the happy howls of beasts
from jennifer…
A Taste of the Living Wild, 2025
I’m so grateful to have gone on the Taste of the Living Wild trip. Hannah is an incredible guide — warm, grounded, and immediately made me feel safe and comfortable. She offered support, knowledge, and inspiration not only during the trip but also through thoughtful pre- and post-trip emails, which made me feel connected throughout the experience.
I especially appreciated her philosophy around solo hiking. I love solitude, and it was such a gift to walk the trail alone without feeling pressure to make conversation, while still having the comfort of a small group to return to at camp at night.
The trip strengthened my body, mind, and spirit, and gave me the mental reset I didn’t know I needed. I left feeling much more confident and equipped to plan and enjoy future backpacking trips, and I’m already planning my next adventure. I’d absolutely recommend a Flock of Beasts hike to any woman curious about backpacking — it could truly change your life.
from kellie,
a taste of the living wild, Spring 2025
"I am an avid hiker, but this was my first time truly backpacking and camping. the Taste of the Living Wild pack trip turned out to be an unforgettable experience. I went into the trip feeling anxious: I didn’t know anyone, I was nervous about sleeping outside in the chilly April air, and I wasn’t sure how I’d handle carrying a full pack. But I did it—and so much more.
Over the course of the trip, I learned practical skills like how to pack a backpack, pitch a tent, start a fire, and even how to pee in the woods. But more than that, I learned how to be with the woods, how to lean into discomfort, and how to trust and be with myself.
This experience gave me a deeper confidence on the trail and in everyday life. I now know that I can do hard things, that I can be uncomfortable and still come out stronger and more self-sufficient.
If you're considering this trip but feeling nervous or scared, sign up anyway. You won’t regret it. Hannah is an incredible guide—equal parts teacher, leader, and storyteller. She creates the perfect balance of group connection and solo time, and she was truly made for leading trips like this. I’ll carry the lessons (and the memories) from this trip with me forever."
…from lindsay
(Building Bravery, Fall 2024)
“I will always wildly and enthusiastically recommend a Flock of Beasts pack trip to any and every woman (or afab individual who is comfortable with femme-coded language) who wants to get into backpacking and isn't sure where to start!! Hannah is so good at reducing the intimidation-factor of this activity; she sends gear recommendation lists and food recommendation lists and is very transparent about "yeah this is useful, this is unnecessary" in preparation.
Her treks (and her spirit!) are a combination of challenging and encouraging, creative and grounded. Despite my nerves about tackling a double-digit milage day, Hannah's feral belief in all of our capabilities (and encouragement through the trip) will bolster even the most unsure.
When I got home and was still buzzing with endorphins, I wrote in a celebratory Facebook post, "I am not just astonished, I AM astonishing!" The Building Bravery trip was an experience I gifted myself to meet myself: to see what I was capable of, and to try something new.
I also wrote, "this isn't my last backpacking trip. In fact, this is only the beginning..."
I will always be deeply grateful to Hannah for envisioning and facilitating such a gift!”
…from mehghan
The First Feather, Fall 2024
“I wanted to give you a heartfelt thank you for the last two days. It really was magical. I arrived home exactly 48 hours after I departed, but it felt like I was away for decades and I love that feeling. Peeling off my socks was pure joy as all the bits of dirt reminded me of all the steps we traversed. I'm truly grateful for the experience you created...you have been such a wonderful gift to me, and to the world. Keep uncovering nature with those who need a guide :) Also, I really believe the duty of the awakened is to be subversive -- you are great at what you do and the message is so needed. “
A Testimonial from Vanessa …
(The Experiment Pack Trip, Summer 2023)
“Hannah's backpacking trip is an affirmation that YOU are capable! As a mid-thirties woman who is highly interested in the outdoors but less experienced than I'd like, I saw the group-solo backpacking trip as a rare opportunity to experience the adventure of backpacking on my own but with the added security of knowing that other women were also solo on the same trail as me.
To be honest, I was intimidated at first. Am I outdoorsy enough? Am I in good enough shape? Am I going to connect with the other women? Am I ready!? All of those insecurities were quieted when I met with Hannah and the other women in the group. Hannah's voracious personality and utmost respect for the outdoors was infectious. She meticulously planned a route that was accessible, challenging, and awe-inspiring. She is graceful enough to be able to foster a group of women who support each other, and crazy enough to form us all into a sweaty, dirt-covered female army hungry for the next adventure down the trail. While encouraging, Hannah, also provided a safe space for us to all go at our own pace, without judgement.
We banded together when we needed to and in those moments I felt so lucky to be a part of this trip. During various points of the trail, we met together to share stories, have a snack together, and prep ourselves for the next leg of the journey. It was beautiful and challenging, and we were doing it alone AND together! Hannah infused our hiking with knowledge about the trails, nature, and creatures around us. She read poetry which grounded us in the connection between humans and nature; inspiring us to take time from the trail to examine the smallest leaves and littlest animals along the trail. To be thankful for the shade provided by the trees and the cool comforts of water from the streams nearby.
I absolutely recommend this trip to anyone looking to connecting more with themselves, nature, and new women with similar interests. I am thankful I allowed myself the challenge of this trip, as I have gained strength in knowing that I am more than I think I am!”
a testimonial from elsa…
(the Experiment pack trip, Summer 2023)
“My trip with Hannah was glorious! When we met the morning of our first day, she greeted me like a long lost sister, and that's what our hike felt like -- a wild, scattered sisterhood in the woods. She shared packing tips in the weeks prior to our trip, and a perfectly concise "how to ensure you stay on the trail" intro before we set off on day one. Hannah made me (a recovering indoorsy type who hadn't camped since age eight) feel comfortable with a solo hike in group form, and our periodic meet-ups were filled with joy and recharged me for the next leg of each hike. I left with blisters of pride and a full heart, confident that my trail skills were up to snuff for whatever adventures I choose next. Treat yourself to a trip with TwoWilderness!”
