Backpacker Radio

Segments

Trail News: Hiker Found Dead on Katahdin Was Reportedly an AT Thru-Hiker by Katie Jackson

Trek Propaganda: Ultralight Is Taking Over Thru-Hiking … Or Is It? by Kelly

QOTD: What's one hobby you wish you were good at and have actively tried but you continue to be bad?

Question Thing of the Week

Triple Crown of 'Back in my day's' - things that existed in your youth that no longer do

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Sign up for the Trek's newsletter

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Bob Peoples Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Go Bills, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Bret Mullins aka TakeOff, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, JaredNotFromSubway, Jason Kiser, Jason "I Miss Chaunce" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Nathan, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, Brad & Blair from Thirteen Adventures, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ack, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jacob Cheely, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lucas Hamilton, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, Salt Stain, and Tyler Powers.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by Livvy "Stumbles" Weld, a Triple Crown thru-hiker, Trek Writer, and budding ultrarunner.

In this one, Livvy breaks down how a tub of frosting earned her the trail name "Sugar Mitts," how her own thru-hikes accidentally talked her dad into becoming a thru-hiker himself, and how a kitten she found under a car turned into her cat back home.

Livvy goes deep on how she was able to thru-hike the AT on less than $2,000 (nearly 75% less than the average AT thru-hike), her take as a former AMC hut crew member on the tension between thru-hikers and hut staff over limited work-for-stay spots, and the safety tricks she uses as a solo female hiker.

We wrap the show with a comparison between the perception and reality of ultralight backpacking taking over thru-hiking, what hobbies we are bad at, despite our best efforts, and the triple crown of back in my days.

LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "BPR10" for 10% off shelters at gossamergear.com.

Darn Tough: Use code "BACKPACKER" for free shipping from darntough.com.

57 Hours: Use code "TREK100" for $100 off your booking at 57hours.com.

[divider]

Interview with Livvy "Stumbles" Weld

• Livvy's Instagram
• Livvy's Trek Author page

Time stamps & Questions

00:06:04 - Reminders: Submit your hike finish photos, subscribe to The Trek's Youtube, and listen to our bonus content and episodes ad-free on Patreon!

00:08:30 - Introducing Stumbles

00:14:12 - Tell us your trail name saga

00:22:30 - Did using your regular name change how you felt about trail names in general?

00:25:00 - Discussion about the tension between AMC hut crew and thru-hikers

00:28:20 - What's the solution for thru-hikers in the Whites?

00:32:36 - Can people bribe their way into the huts?

00:35:28 - Discussion about getting into thru-hiking

00:37:38 - Did you do a gear shakedown at Mountain Crossings?

00:41:00 - Do you carry any luxury items?

00:43:00 - Walk us through your current big five gear list

00:45:40 - Discussion about sleeping pads

00:48:10 - Discussion about not using a pillow

00:49:46 - Discussion about shelter choice

00:51:31 - What's your response to ultralight skeptics?

00:52:40 - What quilt do you carry?

00:53:40 - Discussion about trail running shoes

00:55:25 - How long did each AT thru-hike take?

01:00:00 - Discussion about music and thru-hiking memories

01:03:30 - What headlamp did you use for night hiking?

01:04:25 - Were there big differences between your two AT hikes?

01:07:40 - Was it lonely hiking solo?

01:11:45 - How has solo hiking carried over into your post-trail life?

01:13:15 - Tell us about backyard ultras

01:17:29 - How was your 100-miler race?

01:22:06 - Tell us about your FKT attempt on the New England Trail

01:25:01 - Discussion about river crossings on the FKT route

01:26:01 - Discussion about thru-hiking the AT on $2,000

01:30:49 - Discussion about hiker boxes and scrounging for food

01:34:34 - Discussion about the worst hiker box food find

01:37:28 - Tell us the story of how you met your cat

01:41:25 - Tell us about your dad as a thru-hiker

01:44:14 - Do you have aspirations to do a hike with your dad?

