When HiiKER was launched back at the beginning of 2020, we started with one goal in mind – get more people out hiking. This, coupled with our desire for a more sustainable and equitable world for all, helped us in defining our mission:
Reconnecting people with our planet to protect future generations.
We firmly believe that as more people get outdoors and experience the natural world, there is less of a disconnect between us and the planet. Thus, building a robust connection to each other and the world around us. To (mis)quote the Astronomer and Author Carl Sagan “Hiking to me, underscores our responsibility to deal more kindly with one another, and to preserve and cherish the pale blue dot, the only home we’ve ever known.”
2020 didn’t exactly go to plan
As the world was descending into complete lockdown, due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, we were out on the Wicklow Way – testing the app and shifting our focus to a life where we lived and breathed the mission. When we were about halfway, we realised that this was no joke and not only would we have to cut our trip short, but that this could put our whole mission in jeopardy.
Around the planet, people were told to stay at home and stay within a short distance of your home. That isn’t really going to fit in with our mission right?
Well.. as the world began to reopen (albeit fragmented and in a lot of cases, fractious), more and more people flocked to the hills and national parks. A new love of the outdoors was sparked. Hiking trails became the new vacation destination.
So what started as a (somewhat) standard plan to grow our brand, then turned into a complete rollercoaster of events. We never expected to see the platform grow as quick as it has and for so many hikers to see and love what we are doing.
We thank each and every one of you who have downloaded our app, who have given us feedback (good or bad) and who have continued to spread the good word!
The path to 1,000,000 HiiKERS
While we are at early days, we already know that we have the motivation and vision to make this the best digital tool for hikers all around the world. We are trialing new ways for our users to interact and have the best experience while planning, navigating and even discussing their favourite trails.
But all of this comes at a cost. Not financial, not time. But a cost to our planet. We are determined to ensure that the impact that we make through the building of our company is counteracted by the partnerships we have with environmental and trail organisations around the world.
Hiiker 