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| Marmot Pass ( Early Spring 2015) |
I was raised in North Idaho. I spent most of my weekends up the Coeur d' Alene River with my grandparents as a child. Somehow, I lost touch with the outdoors as I got older. My free time was spent either partying with friends, working, or studying. Making time for the outdoors was something I did not do, but I found myself often thinking, " I want to get back into hiking and biking again." Honestly, I just didn't know where to start.
After my break-up in 2015 and leaving my career, I found myself with a lot of free time on my hands. I spent many hours obsessively scrolling through @missholldoll, @annniegirl, and @roundtheworldgirl's Instagram accounts. How the hell could I do this? And why was I not doing this? Sure, I was intimidated, the cost of items and my physical ability were my main excuses. I had a pair of hiking boots that I had bought from REI a few years prior that were still in the box and had a REI Flash Pack. Seemed like enough to get started, right?
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| Hurricane Ridge ( February 2015) |
This was before the days of PNW Outdoor Women, so there wasn't really a way to be "educated" on what I actually needed and what I should be doing. Let me tell you, it's pretty funny to think about when I first got back into hiking as a 28-year-old adult female. You are raised to believe that your life needs to be a certain way as you approach your 30s. But my relationship with the outdoors has pushed me to love more, believe in myself, and forgive. I've done more than I ever thought I would be capable of and know that I will continue to push my limits. I started as the slowest day hiker ever to climber to skier to now getting into trail running.
So, you wanna go outside too?
First, stop making up reasons on why you can't. Just go, even if you can think of a million reasons why not to go. You aren't going to be the fastest and you aren't going to be climbing Mount Rainier right away. Accept where you are at physically and set small goals for yourself. My first hike was Lena Lake in the Oympics. From there, I just made it my goal to keep getting out.
You don't need fancy gear, I promise.
Things you do need:
1. Hiking Boots:
I say boots to start because they will provide the most stability for a new hiker. TRY ON EVERYTHING AT REI, walk up and down the stairs make sure you don't have rubbing that could cause blisters and pain when you are actually on a trail. It doesn't matter what some Insta-famous girl wears in her pictures, it matters what fits YOUR FOOT.
My personal preference for boots? Rocky Brands (little known brand in the hiking world, but the most comfortable hiking boots I have ever worn with my wide feet, ankle issues, and foot issues), Lowa, and Salewa.
2. Day Pack (18-28L):
I started with an 18 L Flash Pack from REI. There isn't anything fancy to the pack, it has enough space for snacks, essentials, and a water bladder. Plus you can usually find them for under $50. Just make sure your pack has enough space for at least two layers, water, essentials, and snacks. When you decide to make the commitment to longer hikes and overnights you need to take a lot more in to account for your pack. When you do decide to upgrade your pack, BUY IT FROM REI. I went through four packs before finding one that worked for me. Being an REI member I was able to return the previous 3 bags to find something that worked for me. Weight should not be in your shoulders and hip belt should be above your hips.
3. Water Source:
Now I often just use a water bottle for my day trips, but when you first start hiking, I cannot stress enough getting an 2 to 3 Liter Platypus Bladder. With the bladder system you will be less likely to get dehydrated and won't forget to drink. Sounds silly, but those headaches, body cramping, and fatigue all can relate back to dehydration. I do what I call "water loading" before going on long trips. I just focus on drinking water non-stop for a week to help avoid dehydration when I am in the mountains.
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| Gothic Basin (September 2016) |
4. 10 Essentials:
So what are these?
Compass/Map:
These are great to have to start getting familiar with directions, if you are new, stick to straight forward trails. It's easy to get wide-eyed for trails off the beaten path that require navigation skills, but you'll get to do these. Grow your confidence and abilities first for your safety and others.
Sun Protection:
I can't stress this enough! I use a face lotion that already has SPF. I don't go hiking any time of the year without sunblock, also I prefer to where hats in the Spring and Summer for even more coverage and I love my Outdoor Research SPF Hoodie on Glaciers when I am super exposed to the sun.
First Aid Supplies:
REI sales pre-made first aid kits. When I started hiking I bought the Day Hiker for 2 kit. Since then with thousands of miles logged, I have added other items that I have found I have needed for my trips. (Including: Allergy meds (in case of allergic reactions), eye drops, tampons, wet wipes, and spare SPF Chapstick).
