336: Are the Adirondacks Tougher Than the Whites? Trail Legends Weigh In

Krista Petrie and Debbie Clouthier might just be the fastest “slow hikers” you’ll ever meet. Joining forces with West Rock Ramblers Anna G(arsten), Josh Gaetjen, and AFB, these Canadian adventurers bring stories that range from the White Mountains to the Arctic and everywhere in between.

We first crossed paths with Krista and Debbie during our Owl’s Head adventure in the Whites, and immediately knew we had to get them on Cultra.  We expected good stuff, but at times we were flat-out speechless.

The conversation covers it all:

• Trail running and peak bagging in the Whites and Adirondacks
• Multi-day treks through Iceland, Nepal, and Patagonia
• Debbie’s years cooking in the Canadian Arctic, with wolves, wolverines, and the occasional polar bear for company
• Krista’s transition from competitive soccer to marathon canoe racing—and her not-so-casual run-ins with grizzlies in Kluane National Park

Somewhere between wolf attacks, soggy tents, and the classic “mile and a half” sign-off, we also discovered that progressive lenses are apparently mandatory “slide” gear once you hit your 50s. Who knew?

Gear nerds, don’t worry, we also get into mountain weather prep, bear safety (Polar, Griz, Black, no Panda) and winter hiking essentials like snowshoes, microspikes, and extra layers. Along the way, we debate Adirondacks vs. Whites, swap stories about unexpected trail meetups, and laugh about why some hikers insist on packing half their house “just in case.”

Spoiler alert: the legendary Debbie Clouthier is 73 years old and still hiking circles around the rest of us—even when we’re “running.”

Follow Krista on Instagram @KPWOUTDOORS

Check out KPW Outdoors 

Follow Deb on FB

Links to Author Eli Burakian  Sorry that I drew a blank during the episode 

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Outro music by Nick Byram

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