01:45:21 - Stay Salty Question: What's your hottest take in the world of backpacking?

01:51:05 - Discussion about permethrin safety

01:54:30 - What strange things has thru-hiking done to your body?

01:57:40 - What snow was worse, PCT or CDT?

02:06:10 - Fuck, marry, kill: AT, PCT, CDT

02:10:40 - Would you rather double Triple Crown or hike the AT again?

02:11:08 - What's next for you?

Segments

Trek Propaganda: Ultralight Is Taking Over Thru-Hiking … Or Is It? by Kelly

QOTD: What's one hobby you wish you were good at and have actively tried but you continue to be bad?

Question Thing of the Week

Triple Crown of 'Back in my day's' - things that existed in your youth that no longer do

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Sign up for the Trek's newsletter

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Bob Peoples Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Go Bills, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Bret Mullins aka TakeOff, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, JaredNotFromSubway, Jason Kiser, Jason "I Miss Chaunce" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Nathan, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, Brad & Blair from Thirteen Adventures, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ack, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jacob Cheely, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lucas Hamilton, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, Salt Stain, and Tyler Powers.

OnX Backcountry: Use code "TREK70" for 70% off at onxmaps.com.

Topo Athletic: Use code "Trek15Hike" for 15% off at topoathletic.com.

Segments

Trail Goss Episode 1

Trek Propaganda: From a Homemade Tent to Custom Shorts, She Made All Her Own Gear for the CDT

QOTD: What gear maintenance task do you take the most seriously / do the most consistently?

Triple Crown of people you absolutely do not want in the van for a road trip

Listener Voicemail

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Sign up for the Trek's newsletter

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Bob Peoples Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Go Bills, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Bret Mullins aka TakeOff, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, JaredNotFromSubway, Jason Kiser, Jason "I Miss Chaunce" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Nathan, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, Thirteen Adventures, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ack, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jacob Cheely, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lucas Hamilton, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, Salt Stain, and Tyler Powers.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by onX Backcountry and Topo Athletic, myself along with, Katie, and Jabba break down our recent hike of the Loowit Trail, a 31-mile loop circumnavigating Washington's active Mount St. Helens volcano.

In this one, we dive into the chaotic road-trip logistics that involved our rental van nearly melting down on on the way to the trailhead, navigating technical rope-assisted gullies and sharp lava boulder fields, trekking through the tree-barren northern blast zone, and a golden-hour summit at Windy Pass, and the nightmare of pitching our tents in 50-mph winds- some of us- without tent stakes.

We wrap the a CDT thru-hiker who is making damn near all of her own gear, we detail our most consistent gear maintenance routines, a Triple Crown of the worst people to share a road-trip van with, and a listener calls me out for speaking poorly of cold soaking- much respect to all the slop munchers out there.

OnX Backcountry: Use code "TREK70" for 70% off at onxmaps.com

Topo Athletic: Use code "Trek15Hike" for 15% off at topoathletic.com.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "BPR10" for 10% off shelters at gossamergear.com.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear: Use code "BPRADIO15" for 15% off at hyperlitemountaingear.com.

57 Hours: Use code "TREK100" for $100 off your booking at 57hours.com.

[divider]

Interview with Jabba and Katie

• Katie's Instagram
• Jabba's Instagram

Time stamps & Questions

00:05:20 - Reminders: Apply to vlog or blog for the Trek, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!

00:10:14 - Introducing the Loowit Trail

00:15:10 - Basic aspects of the Loowit Trail

00:18:13 - What permits and fees are needed for the trail?

00:20:40 - Discussion about clockwise direction and camping restrictions on the north side

00:22:38 - Tell us about Mount St. Helens' eruption history and volcanic activity

00:26:17 - What was the terrain actually like to hike?

00:28:53 - Discussion about the best season to hike the Loowit Trail

00:31:50 - What were the scenery highlights of the trail?

00:37:34 - How does this trail compare to other volcano circumnavigations?

