Finding Thru-Hiking Community, the Jordan Trail, and Bigfoot Trail Mishaps with Claire "Marmot" Dumont (BPR #354)

In this three-part episode of Backpacker Radio, Claire 'Marmot' Dumont shares a rich, personal journey through long-distance hiking, cultural exploration, and transformative community building. From her formative thru-hike of the John Muir Trail at 19—marked by a lightning scare and a wardrobe mishap—to her Fulbright Fellowship in Jordan that ended abruptly due to the pandemic, Claire reflects on how these experiences shaped her identity as a queer woman in outdoor spaces. Her near-disaster on the Bigfoot Trail, caused by navigation errors and a miscommunication with 911 during a wildfire threat, underscores the critical importance of reliable tools and preparedness. The episode highlights her deeply meaningful three-month journey on the Mountains to Sea Trail with her father, a trip that strengthened their bond and illuminated the evolving nature of trail communities. Claire contrasts this with her later Appalachian Trail experience, where she found chosen family with fellow queer hikers, emphasizing the power of intentional connection. She also recounts a harrowing rescue on Mount Washington, revealing the limitations of technology like Garmin SOS and the need for hikers to be proactive in emergencies. Throughout, she advocates for recognizing that trails are not permanent—they are vulnerable to climate change, land privatization, and political shifts, urging hikers to act now to protect them. The episode closes with a lighthearted, surreal moment about ordering a chicken sandwich, underscoring the podcast’s blend of deep reflection and humor. The hosts promote new content from The Trek, including a YouTube vlogger channel and upcoming Trail Days events, while emphasizing the importance of trail access, sustainability, and community. Claire’s stories collectively illustrate how thru-hiking is not just about physical endurance, but about identity, resilience, and connection. Her journey—from solo adventures to shared experiences with family and chosen kin—reveals the emotional and social dimensions of long trails. The episode ends on a warm, inclusive note, celebrating listener engagement, sponsor support, and the power of storytelling to build a stronger, more inclusive outdoor community.