My name is Dan, trail name Hot Pink. I am the founder of ANDA. Why did I start an outdoor company?

In 2018, I went on my first thru-hike along the John Muir Trail, (Nüümü Poyo Trail) with my wife and two friends. On day 2 we climbed our first major pass of the trail, Donohue Pass, a little above 11,000 feet in elevation, and above treeline. With my pack weighing 50 pounds, I didn’t think I was going to make it to the top. After a break and some food we descended from the pass and into the Ansel Adams Wilderness.

However you imagine the most picturesque alpine mountain scenery, this was better. As we skirted our way down the trail and tiny trees started to appear again, this was the most beauitful trail I had ever walked upon. We crossed over Island Pass later that afternoon before setting up camp just above Thousand Island Lake. Behind the lake were Banner Peak (12,942') and Mount Ritter (13,149') providing the perfect backdrop as the sun went down. (And that day was my birthday.) The trail and scenery would continue to be better than the day before as we hiked over 200 miles, culminating atop Mount Whitney (14,505'), the tallest peak in the lower 48 states.

That first thru-hike changed my perspective on how fleeting the human existence is in relation to the timelessness and magnitude of the outdoors. I was filled with an immense level of gratitude and humility on that trip, and would be reminded again repeatedly during later moments as I hiked along the Pacific Crest Trail and Colorado Trail.

Connecting with nature provides a transformative, unparalleled experience. I believe these outdoor experiences provide sustained benefits to your quality of life, just like I have experienced on my own thru-hikes. By making quality, ultralight, eco-friendly gear I want to inspire you to venture deeper into the outdoors.