A Marine Corps Veteran on Hiking to Heal from PTSD and Reclaim His Peace, ft. Gabe "Wing It" Vasquez (BPR #334)

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we’re joined by Gabe Vasquez, known on trail as “Wing It.” Gabe is a U.S. Marine Corps combat veteran, long-distance kayaker and cyclist, and the first known Mexican-American to complete the Triple Crown. 

Gabe opens up about his time in the Marines and the challenges that followed- PTSD, becoming addicted to prescription meds to manage the PTSD in addition to anxiety and depression, losing friends to suicide after their service, and night terrors. In his efforts to heal, Gabe turned to adventure. He began by paddling the Mississippi with a friend, then took on a PCT thru-hike, followed by eight consecutive years of long-distance backpacking, paddling, and cycling. Gabe shares how that time in nature helped him reclaim his peace, and why he’s happier today than he’s ever been.

Worth noting- this episode includes graphic descriptions of PTSD and suicide. If these topics are sensitive or triggering for you, please take care while listening.

We wrap the show with news of a pair of fatal bear attacks near the Ozark Highlands Trail, a partially blind grandmother who thru-hiked the PCT- averaging nearly 40 miles a day in the process, the definitive etiquette around holding doors for strangers, and the triple crown of the worst phrases and expressions.

LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.

Gossamer Gear: Check out the Type II collection at gossamergear.com. 

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Interview with Gabe “Wing It” Vasquez

• Gabe's Instagram
• Tommy Corey's Video with Gabe
• Semper Fi Fundraiser

Time stamps & Questions

00:05:20 - Reminders: Apply to blog for the Trek, subscribe to our Youtube channel, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!

00:12:45 - Introducing Gabe

00:16:10 - What was it like to join the Marines?

00:22:45 - What was your specific job like in the Marines?

00:23:30 - Tell us about your deployments

00:29:20 - What was the vibe like in that sort of environment?

00:33:37 - Did you know you were actively pushing things down at the time?

00:35:06 - What was the comedown like when returning from a deployment?

00:36:40 - At what point did you seek professional help?

00:38:30 - How did the PTSD show up for you?

00:42:35 - How did you know you needed to get off the meds?

00:49:30 - How did you transition from experiencing these symptoms to advocating for others?

00:56:04 - How did you decide to kayak the Mississippi River?

00:59:20 - Did you feel a sense of accomplishment after the kayak trip?

01:09:20 - Did you go into the PCT excited to hike it?

01:13:20 - At what point did being in nature start to click for you?

01:14:45 - Knowing what you know now, would you still have joined the Marines?

01:17:22 - At what point did the nightmares subside or improve?

01:20:00 - Have you met other veterans on trail?

01:22:40 - Do you have a lot of people reaching out to you?

01:25:00 - Is the period between adventures extra tough for you?

01:26:30 - Are you trying to do all Seven Summits?

01:27:55 - Was it weird with the PCT being so white?

01:36:15 - Do you have favorite summit music?

01:37:26 - What are some of your favorite trail angel stories?

01:40:00 - What’s a typical MRE meal like?

01:41:30 - What drew you to the bike after the PCT?

01:46:30 - What are the pros and cons of long distance cycling over thru-hiking?

01:50:50 - Fuck Marry Kill: cycling, paddling, and hiking

01:54:10 - What did it feel like to complete the Triple Crown?

01:58:00 - Discussion about LNT

01:59:20 - What other hot takes do you have?

02:05:20 - What other gear do you like?

02:10:16 - Tell us about almost getting arrested in Egypt

02:19:05 - Do you worry that drugs could trigger PTSD?

02:26:00 - What’s your favorite trail or trail story?

02:28:35 - Do unrealistic war movies bother you?

02:30:55 - Stay Salty Question: What’s one piece of advice you’d like to give?

Segments

Trek Propaganda

• 2 Fatal Bear Attacks in Past 6 Weeks Near Ozark Highlands Trail in Arkansas by JT Simmons
• Partially Blind Grandmother Thru-Hikes PCT in Under 70 Days by Katie Jackson

QOTD: What’s the proper distance to hold a door for someone?

Triple Crown of the worst expressions/phrases

Mail Bag

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