My dream has come true—what a wonderful experience! The SKYRACE® National Challenge 2024 season has concluded successfully.

The Skyler Heavy‑Load Hiking Challenge kicked off in March this year and has already guided nearly 600 participants to finish, with many embarking on their first-ever long-distance, fully loaded hike right here.

At the departure ceremony for this Ledomain‑Yin Station expedition, Si Kailè once said, “So-called ‘heavy gear’ doesn’t mean trudging forward under a burden—it means putting words into action. When I sling my backpack over my shoulders and set foot on the vast mountains and rivers, that pack no longer weighs me down; instead, it gives me a sense of security!” This time, upon returning from the Ledomain‑Yin Station challenge, many team members can relate deeply to these words.

“I used to think that when you set out on a heavy‑load trek, the first challenge is conquering nature. Now I believe the real battle is with yourself—stop overthinking and just take action; the only thing that matters is getting started!” “My first high‑altitude, fully loaded trek—Skyloong was my strongest support team!”…

Embarking on a gear‑laden trek also marks the beginning of countless firsts—first steps onto the high plateau, first bouts of altitude sickness, and even the start of a 30‑year‑old’s roller‑coaster‑filled first day. Some found themselves receiving the most thoughtful birthday gift from a fellow traveler at the journey’s end, while others had just hopped off the trail after a grueling off‑road race.

They once again found themselves moved to tears by the 72-year-old trail‑running legend, Teacher Zhang Chong, as he crossed the finish line after a grueling 168 kilometers. This time, age was no longer a barrier: together, we set out at daybreak and kept going until nightfall. At the campsite, under the moonlight, we caught sight of the beckoning peak of Little Gongga. And here, too, we welcomed the unexpected, romantic surprises brought by the ever‑changing climate of the glacier‑bound ice lake at 4,600 meters.

A photo of Xiaohongshu influencers Chang Jing and Teacher Zhang Chong.

These unexpected first encounters have also come together to form the cherished footage of the sixth and final leg of the Skyler Heavy‑Duty Hiking Challenge.

On October 18, our team assembled and set out from Chengdu, arriving at the Gexi Grassland in the afternoon. With our backpacks on, we officially embarked on this arduous high-altitude trek.

Amid October’s breathtaking, rolling mountain scenery, the competitors set off in groups; as the elevation climbed, the gaps in their physical fitness gradually widened. Yet along this path, no one was truly on their own—each was part of a team.

“This time was truly wild—whether solo or as a team, everyone had a blast. The three-day route not only gave us a chance to slow down but also inspired and empowered us to reach the summit together. It was really something special!” Among the participants, many are popular influencers on various platforms, yet for most, it all started simply as a personal passion and a desire to explore new trails.

The re‑equipped hiking trail brings everyone’s passion together along a single route, where participants share the most epic paths they’ve trekked, the most breathtaking scenery, and the most fascinating people they’ve met. Some even take part in six consecutive stages of the event.

“Every stop brought a surprise, and each one led us to meet better people and forge connections with many fascinating souls!” The challenges of the loaded‑up hike and the mutual encouragement, along with the wild, carefree campfire life and laughter, turned this journey into an unforgettable experience—far from being just hardship.

“Why should we endure hardship? When I see so many images and share a hug with those around me, I feel it’s all worth it!” Indeed, why do we set out on this journey again? It’s not about mindlessly pushing ourselves into relentless competition; it’s about truly savoring simplicity and nature—about finding an unconventional path to reach our destination. Even the burdens of food, shelter, and travel along the way give us more opportunities to connect and find common ground.

“My dream was to visit western Sichuan at the perfect time, and this trip not only made that dream come true but also let me deeply experience three distinct ‘heats’ of October in western Sichuan—passion, enthusiasm, and fervor! We came because of our love for this place, and we were moved by the organizers’ warm hospitality. Along the way, we pushed past our limits with the most passionate expressions!”

We’ve journeyed together, reaping not only the breathtaking scenery and cherished friendships along the way, but also the sense of camaraderie that comes from shared experiences. As one participant put it: “The next time we meet, we’ll proudly say, ‘This is the friend I went to Ledo Manin with—my fellow adventurer on that rugged trek!’”

At the edge of a high-altitude glacial lake, 4,600 meters above sea level, the sun suddenly broke through the wind and snow. The mountain peaks and glaciers emerged from the mist, growing ever clearer. All the discomfort of altitude sickness, all the labored gasps for air—here, in this moment, they turned both romantic and boundless.

“I’ve traveled to countless places, and I’ve reached many beginnings and ends. When so many of us stand by the sea and watch the sun rise, that kind of romance is unlike anything any journey—whether in departure or arrival—can ever match.”

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On the second day of the challenge, the elevation steadily climbed from 3,900 meters at the camp to 4,600 meters at the glacial lake. The increasingly thin air stood in stark contrast to the mounting excitement welling up from deep within.

On the way to the Shangri‑Wuqi camp, a blizzard rolled in. The final stretch of ascent, combined with the sudden change in weather, turned what should have been a few hundred meters into a grueling challenge—far tougher than ten kilometers. I had assumed those few hundred meters were close, but after walking for what felt like ages, we still hadn’t covered even 200 meters. With their bodies sounding the alarm, some team members began descending under the guidance and protection of the leader.

“This event was unlike any I’ve attended before—no one stood idly by; everyone did what they could to help those around them.” Despite lingering regrets about not reaching the summit, along the way, the symptoms of altitude sickness only served to underscore the team’s warmth and camaraderie. It might have been a packet of glucose, a piece of chocolate, or even someone carrying a teammate’s backpack.

“Meeting at the summit is not our ultimate goal. By engaging with our bodies and finding our own personal balance, we also learn to respect nature—and descending at the right moment is the best way to arrive safely.”

At the glacial lakes, the professional protection offered by the Skyloong 1000‑Dome PRO down jacket and the Armor PRO shell jacket allowed every participant to witness, atop the mountain, the breathtaking spectacle of the sun breaking through the clouds—illuminating the seamless expanse of sky and ice. Yet in truth, it is never the flashy gear that truly lights up the mountains and rivers; it is each brave, steadfast companion who walks alongside.

“So-called outdoor life isn’t about changing into a new outfit and stepping out—it’s about returning home with a different mindset!”

At the closing celebration, the challenge’s founder remarked that the finish line is never the true end; their goal is to inspire more and more people to fall in love with the outdoors—and with the immersive, nature‑centered experience of gear‑packed, long‑distance outdoor adventures. She also emphasized that the Skyroad Gear Challenge will continue: “We’ve set a target of 100 stops—not just a number, but a pledge of determination and confidence. We sincerely hope to see you all again in 2025, and as we reflect on each event, we’ll make it even more fun and engaging!”