Introduction
"Hi Irene! To start, can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you first got into hiking?"
Hi! I’m Irene Komala. I was born and raised in Jakarta. Actually, I graduated with a bachelor of Visual Communication Design, but now I’m living my dream as a travel content creator. In my quarter century, I used to write a blog and now continue my story in other social media through Youtube, Instagram, and Tiktok.
It’s hard for me to do traveling and also hiking in the past because I didn’t get opportunities and my parents didn’t allow me to do that. Growing as the only daughter in the family, it’s not easy. Long-short story, I try to speak up about what I want and finally I got a chance to do traveling and hiking as well.
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- Early Experience & Passion for Hiking
"What was your first-ever hiking experience like? Did you face any challenges, and what made you want to continue exploring the outdoors?"
My first ever hiking was hike to Mt. Prau in Central Java in 2017. Almost all my gear at that time was I borrowed from friends. But I still made mistakes, I wore a non dry-fit outfit, brought a lot of stuff, and wore the wrong size of shoes. I think everyone has their first time experiencing problems on hiking and that’s okay. It means we learn to be better.
I was very excited for my first hike, but it wasn't as good as I expected. The weather was not good and I didn't get a beautiful mountain view, it was just foggy like a grey background photo studio. I was disappointed, but it was just the beginning. I still want to try to hike other mountains. The weather is never predictable. Lessons learn that life is not always as our expectations. In 2024, I hiked Mt. Prau for the second time and I feel like Mt. Prau welcomed me with a beautiful sunrise and amazing mountain view!
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- Being a Woman in the Outdoor Community
"As a female hiker, have you ever encountered stereotypes or challenges in the outdoor space? How did you overcome them?"
Some people said that women are only suited to certain roles in society. There's a common perception of women that we are weak and troublesome. But I proved them wrong, as a female hiker, we do have strong endurance, skill, and capability to do that.
People can assume whatever they want but I don’t really care. I just focus on my preparation so I can hike well and safely. I think we have our rights to do anything that we love like hiking and other outdoor activities.
“What has been your most memorable hike so far?”
Every hike has its own unique story and beauty. However, my most memorable hike so far was at Everest Base Camp last year. Especially when I summit to Kala Patthar in -10C. It’s more difficult because there’s unpredictable heavy snow in the trek.
I almost gave up because I think I ran out of time to achieve it, since after that we had to continue trekking to EBC and other friends were already waiting at the tea house.
But at the end, it is only me and myself who give the spirit to keep going and push the limit. Finally I’m feeling blessed and grateful that I reached the summit and saw the majestic Everest from there. Thank God!
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- Empowering More Women to Explore
"Many women are interested in hiking but feel intimidated. What would you say to encourage them to take that first step?"
Don't let intimidation hold you back from an incredible experience! It's a chance to challenge yourself, discover your strength, and connect with nature on a deeper level. You'll never know what you're capable of until you try. So, try it!
Hiking is not a race. It's about enjoying the journey and connecting with nature. You'll be amazed with what you can achieve. You deserve to experience the beauty of nature and the joy of hiking. Just take that first step with good preparation, and good luck! :)
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- Essential Tips & Advice
"What are the top three tips you’d give to women who want to start hiking, especially those who might feel hesitant?"
Here three key tips I’d give to women looking start hiking:
1. Physical Exercise.
Begin with regular cardio like brisk walking or jogging to build stamina, do work out for strength training like squats and lunges exercise. This will reduce the risk of injuries. Make our body fit, so it makes our journey more enjoyable because safety and health is number one.
2. Equipment Preparation.
Learning from my experience, I think we can start investing with good hiking boots because they're really essential gears which support us during the trek. Then, wearing the right outfit (dry-fit), not just because it is fashionable but functional, bring your own medicine/vitamins and emergency stuff. List down your stuff, so that it’s easier to check it.
3. Observe the Trek
I used to know the trek before, from the previous video or article because each mountain may have certain rules or beliefs. Find out what the trek conditions are like, check the difficulty level and pay attention to the weather forecast and be prepared for changing conditions. Knowing what to expect and being prepared will make your hiking experience much safer and more enjoyable.
"What’s your go-to hiking gear and must-have items?"
All hiking gear is essential for me, but I can’t hike without sunglasses, since I use softlens and my eyes are sensitive. It also protects the eyes from sun and dust. Besides that, I always bring my bucket hat and bandana. I think that kind of stuff is functional yet fashionable.
I also bring a water bladder to keep me hydrated during the trek and my first aid/medicine pouch. It may be just a small pouch but it can be the first aid to treat minor injuries. For me, my must-have hiking gear is definitely hiking shoes, like I said before. Last but not least, i think drybag/drysack is also important to keep all the stuff dry, organized, and protected.
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- Closing & Personal Takeaway
"How has hiking shaped you as a person, and what’s one message you’d like to share with all women out there?"
Once in a lifetime, you should try hiking. Hiking shaped me in many ways. The journey through hiking teaches me lots of lessons and experience. Adventure into the wilderness has empowered me to believe in myself, embrace challenges, and not to give up easily.
Like journeys in life, nothing is easy to achieve. But step by step, a little progress will take you to the top. I’m grateful for the little things that I see and experience on the trek. Thank you mother nature which provides fresh air, water, and good food.
Dear all women out there, don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and explore the world. Nature will be on the side of those who love her.
