Backpacker Radio

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by onX Backcountry and Topo Athletic, myself along with, Katie, and Jabba break down our recent hike of the Loowit Trail, a 31-mile loop circumnavigating Washington's active Mount St. Helens volcano.
In this one, we dive into the chaotic road-trip logistics that involved our rental van nearly melting down on on the way to the trailhead, navigating technical rope-assisted gullies and sharp lava boulder fields, trekking through the tree-barren northern blast zone, and a golden-hour summit at Windy Pass, and the nightmare of pitching our tents in 50-mph winds- some of us- without tent stakes.
We wrap the a CDT thru-hiker who is making damn near all of her own gear, we detail our most consistent gear maintenance routines, a Triple Crown of the worst people to share a road-trip van with, and a listener calls me out for speaking poorly of cold soaking- much respect to all the slop munchers out there.
OnX Backcountry: Use code "TREK70" for 70% off at onxmaps.com
Topo Athletic: Use code "Trek15Hike" for 15% off at topoathletic.com.
Gossamer Gear: Use code "BPR10" for 10% off shelters at gossamergear.com. 
Hyperlite Mountain Gear: Use code "BPRADIO15" for 15% off at hyperlitemountaingear.com.
57 Hours: Use code "TREK100" for $100 off your booking at 57hours.com.
[divider]
Interview with Jabba and Katie
Katie's Instagram
Jabba's Instagram
Time stamps & Questions
00:05:20 - Reminders: Apply to vlog or blog for the Trek, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!
00:10:14 - Introducing the Loowit Trail
00:15:10 - Basic aspects of the Loowit Trail 
00:18:13 - What permits and fees are needed for the trail?
00:20:40 - Discussion about clockwise direction and camping restrictions on the north side
00:22:38 - Tell us about Mount St. Helens' eruption history and volcanic activity
00:26:17 - What was the terrain actually like to hike?
00:28:53 - Discussion about the best season to hike the Loowit Trail
00:31:50 - What were the scenery highlights of the trail?
00:37:34 - How does this trail compare to other volcano circumnavigations?
00:44:26 - Discussion about water sources
00:53:20 - Discussion about clockwise vs. counterclockwise direction
00:55:56 - What gear do you need for this trail?
01:01:18 - Discussion about the trail's wildlife
01:04:18 - Discussion about playing odds are on the trail
01:10:15 - Tell us about the road trip debacle
01:20:05 - Tell us about Day 1 of hiking
01:27:20 - Discussion about whether the volcano was actively erupting
01:29:31 - Tell us about the blast zone and the climb up Windy Pass
01:32:40 - Tell us about pitching tents in 50 mph winds at Windy Pass
01:46:18 - Tell us about Day 2 of the hike
01:49:15 - Tell us about the final climb and post-hike recovery at the Airbnb
01:52:00 - What rating would you give the Loowit Trail?
01:53:35 - Peak Performance Question: What is your top performance enhancing or backpacking hack?
Segments
Trek Propaganda: From a Homemade Tent to Custom Shorts, She Made All Her Own Gear for the CDT
QOTD: What gear maintenance task do you take the most seriously / do the most consistently?
Triple Crown of people you absolutely do not want in the van for a road trip
Listener Voicemail
5 Star Review
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.
Sign up for the Trek's newsletter
Leave us a voicemail!
Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.
Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.
Advertise on Backpacker Radio
Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.
Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.
Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. 
Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.
A super big thank you to our Bob Peoples Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Go Bills, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Bret Mullins aka TakeOff, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, JaredNotFromSubway, Jason Kiser, Jason "I Miss Chaunce" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Nathan, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, Thirteen Adventures, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ack, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jacob Cheely, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lucas Hamilton, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, Salt Stain, and Tyler Powers.

OnX Backcountry: Use code "TREK70" for 70% off at onxmaps.com
LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.
Segments
Trail Goss Episode 3
Trek Propaganda: 
I Hiked 27.5 Miles Every Day for a Year: Here's Everything I Did To Thru-Hike Faster by Peg Leg

