EP 210 - 100+ Miles on the Colorado Trail: Tennessee Pass to Buffalo Creek

EP 210 - 100+ Miles on the Colorado Trail: Tennessee Pass to Buffalo Creek

Author: Outdoor Vitals September 7, 2026 Duration: 1:24:31

Every year we have the privilege of hosting the OV 100 Mile Challenge, a DIY challenge helping participants to get out and backpack 100 miles in one summer. Our team participates as well. This year, we did around 110 miles starting at Tennessee Pass on the Colorado Trail and ending at Buffalo Creek.

What we cover in this episode:

- An introduction to our new Design Assistant, Lucy

- A day by day account of what to expect on sections 4-8 (and some of 3) of the Colorado Trail

- Trail conditions on the Colorado Trail between Tennessee Pass and Breckenridge

- Highway noise on the Colorado Trail

- Footwear on the trail

- Best practices for blister and foot care on the trail 

- How to optimize food space in your pack

- Pacing for a 100-mile thru-hike

- Headache prevention at over 10,000 feet

 

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction to the 100-Mile Challenge

01:12 - Introducing Lucy 04:37 - Route Pivot Due to Fire

 08:11 - Day 1 - Warning Signs (Early Injuries)

24:00 - Day 2 - The Mental Low Point and Highway Underpass Dinners

38:47 - Day 3 - Chasing Water Seeps and Shelter from the Storm 

53:38 - Day 4 - Trail Magic, Soda Craves, and Hot Sagebrush Clearings

01:01:39 - Day 5 - Home Stretch

01:06:12 - Final Reflections and Takeaways

How to Submit Questions Have questions for us? Send us a voice message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/LiveUltraLight Or write in to support@outdoorvitals.com! Great Backpacking Gear (Support the Podcast): https://bit.ly/3PswpQi


There's a certain freedom found when your gear doesn't weigh you down, a feeling that the folks at Outdoor Vitals understand deeply. Tuning into the Live Ultralight Podcast feels like pulling up a chair at a trailhead gathering where the conversation is as essential as your packed kit. While the core of this podcast revolves around the philosophy and practical skills of backpacking-specifically how to carry less to experience more-the discussions naturally wander into broader territories. You’ll hear from seasoned thru-hikers sharing hard-won wisdom on terrain and gear, but also from travelers and adventurers whose stories redefine what it means to explore. Each episode aims to dissolve the barriers between planning and actually stepping out the door, whether that’s for a weekend in the local wilderness or a journey to distant places. The dialogue is grounded in real-world experience, offering tangible advice on lightening your load physically and mentally, so the focus can remain on the landscape ahead and the stories you’ll gather. It’s more than a gear talk show; it’s about cultivating a mindset where adventure is accessible and the weight of the everyday is left behind. This podcast serves as a consistent companion for anyone looking to weave more movement and discovery into the fabric of their life, one lighter step at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Live Ultralight Podcast  | Backpacking, Travel, and Adventure
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