A Marine Corps Veteran on Hiking to Heal from PTSD and Reclaim His Peace, ft. Gabe "Wing It" Vasquez (BPR #334)

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we're joined by Gabe Vasquez, known on trail as "Wing It." Gabe is a U.S. Marine Corps combat veteran, long-distance kayaker and cyclist, and the first known Mexican-American to complete the Triple Crown. 

Gabe opens up about his time in the Marines and the challenges that followed- PTSD, becoming addicted to prescription meds to manage the PTSD in addition to anxiety and depression, losing friends to suicide after their service, and night terrors. In his efforts to heal, Gabe turned to adventure. He began by paddling the Mississippi with a friend, then took on a PCT thru-hike, followed by eight consecutive years of long-distance backpacking, paddling, and cycling. Gabe shares how that time in nature helped him reclaim his peace, and why he's happier today than he's ever been.

Worth noting- this episode includes graphic descriptions of PTSD and suicide. If these topics are sensitive or triggering for you, please take care while listening.

We wrap the show with news of a pair of fatal bear attacks near the Ozark Highlands Trail, a partially blind grandmother who thru-hiked the PCT- averaging nearly 40 miles a day in the process, the definitive etiquette around holding doors for strangers, and the triple crown of the worst phrases and expressions.

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

Gossamer Gear: Check out the Type II collection at gossamergear.com. 

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Interview with Gabe "Wing It" Vasquez

• Gabe's Instagram
• Tommy Corey's Video with Gabe
• Semper Fi Fundraiser

Time stamps & Questions

00:05:20 - Reminders: Apply to blog for the Trek, subscribe to our Youtube channel, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!

00:12:45 - Introducing Gabe

00:16:10 - What was it like to join the Marines?

00:22:45 - What was your specific job like in the Marines?

00:23:30 - Tell us about your deployments

00:29:20 - What was the vibe like in that sort of environment?

00:33:37 - Did you know you were actively pushing things down at the time?

00:35:06 - What was the comedown like when returning from a deployment?

00:36:40 - At what point did you seek professional help?

00:38:30 - How did the PTSD show up for you?

00:42:35 - How did you know you needed to get off the meds?

00:49:30 - How did you transition from experiencing these symptoms to advocating for others?

00:56:04 - How did you decide to kayak the Mississippi River?

00:59:20 - Did you feel a sense of accomplishment after the kayak trip?

01:09:20 - Did you go into the PCT excited to hike it?

01:13:20 - At what