Day 154 – This is Where I Leave You by Brock "Dubs" Miller

Apply to be a Trek social media intern

QOTD: What is the worst thing you've ever smelled?
Triple Crown of the most annoyed professions
Mail Bag
5 Star Review
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.
Sign up for the Trek's newsletter
Leave us a voicemail!
Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.
Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.
Advertise on Backpacker Radio
Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.
Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.
Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. 
Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.
A super big thank you to our Bob Peoples Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Go Bills, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Bret Mullins aka TakeOff, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, JaredNotFromSubway, Jason Kiser, Jason "I Miss Chaunce" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Nathan, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, Thirteen Adventures, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ack, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jacob Cheely, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lucas Hamilton, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, Salt Stain, and Tyler Powers.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by onX Backcountry and LMNT, we are joined by Michael "Broadway" Grant, a world traveler who has visited 56 countries, cycled across America, and is currently daily-vlogging his way through the PCT.
In this one, Broadway dives into getting bitten in the face by a six-pound chihuahua while hitching a ride to PCT Trail Days, his terrifying pitch-black 11:00 PM alpine start up Mount Whitney's snow chutes, and his infamous "Day 50" meltdown in the Sierra, where he melted a carbon trekking pole, burned holes through his sleeping bag, found two more in his tent, and sobbed on camera.
We also cover his epic Yosemite side quest featuring last-minute Half Dome permits and hot-tubbing with a park employee, how losing his mother to brain cancer shaped his reasons for being out here, and his hot takes on why catholes beat toilets and why ultralight gear isn't a requirement for thriving on trail.
We wrap the show with Pegleg's tips for covering bigger miles and a shout-out to Trek blogger Brock "Dubs" Miller finishing on Katahdin, a Question of the Day on the absolute worst things we've ever smelled, a Triple Crown of the most annoyed professions in existence, and we give news on a new job opening at The Trek.
OnX Backcountry: Use code "TREK70" for 70% off at onxmaps.com
LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.
Gossamer Gear: Use code "BPR10" for 10% off shelters at gossamergear.com. 
Hyperlite Mountain Gear: Use code "BPRADIO15" for 15% off at hyperlitemountaingear.com
57 Hours: Use code "TREK100" for $100 off your booking at 57hours.com
[divider]
Interview with Michael "Broadway" Grant
Michael's Instagram
Michael's Trek Author page
Time stamps & Questions
00:06:55 - Reminders: Apply to vlog or blog for the Trek, take the 2026 AT Thru-Hiker survey, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!
00:13:04 - Introducing Broadway
00:16:45 - How has working through your thru-hike impacted the experience?
00:17:54 - Tell us about getting bitten in the face by a chihuahua
00:22:14 - Tell us about quitting your job to travel the world for 13 months
00:25:58 - Discussion about the Camino de Santiago and West Highland Way
00:30:13 - How did you get into long distance cycling across America?
00:32:10 - Fuck, marry, kill: thru-hiking, cycling, and adventure travel
00:34:59 - Tell us about the start of your PCT thru-hike
00:38:48 - What's it been like growing your following on Instagram?
00:43:46 - Discussion about Gen Z lingo and gay lingo
00:48:45 - What has it been like being a gay man on the PCT?
00:51:21 - Tell us about your epic Yosemite side quest
00:55:19 - Discussion about masculinity and thru-hiking culture
00:57:47 - How has the PCT given you more time to reflect than other adventures?
01:02:47 - When did grief turn into motivation?
01:06:53 - Discussion about Cheryl Strayed's Wild as inspiration
01:10:01 - Tell us about your terrifying Mount Whitney sunrise side quest
01:14:00 - Tell us about gear you've been loving
01:21:08 - Tell us about your infamous day 50 meltdown in the Sierra
01:28:38 - Discussion about sun hoodies
01:30:00 - Tell us your poop story
01:32:47 - What's been the best 3 day stretch of trail for you?
01:36:19 - Have you met other gay hikers on trail?
01:41:00 - What advice would you offer someone who wants to follow in your footsteps?
01:43:00 - Stay Salty Question: What's your hottest take in the world of backpacking?
Segments
Trek Propaganda: 
I Hiked 27.5 Miles Every Day for a Year: Here's Everything I Did To Thru-Hike Faster by Peg Leg
Day 154 – This is Where I Leave You by Brock "Dubs" Miller
Apply to be a Trek social media intern
QOTD: What is the worst thing you've ever smelled?
Triple Crown of the most annoyed professions
Mail Bag
5 Star Review
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.
Sign up for the Trek's newsletter
Leave us a voicemail!
Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.
Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.
Advertise on Backpacker Radio
Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.
Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.
Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. 
Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.
A super big thank you to our Bob Peoples Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Go Bills, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Bret Mullins aka TakeOff, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, JaredNotFromSubway, Jason Kiser, Jason "I Miss Chaunce" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Nathan, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, Thirteen Adventures, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ack, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jacob Cheely, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lucas Hamilton, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, Salt Stain, and Tyler Powers.

