Hiking 101

Because our crew hikes hard, snacks harder, and always looks good doing it.

Plan Ahead OTW Style

(a.k.a. Don’t Be That Person)

Know your trail — OTW hikes range from “stroll with selfies” to “why are my quads on fire?”

Check the weather. We love sunshine, but surprise thunderstorms aren’t on the itinerary.

Tell someone your plan. We don’t want to post a “Where’s Brenda?” search party reel.

Gear Up

(How Not to Hike in Flip Flops…Looking Fresh, Staying Safe)

Footwear: Trail shoes or boots. Flip-flops are for the beach, not the mountain.

Clothes: Rock that OTW merch layer, breathable, trail-ready, and Instagram-approved.

Backpack: Big enough for water and snacks, small enough that you don’t turn into a turtle.

The 10 Essentials - OTW Edition

(a.k.a. Stuff You’ll Wish You Had When Things Go Wrong)

Navigation:

Offline maps > guessing.

Sun protection:

We like tan lines, not sunburns.

Insulation:

Layers are key. Elevation = surprise chill zone.

Light:

Headlamp for when “golden hour” turns into “oops, it’s dark.”

First Aid Kit:

Because blisters are not badges of honor.

Extra Food:

Snacks are fuel and motivation. #SnackBreakSelfie

OTW Buddy System: Hiking is better (and safer) together. Plus, who else is going to take your summit photo?

Hiking Poles:

Not just “sticks for your hands” — they save knees on downhills, make you look pro, and double as selfie sticks in a pinch.

Extra Water:

Hydrate like your trail name depends on it.

Emergency Shelter: Even a shiny space burrito blanket works.

Trail Etiquette

(OTW Crew Rules)

Stay on the trail. Shortcuts = bad karma + angry nature spirits.

Uphill hikers get right of way. Cheer them on OTW-style: “You got this!”

Music stays in the headphones. Nature already has the best playlist.

Leave No Trace. OTW leaves footprints, not trash.

Safety Tips

(So OTW Stays Legendary, Not Lost)

Hike your pace — OTW is about community, not competition.

Drink water like it’s your trail superpower.

Snack often (seriously, we’ll wait).

Respect wildlife. Deer are cool, rattlesnakes… less so.

Know when to turn back. Trails aren’t one-time-only deals.

Beginner-Friendly OTW Picks

(Training Wheels for Nature)

Short and sweet hikes: perfect for new members.

Elevation = “fun challenge,” not “near-death stairmaster.”

Clear trails so we can focus on views, not arguments over maps.