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 the Têra Kaia (formerly known as Arêt Basewear) Toura, all those things changed.
The Mountain Hardwear Scrambler 30 isn’t anything new for 2016, but this trusty backpack has survived 2015 and 2016 without any real issues. It’s the bag that I reach for over and over again for hiking, climbing and commuting. It’s burly enough to withstand inclement weather and holds a ton of gear and snacks for a day at the crag. You can even strap a rope on top for the approach, or for biking to the gym for a post-work climbing sesh. After two years of abuse, it’s a little worn in some spots, but it’s nothing a little duct tape can’t fix. Now this workhorse of a bag can be yours.
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.
‘Tis the season for short(er) approaches, shorter days, and lots of try hard. When you’re at a crag with a high concentration of problems, who wants to put real shoes on to move 100 feet to the next route, spot a friend, or use the bathroom? That’s where the Arc’teryx Arakys approach shoe excels.
The first time I ever led trad was about a year ago. I got a crash course in placing nuts right before. My friend mumbled some stuff to me, patted me on the back, and headed up the pitch with another friend. I would meet them up there. I nervously adjusted the sling containing the alpine draws and nuts. I thumbed through all the cams and started to climb.
My first piece was a nut, right off the deck. My second piece was another nut, perfectly slotted into a constriction right before a lieback. I didn’t trust it. I don’t know why. I was afraid of kicking it out. I froze. And then I lowered off it, too unsure of myself and my abilities to continue. The pitch was a 5.4 on low angle slab.