HIKE IT OFF A
MAGAZINE
MAGAZINE
FOR
DAY
HIKERS
ISSUE NO. 4 AUGUST 2020Â
WHAT TO DO IF YOU ENCOUNTER A WILD ANIMAL ON THE TRAIL. PART ONE: MOUNTAIN LIONS PAGE 6
THE UNSPOKEN CUSTOM OF THE WHITE OWNED WILDERNESS PAGE 25
FROM COUCH TO KILIMANJARO: A WELLNESS DESIGN CONSULTANT'S HIKING ADVENTURES AND HOME HEALTH ADVICE PAGE 18
HOW COVID-19 MADE ME APPRECIATE THE OUTDOORS MORE PAGE 44
Contents 3
56
EDITOR'S NOTE
TOP FALL HIKES IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
6
62
WHAT TO DO IF YOU ENCOUNTER A WILD ANIMAL ON THE TRAIL. PART ONE: MOUNTAIN LIONS
MUST HAVE FALL HIKING ESSENTIALS
18
LETTERS TO THE LOLLYGAGGER
FROM COUCH TO KILIMANJARO: A WELLNESS DESIGN CONSULTANT'S HIKING ADVENTURES AND HOME HEALTH ADVICE
70
25 THE UNSPOKEN CUSTOM OF THE WHITE OWNED WILDERNESS
32 WILD WOMEN IN HIKING: ANASTASIA ALLISON
44 HOW COVID-19 MADE ME APPRECIATE THE OUTDOORS MORE
48 DIET CULTURE IN HIKING HIKE IT OFF MAGAZINE |
2
editor's note
Hike It Off was conceived a few years ago deep in the heart of the Sierra over a campfire and strong mountain cocktails. My husband, and CoFounder 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 t-shirt, 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
HIKE IT OFF MAGAZINE |
3
Add a subheading
If you’re measuring yourself against other people, then you're climbing the mountains for the wrong reasons. The true soul of being here is to measure yourself against the mountains. Nature is our greatest teacher. - Melissa Arnot
What to do if you encounter a wild animal on the trail. Part One: Mountain Lions Series by: Duke Brady, Survivalist
HIKE IT OFF MAGAZINE | 6
HIKE IT OFF MAGAZINE | 7
My name is Duke Brady and I am an environmental scientist, backcountry guide, and part time TV survival expert. I have trekked and "scienced" from the arctic shores of Alaska to the sweltering jungles of the tropics. I am currently looking for a cabin, dog, and girlfriend, in that order. I've spent some quality time out in nature, joining the food chain with a bit more zeal than an average day hike.
HIKE IT OFF MAGAZINE |
8
There was the bear-strewn tundra of the subarctic, where only a thin layer of wool and goretex stood between me and the teeth of my predator. And then there were the weeks spent in the remote corners of the Philippines, naked with only a knife, for the TV show Naked and Afraid; no goretex that time. Spoiler alert: I survived. You can do the same! Here are some wildlife survival tips to remember when traveling in Mountain Lion Country:
DOING INVASIVE PLANT RESEARCH ON THE CHANNEL ISLANDS.
HIKE IT OFF MAGAZINE |
9
1.
MAKE NOISE, ALREADY!
YOUNG FEMALE LION BEING MEASURED DURING CONSERVATION RESEARCH.
As serene as your wilderness experience is "supposed" to be, wild animals live there full time, and always appreciate a heads up when your clifbar munching, shampoo-smelling body enters their territory. Your voice works best; more on that later. This should be happening before an encounter. Just don't sing anything from the Cats musical. HIKE IT OFF MAGAZINE |10
If a mountain lion shows signs of aggression, such as standing its ground, approaching you, has its ears back, or makes vocalizations like hissing etc., it's time to engage, starting with looking AS BIG AS POSSIBLE! Gather your group of people/dogs/goats as one, raise your arms/trekking poles/cool stick you found. The point is to be as wide and as TALL as possible. Your attitude and confidence should grow up too, as it will be crucial to stay calm and collected [in front of such a razor-pawed, dagger-mouthed, oversized kitty cat].
2.
GROW UP!
HIKE IT OFF MAGAZINE|
11
3.
MAKE NOISE, AGAIN!
Any unnatural sounds are unwelcome to a wild animal. In other words, don't mimic an injured deer, or try to "speak lion". Clank water bottles, clap hands, tap hiking poles, etc. Strong, low, loud and calm voices are your friend.
YOUNG LION PRINT ALONG THE SANTA MARGARITA RIVER.
4.
LOOK AT ME-OW!
Maintain eye contact, so you can monitor what the lion is focusing on and also to express your intent to "act defiant, not afraid". Maintain a firm presence, not bending, cowering, turning, and of course NEVER running. HIKE IT OFF MAGAZINE |
14
5.
END THE RELATIONSHIP, SLOWLY.
Sometimes you want a quick and clean break, but this would not be the time for one. Gradually increase the distance between you and the animal, backing up slowly, still facing the animal; designate someone to be the eyes for the retreat, and steer the group if possible. If you're curious why you would have to be the one to initiate the "break up", many factors could be involved, such as a nearby kill, cache, or cub that makes the lion reticent to leave.
6.
FIGHT!
If you find that physical contact is imminent, you. must. fight. Protecting your neck, throat and face are critical here. It's super scary to think about, but just know you will have to fight for your life, using any and all objects you have in hand or nearby. Put your pack between the animal and yourself, have your pocket knife unfolded and locked, bludgeon with your camera tripod...whatever it takes. Focusing your strikes on the sensitive parts of the animal, like the eyes and nose, will help deter them. There are successful instances of people defending themselves against lions using these methods; do not EVER let fear keep you away from nature! That's all for this edition Duke's entertaining and hopefully useful guide to animal encounters. Have fun out there, respect nature, and always remember: situational awareness is your first defense! You can follow Duke and his adventures on Instagram here.
