backpacking Archives

Day One on the Zion Traverse: Lee Pass to Hop Valley

Paulina DaoMarch 29, 201731.3K views

Late last year, Jeff approached me with the idea of a Zion trip during his “spring break”. It happened to coincide with my birthday–a day that I believe shouldn’t be spent working if possible. Zion was a place I’d never been, so naturally I was all in. We tossed around the idea of the Zion Traverse (also known as the Trans Zion Trek) along with the Narrows and the Subway. As the dates came closer, the Narrows closed due to snowmelt, leaving us with drier options.

Great Grub Camp Food

Paulina DaoFebruary 15, 20170600 views

After a long day of climbing or hiking, cooking is usually the last thing on my mind. I’ve been known to scarf down a backpacking meal or heat up a Fishpeople Seafood pouch to avoid the hassle of prepping and cleaning. Great Grub Camp Food makes gourmet camp food easy, without the hassle. Each entree has the convenience of a freeze dried meal with a little extra that’s more than just boiling hot water.

Têra Kaia (formerly known as Arêt Basewear) Toura Review

Paulina DaoDecember 12, 201601.7K views

By my standards, a good bra is really hard to find. This reason alone is why I’ve been holding on to the same old ratty sport bras for years on end. I know they work. Are they cute and functional? Would I be psyched to rip off my shirt on a hot day? Not really. When I discovered Arêt Basewear, all those things changed.

#12DaysOfGiveaways Custom Chaco Sandals

Paulina DaoDecember 6, 201663981 views

Chacos, without a doubt, are my ultimate favorite shoe. With a multitude of strap styles and colors galore, it’s pretty dang hard to not collect these sandals in every combination imaginable. And just when you thought they couldn’t get any better, Chaco introduced the Z/Cloud sole this season, which takes the ultra-comfy Chaco footbed and makes it even comfier. My trusty Z/Cloud X2 has accompanied me nearly everywhere this year from dusty trails to fancy meet-the-family gatherings. They can be dressed up or dressed down. They’re burly enough for your outdoor adventures and dainty enough for city wanderings. Now a pair can be yours.

Why Don’t They Look Like Me? The Diversity Dilemma in Outdoor Media

Paulina DaoNovember 17, 2016185.6K views

4th of July backpacking in Emigrant Wilderness. Photo by Blair Lockhart.

Sometime last year I was tossed on a list of women of color to follow on Instagram. This struck me as odd. Mostly because I don’t particularly identify with being Asian. I’m not Paulina the Asian outdoor blogger. I’m just Paulina, this person who also happens to be yellow. I grew up in the Bay Area, the suburbs of Cupertino to be more precise. I’m fortunate enough to live and play in a place where almost everyone goes outside, regardless of gender, background or skin color. Being a person of color wasn’t really a thing I was aware of. Diversity wasn’t a thing I thought about. It just was. Until recently.