Hiking Dude

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4 Reasons Women Should Not Be Afraid to Hike Solo

05/14/2020

When I thru-hiked the Ice Age Trail across Wisconsin, I met Melanie hiking the trail in the opposite direction. At the time, her trail name was Valderi but it has since become Snowshoe. I'm very envious of Snowshoe because she has made a career of writing about her travels - can't beat that!
Anyway, since I'm no expert on the subject, I've asked Snowshoe to share her views on women solo hiking. Here's her thoughts...

One of the most common questions asked of veteran female hikers is this: Aren't you afraid to be alone on the trail? Most of the time, the real question behind this question revolves around the fear of being attacked, molested or killed by a male - not having an accident or being harmed by another woman.

My answer, and that of other experienced female hikers, is a resounding No! Sure, there are risks to heading into the outdoor

The essence of hiking is to leave life behind, if only for a few hours, and explore the world around you using only the power of your body.
It is feeling your lungs labor, your muscles tighten and relax, and all your senses bringing new information into your brain.
Being a Hiking Dude is being on the move, covering ground, challenging your body, and renewing your soul.

The number one problem in America is the drop in miles walked per day. The sedentary lifestyle that so many of us now lead (especially people spending too much time making web sites!) is causing us to keel over right and left. Just going for a walk (let's call that a hike) for 30 minutes every day is about the best thing you can do for yourself, and for your family!

Hiking is a sport unto itself. But, it is also the means of locomotion that backpackers use to get around on multi-day adventures. I'm offering information about the art of hiking and all the preparation, skills, problems, and gear used by hiking dudes in moving about from place to place on foot. After learning all about hiking here, please visit the Outdoors Dudes web site for even more great advice about skills for trips and the outdoors.

If you've been surfing the web to find out something about hiking, then please check out my Beginner Hiker Plan to learn how to get ready to start hiking.

Comments:
Feb 26, 2012 - Lynn

Love your page. I have wanted to take up hiking for well over 20 years, but life got in the way. So now I find it is time to take this challenge up and proceed forward. Thank you so much for all the great information I will continue to reference your page often.

Mar 26, 2012 - Tom Ryan

It sounds like you off to a great start. We at T370 in E.P. are monitoring your progress and wish you great success!

Mar 27, 2012 - george petros

Hey Dude! Thought I'd check up on you. Snicker's are Gods' & Hikers' Favorite Food! Have some fun! -George-

Mar 28, 2012 - Mom

Hi Paul - wish I was hiking with you.

Mar 28, 2012 - Mom

That message was from Karl not me. He is following your progress too.

Apr 02, 2012 - scott

preparing for a 7-day appalacian trail hike. your site has been a fantastic tool and a wealth of information. you've helped me a lot! now, if you could just do something about the black bears in the smokey mountains ... haha. thanks again! scott

Apr 10, 2012 - Bill Hunter

Stumbled upon your sight. It's great to find a sight full of info and not trying to sell something. Thanks. Never thought about a hike like the ones you are doing, you've given me something to think about. The pictures are great.

Apr 16, 2012 - Anne

I will be hiking the AZT in May, from Telephone Hill to Utah. Maybe we will see you, or maybe not!

Apr 16, 2012 - Hiking Dude

Anne - I hope to be finished by the first week in May, but we'll see. There should be plenty of water on the north end of the trail then.

Apr 16, 2012 - Greg

While you are in Flagstaff this week you and your hiking friend are welcome to spend some freshen up time at my home, and get the feel of home comfort again.

May 14, 2012 - Cindy Bellinger

Thanks for being so generous with information. Lots of useful stuff here.

Sep 22, 2012 - Sharon Barker

You have visited some of our favorite spots on the North Shore. Great pics. Glad to hear you have had a couple of nights out of the cold. Good luck next week.

