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 . [divider] 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

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Andrew Skurka & Katie Gerber: Vapor Barrier Layers, Beginner Backpacking Mistakes, and Off-Trail Route Ethics (BPR #341) is an episode from Backpacker Radio by Zach Davis.

This episode is 02:54:52 long.

This episode was published on Jan 19, 2026.

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