Hello again; I’m Hannah, the voice behind Wander and Inspire. I have always been adventurous and love the outdoors. I have hiked on and off for most of my life without knowing proper safety or good gear. I enjoyed the local trails and mountains and went as is in whatever I thought was warm enough or decent footwear.

Fast forward a few years, and now I am back home in my hometown. With a mountain range in short driving distance and the pandemic in full swing, I grew more curious to discover what was beyond the popular trails and good views you find on Google searches. I discovered a few hiking challenges locally, printed off the tally charts, and started doing some research. I learned that good hiking gear can make the adventure more enjoyable and safer. I soon discovered the big retail stores like REI and Backcountry and several local shops in my area. I remember my first purchase from REI was a lightweight backpack to hold the “10 essentials” you should carry each time you leave a trailhead.

THE 10 ESSENTIALS

1. Navigation – Map, compass or GPS system.

2. Headlamp – Headlamp, flashlight and extra batteries.

3. Sun protection – Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat.

4. First Aid – First aid kit of essentials for accidents and emergencies.

5. Knife – Repair kit, knife, multi tool, zip ties or duct tape.

6. Fire – Matches or a lighter.

7. Shelter – Tent, tarp, bevy sack or emergency space blanket.

8. Extra Food – 1 extra days worth of food.

9. Extra Water – Water and water treatment supplies.

10. Extra Clothes – Jacket, hat, gloves, rain shell and extra layers if sudden chance of weather or gear becomes wet.

I can make a separate blog post to further clarify the 10 hiking essentials.

Once I acquired my backpack, I checked to see what clothes would be suitable to start hiking. I had a decent pair of hiking boots, some quick-dry layers, and some basics to get me started.

I initially learned what I liked and felt comfortable and what didn’t work for me. I also realized what you needed to spend a little more on gear-wise and what was ok to buy store-name brands.

All in all, flash forward to the present time; I hike confidently solo and am confident in my hiking abilities to not only navigate in the backcountry but also in the gear I have and the hikes I have accomplished.

So follow along as I elaborate on my gear and talk about the hikes and travels I have gone on since starting to Wander more seriously.

Sincerely,

Hannah