8 Things Female Hikers Should Think About

In honor of International Women’s Day I thought I would come up with a list of 8 things that female hikers should think about before hitting the trail. Featuring photos of some of the awesome women in my life 🙂

• Women sleep colder.
  • Bring THE RIGHT layers –cotton kills.
  • Have a sleeping bag made for women. It has stuffing in different places than a mens to help keep us warmer.

Jordan and I on the Art Loeb Trail

• Be prepared or know when your time of the month is
  • Have a ziplock bag with duck tape around the outside because you need to pack it out.
  • Use a diva cup. I have never used such thing but some hikers do.

Kristen and I at Linville Gorge

• Make sure that you keep your lady parts dry and clean.
  • Try to avoid wearing cotton underwear and wash your underwear daily. Bring two pairs so you can alternate when one pair is drying.

My Mom and I in Panthertown

• Have a way to call for help or protect yourself
  • Bring a knife/mace/whistle with you.
• Buy a pack made for a woman and have it fitted to your body.
  • We have different shaped bodies then men. It would be horrible to get out on the trail only to find that your pack is uncomfortable.

My sister and I on the Florida Trail

• Invest in clothes that are comfortable
  • The worst thing is getting out on the trail and finding that you get a wedgie or your pants fall down or ride up when you walk.   Walk around the store in them before you buy them.

Liz and I at Hanging Rock

• Leave the perfumes and fragrances behind including scented deodorant.
  • You will smell good to people but also to BUGS and honestly everyone will have some body-odor while out on the trail.

• Wear the right bra.
  • Lace and push up bras are great in everyday life but not on the trail. Invest in a good sports bra or if you are little, go sans bra!

xoxo

Kristin