Mappy Hour
Mappy Hour is a monthly gathering of outdoor enthusiasts who live in urban areas. Join us for a drink We can also be found on Twitter at @outdoorfest
Mappy Hour is a monthly gathering of outdoor enthusiasts who live in urban areas around maps, guidebooks, beer, and adventure stories. Join us to meet other hikers, climbers, skiers, surfers and outdoor enthusiasts and start planning your next adventures.
20/11/2023
This month's Mappy Hour Maker is Hunter from SnowdayLeather.
Read his story and scope his handmade leather goods:
Maker Series: Hunter Leach of Snowday Leather - Mappy Hour Blog Mappy Hour interviewed Hunter Leach about his business Snowday Leather
06/10/2023
"Learning to scale up was one of the most exciting and eye opening things in starting a company"
The September installment of the Mappy Hour Maker Series, presented by Sierra Nevada we’re featuring Josh Heike, the founder and president of ORGANIC Climbing.
Over the past 15 years, Organic’s bright and sturdy bouldering pads and chalk bags have taken over the climbing world, becoming a staple at local crags. We sat down with Josh to chat about starting and growing Organic Climbing.
Maker Series: Josh Helke, founder of Organic Climbing - Mappy Hour Blog How Organic Climbing, founded by Josh Helke, grew in the mountains of Pennyslvania.
07/08/2023
Hey ! Don’t miss our last kayak event of the year!
Let's hit the open water for a sunset kayaking adventure on Lake Michigan – guided by Kayak Chicago.
The 1.5-hour trip (with a brief orientation) starts at Kayak Chicago's Montrose Beach location. We'll paddle out into the open water to catch sweet views of downtown Chicago, drift along the shoreline, and paddle around the piers at Edgewater Beach and Hollywood Beach.
After the paddle, we'll hang out at the Kayak Chicago beach hut for a free Sierra Nevada beer and non-alcoholic beer tasting.
Sunset kayak on Lake Michigan?! Yes, please.
📆 08/10, 6-8PM
📍 Montrose Beach (Kayak Chicago boathouse)
🔗 MappyHour.org to register
31/07/2023
17/07/2023
Thanks to all who joined us at this weekend's Kayak Chicago trip!
13/06/2023
"When I have the opportunity to go outside and explore nature, I begin to reminisce about my time in nature earlier in my life.
Now, in thinking about where and when I feel safe and able to spend time in the outdoors I ask; is the space safe for a trans person? And when thinking about spaces outside of Chicago, the answer to that question can certainly be a no – and that makes me so incredibly sad.
An overwhelming feeling of sadness, a feeling of loss of a space that I know brings me such a sense of joy and fulfillment. I’ve said it before, but I’m finally at a point where I’m starting to love myself for my identity, and this part of myself that I’ve grown to love is the same part that could get me killed across the globe, even here in the US.
I’m just thinking a lot about how my identity intersects with my ability to interact with the world, and as scary as it is, I know that living as me is the best thing I can do."
Thank you CJ for sharing your story. Read the entire piece: https://mappyhour.org/blog/2023/05/exploring-urban-wildlife/
We're gathering tonight to chat with entrepreneur and maker Tia Meilinger. Tia started Vaya in 2005, combining her academic experience in environmental studies and her sewing skills.
Tia uses recycled materials, old bike tubes and eco-friendly inks in the creation of bags ranging from messenger bags to hip pouches to roll tops.
Description
Pull up a cushion and join us for the next installment of the Mappy Hour Maker Series! This month, we're featuring Angela and Daniel of Peace Cabin.
The team will talk about how they got started during COVID, their creative process and why their signature Wanderer Outdoors cushion has resonated with outdoorsy folks across the country.
Angela and Daniel even created an amazing custom Mappy Hour version of the cushion (which, we're giving away - enter now!).
