About This Fat Cat

Sumatra-born, Germany–based software developer. Not a hiker—just a fat cat who sometimes signs up for scenic pain. I build software, tell myself I won’t do cardio, then end up on ridges anyway. This site is where I park those once-a-year stories, POVs, and the thoughts I wish I’d told past‑me.

What This Site Is

This isn’t a hiking guide. You won’t find trail maps, gear recommendations, or “best time to visit” advice here. Instead, you’ll get the real experience: what went wrong, what went right, and what I wish someone had told me before I signed up for that “moderate” 8-hour ridge walk.

Every story comes with a Fat Cat Scale (how much it destroyed me) and a View Score (how much I could actually see). Because sometimes you hike 14km in fog and need to know that upfront.

Why “Fat Cat”?

I’m not actually a cat—just chronically underprepared in the cardio department. The name stuck after my first mountain experience left me questioning every life choice that led to voluntarily climbing things.

Fat cat ≠ reckless. I still respect the mountain: proper hiking boots, real hiking pants/jacket, layers, rain protection—never sneakers on a ridge. I check the forecast (and assume it’s lying), carry a map/GPX, and I’m totally fine turning back if it stops being safe.

But here’s the thing: being a fat cat doesn’t disqualify you from beautiful places. It just means you’ll get there slower, breathe harder, and probably have some interesting stories afterward.

Get In Touch

Questions? Want to share your own fat cat hiking disasters?
Email: hi@fatcathikes.com