Sep 24, 2012 - Mike Wagner

Greetings Hiking Dude; Just read your story in the Eden Prairie news and by chance will be heading to Lutsen tomorrow (9-25-12) with my wife. Planning on doing a couple hikes Tuesday and Wednesday and if you've got a recommendation please feel free to share. Enjoy the day! Mike & Aimee

Sep 30, 2012 - Ompa

Wondered what happened to you on Friday. Saw the big distances between spots from your sender. Thought a bear was chasing you as fast as you were moving. Glad you updated us as to the hitching rides on roads. Will be watching for your next trip. Good hiking is healthy.

Jan 07, 2013 - Janusz Zak

just checked out your web site.looks good to me. Mine is neglected for about a year. I have your e-mail writen in my litle diary which is yet to be found in a pile of papers. Inspired by you I'v looked at your Arizona Trail treck and wanna do it maybe in April or so. We've met at Rainbow Lake viewpoint (lots of benches there). My website is januszhiker.webs.com

Feb 01, 2013 - Redzuan Rasul

Hiking is purposed to enjoying the nature. I'm very glad if my partner or groups is walking at the same time in group. Not rushing to the summit and rushing to going back. If they lost from your eye, That is horroble!

May 09, 2013 - Mark Elwood

Hi love the website. I bookmarked it and its my go to for all things hiking. I'm fortunate that I live two hours from the Canadian Rockies. I love the solitude and feeling that being out in the woods and nature brings and although I'm just starting to get into hiking I'm looking forward to it and think about it constantly as it is my escape from everything. Thanks for all the info, your site is down to earth and easy to use. Take care and happy hiking.

May 11, 2013 - ESol

Hello hiking dude. I've only done hikes locally around the San Jose, CA bay area. Quick Silver, Alum Rock, along with some others. Most recently with my hound dog Sasha.. She loves long hikes and it's great bonding. Planning a over night hike with friends in Arizona, Grand Canyon in Sept. Thank you for all the information on this site! You really could save a life preparing someone who was possibly quite unprepared for a long hike.

Sep 08, 2013 - Tim

Your site is very helpful.I'm new to hiking.Like to see and enjoy more of this world walking through it.Will be following this site.Thanks

Oct 15, 2013 - Wendy

Hello Hiking Dude! Enjoying your web-site. Started hiking/backpacking a few years ago after a visit to GSMNP ... been hooked ever sincer. Just moved from St. Louis to MN so have enjoyed a few miles on the SHT but being Mom to school aged kids makes it tough to do a thru hike. Plan on doing at least from Finland to Gooseberry next fall if I can get Gma and Gpa to stay with the kids. Hope to hike the AT GSMNP section this July. Looking for other middle-aged women to take trips with is a challenge, though being alone on the trail has its benefits. My son is a Weebelo Scout and hopefully in another few years I'll have the perfect hiking buddy! I look forward to watching your progress on your other planned hikes. Thanks for all the info.

Oct 23, 2013 - Hiking Dude

@Wendy - welcome to MN! The SHT is a great trail for older scouts. If you have questions as you start planning your trek, feel free to holler.

Dec 26, 2013 - Jennifer Lucio

Just found your blog and using your list as a guide for what were planning as our first hiking smart season. We've done start park trails on a whim but now we are investing in gear so we can begin to tackle new adventures!

Mar 19, 2014 - Zak

If you had to pick just one of the suggested backpacking excursions, which one would you choose?

Mar 19, 2014 - Hiking Dude

@Zak - Asking about the SHT treks on shta.org/Trail/TrailRecTrips.php I would do the 2nd one, from Cascade River to Oberg Mountain. It includes Poplar River, Lake Agnes, and view of Lake Superior.

Mar 25, 2014 - sam

I ran into this website a year or so back; a seed that was planted years ago (while trying to learn about hiking info to pass on to my mother. Your website allowed me to pass on with confidence information about supplies she may want to consider. Thank you for this help. I have been interested in hiking since I took my college orientation trip (Baron Chairback A! WOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOO-YAAAAAAA!! ) and did enjoy it. The people around me, kept my spirits up while I was in uncharted apparel. Now, I am finally taking actions to get back into hiking. I can't thank you enough for your words of wisdom and encouragement. Your website is thorough, and fun to read. I keep it handy, and is a bedrock of my belief that I am a hiker too. Sincerely, Love, Sam

Jun 08, 2014 - Jerry Harp

Thanks a bunch Hiking Dude for the time and effort you've put into this simple, encouraging site. Great job! I started moving seriously about 14 years ago on a bicycle. Crossed the US twice on two wheels. Lately getting into long distance walking. Goal is fun and mobility 'til I drop dead. Keep movin' folks.

