On this episode I go for a walk in Pine Hill with Alex McClain, a Catskills 3500 peak completionist, Long Path End-to-Ender and outdoor apparel designer. Alex’s outdoor adventures began as a child, hiking and camping with family in her home state of Indiana, but it wasn’t until she moved to New York City to pursue a career in fashion design, that she began to notice how spending time in the outdoors became essential for both her mental health, and her creativity.
Like many carless New Yorkers, Alex utilized regional public transit to get her out of the city and into the woods and soon found herself hiking even further upstate, summiting all the Catskill 3500 peaks and section hiking all 357-miles of New York State’s Long Path.
Throughout our conversation, you’ll hear how Alex managed to fit all of this adventuring into some very short weekends, how spending so much time on trail inspired her to become a trail maintainer, and how getting furloughed during the pandemic, actually allowed for her to land a dream job as a sock-designer for Darn Tough! We also go deep on what it takes to make a good sock and how wearing what you love can play a key role in your enjoyment of the outdoors.
Useful links:
Gossamer Gear Discount — use code “GIRLGOTTAHIKEGOSSAMER” for 15% off your first purchase at GossamerGear.com
Link here to check out GG’s Vagabond Jet Backpack
@regretlessred on Instagram
Darn Tough - the best hiking socks!
Catskill 3500 Club - Stewards of the Catskills
NYNJTC - New York New Jersey Trail Conference
Hoosier Hill - Indiana’s High Point!