Hi! I’m Annie Rapini, your friendly outdoor enthusiast, gear junkie, and passionate advocate for sustainability. If you’re wondering why I started this website, let me tell you: it all began with my love for gear—and the need to keep track of all the things I’ve learned in the wild world of outdoor adventures. Spoiler alert: I’ve learned a lot.

After years working in adaptive sports and outdoor recreation, I realized I was drowning in knowledge about everything from ultralight tents to what happens when you forget your rain jacket on a "quick" hike. I started accumulating gear tips, packing strategies, and a borderline obsessive interest in the fine art of gear repair (because, let’s face it, outdoor gear is expensive). And that’s when it hit me: why not build a website to track all of this? Somewhere I could organize my thoughts, share what I’ve learned, and hopefully help others navigate the labyrinth of gear, trails, and the occasional backpacking disaster.

Let’s be real: outdoor gear can cost a small fortune, and it’s frustrating when something gets damaged and people assume they have to toss it out. Enter my love for gear repair. I’m all about finding ways to make our beloved (and often pricey) gear last longer. Whether it’s patching a tent, fixing a busted zipper, or breathing new life into a well-loved backpack, I believe that repairing your gear isn’t just smart—it’s a huge step toward sustainability in an industry that often leans on throwaway culture.

I mean, who wouldn’t want to save a little money and help save the planet? Plus, there's something incredibly satisfying about fixing something with your own hands and seeing it live to hike another day. That’s why sustainability is such a big part of what I do. From choosing gear that lasts to repairing what we can, I’m a firm believer that we should tread lightly—not just on the trails, but on our planet, too.

Oh, and did I mention I’m Mental Health First Aid certified? Yep, I’m not just here to help you fix your gear—I’m also here to remind you that the outdoors is a place to care for both your body and your mind. Whether you’re looking for advice on packing efficiently, how to repair a ripped jacket, or just a laugh about my latest gear misadventure, I’m here to share what I’ve learned (and keep learning!) with you.

So, welcome to my website! It’s a space where I geek out over outdoor gear, sustainability, and all the tiny things that make big adventures possible. Grab your hiking boots (or your repair kit), and let’s hit the trail—mindfully, sustainably, and with plenty of snacks, of course.