How Erin Exploring Came About

In 2019, I started this website as a place to share my photos, mainly as a portfolio for my work because I loved photography. I wanted a space where my photos could be viewed larger and horizontally—something that isn’t possible on Instagram.

In 2021, I thru-hiked the John Muir Trail, and my life was forever changed. I fell hard and fast for thru-hiking, and with that, my website morphed into a blog where I share my experiences and guides to help you on your own hiking adventures. I never thought it would become what it is, but I love being able to share my knowledge and experiences with you. If it helps just one person, that makes me so happy. Hiking, backpacking, and thru-hiking have changed my life for the better, and I want to help you do whatever makes you feel most alive and happy. I can’t say thank you enough for being here.

You might have noticed (unless you use an ad-blocker like I do—if you don’t, you should!), but I don’t run pop-up ads on my website. My goal is to keep your experience here as smooth and ad-free as possible. I personally prefer reading blogs without pop-up ads, so I want to give you that same experience.

Running this website comes with costs, so if you’d like to support the blog and help keep it going, here are a few ways you can do that.

Ways to Support

If you enjoy the content on this blog and want to help support the work I do here of providing free resources and guides, here are a few simple ways you can contribute. Each of these options helps keep the blog running and allows me to continue sharing helpful tips, guides, and stories from the trail:

Affiliate Links

One way you can support this blog is by using the affiliate links found throughout my site. When you make a purchase through these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It’s a simple way to support my work while getting the gear or products you may need for your own adventures. I only recommend products and brands that I truly believe in.

Here are the main affiliate brands I work with:

• REI

• Backcountry

• Kari Traa

• Arc’teryx

• Garage Grown Gear

• Nashville Pack

• Gossamer Gear

• Cotopaxi

• AllTrails

By shopping through these links, you help keep this blog running and support the outdoor gear brands I trust and use myself!

Social Media

Another great (and free!) way to support Erin Exploring is by following along on social media by following, sharing, liking, and commenting. You can find me on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Pinterest, and Threads. I truly appreciate every interaction!

Join My Newsletter

For those who want to stay connected and get the latest content directly to your inbox, signing up for my newsletter is a perfect way to support this blog. You’ll receive updates on new blog posts, gear reviews, major updates, and hiking tips.

Become a Virtual Trail Angel

If you’d like to support this blog directly, you can contribute through PayPal. Every little bit helps and your contribution helps cover the costs of running and maintaining the blog, ensuring I can keep creating valuable content for you and others. Any amount is greatly appreciated and your support means the world to me!

Read & Share

By simply reading my blog, commenting, and sharing it with your friends, you’re already making a huge difference. Every visit, share, and conversation about the blog helps grow the community of passionate outdoor adventurers. I’m so grateful you’ve taken the time to be here and sharing my blog means more than you know!