Dodging Death on the CDT, Crewing Tara Dower's AT FKT, and Triple Crowning with Megan "Rascal" Wilmarth (BPR #353) — Backpacker Radio

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by Megan "Rascal" Wilmarth, a triple crowner who has completed a long trail every year since 2019, including the triple crown, TA, Long Trail, JMT, Tahoe Rim Trail, and Wonderland Trail. Rascal also served as crew chief for Tara Dower's supported southbound FKT on the AT in 2024.

In this one, Rascal walks us through what it actually takes to crew a 40-day record attempt, how a near-death situation in the San Juans changed the way she thinks about approaching the backcountry, what goes into a 109-mile push through the Wyoming Basin, and the gear, mindset, and mile-eating habits she's refined across thousands of miles on trail. This one is just a good old fashioned hiker trash chat we think you'll enjoy.

We wrap the show with the 411 that Trail Correspondents is coming this week, news of a hiker rescue on the AT, what gear lasted the full length of Peg Leg's 10K mile year, whether we'd rather get a million guaranteed or flip a coin for a billion, the triple crown of Jim Carrey movies, and reminiscing about movies with leeches.

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Gossamer Gear: Use code "backpackerradio" for 20% off LT5 Trekking Poles at gossamergear.com .

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Hyperlite Mountain Gear: Use code "BPRADIO15" for 15% of hyperlitemountaingear.com

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Interview with Megan "Rascal" Wilmarth

Time stamps & Questions

00:04:56 - Reminders : Listen to Season 5 of Trail Correspondents , suggest a guest for the podcast , and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon !

00:08:52 - Introducing Rascal

00:12:29 - Give us a specific example of childhood mischievousness

00:13:55 - Discussion about ADHD and why backpacking works well for neurodivergent people

00:15:47 - How did you get into hiking? What put the AT on your radar?

00:19:50 - Do you remember a specific moment where the lightbulb went on?

00:22:24 - Discussion about shedding your old life/identity after the AT

00:24:23 - How quickly did you find your trail family on the AT?

00:25:47 - At what point did Tara surpass you in speed?

00:29:53 - What does a week look like for Tara training-wise?

00:31:22 - What is your overall goal with hiking every year since 2019?

00:32:50 - What are your favorite day hikes in Durango?

00:35:47 - How did you get so dialed in, gear-wise?

00:39:05 - Do you have tips on do's and don'ts for someone accumulating gear for a thru-hike?

00:46:41 - Discussion about Rascal's AT hitch gone wrong in Maine

00:49:31 - What are the red flags that trigger you not getting in a car?

00:50:41 - Any other standout stories from the AT?

00:51:27 - What brought you to the Long Trail after the AT?

00:55:02 - Tell us about hiking the JMT

00:58:59 - Discussion about the Half Dome cables experience

01:02:17 - You set the intention to do the PCT after the JMT — did that happen?

01:07:30 - Discussion about tracking stats

01:09:30 - What altern