I am a Portland native and have a passion for the outdoors. I have been hiking and camping my whole life, and started backpacking about 15 years ago. For my first backcountry experience, I chose a punishingly steep trail, had a pack that didn't fit, and had nothing close to ultralight gear...and I loved every minute of it. I knew that day that I had found my passion, and I have been backpacking on the regular ever since!