Girls make superior backpackers as a result of we’re well-equipped biologically and bodily: We’re constructed for endurance, have excessive ache tolerance, retailer fats higher than males, are stronger within the hips (which is nice for carrying packs), and are extra in tune with our our bodies so we all know when to relaxation. And, girls excel at creating neighborhood on the path, at supporting one another.
— Liz Meschio, fitnessinf Outside Faculty teacher
There are extra girls backpacking at present than ever earlier than and girls are inspiring different girls to get on the market: The leap in variety of girls hikers on the Pacific Crest Path might be attributed in nice half to Cheryl Strayed’s 2012 transcendent memoir, Wild.
No matter motivates us to hit the path, most of us girls discover our backpacking experiences to be empowering, soul-enriching, even life-changing. Whether or not we hit the path solo or with others, for a single weekend or for months on finish, the flexibility to hold what we want on our again so as to commune with nature, and with different outside fanatics we meet on the path, is just unmatched in different facets of life.
In case you’re younger or outdated, a first-timer or veteran hiker, you’ll discover inspiration from different feminine backpacking fanatics. Following are some solutions that can assist you put together on your subsequent journey. A lot of the following pointers apply to each women and men, whereas some will deal with frequent considerations that ladies backpackers face.
In case you’ve by no means been backpacking earlier than, or want a refresher on the fundamentals, be sure you learn our article on Backpacking for Newcomers.
Gear Concerns
No matter your gender, after all you should be sure you have the fitting gear to move into the backcountry, together with the Ten Necessities. That additionally means the next:
Tenting and mountaineering gear: Be certain that your pack is snug, you know the way to arrange your tent, you could have a high quality sleeping bag and pad, and you know the way your range and water filter work. Deliver alongside restore provides for the above. Be aware that there are women-specific choices for backpacks and sleeping luggage that will present a extra snug match and higher efficiency than unisex or males’s kinds.
Clothes and boots: Ensure you have clothes applicable for the climate and your vacation spot. Quick-drying underwear is of specific be aware for ladies as a result of it helps you keep away from yeast and urinary tract infections. Additionally, make certain your boots and ft are snug. For extra suggestions, see our articles on how to decide on backpacking garments and the way to decide on mountaineering boots.
Hygiene objects: Along with fundamentals like hand sanitizer and private wipes, girls do have some particular gear concerns for hygiene.
- Menstrual provides: Many backpacking girls like to make use of a menstrual cup as a result of it reduces the additional weight of carrying tampons and it cuts waste. It’s a good suggestion to hold a “go equipment,” an ultralight stuff sack or dry bag that holds your clear provides together with a separate sealed bag for waste. For extra info, see our article, Backpacking With Your Interval.
- Pee funnel: Planning to backpack in chilly or wet climate? A specifically designed funnel allows you to hold your pants on and stand as much as pee; and, with apply, you need to use it in your tent at evening with a bottle.
- Pee rag: Some girls recommend utilizing a cotton bandana as a substitute of bathroom paper whenever you pee. Tie it to the skin of your pack to dry within the solar. Rinse it as usually as you possibly can.
Security objects:
- Security whistle: This is usually a deterrent to animals and people in addition to a option to name for assist.
- Bear spray: This might come in useful for bear assaults (or human interactions if warranted).
- In case you’re touring solo or to very distant places, you may additionally contemplate carrying a private locator beacon (PLB) with satellite tv for pc messaging so you possibly can ship an “I’m effective” message as soon as a day (or at a pre-established date and time) and so you possibly can ship an SOS if one thing severe occurs. Additionally, earlier than you go, all the time depart your detailed itinerary with somebody you belief.
Psychological Preparation
Do not forget that information is energy, so earlier than your journey, do your analysis and make a psychological plan for a way you’ll cope with the next doable situations:
Human encounters: The individuals who exit on trails for lengthy distances are usually pleasant, useful and beneficiant. That’s to not say unlucky issues can’t occur. Listed here are some suggestions girls backpackers have shared that assist them really feel ready to keep away from and cope with dodgy conditions:
- Keep away from tenting inside one mile of a street or trailhead. Follow tenting in established campsites.
- Keep away from tenting on or close to a sport path. You don’t need animals—or hunters—actually operating into you.
- Belief your intestine. In case you meet somebody you are feeling uneasy about, don’t really feel you need to reply questions on the place you’re heading, tenting, and so forth. Be happy to make up an excuse to depart them. Inform them you need to make your miles that day, or are getting an assault of giardia—so goodbye! Stride off confidently.
- Take into account carrying a fixed-blade, holstered knife in a outstanding place in your belt. That may make somebody assume twice about hassling you.
- Carry a can of pepper spray made for private self-defense if that makes you are feeling safer.
- Don’t hesitate to make use of your security whistle if you should. Three blasts is the common name for assist.
Animal encounters: Are there bears and cougars the place you’ll be mountaineering? Learn to retailer your meals utilizing bear-proof strategies and what to do for those who encounter a threatening animal. Undoubtedly carry a can of bear spray for those who’ll be in bear territory, and hike in a bunch of three to 4 or extra. See our articles on Backpacking in Bear Nation, Meals Storage Fundamentals and Bear Canister Fundamentals for extra info.
For smaller potential hazards, reminiscent of snakes, once more, discover out if any toxic species could also be discovered the place you’re going, the best way to determine them, the best way to keep away from them, and what to do for those who encounter or get bitten by one.
Getting misplaced or injured: Carry an in depth topo map, GPS and compass and know the best way to use them to keep away from getting misplaced within the first place. See our articles about studying a topo map and the best way to use a compass. On a long-distance path, know forward of time the place your “escape” routes are to civilization for those who get sick or harm and want to chop your trek quick. Likelihood is, for those who’re on a well-traveled path, somebody will cease to assist.
Loneliness: Being alone for days on finish is usually a problem—and in addition empowering. You’ll resolve your personal issues and make your personal choices with out enter from others. In case you want to backpack with another person, particularly as a beginner, discover a accomplice by means of your personal group of buddies or native mountaineering golf equipment. In case you’re solo on the path, assist create a neighborhood of different solo hikers. After which there’s the tried and true companion, in case your route permits: a canine.
Bodily Preparation
Spending a number of days hauling a pack weighing 30 or extra kilos up and down uneven terrain will problem you in numerous methods. From head to toe, you’ll want energy coupled with a strong stage of cardiovascular health. A perfect pre-trip coaching plan contains the next:
- Cardio exercises (mountaineering, biking, elliptical coaching, and so forth.),
- Coaching hikes with a weighted backpack (enhance weight and distance over time to construct stamina)
- Resistance exercises to construct energy and stability
Additionally, earlier than tackling a long-distance path, apply quick journeys of at the least a pair days.
For a urged coaching plan, learn our article, Backpacking: Coaching Ideas and Workout routines.