Hike It Off Magazine Issue One

10 ESSENTIALS THAT ARE ACTUALLY COOL

Hike It Off was conceived a few years ago deep in the heart of the Sierra over a campfire and some strong mountain cocktails. My husband, and Co-Founder Tony Purinton, and his best bud Rick Beach, always came home with much more than memories and bruises while on their many hiking trips They are notorious for mantras and catchy sayings inspired by their biggest muse, the mountains.They would discuss putting some of their favorites on t-shirts.They always wanted clothing that represented the way they felt about hiking, but could never find what they were looking for in stores. Hike It Off was always the first mantra they talked about putting on a tshirt, but once they were back to the daily grind and distractions of life, the t-shirts never became a reality.

Then something happened that would change everything for us. On June 4th, 2014 while celebrating my birthday, the universe decided to change our lives forever. While stepping over some rocks on a trail I have hiked a hundred times before, I lost my balance and in a split second shattered all three bones and dislocated my right ankle. We had no idea how much our lives were about to change, lying in the dirt waiting for help to arrive.

When you are unable to do what you love and are forced to be still and really think about your life and what is most important, your perspective changes. After two surgeries, a prognosis of a year of recovery, and an uncertain outcome, the thought of not being able to hike again was a real fear that crossed both of our minds daily We both realized then how much hiking meant to us and even though this was the most difficult obstacle we had ever needed to overcome, we knew that the universe in its tricky little way had created an opportunity for us through this misadventure.

While I was in recovery, Hike It Off was born I was determined to bring this dream to life- both in the t-shirts Tony had always envisioned and in writing, my true gift. Now we live, breathe, eat, and sleep Hike It Off It is our dream, medicine, and future. We are so honored to be able to share it with hikers that are just like us. Hikers who live to hike it off!

Jaime Purinton

Jaime Purinton EDITOR IN CHIEF

To be whole. To be complete. Wildness reminds us what it means to be human, what we are connected to rather than what we are separate from. Terry Tempest Williams

Top 6 Date Hikes in Southern California

Whether you’re on a first date, or been married for ten years, date hikes are a great way to spend some one on one time while enjoying all that nature has to offer. We’ve narrowed down our top six hikes in Southern California that make the best hike for a date. Plus, as a bonus, we’ve added some fun options to do afterwards to keep the spark going.

TORREY PINES STATE BEACH - SAN DIEGO

Arguably the most popular hike in San Diego, Torrey Pines State Park is home to the nation’s rarest pine, Pinus torreyana, or Torrey Pine. The unique environment includes rugged views of the ocean, a network of eight miles of trails to explore, diverse wildlife, abundant plant communities that thrive in the protected areas, different species of birds including the Osprey and Peregrine Falcon, and sea life including dolphins.

Start with the upper trails so you end your day on the beach. Bring a large beach mat and stretch out with your date on the soft sand for some romantic beach time

Visit: torreypine.org/reserveinfo/tr ails/ .

Afterwards head over to Eve, The Best of San Diego 2017 winner, for a healthy Vegan Buddha Bowl like their Havana Affair, a twist on your regular Cuban bowl.

Bonus:

Get some quiet time to connect with your date and yourself at the Self-Realization Fellowship Temple’s lush meditation gardens just a short drive on the 101 North of Torrey Pines in Encinitas You will find meditation nooks, koi ponds, trickling streams, colorful flower beds, and expansive views of the ocean below that offer a peaceful setting to enjoy nature. For more information visit their website.

For a date hike that will get your heart pumping even more than it already is, check out Devils Slide Trail to Tahquitz Lookout. A total of 8.7 miles round-trip, and 2,800ft elevation gain (with 1,700ft gain in the first 2.5 miles) Devil’s Slide trail to Tahquitz Lookout is a great peak bagging hike that isn’t too strenuous, yet is a good workout. At 8,846 feet, the hike culminates at the Tahquitz Fire Lookout, a volunteer staffed and fully operating fire lookout that is open during fire season.

Expansive views of the Ivalley below make it a perfect spot for endless views. Lily Rock, a popular climber’s destination, is in view the first 2 miles of the trail and if you’re lucky you’ll spot some climbers on their accent. Visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/reca rea/sbnf/recarea/? recid=26485 for more information, permits required, and trail map.

Fill up with local craft beers, live music, and scrumptious food at Idyllwild Brew Pub after your hike! We recommend the handmade pretzels!

TAHQUITZ PEAK- SAN JACINTO MOUNTAINS

When you hike Palomar Mountain State Park you’ll feel like you were transported to some far away enchanted woodland. A coniferous forest full of large pine, fir, and cedar trees create a Sierra-Nevada like environment that will take you and your date’s breath away. With over 11 miles of hiking trails in the 1,862-acre park, there are multiple options with varying mileage and degrees of difficulty. Many points of interest along the trails include a pond, meadows, streams, historical sites, amazing views, tons of wildlife, and the Boucher Hill Fire Lookout Tower, a fully functioning fire tower that holds tours for the public, make for lots to see while on your hike. Visit http://www.friendsofpalom arsp.org/ for more information, park entrance fees, and trail maps. No permit is needed for hiking and backpacking is not allowed. Dogs are not allowed on the trails.

PALOMAR MOUNTAIN STATE PARK SAN DIEGO

BRIDGE TO NOWHERE- SAN GABRIEL MOUNTAINS

Is your date adventurous?

If so, the challenging 10mile round trip hike through a rugged section of the East Fork of the San Gabriel in the Sheep Wilderness that involves rock scrambling, multiple water crossings, sheer canyon walls, and solitude make this hike quite an adventure. The trek loosely follows the failed attempt to build a road and bridge that would connect the San Gabriel Valley and Wrightwood. It was washed out during a flood in 1936 and was abandoned leaving the bridge marooned forever.

It is a fun hike and is full of adventure! A free Wilderness Permit is required if entering at East Fork trailhead. Get more information here: fs.usda.gov/detailfull/angel es/recreation/?

cid=stelprd3823884&width= full

Bonus:

For the ultra-adventurous, you and your date can literally jump off the bridge to nowhereattached to a bungee of course! Bungee America has provided a safe environment to experience a life-changing experience for over 158,000 jumpers to date. Book your jump ahead of time here: bungeeamerica com/

ECHO MOUNTAIN ALTA DENA

Echo Mountain via the Sam Merrill Trail is a whimsical hike with an interesting history lesson. The 5.8-mile hike has a moderate gain of 1,500ft. Once you reach the top, you will find the ruins of the Echo Mountain House and the incline railway that carried guests the 1,000 feet to the hotel. Built in 1894 by Professor Thaddeus Lowe, the house included 70 guest rooms, a social hall, dining room, souvenir shop, Western Union office, bowling alley, billiard room, barbershop, and shoeshine stand. Unfortunately, the house burned to the ground in 1900 but plenty of artifacts remain.

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Beautiful views of Los Angeles make it a perfect hike to watch the sunset. For a detailed trail description, map, and more photos, visit SoCal Hiker’s blog here: socalhiker.net/echomountain-via-thesam-merrill-trail/

Bonus:

Before heading up the trail for your sunset hike, start your date at the Norton Simon Museum which is known around the world as one of the most revered private art collections ever assembled. For more information including museum hours and ticket pricing, please visit their website here: nortonsimon.org/visit/ visit-themuseum/#hours

BORREGO PALM CANYON ANZA BORREGO STATE PARK- SAN DIEGO

Anza Borrego’s most famous hike is a 3-mile round-trip nature walk that never disappoints. Although short, it feels like an adventure when you end up in a lush palm oasis with crystal clear flowing water fed by underground springs, towering native California fan palms, willows, and the sound of little waterfalls. Over 80 types of migratory birds call this canyon their home for parts of the year and can be found near the water on the trail. There are plenty of spots for a picnic in the shade next to the flowing water. On the hike back, be sure to scan the ridge to the East for wild Bighorn Sheep that come down to drink the water. For more info, click here.

