In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by the Trek, we are joined by

Triple Crowner, designer, and all-around Renaissance woman Renee Patrick,

known on trail simply as Sheera.

Shera has packed a tremendous amount of life into her time on this earth,

in addition to being a triple crowner and hiking a slew of shorter trails.

She's also served in the Peace Corps, interned at the Smithsonian,

and now presently serves as the coordinator

at the Oregon Desert Trail.

She shares stories of being caught in a military coup in Africa,

having her pack stolen by a bear, and building and selling a company. Of course, we've got some

track propaganda, as well as a very poopy edition of Woody Rather, but first some ads.

If you've listened to Backpack or Radio, you know that both Chaunts and I are big fans of gossamer gear, manufacturers of lightweight backpacking gear and accessories.

Their packs carry comfortably, their roomy shelters protect in harsh weather conditions,

and their trekking poles are some of the lightest on the planet.

Gossamer gear is changing the perception of delicate ultralight gear.

Chaunts and I are both users of Gossamer gear's packs and shelters. I use the Gorilla, their 40 liter

pack on the PCT and will be using their new model on an upcoming hike in

Colorado and in the Wind River High Route. I also use a handful of their accessories, such as the Light

Flex Hiking Umbrella, which works for both the sun and the rain, and the hipster, their lightweight

weight fanny pack. Chaunts is out on the AT right now as you know getting a super chafed up and

rocking gossamer gears the one shelter which is both roomy and light

weighing in it less than one and a half pounds.

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