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Snacks, headlamp, pocket knife, extra socks, and water.
Indulgent Backpacking Item:
I keep my pack super light but we always have room for chocolate
chip cookies.
Favorite Trail Snack:
I cannot live without the energy stroopwaffles.
Favorite Hike Podcast/Playlist/Artist:
Sounds very granola of me but I love listening to nature. There's
no better sound than birds chirping, river flowing, and the wild
blowing through the trees.
Favorite Hiking Club & Communities:
San Diego Hiking Society
is an awesome source if you're local or planning to visit San
Diego. Their moderators are very helpful with adding helpful
details to posts and there are always people looking to link up
with others for hikes.
Getting outside is almost a “need” for me to feel whole mentally.
What does 'outdoorsy' mean to you?
Valuing time spent outdoors. Doesn't even have to be hiking and
camping. This could be taking the time to hangout at your local
park or relaxing at the beach.
How did you start backpacking? What was the most intimidating
thing about it?
I remember seeing a photo of Big Pine Lakes in California and
being set on backpacking it ever since. It was my first time ever
being in high altitude and that was a rude awakening lol I was SO
unprepared but it was the best time I've ever had. It was
incredibly challenging but as soon as I saw the lakes, I was
almost in a euphoric state and I forgot how tired I was. I fell in
love with backpacking ever since, just please try to acclimate if
you're going to do this.
Tell us about your favorite hiking experience to date.
One of the most memorable hiking experience is my solo trip to the
eastern Sierra. I was actually with my dog so I guess it's not
really solo. I was so afraid to go but I never slept so
comfortably in a tent during those few nights. I'll never forget
setting up a hammock in front of Matlock Lake. It was an emerald
green color and my dog was just laying there in front of me
looking very satisfied. It was just her and I for a few hours, no
care in the world.
What advice do you have for women who are just getting into
outdoor adventures?
It's not as intimidating as you think! Spending time outdoors will
surprise you in ways that you might not expect. You might end up
loving solitude, gain confidence, independence, and your mental &
physical health will thank you.
Fears + the outdoors: what was your biggest fear and how did you
get over it?
I have a really irrational fear of running into bigfoot while
camping but this is also the result of watching a little too much
missing 411. My nerves usually calm down when I remember the
chance of something happening to me in the wilderness is far less
likely than in the city.
What's one thing you wish you'd been aware of when you started
out?
I wasn't fully aware of leave no trace practices when I first
started out and I definitely felt guilty about that. It's not like
I was trashing hikes or anything but I've had times when I've
camped a little too close to the water. The more I got outside
though, the more I learned and felt a need to protect the
environment we're in.
How do you prepare for a hike?
I typically download the AllTrails map beforehand in case I lose
signal, bring some snacks, wear appropriate hiking shoes, apply
sunblock, and bring lots of water or water filter if there are
water sources.