Bonus:

Explore Galleta Meadows to see 130 larger than life sized metal sculptures created by Ricardo Breceda. The collection includes wild horses, insects, reptiles, and the very dinosaurs that roamed the desert millions of years ago. Dennis Avery, the late land owner of Galleta Meadows, had envisioned a place where he could bring these sculptures to life and over the years made it happen on over 10 square miles of desert meant to self-explore. Download the road map here: itunes.apple.com/us/book/road-guide-toborrego-springs/id515425020?mt=11

Afterwards, enjoy dinner at The Palms at Indianhead’s Coyote Steakhouse where you can take in views of Indianhead while dining on the patio where stars like Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable, and Montgomery Clift came to find some freedom to do as they pleased. Stay the night in one of the casitas situated right next to one of the largest pools in San Diego County and star gaze from your patio after the sun goes down. Book your stay here: thepalmsatindianhead.com/index.html

BEYOND LITTER ON THE TRAIL

The cold ground crunches under your boots while golden leaves silently flutter earthward, lining the trail with a celestial glow. As you glance down, you notice something out of place. Your eyes focus on a strange item and you suddenly realize it’s a shiny red protein bar wrapper. Fighting back a little bit of anger, you bend over, pick up the wrapper, and shove it in your pack. Most hikers can relate to this story in one way or another because finding trash on the trail, unfortunately, isn’t a rare experience.

Everyone should know not to litter right? But yet there is still trash on trails. Imagine the challenge that Leave no Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, a national organization whose mission is to protect the outdoors by teaching and inspiring people to enjoy it responsibly,faces when trying to educate hikers that there is much more than just not littering to protecting the outdoors. Education and awareness are key, and we believe it is every hiker’s duty to know and practice the seven Leave No Trace Principles.

SO, WHAT ARE THE LEAVE NO TRACE PRINCIPLES?

Plan Ahead & Prepare

Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

Dispose of Waste Properly

Leave What you Find

Minimize Campfire Impacts

Respect Wildlife

Be Considerate of Other Visitors

PLAN AHEAD & PREPARE:

What does preparation have to do with Leave No Trace (LNT)? According to the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics website, “poor planning often results in miserable campers and damage to natural and cultural resources. Rangers often tell stories of campers they have encountered who, because of poor planning and unexpected conditions, degrade backcountry resources and put themselves at risk.” LNT also identifies the following 7 elements to consider when planning a trip. These elements will help to ensure everyone’s safety, re-enforce the LNT principles are followed, minimize resource damage, help to ensure an enjoyable trip, and increase selfconfidence and knowledge of the outdoors.

•Identify and record the goals (expectations) of your trip.

• Identify the skill and ability of trip participants.

• Select destinations that match your goals, skills, and abilities.

•Gain knowledge of the area you plan to visit from land managers, maps, and literature.

•Choose equipment and clothing for comfort, safety, and LNT qualities.

•Plan trip activities to match your goals, skills, and abilities.

•Evaluate your trip upon return note changes you will make next time.

LNT Center for Outdoor Ethics also recommends knowing the regulations and special concerns for the area you’ll visit, prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies, schedule your trip to avoid times of high use, visit in small groups when possible, consider splitting larger groups into smaller groups, repackage food to minimize waste, use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or flagging.

TRAVEL & CAMP ON DURABLE SURFACES:

Established trails are there for a reasonto minimize damage to the land. Staying on the trail is important to protect the surface vegetation and communities of organisms that aide in minimizing soil erosion and to prevent “faux” trails that could get a hiker lost. When going off trail is a must, such as when hiking to remote areas and/or looking for a private area to go to the bathroom, choose the most durable surface to walk on. Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses, or snow.

DISPOSE OF WASTE PROPERLY:

Pack it in, pack it out! This includes all trash, toilet paper, hygiene products, and human waste (in some areas). In areas where it is accepted to bury human waste, make sure to dig your cat hole 6”-8” deep and at least 200’ from any water source, campsite, and trail. When

washing yourself and/or dishes carry water at least 200’ from any water source and use a biodegradable soap. Scatter used water around.

LEAVE WHAT YOU FIND:

Cultural artifacts such as arrowheads, pot shards, and grinding stones and natural objects such as antlers, rocks, or petrified wood create a special layer of discovery while in nature. Leave these special discoveries as is for others to enjoy. In some areas, such as National Parks, taking any cultural artifacts or natural objects is illegal. Cultural artifacts are protected by the Archaeological Resources Protection Act. Picking flowers might be temping, but this principle also applies to flowers. Imagine if everyone on the trail decided to pick some flowers? Flowers must be left so they are able to complete their life cycle and reseed the ground to come back the following year for everyone to enjoy. Rock stacking has become an increasingly big problem on the trail and especially in high traffic areas such as Zion National Park and Capitol Reef National Park.

Rock stacking is much different than “Cairns” or piles of rocks that are two or more high used to mark trails for navigation purposes. According to the National Park Service, “National parks like El Malpais, Hawaii Volcanoes, and Acadia are carefully maintained by park staff to keep hikers on the correct path. Each park has a different way it maintains trails and cairns; however, they all have the same rule: If you come across a cairn, do not disturb it. Don’t knock it down or add to it. Follow the guidelines from the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics to ensure future hikers can navigate the trail and prevent damage to the landscape.” They also give the following pointers:

•Do not tamper with cairns – If an intentional cairn is tampered with or an unauthorized one is built, then future visitors may become disoriented or even lost.

•Do not build unauthorized cairns – Moving rocks disturbs the soil and makes the area more prone to erosion. Disturbing rocks also disturbs fragile vegetation and micro ecosystems.

•Do not add to existing cairns – Authorized cairns are carefully designed. Adding to the pile can actually cause them to collapse.

Photo: Danielle Haynie

MINIMIZE CAMPFIRE IMPACTS

If making a campfire, use only established rings, fire pan, or mound, keep the fire small, and only burn sticks on the ground that can be broken with your hand. Make sure the wood and coals burn to ash (break up any remaining coals with your gloved hands) and are completely out and cool to touch. Scatter the ashes over a large area away from the site. Never leave a fire unattended and make sure there are no fire restrictions in your area.

RESPECT WILDLIFE:

Seeing wildlife in the wild is such a magical experience. In order to keep you and the animals safe, always keep a good distance between you and the animal. Do not approach any wild animal. Never feed wild animals, as human food can make them sick and can encourage them to seek out humans for food. If you find an injured animal, do not touch it, and contact a ranger immediately. Allow animals plenty of space at water sources so they are not frightened off before getting the water they need.

BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHER VISITORS:

Curtesy for other hikers is one of the main points of LNT Principles. Most hikers hike to get away from man made structures and all the noises of everyday life. Nature is a place to unwind and take in the solitude and beauty of the trail.

