Tyler has a Dream

Tyler Bounds has a dream: To go hiking with BACKPACKER's very own Gear Pro/Chick, Kristin Hostetter. But rather than just let his dream rattle around in his head forever, he's gone and built a Facebook fan page. Here's a summation of his mission:

Kristin Hostetter, the Gear Chick at Backpacker Magazine, is my dream hiking partner. She knows how to set up a tent, boil water, and bandage a blister. Plus, she is very easy on the eyes...She would be the Ultimate tentmate and trailbuddy.

I have been a subscriber to Backpacker Magazine for many years, and have always had a "thing" for Ms. Hostetter and her insights. For a gearhead like me, she is the golden gear goddess...

Well, Tyler, the BACKPACKing gods have heard your prayers, and they've decided to answer them. But we're not just giving a prize this great away. We help those who help themselves, so it's his task to raise as many fans of his cause as he can. Here's the breakdown:

1,000 fans: Tyler gets to be an official gear tester
2,000 fans: Tyler gets a free tent and pack
3,000 fans: Tyler gets the trip with Kristin

BACKPACKER readers, you can help him reach his goal with a single click. Go to Tyler's Facebook page and be his fan—you'll help make his dream come true.

(The sackfuls of fan mail we get every month tell us that Tyler's not alone in his ardor for our beloved Gear Chick. But for all the whiners out there saying, "hey—no fair! That's my dream!", Tyler's the first to actually take the initiative and actually do something about it. So there.)

—Ted Alvarez

http://www.backpacker.com/helphikewithkristinhostetter/blogs/1752