Backpacker Radio

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

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

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

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

Segments

Trail Goss #6: Is the Triple Crown Overrated?

Trek Propaganda: What 800 Miles of Fart-Flavored CDT Cow Troughs Taught Me About Water Filtration by Katie Jackson

QOTD: Do you like pumpkin spice?

Sun Hoodie Review: Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake

Triple Crown of the weirdest wedding traditions

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, 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 Topo Athletic, we are joined by Lloyd Vogel, CEO and co-founder of Garage Grown Gear, the online retailer feeding your obsessions with ultralight and cottage gear.

In this one, Lloyd walks us through building the business from his basement when his mom was helping keep sales alive, he opens up about the values misalignment that led Garage Grown Gear to stop carrying Enlightened Equipment, and Lloyd makes the case for assless rain chaps as a piece of gear that deserves more love.

We also cover how he's made himself nearly unreachable while remaining very much available on LinkedIn- and why he ditched his smartphone for a dumb phone, the surprising little gadget that outsells every individual product on the site by revenue, and he unveils his prediction for the next big innovation in UL gear.

We wrap the show with Trek Propaganda on what 800 miles of fart-flavored CDT cow troughs taught Katie about water filtration, a Question of the Day on whether pumpkin spice deserves the hype, a sun hoodie review of the Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake, and a Triple Crown of the weirdest wedding traditions.

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

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

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

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

[divider]

Interview with Lloyd Vogel

• Garage Grown Gear
• Lloyd's Instagram
• Lloyd's LinkedIn

Time stamps & Questions

00:05:55 - Reminders: Join us LIVE in Denver with Andrew Skurka, apply to vlog or blog for the Trek, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!

00:09:00 - Introducing Lloyd

00:11:00 - What isn't appealing about a thru-hike?

00:13:35 - Why have you sworn off technology aside from LinkedIn?

00:20:00 - Discussion about connecting with thru-hikers without having thru-hiked

00:22:30 - Have there been negative consequences from your technology system?

00:25:00 - How does a product make it onto GGG?

00:29:25 - What is Garage Grown Gear and how did it get started?

00:33:20 - Did you merge with or acquire GGG?

00:36:05 - How did Garage Grown Gear operate the business model better?

00:37:30 - Which brands had immediate buy-in?

00:40:35 - How did you know to stick with the project versus jumping ship?

00:46:10 - Was there ever a point when your partner ever worried about your entrepreneurship?

00:49:20 - How did you set up the agreement with Enlightened Equipment?

00:53:10 - Do the businesses you work with ever ask you for business advice?

00:58:50 - What have been some of the biggest product successes?

01:02:20 - How do you pick which products to feature?

01:04:10 - Have you ever parted ways with a brand because their morals didn't align with yours?

01:09:14 - What does GGG do to amplify their mission of promoting the outdoors?

01:11:10 - What was it like to realize you could give away profits to causes you support?

01:12:56 - What are some of your most popular products right now?

01:20:25 - At what point did you realize the difference between gear enthusiasts and backpackers?

01:23:38 - What has GGG's role been in the rise of ultralight?

01:27:00 - What item do you think should be selling more?

01:28:30 - Why is it better for a consumer to order from GGG compared to directly from the brand?

01:34:25 - Have you considered private labeling anything?

01:36:00 - Do you do product exclusives on GGG?

01:38:15 - What is the most pervasive misconception about GGG?

01:43:30 - What gear do you see exploding in the next few years?

01:47:10 - When did you switch from the freebie being the lemon packet versus the toothbrush?

01:49:20 - Tell us about being a board member for the Superior Hiking Trail

01:51:30 - Where do you want GGG to be in five years?

01:53:15 - Peak Performance Question: What's your top performance enhancing or outdoors hack?

Segments

Trek Propaganda: What 800 Miles of Fart-Flavored CDT Cow Troughs Taught Me About Water Filtration by Katie Jackson

QOTD: Do you like pumpkin spice?

