St. Louis Hiking Patch Creator Hits the Trails

Missouri is home to many world class hiking opportunities whether it be the Ozark Trail, state parks, conservation areas, or local parks. A St. Louis-based patch creator, Arrowhead Patches, is giving hikers a chance to memorialize their outdoor adventures with individual trail patches. The patches get their name from their arrowhead shape which is a nod to the owner's native heritage. The shape also allows individual patches to fit together forming a larger mosaic. They are quickly becoming a hit with both serious hikers and those going on gentle weekend strolls. Parents who want to get their children in the outdoors find this a fun way to encourage a hike. Hiking patch collecting is a bit of a sport for many. Hikers display them on backpacks, pillows, blankets, framed on the wall and simply loose. "I've hiked throughout the country and our local trails are as diverse and unique as any. However, the Midwest doesn't have the traditional draw that some areas have such as Appalachia or the western mountain ranges. Arrowhead Patches is helping promote local trails and bragging on their behalf," said hiker Ryan Giancola. Each Arrowhead Patch displays the trail and area names as well as an embroidered illustration of something possibly encountered on the trail such as a plant, animal, or geographic feature. New patches are being added frequently so keep an eye out for new adventures to collect. Find them at arrowheadpatches.etsy.com.