In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are joined by Jonathan Thomas, known on trail as Janis Joplin. Janis Joplin is a thru-hiker, FKT record holder, D1 collegiate track and field athlete, former news cameraman, Boston Marathon bombing survivor, CDT trail angel, and owner of Exotic Pax, an innovative, vest-style backpack for thru-hikers handmade in Chama, New Mexico. This episode covers a lot of ground, including the many times he’s narrowly escaped death, what is was like growing up in New Orleans, being a D1 collegiate athlete, what brought him into the world of FKTs and how FKT athletes are more possessive over their records than they might lead on, what it’s like to run an outfitter in a sleepy CDT town, and the inspiration and process that goes into his unique backpacks.

We wrap the show with a reversal on the closure of a campground key to JMT and PCT hikers, our takes on who’d win in a fight between 100 men and one silverback gorilla, and the Triple Crown of items you geniously stash in many strategic locations.

Topo Athletic: Use code “TREKSPRING15” at topoathletic.com.

Gossamer Gear: Use code “BACKPACKER20” for 20% off packs at gossamergear.com. 

Betterment: Learn more at betterment.com/trek.

Burgeon Outdoor: Use code “BACKPACKER15” for 15% off at burgeonoutdoor.com.

Bear Mattress: Use code “BACKPACKER” for 40% off at bearmattress.com.

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Interview with Jonathan Thomas aka JJ

Time stamps & Questions

00:05:34 - Reminders: Take our survey, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon, and apply to blog for the Trek!

00:09:25 - Introducing JJ

00:10:28 - What’s it like growing up in New Orleans?

00:18:10 - Tell us about working for a news channel

00:21:40 - What’s the most interesting scene you ever shot from?

00:24:30 - What were the highlights from the local news industry?

00:26:50 - What events did you do at LSU?

00:30:00 - Discussion about biking in Baton Rouge

00:34:20 - What personality differences were there between swimmers and runners?00:35:25 - Why did you walk on to the team at LSU?

00:37:35 - Tell us about running the Boston marathon

00:40:40 - How did you get into hiking?

00:43:20 - How did the PCT compare to running?

00:44:12 - How have you processed the trauma you’ve gone through?

00:48:27 - Did the calm on a long trail draw you in?

00:50:10 - Tell us about attempting to do an FKT in the middle of your PCT thru-hike

00:53:40 - What are the differences between the different distances of running?

00:59:25 - What are the differences between preparing for an FKT and for road running?

01:03:40 - How do you train for the unexpected?

01:12:15 - What’s the wildest hallucination you’ve had?

01:17:00 - Is it difficult to maintain motivation during your FKT attempt?

01:26:20 - Discussion about JJ’s Oregon FKT

01:29:30 - Wheel spin

01:36:25 - Tell us about the Oregon FKT

01:39:50 - Why did you carry a cast iron on the trail?

01:45:40 - Tell us about your interactions with foxes

01:49:45 - What other meals do you make on trail?

01:56:20 - What’s the inspiration for your company?

02:03:40 - What are the main stitches used in backpacking gear?

02:09:12 - Discussion about Exotic Pax

02:12:30 - How did Tate find you to make his pack?

02:16:27 - Tell us about the process with making custom packs

02:18:00 - Which model of backpack is the most popular?

02:20:40 - Tell us about the zippered pocket

02:22:42 - Explain the vest functionality of your backpack

02:30:00 - Chaunce tries on the backpack

02:33:30 - How do you do the sizing?

02:37:20 - How did you decide to go for the PCT FKT this year?

02:39:00 - Where can people keep up with you?

02:39:48 - Peak Performance Question: What is your top performance-enhancing or backpacking hack?

Segments

Trek Propaganda: Yosemite Campground Closure Will Disrupt Backpackers — Including JMT and PCT Thru-Hikers by Katie Jackson

QOTD:  Who wins in a fight, 1 gorilla vs. 100 men?

Triple Crown of items you geniously stash in many strategic locations

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

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