QUIET DISCUSSION WITH : WE ARE MOUNTAIN FRIENDS

In the mountains, friendships form fast. Sharing tired legs, sudden rain, and quiet check-ins turns people into something like family, even after just one or two hikes. The outdoors feels like a reset button. City life can feel boxed in, but the trail clears the noise and sends you home lighter, even if you can’t quite explain why. Nature teaches without preaching. You learn to adapt, to respect small things, to laugh when plans fall apart, and to find comfort in cool air and long stretches of silence. It’s less about conquering a peak and more about walking together. Different paces, same direction, looking out for one another. After all, we are Mountain Friends.

To get a closer look at what this experience means, we spoke with members Nindi and Sabrina to hear their perspectives on life outdoors.

How strong is the bond of friendship that is born from walking together in nature?

Nindi:
Usually, friendships that grow from sharing activities in nature become very close — even if the trip only happened once or twice. The sense of understanding and care that develops during the journey naturally creates warmth and closeness.

Even though people may come and go on each trip, the moments we go through together often leave a lasting impression. And if one day we meet again, the connection usually still feels intact — the teamwork easily syncs again.

For friendships that have shared many trips together, it feels like gaining extra siblings or cousins. You can trust them that deeply because you’ve shared so much and gone through uncertainties in nature together.

Sabrina:
It turns out the bond is that strong. In daily life, we actually don’t meet very often. But every time we gather and go on a trip together, it’s always so easy to reconnect — mingling, talking, and catching up as if there’s no distance at all.

I’ve also traveled with many different people, and we still keep in touch to this day. In fact, some friendships that started from hiking or walking together in nature have eventually grown into working partnerships in everyday life.

From those friendships, collaboration opportunities often emerge — whether projects, ideas, or other new possibilities. One trip can open many unexpected doors.

What makes the outdoors always call people to come and explore?

Nindi:
The sense of comfort, the scenery, and its playful essence. Living in the city often feels tense, fast-paced, and restrictive. That’s when a calling arises to explore nature — to reset our mindset and energy, and to discover different things, sometimes without even knowing what the real impact will be on ourselves.

After returning from nature, each person usually experiences something personal — whether it’s receiving certain signs, a sense of recovery, or simply feeling at ease and having renewed energy and hope.

Sabrina:
Every time I go into nature, there’s always a sense of freedom and happiness that naturally arises. There’s also a mysterious side of nature that keeps me curious about how the universe works. And what’s most exciting is that there’s always something new to learn each time I venture outdoors.

In your opinion, among the many outdoor brands that are currently growing, which ones are the most interesting or relevant today — in terms of product, concept, and the communities they build?

Nindi:

Among the brands that are currently growing, I’m drawn to the spirit and product development innovation of several local outdoor brands and communities in Japan and South Korea. I admire their persistence in what they are passionate about — their design, detailing, and strong belief in attracting the right market and audience for their brand or community, such as Quiet Mountain, Nicetime Mountain, and wander, and CAYL, among others.

Personally, at the moment, I’m still very into Montbell — a long-established Japanese brand whose products are relatively accessible and versatile, suitable for beginner to experienced hikers. Montbell strongly embraces the philosophy of function over form. They aim to create products that truly support their audience in enjoying hiking activities.

They have made a positive impact both locally and globally by building an inclusive outdoor community without differentiating based on experience level. Through their products and community activities, Montbell has successfully become a bridge between passion, innovation, and sustainability in the outdoor world.

Sabrina:

So far, I really like Japanese outdoor brands because of their craftsmanship and product quality — for example, Nanga, Goldwin, and Snow Peak. I also appreciate Mountain Research, especially its line Anarcho Mountaineers, for its witty charm.

In addition, I like how Yamatomichi describes its products on their website — the explanations are informative and easy to understand.

Beyond Japanese brands, I also like Houdini and Pa'lante Packs. For larger, more established brands, Patagonia stands out to me for its long-standing consistency in promoting sustainability and continuously educating consumers about conscious consumption as a lifestyle.

