Suzanne Olaybal on the trail in Merrell gear.

Suzanne Olaybal

  • Five Hiking Essentials:

    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.

  • Favorite Hikes:

    Favorite local trails in San Diego for beginners:

    Oak Canyon Trail Annie's Canyon Guy Flemming Trail
    Suzanne walking on a sand dune.

  • Why do you get outside?

    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.

Suzanne's trail favorites

Women's Moab 3 Mid Waterproof
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Suzanne Olaybal

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    Some obstacles, moderate debris with occasional speed, direction and vertical changes.
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    Lots of obstacles, heavy debris with frequent speed, direction and vertical changes.

Suzanne Olaybal

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Find the right product for you. Choose your size, color and more.

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(11 Products)

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SIZE/WIDTH

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WIDTH

  • MODERATE TRAIL (11)
    i
    Some obstacles, moderate debris with occasional speed, direction and vertical changes.
  • RUGGED TRAIL (11)
    i
    Lots of obstacles, heavy debris with frequent speed, direction and vertical changes.