Hasn’t it felt like this yr has simply flown by? Right here we’re as soon as once more approaching the vacation season, and the push of all of it generally is a bit dizzying. The place are we heading to in such a rush anyway? We solely get to do that life factor as soon as. Nicely, it seems we weren’t the one ones feeling this manner. 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 means 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, in fact!
When he slid his means again into Austin lately, we received to chatting about this vacation season, its tempo, and the message we wish to ship into the world heading into the New 12 months. 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 Path that he realized how, now greater than ever, many hikers and backpackers have grow to be obsessive about setting information for the quickest identified time (FKT).
“Why is everybody going so quick?” he requested us. “The perfect a part of this journey is soaking in each step!”
By the tip of our chat, all of us agreed that Sal can be the right associate 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 should 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 had been, so we caught up with him to ask extra questions on his journey. Prepare for some sincere snail knowledge, mates!
Gossamer Gear: Let’s dive proper in, Sal! What’s your deepest fact? What knowledge are you right here to share with the individuals?
Sal: That’s an ideal query! My deepest fact is that I’m at all times looking for one thing new or inspiring out of each scenario—even the mundane actions. That’s one of the best 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 all types of swept up by numerous festivities. It’s essential to take pleasure in time with family and friends by displaying up totally whereas additionally taking time for your self so that you can present up totally.
Inspiring stuff! Are you planning to comply with your fact to any explicit trails this season? Do you have got any favourite winter trails?
Completely, I’m. I’m taking some mates out on the Western Ridge Path out at Rock Creek Park close to Washington, D.C. Some different winter trails I take pleasure in could or could not seem on Gossamer Gear’s Instagram all through the sale, so maintain an eye fixed out!
Now, we all know you select your model partnerships very fastidiously. Why did you select to associate with Gossamer Gear this vacation season? What concerning 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 prime of that must be a straightforward carry, and Gossamer Gear has that coated. In any other case, 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 Path Sale?
I alluded to it earlier, however there shall be a weekly quiz on Gossamer Gear’s Instagram Tales with a photograph of me on one among my favourite winter trails every week of the sale. The primary 20 individuals to guess the path appropriately shall be rewarded with a particular (tremendous secret) prize. Every 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 way in which, what’s your favourite piece of substances, and why do you like it a lot?
My favourite piece of substances must be the Restricted Version 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 coloration actually brings out my eyes. Not kidding! Actually although, I’m excited to take this pack out on the Pacific Crest Path (PCT) subsequent yr. Apparently it’s probably the most widespread frameless packs on the PCT.
Anything in your vacation want checklist this yr?
Sure! I positively wish to snag the Minimalist 19 Daypack for these shorter day hikes. Do you know it’s packable too? So neat. The Feedbag is one other one on my want checklist. Simple snacking is so essential to me. I additionally needed to seize the Little Sit Pad for the journeys the place I wish 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 in your family members this yr. Gossamer Gear can be extending their return coverage to 60 days as an alternative 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, in fact). No must rush by the decision-making course of for these staple objects in your backpacking equipment!
Additionally, you’ll be able to by no means go mistaken with shopping for our Thinlight Foam Pad as a cool, versatile current.
Observe the Snail on Path Sale for Extra Knowledge and Sluggish-Shifting Enjoyable From Sal
What a present it has been to associate with Sal this vacation season! As he talked about, he’ll be sticking round all through our Snail on Path Sale, which runs from November 14, 2022, by December 25, 2022. Ensure that to comply with us on social media (@gossamergear) for an opportunity to guess the place Sal hikes subsequent and win enjoyable prizes!
Within 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.