HIKE IT OFF MAGAZINE
|
14
FROM COUCH TO KILIMANJARO: A WELLNESS DESIGN CONSULTANT'S HIKING ADVENTURES AND HOME HEALTH ADVICE by Jamie Gold
HIKE IT OFF MAGAZINE
|
18
My earliest hiking recollection is completely mixed up with my childhood memories of summer storms. The way my parents told it, smiling indulgently, was that they dressed me up in a rain jacket for a sun shower outing near our Catskills Mountain summer home, my hands in theirs, my five-or six-year-old self tucked lovingly between them. Ready for our family adventure, we stepped onto the back porch to go for a short family hike. We didn’t get farther than the steps when lightning streaked across the afternoon sky and thunder cracked hard and fast on its tail. The way they recall that moment, I fell to the porch floor and refused to budge. Our hike didn’t happen that day, and my fear of thunderstorms still intrudes sometimes on my outdoor adventures. I no longer
fall to the floor –a decade of living in the Southeast inured me to all but the worst of them when I’m sheltered –but I still have a healthy respect for their power. Fifty years later, thunder rolled in the distance as our trio of midlife women descended Mt. Whitney, the highest peak in the lower 48 states, after a very long climb. We’d started just past midnight for a one-day trek, relieved that storms weren’t predicted to interrupt our plans as they’d threatened the weekend before. Storm warnings on that trail can be literal nonstarters. Though it took hours longer than any of us had anticipated, largely because of my hesitation on the last two miles approaching the summit,
"The way they recall that moment, I fell to the porch floor and refused to budge." HIKE IT OFF MAGAZINE
|
19
(a span aptly dubbed by a friend as the “cliffs of insanity”), I was proud of myself for reaching my summit goal despite my fears. I was OK accepting the help of friends in making it, just as I’d been OK accepting the help of Spartan strangers in completing a challenging series of obstacle course races, and from teammates in completing two military-style GORUCK endurance events the year before. Even slowly, even
clumsily, even nervously, even with help, a goal completed is a goal worth celebrating. Goals have played a pivotal role in my staying healthy these past eight years. After losing about 100 pounds, I was having a heck of a time keeping them off. Losing weight is much more exciting than maintaining it, as anyone who has yoyo-ed can tell you, and the techniques that worked before didn’t seem to be working any more.
HIKE IT OFF MAGAZINE
|
20
After discovering obstacle course racing as a volunteer, I won a free Spartan Race entry, signed up for a 5K-ish Sprint, and started prepping for it with a local OCR group and coach. Hiking and running local trails, climbing trees and walls, carrying heavy rocks, army crawling uphill and doing endless burpees all got me in better shape than any gym workout I’d ever done before. Even more helpful, I learned that training and fueling toward an event goal was much more motivating to me than dieting and exercising, and I’ve been setting mentally and physically-challenging goals for myself ever since. (I was never an athletic kid, so this transformation in my life from girl chosen last in gym class to weekend warrior has been rather gratifying.) I’ve done six OCRs, two marathons (one road and one trail), one triathlon, two GORUCKs and the Mt. Whitney summit. This year, as I approach my 60th birthday, I’m training for a December Mt. Kilimanjaro
summit.. I'm hoping that the pandemic gods here and in Tanzania cooperate so I don’t have to postpone! Another lesson I’ve learned during my couch to Kili training is that my home plays a supporting role in my wellness endeavors. Yours does too. Let me share a few of the how and whys. If you run trails, hike or backpack, you likely store and clean your gear at home. Having a designated place for cleaning and storage in your garage or mudroom makes hitting the trails with everything ready to go, and nothing accidentally left behind, faster and easier. If you participate in serious peakbagging, having your kitchen optimized for healthy fueling, your bedroom optimized for sleep, and your bathroom optimized for hygiene can support you in your goals. I’m a big fan of two affordable elements that can be added to any residence, whether a first apartment or forever retirement home: I keep an anti-fatigue mat HIKE IT OFF MAGAZINE
|
21
on my kitchen floor for long meal prep sessions so I’m not adding unnecessary stress on my joints, and I had a hand-held massaging shower head installed in my bathroom. The latter gets trail dust out of hard-to-reach places and can be aimed at sore muscles for soothing aches. There’s another, fun way your home can help support your goals: Include mementos from your outdoor adventures in your living space to make yourself smile whenever you see them.
HIKE IT OFF MAGAZINE
|
22
My race medals hang in my garage and greet me every time I arrive home and I’ve hung a vintage-style framed Mt. Whitney poster in my living room. I often joke with friends that my Kili goal gets me off the couch six days a week. That colorful, very visible reminder of a past goal accomplished reminds me of what’s possible when I lace up my trail shoes and keeps me motivated for ‘train or die’ mode.
I share many more tips, both for renters and homeowners, hikers, runners, cyclists, swimmers and Boomer class weekend warriors like myself, in my new book, written as much for me as for you! I also created a free Healthy Home Tips for Your COVID-19 Quarantine guide that you can download here. See you on the trails soon...Unless there are thunderstorms on the horizon. Jamie Gold, CKD, CAPS, MCCWC is a San Diego-based Mayo Clinic Certified Wellness Coach and the author of three books on design and remodeling. Her latest, Wellness by Design: A Room-by-Room Guide to Optimizing Your Home for Health, Fitness and Happiness, (Simon & Schuster/Tiller Press), publishes September 1, 2020. Follow Jamie here: Instagram Facebook Pinterest Twitter HIKE IT OFF MAGAZINE
|
17
“FOR ME, TREES HAVE ALWAYS BEEN THE MOST PENETRATING PREACHERS”HERMAN HESSE
WRITTEN BY MONET YELSNICK
T H E U N S P O K E N C U S T O M T H E
O F
W H I T E
O W N E D W I L D E R N E S S
HIKE IT OFF MAGAZINE
| 25
As I drive out of Seattle
I am seeking, but the draw
heading towards the Hoh
is too strong, the reward
Rain forest on the
too great to be thwarted.
