This week on Gear Abby, Shawnté tackles one of the most persistent debates in backpacking: did Cheryl Strayed's Wild ruin thru-hiking? Then it's time for a surprisingly deep dive into backpacking water filters, freezing temperatures, storage tips, and how to avoid turning your water treatment system into an expensive paperweight. Finally, Colin asks the all-important question: "What's In Your Pack?" which somehow leads to a passionate discussion about street corn grits, Renaissance Faires, and t...
Jun 12, 2026•37 min
This week on Gear Abby, Shawnté and Colin tackle some truly important outdoor questions: Why does the PCT seem to have a norovirus outbreak every year? Should beginner climbers always wear helmets outside? And if you were abducted by the Ice Planet Barbarians and taken to their frozen world, what three pieces of gear would you bring? Along the way, they discuss AI-generated Ansel Adams prints, shirtless climbers, trail hygiene, college outdoor clubs, and why hand sanitizer isn't enough when noro...
Jun 05, 2026•36 min
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 prod...
May 29, 2026•42 min
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 c...
May 22, 2026•47 min
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 f...
May 08, 2026•35 min
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 wei...
May 01, 2026•42 min
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. Fin...
Apr 24, 2026•39 min
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...
Apr 17, 2026•41 min
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 bre...
Apr 09, 2026•52 min
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 t...
Mar 26, 2026•46 min
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 ...
Mar 19, 2026•48 min
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 sock...
Mar 12, 2026•50 min
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 Ab...
Mar 05, 2026•54 min
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 deargearabby@gm...
Feb 26, 2026•50 min
Should we rip down the railings in national parks and let natural selection take over? This week on Gear Abby , Shawnté tackles a heated question about safety features on public lands and debates where personal responsibility ends and park management begins. Then, a Camino hopeful writes in with a blister crisis after breaking in new boots. Shawnté dives deep into fit, heel locks, insoles, trail runners vs. boots, and yes… a little strategic lubrication. Finally, a retail worker wonders if atten...
Feb 19, 2026•42 min
This week on Gear Abby , Shawnté tackles a salty question about whether trail running has lost its “cool factor” now that it’s gone mainstream and whether gatekeeping the sport is just aging-contrarian energy. Then things get real: a listener shares how sobriety is changing his ski season and friendships. Shawnté digs into ski culture, alcohol pressure, and how to protect your joy on the mountain without compromising your recovery. Plus: in What’s In My Pack? , Shawnté tests a new handheld hydra...
Feb 12, 2026•39 min
This week on Gear Abby , Shawnté tackles one of the most thoughtful (and emotionally charged) listener questions yet: how outdoor folks can show up when politics, safety, and public spaces collide. Joined by Garage Grown Gear founder Lloyd Vogel , the conversation digs into why the outdoors has always been political and what real allyship can look like. Then, things take a sharp (and familiar) turn back to trail reality with a listener question about poop emergencies; including etiquette, surviv...
Feb 05, 2026•54 min
On this episode of Gear Abby , Shawnté tackles four listener questions that range from trail life to public lands policy: Do brick-and-mortar outdoor retailers still matter in an era of DTC everything? What’s the best outdoor-themed true crime to read when you’re not alone in the woods? Is the Kula Cloth actually hygienic? Shawnté is joined by Kula Cloth founder Anastasia Allison to break down the facts. And finally, Shawnté digs into the controversial decision to raise national park entrance fe...
Jan 29, 2026•47 min
Are there any truly ethical outdoor brands or is sustainability mostly marketing? This week on Gear Abby , Shawnté Salabert digs into what “ethical” and “sustainable” actually mean in the outdoor industry, how to spot greenwashing, and which brands are genuinely trying to do better. Then, Shawnté mounts a passionate defense of Death Valley National Park , breaking down why the desert is far more alive (and beautiful) than its name suggests and exactly how to convince a skeptical travel partner. ...
Jan 22, 2026•45 min
What should you actually eat on a long trail? Is there a way to learn downhill skiing without blowing your entire budget? And how do you find a sports bra that truly supports a bigger chest for high-impact sports? This week on Gear Abby , Shawnté Salabert breaks down trail food favorites and regrets, shares realistic advice for trying to ski on the cheap, and welcomes sports bra expert Dr. LeJean Lawson for a deep dive into fit, fabric, and why “divide and conquer” matters when it comes to breas...
