Gear Abby: An Outdoor Advice Column For Your Ears

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 about water filters and algae. Gear Abby breaks down what your gear can’t remove (looking at you, toxic bloom) and why sometimes the smartest move is just don’t drink it.The 'Code Brown' Chronicles: A listener's question prompts Shawnté’s definitive guide to shart survival. Complete with wipes, bidets, smooth rocks, and emotional resilience.What’s In My Pack: America's new favorite podcast segment returns as Shawnté reviews Rec Pak meal pouches, a 700-calorie, shake-and-chug meal replacement. Is it something you should try? Listen to Gear Abby to find out!Click here for full Gear Abby Episode Companion including all of the bings (aka footnotes) and even more from this episode!Support those who support Gear Abby: Fjallraven, Garage Grown Gear, Gossamer GearGot 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.Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's semi-weekly newsletter by heading to www.rockfight.co and clicking Join The Mailing List.

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 HighlightsAngry Rae Returns: Should you call out bad outdoor behavior or just let it go? Shawnté breaks down when to educate, when to ignore, and when to just walk away.The Enforcer: Colin lands his first official voiceover role. (Kind of.)Cool Kids Only? Katie Burrell joins to unpack mountain-town hierarchy, ski-bum gatekeeping, and how to find genuine, low-ego adventure partners.Urban Nature FTW: Shawnté makes the case for New York City as a legitimate outdoor town (yes, really).Tent Therapy: The eternal question: should you ditch your trusty Big Agnes for an ultralight Dyneema trekking-pole tent? Shawnté’s tent monologue might just convert you.Click here for full Gear Abby Episode Companion including all of the bings (aka footnotes) and even more from this episode!Support those who support Gear Abby: Fjallraven, Garage Grown GearGot 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.Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's semi-weekly newsletter by heading to www.rockfight.co and clicking Join The Mailing List.

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 HighlightsScariest 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 quitting your job (or before seasonal affective disorder hits).Gear Care Corner: How, when, and why to wash your backpack—and why your washing machine is not invited.Click here for full Gear Abby Episode Companion including all of the bings (aka footnotes) and even more from this episode!Support those who support Gear Abby: Fjallraven, Garage Grown GearGot 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.Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's semi-weekly newsletter by heading to www.rockfight.co and clicking Join The Mailing List.

This week Shawnté welcomes the Kilian Jornet to Gear Abby (yes, seriously).They cover mountain running, mindset, and how to lighten up both your pack and your attitude.This weeks questions cover:Kilian’s Beta: How to safely merge trail running and climbing, build mountain confidence, and stay humble in the peaks.Bidet Bonanza: Gear Abby's definitive backcountry butt-care guide Tick Talk: We talk about repellents for humans and dogs that might actually work and ponder if ticks get it on.What’s In My Pack: Why Polartec Alpha might be the best weird-looking fabric you’ll ever wear.Click here for full Gear Abby Episode Companion including all of the bings (aka footnotes) and even more from this episode!Support those who support Gear Abby: Fjallraven, Garage Grown GearGot 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.Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's semi-weekly newsletter by heading to www.rockfight.co and clicking Join The Mailing List.

This week, Shawnté dives deep into the strange, useful, and occasionally awkward corners of outdoor life from rattlesnake etiquette to National Park wedding logistics, backcountry inflatable flamingos, and proper trail repair kits.In this episode:Trail Encounters: What to do when a rattlesnake blocks your path.Merino Undies: Outdoor writer Sam Schild joins to talk durability, chafing, and the best underwear for every climate.Say “I Do” in Yosemite: How to legally get married in a national park (and avoid unwanted bear guests).Lake Life Etiquette: Are inflatable flamingos ruining the backcountry—or making it better?Trail Repair Kits 101: What to pack to fix your gear (and save your buns) on a long run or hike.Click here for full Gear Abby Episode Companion including all of the bings (aka footnotes) and even more from this episode!Support those who support Gear Abby: Fjallraven, Garage Grown GearGot your own question for Gear Abby? Send it to deargearabby@gmail.com and it just might end up on the pod.Send your questions to deargearabby@gmail.com and they might make it onto a future episode!Thanks for listening! Gear Abby is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's semi-weekly newsletter by heading to www.rockfight.co and clicking Join The Mailing List.Please follow and subscribe to Gear Abby and give us a 5 star rating and a written review wherever you get your 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?Click here for full Gear Abby Episode Companion including all of the bings (aka footnotes) and even more from this episode!Got your own question for Gear Abby? Send it to deargearabby@gmail.com and it just might end up on the pod.Send your questions to deargearabby@gmail.com and they might make it onto a future episode!Thanks for listening! Gear Abby is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's semi-weekly newsletter by heading to www.rockfight.co and clicking Join The Mailing List.Please follow and subscribe to Gear Abby and give us a 5 star rating and a written review wherever you get your podcasts.

