Ep26: Packing Smart For Rim2Rim & More With The Marvelous Ms. Mary

Mary Banik—at age 73—just completed her 181st Grand Canyon hike...and I got to go along with her! Afterwards, we sat in the lobby at Bright Angel Lodge for a wide-ranging conversation on everything from which route is best for Rim2Rim, what to pack, what to wear, hiking in heat, and mistakes she commonly sees. We even had a spirited disagreement (gulp)—on the need for trekking poles! It's a day with the Marvelous Ms. Mary that's full of valuable takeaways for anyone planning a Canyon adventure.

Plus a training tip from Coach Arnie that will make you appreciate your big toe.

*****

The Rim2Rim Pack from Bright Angel Outfitters is now available! Check out our Canyon-inspired day pack by clicking here.

*****

To reach Coach Arnie, you can call or text him (yes, really!) at [phone] or send him a message on Instagram @painfreearnie.

*****

Have an idea for the show, or someone you think would be a great guest? Reach out to Brian anytime at [e-mail].

*****

The all-new Grand Canyon Shade Tracker is LIVE!! This incredible interactive tool lets you see when and where you'll have precious shade on your Grand Canyon hike—every hour of every day of the year. Check it out at gcshadetracker.com. Another free resource from Bright Angel Outfitters aimed at making your Grand Canyon adventure the best and safest it can be.

*****

For Canyon-centric hoodies, sweatshirts & tees—including the Victor Vomit tee and our new Rim-to-Rim collection— please visit BrightAngelOutfitters.com

*****

For more great Grand Canyon content, please check us out on the following platforms:

YouTube (@GrandCanyonHikerDude) for informative and inspirational videos

Instagram (@GrandCanyonHikerDude) for photos from the trail

TikTok (@GrandCanyonHikerDude) for fun and informative short-form videos

Facebook (@GrandCanyonHikerDude)

 

 

What is The Grand Canyon Hiker Dude Show?

Welcome to the home of Grand Canyon hiking. The Grand Canyon Hiker Dude Show helps hikers plan, train for, and better understand hikes below the rim, from short day hikes to Rim-to-Rim, Rim-to-River, Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Trail, South Kaibab Trail, North Kaibab Trail, backpacking trips, heat safety, water planning, shuttle logistics, and more.

Host Brian Speciale shares Grand Canyon stories, trail-tested advice, safety lessons, interviews, and community wisdom from first-timers, seasoned hikers, rangers, Canyon insiders, and everyday people who have learned powerful lessons below the rim.

Whether you are planning Rim-to-Rim, dreaming of Phantom Ranch, preparing for your first Grand Canyon hike, or looking for honest stories of triumph, tragedy, mistakes, and trail-won wisdom, this podcast will help you hike your best hike.

Listeners call the show “an invaluable resource,” “the perfect mix of inspiration, realistic caution, and tips for success,” and “a welcoming place and wealth of information.”

New episodes weekly. Join the conversation in the Hike Club Grand Canyon private Facebook group.