Ian Mangiardi on Youtube Hit “As It Happens,” Getting Dumped on Trail (Twice), and The Explorers Club (BPR #273)

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by Ian Mangiardi aka “Dusty”. For those of you who’ve read Appalachian Trials, you’re already familiar with Ian’s name, as he served as my pre AT thru-hike guru and therapist. Ian gives us a full rundown on his triple crown treks, including being dumped on two of the three hikes, how he and Andy Laub (former guest) formed an instant bromance on the first week of the AT, the filming of As It Happens, their PCT documentary with more than a million on YouTube, and some wild excursions in Mongolia and Bhutan. 

We wrap the show with whether bringing terminal food onto the plane makes you a sociopath, the triple crown of New York things, and you can now officially get your tickets for our Denver Live Podcast with Kyle Hates Hiking and Holiday Hiker Meetup Extravaganza!

apple podcasts backpacker radio

LISTEN


Download this episode.

LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.

Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com

Katabatic Gear: Use code “BPR15” for 15% off at katabaticgear.com.

Interview with Ian Mangiardi

Time stamps & Questions

00:04:45 – Reminders: Join us in Denver on December 7th! Apply to be a 2025 blogger and support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content!

00:07:10 – Introducing Ian

00:08:07 – How do Zach and Ian know each other?

00:12:13 – How did Ian and Andy meet?

00:14:12 – Tell us about your breakup

00:16:22 – What was your outdoors experience prior to the AT?

00:19:20 – How did you learn what gear you needed?

00:20:50 – Tell us about your second on-trail breakup

00:26:30 – Did you end the hike stronger than you started?

00:29:20 – Tell us about your friend fight

00:37:00 – Have you ever had a tramily other than Andy?

00:38:26 – How did you and Andy become friends?

00:40:30 – Was it an especially wet year on the AT?

00:43:45 – What fun stories do you have from the AT?

00:50:00 – Ian’s surprise trail magic

00:55:00 – Tell us about going from the AT to the PCT

00:57:01 – Chaunce’s As It Happens story

00:59:45 – Did you both film?

01:00:25 – How did you split up the workload?

01:02:17 – Tell us about getting caught in a snowstorm

01:04:20 – Tell us about kicking a rock off a cliff

01:06:00 – How did you decide what to cut out of the film?

01:09:14 – Did you hike the AT in spandex shorts?

01:10:45 – Do you still use a sleeping bag liner?

01:14:45 – Do you feel strongly about any other nontraditional gear items?

01:17:00 – Tell us about the New Explorers Award

01:20:45 – Tell us about the Kings Challenge in Bhutan

01:25:40 – What is the Explorers Club?

01:27:45 – What has changed in the world of thru-hiking?

01:30:26 – Where can people keep up with you?

01:32:28 – What’s your best poop story?

Segments

Trek Propaganda: Everything You Need To Know To Plan an International Thru-Hike by Kelly Floro

QOTD:  Is it messed up to bring airport terminal food onto the plane with the intent of eating it once you’re in your seat?

Triple Crown of New York things

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/.

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. 

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Dayne, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bonnie Ackerman, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Joann Menzer, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, and Ruth S.

Affiliate Disclosure

This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any product or service you purchase using the links in the articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price as they would otherwise, and your purchase helps to support The Trek's ongoing goal to serve you quality backpacking advice and information. Thanks for your support!

To learn more, please visit the About This Site page.

What Do You Think?