From Cashier to the Face of REI, Inventing the M!GO Bottle, and the Geotagging Debate with Miranda Webster (BPR #372)
Backpacker Radio · Aug 31, 2026 · 2:46:45
Backpacker Radio · Aug 31, 2026 · 2:46:45
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In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by onX Backcountry and Topo Athletic, we are joined by Miranda Webster, the creator behind Miranda Goes Outside- a former 12-year REI employee turned full-time outdoor content creator.
In this one, Miranda breaks down her journey from an outdoorsy novice working as an REI cashier to amassing over 200,000 YouTube subscribers, the detailed process of designing her popular Migo water bottle to fix the smart water bottle's flaws, and why she firmly believes creators should never gatekeep public land locations.
We also cover her tactics for managing POTS and chronic migraines in the backcountry, her go-to fueling strategy of packing tinned fish and liquid meal replacements, some of her standout current favorite backpacking gear, and her golden rules for creating YouTube content without selling out for cheap clicks.
We wrap the show with covering our personal bests and worsts from our Pacific Northwest road trip, a breakdown of the gear Katie relies on when she's not testing new products, I update my sun hoodie rankings with a new score for The North Face Summit Series, a Triple Crown of foods you physically can't stop eating once you start- including the incident with Jabba's burning penis, a of course a listener shares their poop story.
OnX Backcountry: Use code "TREK70" for 70% off at onxmaps.com. Get a free 3-month trial of Elite here (no credit card required).
Topo Athletic: Use code "TREK15HIKE" at topoathletic.com.
Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKERRADIO" for $20 off LT5 Trekking Poles at gossamergear.com.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear: Use code "BPRADIO15" for 15% of hyperlitemountaingear.com
Reminders: Apply to vlog or blog for the Trek, apply to be a Trail Correspondent, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon, and subscribe to The Trek's Youtube!
10:33 – Miranda's origin story: from city kid to REI cashier
26:32 – Her gear philosophy and love of colorful gear
30:51 – Managing chronic migraines and POTS on trail
37:12 – The gatekeeping/geotagging debate
42:48 – How the YouTube channel started with Rainer at REI
56:03 – Designing the Migo water bottle
70:40 – Transition from REI scripted videos to her own brand
86:30 – Lessons from Rainer on YouTube success
1:41:02 – Peak performance/fueling: tinned fish and hydration
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