Just in time for fall Shawnté and Colin dive into listener questions about some of the most peculiar, practical, controversial outdoor dilemmas and whole bunch of mating tarantulas.This week’s questions:Naming Peaks – Can the average hiker name a mountain? Shawnté breaks down the tangled history of U.S. place names and what it takes to get one officially recognized.Thru-Hiking & Trash – Do long trails make us garbage monsters? Sustainability journalist and backpacking expert Kristin Hostetter joins the show to share practical tips for cutting down waste, rethinking packaging, and embracing a zero-waste trail ethos.TP & Leave No Trace – Should you bury toilet paper or pack it out? Shawnté explores the official LNT rules, the gray areas, and why personal ethics matter when it comes to backcountry bathroom breaks.Gravel Shoes – Do we really need another shoe category? Shawnté and Colin debate whether gravel running shoes are brilliant crossover tools or just another gimmick.Click here for full Gear Abby Episode Companion including all of the bings (aka footnotes) and even more from this episode!Got your own question for Gear Abby? Send it to deargearabby@gmail.com and it just might end up on the pod.Send your questions to deargearabby@gmail.com and they might make it onto a future episode!Thanks for listening! Gear Abby is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's semi-weekly newsletter by heading to www.rockfight.co and clicking Join The Mailing List.Please follow and subscribe to Gear Abby and give us a 5 star rating and a written review wherever you get your podcasts.

HELLOOOOO THERE, outdoorsy friends! Shawnté Salabert and Colin “Partner In Gear” True are back with another wild ride of Gear Abby! The podcast where we answer your burning, weird, and sometimes awkward outdoor questions with advice that doesn’t suck.This week’s questions include:Trail Running 101 – Angry Rae wants tips for new trail runners. Shawnté shares why dirt > pavement, when to walk the uphills, and why biffing it is basically a rite of passage.$100 at REI – If you had a gift card, would you blow it on chocolate bars, Hokas, or apocalypse prep? Shawnté and Colin reveal what they’d do with Daddy Warbucks’ generosity.Backpacking With Your Boo – Sam wants to get her boyfriend hooked on backpacking. Shawnté breaks down how to plan, pack, and make it magical.Climbing in Yosemite – Not Honnold is nervous about joining experienced friends in the Valley. Abby’s advice: say yes, manage expectations, and soak it all in.Got your own question for Gear Abby? Send it to deargearabby@gmail.com and it just might end up on the pod.Click here for full Gear Abby Episode Companion including all of the bings (aka footnotes) and even more from this episode!Send your questions to deargearabby@gmail.com and they might make it onto a future episode!Thanks for listening! Gear Abby is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's semi-weekly newsletter by heading to www.rockfight.co and clicking Join The Mailing List.Please follow and subscribe to Gear Abby and give us a 5 star rating and a written review wherever you get your podcasts.

Host Shawnté Salabert and producer Colin “P.I.G.” True return with another round of outdoor gear confessions and advice in Gear Abby! The podcast where no question is too weird, petty, or controversial.This week’s questions include:Solo Female Hiking – How do you get past the fear of hiking alone, especially when your brain is full of true crime podcasts? Abby shares stories, strategies, and a reminder to “fuck politeness.”Whitewater Raft Pack List – Backpacking and rafting trips are not the same. Abby explains what’s different when your whole life is strapped into a boat (hint: dry bags, Croakies, and maybe a watercolor kit).Traction Devices – Microspikes vs. crampons: the Facebook debate that will never die. Abby lays out what actually works for different snowy conditions.Remaining Optimistic – With climate change and industrialization shaping our future, how do we stay hopeful about the outdoors? Abby offers a mix of realism, action steps, and stubborn optimism.As always, you’ll get equal parts useful advice, oversharing, and outdoor comedy gold.Click here for full Gear Abby Episode Companion including all of the bings (aka footnotes) and even more from this episode!Send your questions to deargearabby@gmail.com and they might make it onto a future episode!Thanks for listening! Gear Abby is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's semi-weekly newsletter by heading to www.rockfight.co and clicking Join The Mailing List.Please follow and subscribe to Gear Abby and give us a 5 star rating and a written review wherever you get your podcasts.

