Gear Abby: An Outdoor Advice Column For Your Ears

Campfire Ethics, Hydration Drama & Thru-Hiker Reality Checks

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@gmail.com.Thanks for listening! Gear Abby is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

Elk Erotica, Shoe Talk & Gear of the Year

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 the gear talk. Stay for the elk erotica.Got a question? Send it to DearGearAbby@gmail.com.Support those who support Gear Abby: Fjallraven, Garage Grown Gear, Gossamer GearThanks for listening! Gear Abby is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

Trail Cred Is Fake, Gear Hoarders Anonymous & the Cold Run Manifesto

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 trail cred required.Support those who support Gear Abby: Fjallraven, Garage Grown Gear, Gossamer GearThanks 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.

The Great Chalk Debate, Poncho Town & The Snow Poop Protocol

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 Poop Protocol: Emergency snow option: dig deep, break it up, bury responsibly (last resort only).What’s in Shawnté’s Pack?: A full ode to the humble wind shirt.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.

Spreading Ashes, Ice Holes & On Trail Meet-Cutes!

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 Fancy Fabrics: Don’t overcomplicate materials. Match the jacket to the activity, not the marketing hype.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.