00:44:26 - Discussion about water sources

00:53:20 - Discussion about clockwise vs. counterclockwise direction

00:55:56 - What gear do you need for this trail?

01:01:18 - Discussion about the trail's wildlife

01:04:18 - Discussion about playing odds are on the trail

01:10:15 - Tell us about the road trip debacle

01:20:05 - Tell us about Day 1 of hiking

01:27:20 - Discussion about whether the volcano was actively erupting

01:29:31 - Tell us about the blast zone and the climb up Windy Pass

01:32:40 - Tell us about pitching tents in 50 mph winds at Windy Pass

01:46:18 - Tell us about Day 2 of the hike

01:49:15 - Tell us about the final climb and post-hike recovery at the Airbnb

01:52:00 - What rating would you give the Loowit Trail?

01:53:35 - Peak Performance Question: What is your top performance enhancing or backpacking hack?

Segments

Trek Propaganda: From a Homemade Tent to Custom Shorts, She Made All Her Own Gear for the CDT

QOTD: What gear maintenance task do you take the most seriously / do the most consistently?

Triple Crown of people you absolutely do not want in the van for a road trip

Listener Voicemail

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Sign up for the Trek's newsletter

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Bob Peoples Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Go Bills, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Bret Mullins aka TakeOff, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, JaredNotFromSubway, Jason Kiser, Jason "I Miss Chaunce" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Nathan, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, Thirteen Adventures, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ack, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jacob Cheely, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lucas Hamilton, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, Salt Stain, and Tyler Powers.

OnX Backcountry: Use code "TREK70" for 70% off at onxmaps.com

LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.

Segments

Trail Goss Episode 3

Trek Propaganda:

• I Hiked 27.5 Miles Every Day for a Year: Here's Everything I Did To Thru-Hike Faster by Peg Leg

• Day 154 – This is Where I Leave You by Brock "Dubs" Miller

• Apply to be a Trek social media intern

QOTD: What is the worst thing you've ever smelled?

Triple Crown of the most annoyed professions

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Sign up for the Trek's newsletter

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Bob Peoples Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Go Bills, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Bret Mullins aka TakeOff, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, JaredNotFromSubway, Jason Kiser, Jason "I Miss Chaunce" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Nathan, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, Thirteen Adventures, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ack, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jacob Cheely, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lucas Hamilton, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, Salt Stain, and Tyler Powers.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by onX Backcountry and LMNT, we are joined by Michael "Broadway" Grant, a world traveler who has visited 56 countries, cycled across America, and is currently daily-vlogging his way through the PCT.

In this one, Broadway dives into getting bitten in the face by a six-pound chihuahua while hitching a ride to PCT Trail Days, his terrifying pitch-black 11:00 PM alpine start up Mount Whitney's snow chutes, and his infamous "Day 50" meltdown in the Sierra, where he melted a carbon trekking pole, burned holes through his sleeping bag, found two more in his tent, and sobbed on camera.

We also cover his epic Yosemite side quest featuring last-minute Half Dome permits and hot-tubbing with a park employee, how losing his mother to brain cancer shaped his reasons for being out here, and his hot takes on why catholes beat toilets and why ultralight gear isn't a requirement for thriving on trail.

We wrap the show with Pegleg's tips for covering bigger miles and a shout-out to Trek blogger Brock "Dubs" Miller finishing on Katahdin, a Question of the Day on the absolute worst things we've ever smelled, a Triple Crown of the most annoyed professions in existence, and we give news on a new job opening at The Trek.

OnX Backcountry: Use code "TREK70" for 70% off at onxmaps.com

LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "BPR10" for 10% off shelters at gossamergear.com.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear: Use code "BPRADIO15" for 15% off at hyperlitemountaingear.com

57 Hours: Use code "TREK100" for $100 off your booking at 57hours.com

[divider]

Interview with Michael "Broadway" Grant

• Michael's Instagram
• Michael's Trek Author page

Time stamps & Questions

00:06:55 - Reminders: Apply to vlog or blog for the Trek, take the 2026 AT Thru-Hiker survey, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!