Aug 13, 2014 - Adam

The articles on preparation, food, and especially how to avoid blisters, really saved me on my 4-day trip through the rockies. It rained the whole time and I was soaked but I was comfortable, thanks to you. I can't thank you enough for taking the time and effort to put up all this great info. You rock!

Aug 16, 2014 - Adam (Anvil)

That's a lot of distance in 3 days! I was looking at the map and if you keep it up, you'll be in NYC by November :)

Nov 07, 2014 - Dave [Zarem]

Have you ever considered hiking Hayduke Trail?

Jan 30, 2015 - Karen Cote

I want to thank you for this wonderful website, the most comprehensive I've seen. My husband and I are going to hike the Long Trail in Vermont. Are you familiar with this trail and do you have any specific words of wisdom about our undertaking? We start on July 1st and have taken the whole month off work giving us 31 days, if needed. Thanks for any advice you have.

Feb 03, 2015 - Hiking Dude

@Karen - I've not hiked the Long Trail yet. There are lots of journals about it online - start with this one. That time of year, my biggest concerns would be rain, humidity, and insects. Other than that, I'd expect you'll have a great time since you are setting aside plenty of time and there are many shelters.

Aug 19, 2015 - Scott Coghill

Great site and I love all the information. Next year, I retire from a lifetime of sitting behind a desk and keying on a computer. I've been walking, hiking, biking and other stuff to slight moderation. Yes, I'm slightly overweight and a bad knee that is better with these lub injections I just started taking. However, a few years ago, I did a one day, 20 mile hike up in the Porkies and loved it, even though, at the time, I figured I'd die on the side of the trail and be eaten by wild animals. I have an itch to train much better for next year and spend a month hiking and camping. If you could choose one spot to do a month long hike, where would you go? I live in Wisconsin but I'm okay with going out of state as well.

Aug 19, 2015 - Hiking dude

@Scott - I would choose some place out west that had mountains, less humidity, fewer bugs, and more open space than WI. A month could get you through the OR or WA parts of the Pacific crest trail. But there are many other areas where you could do shorter treks with rest breaks between.

Aug 24, 2015 - Christian P

I'll be hiking in Appalachian Trail before the end of the year and your blog inspires me more to do it sooner. Thanks for sharing your experience!

Oct 05, 2015 - Vanilla Thunder

Hey Dude. I miss the trail. I enjoyed hiking with you. My feet are still a little sore but improving. A Town was delayed by the weather but should be finishing around10/18.

Oct 05, 2015 - Hiking Dude

@Vanilla Thunder - I've seen pics of the downed trees and flooding around the trail. I'm not sad that I'm missing that, but am sad I'm not reaching Springer with A-Town.
Anyone want to see A-Town's latest blog posts, check out his blog.

Dec 21, 2015 - Scoutmaster Eckel

I live North of Perry, FL. I would like to know how to help you out and maybe have you speak to our Scout Troop when you come through. Some are going to Philmont next summer.

Apr 16, 2016 - Abigail -Sunshine

Hey Hiking Dude!! We finished the trail! It was such a pleasure meeting you and we hope that one day you would be able to finish the trail! I remembered that you said to send a message to you asking for the Dutch over cookbook that you have created. My home address is 1760 NW 11th Ave Homestead FL 33030. I hope all of your other leave no trace books are going well! Happy hiking!! -Sunshine and TrailMix :))

Aug 31, 2016 - Patrick

Cool pics, man you hike far. My partner and I just picked this up and started documenting for fun too spreading from dfw first. adventure-us.guide

Nov 03, 2016 - Andi

I have referred to your page many times since I decided to plan for a major trek! Thank you. I just wondered what suggestions you have for a tent? Do you have favorite brands, etc? I want to stay in a lower budget but also don't want a piece of crap. I'm looking for a one person, lightweight. Thank you!!

