When a friend and coworker mentioned her annual hike to Glacier Basin at Mount Rainier, the trip sounded amazing, but I didn’t expect to join her. She had made this hike for the past few years with a small group of women who were far more experienced than I was. Then she casually mentioned that one woman in their all-female group had dropped out. Without overthinking it, I jumped at the opportunity.
Almost immediately, reality set in. I had never done anything like this before.
I enjoy camping and hiking, but this was a true backcountry trip with real elevation, a big shift from life in flat southern Louisiana, and I would be carrying everything I needed on my back. My husband is the outdoorsman in our family, not me. I also didn’t have much time to prepare, which made the whole thing feel more intimidating.
Glacier Basin is not a casual walk in the woods. The hike is roughly six miles round trip, with steady elevation gain that makes you earn every step. Starting near the White River area of Mount Rainier National Park, the trail climbs through dense forest before opening into rocky alpine terrain. The elevation gain is enough to test endurance, especially for someone who had never done a backpacking trip before. The trail changes from forest corridors to stunning views of Mount Rainier, with glaciers, waterfalls, and jagged ridgelines.
Before my trip, Kevin reached out to his friends at Kifaru, and I started preparing for my little adventure. When the gear arrived, I was excited but nervous. I would be using a Kifaru SuperTarp instead of a traditional pop-up, zip-up tent. Kevin assured me it would be the right solution. After watching a short setup video, I practiced in the backyard and was able to pitch it on my own without issue.
I got some weird looks from the neighbors in our suburban neighborhood as I rucked around the neighborhood while walking the dog. Those awkward training miles turned out to be important, helping me build endurance and adjust to my new pack before the big hike.
The Kifaru 44 Mag pack was larger than I expected. Kevin reassured me I could handle it and that I would be grateful for the extra space, but my friends wasted no time teasing me about its size. When I put it on, you could barely see anything but the bottoms of my legs. The jokes stopped quickly once we started hiking. While others in the group dealt with sore spots and shifting weight, I was comfortable the entire time. It took a few early adjustments to dial it in, but once it was set correctly, the pack carried the load incredibly well. Even with the weight of food, water, and shelter, it felt balanced and manageable.
The hike was tiring, but I was almost too distracted by the beautiful views to notice. Reaching camp brought an immediate sense of accomplishment. The physical effort required to get there made everything feel earned. Glacier Basin Campground sits above the treeline in a wide, exposed alpine basin. This is not a campground with picnic tables or fire rings. Water had to be filtered, shelters carefully placed, and every item in your pack justified. I had no trouble setting up my shelter for the night with my two trekking poles, even in rocky terrain.
I debated whether the Kifaru Woobie was worth the extra space, but that question was answered on the first cold night. It kept me warm and comfortable when temperatures dropped, and I was grateful I didn’t leave it behind.
Evenings at camp and time spent sitting down at the rocky riverbed were some of my favorite moments. After a long day on the trail, we sat together, talked, laughed, and watched the light shift across Mount Rainier. Some of my best memories came from sitting with the other women, sharing drinks and snacks, and taking in the scenery. Those quiet moments of connection mattered just as much as the hike itself.
I also walked away with a few lessons learned. Next time, I will absolutely bring a lightweight camp chair. Sitting on the ground after a long hike was less than ideal. And I will pack more snacks. Food tastes better after miles on your feet, and lingering at camp with good company is something worth planning for. The women all shared everything they had with me, and I wish I had brought more food to return the favor.
Overall, it was an incredible experience, especially for someone who started out unsure if she belonged on a trip like this. I left with more confidence, a deeper respect for the mountains, and a strong desire to do it again. I am already looking forward to going back next year. ~ Julie
Julie Jarnagin
Julie is an author of more than fifteen books, primarily novels, as well as a nonfiction title focused on marketing for homebuilders. With over 20 years of experience in the home building industry, she currently serves as Chief Operations Officer at Do You Convert and was named a 2025 Young Gun and Legend by Pro Builder magazine. Julie earned a BA in Mass Communication from the University of Oklahoma. She and her husband, Kevin, live in southeast Louisiana with their two boys. In her free time, she enjoys running and training in jiu-jitsu.
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