Backpacker Radio

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'