Outdoor Minimalist

It seems that many brands are moving in the right direction in terms of phasing PFAS out of their products, but one of the many aspects complicating this process is the potential for contamination.

In this episode, we hear directly from leading outdoor industry brands like Keen, Outdoor Research, Fjallraven, and Houdini Sportswear alongside scientists and environmental epidemiologists about how and why PFAS spreads and contaminates products so easily.

Guests featured in this episode:

In episode 129 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we return to a highly requested topic area on the show: product packaging. 

By now, we all know that plastic is a problem, but what are the alternatives? And how can we as consumers really know if other single-use packaging options are as green as they say they are? 

Well, we answer those questions and many more with the founder of SOFi Products, Brandon Leeds. 

SOFi Products is an innovative manufacturer of sustainable paper products. They are known for their world's best paper straws that do not get soggy and more recently SOFi has launched a paper cup with a built-in lid.

As we learned in earlier episodes, phase-out and regulatory efforts for PFAS were not swift, and they certainly are not complete.

However, because of the recent regulatory changes on consumer goods, specifically in California, many US-based outdoor brands and chemical companies have finally committed to removing PFAS from their products. 

Guests featured in this episode:

In episode 128 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, I chatted with Katie Houston about Sawyer's clean water projects.

Sawyer is a pioneering water filtration company with a rich history spanning over three decades, dedicated to providing innovative solutions for clean water access worldwide. Established in 1984, Sawyer has continuously evolved its product line, offering a range of advanced filtration systems designed for outdoor adventures, emergency preparedness, and humanitarian aid.

From portable water bottles to high-flow gravity systems, Sawyer's commitment to quality and sustainability has made it a trusted name in ensuring safe drinking water in any environment.

Katie has called the southern Appalachians home most of her life, from sleeping in her tree house to earning an earth science degree from UNC-Asheville. After a deep dive into the hiking community via an Appalachian Trail thru-hike in 2019, she pivoted her future to meet her passion and started working freelance in the outdoor industry.

Now, she's living her dream and managing Sawyer Product's stellar community, and learning more about their incredible support of clean water projects around the world.

The goal of this series is to provide useful information for consumers regarding PFAS, specifically within the outdoor industry, but also for those of us working in the industry. I learned from every single person that I interviewed and talked to about the topic of PFAS, and one of the patterns I noticed during production was that most of the European brands like Jack Wolfskin, Fjallraven, and Houdini Sportswear were early adopters of phasing PFAS out of their products. 

As early as 2009, some of these brands had already begun or, at the very least, made the decision to remove harmful chemicals from their product line.

This begs the question, what took the rest of the industry so long to catch up when there were several examples of success just across the ocean?

Guests featured in this episode:

Episode 127 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast is an open letter to the outdoor industry—a call to action to do more and make less.

If you’ve followed this podcast for a while, you know we are all about environmental action. While I believe individuals can make a difference to achieve more significant impacts, we need the industry to lead the way and decide to do better for the future of our planet and the younger generations.

I had a blast chatting with Rick Saez for this episode. While it is a bit different from other conversations we’ve had on the show, it is one that I think will resonate with how many of us feel about sustainability and the need for broader systemic change.

Rick has worked as a Guide and in Sales & Product Development for many of the leading Outdoor and Adventure Travel Brands. He shares advice and insights about working in the Outdoor Industry from his experience and interviews from his popular Outdoor Biz Podcast.

As more regulations come into play, many outdoor brands have moved the needle and promised to phase PFAS out of their products and apparel by 2025. 

While this is great news, what’s curious as a consumer is that alternative chemistry has existed for quite some time. Brands like Nikwax never needed to use harmful chemicals to achieve waterproof capabilities, and now Nikwax is one brand leading the charge with industry-wide innovations with cleaner chemistry.  

In later episodes, we will explore how both European and US brands have moved to phase out PFAS in their product lines, but before we get to that, it is worth noting that there have always been alternatives.

Guests featured in this episode:

Regulatory efforts across the globe have been pushing for removing certain types of PFAS in specific product categories. Still, there are many limitations, and regulators often receive pushback from chemical companies.

In episode four of the Forever Chemicals ten-part podcast series, we break down the increase of PFAS regulation in the US and the EU, along with the limitations we face in the pursuit of cleaner chemistry.

In episode three of the Forever Chemicals ten-part podcast series, we give an overview of how PFAS is used in modern-day production, and get an inside look at why it became a performance chemistry in the outdoor industry.

PFAS are a large class of chemicals that have been used since the late 1930s. What makes them particularly hazardous is that they are persistent and difficult to break down. That means all the PFAS that have even been created still exist today.

