The Rise and Fall of GoLite and Balancing Federal Budgets with Demetri "Coup" Coupounas

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by Demetri Coupounas, aka Coup, the founder of GoLite and MyTrail Company. Coup might just be the most interesting man in the world. This conversation takes us through his incredible journey, from his work balancing the federal budget in the '80s and '90s to becoming the first person to complete unsupported hikes of the Colorado Trail and the Long Trail, and how he stumbled upon the once underground world of ultralight backpacking. 

We also dive into the history of GoLite, from its role in popularizing Ray Jardine’s ultralight designs to its meteoric rise with more than 20 retail stores nationwide—without taking any investor money—and its eventual downfall, leading to bankruptcy just a few years later. Coup shares the story of MyTrail Co, his follow-up venture, and how he applied the lessons learned from GoLite while stripping away what didn’t work, and how that eventually failed to achieve launch. 

This episode is an insightful history lesson on GoLite and the world of ultralight backpacking, as well as a fascinating case study on business successes and failures. 

We wrap up the show with a new 2-ounce device that could replace your Garmin InReach, what we consider a satisfactory number of steps in a typical day, and the ultimate Triple Crown of best smells.

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

Gossamer Gear: Use code “BACKPACKER20” for 20% off packs at gossamergear.com. 

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Interview with Demetri “Coup” Coupounas

• Coup's Instagram

Time stamps & Questions

00:10:20 - Reminders: Join us for our live show in Austin, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon, and apply to vlog for the Trek!

00:12:40 - Introducing Coup

00:15:15 - What are your favorite backpacking Youtube channels?

00:16:25 - How did you get into politics?

00:28:10 - How fucked are we currently and what’s your take on DOGE?

00:34:44 - How did you get into backpacking?

00:42:00 - How would you walk a first time hiker through packing their backpack?

00:51:22 - Do you think fun correlates directly with the weight on your back?

00:53:40 - Why did you take on unsupported hikes?

00:56:35 - Are you pursuing novel experiences or challenging experiences?

00:59:30 - How do you decide what food to bring?

01:05:20 - Tell us about the early days of GoLite

01:10:30 - Did you ever make your own gear?

01:12:02 - Did you have a personal relationship with Ray Jardine?

01:14:55 - Was Ray an owner in the business?

01:17:17 - What were the biggest initial sellers?

01:21:15 - How much effort was involved in convincing people to go lighter?

01:27:02 - What were the first 12 products?

01:38:15 - What did your typical customer look like?

01:46:00 - What was the process of scaling GoLite?

01:55:00 - Why didn’t selling direct work well?

02:01:20 - What happened in 2013 and 2014?

02:10:00 - Why didn’t you seek investors when money was running out?

02:17:00 - Discussion about the transition to My Trail Co

02:20:24 - What do you keep from the business when going through bankruptcy?

02:26:12 - What is My Trail Co and did you raise as much money as you expected?

02:30:02 - How many products did you offer?

02:32:31 - When did My Trail Co go out of business?

02:38:16 - Why didn’t My Trail work?

02:42:45 - Did My Trail investors earn dividends?

02:45:00 - How much of the growth of the cottage industry was to blame?

02:53:07 - What are your plans for the future?

03:01:50 - Stay Salty Question: What is your hottest take in the backpacking world?

Segments

Trek Propaganda: Could This 2-Ounce Device Replace Your Garmin inReach? By Katie Jackson

QOTD:  What is a satisfactory number of steps for your average day?

Mail Bag

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