The FKT Debate: Should You Slow Down on the Trail?

The FKT Debate: Should You Slow Down on the Trail?

This week on Gear Abby: Should backpacking be about slowing down or moving as fast as possible? Shawnté and Colin debate FKTs, explain the difference between trail angels and trail service providers, and welcome Lloyd Vogel of Garage Grown Gear to talk about ultralight backpacking, base weight, and the gear that's actually worth carrying. Plus: bison, British accents, and frozen Snickers. Got a question? Set an email FKT and send it to DearGearAbby@gmail.com. Gear Abby is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

Naked at the Hot Springs? Gear Abby's Guide to Good Trail Manners

Gear Abby is back! This week, Shawnté and Colin dive into the unwritten rules of the outdoors. First up: what's the proper etiquette for skinny dipping at alpine lakes and hot springs and how do you avoid becoming that naked person? Then they explore whether Indigenous peoples climbed North America's highest peaks, how to respectfully visit culturally significant places, and why some sacred landscapes deserve a little more consideration from modern recreationists. Finally, they settle a classic trail debate: who actually has the right of way hikers, mountain bikers, horses, runners...or snakes? Along the way: a mysterious one-star review, marmots, vasculitis, trail stories from the Sierra, and enough butt cheek jokes to last at least until the next episode. Got a question? Naked or not, we'll take your email. Send it to DearGearAbby@gmail.com. Gear Abby is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

Flashback Friday: Trail Cred Is Fake & the Cold Run Manifesto

Come back next week on July 17 for all new episodes of Gear Abby! Until then enjoy this flashback Friday episode and leave us a written review on Apple Podcasts! Do thru-hikers lose their trail cred if they car camp? What's the most responsible way to offload extra outdoor gear without sending it straight to a landfill? And how do you train for a spring trail race without freezing your ass off all winter? This week on Gear Abby, Shawnté Salabert tackles outdoor gatekeeping, gear hoarding, and cold weather running! Got a question? Send it to DearGearAbby@gmail.com... no trail cred required. Gear Abby is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

Flashback Friday: Gear Abby Confesses Her Biggest On Trail Sin (AKA The Wag Bag Incident)!

Shawnté is on the trail and Colin is traveling for work. So it's time for another Flashback Friday! Mark your calendar for Gear Abby's return on July 17th and make Shawnté's birthday wishes come true by leaving a written review on Apple Podcasts. This week on Gear Abby Shawnté and Colin tackle outdoor ethics, bear safety, true confessions, and real-food fueling you’ll actually eat. Here's the rundown: * More Michelino: What should happen when athletes break trail rules (education > prosecution). * Bear cans: When to carry them even if not required (+ quick gear picks). * Confession booth: Gear Abby reveals her biggest on trail sin: A very real wag-bag fail on Whitney. * Fuel without gels: Do you really need to eat power food when you're riding mountain bikes? Got your own question for Gear Abby? Send it to deargearabby@gmail.com and it just might end up on the pod. Thanks for listening! Gear Abby is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

Flashback Friday: Bougie Hikers & Dysentery Demons

Shawnté is on the trail and Colin is traveling for work. So it's time for another Flashback Friday! After a Gear Abby show update from Shawnté we revisit episode 12: Bougie Hikers, Dysentery Demons, and Busted Gut Feelings. As always, there are no dumb questions—just smart advice. Email your buring outdoor questions to Gear Abby! deargearabby@gmail.com Gear Abby is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.