The Ultralight Subreddit, Pack Fabric Pros and Cons, and Not Triple Crowning with Whitney "Allgood" La Ruffa" (BPR #374)

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by OnX Backcountry and Topo Athletic, we are joined yet again by our pal Whitney LaRuffa, known on trail as AllGood. AllGood has hiked thousands of miles with his K-9 companions over the years, including his first thru-hike of the AT way back in 1996. AllGood is one of the most entrenched figures in the world of hiker trash, with several thru-hikes under his belt, serving as former president of ALDHA-West, and having worked for several prominent brands in the industry, he eats, breathes, sleeps, and poos all things thru-hiking.  In this one, AllGood gives his take on Durston Gear's rapid rise, Big Agnes's early misstep pairing Dyneema tents with heavy buckles, and the challenge he foresees with Osprey's sewn in hip belt on their new UL pack, he breaks down the cost tradeoffs between Alula, DCF, and Robic pack fabrics, and he tells the story of how the Ultralight subreddit's roughly half million members helped sink a quilt brand's business, and why even a three person company needs a PR plan for when things go sideways online.  We also cover his philosophy that rain gear on trail is about staying warm rather than staying dry, why he still hasn't finished his Triple Crown despite years spent handing out certificates as ALDHA-West president, his love affair with Jolly, how he balances long-distance hiking with marriage and aging by leaning into shorter trips as his priorities shift, and his personal bucket list of trails. We wrap the show with some big PCT FKT news, Katie devours a Big Mac as fast as she can in the name of improving her fantasy football draft slot, the triple crown of emojis, and we opine on what we think the zeitgeist will look like in the year 2040- flush with intentional grammar mishaps and shaming the shamers. OnX Backcountry: Use code "TREK70" for 70% off at onxmaps.com Topo Athletic: Use code "TREK15TOPO" at topoathletic.com. Hyperlite Mountain Gear: Use code "BPRADIO15" for 15% of hyperlitemountaingear.com 57 Hours: Use code "TREK100" for $100 off your booking at 57hours.com Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKERRADIO" for $20 off LT5 Trekking Poles at gossamergear.com.  [divider] Interview with Whitney La Ruffa aka Allgood Allgood's Instagram Allgood's Blog Time stamps & Questions 00:06:00 - Reminders: Use code "donttrustafart" for 15% off hats at the Trek's store, sign up for the Trek's newsletter and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon! 00:10:50 - Introducing Allgood 00:12:30 - What's something you feel passionate about in the outdoor industry right now? 00:15:40 - Is it a net positive for the ultralight trend to become more mainstream? 00:19:40 - What's been your go-t