Vancouver Island Trails, PCT Pie Record, and Canadian Culture with Spencer "Boiler" Dunn (BPR #325)

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Spencer "Boiler" Dunn. Boiler, is a self-described "pro-yapper", improv leader, former employee of Parks Canada, pie enthusiast, and of course, a backpacker.

Spencer takes us through his long trail adventures across Canada, including the Bruce Trail, West Coast Trail, North Coast Trail, and Nootka Island Trail—journeys that brought him face-to-face with some incredible wildlife, from bears to whales to the elusive sea wolf.

We also dive into his recent hike on the PCT—how he broke the record for pies per mile, the notoriety that earned him on trail, navigating people's perceptions as a plus-sized hiker, how his trek deepened his connection to his queer identity, and, of course, his unapologetic hatred for gear talk (which I make him do).

We wrap the show with news on New Zealand's most famous thru-hike getting a whole lot pricier, tackle the age-old question of which liquids we'd want to dispense from our fingers, we do the Triple Crown of tummy aches, and hear a listener's compelling pitch for taking this circus to the Pacific Northwest.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "LT520" for 20% off LT5 Trekking Poles at gossamergear.com.

Ombraz: Score a $30 discount by sending a DM to https://www.instagram.com/ombraz/, and letting them know that Backpacker Radio sent you.

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Interview with Spencer "Boiler" Dunn

• Spencer's Instagram
• Spencer's Youtube
• Spencer's Substack

Time stamps & Questions

00:03:00 - Apply to blog for the Trek, take the 2025 AT Thru-Hiker survey, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!

00:06:25 - Introducing Boiler

00:08:50 - How did you get your trail name?

00:10:20 - What's your outdoors origin story?

00:12:30 - What is Parks Canada?

00:15:40 - What's the difference between national parks in the US and Canada?

00:17:10 - What is the outdoors culture like in Canada?

00:20:15 - Is there a community around the Bruce Trail?

00:23:10 - Do you think there's a hunger for more long trails in Canada?

00:25:00 - How did you end up on the PCT?

00:26:00 - What gear did you start with?

00:32:00 - Discussion about Boiler's PCT hike

00:32:53 - Tell us about making pies on the PCT

00:41:55 - What was your favorite town?

00:43:20 - More pie talk

00:45:38 - Discussion about being a fatter hiker

00:56:50 - Do you have any advice for someone who wants to follow in your footsteps?

00:58:45 - Discussion about differences between men and women on the trail

01:01:10 - Did you have any uncomfortable situations on trail?

01:06:50 - Do you feel more or less of a stigma in Canada?

01:09:12 - Life on trail as a BNOT

01:12:01 - Did you ever put yourself in a situation for the story?

01:14:17 - Discussion about being a BNOT

01:15:30 - Tell us about your hiking on Vancouver Island

01:24:55 - Discussion about campsites on Vancouver Island

01:26:45 - Tell us about seeing wolves

01:32:40 - Fuck Marry Kill: The West Coast Trail, North Coast Trail, and Nootka Trail

01:35:05 - How do the 3 trails compare to each other?

01:40:25 - Differences between Americans and Canadians

02:04:00 - Where can people keep up with you?

Segments

Trek Propaganda: The Hardest Thru Hike in the World is About to Get a Lot More Expensive by Lisa Slutsken

QOTD: If you could dispense different liquids from each finger on one hand, which liquids would you choose?

Triple Crown of tummy aches

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

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