Shoestring Warrior John goes by his last name, “Battle,” a surname that lives up to his work ethic:
I believe in working hard and playing hard.
With a successful career in the aerospace industry, Battle turns to the outdoors on the weekends for a different kind of challenge. Last year, he set out to see if his body could handle longer hikes. He first joined our community on a trail clean-up with Trash Free Earth in 2016. Since then, he has hiked to Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park, Palisades Glacier in the Eastern Sierra and Havasu Falls in the Grand Canyon. Furthermore, he has submitted a handful of the tallest peaks in Southern California and earned his Wilderness First Aid Certification with Shoestring Adventures!
Battle has inspired us with his journey over the past year, and we look forward to sharing many more adventures, starting with backpacking in Joshua Tree next month! Learn more about Battle in our interview below, including his advice for outdoor newbies.
Shoestring Warrior: John “Battle”
Hometown:
Speedway, Indiana
Current Location:
Los Angeles, CA
Profession:
Aerospace Operations Manager
What are your passions outside of work?
Surfing, skateboarding, camping, hiking, video games, and movies.
How would you describe your level of camping experience?
Intermediate
Shoestring Adventures Trip Completed:
Yosemite Camping Adventure 2016, Havasupai Backpacking Adventure 2016, Wilderness First Aid Course 2016
Tell us about yourself!
I believe in working hard and playing hard.
What advice do you have for other weekend warriors who want to learn how to camp or backpack?
Go on a Shoestring Adventure! In addition to the trip leaders, there’s always a handful of seasoned trekkers that get excited about helping newcomers. Anything you want to know, just ask, and you’ll undoubtedly hear a much longer answer than you counted on!
What’s your favorite outdoor destination (e.g. trail, peak, park or campsite) since moving to California?
Close tie between Palisade Glacier and Havasupai.
What is your favorite piece of gear on the trail?
I feel naked without a sturdy knife.
Now that you have been on three Shoestring Adventures, can you tell us your favorite memory from one of those trips?
My favorite memory was completing the 14-mile hike up to Glacier Point and down at Yosemite. I set out this year to see if my body could handle long hikes. I was always weary of going with other groups, being worried I would slow them down or get hurt. Shoestring removed my hesitation. Everyone convinced me I could do it, and then made sure that I did… Oh, and a bear ran across the trail 20 feet in front of us just as we finished the hike! That was cool too!
Where are you planning your next adventure?
Joshua Tree Backpacking Adventure in February! I’d like to get to Yellowstone soon too.
The perfect s’more?
You gotta take your time on the mallow so it cooks through and finish it with a nice charred edge.
Follow more of John’s adventures on Instagram!
