Gear Abby: An Outdoor Advice Column For Your Ears

Goobies, Boobies & Bike Rides

Big Titty Mountain. Mushroom poop tabs. No-drop bike rides that definitely drop people. This week, Gear Abby explores weird outdoor place names, the science behind mycelium-powered bathroom kits, and how to handle a cycling group that isn't living up to its promises. Plus: thru-hiker drama, Poo Poo Point, mastodon boners, and a (not-so) shocking amount of poop-related expertise. Send your questions to DearGearAbbyMail@gmail.com. There are no dumb questions, just smart advice. Gear Abby is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

Dirty Underwear & Good Decisions

This week on Gear Abby, we tackle one of the toughest trail dilemmas yet: what should you do when you come across a hiker who clearly looks in distress but refuses help? Then it’s time for an extremely important backpacking discussion: how many pairs of underwear should you bring on a trip, really? Gear Abby dives into trail hygiene, dirty chonies, wet liners, and why changing underwear at the trailhead can feel like a spiritual experience. Finally, Shawnté welcomes Rawlogy founder and fitness coach Marek Bowers to talk about building strength in midlife, why protein suddenly matters so much, and what active women over 40 should focus on to keep hiking, climbing, and adventuring strong for years to come. As always, send your questions to DearGearAbbyMail@gmail.com because there are no dumb questions, just smart advice! Gear Abby is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

Creepy Stairs In The Woods & Chicago Crime Scene Bear!

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 DearGearAbby@gmail.com... because there are no dumb questions, just smart advice. Gear Abby is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

The Deadliest Parks, The Most Stubborn Hikers & Wearing A Rain Skirt!

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 deargearabby@gmail.com—because there are no dumb questions, just smart advice. Gear Abby is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

GoPro Frenemies? The Crimson Avenger! & In Search Of Outdoor Confidence

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 deargearabbymail@gmail.com—because there are no dumb questions, just smart advice. Gear Abby is a production of Rock Fight, LLC