24 Nov 2025 11:30
Wander Women Kristy and Annette on Retiring to Thru-Hike, RV, and Adventure Full-time (BPR #333)
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we're joined by Kristy and Annette Burns—better known as the Wander Women.
About seven years ago, Kristy and Annette ditched the home with the white picket fence, retired, moved into an RV, and shifted their focus to a life centered on freedom and adventure. Since then, they've taken on the AT, PCT, CDT, Arizona Trail, Tahoe Rim Trail, the O Circuit, plus a slew of cycling and packrafting trips. We get into what it takes to keep your body ready for thru-hikes at retirement age, why downsizing has made them so much happier, the community they've found on trail, and a whole lot more.
We wrap the show with what to wear when hiking in the desert, how to dry the inside of your water bladder, and the triple crown of chairs.
Gossamer Gear: Check out the Type II collection at gossamergear.com.
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Interview with Kristy and Annette Burns
Time stamps & Questions
00:02:45 - Reminders: Take the Triple Crowner Survey, apply to blog for the Trek, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!
00:05:06 - Introducing the Wander Women
00:07:00 - How did each of you get into the outdoors?
00:09:44 - How did you two meet?
00:12:20 - How did you go from the sweat lodge to thru-hiking?
00:16:50 - Did you have physical fitness top of mind before getting into thru-hiking?
00:19:05 - How far prior to retirement did you plan to hike?
00:22:55 - What specifically would you do differently, financially?
00:26:25 - What was it like downsizing?
00:31:30 - What physical activity do you do in the RV?
00:36:04 - Do you ever get sick of each other?
00:38:55 - How do you handle difficulties in your relationship?
00:41:00 - Did you know there'd be other retired folks on the AT?
00:45:17 - How have you expanded your social networks in retirement?
00:48:35 - What are some of the common questions you get?
00:50:03 - How do you slowly ramp up your mileage when hiking?
00:51:52 - Describe your gear to us