Blaring music, extra large groups, and trail damage take away from that experience. Use headphones for your music, limit your group sizes, and stay on the designated trail. When encountering horses or livestock, both hikers and mountain bikers must yield to them. Step off the trail on the downhill side and allow them to pass, being mindful not to spook the animals with loud noises or sudden movements. Mountain bikers must also yield to hikers. When taking a break, find a durable surface off the trail, and out of other’s way to stop. If you have a group of hikers that are faster behind you, stop and allow them to pass. Hikers coming up the trail have the right of way over hikers going down the trail. And remember to smile and maybe even say hello to others on the trail- you might even make some new friends.

We take these principles

very seriously here at Hike It Off and hope that you do too. The future of our trails and natural areas depend on our respect and adherence to LNT Principles. If you would like more information, or to make a donation, please visit: lnt.org

“MIRACLES COME IN MOMENTS. BE READY AND WILLING”

DR. WAYNE DYER

Eco Friendly Gear Items for the Day Hiker

Are you looking for a way to lessen your impact on the earth as a hiker? Are you already practicing Leave No Trace Principles but want to take it a step further?

Weputtogethera listofourtopfive eco-friendlygear itemsthatare perfectforuseona dayhikeandwill lessenyourimpacton theearth.

Kula Cloth™

Anastasia Allison designed The Kula Cloth™, an antimicrobial peecloth designed for women, after a backpacking trip to the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in Washington State. She was enjoying a spectacular sunset at Robinson Lake and stepped behind a tree and found a bunch of toilet paper Perplexed by the amount of toilet paper in the wilderness, she began her journey in finding a toilet paper option that adhered to Leave No Trace Principles After researching pee cloths (aka bandannas) she created her own pee rag from a piece of micro fiber and the beginnings of a unique piece of gear was born After trial and error, and a bunch of research, Anastasia invented the Kula Cloth™, a reusable cloth designed for absorbing pee. It is the first of its kind, “an intentionally (and obsessively) designed antimicrobial p-cloth for adventurous women” So, what makes it so special? The Kula Cloth™ was designed as a piece of gear, not an afterthought It has an antimicrobial silver infused wipe area that is super absorbent and is designed as a hygiene product The backside of the cloth is waterproof, so you won’t get any urine on your hands while wiping It snaps on the outside of your pack and has a double snap feature for privacy and cleanliness while on the trail. The retro-reflective thread makes locating it with your head lamp at night easy.

Anastasia envisions a Kula Cloth™ on every backpack and no toilet paper in the wilderness- a vision we can get behind! history Get yours here

CNOC Outdoors 2019 Vecto 2L Water Container, 28mm

According to One Green Planet, 1,500 water bottles are consumed every second in the U.S. On the environmental side, plastic bottles litter our trails, oceans and beaches, or lay stagnant in landfills leaching chemicals like BPA and phthalates into the ground In production of the bottles, the plastic-making process requires over two gallons of water for the purification process of every gallon of water and it takes 25% of the bottle’ s size in oil to produce. These stats don’t even take into account the environmental costs of the massive transporting of bottled water One of the best ways we can help alleviate this plastic problem is by using re-useable water bottles, especially ones that are BPA free like CNOC Outdoors Vecto 2L Water Container It s lightweight, collapsible, and has a patent

pending dual opening that allows for easy filling from a wide opening on one side and a narrow mouthpiece on the other It is also compatible with water filtration systems like Sawyer, HydroBlu and LifeStraw filters Plus CNOC

Outdoors is known for their amazing customer service and support trail maintenance in collaboration with 1% For The Planet Get your own here!

Patagonia Capilene Baselayers

Patagonia is the industry leader when it comes environmental and social responsibility For the past 40 years, Patagonia has supported grassroots activists by donating one percent of sales, or 10 percent of pre-tax profits (which ever is greater), to those who demonstrate radical and strategic steps to protect habitat and wilderness and biodiversity In addition Patagonia audits the materials and methods they use in their manufacturing to ensure they are creating the least amount of environmental impact, takes responsibility for the entire lifetime of their products through dedicating an entire website to re-selling worn gear a recycling program, responsible materials sourcing, and ensuring all products are Fair Trade Certified™ and workers earn a living wage Really just supporting Patagonia is a great way to be eco-friendly but purchasing their Capilene Polyester Base Layers add an extra level of eco friendliness According to their website, the Capilene Polyester Base Layers are “exclusive, recycled-content fabrics that highlight the environmental position of the Capilene line and

Sea to Summit X-SEAL & GO SET

Food packaging creates many negative environmental impacts like over consumption of natural resources such as wood, pollution from the processing of packaging, packaging waste littering our trails, filling our landfills, and creating huge floating garbage patches in our ocean that kill sea life When you purchase your trail food in bulk, not only can you pick and choose your favorite trail mix ingredients but also your consumption of packaging is highly minimized Using Sea to Summit’ s X-SEAL & GO SET is a perfect way to transport your bulk food purchases in a BPA free, food grade, leak and air proof, and heat resistant container that is re-usable It is also collapsible so it makes a perfect addition to your day pack Buy your set here

all other base layers are recyclable through their Common Threads Recycling Program" All fabrics are also bluesign® approved, ensuring the highest level of consumer safety by employing methods and materials in their manufacture that conserve resources and minimize impacts on people and the environment” These polyester base layers are wicking, breathable, and feature Polygiene® permanent odor control that stops the growth of odor-causing bacteria on fabric They come in three weightslightweight, midweight, and thermal weight for different temperatures and exertion levels Visit Patagonia's website here

Vaude Green Shape Core Collection

Vaude states “Our Green Shape Core Collection is an unwavering expression of what we imagine the future of sustainable outdoor gear to be –it embodies our ecological and social values and testifies to the essence of what motivates VAUDE as a brand ” Vaude, a 100% family owned company, is making eco waves with their Green Shape Core Collection The Green Shape Core Collection is a collection of nineteen products unique in their own way, and made from 90% biobased, recycled, or purely natural materials such as biodegradable fiber instead of fleece and plant based down. The collection includes jackets, vests, pants, shirts, shorts, beanies, and shoe options. Environmentally friendly manufacturing practices and fair working conditions make these products the most sustainable products Vaude manufactures The products are functional and the criteria for the Green label is strict and transparent The line is under constant review and covers the entire lifecycle of the product from design, through production, care and maintenance, to repair and the product’s end of life.agine Check out the collection here.

WILD WOMEN IN HIKING

Inspired by her good friend’s weight loss journey and surviving a difficult and emotional divorce, Karla found that getting outside to hike was starting to heal her inside, where she needed it most. In January of 2014, on a flight returning from a scuba diving trip, Karla made a New Year’s resolution to hike at least once per week that year; thus, creating the beginnings of the 52 Hike Challenge Since then, the challenge has turned into a global event with over 20,000 people all over the world committing to hiking once a week for a year Karla has taken on a role as a motivational speaker and has spoken at REI Outessa Summits, She Ventures, California State University, and various other events and REI’s around the nation.

Karla is such a huge inspiration for me personally, and is such a beautiful woman inside and out.

Jaime: How did you get into hiking? Who took you on your first hike?

Karla: I got into hiking in 2013 while I was going through my divorce, I did a visualization exercise at the time where I saw myself on top of a mountain in Machu Picchu - feeling joy, peace and freedom. Fast forward, one and a half year later, my co-founder Phillip, took me on a hike where I felt hope and joy for the first time in a long time. After that, I was hooked and wanted that feeling over and over again.

Jaime: What changes in you personally has your journey with the 52 HC created?

