Dan Durston 2.0: Durston Gear's Cult Following, Gear Innovations, and Design Philosophy (BPR #321)
Backpacker Radio
From Gear Seller to Brand Leader
This chapter chronicles the evolution of a notable personality in the outdoor gear industry, tracing their journey from a third-party seller to founding a successful brand. It highlights the launch of their flagship tent amid pandemic challenges, the complexities of scaling a business, and the emotional ups and downs of entrepreneurship. The discussion also covers the importance of personal accountability and customer relationships in building a loyal following.
In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined once again by Dan Durston. Dan is the man behind Durston Gear, a backpacking gear brand that has exploded in popularity amongst long-distance backpackers over the last handful of years.
Dan gives us the rundown on how his business and life have changed since he was last on the show, when another company was exclusively selling his designs via a third-party manufacturer, including taking a second mortgage out on his house, quitting his job as a biologist, and going all in on slinging packs, tents, and poles to his loyal cult-like following. Dan shares some insights on why he thinks he’s developed such a loyal following amongst this community, the struggle of trying to strike a healthy work/life balance, and the challenge of balancing scaling his company while maintaining the hands-on customer service experience his customers have come to expect. Chaunce and I unveil a new segment with Dan- Piranha Pool- where we pitch some of burning backpacking innovations and Dan is forced to invest in either of our ideas on the spot.
Sassafras and I wrap the show with the best section hikes on the PCT, we break down our weekend at Cascade Locks for PCT Trail Days, the triple crown of jobs we definitely couldn't do, Sass previews a Trek blog post that angered a lot of the Internet (and why she loved it and agreed with it) and a listener gives us some very important grocery store history.
LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.
Gossamer Gear: Use code "LT520" for 20% off LT5 Trekking Poles at gossamergear.com.
Ombraz: Use code “BACKPACKER30” for $30 off at ombraz.com/discount/backpacker30.
[divider]
Interview with Dan Durston
Time stamps & Questions
00:05:55 - Recap of PCT Days
00:24:20 - Reminders: Sign up for the Trek’s newsletter, apply to blog for the Trek and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!
00:25:15 - Introducing Dan
00:27:30 - Tell us about your evolution since 2020
00:32:30 - How do you get past fear and decide to take big risks?
00:35:43 - How did the first day of orders go?
00:41:20 - When did you know that you had to quit your full time office job?
00:42:45 - What is it about customer service that’s so important to you?
00:49:20 - Why do you think you’ve developed such a cult following?
00:53:50 - How do you balance your following with scaling bigger?
00:56:05 - Are you concerned about burnout?
01:01:00 - What are your sleeping bag thoughts?
01:04:50 - How are your products innovative compared to the competition?
01:15:25 - Can you say something nice about Gossamer Gear?
01:17:00 - Pitch us on ultralight trekking poles
01:22:00 - What would you consider to be a standard lifespan of a trekking pole?
01:24:45 - What’s the dumbest way you’ve ever broken a piece of gear?
01:28:20 - Piranha Pool: If you had a million dollars to invest in Zach & Chaunce’s gear ideas, how would you divvy up the money?
01:42:17 - What are the main differences between your backpack and the competition?
01:50:15 - Stay Salty Question: What is your hottest take in the world of backpacking or the outdoors at large?
01:53:40 - How do you feel when you see people’s terrible tent pitches?
01:54:38 - How will you maintain customer service as your company grows?
01:55:45 - Do you feel like there’s some flattering imitation of your gear happening?
01:58:22 - What’s been your favorite part of the interview you’re currently in?
Segments
Trek Propaganda
- The 12 Best Weekend Section Hikes on the Pacific Crest Trail by Kelsey Nannini
- Men in their 50s Talking to Women in their 20s by To-Go
QOTD: Pick 2 for sleep: perfect pillow, perfect air temp, perfect mattress
Triple Crown of jobs you couldn’t do
Mail Bag
5 Star Review
[divider]
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