Ian Mangiardi on Youtube Hit "As It Happens," Hiking Through a Breakup (Twice), and The Explorers Club

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!

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.

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Interview with Ian Mangiardi

• Ian's Website
• Ian's Instagram
• As It Happens

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?