Washington state
Though hiking is
peninsula I start to see my
something I couldn’t see
surroundings change.
myself living without
Suburbs fade to forests,
these days, getting into it
apartment buildings
did not come without its
packed like sardines and
barriers. If you flip
sitting sky high are
through any outdoor
suddenly ocean shores. I
magazines or equipment
see fewer and fewer people
ads I would bet a healthy
in general and even less
wager that you will find
who look like me and
about 0-2 images of people
before I know it, I’m
of color, let alone Black
sticking out like a sore
people in those
thumb. My hair, my hoops,
publications. There is the
my lips, my nose, I am an
common (but wholly
anomaly in these parts of
inaccurate) stereotype
the state and I am an
that Black people just
anomaly at the
don't like hiking or
destination
camping, and the lack of diversity on the trails is taken for granted. But why? What is this unspoken custom that the outdoors are mostly for white folk? If we hop back HIKE IT OFF MAGAZINE
| 26
to that same outdoor equipment ad you will see some price tags that are out of reach for most people in the low income bracket, and at least in Seattle, the median income for a Black family vs a white family is less than half, sitting well below the ‘very low income’ category. Lack of financial resources are
person who was seen as
one barrier to the beauty
being ‘suspicious’ or
and peace of the great
‘threatening’ for simply
outdoors. The gas, the
sitting on a bench in their
gear we are often told we
own neighborhood, bird
need, the time off, are not
watching, or having a
accessible to many people
barbeque at a public park
living paycheck to
which resulted in police
paycheck with a family to
being called - and these
support, and it may not
are just a small fraction
seem worth the risk if you
of baseless and
think you might come to
unwarranted police calls
harm. If you scroll the
Black people endure for
news on any given day you
existing in the outdoors.
will see a story of a black
This trifecta of economic
HIKE IT OFF MAGAZINE
| 27
constraints, lack of
during a camping trip
representation, and being
because some locals
targeted for partaking in
assumed they were up to
leisurely outdoor
no good. It makes me more
activities while Black
hesitant to go alone and
sends an overt message:
usually looking for a
the outdoors are for
white friend to go with me
white people and
to help ease my anxieties. I
explicitly not for Black
take extra care to blend
people.
in when I’m on the trail.
I venture into the wilderness often and try to keep my head up but sometimes I get murmurs and stares when I go into town in Forks to pick up firewood or grab some water or fruit in preparation for a hike or overnight. It makes me think of the interracial family that was stalked by men with guns in this very same town at this very same store last June
HIKE IT OFF MAGAZINE
| 28
For me this means
subtle signals that you
covering my natural hair,
are taking up too much
making sure I wear neutral
space where you are so
colors, being as quiet as I
graciously being allowed
can. When I realized I was
to trek. Despite the fears
holding my breath as I
and constraints, I find
passed people I had to
myself returning again
come to terms with the
and again.
fact that I was not able to
I have always felt deeply
get the full healing and
connected to the land of
rejuvenating experience I
the Pacific Northwest. I
was craving. Our behavior
have traveled the globe,
is policed in every public
sometimes for months on
space, we are too loud,
end, and as much as I
having too good of a time,
cherish those experiences,
anything we are doing is
I find myself yearning for
seen with an eye of
the cold rocky beaches,
suspicion because
the damp old growth
Blackness in itself is the
Olympic forest, the rugged
boogeyman of white
mountains, the
America. This translates
unforgiving weather of
on the trail via stink eyes
my beloved PNW. I yearn
for laughing out loud,
for it in my bones, in the
stares if you deviate from
very core of my being.
the traditional hiking
When asked about my
look,
relationship to the land here all I can say is that I
HIKE IT OFF MAGAZINE
| 29
love it like a person. It is a
we can start to knock
relationship, a give and
them down. This land we
take, and it teaches me as
inhabit has so much to
much about itself as it
offer us beyond raw
does about myself. Just
materials–there is peace,
like a person I love there
beauty, comfort, healing
is not much that can keep
to be had by immersing
me away from it, despite
yourself and that is
the risks. The reward is
something we should all
too great and too
feel welcomed and
profound to give it up,
encouraged into.
and where I have had the will I have always found a
Monet Yelsnick is a
way. My hope is that
musician and outdoor
through sharing the
enthusiast in Seattle, WA.
challenges and barriers to outdoor experiences,
HIKE IT OFF MAGAZINE
| 30
WILD WOMEN IN HIKING Meet Anastasia Allison, Founder of Kula Cloth & Musical Mountaineers by Jaime Purinton
Meet Anastasia Allison, Founder of Kula Cloth ® & Musical Mountaineers What I love most about Anastasia is her strong vision.
about what she does and who she is.
She is a master at manifesting the life she wants all while
Jaime: What is a Kula Cloth ®?
contributing to the well being
Why did you start Kula Cloth
of our planet. She is such an
®?
inspiration- not only because
Anastasia: Kula Cloth ® is the
she climbs mountains to play
very first antimicrobial pee
the most beautiful music I
cloth for all the places you
have ever heard, but because
‘go’. As a former park ranger
she saw a need for a piece of
and backpacking instructor, I
gear and jumped in 100%
was frustrated by the amount
seeing it through from
of toilet paper that I found
concept to reality and has
discarded in fragile alpine
believed in herself the entire
environments. I started using
way.
a pee cloth as a Leave No
The Kula Cloth ® is something
Trace option, and I was
that I now carry with me every
shocked to find that I loved it.
time I hike. It is such an
I started telling all of my
important piece of gear, and I
backpacking students about
can't imagine hiking without
it. One year, my husband went
one now. So let's jump in and
on a 9 day trip to the Wind
meet Anastasia and learn
River Range in Wyoming. I was taking a photograph of HIKE IT OFF MAGAZINE | 28 HIKE IT OFF MAGAZINE | 33
my pee cloth in a spectacular environment as a joke to send to a friend, when I had a sudden idea pop into my head – “Why isn’t this a real piece of gear?”. I realized that I was spending $500 on a tent, but the one piece of fabric I was using as a pee cloth looked like I had pulled it out of a rag bin at jiffy lube. I had no clue had to sew and no experience in the textile industry. It took me a few years of getting over some pretty hefty fears, but I finally launched Kula Cloth in 2018. Since that time, we’ve sold close to 15,000 Kulas. Nothing makes me happier than seeing so many thousands of people adventuring all of the world with this tiny piece of gear.
