In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, and brought to you by Topo Athletic, we’re joined by Mary “Fireweed” Kwart. Fireweed is a thru-hiker, a Deadhead, and a pioneering figure in wildland firefighting with a career spanning more than 30 years. We dive into the challenges of being one of the first women to join the elite Arrowhead Interagency Hotshots, the culture shock of entering a male-dominated field, and some of the most memorable stories from her decades on the fire line.

Fireweed also reflects on how long-distance hiking has evolved since the 1970s, her tradition of tackling a new long trail every year since retiring, and her deep love and advocacy for California’s Bigfoot Trail.

We wrap the show with the best backpacking trails in the Midwest, the thru-hiking advice we wish we’d never given, a debate over whether robotic legs should count as mechanical transport under the Wilderness Act, and the Triple Crown of parts of society we’d turn the clock back for.

Topo Athletic: Use code “TREKFALL15” at topoathletic.com.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "LT520" for 20% off LT5 Trekking Poles at gossamergear.com.

Ka’Chava: Use code “BACKPACKER” for 15% off at kachava.com.

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Interview with Mary “Fireweed” Kwart

Time stamps & Questions

00:04:55 - Apply to blog for the Trek and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!

00:07:00 - Introducing Fireweed

00:08:30 - Why were you a nontraditional college graduate?

00:11:40 - What was your inspiration for aligning with the feminist movement?

00:13:30 - Discussion about being the only woman in male-dominated spaces

00:16:46 - Tell us about hiking a section of the PCT in the 70s

00:18:20 - What was it like working in Yosemite in the 70s

00:23:50 - Discussion about being a Deadhead

00:25:50 - How were women being treated in general?

00:30:45 - How did you pass the heartbeat challenge?

00:32:45 - Discussion about gear differences between now and then

00:36:50 - At what point did you discover the hard-ass aspect of your personality?

00:43:25 - How did you keep spirits high while working as a firefighter?

00:46:55 - What was the culture of firefighters like?

00:52:00 - Do you have advice for women who want to get into firefighting?

00:54:34 - What was your best day on the job?

00:58:40 - Discussion about the rest of Fireweed’s firefighting career

01:00:45 - What kind of schooling would you recommend for someone interested in this career?

01:02:35 - What’s your take on the current situation in the Forest Service?

01:10:40 - Discussion about the state of wildfires today

01:15:30 - Tell us about your thru-hikes since retiring

01:20:30 - Discussion about getting shingles and recovering

01:23:50 - Do you have any other tips for older hikers?

01:28:50 - Tell us about the Bigfoot Trail

01:33:30 - Do you have tips for identifying trees along the Bigfoot Trail?

01:37:00 - What was your Bigfoot encounter?

01:40:02 - Do you believe in Bigfoot?

01:44:00 - Tell us about getting attacked by a bear dog

01:48:45 - Peak Performance Question: What is your top performance-enhancing or backpacking hack?

Segments

Trek Propaganda:

The Best Backpacking Trails in Every Midwestern State by Katie Jackson
6 Pieces of Thru-Hiking Advice I Wish I’d Never Given by Katie Jackson

QOTD: Would robotic legs count as mechanical transport through the wilderness?

Triple Crown of parts of society we would turn the clock back on

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

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The First Female Hotshot Firefighters, Culture in the 1980s, and the Bigfoot Trail with Mary "Fireweed" Kwart (BPR #328)

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