Backpacker Radio Allmansright Founders Jen Jacobsson-Melo & Livio Melo on Making Ultralight Gear in the Bronx
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by Jen Jacobsson-Melo & Livio Melo, co-founders of Allmansright, an ultralight gear company located in the Bronx. We learn all about their humble beginnings, including when Allmansright's gear was made in the corner of their 500-square-foot apartment, how a serendipitous run in with a fellow backpacker in Colorado's backcountry led to their first pre-order, how they've scaled up their operation, what it's like running a gear shop in the Bronx, where they draw inspiration for their designs, other small cottage brands doing interesting and good work from around the world, and much more.
We wrap the show with what the contents of our body and blood would be, the triple crown of the worst places to have raging diarrhea, and some teasers from our Northville Placid Trail Hike.
LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.
Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com.
Hikerkind: Use code “BPR15” for 15% off at hikerkind.com.
Katabatic Gear: Use code “BPR15” for 15% off at katabaticgear.com.
[divider]
Interview with Livio & Jen
Time stamps & Questions
00:04:55 - Reminders: Join us in Denver on December 7th! Apply to be a 2025 blogger and support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content!
00:07:55 - Introducing Jen & Livio
00:08:45 - What is allemansrätten?
00:10:50 - Tell us about moving to the US from the Dominican Republic
00:12:32 - What is the outdoor culture like in the Dominican Republic?
00:14:20 - Do you prefer being in the Dominican Republic or the US?
00:18:55 - What was the journey to you starting to make your own gear?
00:22:20 - How did you know how to make items?
00:24:00 - Tell us about your trip to Colorado
00:25:50 - How did you make gear in your 500 sq foot apartment?
00:30:30 - How do you balance gear orders with regular life?
00:31:35 - Tell us about going to design school
00:35:00 - What other gear companies serve as inspiration for you?
00:41:00 - What piece of gear are you most proud of?
00:43:40 - Do you have any plans to make a larger version of the pack?
00:45:00 - Discussion about the Krafs Stuff Sack
00:49:00 - Do you have any plans to break into the shelter space?
00:50:00 - Tell us about your shop in the Bronx
00:51:30 - Tell us about the hiker community in NYC
00:53:30 - What are some of the cool hiking opportunities near New York City?
00:57:29 - Have you experimented with apparel at all?
00:59:40 - Are there any materials you’re excited about?
01:01:00 - Discussion about creating new products
01:03:52 - What is your goal around sustainability?
01:04:35 - Discussion about packs
01:06:17 - Stay Salty Question: What’s your outdoors hot take?
Segments
Trek Propaganda: 6 Gas Station Resupply Recipes for Thru-Hikers by Kimberly Fetherston
QOTD: What is your body and blood?
Triple Crown of the worst places to have uncontrollable diarrhea
Mail Bag
5 Star Review
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/.
Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.
Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.
Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.
Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.
Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.
A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Dayne, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bonnie Ackerman, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Joann Menzer, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, and Ruth S.