In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Derick Lugo known on trail as Mr. Fabulous.  Although it's not all that unheard of for someone to attempt the Appalachian Trail with minimal backpacking experience, Brooklyn-born Derick Lugo had never even been on a day hike before arriving to Springer Mountain for his NOBO AT thru-hike attempt.  Not only did he complete the trail, but Derick has gone on to write a book, start a podcast, and has done many public speaking events. This is a lively chat, Derick is an orb of energy, and we laughed our way through.

We wrap the show with a look at what footwear the AT class of 2021 rocked (and how the perennial is starting to lose some ground), a triple crown of dinosaurs (including some interesting facts about the dildosaurus), and the FULL details of the Backpacker Radio Sponsorship.

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leveled.mp3">Download this episode.

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Gossamer Gear discount code: Use code “littledonkeygirl” for 15% off at Gossamergear.com. 

Enlightened Equipment: Save 10% off Enlightened Equipment’s Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket with code “ultralight10” here. 

Organifi discount code: Go to organifi.com/backpacker, use code “backpacker” and get 20% off your entire purchase.

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Interview with Derick Lugo 

Time stamps & Questions

00:04:47 - QOTD: How was your break? 

00:11:01 - Reminders: Backpacker Radio Sponsorship 

00:14:02 - Welcome Derick Lugo! 

00:14:36 - How much did the long taxi ride cost you?

00:15:40 - What was your life like before the AT?

00:16:51 - Zach meeting Derick 

00:23:17 - What sparked the idea of hiking the AT? 

00:25:08 - Did you borrow any gear? 

00:29:01 - What’s your take on Bill Bryson’s “A Walk in the Woods”? 

00:31:22 - Keeping books relevant 

00:32:15 - The Unlikely Thru-Hiker book cover 

00:35:10 - Is Chaunce confused? 

00:35:50 - Were you athletic prior to your thru-hike? 

00:39:42 - What type of miles were you putting up in the early days of your hike? 

00:41:00 - Were other hikers helpful to you? What was the community like? 

00:43:28 - How did you get your trail name, Mr. Fabulous? 

00:49:38 - Throwback to “Fancy Feast” 

00:50:08 - Did you maintain your hygiene through the hike? 

00:52:28 - How far were you taking your hygiene practices? 

00:55:37 - Any other funny beginner hiker stories? 

00:59:36 - Did any parts of city life prepare you for the trail? 

01:02:05 - Did you do stand up at the comedy clubs you worked at? 

01:02:22 - Any good bars along the hike? 

01:03:13 - Any comedy bits you can share with us? 

01:04:27 - Did you reduce your 40lb pack over time? 

01:07:48 - The Carly Moree connection 

01:08:28 - Tell us about your podcast 

01:16:50 - Will Smith 

01:18:40 - Derick praises Backpacker Radio

01:19:56 - Are you working on Season 2 of your podcast? 

01:20:45 - Derick is hiking the CDT next! 

01:21:38 - CDT partnership announcement 

01:24:27 - Are you bringing your dog? 

01:25:31 - How will the experience mesh with the podcast?

01:27:27 - Long Trail vs. CDT 

01:28:55 - Where can people find you and your book? 

• Derick Lugo Instagram
• Derick Lugo Website 

SEGMENTS

Trek Propaganda 

• The Top Footwear on the Appalachian Trail: 2021 Thru-Hiker Survey

Triple Crown of Dinosaurs 

5 Star Review

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A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, and Matt Soukup.