How is backpacking different for women than men? Series intro

While reorganizing and streamlining the blog categories late last year, I found two lonely posts that demanded their own section — For women — and that also highlighted the need for more related content.

On this website I generally stick to subjects about which I’m an expert, so historically it’s been light on female-specific subjects and has lacked a female perspective. No matter how much time I spend in the backcountry with women — whether it be my wife, my guides, or my clients — I will never develop the same level of expertise in this area.

To help fill this content void and to provide a helpful and holistic resource for beginners and intermediates, today I’m launching a 10-part series about backpacking for women.

Series objective

At least some — and maybe most — elements of a backpacking trip are gender-neutral. For example, our sex does not influence the fuel efficiency of an alcohol stove, the direction of true north, or the odds of getting a John Muir Trail permit. So a lot of informational content about backpacking is equally applicable to all genders.

I wanted this series to focus on areas that aren’t gender-neutral, and gave the writers two guiding questions:

What unique concerns do women have about backpacking? And,In what ways is backpacking different for women than men?

Each installment covers one answer to these questions.

Installments

The first half of the 10-post series will be published on a weekly basis, and the second half will probably be a little slower.

Finding Your Community: Outdoor Sisterhood

Say “yes” to all opportunities presented to you, and use internet groups to find your people and encourage a more inclusive outdoor community.

Societal Challenges: Yes, I Can Hike Solo, Thanks

Societal norms should be broken to encourage more women to venture into the outdoors solo. We’ll talk about why people shouldn’t be worried about women being vulnerable in the outdoors.

Facing Your Fears: Wild Animals, Insects and Injuries

We explore skills and tools to manage and reduce the risk of these off-cited concerns so you can confidently hit the trail.

Facing Your Fears: Other People

What can you do if you experience inappropriate physical contact, verbal harassment, or discrimination while adventuring in the outdoors? Also, how can you safely have an impact if you witness harassment?

Women Specific Gear

How is women-specific gear actually different, and do you need it?

Fitness & Training for the Female Outdoor Athlete

Tips on training for outdoor endeavors both inside and outside the gym.

Feeding the Female Athlete: Nutrition for Outdoor Endurance

Trail food is not one-size-fits-all. We’ll explore how to plan backcountry meals, adjust “standard” meal plans, and fuel the female outdoor athlete for the long haul.

Women Specific Hygiene: Peeing, Pooping, and Menstruating on the Trail

Learn how to successfully poop in the woods, properly use a pee funnel, effectively manage your period, and care for your lady bits.

Dirtbag Gorgeous: Embracing Dirt Under Your Fingernails and On-Trail Self-Care

Women wear makeup for various reasons, and that’s okay. Let’s talk about why it shouldn’t matter if you adventure while wearing make-up or not.

Mentoring & Giving Back

The greatest gift you can give to the outdoor community is yourself. Inclusivity, encouragement, and empowerment for women in the outdoors starts with us. We change the world, and further the cause of equality in the outdoors, one woman at a time. It’s your turn.

The writers



Teresa Hagerty

Teresa is a Seattle-based hiker, backpacker, cyclist, climber, and glacier mountaineer. She brings over twenty years of experience in outdoor adventures and mentorship, and is founder of Cascade Mountain Adventures, a Pacific Northwest outdoor guiding service dedicated to women taking their first steps into outdoor adventure.

Cascade Mountain Adventures @pnwoutside



Teresa on the summit of Mt. Rainier







Alexandra Lev

Alexandra Lev is a Portland, Oregon-based freelance writer and content developer. As a passionate outdoor adventurer and mental health advocate, it’s her mission to inspire others to connect with themselves, their communities, and the planet in a deeper way. When not writing about the outdoors or speaking about mental health issues she can usually be found skiing or hiking in the backcountry with her husband and their two Siberian huskies.

LuckyAlexandra.com@luckyalexandra

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