In the first episode of this ten-part series, we learned the history of how PFAS was created. In episode two, we get a better understanding of just how dangerous PFAS chemicals are and how a series of lawsuits brought these health hazards to light.

In the first episode of this ten-part series, we explore where PFAS came from and how it became a prevalent part of our consumer products.

While the innovation of this class of chemicals has been astoundingly effective in applications like firefighting foams, waterproof rain jackets, and Teflon pans, our appetite for convenience created a toxic chemistry we may have to live with forever.

In the next episode of Forever Chemicals, we dive deeper into how the controversy surrounding PFAS grew into a global health crisis and how it has persisted in manufacturing to this day.

In episode 126 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we look at using recycled polyester as insulation. While polyester has its fair share of problems, we explore if there are ways that we can use it sustainably, like removing ocean-bound plastics from the environment and making them into something new.

To break down the ins and outs of developing recycled insulation, I had the pleasure of hosting Joe DiGirolamo, the Director of Sales for North America for Thermore.

Thermore manufacturers better quality thermal insulation with a reputation for performance and sustainability. Joe has been with the company for over 20 years, and he and his family are based in Western NY. He enjoys spending time outdoors and appreciates learning about and observing wildlife. Joe has an explorer mentality and has always enjoyed learning about new places and the people he meets along the way.

In this new ten-part series, we sat down with countless experts from brands like Fjallraven and Outdoor Research along with scientists, lawyers, and law makers that all have a stake in how PFAS is used, and how it is now being eliminated.

Over the course of ten episodes, we’ll investigate the origins, rise, and now phase out of the forever chemicals PFAS (previously known as PFCs). With more companies beginning to understand the dangers of these commonly used chemicals, they’re being phased out to keep up with new laws and to ensure company ethos aligns with production.

However, many consumers still don’t know what they are or why they should care about them. That’s where we come in– to be a direct line to people in and outside the industry and help everyone understand what PFAS are and why we should stop using them. 

If you’re wondering how we can make a difference in the fight against PFAS pollution and keep our planet and our health on the forefront of producers minds, tune into Forever Chemicals, coming March 2024.

In episode 124 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we explore what it means to be an activist and environmental advocate and how to build a community around conservation. 

To me, being an activist and environmentalist is simply a part of life. They're not a hobby or second thought because I've always had a strong sense of justice no matter where I lived or the community present in my life. As I've gotten older, I've begun to realize that community makes a huge difference in our mental health and our ability to create meaningful and impactful change. 

To help explore how you, no matter your location, can begin to take the reigns and tackle some of your area's environmental issues, I had the pleasure of chatting with two gentlemen who, like me, have embodied a life of activism in their community. 

Mitch Stevens and Russell Lowes have been enjoying the wild lands of America for decades, going back to their elementary school years. Mitch has been the Outings Chair for the Sierra Club's southern Arizona group since the early 2000s. He has led outings throughout the southwest and California's Sierra Nevada Mountains. Mitch also founded Southwest Discoveries, an ecotourism company based in Tucson, Arizona.

Russell was involved with about 40 kids from two high schools in Arizona, setting up the first pro-wilderness group in the state. He has been promoting Wilderness Areas since then and has been an avid hiker since age 10.

Episode 123 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast is brought to you courtesy of Fish Nerds.

In episode 122 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we’re going ultralight. We haven’t explored ultralight backpacking on this show for several reasons before, and one of those reasons is that I don’t know much about it!

It is a topic that many listeners are interested in learning more about, so I was excited to invite an experienced ultralight hiker and entrepreneur onto the show to share about her journey to becoming an ultralight, long-distance hiker. 

Sarah Berkeley started Symbiosis Gear in 2022 to meet the gear needs of women backpackers, especially in the ultralight space. While hiking the 2650-mile Pacific Crest Trail in 2019, she bought and used three different backpacks while on the PCT, and none fit well.

She doesn’t want other women backpackers to experience the discomfort, extra expense, and discrimination that she did, so she started Symbiosis Gear to cater to the needs of women backpackers. She knows that providing high-quality gear that fits well makes backpacking more accessible and enjoyable for women, thus building more diversity in the backpacking world.

In episode 121 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, I sat down to talk to an entrepreneur, world traveler, and devoted mother about how, throughout her life, the way she gets outside has changed. We all enter new seasons of life, and our circumstances greatly influence how we spend time outdoors.

Having children is always a significant change, and as someone who does not have children, I was so excited to hear firsthand how more families can continue to get outside and help their children safely enjoy the outdoors with them.

Jocey Newman is a mom, entrepreneur, and outdoor enthusiast. She's the founder of First Peak, a line of sustainable adventurewear for babies and toddlers, inspired by her own time in the outdoors with her young son and a desire to create more durable, eco-friendly items for our littlest explorers.