Karla: So many changes, I think the ability to see how a crazy and audacious goal can be achieved by taking it, one step at a time. First you set a goal with a deadline, then you break it down into manageable pieces. By taking small consistent steps, you’ll achieve your goal before you know it Somehow the physical act of seeing the 52-hike goal come to life, made me realize that applying that same concept to anything else in life would take me far. Most importantly was finding self-love, forgiveness, and spirituality through nature

Jaime: How is hiking in nature healing? What has hiking healed in you?

Karla: I believe that being out in the grandeur of nature changes your brain and really allows you to open up There are times I am physically exhausted and all of a sudden tears come gushing. Whether it was for my dog whom I lost to cancer or was for

mistakes I made in the past I think that the silence and need to be present and aware makes hiking a walking meditation. We all need stillness and quiet to get in touch with our intuition and true being.

Jaime: How does completing the 52 HC empower those that finish? What do you think is the biggest reward?

Karla: I believe that we tend to have many negative self-thoughts and beliefs about who we are, and what we can achieve in life. Setting such a big goal, being persistent,

going through all that internal turmoil, and realizing that you can do it, is very powerful. I think the biggest reward is the feeling of accomplishing something hard; reaching your summit, seeing how far you’ve come, and realizing the only person standing in your way was you

Jaime: What inspires you the most about the challengers?

Karla: I am inspired every single day Seeing people that I don’t know being touched, reading their stories of growth, changes they’ve been through – it all just touches me to my core It’s all very empowering and overwhelming. I love seeing them persist and emerge who they always were

Jaime: What’s your advice for someone who doesn’t hike but wants to start the challenge?

Karla: First, sign up for the challenge at www.52hikechallenge.com, take advantage of all the resources we have created Go to REI and get the proper gear, including the 10 essentials. Next, get out on the trail; start with something local, short and well-marked. We recommend using the Alltrails app to start. Surround yourself with others who already did the challenge, we are opening chapters around the nation in 2019 to help more people get outdoors and have local community. In the future, people can take our hiking 101 course and webinar classes (to be announced soon)!

Jaime: What keeps you up at night?

Karla: My brain is ALWAYS on! I want to build out more

tools on the website, because I want to really help people succeed in hiking and life At the end, it’s all about mindset and if I can help one person to see how capable they are, this challenge is the physical manifestation of it!

Jaime: What is the thing that drives you more than anything?

Karla: I think it’s God - really I feel I am doing my assigned job here on earth. I feel genuinely passionate and eager to help people heal - because we all suffer If we take the time to heal, we become better as a society.

Jaime: What’s one thing you always have in your backpack?

Karla: The 10 Essentials and 52 Hike Challenge patch.

Jaime: What does it mean to you to be a woman in a traditionally male dominated industry?

Karla: I feel proud to not only be a woman leader in this industry, but also a woman of color. I wish to be an example of what you can achieve with persistence, vision, passion, grit, hard work and pursuing ones “calling.” To me, it’s not about money. It’s about fulfilling my life purpose and I’m doing that. And to all the men who have supported, me including Phillip, my co-founder, thank you

Jaime: How does 52 HC give back to the community?

Karla: First, one of the things we ask our participants to do, is a stewardship hike as a

part of the Adventure Series. Second, we just launched our leadership program, to help challengers locally, but grow these leaders to fulfill their own higher purpose. Many times, after a person has been through the challenge, they want to share the gift of nature with others. We are now giving them the keys, to pay it forward, and learn how to empower others ethically. I think this empowerment is huge and will pay out great dividends to all involved

Jaime: Do spirituality and hiking go hand in hand? How?

Karla: I think some people disagree that they go together. I do believe that being outdoors is a spiritual experience, because it opens you up. It heals. Nature is so grand, aweinspiring and not man made. I feel that if you want to truly be happy in life, then you must nurture these four pillars: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual- I believe hiking fulfills all of those

Jaime: Tell us about your bookKarla: My book, yes Well, the 52 Hike Challenge began with my desire to share my life-changing experience of taking 52 hikes in 2014 Eventually it evolved Phillip and I, shared our story and invited people to do their own 52 hikes. I then decided to collect stories in hopes of sharing those in a book In mid-2018, I finished my book proposal, and to my surprise 6 top literary agents reviewed it, and it was rejected But something magical happened since. I had this dream and hunch to create a 52 Hike Challenge journal in 2016 life got in the way and it just sort of sat in my subconscious. This year, I wrote it down as a 2019 goal. I then asked the community if they wanted a journal, and we got an overwhelming response. So, in less than 5 days, we picked 52 quotes from finishers, created prompts, designed and edited our first 52 HikeChallenge Journey Journal. Now, challengers can use this journal to see their progress, reflect, plan their hikes and keep them motivated.

Jaime: Is there anything else you’d like to talk about?

Karla: Thanks for such a wonderful interview! If anyone is interested in taking the challenge, please visit: www.52hikechallenge.com and tell your friends! Thank you for reading

MANDY BLAND: FOUNDER OF PURPLE

RAIN ADVENTURE SKIRTS

I remember when I first stumbled across Purple Rain Adventure Skirts on Facebook a couple years ago- I was instantly obsessed A skirt with pockets that is lightweight, has a waist like yoga pants, come in multiple colors, and are handmade in Oregon by the seriously talented Mandy Bland really appealed to me. Mandy is also an amazing hiker who has hiked multiple thru hikes including the PCT and AT, so not only does she know her stuff, she’s a serious badass.

I ordered my first one, and discovered they’re an authentic, well made, functional, and comfortable hiking skirt and felt proud to support her small business Since then, Purple Rain Adventure Skirts has been growing, and has been featured in multiple blogs, magazines, and gear reviews, with her biggest feature in Backpacker Magazine. I now own several of the skirts, and consider them one of my “go to” hiking staples and I am not alone. I cannot tell you how many women I have highfived on the trail wearing one of these skirts, especially on the PCT hikers that come through my neck of the woods every year. I highly recommend adding one (or three) to your gear. Not only will you be getting a handmade skirt that is absolutely amazing, you’ll be supporting a small company, and Mandy’s dream I have been lucky enough to connect with Mandy, who has been somewhat of a mentor to me when HIO Clothing was first starting out. She has never hesitated to guide me when I needed some help and we’ve never even met in person That’s just the kind of person she is and I am grateful for her guidance and friendship

Jaime: How did Purple Rain Adventure Skirts begin?

Mandy: My partner and I were planning a section hike of the PCT I wanted to try hiking in a skirt but didn’t want to spend $80 on something I didn’t know if I’d like, especially since all I could find were skorts. I scavenged thrift stores for old hiking pants, cut them up and made my own skirt A few miles into our hike I knew I was on to something. I first launched PR Skirts on Etsy in March 2014. I listed them for $40 and had no idea what my time was worth. My first sale was to my friend

Kelly, bless her heart. Looking back, there was a lot of naivety involved in starting my own business. If I knew then what I know now, I may not have gone for it. But I really didn’t want to write another cover letter

Jaime: What makes your skirts so unique? Mandy: They are smart, comfy and practical. Good pockets, performance fabric and a stretchy waistband that will take you from trail to town. I’m not reinventing the wheel here, just making it more comfortable.

Jaime: Are all your skirts handmade in Oregon?

