Casey «Vegas» Huffman tells the story of the origin of his trail name WILD, its reinvention through hiking and an expedition in Alaska (BPR #332)

On today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, presented by LMNT, we’re joined by Casey Huffman, known on the road as Vegas.

Vegas has been mentioned a couple of times on this podcast in the past, such as “the guy whose chest we signed” in 2023 and, more recently, “the guy whose butt we signed.” As we learn in today’s episode, «the signed ass guy» is also a good trick.

We chat about how Las Vegas’ mental health issues ultimately led him to the trail, how the community and hiker culture gave him the space to reinvent himself, and he shares possibly the most entertaining story about the origin of the trail’s name we’ve ever heard; We’ll just say that this one is for adults only.

We end the show discussing the merits of a sleeping bag liner, Chaunce is angry about the cost of soda, we do the triple crown of donuts, and Rachel once again gets a perfectly appropriate listener mail bag.

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Interview with Casey “Vegas” Huffman

Timestamps and questions

00:05:00 – Reminders: Take the Triple Crown Survey, apply to the blog for the Trekand listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!

00:07:15 – Introducing Las Vegas

00:09:30 – How did you get outdoors?

00:16:01 – How was the hospital treatment?

00:19:30 – What was life like after leaving the hospital?

00:21:00 – What led you to take medication as a child?

00:22:45 – Tell us the story of your tattoos.

00:24:25 – Walk us through the first part of the AT

00:28:40 – Tell us the story of the origin of the name of your trail

00:47:00 – Discussion about Las Vegas reputation on the road

00:47:45 – What was it like for you to get off track?

00:53:15 – What is it about hiking that allows you to change your mind to a better place?

00:58:43 – Did you feel it was difficult to get to Katahdin?

01:00:00 – How did you know your future life would be at the end of the road?

01:07:30 – Tell us about running into a cult.

01:12:45 – What did you do after the AT?

01:18:30 – Tell us about your expedition in Alaska

01:28:06 – Tell us about Sheltowee Trace

01:32:45 – Tell us about the Ozark Highlands Trail

01:41:20 – At what moment did you know you were going to climb the PCT?

01:55:20 – Discussion about hiking in the Sierra.

01:58:40 – The Las Vegas story of acid hiking

02:10:30 – Tell us about the long haul after the PCT

02:17:20 – Later stories from Las Vegas sex workers

02:21:10 – What are your favorite next plans?

02:21:54 – Stay Salty Question: What is your most interesting opinion about the world of backpacking?

Segments

Propaganda clues

QOTD: Since when are fountain sodas no longer free refills?

Donut Triple Crown

mail bag

Check out our sound technician. @mi_chico_pauly/ and your coffee.

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