Gear Abby: An Outdoor Advice Column For Your Ears

Who empties a toilet in the middle of the wilderness ? Is there actually a benefit to hiking commando ? And what finally turned technophobe Shawnté into an adventure-watch convert? This week on Gear Abby , Shawnté digs into the surprisingly fascinating history of toilets on Mount Whitney, from summit outhouses and solar composters to helicopters hauling away “honey buckets”, before tackling the pros and cons of letting it all hang out on trail. Then What’s In Your Pack? returns with Shawnté’s new favorite adventure watch, the COROS Apex 4 , and why its huge battery life, improved GPS and better maps have won her over. Plus: fecal fairy godmothers, sweaty balls, Goonies trail names and more literal shit than Colin ever wanted to discuss. Send your questions to Gear Abby! Email us at deargearabby@gmail.com. Gear Abby is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

Where can you go to find real silence in the outdoors? Which lodge kicked off the grand tradition of national park lodging? And is buying an ultralight backpack actually worth the money? This week on Gear Abby , Shawnté searches for the quietest places in America including the famous “One Square Inch of Silence” in Olympic National Park, dives into the history of Yellowstone's Old Faithful Inn, and explains why the lightest backpack isn't necessarily the best backpack. Plus: Bluetooth-speaker rage, Colin's refusal to visit Yellowstone, backpack “mammary pouches,” and the disturbing realization that last week's tarantula sex conversation apparently isn't over yet. Gear Abby can answer your questions! Send them to deargearabby@gmail.com. Gear Abby is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

How exactly do tarantulas mate ? Is Walmart’s Ozark Trail camping gear actually good enough for beginners? And has Shawnté found a water filter she likes even more than the Platypus QuickDraw? This week on Gear Abby , Shawnté celebrates the show’s first anniversary by diving way too deep into tarantula mating season, explaining why inexpensive camping gear can be perfectly fine for casual car campers, and revealing her newest What’s In Your Pack? favorite: the LifeStraw Peak Solo water filter. Plus: marmot slander, Glory Hole Falls, forgotten bidets, and more discussion of pedipalps than anyone asked for. Send your questions to deargearabby@gmail.com. See all the Oboz has to offer by heading to www.obozfootwear.com Gear Abby is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

This week on Gear Abby , Shawnté tackles three very different outdoor dilemmas: What should you actually do if a wildfire breaks out while you’re deep in the backcountry ? Should you worry if your spouse takes off their wedding ring whenever they hike, climb or backpack ? And which women-owned outdoor brands are doing great work around sustainability, accessibility and giving back? Plus: marmot slander, sausage fingers, silicone wedding bands and a whole lot of sweating. Advice that doesn’t suck. Send your questions and spooky stories to deargearabby@gmail.com! Gear Abby is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

This week on Gear Abby , Shawnté digs into what happens when airplanes crash in national parks, including the absolutely wild story of Yosemite’s infamous Dope Lake, before settling an important outdoor relationship dispute: are fanny packs dorky overkill or ridiculously useful? Then Shawnté and Colin face a truly devious question: if you could only eat one protein bar for the rest of your life, which one would you choose? Plane wrecks, waist packs, weed, snack fatigue and more outdoor advice that doesn’t suck. Ask Gear Abby your burning outdoor question! Email the show at deargearabby@gmail.com Gear Abby is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

What should you do if a ghost steals your Garmin on trail ? Which of your favorite movies were actually filmed inside national parks? And just how desperate do you have to be before stale tortillas, canned chicken and sun-melted Kraft Singles qualify as a gourmet meal? This week on Gear Abby , Shawnté shares some haunted Sierra lore and offers up her best ghost etiquette, then takes a trip through national park movie history from Star Trek and Star Wars to Indiana Jones and The Shining . Plus, she digs into the weirdest things she’s eaten while backpacking, the foods she’ll never touch again, and the one meal she still dreams about on trail: enchiladas . And Gear Abby wants your outdoor ghost stories for October send them in now. Gear Abby is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

Why does Leave No Trace tell backpackers to pee away from water but rafters to pee directly into the river? And why do so many hiking memoirs seem to require their authors to endure a dark night of the soul? This week on Gear Abby , Shawnté explains the surprisingly logical bathroom rules of river trips (and the origin of the wonderfully named groover ), then digs into why trauma, suffering and misery have become such reliable ingredients in outdoor books. Plus, What’s In Your Pack? returns as Shawnté reveals her new favorite backpacking pillow and somehow she and Colin turn that into something wildly inappropriate. Send your burning outdoor questions to DearGearAbby@gmail.com . Gear Abby is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

What do you drink after a night of passionate mountain romance? Is there actually reason to be hopeful about Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante? And are Crocs secretly the ultimate outdoor shoe? This week, Shawnté tackles one of the most unforgettable hydration questions we've ever received, breaks down what's really happening with America's national monuments and welcomes thru-hiker, ultrarunner, and FKT legend Jeff Garmire to settle the Great Crocs Debate once and for all. Plus: viral poop content, sexy marmots, and Colin's anti-Crocs rant. As always, send your questions to DearGearAbby@gmail.com because no outdoor question is too weird for Gear Abby. Gear Abby is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What is the purpose of an outdoor trade show beyond sales? Live from the floor of Switchback in New Orleans, Eoin Comerford sits down with thru-hiking expert Shawnté Salabert (Gear Abby) to break down the hits, the misses, and the future of the outdoor tradeshow. In this episode of Outdoor Unfiltered, Eoin and Shawnté dive deep into reactions of the exhibit hall. From the highly anticipated US Participation Report presented by Kelly Davis to navigating the timing clash with regional shows like GOA, they examine what it takes to build a true national show. Plus, the duo doesn’t hold back on their unfiltered booth reviews, praising the stunning blonde-wood aesthetics of Snow Peak, Fjällräven, and Teva, while calling out the underwhelming setups from other brands. Tune in for an inside look at the latest gear innovations shaking up the market, including Dometic’s interchangeable tumbler system, GRAYL’s Carry Project pack line, Butt Napkins’ upcoming submarine bidet wand, Date Fix’s intense food culture mission, Rumpl’s clever cape clips, and the mouth-watering backpacking meals from Lux Fly. Whether you are a specialty retail buyer, a major outdoor brand, or a gear junkie, this episode is your ultimate backstage pass to the business and culture of the great outdoors. Then later in the show, Eoin sits down with Switchback Event Director Sean Smith to share his impressions and break some news about a time change for next year. Connect With Us We would love to hear your thoughts on the show, inside intel, guest ideas, sponsorship inquiries or whatever's on your mind! Connect with Eoin Comerford: LinkedIn Profile Our Sponsors Support the brands that make this show possible: ENDVR – The network that connects brands, retailers, and frontline associates to power sell-through across your wholesale channel. Visit www.endvr.io . Crux Retail – Creating bold retail displays for bold brands. Visit www.crux-retail.com .

New to Gear Abby? Then enjoy this trip back in time to our third episode! 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.

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 the backpacking meal Shawnté can't stop thinking about. 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.

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 norovirus comes calling. As always, there are no dumb questions... just smart advice. Send your questions to deargearabby@gmail.com! Gear Abby is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

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.

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.

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.