She recently wrapped up 15 months of nomadic travel with her family across four continents and is now resettling in California with baby #2 on the way. She hopes her story and products can encourage more families to feel confident getting outside together.

Right now, listeners can get an exclusive 10% off any First Peak products by using the code OUTDOORMINIMALIST at checkout.

In episode 120 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we’re exploring a topic that has been on my mind throughout 2023 and now as we enter 2024.

I’ve been reading the book Reclaiming Body Trust, and it has made me rethink and evaluate my relationship with food and my body on a deeper level. Especially entering the season of New Year's resolutions, I think it is essential to consider how we can build a healthy relationship with food and with our perception of ourselves.

That’s why I sat down with Heather Kelly to explore building a healthier relationship with food (on and off the trail).

Heather was born and raised in Alaska, which she still calls home today. A two-time NCAA National Champion in women’s rowing and voted CRCA/Pocock All-American her senior year, she still considers herself an athlete. She loves everything from CrossFit to weight training to long walks in the woods.

While studying at Western Washington University, she earned a degree in Evolutionary Nutrition and went on to study at the Institute for the Psychology of Eating to become a certified eating psychology coach. Heather believes we all have a relationship with food, and that it’s important to cultivate a healthy, satisfying relationship with our diet for long-term health.

She is the founder and CEO of Heather’s Choice®, which produces healthy, lightweight, packable meals and snacks for adventurers worldwide. Every product is handmade in their dedicated gluten-free kitchen in Anchorage, Alaska. The Heather’s Choice mission is to put good food in everyone’s pack, no matter where their adventures may take them.

Before we get to my interview with Heather, I want to announce that the official trailer for the Forever Chemicals podcast just dropped today! You can listen to it exclusively on the Outdoor Minimalist podcast page; soon, more sneak peeks will be coming through. So, if you want to stay up to date with the latest, be sure you’re subscribed to our weekly newsletter at theoutdoorminimalist.com

In episode 119 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we enter the biking world. I am an avid cyclist, mostly with gravel biking, so when I learned about electric adventure bikes, I raised my eyebrows a bit.

First of all, I didn’t know what they were.

Were they like e-bikes?

Are they electric motorcycles?

And they weren’t going to be good for the environments they’re used in, right?

Well, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that some electric adventure bikes set out to design a mode of transportation that can bring you deep into the backcountry with minimal impact.

To learn more about these bikes and how they’re taking the adventure vehicle world by storm, I had the pleasure of talking with Joey Pleich, Director of Brand Marketing for UBCO Electric Adventure Vehicles. With more and more of the outdoor space becoming electrified, we look to dive into how UBCO is leading the charge in fostering equitable solutions for moving recreation and work forward sustainably. Starting with their roots in NZ agriculture, we will speak with Joey on the evolution of UBCO’s core product, the 2x2, an AWD all-terrain electric adventure bike, and its many applications.

For the year's final episode, episode 118, we've picked out our top-ranking episodes of 2023 to recap and return to some of our listener's favorite conversations. We release an episode every Monday, so many other amazing episodes are available beyond these five, but if this is your first time listening, this is an excellent place to start. 

Looking back on 2023, I want to thank all our listeners for making this our best year yet. We've grown a lot this past year, and I am excited to see what 2024 has in store for us. I also want to thank our podcast sponsors, Diorite Gear and Lava Linens, for their support in making this production possible. 

One big announcement for 2024 is the release of the 10-part podcast series Forever Chemicals. If you were a fan of episode 111, Phasing out PFAS in Outdoor Equipment, you'll want to subscribe to our weekly newsletter at theoutdoorminimalist.com to stay updated on release dates and trailers for the Forever Chemicals limited series. 

If you want to support our work and the upcoming Forever Chemicals series, please consider donating to our GoFundMe—link in the show notes. And if you can't support us monetarily, I'd love it if you could leave us a review on Apple podcasts. Reviews are a free way to support the show and to help new listeners find content that aligns with their interests and values. 

Without further ado, here are the top five episodes of 2023 based on listener analytics.

In episode 117 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we set out to answer the question: what does circularity look like when designing products?

To provide real-life examples and experiences of how they’ve implemented more sustainable operations and moved towards a more circular product design, I had the pleasure of hosting Alicia Chin and Sue Jesch from Smartwool. 

Alicia Chin is the Director of Sustainability and Social Impact for emerging brands at VF Corporation—Altra, icebreaker, and Smartwool. At Smartwool, Alicia led the development of the brand’s 10-year roadmap aimed at protecting the outdoors and making outdoor recreation more accessible and inclusive. Before joining Smartwool, Alicia managed sustainability and social responsibility at Heineken USA and the NHL.