HIKE IT OFF MAGAZINE
| 34
Jaime: What is your
became a Law Enforcement
background? Did you like
Ranger in Washington State. I
being in law enforcement?
was laid off from that job in
Anastasia: When I was 12
2012 and I took a job as
years old, I started
Railroad Police Officer with
volunteering as Hopewell
BNSF Railway for about 5.5
Furnace National Historic
years. After a nearly fatal close
Site. My love affair with parks
call, I left my police job in 2017
and the wilderness
to pursue my dream of
started at a very young age. I
creating my own, adventure
went through a quarter-life
inspired life.
crisis in college and ended up studying pre-med courses
Jaime: Who is Mare? How do
and working at a trauma unit.
you come up with your most
Ultimately, I came back to my
entertaining marketing
first love, and I went through
campaigns? Are unicorns
a police academy and
really your favorite “mythical” animal? Anastasia: Mare is my sister. When I started Kula Cloth ®, I was a true solopreneur. Initially, I did everything including sewing the product. Eventually, I had a manufacturing team that was making the Kulas for me, but I was still handling all of the social media, customer service, production logistics HIKE IT OFF MAGAZINE
| 35
and fulfillment. Needless to
sister showed up at the right
say, it got overwhelming very
time and she is somebody who
quickly. When you have a
cares about the business and
customer, that is not a simple
our customers just as much as
relationship where you send
I do. I honestly couldn’t do this
them a product and then you
without her. Our marketing
never hear from them again –
campaigns are honestly
having customers is an
completely spontaneous – we
incredible responsibility, and
are always coming up with
there is nothing more
ridiculous ideas and we thrive
important than nurturing
on being in the creative flow.
that very real relationship. In
We both spend a lot of time
my personal time, I love going
meditating and being in
backpacking and hiking, and
nature so that we can be open
it got to the point very quickly
to receiving the ideas that we
where I wasn’t going to be
are meant to bring to life.
able to do that anymore
Maybe that sounds a bit ‘woo’,
unless I had somebody to
but we don’t follow any type of
help me answering e-mails
plan – I honestly think that the
and managing the social
universe uses us and Kula to
media aspect of the business.
bring a lot of laughter and
Kula is like my fabric child – I
light into people’s lives.
love it more than I can put
I absolutely love unicorns! I
into words. It was scary, in the
think a unicorn represents the
beginning, to ‘give away’
magic that lives inside each of
some of those early responsibilities, but my HIKE IT OFF MAGAZINE
| 36
us. So often we argue for our
process in your life, focus all of
own limitations and we think
your attention on visualizing
that we aren’t ‘good enough’
what you WANT, not what you
or ‘special enough’ to do
don’t want. Very often, we
something incredible. We look
spend so much time focused
at other people who are doing
on what we don’t want or
amazing things and think that
spending time feeling worried
they got ‘lucky’. I know this,
or fearful – in doing so, we
because that was my story for
actually attract more evidence
most of my life. I think that the
of what we don’t want. When
unicorn represents the truth of
you stare at the reality of ‘what
what lives in each of us – a
is’, you just create a whole lot
mythical creature who is capable of anything. Jaime: What advice would you give to someone who is afraid to take the next step in life whether it’s starting their own business or just attempting a more challenging hike? Anastasia: First and foremost, you don’t have to be any different than exactly how you are right now. There is never the ‘perfect’ time for anything, because it’s always just right now. As you begin
more of ‘what is.’ So, allow
Jaime: What is your "all time"
yourself to dream about what
favorite trail?
you want, and be ok with not
Anastasia: Well, this isn’t
knowing how it is all going to
entirely a trail… but without a
happen. The answers will come
doubt, I think that my favorite
and find you – not the other
back country experience was
way around. Spend time every
completing the entire Wind
day connecting with yourself
River High Route. This is a
either through meditation,
primarily off-trail, semi-
spending time in nature,
mountaineering objective in
listening to music, or writing
Wyoming. It is nearly 90 miles
letters of appreciation to
long, and there are huge
others. As your energy rises,
stretches (30+ miles) with no
you will become inspired to
trails whatsoever. The altitude
ideas and opportunities that
combined with the navigation
will appear seemingly out of
tested every part of my
‘nowhere’. When you realize
knowledge and physical
the power that you have to
abilities. Plus, it’s probably
create anything you want,
some of the most beautiful,
you’ll never doubt yourself ever
rugged terrain I’ve ever seen.
again.
