away after the Long Trail that you would do more long trails?

00:15:35 - What kind of animals use the Long Trail as a migratory corridor?

00:16:34 - If you got to list one sport on your tombstone, what would it be?

00:17:23 - Take us from the Long Trail in 2012 to the PCT in 2014.

00:19:03 - How did you manage without your parent's blessing for starting the PCT?

00:22:00 - How quickly did you hike the Long Trail and the PCT?

00:24:50 - How did you get interested in FKTs?

00:26:27 - Anything