trail community
Written and contributed by Kristen Walker, a lifelong Baltimore City resident with a passion for outdoor exploration and conservation. She is the Co-Founder of Our Parks Too! An initiative to increase the visibility of Black joy and recreation in the National Parks system.
It seems like everyone wants to get outdoors for the Gram, but no one wants to put in the work to create a sustainable relationship with the land they inhabit. We live on land, work on land, play on land, eat, love, and die on land: everything but really get to know our land.
For both Natives and allies, land acknowledgement is a wonderful tool to be more intentional about your adventures and beyond. It is a way to learn about the history of an area, including the Indigenous peoples and cultures that helped shape the landscape. If you’re completely new to land acknowledgments, here are some easy steps to get started:
I’ve joined the trail conditioning Facebook groups, where I see my peers averaging 15-20+ mile days daily, summiting multiple peaks, doing so as if they were out for a walk in the park. Meanwhile, I find myself having to mentally prepare for the physical and emotional requirements needed to get to the top of a new summit. If this resonates with you, I hope you continue reading and partake in my journey to train for and summit my 7th Adirondack high peak.
The towering spires, alpine lakes, wildflowers, and beautiful Rifugios seemed like a far away dream. The 75-mile point-to-point trail lived in the back of my mind. Finally, after a winter and spring of hiking constantly, starting a new job where I was happier, with colleagues who were understanding of my love for the outdoors, I began to plan to make my dream a reality.
In May of 2025, Traveling Jackie, Oboz Footwear, and Osprey Packs hosted a massive giveaway to award one lucky winner a spot on Jackie's group trip to Peru this fall. Oboz and Osprey also provided gear for participants of the trip, and in September of 2025…
Oboz Ambassador Derick Lugo recently caught up with Whole Earth Provision Co, a small chain of ou...
An interview with Oboz Local Hero, Jo Giese, and her inspiring tale of perseverance in the outdoors. After major surgery, Jo discusses her recovery and journey back to hiking with Oboz Ambassador Derick Lugo.
Earlier this year, Oboz Ambassador Derick Lugo connected with April, owner of River Rock Outfitter, a specialty store in Fredericksburg, Virginia. River Rock Outfitter celebrated its 10th anniversary last year and is also one of the shops selected to be an Oboz Store Solemate for 2025.
