Coach and I (Marion Outdoors pt 1)

Episode Description:

In the world of hiking gear, there’s a big difference between buying from a faceless chain store and walking into a shop where the owner knows the trails, knows the gear, and probably knows half the thru-hikers passing through. In this episode of Trailblazing Texas Podcast, In part one of my conversation with Coach, the heart and soul behind Marion Outdoors, a small-town outfitter and hostel that’s become a lifeline for Appalachian Trail hikers and the local community alike.

We talk about how Marion Outdoors began, what it’s like to run a gear shop and hostel for hikers, and why supporting small, independent outfitters matters. Coach shares the challenges and rewards of helping thousands of hikers each year, how product knowledge comes from firsthand trai ...