00:13:04 - Introducing Broadway

00:16:45 - How has working through your thru-hike impacted the experience?

00:17:54 - Tell us about getting bitten in the face by a chihuahua

00:22:14 - Tell us about quitting your job to travel the world for 13 months

00:25:58 - Discussion about the Camino de Santiago and West Highland Way

00:30:13 - How did you get into long distance cycling across America?

00:32:10 - Fuck, marry, kill: thru-hiking, cycling, and adventure travel

00:34:59 - Tell us about the start of your PCT thru-hike

00:38:48 - What's it been like growing your following on Instagram?

00:43:46 - Discussion about Gen Z lingo and gay lingo

00:48:45 - What has it been like being a gay man on the PCT?

00:51:21 - Tell us about your epic Yosemite side quest

00:55:19 - Discussion about masculinity and thru-hiking culture

00:57:47 - How has the PCT given you more time to reflect than other adventures?

01:02:47 - When did grief turn into motivation?

01:06:53 - Discussion about Cheryl Strayed's Wild as inspiration

01:10:01 - Tell us about your terrifying Mount Whitney sunrise side quest

01:14:00 - Tell us about gear you've been loving

01:21:08 - Tell us about your infamous day 50 meltdown in the Sierra

01:28:38 - Discussion about sun hoodies

01:30:00 - Tell us your poop story

01:32:47 - What's been the best 3 day stretch of trail for you?

01:36:19 - Have you met other gay hikers on trail?

01:41:00 - What advice would you offer someone who wants to follow in your footsteps?

01:43:00 - Stay Salty Question: What's your hottest take in the world of backpacking?

Segments

Trek Propaganda:

• I Hiked 27.5 Miles Every Day for a Year: Here's Everything I Did To Thru-Hike Faster by Peg Leg
• Day 154 – This is Where I Leave You by Brock "Dubs" Miller
• Apply to be a Trek social media intern

QOTD: What is the worst thing you've ever smelled?

Triple Crown of the most annoyed professions

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Sign up for the Trek's newsletter

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Bob Peoples Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Go Bills, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Bret Mullins aka TakeOff, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, JaredNotFromSubway, Jason Kiser, Jason "I Miss Chaunce" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Nathan, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, Thirteen Adventures, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ack, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jacob Cheely, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lucas Hamilton, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, Salt Stain, and Tyler Powers.

OnX Backcountry: Use code "TREK70" for 70% off at onxmaps.com

Hyperlite Mountain Gear: Use code "BPRADIO15" for 15% of hyperlitemountaingear.com

Segments

Trail Goss: Nick Fowler's PCT FKT

Trek Propaganda: Fastest PCT Hike in History: Nick Fowler's 45-Day Thru-Hike Sets New Overall FKT by Katie Jackson

QOTD: Predict one aspect of the Zeitgeist in 2040

Fantasy Football Thing of the Week

Triple Crown of emojis

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Sign up for the Trek's newsletter

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Bob Peoples Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, JaredNotFromSubway, Jason Kiser, Jason "I Miss Chaunce" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Thirteen Adventures, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ack, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lucas Hamilton, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by OnX Backcountry and Topo Athletic, we are joined yet again by our pal Whitney LaRuffa, known on trail as AllGood. AllGood has hiked thousands of miles with his K-9 companions over the years, including his first thru-hike of the AT way back in 1996. AllGood is one of the most entrenched figures in the world of hiker trash, with several thru-hikes under his belt, serving as former president of ALDHA-West, and having worked for several prominent brands in the industry, he eats, breathes, sleeps, and poos all things thru-hiking.

In this one, AllGood gives his take on Durston Gear's rapid rise, Big Agnes's early misstep pairing Dyneema tents with heavy buckles, and the challenge he foresees with Osprey's sewn in hip belt on their new UL pack, he breaks down the cost tradeoffs between Alula, DCF, and Robic pack fabrics, and he tells the story of how the Ultralight subreddit's roughly half million members helped sink a quilt brand's business, and why even a three person company needs a PR plan for when things go sideways online.