Sun Hoodie Review: Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake

Triple Crown of the weirdest wedding traditions

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, 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.

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

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

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

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

Segments

Trail Goss #5

Trek Propaganda

• Do You Actually Like Thru Hiking, or Do You Just Like the Party Scene? By Peg Leg

• A Typical PCT Thru-Hike Cost $10,000 in 2025. Here's How We Did It for Just $6,000 Each by Anna McKinney Smith

QOTD: Do you know what a triple deucer is?

Triple Crown of employees you are the most annoyed to interact with

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, 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 Topo Athletic, we are joined by Eliza "Swerve" Sweeney, a textile design graduate who's taking on the CDT with an almost entirely homemade kit, including her backpack, tent, quilt, and even her underwear.

In this one, Eliza walks us through skipping her final physics exam to squeeze the PCT into her summer break, turning her senior design project into the gear she's now trusting to get her across the country, and learning to let herself take a damn zero after spending an entire thru-hike racing to get back to school.

We also cover the joys of stuffing a puffy jacket inside a tent at four in the morning while down feathers get in your hair and mouth, her innovative hiking pants design meant to remove friction at the hips, and her hiker bro quiz, which reveals that Sauce is twice the bro I am.

We wrap the show with Trek Propaganda on whether you actually like thru-hiking or just the party scene, how one couple hiked the PCT for roughly $12k (which is shocking- a budget thru-hike), a Question of the Day touching on the elusive triple deucer, and a Triple Crown of employees you're most annoyed to interact with.

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

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

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

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

[divider]

Interview with Eliza "Swerve" Sweeney

• Eliza's Instagram

Time stamps & Questions

00:05:30 - Reminders: Take the 2026 AT Thru-Hiker Survey, apply to vlog or blog for the Trek, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!

00:08:55 - Introducing Eliza

00:13:20 - What's your trail name origin story?

00:14:20 - Did hiking the AT inspire your degree?

00:19:20 - Discussion about hiking the PCT in 100 days

00:23:00 - How has your CDT daily mileage compared to your earlier thru-hikes?

00:25:20 - Are you working in college to fund your thru-hikes?

00:28:00 - Discussion about fabrics

00:33:30 - What machinery did you use to create your pieces?

00:37:45 - What does the design process look like?

00:39:25 - Tell us about how you made your hiking underwear

00:42:00 - Were you nervous to start the trail with untested gear?

00:43:12 - How long did it take to make everything?

00:47:40 - Which gear item was the most time consuming and why?

00:51:00 - Discussion about quilt design and creation

00:53:15 - What was the biggest surprise pain in the ass?

00:56:45 - What fabric did you use for your tent?

00:59:30 - What are your career goals?

01:01:25 - How fast could you do the shorts if you made it more efficient?

01:02:20 - Tell us about making the fanny pack

01:04:50 - Tell us about making the down jacket

01:11:50 - Have you thought about what your dream job would be?

01:13:12 - How did you choose the fabric for your rain jacket?

01:15:30 - Discussion about shirt and pant fabrics

01:21:00 - Tell us about your overall baseweight

01:26:00 - What's your favorite luxury item?

01:29:27 - What is your hiker bro quiz?

01:46:49 - Peak Performance Question: What's your top performance enhancing or backpacking hack?

Segments

Trek Propaganda

• Do You Actually Like Thru Hiking, or Do You Just Like the Party Scene? By Peg Leg
• A Typical PCT Thru-Hike Cost $10,000 in 2025. Here's How We Did It for Just $6,000 Each by Anna McKinney Smith

QOTD: Do you know what a triple deucer is?

Triple Crown of employees you are the most annoyed to interact with

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, 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.

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.

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

Segments

Trail Goss Episode 4: Influencer Fined for Petting Mount Rainier Marmot

Trek Propaganda: Dale "Grey Beard" Sanders, 91, Becomes Oldest Person to Thru-Hike the Appalachian Trail by Katie Jackson

QOTD: How long do you think you could evade the feds on trail after committing a white collar felony?