What can be found in the outdoors that will never exist in urban spaces?

Nindi:
We can find beauty — from the smallest details to the vast landscapes. There is a sense of quietness and coolness as we walk, something that can never truly be replaced by the atmosphere of urban spaces.

Sabrina:
Definitely the natural beauty and the sense of freedom. Living in a dense and busy city, with the constant pressure to keep up with a fast pace of life, often makes us feel tired and stressed. The outdoors helps us pause for a moment from all the busyness, allowing us to refresh and clear our minds.

Journeys in nature can sometimes be exhausting. What kind of reward or meaning usually emerges after that fatigue?

Nindi:
Definitely stronger bonds and friendships, a deeper sense of self-awareness, and the ability to let go of control. We also learn to appreciate the small things that are often overlooked.

Sabrina:
Stronger bonding with the friends we travel with, meeting and getting to know local people, feeling more connected, and understanding ourselves better — especially in how we handle situations that are beyond our control.

How are friendships formed in nature different from those born in workplaces or cities?

Nindi:
They may both have strong bonds because they are built from shared experiences and challenges within their respective environments. But friendships in nature feel purer — there are fewer expectations, and the focus is more on looking after each other’s safety within the group.

In nature, we usually can’t predict what will happen (especially from my hiking experience). A great trip companion is one of the fundamental aspects that makes a journey memorable, enjoyable, comfortable, and safe.

Sabrina:
I think, essentially, they’re actually the same. The difference lies in the situation. In the city, we all have our own routines — the rhythm is fast, there are many distractions, and sometimes we unconsciously become more focused on our own lives. As a result, we may not meet as often or spend quality time together.

But when we’re in nature, we tend to appreciate togetherness more, care for one another more, and feel more connected. The conversations become deeper, time feels slower, and we can truly be present in the moment. In nature, I feel that simple things become more meaningful.

Nature sometimes gives space for silence, and sometimes for conversation. How does this community balance the two?

Nindi:
We read the situation — both within the group and on the mountain. When it’s time to be quiet and focus, we choose to stay silent. And when it’s time to rest, we start talking again to create a warmer atmosphere and release the fatigue after hiking.

Sabrina:
That’s true. I agree with Nindi.

If nature is considered a teacher, what is the greatest lesson you have felt together?

Nindi:
Perhaps the hardest lesson is learning to let go of control, not underestimating small things, and always being ready to adapt to any condition.

Sabrina:
With all the limitations that exist in nature, it actually teaches us to appreciate the small things more and to be fully present in every moment. Whenever I’m in nature, I always feel small. Nature teaches me to be humble and grounded — to embrace things that don’t go according to expectations.

Is there a particular moment or place in the outdoors that has become a collective memory for this community?

Nindi:
What feels most memorable is actually the enthusiasm people have shown toward outdoor activities. From those who were initially just curious about trekking, to eventually joining trips and discovering their own meaning in it.

Over the past year, we’ve met many new people, reunited with old friends, and were even invited to collaborate with Wakaigo to create an outdoor product together — something we never expected before.

But what makes us happiest is being able to inspire more people to believe in and feel excited about the outdoor world. We can’t wait to see what’s next!

Sabrina:
From the many trips we’ve taken with different people, the common thread for me is the shared moments of togetherness. Those moments have become our collective memories and are what make each journey even more meaningful.

If this community’s journey were imagined as a long expedition, where do you think you are now, and in which direction do you want to move forward?

Nindi:
I imagine that right now we’re on a rocky path — still finding our direction in the middle of a trail that keeps changing. But as we move forward, we’re also learning to pause and enjoy the view. We’re always excited and open to new things, cherishing new connections with strangers, sharing stories, and taking notes along the way.

Sabrina:
I picture us walking on a damp, uphill trail that keeps ascending. We move at our own individual pace, but we can still see one another along the way, checking in on each other’s condition. Some of us feel tired and stop for a while to rest, while others keep walking. Even though our steps aren’t always the same, we’re still heading toward the same destination — the campsite — where we can rest, eat, talk, and enjoy the view together.