Jaime: We are so inspired by
was pretty special. I had the
your other project, The Musical
chance to perform ‘Pure
Mountaineers. How did that
Imagination’ while Rose ice
adventure start? What was
skated, and that was a wonderful
your best hike to date and
experience.
what song did you play? Anastasia: The Musical
Jaime: What does Hike It Off
Mountaineers is a duo
mean to you?
consisting of me and my friend
Anastasia: When we spend time
Rose Freeman who plays
in nature, we connect with the
piano. We carry a violin and a
truest part of who we are. As we
keyboard to the summits
walk away from the trailhead, we
of peaks for unannounced
leave behind the stories, fears,
wilderness sunrise serenades
doubts and worries that we
to nobody. Rose and I met
often carry with us – sometimes
through a serendipitous series
those invisible burdens are
of events, and we’ve since
much heavier than any pack.
performed over 40 unique
Nature has a way of reflecting
concerts and had the
back to us the eternal beauty
opportunity to perform for the
that lives inside each of us – a
She Explores podcast and on
deeper truth about the
stage at Benaroya Hall in
connection that we all have to
Seattle to benefit the
each other, ourselves and our
Washington National Parks
planet. When we hike, whether
Fund. It’s hard to pick a
we can articulate it or not, that
favorite hike because they all
sense of belongingness is what
so unique and special. If I had
we remember. We leave behind
to choose, I’d say that hiking to
the things that no longer serve
a secret frozen mountain lake
us. HIKE IT OFF MAGAZINE
| 39
Jaime: Who are your mentors?
support Kula – it is not, and
Who inspires you?
could not possibly be, a one-
Anastasia: A long time ago, I
woman show. Rose still takes all
made a decision that I thought
of my Kula product photos, my
was ‘crazy’ at the time – I hired
friend Allison has become our
a coach to help me ‘figure out
event planner, and our designer
my life’ when I was still a police
Amanda has brought
officer. That coach (who works
unthinkable beauty to Kula. My
with the Seattle Coaching
sister has invigorated the brand
Collective) Hasna Atry, made
with her endless humor and
such a profound impact on my
inner brilliance. I’m also hugely
life that I can’t quite quantify
grateful for the thousands of
it. My husband has also been a
people in the Kula community
tremendous support for me.
who show up to support us every
Let’s face it, when your spouse
single day. I don’t ask for these
decides she wants to quit her
people to share our product or
$80,000/year police job to
say kind things about Kula, but
‘pursue her dreams’, there are
they do. Again, and again, they
a lot of fears that surface.
show up. Honestly, it brings me
Aaron has never once doubted
to tears just thinking about it.
me – and, in fact, has believed
There is nothing that we do that
in me even during moments
isn’t entirely for them.
when I thought I was completely nuts for quitting
Jaime: What is one piece of
my job to start a pee cloth
advise you would give to
company. There are so many
someone who is feeling down or
other friends and family
like their life isn’t going the way
members who have showed
they want it to?
up during this journey to HIKE IT OFF MAGAZINE
| 41
Anastasia: What you focus on
for fulfillment or happiness. A job
is what you will create in your
or a career or a certain amount
life. I don’t say this to be harsh,
of money in the distant future is
I say it because it was a bitter
not the answer to your
pill that I had to swallow in my
‘problems’. You have to find the
own life. A few years ago, I was
peace now, and then those
deeply depressed. I was
things will come. You must start
focusing on how bad
with yourself, and then watch
everything was in my life. I was
the whole universe shift to give
handling multiple railroad-
you the things that you are
related fatalities per week and
wanting.
I was, quite honestly, questioning everything about life. From the depths of that despair, I was able to find one glimmer of light– the fact that my heart beats itself and that my lungs breath themselves. It was a profound realization for me. I started focusing more and more on the things that I wanted to create, and as I started to do that, things in my life began to shift and opportunities started to open up for me. This is a duplicatable process that anybody can do – it’s not just for me. Don’t look externally HIKE IT OFF MAGAZINE
| 42
Jaime: What’s next on the horizon for you and your company? Anything else you’d like to share? Anastasia: I’m extremely excited about some of our upcoming collaborations with non-profits such as The Venture Out Project and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. As we’ve streamlined our production, we are really focusing on using Kula as a vehicle for good so that we can support organizations that are making a difference in the world. I’m really looking forward to our big Kulapalooza event in October in the North Cascades. Last year, the event was really magical, and I can’t wait for it again this year. I think my favorite quote of all time (by Herman Melville) is, “I know not all that may be coming, but be it what it will, I'll go to it laughing.” You don’t need to know all the answers. You only ever need to believe that things are possible. More than anything, I want Kula and The Musical Mountaineers to inspire people to look in their own hearts and see what light wants to shine through. Get your own Kula Cloth ® here. Follow the Musical Mountaineers here.
HOW COVID-19 MADE ME APPRECIATE THE OUTDOORS MORE By Michelle Jackson In my other life, the one before the Coronavirus, I would go hiking once or twice a week in the Colorado Rockies. Some weeks you would find me exploring the trails of Chautauqua Park in Boulder, other weeks I would sign up for Meetup groups and try out new trails that more experienced hikers had discovered. But, without fail, each week I would spend some time re-energizing myself outdoors. The outdoors represented a legit excuse to decompress. We would also talk about random stuff like which Star Trek series was the best one? Or, spend entire hikes comparing equipment and complaining about tourists destroying trails. I would take endless pictures of columbines, the Colorado state
flower, even though I’d seen them in bloom every single year. There was nothing better than walking through quiet forests smiling at other explorers on the same path and breathing in air that doesn’t smell like car exhaust. Then, everything changed the second week of March 2020. We’d all heard grumblings about some virus that was overseas but it felt so far away-until it wasn’t. When the ski resorts were shut down, I knew that we were dealing with something unprecedented. We were told to hunker down and self-isolate and so I did. For the next three months I stayed close to home by myself because I’m single. The state’s Governor had mandated that we recreate no further than 10 miles from
HIKE IT OFF MAGAZINE | 44
home during that time and I respected that mandate. And, it sucked. Denver, where I live, is 40 miles from the mountains. I found myself staring at the same four walls in my home during that time while trying to remain optimistic. I would question the sanity of the people who would talk about how productive they were during this time while I was emotionally eating. I walked endless times around the pretty park in my neighborhood and would sit and look at the lake in the middle and wonder if this was it? And, I would miss the mountains. I missed the sense of freedom, of escape, and peace that I had every time I would explore the woods. Self-isolating during the third month was the worst because I knew that there were people who were breaking the rules. But, I couldn’t, because there were a whole lot of people who looked like me who were
dying from this disease and I didn’t want to become a part of the problem. Finally, the quarantine orders were lifted and I was surprised to find myself a bit nervous to venture out. I decided to jump in with both feet and took a socially distant staycation road trip to Salida, Colorado. It was just what the doctor ordered. However, I realized that one quick trip to a cute town wasn’t going to be enough. So, I looked for a better way to get back to nature and found an opportunity that was almost too good to be true. I went on a three day backpacking trip along the Beaver Creek Trail here in Colorado. For three days I was able to forest walk endlessly, making up for the lost time that I used to spend in nature and even though I overpacked, ended up with the blister from hell on my toe, and questioned my life choices towards the end, the magic of that first trip in nature after three months under quarantine will be something
HIKE IT OFF MAGAZINE | 45
that I will remember for a long time. We saw two moose about ½ mile from the end of our trip and reflected I’d missed how magical the outdoors could be and as I ate trail salad (dandelions), soaked my feet in the river, tried not to freak out during a crazy windstorm, I was already thinking about my next adventure and what I wanted to do next.
