During these times of uncertainty, we like to share ways for you and our community to stay connected to nature anytime and anywhere to prepare, comfort and inspire.
Nature Is Waiting
Fjällräven’s Wholesale Marketing Specialist, Siobhan Phillips, is no stranger to experiencing nature. With miles under her boots, hours on the trail and wisdom from differing landscapes, Siobhan has been enjoying nature’s beauty her entire life.
In addition to her tenacity of adventure and a passion for learning, Siobhan believes in the strong and simple intrinsic connection to the elements of nature and how this connection is essential for humanity’s general sense of well-being.
We sat down with Siobhan to ask her about her inspirations, her insights and her lifelong passion around reflecting with nature as her constant teacher. Here is what she shared:
When did you become an outdoor enthusiast?
It innately appeared. When I was a kid, I remember thinking how big surrounding nature felt, spending time in my grandmothers garden or roaming a new part of the forest or down by the lake. Growing up in Ohio, I was always fascinated by the geography of the west, so I was naturally pulled into nature and inspired to see all it had to offer. When I am outside I feel like “myself.” Spending as much time in nature is a never ending education for me. It always has been and it always will be.
What influenced your passion for the outdoors?
I’ve always been drawn to the natural colors of the earth, to wide open spaces & the mystery and magic of the seasons and their elements.
What motivates you to spend so much time outdoors now?
I love experiencing new places with different landscapes, however, I also love stepping into and opening myself to new experiences in old places I’ve visited in the past. I love going back to nature with fresh eyes. Fresh eyes and a fresh mind push the boundaries of learning the extremes in both my mind and my physical capabilities.
Do you prefer trekking alone or in a group and why?
Depending on length & difficulty, I actually enjoy both, but prefer to share the experience and beauty of the outdoors with someone whether it’s my partner Christian or a friend or two. I also love learning from others, like what the local native birds, plant species, and near-by critters are.
What is your favorite place to go trekking? Favorite time of year?
I recently moved to Boulder, CO and it’s amazing to see how much it has to offer. So right now, the foothills of the Rocky Mountains are my favorite. I’m especially loving the temperate, comfortable late summer days and the cooler night hikes when summer meets fall.
When things get tough on a trek, how do you stay motivated to keep going?
It is subjective to me, knowing the easy parts wouldn’t be easy without the more difficult moments. I also try to stop my wandering mind and remember to stay in the present. Checking in with myself during challenging times is a mindful way to remember that "I'm stronger than I think I am." These check-ins are also a nice reminder to stop, look and listen to what’s around me.
This is a unique year for the Fjällräven Classic. Why take part?
It’s an honor to keep the Fjallraven Classic tradition alive and to continue to spread Fjällräven’s mission of inspiring people to get out in nature in a sustainable way and to especially be with nature during this historical time, even if it’s virtually. I'll do whatever I can to help others experience the spirit that lies within ourselves, just as being outside on the trail does.
What are you looking forward to most on this trek
I’ve never been on this trail before, I'm excited to see what's around the bend, crossing mountain streams, seeing the seasons change & spending time with my team. I also prepared for and recognize there will be challenges ahead, being in nature in a smaller group then past Fjallraven Classics. I might not be talking much or sharing the sights with friends, instead, this will be a time to re-connect with nature during a very unique point in our lives. I’m looking forward to what messages nature will give me and to those watching on TV.
I’ve never been on this trail before, I'm excited to see what's around the bend, crossing mountain streams, seeing the seasons change & spending time with my team. I also prepared for and recognize there will be challenges ahead, being in nature in a smaller group then past Fjallraven Classics. I might not be talking much or sharing the sights with friends, instead, this will be a time to re-connect with nature during a very unique point in our lives. I’m looking forward to what messages nature will give me and to those watching on TV.