EPISODE · Dec 29, 2025 · 35 MIN
Compress the Suck - Cameren "Chef" Abila and LEVE Outdoor Co. (Part I)
from Hiker Trash Radio · host Bleav + Doc
In this episode of Hiker Trash Radio, host Doc talks with Cameren 'Chef' Abila, a seasoned thru hiker, and the founder of LEVE Outdoor Co. Chef shares his journey into the world of ultralight backpacking, his memorable trail experiences including the challenges of Hurricane Hillary, and the importance of minimizing pack weight. Chef reflects on his favorite trails, gear mishaps, his best meal on the trail—trail sushi—and some hiker trash moments that only those deeply embedded in the thru hiking culture can understand. The episode offers insights into Chef's techniques for managing outdoor adventures, the ethos behind his gear company, and what it means to 'compress the suck' into shorter, more intense adventures. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
What this episode covers
Thru hiker and founder of LEVE Outdoor Co. sits down with Doc for some studio time to talk gear and Type II Fun. Settle in and buckle up as Chef discusses the secret of not counting worn weight ounces, hair-raising experiences, Evolution Valley, prototype testing, trail sushi, a luxury weight of 7 pounds, death chutes, 68-mile days, starting a company with his grandma, and how savor those short trips compressed with suck. Epic. (This is Part I. Be sure to listen to Part II.)
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Compress the Suck - Cameren "Chef" Abila and LEVE Outdoor Co. (Part I)
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