Written by: Anastasia (@anastasia.ventures)
You know those people who joke about quitting their day job to do “literally anything else”...
I was one of those people, until I finally followed through.
My only dream in life was to become a craniofacial plastic surgeon (quite the mouthful I know). My family thought I was delusional when I said that as a proud 13 year old, but after about a decade they believed that my wild proclamation may actually be true.
But after my fourth round of medical school applications and the realization that I was chasing a dream that no longer fuelled me, I decided to choose "anything else."
“Anything else” led me to nature. In just over a year I ended up hiking 25 national parks across the USA, going on sporadic road trips and “weekend ventures”. Suddenly I started feeling a lot better. The more time I spent outside, the more my heart felt fulfilled.
The most magical feeling in the world is when the wind brushes against your skin, the sunlight beams through the trees, and you hear the birds chirping. Suddenly I became a lot more thankful for the time outdoors and not spent in school.
So I kept hiking. And hiking. And hiking some more.
One day I was looking for hike clubs in Vancouver and I couldn’t find any. So I hosted a poll on my story to see if anyone would want to join one, and it turns out a lot of people did. That's how Fridays Hike Club Society started. I figured if no one showed up to the weekly Friday hikes I held, I would still go with my bestie or even on my own! After June 6th, 2025, I’ve never hiked a Friday alone!
Why Valhalla Pure Outfitters?
Well they are pretty dang rad.
As the leader of a hike club, I’ve learned that community is everything. When you support a local business, you’re supporting a neighbour. VPO is not only Canadian, but each store is tailored to the exact city they are in. Plus the people that work in-store are actually outdoor enthusiasts as well, so I always get the best advice when I am there.
I am a huge advocate for accessibility in the outdoors; I love a good thrifted find or a Facebook Marketplace steal. However, I’ve learned the hard way that there are some things you cannot skimp on. You need a shell that’s actually still waterproof, a hydration pack that doesn't leak, and yes, sometimes you just want that specific lavender puffer that makes you feel good. VPO is my go-to store. So naturally I was ecstatic when I had the opportunity to partner with them!
My Approach: Gear and prep
Hiking is a sport. You wouldn’t run a marathon without training, yet people attempt Panorama Ridge (28km+) with zero prep. My goal as an ambassador is to bridge that gap.
Here is my system for every ridgeline:
1. Do the "Real" Homework: Look at the elevation gain, not just the distance. Norvan Falls and Wedgemount Lake cover similar distances, but with 350m vs. 1300m of gain, I promise you they are not the same hike.
- A good rule of thumb: for every 100m of elevation gain, expect it to feel like adding an extra 1km of flat terrain.
2. The Layering Strategy: Sweat-wicking base layer, warmth-trapping mid-layer, and a protective shell. And pro tip: keep a pair of "parking lot shoes" in the car for the drive home. Your feet will thank me.
3. The Trip Plan: Never just send a text saying "Going hiking." Tell a trusted friend exactly which trailhead you're at, your "turn-back" time, and who to call if you aren't back by a specific hour.
The 10 Essentials: Whether it’s 5km or 25km, my pack always has:
- Light/Fire: Headlamp (+ extra batteries), lighter, fire starter.
- Safety: Whistle/mirror, first aid (that you know how to actually use), and navigation (GPS/Map/compass).
- Survival: Extra food/water, emergency bivy/blanket, extra clothes (see 2), pocket knife or multitool, and sun protection.
4. The Balance: Pack heavy items close to your spine. A balanced pack saves your back on a 20km day and keeps you stable on technical terrain.
5. Always recheck the weather: it can be 30°C in Vancouver but freezing or raining in the alpine! You don’t want to hike unprepared or in dangerous conditions.
The 2026 Mission
My one mission as VPO’s hiking ambassador for 2026 is to let you know HIKING IS FOR EVERYONE! This year, I’m taking on the 104 Hikes Challenge. I’ll be reviewing trails so you can pick the right ones, testing gear so you know how it performs in the BC elements, and sharing the tips you need to stay safe while having a blast. So stay tuned, hopefully together we can get you prepped for your next adventure!
