Hike Strong Podcast
Confidence-building content for Hikers, Trekkers, Backpackers, and Mountaineers. The Hike Strong Podcast is where the fusion of fitness and hiking discussions will awaken the brain to unlock your true trail-crushing potential.
Marcus and his guests frequently talk about iconic hiking destinations and how to get in shape for them. Look out for training and exercise-only episodes as well. Listen often for destination-specific episodes to build your bucket list of iconic trail adventures. Invite your friends to listen. And then make plans to crush an iconic hike at least one time per year – with friends! Train | Hike | Repeat
Marcus Shapiro is a hiking strength and conditioning coach and the founder of Fit For Trips. He is a pioneer in the online hiking training industry and coaches adventurers every day, helping them to get physically prepared for their dream hiking, trekking, and backpacking trips.
Hike Strong Podcast
14ers, Everest Base Camp & Kilimanjaro | Your Path to Non-Technical High-Altitude Trekking | Hike Strong Podcast | Ep. 13
I sat down once again with Will Burkhart, founder of Badass Adventures, to dive into a new topic: non-technical high-altitude mountaineering. Will was my very first guest on this podcast, and his episode on Rim to Rim hiking is a must-listen for anyone tackling the Grand Canyon in a single day. But today, we’re going even higher!
We define non-technical high-altitude mountaineering as climbing between 14,000 and 19,400 feet without the use of ropes or belaying. Will has created a tiered approach to getting into this type of adventure, starting with Colorado’s Fourteeners (14,000+ feet), then progressing to Everest Base Camp (17,598 feet) and finally Kilimanjaro (19,431 feet). He walks us through the differences and similarities between these experiences, covering topics like:
Trail conditions – From well-groomed paths to rocky ascents
Daily mileage & number of hiking days – How long you’ll be on the trail
Landscape & foliage changes – From lush rainforests to barren alpine environments
Summit day intensity – What makes Kili’s summit push challenging
Cultural immersion – The contrast between the Everest Base Camp trail and Kilimanjaro
Sleeping & eating logistics – Tea houses vs. tents, and what’s on the menu
Acclimatization strategies – How to prepare your body for high altitude
Gear & fitness requirements – The essentials for success and why training matters
If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to step into the world of high-altitude trekking, this episode is the perfect introduction. Whether your goal is to climb your first 14er, stand at Everest Base Camp, or summit Kilimanjaro, Will lays out the path for you.
Get in shape, pick your adventure, and go!
Badass Adventures owner, Will Burkhart:
https://www.badass-adventures.com
Text: 928-274-2424
Ask Me How To Get Fit For Your Next Hike, Trek or Backpacking Trip:
https://fitfortrips.com/consultation/
Get Your 3 Free 12-Week Hiking Training Plans:
https://fitfortrips.com/free-hiking-training-plan/
LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos:
https://www.youtube.com/@HikeStrongPodcast
Check out the audio podcast version on all platforms:
https://fitfortrips.com/hikestrongpodcast
