Sunny Stroeer

My preparation is more of a continuous process than a hectic preparation before a big trip. Physically, I'm fortunate to have built up a robust endurance base over the last two decades that allows me to tackle many difficult objectives without much additional training. As an outdoor enthusiast and guide, I naturally spend a lot of time moving through the terrain - hiking, running and climbing - often with a heavy rucksack simulating the loads of an expedition. Physically, training is just as important. Long, solitary days in the desert and mountains are a form of meditation and mental conditioning; they teach me how to deal with discomfort and keep going when the going gets tough. Before a big goal, I spend a lot of time on logistical and strategic planning: I work intensively on equipment and nutrition, visualise the route and plan possible emergency measures. Knowing that I have all controllable factors under control gives me the mental freedom to adapt and perform when I'm out there.

On a long expedition, equipment is not just a collection of items, but a real life support system. My boots are the absolute foundation: if my feet fail, everything fails. Beyond that, I think in systems. My sleeping system (a warm, reliable sleeping bag and two sleeping mats) is crucial for recovery. My navigation system (GPS and satellite messenger) is my connection to safety and the outside world. And my clothing is a layering system that has to work in a wide range of temperatures and conditions. I rely on equipment that is simple, durable and proven.

When I'm travelling, yes - as I pursue many goals without assistance, I focus on high-calorie and shelf-stable foods that allow me to consume as many nutrients as possible with as little weight and effort as possible. Nuts play an important role. After working with a performance nutritionist in 2024, I've started to de-prioritise carbohydrates and now rely mainly on fats and proteins, especially in my longer, low-intensity activities. At home, I am much less disciplined: I eat what I feel like eating, and plenty of it.

This partnership feels incredibly natural due to our strongly aligned values. At its core, LOWA is about enabling adventure through quality, reliability and trust. You make boots that allow people to safely reach the wildest places in the world. The Summit Scholarship is also about enabling adventure and access, especially for women. We share the values of empowerment - giving people the tools they need to achieve their goals - and excellence. We both believe in setting high standards - for LOWA in the form of the craftsmanship that goes into making a mountaineering boot, and for the Summit Scholarship in the form of the quality and determination that goes into our mentoring and expedition programme. Together, we are working to create a more accessible and equitable foundation for the next generation of mountaineers.

Find like-minded people! Community is everything. Look for women's sports groups or affinity spaces where you can learn and build confidence in a supportive environment. Next, focus on your skills. Competence is the best antidote to impostor syndrome. Invest in your own education - attend courses, work with guides and develop yourself. And finally, don't be afraid to take up space. Your voice, your perspective and your presence are important - and absolutely necessary.

For my biggest mountain goals, I rely on the 6000m EVO RD. This is the boot I trust when it comes to places like Aconcagua where it gets very, VERY cold. It provides the crucial, expedition-grade warmth you need for the summit climb, but what really sets it apart is that it's comfortable enough to live in for ten days straight in the high mountains. This combination of warmth and real long-distance comfort is exactly what I'm looking for. It's a piece of equipment that I can put on and have complete confidence in.