Chris Cage

Date: 2017-04-03 | Duration: 2h 14m

Episode Overview

Chris Cage shares his extensive experience as a long-distance hiker, focusing primarily on his journey through the Appalachian Trail (AT) and other major trails like the Pacific Crest and Continental Divide. He discusses the physical and mental challenges of thru-hiking, including managing injuries like stress fractures and the importance of proper gear such as trail runners and hydration systems. Cage also touches on the unique culture of the trail community, from “trail angels” who assist hikers to the camaraderie formed among hikers facing harsh conditions, including encounters with difficult terrain and unpredictable weather. Beyond hiking, Cage delves into nutritional strategies for endurance activities, highlighting his development of high-calorie meal replacement bars designed to meet the intense energy demands of long-distance trekking. He explains the science behind fat-burning diets and the variability of nutritional needs among individuals. Additionally, Cage reflects on his travels in places like New Zealand and Guatemala, sharing insights on local cultures and languages. Throughout the conversation, he offers practical advice on gear selection, trail safety, and the mindset required to undertake multi-month wilderness adventures, providing a compelling look at the physical endurance and mental resilience needed to thrive on the world’s most demanding trails.

About Chris Cage

Chris Cage is an outdoor enthusiast and the innovative founder of Greenbelly Meals, a company dedicated to providing nutritious, convenient food options for hikers and adventurers. He is also the author of the acclaimed book, *How To Hike The Appalachian Trail: A Comprehensive Guide to Plan and Prepare for a Successful Thru-Hike*, which serves as an essential resource for aspiring long-distance hikers. Known for his passion for the great outdoors and expertise in hiking logistics, Chris has inspired countless individuals to embrace nature and embark on their own adventures. His insights into trail life and preparation make him a captivating guest for outdoor lovers and those seeking to tackle the majestic Appalachian Trail.

Key Moments

– Appalachian Trail
– Thru-Hiking
– Long-Distance Hiking
– Trail Nutrition
– Outdoor Gear
– Lyme Disease
– Wilderness Survival
– Backpacking Footwear
– Water Filtration
– Trail Communities
– Hiking Safety
– Hunting Techniques
– Physical Endurance
– Cultural Anthropology
– Ancient Civilizations
– Language Decipherment
– Psychedelic Research
– Environmental Pollution
– Travel Lifestyle
– Fitness Training
0:00:37 – Introduction to nutrient-rich hiking food
0:01:26 – Duration and experience of thru-hiking
0:02:24 – Discussion of major long-distance trails
0:05:37 – Definition and lifestyle of thru-hikers
0:07:15 – Hygiene challenges during long hikes
0:10:16 – Physical discomforts of multi-day hiking
0:11:20 – Mental benefits of escaping society
0:13:36 – Encounters with challenging trail people
0:22:35 – Experience of not showering for a week
0:24:54 – Debate on shaving while hiking
0:27:32 – Overview of Joe Rogan Questions Everything show
0:28:42 – Discussion on Morgellons disease symptoms
0:30:45 – Tick bite and Lyme disease symptoms
0:33:14 – Preventative measures against Lyme disease
0:39:08 – Impact of the film Wild on hiking culture
0:40:36 – Role of trail angels and hitchhiking
0:42:12 – Comparison of crime rates in New Zealand and US
0:44:14 – Couchsurfing and travel community websites
0:50:52 – Epic climbs and hiking destinations in Maine
0:53:27 – Emotional moments during Appalachian Trail hike
0:54:38 – Switching to trail running shoes
1:00:26 – Techniques for glassing during hunting
1:03:00 – Physical demands of elevation gain hiking
1:08:19 – Packing and volume considerations for hiking
1:10:23 – Merino wool versus synthetic clothing debate
1:18:19 – Use of Sawyer Squeeze water filtration system
1:22:38 – Effects of pollution on outdoor activities
1:24:38 – Travel plans including Guatemala and Asia
1:36:13 – Discussion of ethnobotanist Terence McKenna
1:41:57 – Ancient knowledge of equinox procession
1:45:03 – Timeline of ancient civilizations and cultures
1:48:39 – Critique of Mel Gibson's historical accuracy
1:53:09 – Discovery of hidden ancient city by satellite
2:01:17 – Hiking through the night experience
2:03:18 – Calorie needs and meal replacements for hikers
2:07:46 – Balancing fat intake and metabolism
2:09:38 – Nutritional individuality and stress impact

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 Sound good? Yeah, we're good. Five, four, three, two. Starting point is 00:00:37 They're like a brick filled with nutrients and food, Starting point is 00:01:07 Love the podcast. Starting point is 00:01:26 you how many months five to seven took me a little over six so you just hike for six months Starting point is 00:02:08 10,000. That's a lot Starting point is 00:02:24 have done all three of those. The Pacific Crest Trail. Is that the Divide Trail. And I think less than 100 people have done all three of those. Starting point is 00:02:39 And the Pacific Crest Trail, I believe, is like 25, 26, 2700 miles. Starting point is 00:03:01 All you hiking maniacs. Starting point is 00:03:21 And I joined with that in mind. Starting point is 00:03:52 And the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains are in North Georgia. Starting point is 00:04:29 like an adventure I want to do. So yeah, that was definitely the beginning of it when I was Starting point is 00:05:13 They're not spending money on hotels. Starting point is 00:05:37 But any given thru-hiker, that's what they're called, anybody that does, you know, starts in Georgia, ends in Maine, Starting point is 00:06:13 Right. Starting point is 00:06:27 days of a town. So the trail kind of, you know, goes along the mountains. And then about every Starting point is 00:07:15 miles a day, the grime and the dirt that can build up. So when you come to town, you want to Starting point is 00:07:45 Yeah, it's kind of ironic. Starting point is 00:08:08 Like, Starting point is 00:08:23 But these fucking inner city creeps that I went to the Boy Scouts with Starting point is 00:08:46 It was like a total free fall for all. Starting point is 00:09:06 Like there was a rifle range where they would shoot.22s, and there was an archery range. Starting point is 00:09:29 Fuck you. Starting point is 00:09:53 And when we went back, we went back to a hotel. Starting point is 00:10:16 you're hiking for seven days with muddy feet ...

More Episodes

Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #939?

Chris Cage was the guest on JRE #939. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #939?

On Joe Rogan Experience #939 with Chris Cage, topics include Appalachian Trail, Thru-Hiking, Long-Distance Hiking, and Trail Nutrition.

Where can I read the transcript for JRE #939?

The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #939 with Chris Cage is available on this page, along with key topics and timestamps.