We also cover his philosophy that rain gear on trail is about staying warm rather than staying dry, why he still hasn't finished his Triple Crown despite years spent handing out certificates as ALDHA-West president, his love affair with Jolly, how he balances long-distance hiking with marriage and aging by leaning into shorter trips as his priorities shift, and his personal bucket list of trails.

We wrap the show with some big PCT FKT news, Katie devours a Big Mac as fast as she can in the name of improving her fantasy football draft slot, the triple crown of emojis, and we opine on what we think the zeitgeist will look like in the year 2040- flush with intentional grammar mishaps and shaming the shamers.

OnX Backcountry: Use code "TREK70" for 70% off at onxmaps.com

Topo Athletic: Use code "TREK15TOPO" at topoathletic.com.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear: Use code "BPRADIO15" for 15% of hyperlitemountaingear.com

57 Hours: Use code "TREK100" for $100 off your booking at 57hours.com

Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKERRADIO" for $20 off LT5 Trekking Poles at gossamergear.com.

[divider]

Interview with Whitney La Ruffa aka Allgood

• Allgood's Instagram
• Allgood's Blog

Time stamps & Questions

00:06:00 - Reminders: Use code "donttrustafart" for 15% off hats at the Trek's store, sign up for the Trek's newsletter, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon And 2026 AT thru-hikers: take the 2026 AT Hiker Survey here!!

00:10:50 - Introducing Allgood

00:12:30 - What's something you feel passionate about in the outdoor industry right now?

00:15:40 - Is it a net positive for the ultralight trend to become more mainstream?

00:19:40 - What's been your go-to pack recently?

00:21:12 - What are your thoughts on Durston Gear?

00:25:20 - Have you tested the Mountainsmith Zerk?

00:26:20 - What is your take on Alula?

00:31:25 - Discussion about rain gear

00:34:35 - Discussion about natural fibers vs plastic

00:38:00 - Is there a stinkiest fish?

00:38:50 - What's the product you've pushed for the most since joining Gossamer Gear?

00:43:05 - Is Alula more or less expensive than DCF?

00:46:00 - Discussion about gear longevity

00:49:15 - What's your take on the ultralight subreddit?

00:59:11 - Why haven't you hiked the PCT?

01:04:00 - Describe ALDHA-West and your role

01:06:30 - Discussion about the feeling of completing the Triple Crown

01:11:50 - Discussion about shorter vs longer trails

01:13:34 - How do you balance your hiking and your marriage?

01:19:15 - What trails and routes are currently at the top of your bucket list?

01:26:00 - Discussion about She-ra and the impact of wildfire smoke

01:35:27 - Peak Performance Question: What is your top performance enhancing or backpacking hack?

Segments

Trek Propaganda: Fastest PCT Hike in History: Nick Fowler's 45-Day Thru-Hike Sets New Overall FKT by Katie Jackson

QOTD: Predict one aspect of the Zeitgeist in 2040

Fantasy Football Thing of the Week

Triple Crown of emojis

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Sign up for the Trek's newsletter

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Bob Peoples Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, JaredNotFromSubway, Jason Kiser, Jason "I Miss Chaunce" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Thirteen Adventures, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ack, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lucas Hamilton, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear: Use code "BPRADIO15" for 15% of hyperlitemountaingear.com

OnX Backcountry: Use code "TREK70" for 70% off at onxmaps.com

Segments

OR Echo Hoodie Review

Trek Propaganda

• 10 Women-Owned Ultralight Gear Brands We Love by Katie Jackson

• This Fitness App Lets You Bet Cash on Your Own Steps. Are We All About To Be Rich? by Kelly Floro

Katie's Engagement Story

QOTD: What's your go to wedding dance move?

Dilemma Thing of the Week

Triple Crown of conditions you'd opt out of backpacking due to

Listener Voicemail (and leave us your own!)