Mandy: Yes, I have handmade every skirt for the past four years. Wow, that’s nuts now that I think about it I have found a local woman owned manufacturer who is starting to take over production, but not on full scale yet I really just want to own this skirt game for a while, but being a mom has really dominated my life I love my business and have no intention of going anywhere and I really like where it is right now. I make money to help

support my family while still giving my time and attention to my young son He won’t be young forever, so I’m trying to stay present with him. I’d love to find a business partner or mentor to help me grow the business on a sustainable level. Anyone out there want to work for free and help build this business? Bueller?

Jaime: What drives you? What lights your fire? Mandy: These days it really is my kiddo I have no intention of becoming a “mommy brand but dang it if that kid doesn’t drive my decisions in every aspect While each generation has had its fair share of hardships, there are a new set of challenges that these children will face Be it global warming, declining public lands, population overkill, nutritional deficiencies, or drowning in debt, take your pick I have a fire to raise a child that loves the outdoors, can think critically, respect others while understanding and accepting his privilege in this world I’ve found this makes me more conscious about the decisions I make in running a business; trying to find more sustainable fabric sources, keeping production local and supporting local businesses for printing services I'm exhausted!

Jaime: After hiking a few long-distance thru hikes including the PCT and AT do you have any plans of more long-distance hiking? What one piece of advice would you give to someone wanting to do a long distance thru hike?

Mandy: I hiked the AT in 2012. I turned 30, quit my job and flew to Georgia Best decision ever. I have not completed a thru-hike of the entire PCT yet, but my partner and I hiked the Oregon section in 2013 and the following summer did some chunks up in Washington. I figure I’ll take on the whole thing the year I turn 40, and hopefully my son wants to come along- and maybe a triple crown when I turn 50 My advice? Make a list of the reasons why you want to complete a thru hike. On your worst day take it out and read it. There’re a million good reasons to throw in the towel The rewards of hiking may not seem obvious at the time, but it will make you stronger than you ever thought possible. And take care of your feet.

Jaime: What is your favorite “go to” hike in your hood?

Mandy: Pilot Rock near the CA/OR border is a great hike. It crosses the PCT north of Ashland and is a lovely walk through the woods until the end. But the scramble is so worth the views, Mt.Shasta looks pretty amazing from up there

Jaime: Now that you’re a Mom, how has that impacted your hiking life? Or has it?

Mandy: Oh absolutely! We were getting pretty good at the Ultralight game before the kiddo, but there’s no way to be UL with 20lb baby on your back. We are heavy and we move slowly, but we still get out there! There’s a lot more base camping with day hikes up to mountain lakes. More early camp set up days to spend time playing in the meadow or splashing in the river. We’ve learned to slow down and enjoy the smaller details in nature It’s pretty rad

Jaime: What does Hike It Off mean to you?

Mandy: Hiking has become a form of therapy for me Nature provides a sense of solace you don’t find elsewhere. Life is simple and easier to handle in the woods. Two months after I finished the AT my brother passed away suddenly. All I wanted was to be back on the trail, back to that simpler life The next summer we took off for the PCT. That trek was very healing. I cried and I hiked and I kept going Kind of my mantra for life now

Jaime: Who is someone you look up to in the hiking world and why?

Mandy: Jennifer Pharr Davis is such an inspiration She hiked the Mountains to Sea trail with her family and makes me want to do it too!

She is a great person who genuinely wants everyone to have access to wilderness.

Jaime: What’s next for Purple Rain Adventure Skirts?

Mandy: Get this production thing figured out! Then I can start working on the other design ideas I have I’d love to have a small line of hiking apparel. Baby steps...

Jaime: Anything else you’d like to add?

Mandy: You’re awesome Jaime, thank you for being such a great advocate for my skirts. And thank you for bringing the hiking community together.

Get your Purple Rain Adventure Skirt here.

SOLO HIKING DO'S & DONT'S

BY: JAIME PURINTON

As most of us hikers know by personal experience and proven by recent scientific studies, not only is hiking good for your body, it's also beneficial for your mind as well. It turns out, in a study* done by Stanford in 2015, hiking in nature contributes to lower depression, lower anxiety, and increased cognitive abilities. So in a time where we have so many everyday distractions that can cause anxiety and stress, hiking is a great way to get outside, disconnect, and feel good, both physically and mentally. Hiking for many, is also a social experience, as hiking with a group offers a way to connect with others and share the same passion with like-minded people. But what happens when you don’t have someone to hike with or you just want to get away sans your hiker friends?

Go solo!

Solo hikes, for me, are even more beneficial to my mind and reconnecting with myself through nature than group hikes. All those distractions of life we try to escape from by hiking sometime sneak along with you on the trail in the form of your hiking partners. Maybe someone is little grumpy, or wants to complain about their significant other, or just won’t stop talking. Maybe someone is having a bad physical day and needs to turn around ending your hike too. Don’t get me wrong, hiking with friends is amazing, but can be distracting, causing that connection with nature to be lost. When I hike solo, it’s just me, the trail, and the weather; no distractions and a perfect time to re-connect with myself and hike off some of those stresses and anxiety. Solo hiking becomes much more of a spiritual experience for me and I notice how much I am one with the earth. I come back feeling so rejuvenated and grounded at the same time.

But what about the dangers of hiking solo? I can’t tell you how many people freak out when I tell them I sometimes hike by myself. “Aren’t you worried about psycho killers on the trail? What about getting eaten by a mountain lion?” I always smile to myself when I hear this and think about my husband’s favorite movie quote in a scene from Heat where Al Pacino yells at Snitches “You can be killed walking your doggie”. Al Pacino’s quote really holds some truth when you look at the stats. On average, around 5,000 people a year get killed by being hit by a car. Compare that to the roughly 35 people a year who die hiking and the stats are suprising.

And those mountain lions that everyone is afraid will eat me? According to Wikipedia, since 1890, there has been less than 25 fatal mountain lion attacks in the entire U.S. More people died from contaminated cantaloupes in 2013 than mountain lions since 1890! The facts are mountain lions just don’t normally eat people and it’s extremely rare to even see one (I’m still waiting to see one even after the 1,000’s of miles I’ve hiked in cougar country). When I go out on a trail alone, I feel so free- so connected. It’s such a great feeling,knowing I am capable of doing something that scares most people and loving every second of it.

When you think about it, it’s only been a couple generations since everyone became so disconnected from the wild and somehow it became “scary”. My Grandfather lived in a time where normal people lived in the wild, slept under the stars, and hiked every day because they didn’t have access to horses or cars. Oh what a time that must have been to live! Now don’t get me wrong, I am not suggesting solo hiking is for everyone, but I do think everyone should try it at least once and see if it is for you or not. If you’re new to solo hiking, here are some tips for your first few solo hikes:

• Before any hike, check the weather. Make sure you are adequately dressed for whatever the forecast predicts and if there is any severe weather forecasted (snow, lightning, excessive heat) plan your solo hike for a different day.

• Make sure to tell someone where you are going and when to expect you back. Don’t forget to let them know when you do get back.

• Become an expert at reading maps and navigation. If you know how to read a map and navigate well, you won’t have to worry about getting lost.

• Study new trails ahead of time. Look at the map, look at the trail on Google Earth, read trail write ups about the trail. Get to know the trail before you even step one foot on it. I usually save the trail description to my phone so I have access to it when the cell reception doesn’t work on the trail.

