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

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are joined yet again by our pal Andrew Skurka and wayyyyy back 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 chat, part a glimpse inside the operation at Skurka Adventures. 

We first 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 Ursack versus bear canister debate, he gives a framework for deciding exactly when it’s time to hit the SOS button on your satellite communicator, the ethics of publicizing GPS tracks in these high consequence and fragile regions, and he shares his two cents on one of the most detailed bear-safety questions we've ever received.

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

We wrap the show with a call for Trail Correspondents, if setting up your tent in the airport makes you a genius or an A-hole, the triple crown of winter drinks, and some fun Ibex facts from a listener.

Topo Athletic: Use code “TREKWINTER15” at topoathletic.com.

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Interview with Andrew Skurka & Katie Gerber

• Skurka's Website
• Skurka's Instagram
• Katie's Website
• Katie's Instagram

Time stamps & Questions

00:05:05 - Reminders: Apply to vlog or blog for the Trek, apply to be a Trail Correspondent, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon, and subscribe to The Trek's 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 Grand Canyon trip with Eric

00:22:45 - How did you get started on off trail 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 about beginner backpacking mistakes

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

00:56:50 - What trip is in the highest demand, and what’s the most underrated?

00:58:50 - How do you balance protecting sensitive environments with leading trips for your business?

01:08:35 - How do you pick who guides each route?

01:10:35 - Do you have any new guides 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 thoughts on vapor barrier layers

01:27:55 - Discussion about the backcountry bidet

01:30:30 - How many cats until you’re a crazy cat dude?

01:33:14 - How do you like using an alcohol stove and how did you like the Great Basin Trail?

01:35:23 - What are the biggest differences between hiking 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 canisters and Ursacks?

01:52:20 - Is there a new piece of gear you’re excited about?

01:56:00 - Discussion about phone technology in the backcountry

02:01:18 - What are your thoughts on 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 are your thoughts on polartech?

02:09:50 - Are broth cubes a thing?

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

02:20:20 - Peak Performance Question: What is your top performance-enhancing or backpacking hack?

Segments

Trek Propaganda: 

• Colorado Trail vs. John Muir Trail vs. Long Trail: Which Trail is the Best? By Katie Jackson
• 25 More Stunning Thru-Hiking–Inspired Tattoos by Anna McKinney Smith

QOTD:  Is it cringe or genius to set up your tent in the airport?

Triple Crown of winter drinks

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

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