Gear Abby: An Outdoor Advice Column For Your Ears

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 ne...

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 cho...

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 Ge...

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...

What should you do if a storm rolls in while you're backpacking with no shelter in sight?

How do you convince a partner to join you on a longer backpacking trip if they’re worried about trail hygiene?

And how exactly do you get comfortable… going to the bathroom outside?

This week on Gear Abby, outdoor educator Shawnté Salabert tackles lightning safety and storm strategy in the backcountry, offer relationship advice for hikers dating non-through-hikers, and return to everyone’s favorite Gear Abby location: Poo Corner.

Send your questions about outdoor gear, t...

Do you really need an InReach if your phone has SOS? How worried should paddlers be about alligators? And what’s that strange building on top of Mount Whitney?

This week on Gear Abby, Shawnté Salabert breaks down backcountry communication devices and whether your smartphone is enough, explain how to paddle safely in alligator country, and dig into the surprisingly wild history behind the hut on the summit of Mount Whitney.

Our listeners create our podcast! Send your questions to deargearabby@gmail.com... because there are no dumb questions, just smart advice.

Thanks for...

Should we rip down the railings in national parks and let natural selection take over? This week on Gear Abby, Shawnté tackles a heated question about safety features on public lands and debates where personal responsibility ends and park management begins.

Then, a Camino hopeful writes in with a blister crisis after breaking in new boots. Shawnté dives deep into fit, heel locks, insoles, trail runners vs. boots, and yes… a little strategic lubrication.

Finally, a retail worker wonders if attending the outdoor industry trade show, Switchback, on their own dime is worth it. Is it c...

This week on Gear Abby, Shawnté tackles a salty question about whether trail running has lost its “cool factor” now that it’s gone mainstream and whether gatekeeping the sport is just aging-contrarian energy.

Then things get real: a listener shares how sobriety is changing his ski season and friendships. Shawnté digs into ski culture, alcohol pressure, and how to protect your joy on the mountain without compromising your recovery.

Plus: in What’s In My Pack?, Shawnté tests a new handheld hydration system (yes, with actual freezer science) and admits when she’s wrong about insulat...

This week on Gear Abby, Shawnté tackles one of the most thoughtful (and emotionally charged) listener questions yet: how outdoor folks can show up when politics, safety, and public spaces collide. Joined by Garage Grown Gear founder Lloyd Vogel, the conversation digs into why the outdoors has always been political and what real allyship can look like.

Then, things take a sharp (and familiar) turn back to trail reality with a listener question about poop emergencies; including etiquette, survival tactics, and how to handle the most awkward moments imaginable.

Shawnté also answers questions about Alex Ho...

On this episode of Gear Abby, Shawnté tackles four listener questions that range from trail life to public lands policy:

Are there any truly ethical outdoor brands or is sustainability mostly marketing?

This week on Gear Abby, Shawnté Salabert digs into what “ethical” and “sustainable” actually mean in the outdoor industry, how to spot greenwashing, and which brands are genuinely trying to do better.

Then, Shawnté mounts a passionate defense of Death Valley National Park, breaking down why the desert is far more alive (and beautiful) than its name suggests and exactly how to convince a skeptical travel partner.

Finally, a thru-hiker weighs the classic dilemma: sleeping bag or quilt? Shawnté explains how quilts work...

What should you actually eat on a long trail? Is there a way to learn downhill skiing without blowing your entire budget? And how do you find a sports bra that truly supports a bigger chest for high-impact sports?

This week on Gear Abby, Shawnté Salabert breaks down trail food favorites and regrets, shares realistic advice for trying to ski on the cheap, and welcomes sports bra expert Dr. LeJean Lawson for a deep dive into fit, fabric, and why “divide and conquer” matters when it comes to breast support.

Practical advice, real talk, and plent...

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...

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...

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...

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!

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:

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!

Cli...

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!

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!

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

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

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:

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:

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:

Click here for full Gear Abby Episode Companion including all of the bings (aka...

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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...