OnX Backcountry: Use code "TREK70" for 70% off at onxmaps.com
Hyperlite Mountain Gear: Use code "BPRADIO15" for 15% of hyperlitemountaingear.com
Segments
Trail Goss: Nick Fowler's PCT FKT
Trek Propaganda: Fastest PCT Hike in History: Nick Fowler's 45-Day Thru-Hike Sets New Overall FKT by Katie Jackson
QOTD: Predict one aspect of the Zeitgeist in 2040
Fantasy Football Thing of the Week
Triple Crown of emojis
5 Star Review
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.
Sign up for the Trek's newsletter
Leave us a voicemail!
Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.
Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.
Advertise on Backpacker Radio
Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.
Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.
Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. 
Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.
A super big thank you to our Bob Peoples Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, JaredNotFromSubway, Jason Kiser, Jason "I Miss Chaunce" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Thirteen Adventures, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ack, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lucas Hamilton, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by OnX Backcountry and Topo Athletic, we are joined yet again by our pal Whitney LaRuffa, known on trail as AllGood. AllGood has hiked thousands of miles with his K-9 companions over the years, including his first thru-hike of the AT way back in 1996. AllGood is one of the most entrenched figures in the world of hiker trash, with several thru-hikes under his belt, serving as former president of ALDHA-West, and having worked for several prominent brands in the industry, he eats, breathes, sleeps, and poos all things thru-hiking. 
In this one, AllGood gives his take on Durston Gear's rapid rise, Big Agnes's early misstep pairing Dyneema tents with heavy buckles, and the challenge he foresees with Osprey's sewn in hip belt on their new UL pack, he breaks down the cost tradeoffs between Alula, DCF, and Robic pack fabrics, and he tells the story of how the Ultralight subreddit's roughly half million members helped sink a quilt brand's business, and why even a three person company needs a PR plan for when things go sideways online. 
We also cover his philosophy that rain gear on trail is about staying warm rather than staying dry, why he still hasn't finished his Triple Crown despite years spent handing out certificates as ALDHA-West president, his love affair with Jolly, how he balances long-distance hiking with marriage and aging by leaning into shorter trips as his priorities shift, and his personal bucket list of trails.
We wrap the show with some big PCT FKT news, Katie devours a Big Mac as fast as she can in the name of improving her fantasy football draft slot, the triple crown of emojis, and we opine on what we think the zeitgeist will look like in the year 2040- flush with intentional grammar mishaps and shaming the shamers.
OnX Backcountry: Use code "TREK70" for 70% off at onxmaps.com
Topo Athletic: Use code "TREK15TOPO" at topoathletic.com.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear: Use code "BPRADIO15" for 15% of hyperlitemountaingear.com
57 Hours: Use code "TREK100" for $100 off your booking at 57hours.com
Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKERRADIO" for $20 off LT5 Trekking Poles at gossamergear.com. 
[divider]
Interview with Whitney La Ruffa aka Allgood
Allgood's Instagram
Allgood's Blog
Time stamps & Questions
00:06:00 - Reminders: Use code "donttrustafart" for 15% off hats at the Trek's store, sign up for the Trek's newsletter, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon And 2026 AT thru-hikers: take the 2026 AT Hiker Survey here!!
00:10:50 - Introducing Allgood
00:12:30 - What's something you feel passionate about in the outdoor industry right now?
00:15:40 - Is it a net positive for the ultralight trend to become more mainstream?
00:19:40 - What's been your go-to pack recently?
00:21:12 - What are your thoughts on Durston Gear?
00:25:20 - Have you tested the Mountainsmith Zerk?
00:26:20 - What is your take on Alula?
00:31:25 - Discussion about rain gear
00:34:35 - Discussion about natural fibers vs plastic
00:38:00 - Is there a stinkiest fish?
00:38:50 - What's the product you've pushed for the most since joining Gossamer Gear?
00:43:05 - Is Alula more or less expensive than DCF?
00:46:00 - Discussion about gear longevity
00:49:15 - What's your take on the ultralight subreddit?
00:59:11 - Why haven't you hiked the PCT?
01:04:00 - Describe ALDHA-West and your role
01:06:30 - Discussion about the feeling of completing the Triple Crown
01:11:50 - Discussion about shorter vs longer trails
01:13:34 - How do you balance your hiking and your marriage?
01:19:15 - What trails and routes are currently at the top of your bucket list?
01:26:00 - Discussion about She-ra and the impact of wildfire smoke
01:35:27 - Peak Performance Question: What is your top performance enhancing or backpacking hack?
Segments
Trek Propaganda: Fastest PCT Hike in History: Nick Fowler's 45-Day Thru-Hike Sets New Overall FKT by Katie Jackson
QOTD: Predict one aspect of the Zeitgeist in 2040
Fantasy Football Thing of the Week
Triple Crown of emojis
5 Star Review
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.
Sign up for the Trek's newsletter
Leave us a voicemail!
Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.
Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.
Advertise on Backpacker Radio
Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.
Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.
Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. 
Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.
A super big thank you to our Bob Peoples Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, JaredNotFromSubway, Jason Kiser, Jason "I Miss Chaunce" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Thirteen Adventures, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ack, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lucas Hamilton, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.