Are those random stairs in the forest actually haunted or just leftovers from long-forgotten buildings?

This week on Gear Abby, we dig into the eerie legend of “stairs in the woods,” exploring where the spooky stories came from and why your brain reacts so strongly when you see them on trail.

Next, one ski-trip debate gets settled once and for all: does alcohol really hit harder at altitude? Shawnté breaks down the science behind blood alcohol levels, dehydration, and why mountain drinking can feel rougher than expected.

Finally, a first-time backpacker worries that deodorant, sunscreen, and moisturizer might attract bears. Gear Abby explains what really draws bears in and why you can probably keep your face lotion without becoming bear bait.

Got a question (or a spooky trail story) for Gear Abby?

Send it to [email protected]... because there are no dumb questions, just smart advice.

Gear Abby is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

What’s the deadliest national park in the United States?

This week on Gear Abby, we kick things off with a dark-but-fascinating question about where people are most at risk in our national parks and why the answer might surprise you.

Next, a listener needs help convincing her stubborn boyfriend to use trekking poles on a Grand Canyon hike even though his knees suggest he absolutely should.

Finally, Shawnté's favorite segment, What's In My Pack?! returns! Shawnté makes the case for one of the weirdest but most versatile pieces of gear around: the rain skirt.

Got a question for Gear Abby?

Send it to [email protected]—because there are no dumb questions, just smart advice.

Gear Abby is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

What do you do when your favorite adventure buddy suddenly turns every outing into a full-on GoPro production? This week, Gear Abby helps a listener figure out how to set boundaries when social media starts getting in the way of real-life fun.

Next, we tackle a question many people are too embarrassed to ask: how do you handle your period on a backpacking trip? Shawnté breaks down practical tips, myth-busting (no, bears aren’t hunting you), and how to stay comfortable and confident on trail.

Finally, turning 50 sparks a big adventure goal: trying new outdoor group activities despite a lifetime of anxiety about being judged. With help from a special guest, we talk about building confidence, finding the right group, and why it’s never too late to try something new.

Got a question for Gear Abby? Send it to [email protected]—because there are no dumb questions, just smart advice.

Gear Abby is a production of Rock Fight, LLC

Ever wondered where those summit trail registers actually come from and where they go when they disappear? This week, Gear Abby digs into the surprising history behind those iconic peak notebooks.

Next, a listener questions whether spouses should be allowed to assign trail names and whether there’s an official appeal process when you get stuck with a mediocre nickname.

Finally, things get serious (well as serious as Gear Abby gets anyway): what should you do if your climbing partner wants to use a rope that looks worn out? Shawnté breaks down how to inspect climbing ropes, when to retire them, and why trusting your gut matters when safety is on the line.

Got a question for Gear Abby? Send it to [email protected]... because there are no dumb questions, just smart advice.

Gear Abby is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

Is flying across the country for adventure worth the climate impact—or should you stay closer to home? This week, Gear Abby tackles a big question about balancing outdoor travel dreams with environmental responsibility.

Then things get spicy: what outdoor gear or trends instantly give you the ick on a hiking date? Shawnté and Colin weigh in with their personal red flags and invite listeners to send in theirs.

Finally, thinking about becoming a ski patroller? A special guest joins the show to break down what it really takes to get started, what skills you’ll need, and whether the job is worth the commitment.

Got a question for Gear Abby? Send it to deargearabbymail.com.

Thanks for listening! Gear Abby is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

Do beautiful outdoor photos actually help protect wild places or is that just something we tell ourselves to feel better? Gear Abby digs into the surprising history of photography, conservation, and whether social media really makes a difference.

Then: what happens when your hiking partner bails right before a dream trip? Shawnté shares honest advice for tackling fear, finding courage, and starting a big trail solo especially if you’re nervous about going it alone.

Our last listener is heading to the desert! Gear Abby tells them how to avoid (and survive) an encounter with cholla cactus, one of the Southwest’s most infamous spiky hazards.

Got a question for Gear Abby? Send it to [email protected].

Thanks for listening! Gear Abby is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

Why do you actually need a bear canister in the Sierra? Shawnté breaks down the wild (and very human-caused) history behind food-conditioned bears and why proper storage matters more than ever.

Then: what do you do when a climbing gym regular crosses the line from annoying to straight-up creepy? Gear Abby delivers a no-BS guide to shutting it down and standing your ground.

Plus, what’s in Shawnté’s pack? A deep dive into the ultra-hyped Norda 002 trail shoes! Are they really worth the price, or just another expensive flex?

Got a question for Gear Abby? Send it to [email protected].

Thanks for listening! Gear Abby is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

Should you geotag your favorite outdoor spots on social media or keep them secret?

Do compression socks actually help runners, or are they just a glorified shin hug?

And if your gear closet is full of old-school backpacking equipment, what ultralight innovations are actually worth upgrading?

This week on Gear Abby, Shawnté Salabert and producer Colin True tackle the outdoor internet’s favorite argument about geotagging and “gatekeeping,” break down the science (and hype) behind compression socks for runners, and dive into the world of ultralight backpacking with Garage Grown Gear founder Lloyd Vogel, who shares some of the gear innovations that have reshaped modern backpacking.

Got a question for Gear Abby? Send it to [email protected].

Thanks for listening! Gear Abby is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

What should you do if a storm rolls in while you're backpacking with no shelter in sight?

How do you convince a partner to join you on a longer backpacking trip if they’re worried about trail hygiene?

And how exactly do you get comfortable… going to the bathroom outside?

This week on Gear Abby, outdoor educator Shawnté Salabert tackles lightning safety and storm strategy in the backcountry, offer relationship advice for hikers dating non-through-hikers, and return to everyone’s favorite Gear Abby location: Poo Corner.

Send your questions about outdoor gear, trail etiquette, relationships, or the weird stuff nobody else wants to talk about to [email protected].

Thanks for listening! Gear Abby is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

Do you really need an InReach if your phone has SOS? How worried should paddlers be about alligators? And what’s that strange building on top of Mount Whitney?

This week on Gear Abby, Shawnté Salabert breaks down backcountry communication devices and whether your smartphone is enough, explain how to paddle safely in alligator country, and dig into the surprisingly wild history behind the hut on the summit of Mount Whitney.

Our listeners create our podcast! Send your questions to [email protected]... because there are no dumb questions, just smart advice.

Thanks for listening! Gear Abby is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.