Moving forward, I won’t ever take the outdoors for granted again. Next year I plan on doing a through hike via the Colorado Trail. For the longest time I’ve talked about doing a through hike. Now, no more talking, it’s time to do and, I’m going to donate more to programs that help people of color get outdoors. The mountains are calling and I must go-will you join me?
The Coronavirus made me appreciate the outdoors more because I never imagined that I wouldn’t have the freedom to enjoy it. For me, nature is where I re-energize after a hard day, ignore microaggressions, and spend time reconnecting with myself. I never realized how much enjoying the outdoors was a part of how I managed my mental health and physical wellness. I’d also never really understood how much nature was the embodiment of freedom to me.
HIKE IT OFF MAGAZINE | 46
Michelle Jackson runs the website and podcast Square State, where she gets to unapologetically geek out about her state of Colorado. When she's not having random conversations with new people, she can be found hiking, biking, sitting on a patio, or exploring the mountains. Her ultimate goal is to normalize POC faces in outdoor spaces and stop surprising people when she says she's from Colorado.
HIKE IT OFF MAGAZINE | 47
DIET CULTURE IN HIKING BY JULIANNE MAHONEY HIKE IT OFF MAGAZINE | 48
When our minds go to the trail, we think of freedom, adventure, and soulful experiences. We think of beautiful overlooks, rocky climbs up to peaks, and water crossings through canyons. What often gets overlooked is the fatphobia, thin-privilege, weight-focus, imposter syndrome and diet culture that is flooding into the hiking community. We turn to the great outdoors to feel free, so why are we bringing the weight of diet culture out there with us? Diet culture is defined as a system of beliefs and values that equates an individual’s thinness to health and moral virtue. Within this system, weight-loss is the highest achievement an individual can reach. Additionally, those individuals living in larger bodies are automatically assumed to be unhealthy and morally inferior to those in smaller bodies. It’s easy to brush off the idea that diet culture exists but it’s not so easy to brush off the effects it has on everything in our lives.
HIKE IT OFF MAGAZINE | 49
Photo: Heather Zubro
HIKE IT OFF MAGAZINE | 50
A quick google search of nutrition for hikers brings up millions of results of articles discussing “eating better on the trail”, “clean eating for your hike”, and exactly what to eat to hike your best. What’s the issue with this? It moralizes food and thus moralizes those who consume such foods. By separating foods into “good” and 'bad” based on arbitrary guidelines, this introduces guilt and shame into the eating experience on and off the trail. To avoid being labeled as unhealthy, hikers will pack snacks that fit into the “good” category, regardless of whether or not it’s the fuel that makes them feel the best mentally or physically, or if that’s what they actually want to consume. Hikers that pack food out of these guidelines tend to eat quickly and alone out of guilt and shame for their “bad” choices or make self-demeaning comments when consuming these foods in front of their hiking partners. Even the snicker lovers out there praise the “healthy” hikers for their extra effort in choices while laughing about their own “lack of will power.”
HIKE IT OFF MAGAZINE | 51
Besides snack choices, how else does diet culture affect our hiking experience? Take one look at the majority of social media hiking accounts and you’ll see one thing; predominately white, thin women with gorgeous hair hiking on a picturesque trail. While it’s wonderful and wanderlusting to see the beautiful spots people are recreating on, photos can be deceivingly harmful. The constant exposure to this image formulates the belief that there is an “ideal hiker’s body” and, for many of us, that figure is unachievable.
Photo: Keely D'Amico
HIKE IT OFF MAGAZINE | 52
In combination with our societal diet culture, the diet culture in hiking instills the belief that individuals in thin bodies hike further, faster, and better than those in larger bodies. The complimentary fatphobic belief is that those in larger bodies are inexperienced, slow, and simply there to lose weight. Thin-privilege does not mean that those living in smaller bodies do not face struggles while hiking, but their body size is not one of those struggles. They do not have to worry about automatically being judged morally and physically as soon as they step foot on the trail. For any individuals living outside of that ideal body, it can be quite difficult to claim the title of “hiker.” This imposter syndrome occurs not because of a lack of love for hiking but because of the difference between their appearance and that put forth as the hiker standard. Without a perfectly toned body, you are simply someone who enjoys hiking but not someone who can claim themselves as a “hiker.” Those living in “ideal” bodies also experience the effects of diet culture. They may feel pressured to keep their physique or prove themselves as a “hiker” compared to the influencer hikers on instagram.
HIKE IT OFF MAGAZINE | 53
Diet culture adds additional obstacles to hiking for those not fitting the ideal. Without having prior representation in the hiking media, a layer of self-doubt covers every ambitious goal. From completing long miles to an intense uphill hike, it’s difficult to believe in one’s self when it appears in the media that only ultra-fit and thin individuals can do such things. This keeps people in larger bodies from going after their goals or from even stepping on the trail in the first place.