Sue Jesch is Global Director of Design at Smartwool and has been with the brand for nearly 15 years. Sue oversees Smartwool’s product design team that brings the brand’s creative expression to life through award-winning, industry-leading products designed to inspire transformative moments in the outdoors. 

In episode 116 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, I was introduced to an innovative app perfect for life on and off the trail.

GOES is an award-winning outdoor safety app co-founded by wilderness medicine expert Dr. Grant Lipman and healthcare tech innovator Camilo Barcenas. Dr. Lipman is a former professor of emergency medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine and was director of its wilderness medicine fellowship. He’s a leader in wilderness medicine and has published numerous research papers, book chapters, and articles. He has expedition medicine experience on six continents and has taught wilderness medicine for 20 years.

Today’s guest, Camilo Barcenas, has over twenty years of experience creating and implementing innovative solutions to improve patient care through technology with partners such as the Mayo Clinic and Stanford Health Care.

I first learned about the GOES Health App just a few weeks before recording this episode, and now, I wonder why I ever hiked without it. The interactive database of health information, weather accuracy, and on-call doctors gives me and my loved ones peace of mind that I can be prepared for any situation I may encounter on the trail.

Outdoor Minimalist listeners can get an exclusive one-month subscription for free to try the app for themselves with the code MINIMALISTGOES.

In episode 115 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, I sat down to chat with Emme Hayes, the founder of Articles in Common. During our conversation, we learned a lot about one another and just how much we actually had in common, including our thoughts on buying used gear and keeping products in circulation for as long as possible. Since buying used is a topic I’ve explored with other guests in the past, it was fun to take a new direction with Emme and compare how recycling gear and textiles may or may not fit into what we view as a circular production model. 

Emme Hayes is the founder of Articles In Common, an online marketplace for outdoor gear and apparel. As a climate activist, I was disappointed when I learned that the outdoor apparel industry was growing at a rate that would diminish our progress to net zero. Frustrated by the limitations of trade-in programs offered by outdoor brands, I wanted an easy way to send in gear that offered a transparent marketplace for outdoorists and athletes alike.

In episode 114 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, I am answering some listener questions. I sometimes get questions from listeners via DMs on Instagram; they’ll comment on a post or submit a question to my website contact box, or, more recently, I sent a form in the weekly newsletter asking what some listener questions may be.

If you ever have a question related to the show, please contact me! Some of my favorite interviews have come from listener questions because if I can’t answer the question, I am always willing to find an expert to answer it.

In episode 113 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, I interview author Elizabeth Hilborn, about her new book Restoring Eden. The book is at once a riveting environmental detective story, an inspiring account of citizen advocacy, and a gorgeous ode to the fragile ecosystems that nourish us, both physically and spiritually.

Dr. Elizabeth Hilborn is a veterinarian who specializes in honey bee medicine. She uses her veterinary training and broad scientific expertise to shine a light on the interconnectedness of all life; she fully recognizes the power of the pollinator/plant partnership that supports, sustains, and nurtures life on earth. An avid gardener and fruit grower, for decades she’s fed family and friends with fresh produce from her family’s farm in central North Carolina. For over 25 years, she’s served as an environmental health scientist with the US Environmental Protection Agency where she studies and writes in scientific journals about the health effects of water pollution.

In episode 112 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we will be talking a whole lot of shit. Our focus today is on a topic that I care deeply about, and I spend a lot of time thinking about it because I have three large dogs: dog poop. More specifically, we discuss the reasons why we all should be picking up our dog’s poop and the best ways to dispose of it once we do.

To help lead this conversation, I am excited to introduce Rose Seemann.

The owner and operator of EnviroWagg, a company dedicated to collecting and composting canine waste into safe, nutrient-rich garden soil. She established the company after her extensive investigations into the issue of pet waste disposal in North America.

Rose's goal is to educate and guide pet owners in the safe and responsible composting and up-cycling of their dogs' and cats' waste - in doing so, she hopes to nudge the world toward a more sustainable future.

In episode 111 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we introduce the highly requested topic of PFAS. You’ll get an inside look into how and why companies have chosen to use PFAS in the past and how one company has phased out the chemical to better align their products with their commitment to a better outdoor experience and a more sustainable future. 

There’s much to be said about this subject, and honestly, there’s far too much to cover in just one episode. That’s why I am excited to announce that we are working on a new 10-part series dedicated to discussing what PFAS is, how it works, and why it is being phased out across the globe. Stay tuned for updates on release dates! 

Leading our conversation today, I’m joined by Martin Axelhed and Donna Bruns. 

Martin is the CEO of the prominent outdoor brand Fjällräven, and Donna is the global director of product. 