About the Mappy Hour Maker Series
Throughout our Mappy Hour community are incredibly talented makers. Many of whom do this work as a side project to full time jobs. We wanted to share their passions and skills with the broader community, which is why we're launching the Mappy Hour Maker Series. Every month, we'll feature a different maker from one of our chapters and give them the floor to share how they started, how the outdoors influences their creative processes and how you can win one of their custom pieces.
This entire series is presented by Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. - so grab a cold brew, relax and come join in!
18/04/2023
📸 from our last kayaking trip in Chicago. We're back on the river this weekend for an Earth Day Paddle + Clean-up.
Register at MappyHour.org.
10/04/2023
Our Earth Month events are in full swing! is meeting up *this Sunday* for a casual clean-up with at Picnic Grove #1.
🌲 This event is part of the Rock Creek Park 2023 Extreme Cleanup, a month-long extravaganza in April. Cleanup events will be hosted throughout the entirety of the Rock Creek watershed, with volunteers across the watershed participating in litter cleanup events lasting 2-3 hours, helping to keep Rock Creek clean from the most visible form of stormwater pollution, enjoying time outside, and giving back to their local communities. 💪
Our crew will be limited to 10 people - register at MappyHour.org and see you there!
05/04/2023
“We gotta keep moving as much as possible if we are going to finish this Beast!"
10,000 feet of elevation gain, 6 peaks, 25 miles and wet, cold weather... does she make it?
The Devils Path Traverse in winter by 's Patty Alcivar, supported by Merrell.
https://mappyhour.org/blog/2023/04/the-devils-path-traverse-in-winter/
The Devil's Path Traverse (in winter) - Mappy Hour Blog “Be willing to get out of your comfort zone, if you want to grow.” Many elite mountaineers, alpinist, climbers, and mountain runners, live in other states like Utah, Colorado, or Washington where the elevation is higher and the terrain is more technical. However, New York has the beautiful Catsk...
Our April schedule is up and we're launching our events tomorrow! This month's theme is...
SUSTAINABILITY!
In honor of Earth Day we have clean-ups, talks and adventures galore. Sign up: https://mappyhour.org/events
We're excited to introduce our newest maker: Sam Roberts of SAMBOB who creates colorful custom fleece pullovers and baby onesies in his studio in Portland, Maine.
During this Mappy Hour LIVE we'll cover his love for the outdoors - from recreation to his work as a field biologist. And how he manages his full time job, side gig and being a dad.
About the Mappy Hour Maker Series
Throughout our Mappy Hour community are incredibly talented makers. Many of whom do this work as a side project to full time jobs. We wanted to share their passions and skills with the broader community, which is why we're launching the Mappy Hour Maker Series. Every month, we'll feature a different maker from one of our chapters and give them the floor to share how they started, how the outdoors influences their creative processes and how you can win one of their custom pieces.
This entire series is presented by Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. - so grab a cold brew, relax and come join in!
Our 2023 Maker Series is heating up and this week we're excited to have Isaac join Mappy Hour LIVE to chat about his company Voyager Bag Works.
Based in Arlington, Isaac crafts everything from hiking slings to backpacks to wallets. We'll be chatting with Isaac tonight about how he started sewing, how he chooses the materials for his bags and why he'll guarantee them for life.
We'll also chat about the great outdoors (of course) and the non-profits Isaac supports through his work.
See you there!
About the Mappy Hour Maker Series
Throughout our Mappy Hour community are incredibly talented makers. Many of whom do this work as a side project to full time jobs. We wanted to share their passions and skills with the broader community, which is why we're launching the Mappy Hour Maker Series. Every month, we'll feature a different maker from one of our chapters and give them the floor to share how they started, how the outdoors influences their creative processes and how you can win one of their custom pieces.
This entire series is presented by Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. - so grab a cold brew, relax and come join in!
21/02/2023
Have you met Guarina Lopez? She's an indigenous activist, educator, and artist from the Pascua Yaqui Tribe. We were lucky to get to spend an afternoon hiking with her near D.C. on Theodore Roosevelt Island - named after 26th President Teddy Roosevelt.