Jan 15, 2026•52 min
Is it ethical to have a campfire anymore? Do you really need electrolyte drinks on every hike? And what happens if you don’t win a coveted thru-hike permit? This week on Gear Abby , Shawnté Salabert tackles campfire ethics in the age of mega-fires, breaks down hydration myths (spoiler: pickles beat Pedialyte), and walk a hopeful thru-hiker through the very real logistics of hiking the Pacific Crest Trail without a long-distance permit. Practical advice, a little tough love, and just enough chaos...
Jan 08, 2026•50 min
It’s a special holiday episode of Gear Abby ! This week, Shawnté and Colin turn the mics on each other to reflect on the year in the outdoors. They cover the weirdest listener emails (including a truly unforgettable deep dive into elk mating habits), the biggest outdoor stories of the year, and their favorite gear picks from trail shoes to backpacks and sandals. They also look ahead to 2026, talking consistency over clout, favorite adventures, recovery from injury, and why sometimes the best out...
Dec 25, 2025•45 min
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 with equal parts honesty, humor, and practical advice. Reminding us all to hike our own hike, stop judging each other, and maybe invest in b...
Dec 18, 2025•48 min
This week on Gear Abby , Shawnté tackles three absolute heaters: the ethics of climbing chalk, the surprising brilliance of ponchos (and the even more surprising brilliance of rain chaps ), and what to do when nature calls in the dead of winter and the ground is frozen solid. Also: curling, scuba fears, PVC tubes full of poop, and a love letter to wind shirts. Today's Lineup! Chalk Ethics 101: Hidden cost: the environmental toll of chalk manufacturing . Poncho Town, Population: You. Final verdic...
Dec 11, 2025•43 min
This week on Gear Abby , Shawnté tackles four wildly different but totally relatable outdoor questions: from scattering ashes in national parks to finding love on trail, staying safe on frozen lakes, and picking the right rain shell without losing your mind. In This Episode: Scattering Ashes in National Parks: Yes it's legal in most parks (with a permit). Trailside Romance: Myth or Magic? Love can happen out there (PCT marriages are real!) Ice Fishing 101 (w/ special guest: Stepdad Mike!): Warmt...
Dec 04, 2025•39 min
On this weeks episode of Gear Abby Shawnté celebrates Women-Led Wednesday with adventure book recs, a beginner snowshoe deep dive, and what to do when you stumble into an elk harem. In This Episode! Women Adventure Writers You Need to Read: Memoirs from river guides, thru-hikers, and survival badasses Snowshoeing 101: How to pick the right snowshoe deck size for your weight + conditions. Wildlife Etiquette: What to do when you encounter elk, moose, or other large ungulates. The “Horny Animal Pow...
Nov 27, 2025•41 min
This week on Gear Abby , Shawnté explores outdoor etiquette, gear hot takes, and how to get creative outside without losing your mind or your tent floor. On The Docket! The Permit Problem: A listener’s “asshole brother” hates paying for permits, but Shawnté lays out why those fees matter (from protecting wildlife to funding trail crews) and why caring for public lands means ponying up. The Ground Cloth Debate: Pup Tent Pat writes in to declare ground cloths “bullshit.” Shawnté disagrees (strongl...
Nov 20, 2025•46 min
This week on Gear Abby , Shawnté tackles three very different outdoor dilemmas and reviews a new meal replacement. From embracing your inner luxury camper to surviving bad backcountry water to a new edition of 'What's in my pack?!' On the docket! Can Bougie Be Outdoorsy? Shawnté helps a listener navigate the tension between high-end comfort and dirtbag authenticity with tips for easing into the outdoors and glamping guilt-free. The Dysentery Demons Are Real: REI’s Bubble Gut Boris writes in abou...
Nov 13, 2025•46 min
This week on Gear Abby , Shawnté and Colin take on everything from trail etiquette to mountain-town elitism with a heavy dose of laughter, crankiness, and wisdom. Special guest Katie Burrell (comedian, skier, and Weak Layers creator) joins the show to talk about mountain-town culture, toxic coolness, and how to actually find kind people to ski and bike with. Episode Highlights Angry Rae Returns: Should you call out bad outdoor behavior or just let it go? Shawnté breaks down when to educate, when...
Nov 06, 2025•50 min
This week on Gear Abby , Shawnté celebrates hitting double digits with stories that prove adventure takes many forms. From near-death river crossings to, uh, 'creative' trail recreation. Episode Highlights Scariest Moments Outdoors: Shawnté relives a terrifying Sierra river crossing that dethroned her mountain lion encounter. Hikers With Benefits: Advice for couples looking to, ahem, elevate their outdoor experiences—respectfully and comfortably. Winter Thru-Hikes: Trails you can tackle after qu...
Oct 30, 2025•49 min