Hailing from the small town of Örnsköldsvik in Sweden, a place where mountains and forest meet the sea, Fjällräven is an outdoor clothing and equipment company that’s committed to making nature more accessible. In true Swedish style, we focus on simplicity and practicality, and we have the utmost respect for the environment.

In episode 109 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we discuss how running events, whether trail or city courses, can become more sustainable, reduce waste, and be more inclusive for their communities. To help me do that, I sat down to chat with Brian Mister.

Brian Mister (he/him) is the co-founder of Around the Crown 10K, presented by Truist (ATC10K), founded in 2018. While working for major event producers in Charlotte, including the U.S. National Whitewater Center prior to creating ATC10K, Mister envisioned an inclusive, accessible, and sustainable running event allowing participants to race on a closed major interstate around Charlotte’s uptown. Surviving the global pandemic and seeing an increase in not only participant registration but also volunteer, community/non-profit, and sponsorship support, Mister is now on a mission to share with race directors how they, too, can grow their races and make an impact in the community where the race is being held.

“Why would anyone want to learn the wild skills of our ancient ancestors today, when our lives are full of advanced technologies, quick conveniences, and the joys of instant communication? What could their Paleolithic wisdom have to offer us when a blockchain digital utopia is on our horizon?”

That is the opening paragraph of the book Why We Need to be Wild: One Woman’s Quest for Ancient Human Answers to 21st Century Problems and are the questions that author Jessica Carew Kraft sets out to answer during a five-year research project.

While we can’t cover the entire book in one podcast episode, in episode 108 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, I sat down to chat with Jessica about her book process, what inspired her research, and how we can aspire to rewild in our own lives.

Jessica is an independent journalist trained in anthropology. She holds degrees from the University of London, Yale University, and Swarthmore College. Her reporting on health, culture, tech, and education has been published in The New York Times, The Atlantic, Forbes, San Francisco Chronicle, Politico, NBC News, KQED, and many other outlets. In mid-life, she became a naturalist and wild food forager. Formerly residing in Berkeley, she now lives with her partner, two daughters, and like-minded neighbors of various species in the forest of the Sierra Foothills.

In episode 107, we discuss a part of the outdoor industry that we don’t usually discuss: RV living and travel. There have been a few episodes about vanlife and overlanding, and since so many people choose RVs, trailers, and vans as their mode of transit or even as a full-time home, it only makes sense to explore how to do it sustainably.

I have never lived in a camper trailer or an RV, so when I discovered Kristen Sara and Siya Zarrabi’s Hopscotch the Globe brand, I knew I wanted to hear their insights into low waste and minimalist living while traveling and living out of their airstream.

Kristen and Siya are an adventure-seeking, world-traveling, tiny home-living couple behind the Hopscotch the Globe brand. They have one of the top travel channels on YouTube dedicated to travel and adventure. They showcase everything from travel tips and advice, destination guides, tiny house living, beauty and fashion, food adventures, bizarre travel, reviews, and more!

In today’s episode, they’ll share what they’ve learned in over a decade of travel and how we all can integrate a minimalist mindset, whether on holiday or choosing to live on the road full-time.

In episode 106 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we return to a topic that most of us likely love (I know I do): food. Trail food is something that brings me a lot of joy when I’m out in the backcountry, and it is also something that can quickly boost my morale as I hike. It gives me something to look forward to on those final miles before I reach camp and is a place to build connection and community in many other settings.

Still, camp food can be a real downer sometimes. I know that I’ve made mistakes in camp meals by not packing the right combination of things or not trying a recipe before I am out and being disappointed. Then, there’s always a chance you’re relying heavily on pre-made backpacking meals that don’t fit the bill. So, when I had a chance to sit down and chat with a chef with the goal of revitalizing and reinventing the way we see food outdoors, I had to jump on it.

Chef Corso is the head chef and founder of Outdoor Eats. A company and community focused on elevating the outdoor food experience through fast, easy, tasty recipes, cookbooks, and meal plans. He’s a classically trained chef training at the Culinary Institute of America in Napa Valley and continued schooling in Northern Italy. He has a layered culinary history ranging from a research chef testing and developing new food products for companies like General Mills, Miller Coors, Martinelli’s, and more, as well as extensive experience as a head chef and culinary trainer for multiple brands in Seattle, WA training national and international teams. In his downtime away from the kitchen, he enjoyed hiking and backpacking in the Olympic and North Cascades NPs and noticed that most people were just boiling water and adding it to a bag or eating bars and jerky for days on end. He started testing recipes with the backpacker in mind, and the results changed his whole experience to better compliment the outdoors. Chef Corso and Outdoor Eats are here to share that elevated experience.