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Sign up for the Trek's newsletter

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Bob Peoples Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, JaredNotFromSubway, Jason Kiser, Jason "I Miss Chaunce" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Thirteen Adventures, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ack, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lucas Hamilton, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by onX Backcountry and LMNT, we are joined by Bee Corrado, a backpacker, public school Spanish teacher, and outdoor content creator currently pushing her way through the Pacific Crest Trail.

In this one, we dive into how Bee almost adopted the trail name "crack sniffer", a bloody Sierra water crossing that almost earned her another trail name "sporin", and her midnight hike over Forester Pass in total darkness and snow.

Bee also shares why every thru-hiker should ditch their tramily for a period of time, her definitive trail cinnamon roll rankings, and why she's embracing her feral side and embracing her body hair.

We wrap the show with a rundown of the remainder of the PNW road trip, including an epic Seattle Hiker Meetup, Katie's breakdown of 10 women-owned ultralight gear brands, our go-to open bar wedding dance moves featuring Katie's on-camera worm, a Triple Crown of conditions that will force us to cancel a backpacking trip, a 10-year anniversary update from a former Badger-sponsored hiker, and a listener calls me out for shaming cold-soakers at the Seattle meetup.

OnX Backcountry: Use code "TREK70" for 70% off at onxmaps.com

LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKERRADIO" for $20 off LT5 Trekking Poles at gossamergear.com.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear: Use code "BPRADIO15" for 15% of hyperlitemountaingear.com

[divider]

Interview with Bee Corado

• Bee's Website
• Bee's Instagram
• Bee's Youtube

Time stamps & Questions

00:06:50 - Road Trip Recap

00:14:20 - Reminders: Listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!

00:15:50 - Introducing Bee

00:20:26 - What is your hygiene routine on the trail?

00:26:01 - What is your entryway into the outdoors?

00:29:03 - How did you learn about thru-hiking?

00:32:17 - Did the JMT permit come through for you?

00:33:35 - Why didn't you believe the PCT would become a reality?

00:38:06 - How do you find time for blogging, YouTube, and social media while hiking?

00:42:38 - Fuck, marry, kill: blogging, YouTube, short-form video?

00:46:05 - Tell us about your intentions to write a book

00:50:47 - Do you foresee thru-hiking remaining a part of your future?

00:56:42 - Tell us about the Rae Lakes Loop

01:03:20 - Did the Tahoe Rim Trail build your confidence that the PCT was attainable?

01:05:32 - Walk us through the PCT permit process

01:09:09 - What was the snow situation like when you entered the Sierra?

01:15:29 - Tell us about the midnight hike over Forester Pass in total darkness

01:21:29 - Discussion about getting stuck in Bishop with your Sierra tramily

01:24:03 - What are the best cinnamon rolls on the PCT?

01:31:13 - What sort of taste did the Sierra leave in your mouth?

01:32:53 - Tell us about the water crossings in the Sierra

01:34:44 - Discussion about your competitive gymnast background

01:37:30 - How else have you changed how you feel about your body?

01:38:45 - Discussion about the NorCal blues and burn sections

01:40:25 - How are you handling the Washington trail closures?

01:47:29 - What advice would you give to someone on the fence about thru-hiking?

01:50:03 - Stay Salty Question: What is your hottest take in the world of backpacking?

01:53:41 - Tell us about your hellacious morning (the slug and sprinkler incident)

Segments

Trek Propaganda

• 10 Women-Owned Ultralight Gear Brands We Love by Katie Jackson
• This Fitness App Lets You Bet Cash on Your Own Steps. Are We All About To Be Rich? by Kelly Floro

Katie's Engagement Story

QOTD: What's your go to wedding dance move?

Dilemma Thing of the Week

Triple Crown of conditions you'd opt out of backpacking due to

Listener Voicemail

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Sign up for the Trek's newsletter

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Bob Peoples Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, JaredNotFromSubway, Jason Kiser, Jason "I Miss Chaunce" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Thirteen Adventures, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ack, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lucas Hamilton, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.