Bradley Grear

Brad caught the backpacking bug while living in Charleston, SC, after a spontaneous weekend trip to Asheville, NC in 2014. That trip included several scenic day hikes, including a visit to the Roan Mountain area where he explored a section of the Appalachian Trail. Seeing how many people were hiking the trail and camping along the way sparked his curiosity—how did they do it, and what did it take?

Not long after, Brad began researching gear and making his first purchases. His inaugural solo backpacking trip took place in the Cataloochee Valley of the Great Smoky Mountains. He had planned a two-night loop but quickly learned just how unforgiving the trail can be. His pack was far too heavy, and after an exhausting first day, he had to stop short of his intended campsite. The next morning, sore and underprepared, Brad made the tough call to turn back rather than push through unfinished miles.

Instead of being discouraged, the experience ignited a competitive spark in him. Brad dove deep into learning what went wrong—studying gear, dialing in his loadout, and planning to tackle the same loop again. On his second attempt, everything clicked, and from there, the miles started adding up.

For years, Brad explored the trails of North Carolina and Tennessee, enjoying trips ranging from quick two-night getaways to five-day adventures. Some of his favorite areas include the lush, waterfall-filled Panthertown Valley and the stunning Bald Mountains stretch of the Appalachian Trail.

Over time, Brad’s love for backpacking evolved into a nationwide pursuit—with his sights now set on global adventures. As an engineer by trade, he views backpacking gear through a technical, functional lens, always looking for ways to refine, improve, and embrace new innovations in the outdoor industry.

Lately, Brad has been working on integrating photography into his trail experience. His goal is to carry a camera setup that includes his Canon EOS R10, two lenses, and a compact tripod—all without compromising pack weight. What started as a curiosity about gear has turned into a mission to trim ounces and move toward an “ultralight” base weight—something he once thought he’d never care about. But as the years (and the miles) add up, going lighter has become not just practical but essential.

On the Busted Knees and Pretty Trees podcast, Brad brings an inquisitive, passionate perspective to the world of outdoor adventure. Whether he’s talking gear, conservation, natural history, or trail mishaps, his goal is to help more people connect with nature and explore the beautiful public lands we’re lucky to have access to.