Meg is walking around in the Badlands of South Dakota, the land of the Oglala Lakota Tribe, so it’s me, Alex, gracing you with an intro this week! In episode 105 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, Meg explores how rural communities can build more inclusive outdoor spaces. To do this, she sat down to chat with Kristen Neithercut, cofounder of the Montana-based nonprofit the female climbers collective.

Kristen and the rest of the board members are on a mission to help create more inclusive outdoor spaces! They believe that people should be able to show up in outdoor spaces exactly as they are, no labels, no BS, no faking. We create a space and a platform for authentic connection and community around rock climbing.

In episode 104 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we dive into how to identify your needs when choosing a hiking trail. There are many online resources and ways to discover new trails, but who is making those trail recommendations and writing the reviews?

Sometimes, finding a trail that suits your needs is hard, especially if you’re hiking with dogs, children, or have any disability. Even as we age, our needs in trail maintenance, difficulty, and length will likely change. Then, finding the resources to identify where those trails are and the description accuracy is an entirely different challenge.

That’s why I sat down with a trail and map expert to get her take on how to better identify and find the right trails for our needs.

Hope Rowan is a creator of maps, particularly maps of trails. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Colby College and a Master’s degree in Human Ecology from the College of the Atlantic. Hope has authored two kids' hiking guides and enjoys getting outdoors with her dog Tess as much as possible, whether climbing mountain peaks, kayaking the ocean, or rediscovering lost canoe portaging routes among Maine's rivers and ponds.

How does minimalism fit into your outdoor adventure wardrobe?

Is it possible to have one shirt that works for every one of your adventures?

In episode 103 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we aim to answer those questions. To do that, I sat down with founder and adventurist Jen Loofburrow to see how and why she created a company whose goal is to reduce the number of apparel items you buy.

Jen loves long adventures outdoors, self-propelled by foot, pedal, paddle, or ski. She launched the Alaska-based outdoor apparel brand Alpine Fit to combine her passions, values, and experiences in materials development and adventuring in the backcountry of Canada and Alaska. Alpine Fit makes essential pieces of clothing for adventures of all kinds, offering fit options for body shapes and odor-resistant fabrics in base layers, bushwhacking leggings, hats, headbands, and neck gaiters made in the USA.

We talk a lot about how we impact the environment on this show, but what about how the natural world impacts us?

It is no secret that climate change has upped the ante regarding extreme weather events and natural disasters. This summer alone, I have experienced some of the effects of wildfires in the PNW. There have been countless hurricanes, and in all of these situations, people and homes are lost.

That’s why, in episode 102 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we provide resources to prepare you for natural disasters and other emergencies. September is National Preparedness Month, and today’s guest will ensure we’re ready, no matter the emergency.

Brad Greer has over 20 years of experience in health care, cybersecurity, identity theft, law, litigation, insurance, and government affairs. Greer and five others helped start up the United States’ leading identity theft protection company, LifeLock, in 2005. He served as the primary interface for the Company on legislative, administrative, and regulatory issues with state and federal government.

Greer is the CEO of DrySee. DrySee is a worldwide, patented technology involving a waterproof, breathable liquid indicating bandage. The latest rendition of the device addresses a very large market opportunity with a waterproof covering, a water invasion indicator near the edge and center of the bandage with cost-effective materials that ensure maximum profitability and multiple patient benefits from a disposable bandage.

In episode 101 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we get into the nitty gritty of wool production and answer the question: How sustainable and ethical is wool?

Wool is a widely used natural fiber in the outdoor industry. From socks to sweaters, people have relied on wool materials to keep them warm and safe in even the most extreme weather. As more of us gravitate away from synthetic materials and try to find more sustainable natural fibers that perform well, we might prefer wool.

But is wool always the best choice? You might be surprised by the answers brought forward by my guest, Mike Sombery.

Mike served as the Marketing Director at Duckworth for three years and was initially drawn to the company due to its intersectionality of performance fashion, sustainable supply chain and small-footprint management, and Montana-based agriculture. A passionate outdoorsman, Mike has watched as brands operating under the guise of outdoor-loving apparel manufacturers have disregarded the environment and ecology of wild places and is dedicated to helping forge an example-setting model for others to follow and iterate upon.

100 episodes - I can't believe we are here! The podcast has been out for almost two years now, and while we've missed a week or two here and there, you've joined us every Monday to explore a new topic about minimalism, outdoor recreation, and being outside.

THANK YOU

Getting to 100 episodes is something that only about 10% of podcasts achieve in their lifetime, and I couldn't have done it without all of you. Each week I show up and interview another expert in the outdoor industry, and without fail, I learn something new. Outdoor Minimalist has brought me some of the most amazing connections and relationships, and what's crazy is that there's still more to come.

