On today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we’re joined by Alan Dixon, better known in the backpacking world as Adventure Alan. Alan is literally a rocket scientist, a lifelong adventure junkie, and a pivotal figure in the early days of ultralight backpacking, having co-founded Backpacking Light.
Alan shares some amazing stories from his many routes, including a near-death experience in the Tetons, his philosophy for developing routes, particularly his popular Wind River High Route, South Sierra High Route, and Escalante Overland Route. We discuss how he managed to reduce his base weight to just 2.4 pounds, the little luxuries he now allows himself, some of his favorite home brands, and his general gear philosophies. We also talk about why she follows a ketogenic diet and how it keeps her on track, his adventures with his wife of over 20 years, and much more.
We close the show with the triple crown of backpacking goodies ($75 or less), a hill we’re willing to die on that everyone else thinks is ridiculous, some new AT stamps that have been available for a long time, and I talk fast.
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Interview with Alan Dixon
Timestamps and questions
00:02:00 – Reminders: Apply as a vlog or blog for Trek, apply to be a trail correspondent, subscribe to The Trek Youtubeand listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!
00:06:49 – Introducing Alan
00:07:30 – So you’re a rocket scientist?
00:10:55 – What did you do for the EPA?
00:17:13 – What are the main sources of toxicity in food?
00:23:00 – Are there any chemicals in the backpacking world that you are skeptical about?
00:25:06 – What was your first experience in mountaineering?
00:26:40 – Discussion on the current state of ultralights.
00:29:45 – What ultralight products do you get?
00:31:40 – How did you get to a base weight of less than 5 pounds?
00:39:30 – Do you recommend tracking your sleep?
00:44:55 – Why are you on a ketogenic diet?
00:49:52 – How do you maintain a ketogenic diet on the road?
00;53:30 – Tell us about the early days of ultralight
00:58:50 – Why did you want to spread the gospel of ultralighting?
01:03:20 – Discussion on the violin factor
01:09:00 – What is your standard equipment list now?
01:10:47 – Do you have any practical tips for reducing the time you spend playing the violin?
01:13:07 – Tell us about your trip in the Wind River Range
01:19:00 – Do you have a luxury item today?
01:20:04 – Tell us how to sell your website
01:21:55 – What does designing a high route involve?
01:24:40 – Sell us on the upper river route Adventure Alan Wind
01:28:30 – Do you find high routes more of a physical or intellectual challenge?
01:32:05 – Discussion about anxiety during the walk.
01:34:45 – Tell us about adventures with your wife.
01:39:09 – Do you have any general marriage advice?
01:42:10 – How do you maintain your physical condition until you are 60 years old?
01:46:40 – Discussion on the definition of success.
01:51:55 – What is something new that excites you right now?
01:54:49 – Tell us about the Alta Sierra Sur Route
01:59:20 – Define «goes»
02:00:05 – Tell us about the Escalante Overland Route
02:06:04 – Are you fully retired now?
02:07:00 – Discussion on fitness and training.
02:09:50 – Tell us about the Southern Patagonia ice shelf
02:19:00 – Can you enjoy a regular trail?
02:22:10 – Tell us about your near-death experience in the Tetons
02:35:45 – Are you still creating content?
Segments
Propaganda clues
QOTD: What’s a hill you’ll die on that everyone else thinks is ridiculous?
Triple Crown of Backpacking Gifts ($75 or less)
mail bag
5 star review
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