Trail Work Thing of the Week: Colorado Fourteeners Initiative

Triple Crown of minor discomforts that are actually major problems

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, 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 Topo Athletic, we are joined by our longtime pal Austin McDaniel, aka P.I., a Triple Crowner, Ultralight masochist, and full-time tennis instructor.

In this one, we dive into Austin hiking the Ouachita Trail in ten days while recovering from COVID, navigating the Ozark Highlands Trail through freezing January temps, and surviving record-breaking 18-degree winter freezes on the Florida Trail.

We also cover his pitch for the "Arkansas Triple Crown" consisting of the Eagle Rock Loop, Buffalo River Trail, and Sylamore Trail, his gear hack of wearing a heavy fleece sleeping bag liner as a mid-layer hiking dress, and why he carried a plastic toy golf set and a toilet plunger along the AT.

We wrap the show with 91-year-old "Gray Beard" Sanders reclaiming his record as the oldest person to thru-hike the AT, a Question of the Day on how long we could evade the FBI on trail after committing a white-collar felony, a Triple Crown of minor discomforts that are actually major problems, and an all-time mailbag recounting what its author calls "Neptune's wrath" inside a Food Lion restroom.

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.

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

[divider]

Interview with Austen McDaniel aka P.I.

• Austen's Instagram
• Austen's Youtube
• Triple Crowning in Three Years, Ultralight Tips, and Cold Soaking with Austen McDaniel (BPR #297)

Time stamps & Questions

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

00:09:35 - Introducing Austen

00:11:05 - Remind us of your trail name origin story

00:13:30 - How has your gear changed between trails?

00:15:00 - How much of your baseweight is from ultralight gear versus just not bringing things?

00:20:00 - What has been your coolest ultralight gear find?

00:22:54 - What's your midlayer?

00:26:20 - What's the coldest you've been on trail?

00:34:00 - How did the Christmas Eve hike alter your gear?

00:35:06 - How did you manage heat starting the trail later than usual?

00:36:50 - Tell us about the Arkansas Triple Crown

00:46:00 - Would you recommend someone do your Arkansas Triple Crown or pick one of Arkansas's longer trails?

00:47:30 - Tell us about your experience on the Ouachita Trail

00:49:40 - Give us the fast facts of the Ouachita Trail

00:54:15 - Do you get good views?

00:56:30 - Did you see wildlife?

01:00:05 - Is there a trail association?

01:01:25 - Why did you take a year off hiking?

01:04:10 - How fast is your tennis serve?

01:08:20 - Discussion about the best tennis players

01:14:10 - What makes a kid a great tennis player?

01:16:00 - What was the gap between the Ouachita Trail and the Ozark Highlands Trail?

01:20:00 - Discussion about terrain on the Ozark Highlands Trail

01:24:40 - Which of the two trails would you recommend to others?

01:28:20 - How did you decide to hike the Florida Trail?

01:32:00 - How did the Florida Trail compare to your expectations?

01:34:10 - What wildlife did you see on the Florida Trail?

01:40:00 - Yes or No: Would you recommend the Florida Trail to the average thru-hiker?

01:43:00 - Discussion about swimming and swim races

01:49:30 - Tell us your new gear hacks

01:53:50 - What's your big five for gear?

02:01:45 - Tell us about finding your old AT gear box

02:05:50 - What are your upcoming hiking plans?

02:10:00 - Discussion about cold weather on the Florida Trail

02:11:50 - Stay Salty Question: What's your hottest take in the world of backpacking or the outdoors?

Segments

Trek Propaganda: Dale "Grey Beard" Sanders, 91, Becomes Oldest Person to Thru-Hike the Appalachian Trail by Katie Jackson

QOTD: How long do you think you could evade the feds on trail after committing a white collar felony?

Trail Work Thing of the Week

Triple Crown of minor discomforts that are actually major problems

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, 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.

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.

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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.