Hasn’t it felt like this 12 months has simply flown by? Here we’re as soon as once more approaching the vacation season, and the frenzy of all of it generally is a bit dizzying. Where are we heading to in such a rush anyway? We solely get to do that life factor as soon as. Well, it seems we weren’t the one ones feeling this fashion. Our favourite snail pal was too.
Slo Sal (he/him) prefers to easily go by Sal. He was born and raised in Austin, Texas, however has glided his method everywhere in the nation, slowly having fun with lengthy strolls in nature and stops in path cities for raucous nights of trivia—he’s your go-to teammate for questions associated to U.S. trails, after all!
When he slid his method again into Austin not too long ago, we obtained to chatting about this vacation season, its tempo, and the message we need to ship into the world heading into the New Year. He informed us about how a lot change and development he has skilled these previous three years and the way he has used meditation to floor himself and thru-hiking to ignite him. It was on the Florida Trail that he realized how, now greater than ever, many hikers and backpackers have change into obsessive about setting data for the quickest identified time (FKT).
“Why is everyone going so fast?” he requested us. “The best part of this journey is soaking in every step!”
By the top of our chat, all of us agreed that Sal can be the proper accomplice for Gossamer Gear this vacation season. He’s right here to remind us to decelerate and benefit from the journey—whereas additionally understanding that your gear doesn’t must be the factor slowing you down!
We knew our viewers can be simply as impressed by Sal’s dedication to gradual motion and ultralight backpacking as we have been, so we caught up with him to ask extra questions on his journey. Get prepared for some trustworthy snail knowledge, associates!
Gossamer Gear: Let’s dive proper in, Sal! What’s your deepest reality? What knowledge are you right here to share with the individuals?
Sal: That’s an awesome query! My deepest reality is that I’m at all times looking for one thing new or inspiring out of each scenario—even the mundane actions. That’s the perfect a part of slowing down and being current in every second. I feel that is very true in the course of the vacation season once we’re every kind of swept up by numerous festivities. It’s essential to get pleasure from time with family and friends by displaying up absolutely whereas additionally taking time for your self so that you can present up absolutely.
Inspiring stuff! Are you planning to observe your reality to any specific trails this season? Do you’ve got any favourite winter trails?
Absolutely, I’m. I’m taking some associates out on the Western Ridge Trail out at Rock Creek Park close to Washington, D.C. Some different winter trails I get pleasure from could or could not seem on Gossamer Gear’s Instagram all through the sale, so preserve an eye fixed out!
Now, we all know you select your model partnerships very fastidiously. Why did you select to accomplice with Gossamer Gear this vacation season? What in regards to the model resonates with you?
I’ve been a fan of Gossamer Gear for years now. As an extended distance hiker (and a snail), each gram actually does matter. I have already got my shell to account for, so something on high of that must be a straightforward carry, and Gossamer Gear has that lined. Otherwise, I actually respect their sustainability efforts and the way they encourage and equip everybody to get exterior. It’s nice to see an organization being so devoted to their neighborhood!
Are there any particular offers or video games that you simply’re concerned with for the Snail on Trail Sale?
I alluded to it earlier, however there will probably be a weekly quiz on Gossamer Gear’s Instagram Stories with a photograph of me on one among my favourite winter trails every week of the sale. The first 20 individuals to guess the path appropriately will probably be rewarded with a particular (tremendous secret) prize. Each week equals a brand new alternative to win a cool prize, so be sure to keep tuned to GG’s Instagram.
That’s going to be so enjoyable! By the best way, what’s your favourite piece of drugs, and why do you like it a lot?
My favourite piece of drugs needs to be the Limited Edition Vaporwave Kumo 36 Superlight Backpack. The pack is so versatile and lightweight. I can use it for a fast weekend journey or for a not-so- fast 200-mile journey. Plus, the purple shade actually brings out my eyes. Not kidding! Really although, I’m excited to take this pack out on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) subsequent 12 months. Apparently it’s one of the vital standard frameless packs on the PCT.
Anything else in your vacation want record this 12 months?
Yes! I undoubtedly need to snag the Minimalist 19 Daypack for these shorter day hikes. Did you realize it’s packable too? So neat. The Feedbag is one other one on my want record. Easy snacking is so essential to me. I additionally wished to seize the Little Sit Pad for the journeys the place I need to carry one thing smaller than the Thinlight Foam Pad to sleep on.
Any ideas for our viewers as they collect their presents or stocking stuffers for family members?
There are six weeks of financial savings, which is loads of time to seize a pack or shelter at a reduction on your family members this 12 months. Gossamer Gear can be extending their return coverage to 60 days as a substitute of the standard 30 days, which implies there’s extra time to actually dial in that pack match or arrange a shelter (clear surfaces solely, after all). No must rush by means of the decision-making course of for these staple objects in your backpacking package!
Also, you’ll be able to by no means go mistaken with shopping for our Thinlight Foam Pad as a cool, versatile current.
Follow the Snail on Trail Sale for More Wisdom and Slow-Moving Fun From Sal
What a present it has been to accomplice with Sal this vacation season! As he talked about, he’ll be sticking round all through our Snail on Trail Sale, which runs from November 14, 2022, by means of December 25, 2022. Make certain to observe us on social media (@gossamergear) for an opportunity to guess the place Sal hikes subsequent and win enjoyable prizes!
In the meantime, we hope you discover some moments over these busy vacation months to decelerate and benefit from the journey! As Sal reminds us, there is no such thing as a time to hurry.