Happiness comes in many forms, and for many it comes in the form of a great outdoor challenge with Mother Nature as the ultimate backdrop. We asked a few outdoorsy Zapponians about their most memorable hiking and climbing experiences to date along with their top outdoor gear picks; below are their stories:
Patrick:
“I have been climbing for the last 10 years. My brother got me into it after I graduated from high school. It has been an amazing physical and mental journey to get to the point I'm at now. I have also had the pleasure of exploring some of the most beautiful places in the U.S. while on climbing trips.
This sparked an urge to document the areas and physical feats I was viewing, so I began a passion in photography as a result. The great thing about the outdoors is that there are so many cool sports to help you experience them."
What do you consider to be your most memorable moment in the great outdoors?
P: When I completed a 5.14 rock climb. I spent over a year working on it. The climb is Mon Pote Assis at Mt. Potosi right outside of Las Vegas.
What do you love most about climbing?
P: Climbing brings me to the most beautiful places in the country/world.
What are your three favorite outdoor products?
P: Evolv Shaman, Prana Flex Short and SunCloud Polarized Optics Pit Stop
Anji:
“…You never lose sight of where you are or take your environment for granted when you are getting blown over by 60 mph winds, overcoming fear of exposure or getting attacked by a Cholla Cactus.”
What do you consider to be your most memorable moment in the great outdoors?
A: Completing the 8,000 Meter Challenge.
What do you love most about hiking?
A: I love hiking for many reasons…the physical and mental challenges, pushing personal boundaries, and the privilege of witnessing such unique and beautiful terrain. Hiking rewards me with the best mind and body workout I could ever hope for where I can decompress and reconnect with myself and the natural world.
What are your three favorite outdoor products?
A: Outdoor Research Solar Roller Hat, Mountain Hardware Fluid 26, and Merrell Moab Ventilator
John:
“…The sense of perpetual motion and path-finding soothes my inner wanderlust.”
What do you consider to be your most memorable moment in the great outdoors?
J: Going to Tanzania to hike Kilimanjaro. I felt like the king of the world!
What do you love most about hiking?
J: Being outdoors and hiking helps me clear my head from a busy week.
What are your three favorite outdoor products?
J: Inov-8 Bare-Grip™ 200, Inov-8 F-Lite 195, and Inov-8 Roclite 335 GTX
Melissa:
“Growing up in NYC amidst the hustle and bustle of taxi cabs and subways, the highest height that had been reached by me was the top of the Empire State by elevator.
Hiking was the furthest thing from my mind as my heels avoided the potholes and cracks in the street while traipsing through the city.
Life brought me to Vegas, it was not the lights and fanfare of the strip that motivated me to move here, but the mountains. “I want to go up there!”, I exclaimed to my tour guide as I motioned to a beautiful mountain off in the distance. She rolled her eyes and continued pointing out the attractions of the strip…”
What do you consider to be your most memorable moment in the great outdoors?
M: The 8000 Meter Challenge provided me the chance to trade in my heels for some trail runners. On my first hike (Black Mountain), it surely felt as if death was emanate and my life would end on that mountain! All the cursing, and pain felt on the way up fell by the wayside as my feet hit the summit. The feeling of accomplishment was immeasurable, in that moment, life didn’t seem so bad. I DID IT!!
What do you love most about hiking?
M: The feeling of joy, pain, humbleness, and love each time a summit is reached!
What are your three favorite outdoor products?
M: The North Face Women’s Tyndall Mid, Patagonia Houdini® Full-Zip Jacket, and Black Diamond Women’s Distance Trekking Pole
