Hi! I’m Kate.
I’m an expert backpacker and founder of Her Backpacking Prep.
In 2019, I hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, and from there on out backpacking basically became my life.
Since then, I’ve hiked in so many places:
- the John Muir Trail
- the Collegiate Loop
- All over the Olympics (Washington)
- the Cascades! Especially the North Cascades
- Tons of time spent in the Sierra Nevada
- New Zealand
- Australia
I love to go on weekend trips and take weeklong hiking excursions.
I have spent years of my life volunteering on trails, both front and backcountry.
A few other things that are tangentially related:
My brain loves organization and planning.
When I was a kid, I literally could not stand hiking. Funny how things change.
I used to be able to replay every step I took on the PCT in my mind. My brain has since had to make room for other things, but I’m still my trail family’s go-to for “hey Hot Hands, where was this picture taken?”
Oh, and my trail name is Hot Hands 🔥 🙌.
Welcome to Her Backpacking Prep! I’m so pleased to have you here. My goal is to help folks prepare for the trips of their dreams - whether it’s their first backpacking trip or hundredth, first thru hike or millionth, let’s put some miles on those trail runners.
Check out the link in my bio to see how we can work together ☺️
📸: Kesia Lee
#wildernessbackpacking #womenonthetrail #pct #johnmuirtrail #thruhikingwomen
Interested in backpacking? 🥾
Looking for other adults to backpack with? Taken a few trips but it’s been a while?
On Wednesday, May 20th at 7 PM, join Kate from @herbackpackingprep for a free workshop on backpacking basics: skills, gear, and human connection. You’ll walk away with a three step plan to get you on your first overnighter and hey, maybe a couple of new friends to come along.
Registration is free, easy, and required to join the fun.
Link is in the bio.
See you there! ⛰️ 🏕️
Backcountry improvisation win.
My hair gets really tangly and I was very relieved that I had brought a claw clip for the first time when I forgot my comb.
What are your best backcountry improv wins?
#backpacking #optoutside #wilderness #womeninthewoods
I always read trip reports! For this short overnighter, I found a trip report that said the water in the destination was stagnant and pretty gnarly. I’m glad I listened because when I got there I could see beavers had been hard at work making sure no water anywhere was running.
I packed four liters which was enough for me overnight and into the morning, but keep in mind everyone is different and should bring what works for them.
Sleeping pads: so important and so underrated. When this one wears out, I’ll probably one that has even more insulation and is wider so I can tuck my knees up.
#backpacking #optoutside #backpackinggear #wilderness
I ruined our day hiking plans and I don’t regret it one bit.
We reached a raging creek full of cold snowmelt and even though the crossing was short, the water was too powerful.
I spoke up and told my hiking buddy I didn’t think it was a good idea to cross. Instead of pressuring me, she supported me. So instead, we ate some snacks and headed back to our camp.
Even though we didn’t reach the intended destination, we still had a great day. Spring hiking requires flexibility and the ability to say “nope” when the conditions are dicey. We’ll just go back another time ☺️
#hiking #backpacking #wilderness #optoutside #spring
I clean my camp cookware by using wipes! Washing my food off in the river is harmful - oatmeal doesn’t belong there.
In this video I use disposable wipes because that’s just what I had, but reusable wipes would also work. Just toss them in a bag and clean them when you get home!
#backcountrycamping #leavenotrace #optoutside #womeninthewoods
