By Land Podcast
Welcome to the By Land Podcast! My name is Emory, and this show is all about having real, honest conversations with experienced adventurers, outdoor experts, and everyday people who love spending time outside. My goal is to help you feel inspired, informed, and confident to take on your own outdoor adventures—whether you're into backpacking, hiking, hunting, camping, or just getting started.
I cover a wide range of topics like practical outdoor skills, gear, conservation, mindset, and personal growth. Each episode offers something different—whether it’s an inspiring story, hard-earned lessons, or actionable advice to help you build confidence and develop the backcountry skills you need to explore further and adventure better.
By Land is about learning, growing, and making the most of our time in the outdoors. If you’re into that kind of thing, you’re in the right place.
By Land Podcast
#127 - Embrace The Alternate with Doug Laher
Doug Laher is the Father of Thru-Hiker Trevor “Microsoft” Laher who tragically passed away while hiking near Apache Peak along the PCT. He was 11 days into his hike when conditions along the trail deteriorated quickly, forcing him to either push through or find another way around.
Trevor was 22 years old, a graduate of Ohio State, and had a software engineering job waiting for him at Microsoft once his hike of the PCT was complete. He had a determined soul, a brilliant mind, and a reflective attitude. His love of hiking continued to grow year after year and the PCT was to be his pinnacle dream.
This is his story.
Show Notes and Links
- Introduction to Doug Laher
- Recapping the events of March 27th, 2020
- Getting to know Trevor
- Doug and Trevor’s connection over backpacking
- Trevor’s journey to the PCT
- What Trevor wanted from the PCT and why he hiked
- COVID decision making
- Trevor's decisions leading up to his fall
- Doug’s mission to educate PCT hikers
- The nuances of decision making
- Doug’s unique take on “hike your own hike”
- The Event Horizon of decision making
- How Doug is able to remain objective and logical
- Doug’s newfound mission in life and the impact it’s having on hikers
- Common themes from hikers sharing stories with Doug
- The dynamics of assessing risk tolerance
- The impact culture has on decision making
- Doug’s new connection to the hiking community
- Addressing emergency beacons
- Doug’s safety program for PCT hikers
- How to follow up with Doug
- https://nomadventures.com/product/trevor-spikes/
- https://thetrek.co/pacific-crest-trail/trevors-eternal-trail/
- https://www.altaonline.com/dispatches/a34785167/accident-pacific-crest-trail-louise-farr/
- https://www.pcta.org/2021/doug-lahers-call-for-safety-in-memory-of-his-son-trevor-87656/
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