• Always bring your ten essentials. The updated 10 essentials according to REI are:

Navigation: map, compass, altimeter, GPS device, personal locator beacon (PLB) and/or satellite messenger

Headlamp: with extra batteries

Sun protection: sunglasses, sun-protective clothes, hat, and sunscreen

First aid kit: include insect repellent

Knife: plus a gear repair kit

Fire: matches, lighter, tinder and/or stove

Shelter: carried at all times (can be a light emergency bivy)

Extra food: Beyond minimum expectation

Extra water: Beyond minimum expectation

Extra Clothes: Beyond minimum expectation

• Choose a trail you know well so you’re confident that you won’t get lost. I found that I would doubt myself and abilities my first couple of solo hikes so it helped a ton that I was on trails I already knew.

Make sure to have a charged cell phone with you (even if it’s on airplane mode).

• Take a Basic Wilderness Course to learn what to do in case of an emergency. This is something that is beneficial to all hikers and can save your life in an emergency if you don’t know what to do.

• If you do bring a GPS, make sure to mark the trailhead. Don’t ever rely on your GPS only to get you back to the trailhead.

• Take your time on your hike, enjoy the solitude and peace you will feel. Sometimes I like to journal after a solo hike as my creative juices get a boost afterwards.

Don’t be afraid to hike on your own- and remember it’s like any other fear you have. It can be overcome and each time you go, it gets easier and easier! Just be prepared and always be smart about what you’re doing and aware of your surroundings.

*(http://news.stanford.edu/2015/06/30/hikingmental-health-063015/)

10 ESSENTIALS THAT ARE ACTUALLY COOL

The Ten Essentials first appeared in print in the third edition of Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills in January 1974 and has since been revised to reflect modern gear. The purpose of the list was to be able to respond to the following two questions:

Can you respond positively to an accident or emergency?

Can you safely spend a night (or more) outside?

WHAT ARE THE 10 ES

6

FIRE - Butane lighter, matches in waterproof container.

7

REPAIR KIT AND TOOLSKnives, multi-tool, scissors, pliers, screwdriver, trowel/shovel, duct tape, cable ties.

8

NUTRITION - Add extra food for one additional day (for emergency). Dry food is preferred to save weight and usually needs water.

9

10

HYDRATION - Add extra 2 liters of water for one additional day (for emergency).

EMERGENCY SHELTERTarp, bivouac sack, space blanket, plastic tube tent, jumbo trash bags, insulated sleeping pad.

Navigation- Suunto MC-2G

While a GPS device is great, we recommend navigating by an old-fashioned map and compass. With the ten essentials list, a map and compass are mandatory- GPS isn’t. Unlike a GPS that can break or malfunction, when you learn to properly navigate using a map and compass, it is fail proof. Your map should be topographic, waterproof, and set to scale. Your compass should have the following features:

•Declination Adjustment- “Declination” is the difference in degrees between true north and magnetic north and since it changes based on where you are, you will need to be able to adjust it.

•Sighting Mirror- Allows for more precise aiming when sighting in on a far away landmark. It can also double as an emergency signaling device.

•Clinometer- Helps you to measure the steepness of a slope. This is especially helpful assessing avalanche conditions.

•Global Needle- This is needed if you are travel worldwide as it compensates for the magnetic field variances.

NAVIGATION

The Suunto MC-2G has all the above, is available with an optional magnetic needle, and includes the added features of a high-grade steel needle with jewel bearing, liquid filled capsule for stable operation, sighting hole and notch for accurate bearings, luminescent markings for working in low light, metric UTM scales and inch ruler, baseplate with magnifying lens, detachable snap-lock lanyard with wristlock, and a Suunto limited lifetime warranty. It also was voted best compass for hiking 2018 by outsidepursuits.com, theadventurejunkie.com, and besthiking.net and has 4.5 stars on Amazon.com.

o-MC-2G

productstochoosefrom,howdoyou knowwhattobuy?Well,we’venarrowed downourfavoriteforeachofthe essentialsbasedonpracticality,weight, function,reviews,andoverall performance.

Sun Protection- Nectar Sunglasses & Sunsect Sunscreen

We absolutely love Nectar Sunglasses to protect our eyes from the sun. Not only are they super cool, but Nectar donates a portion of their proceeds to The Bee Cause Project, a nonprofit whose goal “is to repopulate hives and educate children on the need for honeybees”. Unlike many major sunglass brands, Nectar’s unique polarized lenses provide high quality and ultimate protection at an affordable price. The founders have created a product that fits active lifestyles, without breaking the bank, and while helping the environment.

Learn more about Nectar Sunglasses.

SUN PROTECTION

Did you know that using insect repellent and sunscreen together actually deactivate each other by up to 50%? Sunsect has patented an insect repellent (with DEET) and sunscreen that provides protection from biting insects and the sun that works together without deactivation. Originally developed for the military 15 years ago, Sunsect has recently been made public and repels mosquitoes, ticks, no-see-ums, black flies, sand gnats, gnats, chiggers, chitras and other disease-carrying, biting insects with a non-greasy and water-resistant formula that is made in the USA. Learn more about the Sunsect Sunscreen

Learn more about Sunsect

BY MARGARETTE SAMSON

Insulation- REI Coop

XeroDry GTX Jacket

Carrying a trusted rain jacket that you know will keep you dry in the case of wet weather is priceless. We love this jacket because it’s lightweight, has a good reputation for keeping you dry, made from 2-layer GORE-TEX® Paclite® fabric to allow breathing, and articulation throughout for ease of movement. This jacket is an REI exclusive and comes in both men and women versions.

Key Features:

GORE-TEX® Paclite® gives you a windproof, waterproof and extremely breathable shell that’s lightweight and easy to pack.

Durable water repellent (DWR) finish sheds drizzle

INSULATION

Articulation throughout for ease of movement

Zippered hipbelt-compatible hand pockets and convenient chest pocket keep essentials secure

Pockets are mesh lined to double as core vents2-point adjustable hood lets you fine-tune the fit and allows for improved vision

Hook-and-loop adjustable cuffs and hem drawcord

Learn more about the Xero Dry GTX

Illumination-Black Diamond Spot Headlamp

If you’ve ever been late getting back to the trailhead, you know how vital having a reliable headlamp is. We recommend the Black Diamond Spot because of its reliability and ease of use. Improved features include 300 lumen LED bulb, fully waterproof construction, Brightness Memory, which allows you to turn the light on and off at a chosen brightness without reverting back to full power, and improved peripheral lighting for close-range activities like cooking, reading or sorting gear.

Key Features:

•One QuadPower LED and one

DoublePower white LED emit 300 lumens

•Red SinglePower LED for night vision has dimming and strobe settings and activates without cycling through white mode

•PowerTap™ Technology allows instant transitioning between full and dimmed power

•Brightness Memory allows you to turn the light on and off at a chosen brightness without reverting back to full power

•IPX8: Waterproof-Tested to operate up to 1.1 meters underwater for 30 minutes.

Learn more about the Black Diamond Spot Headlamp

ILLUMINATION & FIRST AIDE

First Aide- Day Tripper Lite Adventure Medical Kit

Finding a first aide kit that includes everything you may need for a day hike but won’t weigh you down is worth its weight in gold. Adventure Medical Kits has created such a thing in the .2oz. Day Tripper Lite kit. Perfect for your solo hike, or a hike with a friend, the ultra-light kit can easily fit inside your daypack yet includes everything you may need to manage muscle pain, blisters, splinters, ticks, cuts, and other basic first aid issues. It includes the following supplies:

Fire- FireSteel 2.0 Scout

Being able to make a fire is crucial for survival if you get stuck spending the night on the trail due to an injury or weather. Fire provides warmth, a way to dry wet clothes, can be used for signaling, melting/boiling water, wild animal deterrent, and a boost to morale. The Fire Steel Scout 2.0 is a reliable tool for creating fire, plus it is small, lightweight, and has an ergonomic grip for ease of use.

