While “getting out” into nature to hike, climb, run, or ski is certainly worth it, it does require the part where you do, well, have to get there. For many, this involves long car rides weekend after weekend.

To keep the drive from getting monotonous, consider checking out one of the following outdoor podcasts—because while they won’t make the miles go by any faster, they’ll certainly make your trip a bit more entertaining. Let’s dive in.

10 Awesome Outdoor-Focused Podcasts

1. The Dirtbag Diaries

Unlike most on this list, The Dirtbag Diaries is a melting pot of all things outdoors. Rather than focusing on a single sport or niche, The Dirtbag Diaries will give you an episode about an epic ski race one week, followed by a story about a paddling adventure the next. Acting like a virtual campfire, the podcast features some of the best storytellers of the outdoors sharing their unique voices and adventures. Overall, it covers everything from trip inspiration to opportunities for advocacy, and aims to both entertain and educate its audience.

While a “Diaries+” subscription is required to access some episodes (which can be purchased for $5/month or $50/year), some episodes are available for free wherever you get your podcasts.

2. Backpacker Radio

With bi-weekly stories, advice, and musings from the great outdoors, Backpacker Radio dives into the nitty-gritty of life in the backcountry, offering a platform for outdoorsy folks to share their (often not-so-glamorous) tales, tips, and gear recommendations. Because when the trail gets tough, you’ve got two friendly voices in your ears, cheering you on one campfire story at a time.

3. The Sharp End

Stories of other climbers’ screw-ups might not be the most inspiring thing to listen to on the way to the crag, but they’re probably the most educational. Based on the American Alpine Club’s annual “Accidents in North American Climbing” report, The Sharp End shares stories of mishaps, epics, and accidents from the perspectives of those who’ve lived them. But, it’s not all storytime: a thoughtful analysis of each accident is designed to keep you from repeating it. While they might not all be pick-me-ups, the information might just save your life.

4. The Enormocast

The Enormocast’s tagline is “A Slice of the Climbing Life,” which is precisely what this bi-weekly podcast delivers. The show’s interview format typically features host Chris Kalous sitting down one-on-one with climbers from all over the world and touching on all climbing disciplines. Glance through the podcast’s archives and you’ll notice a who’s who of climbing, with such notable guests as Alex Honnold, Tommy Caldwell, Colin Haley, Lynn Hill, and Henry Barber, just to name a few. However, what sets The Enormocast apart is that it provides a place for climbers to share their stories with an informed audience, without the dumbed-down, oversimplified talk that clutters mass media conversations.

5. Climbing Gold

Climbing Gold is hosted by Fitz Cahall of The Dirtbag Diaries and arguably the most famous climber in the world, Alex Honnold. Together, the two explore the stories and people that have shaped climbing while also considering the issues and challenges facing the sport today. From Moon Boards to epic alpine routes, there’s an episode for everyone with an interest in climbing.

6. The Outside Podcast

No time to read a monthly magazine? Get your dose of the adventure world’s best through Outside Magazine’s podcast. Episodes from The Outside Podcast feature a healthy mix of stories told in print and then expertly translated to audio, interviews with the biggest names in the outdoor space, and stories analyzing survival in all conditions.

7. Bikes or Death

The theme song alone makes Bikes or Death a worthwhile listen, but the people and stories that this bikepacking and adventure-cycling-focused podcast covers are what keep listeners downloading episodes. Each week, host Patrick Farnsworth is joined by a guest to discuss everything from events to brands to personalities shaping the cycling community. Recent guests include Payson McElveen, Chris Burkhardt, and Lael Wilcox. Episodes of Bikes or Death are typically pretty long—ranging from an hour and a half to two hours—making it an awesome companion not only on long car rides, but also when grinding out miles on the bike.

8. The Gravel Ride

Gravel biking is so hot right now and The Gravel Ride is the place to stay up to date with the people, places, and products that define the sport. You never know what The Gravel Ride will serve up—one week it’s a tech-focused episode on the engineering of wheels and the next is an exploration of randonee racing. While The Gravel Ride can’t help make you a better rider, it can make you a more informed rider and ensure you always have something bike-related and interesting to bring up on your next group ride.

9. America’s National Parks Podcast

For information on passes, news from the backcountry, and safety protocol updates, there’s no better source to turn to than America’s National Parks Podcast. Go behind the scenes to explore the events, people, and nature that have shaped our beloved National Parks system (all 90 million acres of it!), from the summit of Mount Denali to Death Valley’s Badwater Basin.

For those currently (or thinking about) taking a National Parks tour, this podcast is a must-listen between visits

.

10. Sounds Like A Search And Rescue Podcast

Of course, we have to include a local podcast, especially one that once hosted goEast’s editors. The Sounds Like A Search And Rescue Podcast—also known as SLASR—is a great resource for those interested in all things related to the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Hosts Mike and Stomp cover a variety of topics including recent search and rescue missions, events, history, tips, and spots to visit. Mike and Stomp are joined by a guest every week, which drives the conversation—keeping topics fresh and listeners tuned in.

What’s Your Favorite Outdoor Podcast?

Do you have a favorite outdoor-focused podcast? If, so we want to hear about it in the comments below!