Adventure Alan on High Routes, the Evolution of Ultralight, and Maintaining Health & Fitness (BPR #338)

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Alan Dixon, better known in the backpacking world as Adventure Alan. Alan is a literal rocket scientist, a lifelong adventure junkie, and a foundational figure in the early days of ultralight backpacking, having co-founded Backpacking Light. 

Alan shares some jaw dropping stories from his many routes, including a near-death experience in the Tetons, his philosophy for developing routes—most notably his popular Wind River High Route, the South Sierra High Route, and the Escalante Overland Route. We dig into how he’s managed to bring his base weight down to as low as 2.4 lb., the small luxuries he now allows himself, some of his favorite cottage brands, and his overarching gear philosophies. We also talk about why he follows a ketogenic diet and how he maintains it on trail, his adventures with his wife of more than 20 years, and much more.

We wrap the show with the triple crown of gifts for backpackers ($75 or less), a hill that we're willing to die on that everyone else thinks is ridiculous, some new AT stamps that have been out for a long time, and I talk fast. 

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

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Interview with Alan Dixon

• Adventure Alan Website

Time stamps & Questions

00:02:00 - Reminders: Apply to vlog or blog for the Trek, apply to be a Trail Correspondent, subscribe to The Trek's Youtube, and 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 top sources for toxicity in food?

00:23:00 - Are there any chemicals in the backpacking world you’re skeptical of?

00:25:06 - What was your earliest mountaineering experience?

00:26:40 - Discussion about the current state of ultralight

00:29:45 - What ultralight products do you get?

00:31:40 - How did you get to a baseweight under 5 pounds?

00:39:30 - Do you recommend tracking your sleep?

00:44:55 - Why do you follow a keto diet?

00:49:52 - How do you maintain a keto diet on trail?

00;53:30 - Tell us about the early days of ultralight

00:58:50 - Why did you want to spread the gospel of ultralight?

01:03:20 - Discussion about the fiddle-factor

01:09:00 - What’s your standard gear list now?

01:10:47 - Do you have practical tips for reducing fiddle time?

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 about selling your website

01:21:55 - What goes into designing a high route?

01:24:40 - Sell us on the Adventure Alan Wind River High Route

01:28:30 - Do you consider high routes to be more of a physical or intellectual challenge?

01:32:05 - Discussion about anxiety while hiking

01:34:45 - Tell us about adventuring with your wife

01:39:09 - Do you have any general marriage advice?

01:42:10 - How do you maintain your fitness into your 60s?

01:46:40 - Discussion about the definition of success

01:51:55 - What’s something novel that you’re excited about right now?

01:54:49 - Tell us about the Southern Sierra High Route

01:59:20 - Define “it goes”

02:00:05 - Tell us about the Escalante Overland Route

02:06:04 - Are you fully retired now?

02:07:00 - Discussion about fitness and training

02:09:50 - Tell us about the Southern Patagonia Ice Shelf

02:19:00 - Are you able to enjoy a regular trail?

02:22:10 - Tell us your near death experience in the Tetons

02:35:45 - Are you still making content?

Segments

Trek Propaganda

• Sudden Blizzard on Patagonia’s “O” Circuit Leaves Five Hikers Dead by Katie Jackson
• Hiker Impaled on 15-Foot Branch Rescued From Trail in O’ahu by Katie Jackson
• NOBO vs. SOBO on the Appalachian Trail: Which Direction Is Better? By Livvy Weld

QOTD:  What’s a hill you’ll die on that everyone else thinks is ridiculous?

Triple Crown of gifts for backpackers ($75 or less)

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

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