Stainless-steel striker features an ergonomic grip for easy striking; striker provides 3,000 strikes

Rod also features an ergonomic grip to improve performance

Works when wet at any altitude

Built-in emergency whistle lets you signal for help

Learn more about the FireSteel Scout 2.0

FIRE & TOOLS

Tools- Leatherman Wave® +

With 18 tools in one, the Leatherman Wave® + is a perfect multi tool to carry with you as part of your 10 Essentials. A classic tool that is a best-seller, it has all the essential tools you’ll need for most anything that comes your way on the trail. All 18 tools can be opened and locked quickly, and most of them are outside-accessible, so you can use them when the multi-tool is folded and closed.

Nutrition- Kate's Real Food

High dense, whole, Non-GMO, gluten free, and organic ingredients make Kate’s Real Food Bars a perfect addition to your pack for emergency nutrition. Designed to give you energy and still taste good is Kate’s focus. The complex blend of carbs and protein will keep you sustained and the good taste will make you want to eat them. Just make sure to pack extra!

Learn more about Kate’s Real Food

NUTRITION & HYDRATION

Hydration- Sawyer Mini

The affordable 2oz Sawyer Mini Filter fits in the palm of your hand, has a 0.1-micron filter that physically removes 99.99999% of all bacteria, such as salmonella, cholera and E.coli; removes 99.9999% of all protozoa, such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium, is rated up to 100,000 filtered gallons of water, and can be used to sip water directly from the water source as a straw, connected to your hydration pack tubing, or screwed onto standard disposable water and soda bottles. This makes it an excellent choice to keep as part of your 10 essentials for emergency water filtration on the trail.

Learn more about the Sawyer Mini

Emergency Shelter- S.O.L.

Emergency Shelter Kit

The S.O.L. (Survive Outdoors Longer) Emergency Shelter Kit is a must for your everyday pack. It’s super lightweight and can make the difference of surviving or not if you get stuck on the trail overnight in an unexpected rain or snow storm.

Heavy Duty Heat Reflective Blanket

96” x 60”, this blanket is 2.5 times thicker than our Survival Blanket

Reflect Heat

Reflects 90% of your body heat back to you to keep you warm.

Ultra C Stakes

ightweight anodized aluminum stakes are just what you need to keep the shelter staked down.

Learn more about the S.O.L. Emergency Shelter Kit

The hope is to never have to need any of these items, but if you do, you will be prepared! Hike It Off!

J E F F H E S T E R

& T H e S i x P a c k O f

P e a k s C h a l l e n g e s

Y o u k n o w w h a t w e t h i n k i s a w e s o m e ? W h e n o r d i n a r y h i k e r s d o e x t r a o r d i n a r y t h i n g s L i k e s t a r t a n a t i o n a l h i k i n g c h a l l e n g e t h a t b r i n g s t o g e t h e r t h o u s a n d s o f h i k e r s a n d p r o v i d e s t r a i n i n g , g e a r a n d r o u t e p l a n n i n g a d v i c e , s u p p o r t , s w a g , a n d a f u n e n d o f y e a r p a r t y a l l w h i l e g i v i n g b a c k o v e r $ 8 0 , 0 0 0 t o d a t e t o t w o v e r y w o r t h y c a u s e s , B i g C i t y M o u n t a i n e e r s a n d T h e H e r o e s P r o j e c t T h i s i s e x a c t l y w h a t

J e f f H e s t e r , f o u n d e r o f S o C a l H i k e r , h a s a c c o m p l i s h e d w i t h t h e S i x - P a c k o f P e a k s

C h a l l e n g e ™ .

Jeff’s love for hiking started young while he was in the Boy Scouts. Short overnight backpacking trips gave him a taste for what nature has to offer When he was 16, he took his first real backpacking trip to Tahquitz Peak in San Jacinto and was hooked. By the time he turned 18, his life was changed after hiking the John Muir Trail, a 210.4-mile, 47,000 ft elevation gain thru-hike that passes through the heart of the Sierra Nevada’s But as life goes, he got married, had kids, and hiked as much as he could. Life took over, and his desire to allow his kids to explore their own interests didn’t allow enough time for Jeff to hike as much as he had previously Time went by, and in 2007 the kids were all grown up and out of the house, so Jeff took up mountain biking two to three times a week While he was riding one of his favorite trails, the San Juan Trail, he had an accident flipping over his handle bars and breaking his wrist in two places He had no idea, while hobbling the 8 miles dragging his bike back to his car, what that accident would create in his life

Since he wasn’t able to ride his mountain bike for a few months while his wrist healed, he started hiking again The memories of his John Muir trip when he was 18 crept back into his head and Jeff made a plan to hike it once again

Although this time he wasn’t 18 anymore, and knew he needed some major training if he was going to be successful in completing the trail So, he put together a training program which developed into the SoCal Hiker blog and the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge™ With the program he was able to get in shape, increase his endurance, and complete the JMT in 2010, 30 years after he hiked it his very first time

Since then, the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge™ has turned into a national event that supports a community of thousands of hikers all with the same goal; to complete all six peaks. From the hikers who bag their very first peak ever, to those that attempt their first solo hike, Jeff is inspired daily by the courage they have to take the challenge. Since it is self-paced, how you complete it in the year is your personal choice.

Some hikers take months to complete it, some do it all in snow, some like to backpack all of them, and others like to compete for the fastest time. The most important part is doing what works best for you to have fun!

So how can you get started? First, you’ll want to make the commitment and sign up for the challenge Currently, there are challenges in Southern California, Northern California, Colorado Rockies, Central Oregon, Pacific Northwest, Arizona (both Simmer & Winter, Utah, and New England.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SIX-PACK OF PEAKS

The original challenge that includes six peaks, 82 miles and 27,000 vertical gain. Mt. Wilson, Cucamonga Peak, Mt. San Antonio, San Bernardino Peak, San Jacinto Peak, San Gorgonio Peak. New alternate peaks- Mt. Baden Powell, Ontario Peak, Sitton Peak, Mt. Pinos, Strawberry Peak, and Santiago Peak. New in San Diego- Mt. Gower, El Cajon Mountain, Volcan Mountain, Cuyamaca, Coret Madera, and High Point allow hikers to customize their experience.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA SIX-PACK OF PEAKS

A series of iconic Bay Area summit hikes each with unique histories and climate zones. Mt. St. Helena, Mt. Umunhum. Mt. Tamalpais, Mt. Diablo, Mt. Sizer, and Rose Peak.

COLORADO ROCKIES SIX-PACK OF PEAKS

Takes you on some of the most beautiful trails in Colorado and ends with a climb up Grays Peak- a 14er on the Continental Divide. Bergen Peak, Rocky Mountain, Mt. Sherman, Horseshoe Mountain, Mt.Yale, and Gray's Peak.

ARIZONA WINTER SIX-PACK OF PEAKS

The Arizona Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge™ brings people together around one goal: having fun hiking six iconic Arizona mountains between November 1st and April 30th. Mountains include: Piestewa Peak, Camelback Mountain, Picacho Peak, Fremont Saddle, Wasson Peak, and Flatiron.

