The Ultralight Subreddit, Pack Fabric Pros and Cons, and Not Triple Crowning (Yet) 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.

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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, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon And 2026 AT thru-hikers: take the 2026 AT Hiker Survey here!!

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-to pack recently?

00:21:12 - What are your thoughts on Durston Gear?

00:25:20 - Have you tested the Mountainsmith Zerk?

00:26:20 - What is your take on Alula?

00:31:25 - Discussion about rain gear

00:34:35 - Discussion about natural fibers vs plastic

00:38:00 - Is there a stinkiest fish?

00:38:50 - What's the product you've pushed for the most since joining Gossamer Gear?

00:43:05 - Is Alula more or less expensive than DCF?

00:46:00 - Discussion about gear longevity

00:49:15 - What's your take on the ultralight subreddit?

00:59:11 - Why haven't you hiked the PCT?

01:04:00 - Describe ALDHA-West and your role

01:06:30 - Discussion about the feeling of completing the Triple Crown

01:11:50 - Discussion about shorter vs longer trails

01:13:34 - How do you balance your hiking and your marriage?

01:19:15 - What trails and routes are currently at the top of your bucket list?

01:26:00 - Discussion about She-ra and the impact of wildfire smoke

01:35:27 - Peak Performance Question: What is your top performance enhancing or backpacking hack?

Segments

Trek Propaganda: Fastest PCT Hike in History: Nick Fowler's 45-Day Thru-Hike Sets New Overall FKT by Katie Jackson

QOTD: Predict one aspect of the Zeitgeist in 2040

Fantasy Football Thing of the Week

Triple Crown of emojis

5 Star Review

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Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

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