About Wild On Purpose
Who We Are
Wild On Purpose is a group of new and experienced outdoor enthusiasts motivated to build community and introduce those with limited wilderness knowledge a chance to skill-up and learn about life on the trail.
Based out of The Hermit's Hut sporting goods store in Redding, CA, we coordinate various levels of free hiking, car-camping and backpacking trips for individuals, families and anyone who wants to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Northern California's wilderness.
With so many stunning landscapes to discover in our beautiful NorCal, our goal is to help you further your passion for nature, enjoy the company of like-minded individuals, get skilled-up at your own pace and know you don't always have to make the journey solo.
Where it All Began
Established in 1971, The Hermit's Hut is the longest standing outdoor sporting goods store in Redding, CA!
First operating out of the back of a local garage by a wander-lust hippy, the late owner, Bob Clearie, bought The Hermit's Hut for a mere $400, a bus ticket, and a bottle of Jack Daniels.
Shortly thereafter, the tiny business was transformed into a high-end camping, hiking, backpacking, skiing and mountaineering store which catered to the needs of the ultralite community, carrying popular brands such as Petzl, Rab, MSR, Osprey, Outdoor Research and our all-time American favorite, WESTERN MOUNTAINEERING!
Now owned by a local outdoor expert and ex-firefighter, Dan Geer grew up frequenting the shop with his Dad and exploring the far reaches of Shasta County's climbing, mountaineering and swimming areas.
The Hermit's Hut is and will always be a place where family values, true community and the adventurer spirit is never lost.
How Do I Join a Trip?
Simply reach out to us via email and express an interest in one of the trip categories below. From there we'll invite you to a group meet-up to talk about your experience and fitness level, and if desired, we can advise you on what gear you might need for an upcoming backpacking or hiking trip.
Since our trips are not fee-based, you will be responsible for bringing your own food and gear by either buying, borrowing or renting it from a local store. Please pack as if you were traveling solo and we can provide you with a suggested packing list for any beginners, along with an invitation to our "How to Choose and Use Your Gear" Workshop.
Please also be prepared to drive yourself and others, and/or pitch in for gas if you are planning on carpooling to the site location!
What We Offer
Take a Hike!
We offer informally facilitated day hikes to a variety of ages, fitness levels and abilities. Hiking to us isn't just about the love of nature or your ability to push yourself to the extreme, but also about doing what you enjoy and finding community along the way.
Whether your personal goals are to meet new people, work on your fitness, or explore more of who you are in the context of nature, the wilderness has just what you're looking for!
Groups are organized based on interests, personal goals and abilities, so whether you hike miles every day or have rarely left your sofa, there's a place for you in this group.
More experienced hikers are welcome to coordinate their own excursions, as well as share their knowledge and skills with others in the Wild On Purpose community.
Backpacking & Car-Camping
Many people love the idea of hiking into a beautiful spot for the night, cooking over a campfire and experiencing nature at its best, but oftentimes lack the confidence, the right equipment and knowledge of where to start.
With various risks to navigate, the average person who's still growing in their survival awareness skills can benefit greatly from the help of a more experienced adventurer. This makes the experience much lower stakes and a more enjoyable context to learn in.
Join us for an overnight camp-out by either car-camping (driving up to a registered campsite) or hiking in with a group to experience first-hand what a night cooking and sleeping under the stars feels like.
*Please note that car-camping trips come with a site fee which varies in price depending on the location.*
"How to Choose and Use Your Gear" Workshop
Knowing the right equipment to take with you is the first step to planning any trip. Whether it be a short hike or a week long camping adventure in the snow, you need to know how to use and choose your gear wisely and preempt trail conditions for your comfort and survival.
Before any trip with Wild On Purpose, new attendees will hear from a survivalist expert on how to carefully select and build up your gear based on your individual needs and level of experience.
Choosing the right gear makes all the difference!