ARIZONA SUMMER SIX-PACK OF PEAKS

The Arizona Summer Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge™ brings people together around one goal: having fun hiking six iconic Arizona mountains near Sedona and Flagstaff, between May 1st and October 31st. Mountains include: Bear Mountain, Wilson Mountain, O'Leary Peak, Mt. Elden, Kendrick Peak, and Humphreys Peak.

NEW ENGLAND SIX-PACK OF PEAKS

Includes high points across several states and the Northern Terminus of the Appalachian Trail and the most prominent peak East of the Mississippi. Bear Mountain, Mt. Greylock, Mount Mansfield, Camel’s Hump, Mt. Lincoln, and Mt. Washington.

CENTRAL OREGON SIX-PACK OF PEAKS

All six mountains have a volcanic origin which makes this challenge unique. Ending with the 3rd highest peak in Oregon, South Sister. Peaks include: Black Butte, Tumalo Mountain, Black Crater, Maiden Peak, Mt. Bachelor, and South Sister

UTAH SIX-PACK OF PEAKS

Coming soon!

PACIFIC NORTHWEST SIX-PACK OF PEAKS

Coming soon!

There are Three Levels to Sign up:

Explorer

Access to challenger-only hike log

Personalized profile to track your progress

Earn virtual badges for each peak summited

Connect with others in the Challengers-only area

Entry in our monthly giveaways

Peak reports and training tips

Finishers get reduced entry to the Finisher's Party

+ Welcome packet: Sticker pack and patch.

+ Invitation to our monthly video chat

Trailblazer

Access to challenger-only hike log

Personalized profile to track your progress

Earn virtual badges for each peak summited

Connect with others in the Challengers-only area

Entry in our monthly giveaways

Peak reports and training tips

Finishers get reduced entry to the Finisher's Party

+ Welcome packet: Sticker pack and patch

+ Invitation to our monthly video chat

++ The all-new 2019 Six-Pack of Peaks

T-Shirt

Starter

Access to challenger-only hike log

Personalized profile to track your progress

Earn virtual badges for each peak summited

Connect with others in the Challengers-only area

Entry in our monthly giveaways

Peak reports and training tips

Finishers get reduced entry to the Finisher's Party

SOME ADDITIONAL TIPS FROM JEFF TO GET STARTED ARE:

Start with local, convenient hikes that will work with your schedule.

Choose hikes that are easy to hike 2-3 times a week and the mileage can be increased as you train (maybe doubling the trail or making it into a figure eight). Make it a routine and involve some friends to make it social. Maybe grab a beer and tacos afterwards as a reward.

Before attempting the first peak, make sure you can at least cover the same mileage not at altitude.

Add in vertical gain- track the gain and build up to your goal.

Have fun!

You can sign up for any of the challenges at: sixpackofpeaks.com

Check out Jeff Hester’s blog, SoCal Hiker.

If you would like to help support either nonprofits in addition to the challenge, you can donate here:

Big City Mountaineers - Instills critical life skills in under-resourced youth through transformative wilderness mentoring experiences.

The Heroes Project - The Heroes Project makes the impossible a reality by empowering injured war veterans through physical and emotional training. These expeditions challenge the severely wounded to redefine their personal limits post injury. The Heroes Project inspires our injured military veterans to find purpose, both physically and mentally, and ignites others to do the same.

LETTERS TO THE

Lollygagger

GOT A BURNING QUESTION ABOUT HIKING THAT YOU JUST CAN’T SEEM TO FIND THE ANSWER TO? ASK OUR VERY OWN CHIEF LOLLYGAGGER!

Dear Chief Lollygagger, What does “Chief Lollygagger” mean? What is it you actually do?

Sincerely, Wandering in Utah

Dear Wandering in Utah, My friend Rick would always refer to our hiking as “lollygagging” because we would always take all day and sometimes the night doing it We would see a peak off of the trail and say “let’s go see what’s up there” or “let’s go jump in that creek down there”. For instance, we hiked the High Sierra Trail, which most people finish in just 6-7 days but we finished in 9 days so we could summit Mt Whitney on the 4th of July and the permit we got had a start date way earlier- so we lollygagged the whole trail. We swam in every lake and creek and the hot spring next to the Kern River. One time we were off trail in the desert and just “lollygagging” though the boulders on the side of a mountain and we came across intact Native American pottery. Rick would always say “last one out wins” which always made sense to me. As far as being the “Chief Lollygagger”, that comes from the government requiring a person to have a title for a Limited Liability Corporation. Seeing how Jaime was most suited to be the CEO, I submitted Chief Lollygagger and it was excepted as a legitimate title As far as I know, I’m the only official one in the world You asked “what is it I actual do’? My answer is, whatever Jaime tells me to do.

Take your time and be present my friend,Chief Lollygagger

Dear Chief Lollygagger, I would really like to get into hiking more but my husband refuses to go with me. He says he would rather watch football and drink beer on the weekends How do I get him on the trail?

Sincerely,

Wanting a Trail Hubby in Seattle

Dear Wanting a Trail Hubby in Seattle, Who told you that you needed him to go hiking? As I was starting to write this, Jaime texted me and said “just starting the hike and turning my phone to airplane mode”. No joke- and it’s just her and Phurba Love Dog As far as watching football and drinking beer, he can DVR the games and as you probably know, you always have a beer and a burger after a hike. If that doesn’t work, then you can just come hiking with us.

Take your time and be present my friend, Chief Lollygagger

Dear Chief Lollygagger, My gear collection is getting out of control. What do you do with all your gear?

Sincerely,

Geared Out in San Diego

Dear Geared Out in San Diego, I keep it clean and organized in a closet and on shelves- and I sing to it because I love it.

Take your time and be present my friend, Chief Lollygagger

Dear Chief Lollygagger, I really enjoy hiking solo but my friends and family keep telling me I am going to die. What can I tell them to ease their worries?

Sincerely, Solo in Los Angeles

Dear Solo in Los Angeles, We all love the feeling of having someone care about us, but remind them that this solo thing is about you and not them. Most likely, they are projecting their own fears of being alone in the wild onto you. This just comes from them not knowing or lack of experience Tell them you have a better chance at being killed while driving to the mall with them for a soft pretzel then out in the wild. One of my favorite lines I use is from the movie Heat. There is a scene where Al Pacino is asked about the danger of being killed He responds by saying “you can get killed walking your doggy ” It sounds a lot cooler if you can say it like Al but you get the point.

Take your time and be present my friend, Chief Lollygagger

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WHAT DOES HIKE IT OFF MEAN TO YOU?

We asked some of our followers what Hike It Off means to them. This is what they had to say.

“Hike It Off has become such an intimate part of my life. For me, it’s a philosophy. It’s just as much enlightenment as it is a state of admiration and perplexity. When I think of Hike It Off, I always have a certain picture in mind. It’s one of the mountains standing tall enough to kiss the sun as it rises in the morning sky, of wildflowers dancing in meadows to only a song they can hear, of turquoise lakes laying in quiet peaceful slumber, surrounded by tall pine trees and snowcapped summits. Hike It Off, to me, means so much more than just walking into nature, its allowing nature to walk in to you” Danielle

Haynie

“Hiking is my time My time to decompress, my time to think, my time to appreciate everything around me. I love the phrase Hike It Off because that’s exactly what I do, hike it off. All of my negative thoughts, all of my doubts, every bit of a bad day, I hike it off. There is nothing better to me than feeling my feet hit the dirt and letting the trail take any negativity that plagued my day. I always come off the trail feeling ten times lighter. It’s my happy place”

Jennifer Moioffer