The Ascent
The Journey to Taegi Elementary School
The Path to Taegi School — The Leader and the Lone Male, Amon
On Friday the 13th, we started our hike from Yanggu Dumijae to Taegi Elementary School with our dogs and backpacks. The path was a mix of steep inclines and descents along a paved road, making the hike manageable yet physically demanding. Although the destination wasn’t far, the perceived distance felt longer than expected, leading us to check the map repeatedly.
“Why aren’t we there yet?” Curious Steps and Byul’s Trustful Following
Accompanying us were four adventurous dogs:
- Amon and Otte, the Border Collie siblings embarking on their first big hike,
- Malang, a seasoned yet timid Poodle, and
- Byul, a chubby Poodle transitioning from a house dog to a mountain dog.
For this trip, all the dogs wore TAILHIGH’s Hybrid Harness, which gave us not just physical freedom but a deeper trust between us and our furry companions.
Ready to Run - Amon and Otte in Their Hybrid Harnesses
Facing the Cold Head-On
As we climbed, the biting winter air and icy paths reminded us that the season was in full swing. But thanks to the Heater fabric, a functional thermal material, our dogs stayed warm despite the harsh weather. The Go2 Fleece Heater Top and Heating Suit proved their worth, insulating the dogs against the freezing temperatures. Their warmth reassured us as we journeyed onward, feeling the heat of their clothing like holding a cup of hot chocolate in our hands.
The Gradient Landscapes Unfolding on the Way to Taegi School
As We Near Taegi School, We Are Welcomed by Untouched Snow Fields
Taegisan Backpacking: A Pre-Christmas Adventure with TAILHIGH
The First Destination of the Switch On Campaign: Taegisan
In December, we embarked on our first backpacking adventure of the Switch On campaign, and our destination was Taegisan.
Taegisan in December was cold but captivating, holding a charm that couldn’t be ignored. We knew that winter in Taegisan was one of the most beautiful experiences, and we had a hunch that sharing this with our dogs would make it all the more special.
The Ascent
The Journey to Taegi Elementary School
On Friday the 13th, we started our hike from Yanggu Dumijae to Taegi Elementary School with our dogs and backpacks. The path was a mix of steep inclines and descents along a paved road, making the hike manageable yet physically demanding. Although the destination wasn’t far, the perceived distance felt longer than expected, leading us to check the map repeatedly.
Accompanying us were four adventurous dogs:
For this trip, all the dogs wore TAILHIGH’s Hybrid Harness, which gave us not just physical freedom but a deeper trust between us and our furry companions.
Facing the Cold Head-On
As we climbed, the biting winter air and icy paths reminded us that the season was in full swing. But thanks to the Heater fabric, a functional thermal material, our dogs stayed warm despite the harsh weather. The Go2 Fleece Heater Top and Heating Suit proved their worth, insulating the dogs against the freezing temperatures. Their warmth reassured us as we journeyed onward, feeling the heat of their clothing like holding a cup of hot chocolate in our hands.
A Night at Taegi Elementary School
When we arrived early Friday afternoon, Taegi Elementary School, known as a backpacking haven, was empty. This allowed us to pick our ideal campsite, and we chose a deck closest to the forest.
We set up our tents while securing the dogs in a Rope Dog Parking system using TAILHIGH ropes and accessories.
The dogs waited patiently, occasionally lying down to recharge or playfully interacting with each other as we prepared their temporary home.
This trip also included field testing for TAILHIGH’s new apparel products:
We tested their functionality in -10°C weather, focusing on temperature retention, quick-dry performance, and activity-friendly designs.
Go2 Heating Suit 4 Legs + Go2 Fleece Heater Top + Hybrid Harness
Later, we ventured into the snow-covered forest behind the campsite. The vibrant colors of the Fleece Heater Tops — Strawberry Pink, Lime Green, and Maple Orange — stood out beautifully against the white snow, making it easy to spot the dogs as they roamed freely.
We Shared Espresso Made with Hand Warmer Packs and Prepared Hot & Cook Series Meals and Cup Noodles for Dinner. We Enjoyed Our Meal While Feeling the Warmth Left in the Hand Warmers. The Joy and Hardship of the Hike Today Made This Moment Even More Delicious.
Pre-Christmas Celebrations
We embraced an early White Christmas by decorating our tents with LED lights and ornaments. The dogs curiously observed the setup, wagging their tails in approval.
As night fell and the stars lit up the sky, the freezing temperatures became even more pronounced.
We bundled up in sleeping bags, while the dogs, layered in Heating Suits and Fleece Heater Tops, stayed warm and active. Even Byul, who wore just two layers, managed to sleep outside the sleeping bag, relying solely on the warmth of her clothing.
Morning at the Peak
On Saturday morning, we set out from Taegi Elementary School to the summit of Taegisan. The frosty morning air didn’t faze the dogs, dressed once again in their Heating Suits, Fleece Heater Tops, and All-Weather Padding.
Despite the challenging inclines, the dogs kept pace with us. When we finally reached the summit marker at 1,261 meters above sea level, the snow-covered mountains and wind turbines of Gangwon-do unfolded before us — a breathtaking sight made even more special by our dogs’ presence.
Returning to Reality
After descending from the summit, we packed up our tents and cleaned up the site, ensuring we left no trace behind. The TAILHIGH team carried all our trash down the mountain, reaffirming our commitment to clean backpacking.
On the way down, the wind turbines accompanied us with their shadows and hums, marking the end of our first Switch On backpacking story.
Final Thoughts
Winter in Taegisan felt like a quiet tale, filled with warmth despite the cold. The time spent with our dogs was priceless, and the challenges we faced only made the experience more rewarding.
Every step we took, guided by the dogs’ pawprints in the snow, reminded us of the beauty of this moment.
Route & Distance
Day 1 (Dec. 13): Yanggu Dumijae → Taegi Elementary School (1.3 km)
Day 2 (Dec. 14): Taegi Elementary School → Summit Marker (1.2 km) → Taegi Elementary School → Yanggu Dumijae (1.3 km)
Weather
Dec. 13 (Cloudy):
Dec. 14 (Clear):
Gear Information
Our journey to Taegisan was a blend of adventure, testing, and celebration. With every step, we created memories that will inspire the next Switch On adventure.