So, thank you. Thank you for listening. Thank you for supporting the show, and thank you for helping create a better outdoor space as we recreate.

Episode 99 - can you believe that we are almost to 100?! I certainly can’t! And we have a special 100th episode next week featuring the rest of the Outdoor Minimalist team, Alex and Ethan. When I started the podcast, I was afraid I’d run out of ideas and wouldn’t have enough to discuss. I’ve been so blessed throughout my writing and podcasting journey to have met some amazing people and interviewed countless experts in the outdoor industry. Some of those people I met while I was traveling for four months living out of my van.

Van and car living have woven their way in and out of my life for the last decade. At times, I did it out of necessity, and at others, just because I wanted to travel. Social media has changed the vanlife landscape quite a bit, and what was once looked down upon as a lifestyle has become coveted and pursued by many, even if it is only for a short time. Because vanlife, overlanding, and RV travel are a big part of the outdoor industry, it only makes sense to discuss how and why this lifestyle may or may not be as sustainable as we think.

That’s why in episode 99, we are answering the question: how sustainable is vanlife? To help me dive into this topic, I was happy to host Dave Santillo.

Dave is a career environmental scientist with a Ph.D. in Environmental & Forest Biology. He lists his favorite things as traveling with any of his three kids, but he also loves wilderness expeditioning, sea kayaking, and hiking. He also spends a lot of time wrestling with issues like ecological footprint and sustainability as they relate to his interests, both in his profession and his recreation, which he recently linked together in his nonprofit initiative called the TerraTrek.

When we enter wild landscapes, no matter how remote, there is an inherent risk. A risk that we could be injured, that we encounter a wild animal, become lost, or, worst case scenario, succumb to foul play at the hands of another human. Some of these interactions and scenarios are unavoidable; even the most seasoned explorers die in the wilderness. 

In episode 98, we explore these exact topics. I find that it’s essential to have a healthy fear when entering the wilderness. Maybe not a fear, but a mindset that it’s possible for things to go wrong, and it’s important to be prepared for when they do. Although I could likely fill an episode alone discussing some of my wild experiences and encounters outdoors, I had the pleasure of sitting down and learning from Andrea Lankford about how not to die in the wilderness. 

Andrea Lankford is the author of Ranger Confidential, three trail guides, and her upcoming book, Trail of the Lost: The Relentless Search to Bring Home the Missing Hikers of the Pacific Crest Trail. During her career with the National Park Service, Andrea performed law enforcement, search and rescue, wildland firefighting, and wilderness emergency medicine. After leaving the ranger ranks, the accomplished outdoorswoman thru-hiked the entire Appalachian Trail, kayaked from Miami to Key West, and she and her friend, Beth Overton, were the first to mountain bike the 800-mile Arizona Trail. Andrea is now a registered nurse living in Northern California.

In episode 97, we are diving into a world that is a bit foreign to me but has fascinated me for a long time: wildlife photography. Many listeners likely enjoy photography as a hobby or profession. This artistic pursuit is one way we can spend time in nature and get to know the world more intimately. 

So, why are we talking about photography on this show? Minimalism in the world of photography is a topic that is brushed over relatively quickly and often. So, when Daniel J. Cox approached me, I was intrigued by the idea of discussing the evolution of photography over the last few decades, the trend of minimalism both in gear and as an artistic concept, and how having and doing less can sometimes lead to a more efficient process. 

Daniel J. Cox has been documenting the world of nature for over four decades. His work has appeared in National Geographic Magazine and many other publications related to conservation issues. He was recently awarded the Environmental Impact Award from the North American Nature Photographers Association, and he’s firmly committed to scaling down, which includes the equipment he uses to produce his work. 

In episode 96 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we discuss how one company is making waves in the outdoor industry through new product innovations and pioneering a circular production model. Most of our discussion revolves around a new proprietary fabric and upcoming product innovations from the Nemo Equipment team. To explain how they’ve achieved all this and more, I had the pleasure of hosting Theresa McKenney.

Theresa is the Director of Sustainability at NEMO Equipment, an innovative gear brand based in Dover, New Hampshire. When she’s not deep in a spreadsheet or hiking a trail, Theresa enjoys playing piano and fiddle with the Boston Scottish Fiddle Orchestra.

Many of us enjoy sharing our adventures online with friends and family, but does how we share those experiences impact the wild spaces themselves?

In episode 95, we discuss social media and online conversations about geotagging, location sharing, and equal access in the outdoors. To help do a deep dive into geotagging, I had the pleasure of hosting Maddy Marquardt.

Maddy is a sea kayaking guide, expedition paddler, and writer. From guidebooks to guided tours, she's shared outdoor information and locations in many different ways and seen the impacts of areas that have been loved to death.

