Gear Abby: An Outdoor Advice Column For Your Ears

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 to keep things interesting.

Got a question? Send it to DearGearAbby@gma...

Duration: 00:50:02

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 outdoor goal is simply getting outside with people you love.

Come for...

Duration: 00:45:11

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 better gloves.

Got a question? Send it to DearGearAbby@gmail.com... no trai...

Duration: 00:48:16

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 verdict: wear whatever keeps you dry — fashion is between you and your god.Winter Poo...

Duration: 00:43:00

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!): Warmth tools range from mittens to full-on heated shanty palaces.Rain Shell vs Poncho vs All the F...

Duration: 00:39:17

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 badassesSnowshoeing 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 Power Rankings” make its debut.What’s Worth Carrying in the Backcountry: Shawnté’s essentials beyond the phone.

Cli...

Duration: 00:41:08

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 (strongly), explaining how a cheap layer of Tyvek can save your $500 tent and your sanity.Painting in t...

Duration: 00:46:15

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 (lookin...

Duration: 00:46:04

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 to ignore, and when to just walk away.The Enforcer: Colin lands hi...

Duration: 00:49:37

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 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.
Duration: 00:49:10

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 fabri...

Duration: 00:46:04

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 R...

Duration: 00:46:32

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...

Duration: 00:41:38

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 & Lea...

Duration: 00:49:37

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 wh...

Duration: 00:37:54

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 b...

Duration: 00:41:22

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 anoth...

Duration: 00:35:21

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...

Duration: 00:30:42

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 potat...

Duration: 00:35:58

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, obscur...

Duration: 00:01:36