Shawnté Salabert and producer Colin “P.I.G.” True are back with another round of Gear Abby, where the gear questions get real... and sometimes a little gross.This week’s adventures include:The Triple Crown of Hiking – Do you really need to hike the AT, PCT, and CDT to earn your stripes, or is the whole “Triple Crowner” thing kind of overrated?Chafing in the Wild – From sticky thighs to “fire crotch,” Shawnté breaks down how to prevent, treat, and laugh about the outdoor chafe life.Strava Love & Hate – Is tracking your runs and hikes inspiring, or just another way to feed the ego monster? Shawnté shares her thoughts on “Kudos culture.”Cutting Switchbacks – The eternal debate: is it really that bad if you shave a little distance? Abby has some strong words for the shortcut crowd.This episode is for anyone who’s ever chafed, bragged on Strava, questioned the Triple Crown mystique, or been tempted by a too-good-to-ignore shortcut.Click here for Gear Abby's footnotes and even more from this episode!Send your questions to deargearabby@gmail.com and they might make it onto a future episode!Thanks for listening! Gear Abby is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's semi-weekly newsletter by heading to www.rockfight.co and clicking Join The Mailing List.Please follow and subscribe to Gear Abby and give us a 5 star rating and a written review wherever you get your podcasts.

Gear Abby is back! Host Shawnté Salabert and producer Colin “P.I.G.” True tackle another round of listener questions about the gear and decisions that make (or break) your time outside.This week’s lineup includes:Boots vs Trail Runners – Abby helps settle the debate over whether “real hikers” wear boots, and why trail runners may or may not be the superior option.Pee Funnels – What works, what doesn’t, and why Shawnté thinks practice makes perfect (but beware of splashback).Running Watches – Listener Jeff wants to know: are GPS watches worth it, or just a fancy distraction from the trail? Shawnté’s answer might surprise you.Cowboy Camping – To tent or not to tent? Shawnté shares the pros, cons, and creepy-crawly considerations of sleeping under the stars.It’s another round of honesty and hard-earned outdoor wisdom from Gear Abby.Send your questions to deargearabby@gmail.com and they might make it onto a future episode!Thanks for listening! Gear Abby is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's semi-weekly newsletter by heading to www.rockfight.co and clicking Join The Mailing List.Please follow and subscribe to Gear Abby and give us a 5 star rating and a written review wherever you get your podcasts.

Welcome to the very first episode of Gear Abby! Host Shawnté Salabert and producer/partner-in-gear Colin “P.I.G.” True dive straight into the big outdoor questions you didn’t even know you needed answered.This week’s burning topics include:Best & Worst Places to Poop Outdoors – from Leave No Trace rules to Shawnté’s personal tales of unfortunate slopes, bracing trees, and run-ins with bears.Running Vests vs. Handhelds – Jason R. from Tahoe wants to know: does wearing a running vest for shorter trail runs make you “look stupid”? Spoiler: no, but Shawnté’s love affair with sweet potato tots might make you rethink your fueling strategy.Favorite Outdoor Books – Shawnté and Colin trade picks that go way beyond Wild, from Steinbeck to Blair Braverman to The Last Season.Biodegradable Soap & Leave No Trace – Is soap in the backcountry really “LNT-approved”? Shawnté breaks down myths, greenwashing, and why she only uses soap for one thing (hint: it’s butt-related).This episode is equal parts hilarious, gross, and surprisingly useful. If you’ve ever worried about where to poop, what to carry, what to read, or how not to ruin pristine places with soap bubbles this is your show.Click here for Gear Abby's footnotes and even more from this episode!Send your questions to deargearabby@gmail.com and they might make it onto a future episode!Thanks for listening! Gear Abby is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's semi-weekly newsletter by heading to www.rockfight.co and clicking Join The Mailing List.Please follow and subscribe to Gear Abby and give us a 5 star rating and a written review wherever you get your podcasts.

Get to know Gear Abby hosted by Shawnté Salabert!Are you sick of the outdoor establishment old guard who think their way is the only way? Do you crave honest, no-holds-barred gear talk that’s not tied to affiliate links, influencer dollars, or editorial bias? Do you wish you had an outdoor bestie who could answer your deepest, darkest questions about everything from outdoor sex to outdoor tech, pooping outside to perfecting your backpacking setup?Well - you’re in the right place! Welcome to Gear Abby, where we tackle the controversial, weird, obscure, and taboo topics that other outdoor podcasts refuse to touch.Because remember, my outdoor loving pals, there are no dumb questions - just smart advice.Are you looking for some advice or would like your question answered by Gear Abby? Send your questions, comments, and conundrums to myrockfight@gmail.com.Thanks for listening! Gear Abby is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. Please follow Gear Abby on your favorite podcast app.Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's semi-weekly newsletter by heading to www.rockfight.co and clicking Join The Mailing List.Please follow and subscribe to Open Container and give us a 5 star rating and a written review wherever you get your podcasts.