Hiking 101
“In all things of nature, there is something of the marvelous.” -Aristotle
If you’re a seasoned hiker and backpacker, you know that the right preparation, apparel, and hiking gear can make a huge difference in how enjoyable your outdoor experiences are.
However, if you’re like many of us women on the trail, you learn about what to take from men: fathers, husbands, boyfriends, male hiking buddies, you name it. Have you been on a camping trip and wondered why the girls were cold and the guys never seemed to be?
Luckily, as more women take up this sport, manufacturers are making women’s specific equipment like boots, socks, backpacks, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, trekking poles and snowshoes.
Adventure Apparel: Everything you’ll need to get your closet ready for the trail. Information on hiking pants, tops, hats, outerwear, underwear, and sunglasses!
Boots: Hiking boots are the most important purchase you’ll ever make. In addition to traditional hiking boots, I have loads of information on all of the footwear you’ll need for your outdoor adventures: womens water shoes, trail running shoes, hiking boots, backpacking boots, mountaineering boots, insoles, socks and sock liners, and down booties.
Backpacks (Daypacks and Backpacks): Definitely make sure you get one fitted to your frame. Did you know that you need to have your spine measured to make sure you have the right fit?
Gaiters: Do you know what to look for when shopping for gaiters? You’ll eventually want to own a pair of snow gaiters and desert gaiters.
Sleeping bags: Since women are naturally colder than men (there are many scientific studies proving this), you want to buy a women’s specific bag with extra padding in the foot bed and where your hands rest, and be sure to study the temperature ratings.
Sleeping pads: Don’t sacrifice thickness for weight! Since the average women is shorter than the average man, you can save space and pack weight by buying a women’s specific sleeping pad.
Trekking poles: You’ll want a pair if you want your knees to work when you’re older.
Snowshoes: One of my favorite ways to enjoy the beauty and bliss of wintertime is snowshoeing. Snowshoeing is essentially “hiking” in the wintertime, and you’ll need a pair of snowshoes to keep yourself afloat on the snow. Read more about snoewhoes here, and learn about women’s specific models that will make it easier for you to maneuver through the snow.
GPS Tracking Device: GPS units are devices that can help find your location, plot a route, track your route, and provide statistics on direction and distance traveled.
