Gear Abby: Outdoor Advice Without the BS! Sick of outdoor podcasts that gate keep, worship influencer gear lists, or make you feel like you don’t belong? Yeah, we do too. That’s why Gear Abby exists. With Gear Abby you won't get an ounce of shame or gear snobbery. It's just unfiltered advice, honest conversations, and the occasional 'WTF' moment in the wild. Hosted by outdoor journalist and adventure junkie Shawnté Salabert, this show answers the real questions you’re too embarrassed to ask out loud. From weird gear issues and trip prep anxiety to calling out elitist nonsense in outdoor culture. Shawnté approaches your burning outdoor questions with that sort of loving big sister vibe. And if Shawnté doesn’t have the answer? She’ll drag in someone who does. Whether you hike, paddle, run, or just want to feel less weird in REI - Gear Abby’s your new outdoor bestie. Gear Abby. Because there are no dumb questions. Just smart advice.
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.
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 weirdest but most versatile pieces of gear around: the rain skirt. Got a question 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.
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. Finally, turning 50 sparks a big adventure goal: trying new outdoor group activities despite a lifetime of anxiety about being judged. With help from a special guest, we talk about building confidence, finding the right group, and why it’s never too late to try something new. Got a question for Gear Abby? Send it to deargearabbymail@gmail.com —because there are no dumb questions, just smart advice. Gear Abby is a production of Rock Fight, LLC
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 a rope that looks worn out? Shawnté breaks down how to inspect climbing ropes, when to retire them, and why trusting your gut matters when safety is on the line. Got a question 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 .
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 break down what it really takes to get started, what skills you’ll need, and whether the job is worth the commitment. Got a question for Gear Abby? Send it to deargearabbymail.com . Thanks for listening! Gear Abby is a production of Rock Fight , LLC.
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 to the desert! Gear Abby tells them how to avoid (and survive) an encounter with cholla cactus , one of the Southwest’s most infamous spiky hazards. Got a question for Gear Abby? Send it to deargearabby@gmail.com . Thanks for listening! Gear Abby is a production of Rock Fight , LLC.
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 just another expensive flex? Got a question for Gear Abby? Send it to deargearabby@gmail.com . Thanks for listening! Gear Abby is a production of Rock Fight , LLC.
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 socks for runners, and dive into the world of ultralight backpacking with Garage Grown Gear founder Lloyd Vogel , who shares some of the gear innovations that have reshaped modern backpacking. Got a question for Gear Abby? Send it to deargearabby@gmail.com . Thanks for listening! Gear Abby is a production of Rock Fight , LLC.