Photo: Misty Little
HIKE IT OFF MAGAZINE | 54
There has been an effort to bring these issues to light in recent years. From individuals being open about their experiences in outdoor spaces to accounts focused solely on featuring hikers outside of the “‘ideal” physique, a change is coming to how companies represent all individuals in their marketing. Diet culture negatively impacts the hiking experience for all of us. Let's bring awareness to the fatphobic and diet culture thoughts we have. Let’s work together to keep the stigmas, weight-bias, and food morality off the trail and in the trailhead trash can where it belongs. Julianne Mahoney is a registered dietitian and avid hiker. She helps active women improve their relationship with food, their bodies, and exercise through personalized intuitive eating coaching. You can get more information on her website here. Or follow her on her Instagram here.
HIKE IT OFF MAGAZINE | 55
TOP FIVE FALL HIKES IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Fall colors in Southern California? Believe it or not, we have a few local places that show off their fiery colors each year when the temperatures start to drop. We put a list of our top five favorite Southern California Fall hikes for color. From scarlet sycamores to orange oaks you'll be sure to see shades of yellows, oranges, and reds on any of these trails.
1. Palomar Mountain State Park Palomar Mountain State Park is magical all year long, but in the Fall that magic gets turned on high. The black oaks on the Boucher Trail put on the most spectacular show of yellow and orange before taking their long winter nap. This short trail leads to the Boucher Fire Lookout where you can catch views of the ocean on a clear day. Make sure to stop at Mother's Kitchen for some veggie chili on your way home. For more information, including trail maps and directions visit Friends of Palomar Mountain State Park. Visit Mother's Kitchen's website here.
2. San Gorgonio- Vivian Creek Trail Vivian Creek Trail is known as the shortest and steepest route to get to the highest summit in Southern California, San Gorgonio sitting at 11,499ft. The trail is already gorgeous, but add in thousands of trees with shimmering gold leaves and it becomes breathtaking. You can make this trail as short as you'd like or hike all the way to the summit and have a full day's adventure. For directions and more trail information, visit San Gorgonio Wilderness Association.
HIKE IT OFF MAGAZINE
| 58
3. Mt. Laguna- Big Laguna Loop Located 60 miles East of downtown San Diego, Mount Laguna is an easy mountain get away from the city. Come Fall, the sycamores and black oaks on Trail change into eye Add a littlethe bit ofBig bodyLaguna text popping shades of Autumn. The entire loop is just about ten miles but can be shortened if needed. After your hike, stop in Julian for a piece of warm apple pie or for some hard cider at Calico Cidery. For more information on the Big Laguna Trail click here. Visit Calico Cidery's website here.
4. Los Coyotes Reservation- Hot Springs Mountain The hike to Hot Springs Mountain on the Los Coyotes Reservation is about as rural as it gets in San Diego. Just getting there is a mini adventure in itself as it is located 75 miles North East of downtown San Diego. We promise you the drive is worth it. Not only can you hike to the highest point in San Diego at 6,533ft, but you will see the historical fire lookout that was originally built in 1912 (it has been rebuilt twice since then). During the Fall, the trail boasts some of the most amazing colors that can be viewed in San Diego county. For more information, including how to gain access to the reservation, visit the tribe's Facebook page here. Keep in mind you are a guest of the tribe, so the utmost respect for their land is required, including following strict Leave No Trace Principles.
Photo: Gina Norte
HIKE IT OFF MAGAZINE
| 60
5. Big Bear- Pine Knot Trail The scenic Pine Knot Trail winds through tall pines and oaks with stunning views of Big Bear Lake up to Grandview Point. With Fall comes cooler weather and changing leaves. Big Bear is widely known as a great spot to see Fall colors and the Pine Knot Trail is no exception. If you're really lucky, you might spot the two resident bald eagles, Jackie and Shadow working on their nest in late September. For more information visit the San Bernadino National Forest's website here.
HIKE IT OFF MAGAZINE
| 61
MUST HAVE FALL HIKING ESSENTIALS
Check out our must have Fall hiking essentials. From a cozy fleece hiking dress, that is perfect for the nightly campfire to windbreakers for when the weather turns blustery, we've named our favorites. Get ready for cool Autumn mornings and warm days. when layers are needed.
HIKE IT OFF MAGAZINE
| 62
WOMEN
HIKE IT OFF MAGAZINE
| 63
1. KIND APPAREL FJORD DRESS As comfortable as sweats and a hoodie, but a helluva lot cuter! Kind Apparel mastered the fusion of comfort while thinking of you, a woman on the go. Must have features like a front pocket, a snap-up hood and our favorite: stretchy venting sides so you can wear it to catch all the Fall colors and be comfortable at the same time.
2. MOUNTAIN HARDWARE DIAMOND PEAK BASE LAYER HOODIE Perfect layer for those cool Fall mornings and brisk evenings! With an active fit and non chaffing seams it fits perfectly under any light jacket or hoodie.
3. STANCE GRANITE TREK SOCKS Moderate cushioning and seamless toe ensure all day comfort plus their performance arch supports fight off strain and fatigue. They are super cute too!
4. MARMOT SADIE BEANIE Keep your head warm with Marmot's Sadie Beanie. The faux fur pom and chunky cable knit add stylish details and a fun flair.
5. BLACK DIAMOND SCREEN TAP GLOVES Ultra light weight and stretchy these gloves still provide enough warmth for a Fall day. Black Diamond's touch-screen-compatible palms and fingers are handy for taking photos of the Fall leaves while on the trail.
6. FJALLRAVEN STINA JACKET A practical everyday jacket that is perfect for those blustery Fall days. It features a fixed hood and pre-shaped sleeves for a comfortable fit.
HIKE IT OFF MAGAZINE
| 64
MEN
HIKE IT OFF MAGAZINE
| 65
1. BLACK DIAMOND SCREEN TAP GLOVES Ultra light weight and stretchy these gloves still provide enough warmth for a Fall day. Black Diamond's touch-screen-compatible palms and fingers are handy for taking photos of the Fall leaves while on the trail.