In episode 94 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we discuss the importance of proper food storage when hiking and camping in bear country. If you haven’t had a chance to listen yet, I recommend going back and tuning into episode 85, where I interview a wildlife biologist specializing in bears from Glacier National Park. He shares some great tips on safely recreating around bears and avoiding an encounter altogether.

So, to build on that topic and focus on one of the primary ways bears and humans collide, I was excited to interview Holly Jalenski, the co-founder of Grub Can, about how she and her husband created a bear-safe food canister that’s comfortable to carry.

You’ll hear us chat about what inspired them to design a new bear canister, how they’re tested, and if they actually work when a bear gets their hands on them.

Holly Jaleski and Jim Corning are a husband and wife backpacking duo. They've both been backpacking all over the US for over 40 years. They created Grubcan out of a desire for a bear-resistant container that fits comfortably inside or outside backpacks and opens easily without tools. Grubcan’s are handmade in Flagstaff (and we love visitors!).

Holly is the CCO at Grubcan. She is trained in wildlife rehabilitation and is the Director of a rescue ranch. Her parents instilled in her a respect and love for nature from an early age. She has been on the BLM Resource Advisory Council for many years as an advocate for preserving nature for the good of all. She is also a novelist and writes environmental fiction.

Jim is an Aeronautical Engineer and has been designing and manufacturing airplane parts out of carbon fiber for 26 years; now, he’s used his expertise to transform the bear-resistant container market.

In episode 93 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we are returning to some of the foundational topics of the show: outdoor gear and equipment. If you’ve read the book, you’ll know that a big chunk of the text revolves around product materials, gear picks, gear repair, and gear needs. So, for this episode, we’re covering a topic I’ve wanted to discuss since the start of this podcast: how to identify your gear needs. 

To give us some insights into how we can all make better gear choices, I sat down to chat with Alisha McDarris. 

Hunting and fishing are seemingly popular outdoor activities, but how easy are they to learn when you didn’t grow up doing them?

In episode 92 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we are reentering the arena of hunting and fishing. While I work indirectly in this space, these specific outdoor activities are ones that I have had very minimal experience with but want to bring more voices from hunters and anglers onto the show, especially those helping underrepresented groups thrive in a world designed for sportsmen.

Uncharted Outdoorswomen and their female guides are passionate about creating space for women in the outdoors. Erin Crider founded the company in Colorado and has expanded to Wyoming, Montana, and Oregon. The Uncharted Team creates opportunities for women and other unlikelies to learn outdoor skills like hunting, fishing, and other survival skills. All classes, camps, and retreats are taught and guided by women.

In episode 91 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we are diving into a topic: overlanding. Offroading and using motorized vehicles to travel from place to place and across public lands has existed for a long time, but it’s grown in popularity within the last decade. With this boom of interest in overlanding and offroading, there has also been a rise in concerns regarding the environmental impact of this type of outdoor recreation. 

To help me explain and explore this topic in more depth, I had the pleasure of interviewing Beth Brennan. 

Beth is the GM of TREAD Agency. She's a marketer and project manager with over ten years of experience in the outdoor industry. Beth is a brand marketer specializing in the overland space, working for Tepui Tents, The Thule Group, and Go Fast Campers. Beth sits on the SEMA (Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association) Businesswomen's Select Committee and recently participated in their All-Female Build with Ford Motor Company. Beth resides in Bozeman, Montana, is involved in Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, and advocates for conservation and public land access.  

In episode 90 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we get a look into the healing power of nature from Dr. Kelly McLean, a Surgical Oncologist specializing in treating Breast and Melanoma Cancer at the Christ Hospital in Cincinnati, OH.  

Kelly is the founder and Board President of Move Beyond Surviving, a non-profit organization designed to help breast cancer survivors move beyond their diagnosis and treatment by challenging themselves in nature.  When not operating or spending time outside, she enjoys playing tennis and hanging out with her cats.

In episode 89 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we are returning to the topic of food packaging. If you’ve listened to previous episodes, you know that we talk a fair bit about trail food on the show. While ingredients come up in discussion, the primary goal of my conversation with Eric Boxer, the Chief Sustainability Officer and Head Chef at RightOnTrek, Inc., was to learn more about how RightOnTrek chose their biobased packaging and how other companies can learn from their pursuit towards a more sustainable backpacking lifestyle. 

Eric has been a life-long outdoor enthusiast for extended excursions on the road less traveled via bicycle, canoe, skis, and on foot. In previous career journeys, he commercialized his own line of energy bars that used sustainably-farmed ingredients and consulted on energy efficiency for buildings and industrial processes. Eric is passionate about helping people experience food and the great outdoors with minimal impact to the environment.