Trail Stories - Top of the World with Chris "Rad" Carter

About the Guest Chris "Rad" Carter is a Triple Crown thru-hiker (PCT, CDT + AT in a single calendar year), mountaineer, adventure filmmaker, and senior editor at Switchback Travel, where he runs the climbing, mountaineering, travel, and backpacking categories. Born in the United States and raised in Nairobi, Kenya by NGO parents, he came to America for college in 2014 and fell deeply in love with the country through his thru-hikes. In June 2025 he summited Denali — the highest peak in North America — as cameraman for Brandon's "Seek Your Summit" 50-highpoints record attempt. He is based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, recently married, and currently training for The Shield on El Capitan. His PCT documentary is called To Measure a Mile. Episode Highlights The Bleach Gang

From Kenya to the Triple Crown

Denali — The Mountain in Context

The Poop System

The Diving Board

The Autobahn

Post-Trail Depression and What the Trails Are For

Links & Resources

• Chris Carter — Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chris.cart.er
• Switchback Travel: https://www.switchbacktravel.com
• To Measure a Mile — YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chriscarter
• Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage — Alfred Lansing. Rad's current read — an unbelievable expedition story.
• Kon-Tiki — Thor Heyerdahl. Read on Denali. A must for adventure lovers.
• Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA): https://www.pcta.org
• Continental Divide Trail Coalition (CDTC): https://www.continentaldividetrail.org

Connect with Hiker Trash Radio

• Email: mailto:hikertashradio@gmail.com
• Social: Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok — search Hiker Trash Radio.

The full interview with Rad drops Wednesday in two parts. Leave a review on Apple Podcasts — it takes 60 seconds and makes a real difference.

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