Gossamer Gear Team

Trail Ambassadors

Steve Burgess

started hiking when he was 30 years old after moving to the Pacific Northwest. Over the years many lessons were learned from that first circuit of Mt. Rainier's Wonderland Trail and his over 50 pound pack. After 25 years of backpacking, climbing, and ultra-running, Steve spreads the gospel of the benefits of going light through podcasting and his DVD titled "Mt Rainier: Hiking the Wonderland Trail." Having a family was instrumental in Steve's light weight philosophy; no longer could he selfishly spend a week on the trail with kids at home. So instead of cutting back the mileage of a trip, he simply cut back the days allowed. Covering 20-40 miles a day on some hikes, lessening the load was imperative. As his kids got older, they were introduced to the great outdoors and have also learned the benefits of quality lightweight gear. One of Steve's goals is to educate older hikers who's memories of backpacking entailed heavy hot blister-inducing trail stomper boots and a hefty load. Many no longer hike or backpack thinking "there is no way I can carry a 50 pound pack at my age, with my back." Now we know they don't have to!

Home: Bellevue, WA

Age: 54

Website: www.williswall.com

Favorite Training Ground:
Mt. Rainier National Park, the Cascades, and the Olympics.

Current Plans:
Steve is producing a mountain culture film featuring his daughter, centering on the importance of wilderness exposure to today's youth. This summer should see Steve and his kids tackling hikes/climbs in the Cascades.

Favorite Gossamer Gear Product:

Gorilla™
Ultralight Backpack

Steve and his daughter, Cassie, Burgess on Mt. St. Helens