Throughout our hike, Guarina invited us to think critically about the history of the land we were exploring and shared so much context beyond the actions of Roosevelt.
A short recap:
- George Mason IV acquired land from the Nacotchtank indigenous people, who were established on what is now known as the Anacostia (a variant of Nacotchtank) River.
- The plantation he built operated off the backs of slaves.
- During the Civil War, the 1st United States Colored Troops were ordered by their White leading officers to make camp on the island due to segregation laws requiring them to train separately from their White compatriots.
- In 1931, the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Association purchased the island, replanting and renovating over the entire 88.5 acres, leaving essentially no material trace of its more storied history.
We are so grateful to Guarina for leading us and giving us the space to dive in more deeply. ❤️ chapter leader Jun wrote a full recap if you want to learn more:
https://mappyhour.org/blog/2023/01/reading-between-the-lines-hiking-at-theadore-roosevelt-island/
14/02/2023
One of our favorite outdoor artists Cy Whitling has an entire series of fun and silly, outdoor specific Valentine's Day drawings.
This one's our favorite though. Happy Singles Appreciation Day y'all.
01/02/2023
Smiling because we are deep in the heart of winter and we're loving it! Our theme for February is all things winter - from skiing to hiking to sitting in a lodge and drinking hot chocolate, we are here for it.
The schedule just keeps expanding but here are a few highlights to get you excited:
🚴🏻♂️ Winter Clinic in DC
🥾 Winter Hike from NYC
🍻 Ales & IPAs with adventure friends at mixers in CHI, DEN, NWA & NYC
So check out the schedule at mappyhour.org and tell us how you winter ⛷ 🏄♀️ ☕️
PC:
30/01/2023
How can Mappy Hour help you achieve your big dreams and adventure goals this year?
January was our very first *themed* month here at Mappy Hour and in the spirit of a new year it was all about big dreams.
💪 We've been so inspired by all of you who joined our events to share your adventure goals for 2023 with the community.
🎉 We also wanted to celebrate the incredible events brought to life by our chapter leader team including mixers in DC, NWA and Chicago (chapter leaders Anya & Erica are featured in this photo), a speaker event in NYC and an ice skating event in Denver!
As we move out of January, our next question is: how can Mappy Hour support YOU this year in achieving your adventure goals? What skills do you want to learn? Are there any programs you want to see? Let us know so we can try to make it happen!
This month's maker(s) are Chelsea and Allison of Hikerkind!
Both have a background in fashion and a love for the outdoors. During COVID, they teamed up because they wanted to use their fashion expertise to create hiking gear for women that wasn't centered around the male gaze. The result is a balance of elegant and anti-microbial, stylish and also comfortable outdoor gear. In just two years since starting, they've been featured in Vogue, launched a hiking club and opened their first brick and mortar location in Brooklyn.
Mappy Hour Founder Sarah Knapp chatted with the team to learn more about their founding story and how they go from vision to design to production of their garments ⬇️
Thank you to Sierra Nevada for supporting our Maker Series. Cheers y'all.
25/01/2023
In the winter months, a lot of trails can start to look and feel the same, especially if snow isn’t in the forecast. Lake trails are a great option for those looking to get outside and see something different — and in this weather, you don’t have to bother with mosquito spray.
Whether you’re looking to finally get outside after a week of frigid temperatures, easing back into your exercise routine after the new year, or want the whole family to get some fresh air, Clopper Lake is a great spot to check out. Located in Seneca Creek State Park, about 45 minutes to an hour outside of Washington, DC, Clopper Lake provides gorgeous water views, fishing, playgrounds, and even boat rentals (in the warmer months).
Find the hike:
https://mappyhour.org/blog/2023/01/dc-clopper-lake-loop-trail-at-seneca-creek-state-park/
22/01/2023
What better way to kick off the new year than by waking up in nature, ready to set your goals and intentions for the rest of the year?
