From Strangers to Sisters - Nomaden Club's All Girls Open Trip to Mt. Gede
Introduction and Context:
- Hello Girls of Nomaden Club, how are you girls today?
→ Holla! We’re doing great. Thanks! 🙂 - Would you share to us what was the story behind Nomaden Club, and what inspired you to organize an all-girls open trip community?
→ Nomaden Club started from our simple wish to find weekend trip buddies. We love traveling but often struggled to find friends to join us. So, we decided to invite other girls through TikTok, without expecting much. To our surprise, the video went viral! Soon, we blossomed into a rapidly growing, tightly-knit community of girls who love adventuring together. - Do you think this new concept will create a unique dynamic compare to mixed-group trips?
→ Absolutely. For us girls, it makes a world of difference. On mixed-group trips, there are many needs and concerns that only girls can fully understand. For example, we often have specific safety concerns and personal necessities that might not be as easily addressed in a mixed group. Additionally, society often tells women that it’s not safe to travel alone, which can be discouraging.
By organizing girls-only trips, we create a space where women can feel more confident and secure. It’s incredibly empowering to explore new places with a group of like-minded women who share similar experiences and understand each other’s needs. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to build lasting friendships and support networks. Personally, I’ve seen how these trips boost our confidence and bring so much joy as we discover new destinations together. - Let’s rewind a bit, what got you girls to start loving outdoor activities?
→ Our love for outdoor activities started from a shared passion for adventure and exploration. Growing up, many of us found joy in nature, whether it was hiking, camping, or simply spending time outdoors. The sense of freedom and connection with nature is something we all cherish. Over time, this passion grew stronger, and we realized how much more enjoyable these experiences could be when shared with like-minded friends. That’s how Nomaden Club was born – from a desire to create a community where girls can come together, explore new places, and support each other in their adventures - And what motivated you to do this collaboration with Outside?
→ Our collaboration with Outside was motivated by a shared vision of empowering women through outdoor adventures. Outside has a fantastic reputation for promoting outdoor activities and encouraging people to connect with nature. We saw this partnership as a perfect opportunity to reach more women and inspire them to step out of their comfort zones. Together, we aim to create unique and memorable experiences that not only foster a love for the outdoors but also build confidence and camaraderie among women
The Experience:
- One of the key elements of an open trip is to turn strangers into friends. How did the group come together during the hike, and what activities helped bond everyone?
→ It all started because we share the same joy in exploring nature and have adventurous spirits open to new experiences. Each of us brought our own unique stories and experiences, which made the trip even more exciting for everyone. During the hike, we took care of each other, offering help whenever needed, whether it was sharing snacks, lending a hand on steep paths, or simply encouraging each other. We also had plenty of laughs along the way, which helped break the ice and create a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. By the end of the trip, we had turned from strangers into friends, bonded by our shared adventure. - What made Mount Gede the perfect choice for this trip, and why did you select this particular route?
→ Mount Gede was the perfect choice because it’s beginner-friendly while still offering enough challenge for those who have hiked before. We chose the Putri - Cibodas route to experience the variety of beautiful scenery it offers. Additionally, its proximity to Jakarta made it a convenient option for everyone. This route allowed us to enjoy the natural beauty without feeling overwhelmed, making it an ideal choice for our group. - How was the overall experience of trekking at Mt. Gede for you & all participants?
→ It was a 10/10 experience! The hike was long, and at first, we almost didn’t get to see anything at the summit due to the fog. But just as we were about to trek down, the sun came out, and we were treated to a breathtaking view of the summit. However, the best part of the hike was definitely the people. We instantly became like sisters, supporting each other throughout the journey and creating unforgettable memories together. One of our participant said that it was truly exceeded her expectations and she would definitely join another trip! <3 - What was the most challenging part of the trek, and how did the girls overcome it?
→ I would say the most challenging part was hiking to the summit. The incline was tough, and carrying a heavy load didn’t make it any easier. However, we overcame this challenge together by encouraging each other and taking short breaks whenever needed. The support and camaraderie among us made a huge difference, turning a difficult task into a manageable and even enjoyable experience. - How does the landscape and difficulty level of Mount Gede fit the goal of the trip?
→ The landscape and difficulty level of Mount Gede were just perfect for our trip. It offered the right amount of challenge – achievable enough for beginners while still providing a good test for intermediate hikers. The diverse scenery along the Putri - Cibodas route, from lush forests to stunning mountain views, added to the overall experience, making it both rewarding and memorable. - Can you describe a memorable moment or encounter during the trip? Or were there surprises?