2. ICEBREAKER ANATOMICA BOXERS Super soft and warm with extra length for comfort these boxers are a great choice for cooler days. Core-spun fabric wraps merino wool around a nylon core for enhanced durability and Lycra® spandex adds stretch and mobility. Flatlock seams prevent chafing.
3. PATAGONIA HOUDINI JACKET Packable, yet durable with a weather resistant coating, the Patagonia Houdini is a jacket you can count on to block wind and resist abrasions while keeping you dry in light Autumn showers.
4. THE LANDMARK PROJECT JOSHUA TREE BEANIE Show your love for Joshua Tree while keeping your ears nice and warm!
5. MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR DIAMOND PEAK THERMAL BASE LAYER HOODIE Perfect layer for those cool Fall mornings and brisk evenings! With an active fit and non chaffing seams it fits perfectly under any light jacket or hoodie.
6. DARN TOUGH MICRO CREW A warm and comfortable sock with mid-level cushion density under foot that provides reinforcement at the heels and toes and elastic support around the arch. A ring-toe construction hides seams and enhances comfort.
HIKE IT OFF MAGAZINE
| 66
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! HIKE IT OFF MAGAZINE
| 67
LETTERS TO THE
Lollygagger
Dear Chief Lollygagger, How do I feed a family of four while backpacking when three are vegetarian, one who is keto, and two that are super picky kids that don’t like anything but plain noodles?! They are making me crazy! Sincerely, Food Crazy in California Dear Food Crazy in California, To give a good answer I would need to know if you’re doing all the cooking. I’m going to assume you are for this article. I did a little research, and there are several dehydrated backpacking food options for all of the diets you have mentioned. I personally am a vegan, and have done multi-day trips with no problem sticking to my eating habits and maintaining my nutritional needs. For your needs, I would say just boil the water for the different dehydrated food entrees and let everyone pick their own snacks that they want to carry. Then just sit back and laugh to yourself about what our parents would have told us. Also, feel free to reach out to me or the Hike It Off Community Facebook group for some brand suggestions.
Dear Chief Lollygagger, I am new to hiking and have no idea what gear I should buy. What are your recommendations for must have gear for a new hiker? Sincerely, Newbie Hiker in California
Dear Newbie Hiker in California, Let’s just start with the ten essentials right off the bat. There is an article in the 2020 summer issue about what those are. The next thing that I think is paramount, is footwear. This is a bit tricky and is partial to fit, preference, and terrain. Some people like the feel of light weight trail shoes and some like and/or need boots for stability. This is something you’ll have to figure out through your own experience. The common component between the two that is important is traction. I’ve seen first hand life changing slips due to poor traction. After footwear, the next thing to consider is applicable clothing. Again this is up to personal preference and your style. Stay cool in the warmer months and warm in the winter keeping in mind that hiking warm is HIKE IT OFF MAGAZINE
| 68
LETTERS TO THE
Lollygagger
different than sitting still warm and may require some extra layers to switch out as needed. Also sometimes covering up from the sun with a good hat and long sleeve shirt is actually cooler than being exposed to the sun’s rays. Now the most fun piece of gear to pick out is a backpack. I like packs that have a suspended mesh back panel which helps with airflow on your back. When picking the size of your pack it’s important to be realistic about what you’re going to be hiking. The smallest pack that meets your load and weight specification will usually be the best choice. Mesh pockets on the side are also nice to have for items that you will use while cruising down the trail. Lastly, trekking poles are a nice addition to help with stability and leg fatigue. They’re not necessary, but the science is there for how well they work. Have fun and enjoy the freedom.
HAVE YOUR OWN QUESTION FOR OUR CHIEF LOLLYGAGGER? SUBMIT THEM TO: info@hikeitoffmagazine.com
HIKE IT OFF MAGAZINE
| 69
DESIGNED FOR HIKERS BY HIKERS
www.hikeitoffclothing.com
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.
“Whatever has transpired in your life that isn't your favorite you can take to the trail and leave it there!”- Lola CervantesPraytor
"Hike it off, like walk it off, to me, means that you get up, dust yourself off, and keep going. When life gets you down, get up, get on a trail, and hike those bad vibes off!"Heather Zubro
HIKE IT OFF MAGAZINE
| 71
From the Facebook Group What is one thing hiking has changed about you?
No matter how dirty and smelly I get, I can always dirtier and smellier. -Scott I have lost close to 50 lbs and completely gone off all triglyceride medication I was told I would take for life. Re-energized my passion for photography. -Doug I got interested in hiking following the death of a parent and in the middle of a divorce. It kept me positive through all that and I have been remarried happily for 8 years and counting. -David I can poop
outdoors. -Nell
It gave me an appreciation for the natural world around me. -Nick Fear of being alone. I realized that the world is big for me to just sit in the corner and feel sorry for myself! - Gina I’ve been hiking my whole life so I can’t really pinpoint any changes in particular other than hiking keeps me sane and connected to nature and it’s better than going to the gym. -Kelli Peace. Solitude. Especially desert hiking... the vastness of it all. Key to my recovery from cancer. -Jennifer I too have learned to appreciate solitude. -Larry Hiking has taught me to step back, acknowledge what is causing my anxiety, and really to be present and enjoy the moment. -Aimee As a person who suffers from depression, hiking has changed my general mood. I am happier and more pleasant in general and when asked if I hike for exercise I tell people no. I say that I hike for my soul! -Christiann
HIKE IT OFF MAGAZINE
| 73
Fall 2020 Issue Four CEO & Chief Editor- Jaime Purinton Chief Lollygagger & Director of Vibe- Tony Purinton Writers: Duke Brady Michelle Jackson Julianne Mahoney Jamie Gold Monet Yelsnick Jaime Purinton
HIKE IT OFF MAGAZINE 2020 All Rights Reserved