Join at Swain's Lockhouse (Lockhouse 21) on the C&O Towpath on January 28-29 for a night stepping back from all of the celebrations and holidays to refocus and recharge.
Lockhouse 21 features full amenities -- including heating, full kitchen, electricity, and full bathrooms/showers. The only thing not provided are pillows and linens, so make sure to bring those in addition to everything else you need to spend a night in a cabin.
$30, includes meals. Register at MappyHour.org
18/01/2023
+ double header tomorrow night!
Swing by to say hello to new and old Mappy Hour folks for our new for 2023 Monthly Mixers. This month's theme: Big Dreams, Big Adventures.
DC:
Jan. 19 // 6:15-8PM //
NWA:
Jan. 19 // 6-7PM //
shot by Natasha Shapiro
12/01/2023
Hey :
We're gathering next Tuesday night in Bushwick for a night with our friends at Hikerkind. Founders Allison & Chelsea have been amazing supporters of Mappy Hour for many moons and we're so excited that they'll be able to share their story with our community tonight.
Chelsea & Allison will kick off the night with their story one of big dreams and big goals: starting a new business and why they're so obsessed with layers. The second part of the talk will be tactical to help all of us get outside safely and comfortable this winter: layering 101.
Come for the inspiration, stay for the expert tips. Brews by our besties at Sierra Nevada (of course).
January 17 at Hikerkind Studios in Bushwick. Register at https://www.MappyHour.org.
11/01/2023
The Mappy Hour Maker Series, presented by Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. is back for 2023.
We had so much fun getting to know incredible and passionate makers across the country last year and we're excited to share the series is back for Season 2. You can expect more behind the scenes interviews, fun reels and, of course, giveaways!
🗳🗳 Do you know an amazing maker who should be part of the program this year? Let us know in the comments! 🗳🗳
We're excited to introduce this month's maker... Michelle!
"Howdy, I’m Michelle. And Hyewon is my Korean name. When I was a kid I would take apart my stuffed animals to try to figure out how they were constructed. That strange habit transitioned into my design career, and now I use those same techniques to solve creative problems.
Outside of design I love to road trip in my Subaru, cheer for my Dodgers & go backpacking in the mountains.
Born & Raised: Los Angeles
Trained in Design: Philadelphia
Currently in: Torrence, CA."
Listen Mappy Hour's Erica Zazo for a virtual chat with Michelle all about her company Stitchback Stories where she creates beautiful and sustainable embroidered products. Wedive into her background as an artist, starting a business, and living in cities across the country while staying outdoorsy.
(You may have even seen Michelle's work already, Liv used her custom Mappy Hour patch when creating the allmansright ultralight pack over the summer)
Liv is Dominican, a hiker, artist, and designer with an industrial design degree from 'Parsons - The New School'. He started making his own gear a couple of years ago for personal use, which today has grown to making it for others.
Now, his company Allmansright makes everything from stuff sacks to backpacks in an 100 sq ft apartment in the Bronx.
Watch this virtual talk to hear how Liv started the company, his background in design and the name "allmansright".
30/11/2022
ICYMI: here are a few of our favorite outdoorsy non-profits:
https://mappyhour.org/blog/2022/11/giving-tuesday/
Giving Tuesday: Outdoorsy Non-profits based in cities - Mappy Hour Blog For Giving Tuesday, we put out the call to our network to ask about their favorite city-based non-profits helping to get people outdoors. We just wanted to say thank you for everyone that replied and brought our attention to these amazing organizations. Boston Outdoor Non-profit: Youth Enrichment Se...
16/11/2022
Giveaway ends *this Friday*. Thanks Fuzzy Stitchworks for this incredible custom bikepacking bag set
03/11/2022
& Arc'teryx Colorado are hosting a Skill Building event *next week*.
