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Ask Hiking Lady

Questions other hikers have asked:

Hiking Footwear and Blister Prevention Questions

How do I prevent blisters?

How do I prevent blisters?

Are Men’s Hiking Boots Different from Women’s Hiking Boots?
Question: “Are Men’s Hiking Boots Different from Women’s Hiking Boots? How can I tell?”

Blue Superfeet Insoles Cause Problems in Gore-Tex Hiking Boots?
Question: “Do the ridges on the bottom of the Blue Superfeet insoles wear through Gore-Tex liners?

Hiking Boots Solve Foot Pain!
Question: “I am having a lot of foot pain and problems from running shoes and work boots.”

Losing Toenails from Hiking!
Question: “The last time did a big hike I lost quite a few toe nails… any ideas?”

Are Asolo Stynger Boots Good for Slick Surfaces?
Question: “I am concerned about reviews – there are several that say BEWARE – You will fall on slick surfaces. That has me spooked.”

Heel Pain in Mountaineering Boots
Question: “My mountaineering boots are causing me heel pain and I am leaving for Mt. Rainier in a week!”

How to Lace Hiking Boots to Prevent Heel Blisters
Question: “I am having problems with blisters on my heels with walking (hiking) boots due to having very narrow heels.”

Blister Prevention Tips
After I sent out my most recent Hiking Lady’s Newsletter with tips on how to avoid sweaty feet and blisters, I got a few follow-up questions…

Mid top or low top hiking shoes?
Question: “I was looking for hiking shoes or boots for myself… ”

Are there hiking boots for narrow feet?
Question: “I have narrow feet and am having a hard time finding a pair of hiking boots that fit well. My heel slips and rides up when I hike uphill. Any suggestions?”

Winter Walking Advice?
Question: “I am a novice hiker who just likes to go on walks and short hikes. I am afraid of slipping on ice or snow. Any winter walking tips?”

Gear Questions

What is a good sleeping bag for kids?

What is a good sleeping bag for kids?


How Do I Attach My Trekking Poles to My Backpack?
Question: Where do I store my trekking poles when I’m not using them?

What Hiking Backpack Should I Buy?
Question: “I am going to start hiking this fall… how do I know what size backpack to buy?”

New to Hiking & Car Camping: Help!
Question: “What do I need to bring?”

What is a good sleeping bag for kids?
Question: “I want to take my 8-year old daughter on a backpacking trip next summer to the Rocky Mountains, and I want to find an affordable sleeping bag…”

Does the SteriPEN pre-filter keep the Nalgene threads bacteria free?
Question: I am concerned about getting the water into the bottle, for treatment, while keeping the bottle clean (threads, etc.).

Stuff Sack Size for Sleeping Bags?
Question: “How do I know what size stuff sack to get for my sleeping bag? “

Child Carrier for Hiking?
Question: “Where can I find a Kelty Child Carrier for Hiking”

Hiking Daypack
Question: “I enjoyed your entry on the whistle, but I’ll tell you what REALLY caught my eye was the picture of the whistle on the Daypack. Do you know if they still carry one like it?”

Local Hiking Questions

Hiking in Zion National Park?

Hiking in Zion National Park?

Where to go backpacking in Texas’ Palo Duro Canyon State Park?
Question: “Where can I find information on backpacking in Palo Duro Canyon State Park?”

How to find trail distances online for Camden Hills State Park in Maine?
Question: Is there a way to measure the distance of a hike on a computer?”

Hiking in Northridge, California?
Question: “I am new to Northridge, California. Any suggestions on where to hike?”

Hiking in Zion National Park?
Question: “Have you hiked in Zion? I would appreciate any information you may have to share. I even wonder how cold the water in the Narrows would be in early May.”

Traveling to Alaska’s 2 Northern National Parks?
Question: “We are most concerned about how we go about hiking in all the 8 national parks in Alaska. We think it will take two trips to the Great north.”

Hiking Groups in the California Sierra Nevadas?
Question: “I plan to spend 3 months in the CA Sierras this summer. Do you have a list of women’s / hiking groups?”

A trip of a lifetime to Alaska!
Question: “I am going on a business trip to Alaska in June. I would like to get outdoors while I am there…”

Local hiking spots near Lathrop, California?
Question: “I would love to start hiking around my area, but have no idea where to go.”

Southern California Snowshoeing Spots?
Question: “Hi, I just bought a pair of Lightning Ascent Snowshoes (I’m new to this sport–I usually X-country ski). Other than Rim Nordic, where are good spots to snowshoe in Southern California?”

Everything else!

How to Deal with Your Period When Backpacking & Mountaineering?

How to Deal with Your Period When Backpacking & Mountaineering?

Do You Tip Park Rangers?
Question: “Is it customary to tip the Ranger at the end of the hike?”

Animal Deterrents Allowed in Checked Baggage on Airplanes?
Question: “Are there any animal deterrents (pepper spray) that are legal to take in checked luggage?”

How to Deal with Your Period When Backpacking & Mountaineering? (for the girls!)
Question: “How do you deal with those pesky monthly visitors when on multi-day snow trips?”

How to Overcome a Fear of Bears?
Question: “I have a tremendous FEAR…PHOBIA…of BEARS!!!…that hinders my adventurous spirit! Do you have any suggestions?”

What is thru-hiking?
Question: “I just read an article about a woman who is trying to get rid of clutter, and she said that on her “thru-hike” she enjoyed the freedom of carrying everything she needed on her back. Is a “thru-hike” an extended backpacking trip?”

The Most Famous American Female Hiker?
Question: “Who is the most famous American female hiker of all time? Do you know where I can find collectibles / memorabilia? Signed photos or books or pictures?”

Hiking on Private Property?
Question: “I want to hike in an area of historical significance (a canyon which contained an Indian Village for nearly 2oo yrs.) This area is on property now owned by several farmers. They won’t allow anyone in…”

Dog friendly hiking and camping suggestions?
Question: “I am heading to the western U.S. for 6 to 8 weeks this summer (2010) with the sole purpose of creating a great “wild” experience for my suburban dog – hiking, swimming, camping…”

How do I prepare for a multi-day, high altitude hike to Machu Picchu?
Question: “I am going to Peru and May and am going to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu…”


Do you have a question about hiking, backpacking, or camping? Or anything else? Submit your question below and the Hiking Lady will answer as many as possible!
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