Andrew Skurka and Katie Gerber: Vapor Barrier Layers, Beginner Backpacking Mistakes, and Off-Trail Ethics (BPR #341)

On today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, presented by Topo Athletic, we are joined once again by our friend Andrew Skurka and former guest and now co-director of Skurka Adventures, Katie Gerber, aka «Salty.» Today’s episode covers a lot of ground.

Today’s conversation is part backpacking advice, part gear nerd talk, and part inside look at the operation at Skurka Adventures.

First we dive into Katie’s list of the five biggest mistakes she made as a beginner backpacker and her take on why she loves her alcohol stove, after a decade of use.

Andrew gives us an overview of vapor barrier layers and moisture management for cold-weather backpacking, the debate over Ursacks versus bear canisters, provides a framework for deciding exactly when it’s time to hit the SOS button on your satellite communicator, the ethics of posting GPS tracks in these fragile, high-consequence regions, and shares his two cents on one of the most detailed bear safety questions we’ve ever received.

The duo also tells us some standout stories from their years of working together, including a nightmarish and somewhat hilarious story about surviving a traffic jam in the Mojave Desert in triple-digit heat.

We end the show with a call to the trail correspondents, whether setting up your tent at the airport makes you a genius or a moron, the triple crown of winter drinks, and some fun Ibex facts from a listener.

HEAR

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Interview with Andrew Skurka and Katie Gerber

Timestamps and questions

00:05:05 – Reminders: Apply as a vlog or blog for Trek, apply to be a trail correspondent, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreonand subscribe to The Trek Youtube!

00:10:00 – Introducing Andrew and Katie

00:13:10 – Are you still passionate about nutrition?

00:19:40 – Tell us about your recent trip to the Grand Canyon with Eric

00:22:45 – How did you start off-piste routes?

00:24:10 – How did you two start working together?

00:30:50 – Describe your current role

00:33:25 – What are some things people don’t know about Skurka?

00:36:40 – Discussion on the mistakes of beginner backpackers.

00:53:20 – What are some new things you’ve been thinking about?

00:56:50 – Which trip is most in demand and which is the most underrated?

00:58:50 – How do you balance protecting sensitive environments with high-profile travel for your business?

01:08:35 – How do you choose who guides each route?

01:10:35 – Do you have any new guides that you’re really excited about?

01:12:40 – What are some tips for someone who wants to get into guiding?

01:20:45 – Grand Canyon or Escalante?

01:23:00 – Tell us your opinion about vapor barrier layers.

01:27:55 – Field bidet discussion

01:30:30 – How many cats until you’re crazy about cats?

01:33:14 – How about using an alcohol stove and what did you think of the Great Basin Trail?

01:35:23 – What are the biggest differences between walking with Dirtmonger and Andrew?

01:40:15 – Have you used AI in your business?

01:44:14 – How should a campsite be set up?

01:50:00 – What are the pros and cons of hard sided bear boats and Ursacks?

01:52:20 – Are there any new pieces of gear you’re excited about?

01:56:00 – Discussion on telephone technology in the field

02:01:18 – What do you think about plastic water bottles?

02:03:40 – How far do you need to pee from your campsite?

02:04:45 – How do you decide to press the SOS button?

02:08:20 – What do you think about polartech?

02:09:50 – Do bouillon cubes exist?

02:13:54 – What should people know about the upcoming guiding season?

02:20:20 – Peak Performance Question: What’s your top backpacking or performance-enhancing trick?

Segments

Propaganda Clues:

QOTD: Is it embarrassing or cool to set up your tent at the airport?

Triple Crown of winter drinks

mail bag

5 star review

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