Dan Durston 2.0: Durston Gear's Cult Following, Gear Innovations, and Design Philosophy (BPR #321)

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined once again by Dan Durston. Dan is the man behind Durston Gear, a backpacking gear brand that has exploded in popularity amongst long-distance backpackers over the last handful of years. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dan gives us the rundown on how his business and life have changed since he was last on the show, when another company was exclusively selling his designs via a third-party manufacturer, including taking a second mortgage out on his house, quitting his job as a biologist, and going all in on slinging packs, tents, and poles to his loyal cult-like following. Dan shares some insights on why he thinks he's developed such a loyal following amongst this community, the struggle of trying to strike a healthy work/life balance, and the challenge of balancing scaling his company while maintaining the hands-on customer service experie...