Keep your gear in great condition and out of the landfill with this hands-on workshop:
https://mappyhour.org/events/2022/11/skill-building-extend-life-your-gore-tex-gear
Skill Building: Extend the Life of your Gore-Tex Gear Wash, repair and extend the life of your gear through our upcoming skill-building workshop. Join Mappy Hour Denver at the Arc'teryx Cherry Creek store for a Gore-Tex repair and care event. We'll also be collecting gear for local non-profit [Always Choose Adventures](https://www.alwayschooseadventure...
11/10/2022
is heading outside this weekend for a camping event! There are still a few spots open too:
https://mappyhour.org/events/2022/10/field-trip-fall-campout-wisconsin-stillhouse-whiskey
Field Trip: Fall Campout in Wisconsin with Stillhouse Whiskey Join Mappy Hour Chicago and Stillhouse whiskey company for a fall car camping trip up in Wisconsin at the Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit.
20/09/2022
We'll never stop saying it: adventures can be found in your backyard.
https://mappyhour.org/blog/2022/09/finding-backyard-adventure-car-camping-near-home/
Finding backyard adventure: car camping near home - Mappy Hour Blog Thank you Mappy Hour Cleveland member Jennifer Darling for sharing your recent trip with us. Many of my trips are epic and grand. They’re often filled with great accomplishments andmarvelous sites from rock climbing in Eleven Mile Canyon to mountain biking in Moab to hiking 40 miles in 2.5 days in...
Chicago-base illustrator and outdoor enthusiast Katie Lukes. When she's not creating colorful, sometimes humorous illustrations for clients small and large, she’s probably traveling or mixing up a new cocktail recipe.
She worked with Mappy Hour chapter leaders to create custom Mappy Hour "doodle maps" that highlight living in the city and loving the outdoors.
Tonight we're going to chat live with Katie about
- mapping the outdoors of Chicago, NYC, DC, Seattle, Denver and Bentonville
- how she became a freelance illustrator for clients like Facebook and Uber
- the connection between design and the great outdoors
- how she balances living in the city and loving the outdoors
06/07/2022
Our chapter leaders hit up the Chaco Bus Tour and explored the interior of the reChaco bus!
https://mappyhour.org/blog/2022/06/%EF%BF%BCa-colorado-native-goes-on-tour/
A Colorado Native Goes on Tour - Mappy Hour Blog The mighty Colorado, the gentle winding South Platte, the aptly named Blue. The wild wide wonderful state of Colorado doesn’t lack rivers, but in 1989, it did lack proper footwear for those brave enough to spend the day wandering these waterways. Chaco’s founder and inventor, Mark Paigen, tired ...
13/05/2022
They ****ing made it!!
https://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/everest/full-circle-first-all-black-everest-expedition/
First All-Black Expedition Summits Mount Everest Seven climbers from the Full Circle Everest team reached the peak on Thursday
09/05/2022
The perfect Sunday for yoga, kombucha and community in City Park!
Arc'teryx, Liz Mott Yoga & Coaching & Sierra Nevada
Juniper Young started sewing bags for bikepacking because she was tired of the greenwashing she saw in the retail industry. Her bags focus on being completely zero-waste and as sustainable as possible from production to product.
Tonight Jun (Mappy Hour DC's newest chapter leader) will join us live to share:
- how she started making bags for bikepacking
- how she thinks about sustainability
- how Unmarked Gear is unique from most in the retail industry
About the Mappy Hour Maker Series
Throughout our Mappy Hour community are incredibly talented makers. Many of whom do this work as a side project to full time jobs. We wanted to share their passions and skills with the broader community, which is why we're launching the Mappy Hour Maker Series. Every month, we'll feature a different maker from one of our chapters and give them the floor to share how they started, how the outdoors influences their creative processes and how you can win one of their custom pieces.
This entire series is presented by Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. - so grab a cold brew, relax and come join in!
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