This week on Gear Abby, Shawnté tackles three absolute heaters: the ethics of climbing chalk, the surprising brilliance of ponchos (and the even more surprising brilliance of rain chaps), and what to do when nature calls in the dead of winter and the ground is frozen solid.

Also: curling, scuba fears, PVC tubes full of poop, and a love letter to wind shirts.

• Chalk Ethics 101: Hidden cost: the environmental toll of chalk manufacturing.
• Poncho Town, Population: You. Final verdict: wear whatever keeps you dry — fashion is between you and your god.
• Winter Poop Protocol: Emergency snow option: dig deep, break it up, bury responsibly (last resort only).
• What’s in Shawnté’s Pack?: A full ode to the humble wind shirt.

Support those who support Gear Abby: Fjallraven, Garage Grown Gear, Gossamer Gear

Got your own question for Gear Abby? Send it to deargearabby@gmail.com and it just might end up on the pod.

Thanks for listening! Gear Abby is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

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This week on Gear Abby, Shawnté tackles four wildly different but totally relatable outdoor questions: from scattering ashes in national parks to finding love on trail, staying safe on frozen lakes, and picking the right rain shell without losing your mind.

In This Episode:

• Scattering Ashes in National Parks: Yes it's legal in most parks (with a permit).
• Trailside Romance: Myth or Magic? Love can happen out there (PCT marriages are real!)
• Ice Fishing 101 (w/ special guest: Stepdad Mike!): Warmth tools range from mittens to full-on heated shanty palaces.
• Rain Shell vs Poncho vs All the Fancy Fabrics: Don’t overcomplicate materials. Match the jacket to the activity, not the marketing hype.

Support those who support Gear Abby: Fjallraven, Garage Grown Gear, Gossamer Gear

Got your own question for Gear Abby? Send it to deargearabby@gmail.com and it just might end up on the pod.

Thanks for listening! Gear Abby is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's semi-weekly newsletter by heading to www.rockfight.co and clicking Join The Mailing List.

On this weeks episode of Gear Abby Shawnté celebrates Women-Led Wednesday with adventure book recs, a beginner snowshoe deep dive, and what to do when you stumble into an elk harem.

• Women Adventure Writers You Need to Read: Memoirs from river guides, thru-hikers, and survival badasses
• Snowshoeing 101: How to pick the right snowshoe deck size for your weight + conditions.
• Wildlife Etiquette: What to do when you encounter elk, moose, or other large ungulates. The “Horny Animal Power Rankings” make its debut.
• What’s Worth Carrying in the Backcountry: Shawnté’s essentials beyond the phone.

Click here for full Gear Abby Episode Companion including all of the bings (aka footnotes) and even more from this episode!

Support those who support Gear Abby: Fjallraven, Garage Grown Gear, Gossamer Gear

Got your own question for Gear Abby? Send it to deargearabby@gmail.com and it just might end up on the pod.

Thanks for listening! Gear Abby is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's semi-weekly newsletter by heading to www.rockfight.co and clicking Join The Mailing List.