Podcast
Impossible Odds
Hosted by Sammy Potter · EN
To thru-hike just one of America’s long trails is to accomplish a lifelong dream for many hikers. To tackle all three—the AT, PCT, and CDT—is to enter an exclusive club of Triple Crowners and gain hiking superstar status. And to hike all three in a year? That’s nothing short of legendary. In 2021, college students Sammy Potter and Jackson Parell are hitting the trail—er, trails—in an attempt at becoming the newest and the youngest members of that elite group. Join Sammy and Jackson as they cover nearly 8,000 miles against a ticking clock. Will they make hiking history before the year is up? Tune in to find out.
9episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
One Last Hurrah
Dec 22, 202100:21:49Tap to summarizeWith only a few hundred miles left, Sammy and Jackson continue to face unexpected challenges: a surprise roadwalk, and existential questions about what's next.
Transcribe →On the Edge
Dec 15, 202100:32:10Tap to summarizeSammy grapples with his decision to take an alternate route on the CDT, and learns some difficult family news that makes finishing more important than ever
Transcribe →Physical Breakdown
Dec 8, 202100:32:28Tap to summarizeHeading into the heart of summer, Sammy and Jackson aim to polish off the CDT. An unexplained sickness almost throws a wrench in their plans.
Transcribe →Going it Alone
Dec 1, 202100:28:04Tap to summarizeSammy and Jackson decide to split up and embark on 200 miles of solo hiking. Then, Sammy finds himself in the most dangerous situation of the Triple Crown yet.
Transcribe →Chill Hiking Never Lasts Long
Nov 24, 202100:26:06Tap to summarizeSpringtime sees Sammy and Jackson back on the east coast as they aim to tick off the rest of the Appalachian Trail. But New Hampshire and Maine dish up plenty of hurdles on their path to Mt. Katahdin.
Transcribe →Desert Tribulations
Nov 17, 202100:28:06Tap to summarizeSammy & Jackson transfer trails to stay on pace, but desert hiking doesn't mean smooth sailing for the pair. Then, on the first leg of the Pacific Crest Trail, they must learn to balance their safety with their speed.
Transcribe →Hiking Straight Towards Winter
Nov 10, 202100:22:47Tap to summarizeSammy & Jackson set out on their first of the three major long trails, the Appalachian Trail. But there's a reason most thru-hikers start their journey in spring, and the incessant snow forces them to question their plans.
Transcribe →The Calendar Year Triple Crown
Nov 3, 202100:22:49Tap to summarizeIn the midst of a global pandemic Sammy Potter and Jackson Parrell resolve to become the youngest duo to complete the calendar year triple crown of hiking. But before they even get out on the trail they must contend with the feat of planning everything from permits, gear, meals, and training.
Transcribe →Impossible Odds Episode 1 Teaser
Oct 29, 202100:00:59Tap to summarizeFirst listen to Backpacker's new podcast: Impossible Odds, brought to you by Merrell.
Transcribe →