→ One of the most memorable moments was when we reached the summit. Initially, we were disappointed because the fog obscured the view. But just as we were about to head back down, the sun broke through, revealing the breathtaking summit. It was a magical moment that we all shared together. Another surprise was how quickly we bonded – by the end of the trip, we felt like sisters, having supported each other through the challenges and joys of the hike. - Any feedbacks or comments from the participants?
→ The participants loved the trip! They especially appreciated the fact that we were all wearing the perfect shoes for the hike – functional and stylish at the same time. The right gear made a big difference in our comfort and confidence, allowing us to fully enjoy the adventure without worrying about our feet.
Tips and Recommendations:
- So, since the girls were wearing KEEN NXIS EVO, how did they perform in terms of comfort, support, and grip? Did the shoes enhance the experience considering the terrain?
→ The KEEN NXIS EVO shoes performed perfectly! Given that we were trekking during the rainy season, the trail was quite slippery. However, we didn’t experience any issues with slipping because the grip of the shoes was excellent. They provided great comfort and support throughout the hike, which was crucial for such a challenging trek. The best part was that we constantly received compliments because the shoes are super stylish! Overall, the KEEN NXIS EVO shoes significantly enhanced our experience by ensuring we felt secure and comfortable on the varied terrain - Any advantages of wearing the shoes during a challenging trek/hike?
→ Absolutely, there were several advantages to wearing the KEEN NXIS EVO shoes during our challenging trek. Firstly, the excellent grip helped us navigate slippery and uneven terrain with confidence. The shoes also provided great support, which was essential for preventing fatigue and discomfort during the long hike. Additionally, their comfort allowed us to focus on enjoying the adventure rather than worrying about our feet. The stylish design was a bonus, making us feel good about our gear while receiving compliments along the way.
- And what were the comments from the girls regarding the carriers? Which type and which size was most suitable for this trip?
→ The feedback from the girls regarding the carriers was very positive. Most of us used medium-sized carriers, which were perfect for this trip. They provided enough space to carry all our essentials without being too bulky or heavy. The carriers were comfortable to wear, with good weight distribution and padding, which made a big difference during the long hike. The girls appreciated the practical features like multiple compartments and easy access to water bottles and snacks. Overall, the right choice of carriers contributed to a more enjoyable and manageable trekking experience.
Waste Project:
- We are so happy that you girls made the effort to collect waste during the hike, how did that enhance the experience and the connection with nature?
→ Collecting waste during the hike significantly enhanced our experience and deepened our connection with nature. It made us more aware of the impact we have on the environment and the importance of preserving the beauty of the places we visit. It was a rewarding experience that reminded us of the importance of leaving no trace and respecting the natural world. - Were the participants conscious of their impact on the environment, and how did they respond to this initiative?
→ Yes, the participants were very conscious of their impact on the environment and responded positively to the initiative. Many of us were already aware of the importance of environmental conservation, and this activity reinforced those values. The girls were enthusiastic about collecting waste and appreciated the opportunity to give back to nature. It sparked meaningful conversations about sustainability and how we can all make a difference, even in small ways. The initiative was well-received, and it inspired us to continue promoting eco-friendly practices in our future trips.
Future Events and Encouragement:
- What are Nomaden Club’s plans for future trips? Are there any new locations you girls are excited to explore next?
→ Yes, we have exciting plans for 2025! One of our main goals is to explore more mountains. We’re looking at several new locations that offer both stunning scenery and a bit of a challenge to keep things interesting. We’re particularly excited about the possibility of trekking in some lesser-known spots that promise unique experiences and breathtaking views. Stay tuned for more details as we finalize our plans! - Do you foresee expanding the all-girls concept to other types of adventures and/or concepts?
→ Absolutely! We are planning to expand our all-girls concept to include a variety of adventures. We’re excited to try via ferrata, which combines hiking and rock climbing with the safety of a fixed steel cable. We’re also looking into organizing under-the-sea trips, such as snorkeling and diving, to explore the incredible marine life.
Additionally, we plan to arrange more community events for our past participants. One of our ideas is to try different types of sports, like tennis, and more! These activities will help us continue building a strong, supportive community while exploring new and exciting challenges together.
Personal Reflection:
- Last but not least, did this experience influence your perspective on hiking and outdoor adventures?
→ This experience has definitely influenced our perspective on hiking and outdoor adventures. It reinforced the importance of community and support, showing us how much more enjoyable and fulfilling these activities can be when shared with like-minded individuals. It also highlighted the need for proper preparation and the right gear, which can make a significant difference in the overall experience. - Any infos or inputs for the future girls who would like to attend your trips?
→ For future girls who would like to attend our trips, we encourage you to come with an open mind and a spirit of adventure. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone – you’ll find a supportive community, all girls, ready to welcome you and share in the joy of exploring the great outdoors.
