Spring is the perfect season for hiking, with the cold winter gone and the scorching summer yet to arrive. The comfortable and pleasant temperatures, coupled with the symphony of chirping insects and singing birds in the lush greenery, make it a truly enjoyable time to be outdoors. Recently, I had the opportunity to join the inaugural event of the Columbia Hike Society, a new initiative by the leading outdoor brand Columbia, titled „Out and About: Thousand Hammers and Hundred Forges.“ The event included a visit to the ancient Deer Hollow Trail in Wanli, New Taipei, to trace the footsteps of the elusive Formosan sika deer, as well as engaging in outdoor extreme challenges like rock climbing, bouldering, and zip-lining. Additionally, we had the privilege of previewing Columbia’s top-of-the-line 2024 collection, showcasing the spirit of adventure embodied by the Columbia Hike Society.
Off-road Hiking: Deer Hollow Trail
Starting from Taipei City, we embarked on a one-hour journey to the entrance of the Deer Hollow Trail. Our guide for the day was the experienced outdoor enthusiast and founder of Goformosa, Mr. Ou Ba. With his guidance, we were able to safely and comfortably enjoy the outdoor adventure. As we warmed up and the sun began to shine, we set off on our journey, leaving behind the gloomy weather that had accompanied us.
The Deer Hollow Trail was built around the late Qing Dynasty period, circa 1892, serving as a passage connecting Wanli, Shilin, Guandu, and Neihu areas. Named after the presence of deer herds in the area, the trail offers a diverse landscape of waterways, streams, waterfalls, bamboo groves, cypress forests, and miscanthus, showcasing a rich blend of natural beauty, cultural history, and abundant wildlife.
Our off-road hiking route took us from the entrance of the Deer Hollow Trail to the endpoint at the Head Front Creek Waterfall. We ascended along the man-made water channel, gradually transitioning into less-traveled stone steps and dirt paths. As we delved deeper into the trail, the human traces faded, giving us a sense of entering a hidden paradise. After half an hour, the initially cool temperature was replaced by the warmth of camaraderie among our group.
After a gradual ascent, the final stretch towards the endpoint involved descending through muddy terrain and winding tree roots. Thankfully, equipped with Columbia’s new KONOS™ TRS OutDry waterproof hiking shoes and top-tier titanium apparel, designed to provide excellent protection and functionality for hiking enthusiasts, we were able to navigate the challenging terrain with ease.
GET HIKED! Columbia Hike Society Launch
Upon returning to Camp Taiwan in Wanli, we prepared to participate in the launch ceremony of the Columbia Hike Society and the unveiling of the 2024 Spring/Summer collection. This season, Columbia introduced a range of new products tailored for hiking enthusiasts, allowing them to explore the great outdoors without hesitation, traversing mountains and rivers with ease.
The highlight of the collection was the „KONOS™ TRS OutDry Waterproof Elastic Hiking Shoes,“ featuring the exclusive Omni-MAX™ technology designed for multi-functional cushioning to enhance foot balance, stability, and traction. The shoes also incorporated the OutDry™ technology to prevent water and impurities from seeping in, ensuring dry and comfortable feet throughout the journey. With superior adaptability to various terrains and optimized comfort even on rugged surfaces, the shoes equipped with Adapt Trax™ technology and TechLite Plus™ technology allow for a safe and exciting exploration of trails of varying difficulty.
In addition to unveiling the Spring/Summer collection, Columbia announced the launch of the Hike Society hiking club, bringing together outdoor enthusiasts of all styles to explore the beautiful mountains and forests of Taiwan. The club aims to promote mountain knowledge and establish personalized outdoor lifestyles. Joining Columbia on a hike to explore the beauty of Taiwan this year will be an unforgettable experience, and we look forward to the upcoming three Columbia Hike Society hiking events, which are sure to ignite a new trend in Taiwan’s outdoor culture.
Extreme Challenges: Camp Taiwan
As fearless outdoor explorers, the thrill of pushing our limits is ingrained in our DNA. Columbia prepared a series of extreme challenges at Camp Taiwan, including rock climbing, bouldering, zip-lining, and more, to test our adventurous spirit. The atmosphere was electrifying as we aimed to reach the highest point and claim victory by hoisting the Columbia flag, embodying the spirit of „Out and About: Thousand Hammers and Hundred Forges.“
As time flew by, the first event of the Columbia Hike Society came to a close amidst the excitement and adrenaline of the challenges. Reflecting on the journey back to Taipei, I couldn’t help but appreciate the convenience of living in a city where mountains and seas are just an hour’s drive away, allowing for seamless transitions between the outdoors and urban life. I am grateful to Columbia for nurturing the outdoor scene in Taiwan and eagerly anticipate the second Columbia Hike Society event in May. Until next time, farewell to the great outdoors!
About Columbia
With 86 years of history, Columbia is the top-selling outdoor sports brand in the United States, with products available in over 50 major cities worldwide, including New York, London, Dubai, Japan, Hong Kong, and more. Recognized by Forbes as one of the top 100 most trustworthy brands globally, Columbia received the top 100 innovative inventions award from the prestigious Science magazine in 2020. The brand is the designated apparel for seven national Olympic teams and is favored by Hollywood stars like Zachary Levi, singer Kesha, and Korean actor Nam Joo-hyuk. In 2022, Columbia introduced the space-grade insulation technology „Omni-Heat Infinity Gold Aluminum Dots,“ enhancing heat reflection and insulation while regulating excess body heat and sweat, creating the brand’s highest level of warmth series. This technology was also used on NASA’s space probes and successfully landed on the moon in February 2024, protecting the lander from extreme temperatures in outer space.