Insulation:
I loved my Patagonia Nano Puff when I first started hiking because it was synthetic (if it got wet it wasn't the end of the world) and it folds into it's own pocket. The North Face also makes the Thermoball which is basically the same concept. You can find these on Ebay for CHEAP. Lots of people will get rid of these things if zippers break or they have had to patch. A patch doesn't change the effectiveness of a coat and almost all companies have a lifetime warranty on their items. If a zipper is broke or a seam is ripped you can almost always take it to Outdoor Research, Patagonia, and North Face and they will fix it or replace it just because it is their product.
If you live in Washington, do yourself a favor in the beginning, by a Goretex Jacket. If you want new--Outdoor Research and The North Face both have options for $199. Waterproof is less expensive, but you won't be happy for very long when you soak through it because of sweat from the inside out or the rain soaks through onto your shoulders.
Also: Gloves, Beanie, and a buff are other nice items to keep in your pack.
Fire:
I have both waterproof matches and a lighter in my pack at all times.
Repair Kit and Tools:
A Leatherman or Multitool should do the trick. I see these at thrift shops all the time.
Light:
Headlamp, headlamp, headlamp. Remember you are new, and just learning how fast you are and sometimes the day just runs out. Make sure you always have light. I love my Petzl Tikka Headlamps and they are under $20.
Water:
I already covered this in the beginning, but bring more than you think you will need. Maybe the hike is harder than expected or it's hotter than planned. Or you run into a hiker who is in great need of hydration, you'll have the ability to share and help someone out.
Nutrition:
Of course takes snakes for the day, but plan for needing extra food. What if an emergency happens? My go to for day hikes? I always take an apple, crystal light packet, bars (and extras), candy, and 2 sandwiches. I also suggest jerky for meat eaters, cheese, and energy blocks.
Emergency Shelter:
I have an Coleman Emergency Blanket on me at all times. They are inexpensive, but will so the job.
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| Mount Saint Helens Whiteout 2016 |
5. Appropriate Clothing:
Yes, appropriate clothing for the weather. Check the weather, Mountain Foreca
st is my go too. Even now, I love my Nike Running Tights and hiking pants. I found my hiking pants at Goodwill for $10. They work great for rain resistance and you can layer them for colder days. I couldn't afford much when I started, I had two pairs of active tights, hiking pants, some work out quarter zips, and hiking socks. Yes, I wore cotton and I still do in the summers, because it is comfortable for me. In the winter, I love wearing my $10 Costco Merino Wool BaseLayer and my $12 Target Merino Wool Tights. Socks are super important too, I love Cloudline. They are a local Seattle Company and they are comfortable and durable.
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| Squamish, 2016 |
Honorable Mentions:
Hiking Poles: If you have bad knees, ankle issues, or any sort of mobility issues these could be a great investment for you. Personally, I like to only use them now when I have a heavy pack or I know it is going to be a very steep hike for my knees and ankles.
Self-Care (Stretching): If you have big goals and you want to push your limits, take care of yourself. Eating crappy food, makes you feel like crap. Not stretching and doing the things to take care of your body is going to increase your chance of injury. Hard work pays off, you want to climb Mt. St. Helens? Commit to training, go on hikes that kick your butt and commit to a routine.
Perhaps, the most important thing you need to go outside is a sense of humor and acceptance. Although, I have done many amazing things since I started my journey, I have had a lot of setbacks and moments that tested me. Now, I laugh at things that I once struggled with and think of how much I have grown. I froze on a snowy ridge by the summit of Mount Townsend my first few months of hiking. I literally couldn't move my body another step because I was scared. I've clung to "steep" ice and snow hikes crying and thinking I couldn't do it on Mount Defiance and Mount Elinor. On Mount Adams, I didn't know that I needed to have my crampons pre-fit to my mountaineering boots and laid on my side as my friend adjusted them for me.
You are going to learn a lot. Everyone who has been doing it longer than you is going to think what they do is the best way. Find out what you like, take advice with a grain of salt, but make safety a priority. Usually hiking turns into mountaineering, climbing, and skiing. Make having fun and safety your goal. Not how "cool" you look online.
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| XC Ski at Stanley Lake 2017 |
Going on the hike to Lena Lake was the best thing I have ever done for myself. I have grown so much as a person. Our years, months, days, hours, and minutes are so limited on this earth. It is easy to put off doing the things that call to us. But why?
When my world is going crazy I retreat to the mountains to find clarity and peace. The past year, I have focused on not comparing myself to anyone. I am thankful for what I do have, the relationship I have with myself and the mountains. I don't care about having the newest leggings, jackets, and other gear. I would rather spend my money on the experience. I take time out of my work weeks to go hiking after work and try to spend my weekends outside. If I can do it, anyone can. You are never to old to do what you always wanted to do.
Until the next adventure.