Nov 03, 2016 - Hiking Dude

@Andi - On longer trips, I've stopped using tents and use a tarp and bug net. It's lighter, more flexible, and works great for me.
I don't know what "lower budget" means to you, but the canopy tents and internal bug nets made by John at Bear Paw Wilderness Designs are really good and cost from $100 up, depending on what you want. See my Florida Hike page to see the shelters we used.

Jan 30, 2017 - Corina

Rapping my toes work better then padding them. No blisters. Hiking for 5 to 8 days in 4 months. If i start training now will I be ready? In Yosemite the John Muir Trail

Feb 03, 2017 - Hiking Dude

@Corina - I feel that general daily activity, like walking and core exercises, to keep weight down and muscles moving are enough up to a month or so before a long hike. About 5 weeks before the backpacking trip is the time to start training with longer hikes carrying gear. This gives feet, muscles, and joints time to get used to the extra work and load. I think specific training more than a month before a trip doesn't hurt, but also doesn't make me more ready for the trip. If you're hoping to lose weight before the trip, then increasing activity and reducing consumption as soon as possible is the thing to do.

Feb 16, 2017 - Corina

If your a social drinker will it be an issue with a five day hike and altitud? Going in July.

Mar 25, 2017 - Jiahao (Leo) Li

Hi Hiking dude.

I just want to say thank you.
I was reading your blog before for preparing my first hike in NZ at end of this year's January.

My girlfriend and I went to the Blue Lake and it was amazing. We also got back alive.

Thanks for your sharing!

Leo

Apr 18, 2017 - Karli

Hi Hiking Dude! Have you ever heard of the famous Bruce Trail in Tobermory, Ontario? It is definitely a hiking trek to scratch off your list. Your website rocks!

Apr 18, 2017 - Hiking Dude

@Karli - I checked out brucetrail.org and it sounds like they have a great chapter organization supporting the trail. Maybe I'll get to do that one some day.

Apr 23, 2017 - Corina

Any ideas to pack your bwar can?

Apr 23, 2017 - Corina

BEAR CAN?
On top?
Down on the bottom?
In side?

Apr 26, 2017 - Hiking Dude

@Corina - wherever it fits. Sticking out on the back of your pack is probably the worst spot for balance and comfort.

May 17, 2017 - Corina

My boyfriend thinking to take the bear can back and get the smaller one. He is having a hard time packing it. Thank you

Jun 19, 2017 - Corina

My boyfriend has 4 weeks until his hiking trip.
JMT
My questions is?
Is it a good idea to reuse cooking package?
For his daily cooking?
Im thinking about bacteria.
Is it a good or bad idea?
Corina

Jun 20, 2017 - Hiking Dude

@Corina - I would think the packaging that food came in would wear out very quickly if it were used to cook in. It does not sound like a good idea to me, but maybe you are asking something I am not understanding.

Jun 20, 2017 - Corina

Mountain house hiking food.
5 day hiking using one packet over and over to cook
All his meals? I just dont want my boyfriend get stomach issues.
Thank you.
Corina

Jun 21, 2017 - Hiking Dude

@Corina - I don't understand what he gains by doing that. The food has to be packaged in something so I don't see much of a weight savings by repackaging from the original MH bags.
Doesn't sound like a good idea to me.

Jun 21, 2017 - Corina

I agree.
Thats what i have been telling him.
Thank you!

Jun 23, 2017 - Corina

Thanks for all the advice.
One week ago on a strenuous hike with my boyfriend half ways down my hiking pole got stuck in a hole and there I fell and twisted my ankle Dr said no hiking off my feet 4weeks.

Jul 24, 2017 - Stuart "Vanilla Thunder" Rackley

My feet are doing well. I still have 800 miles calling to me. I smoothed out some bumps at work and I am going back out on 8/30/17. Looks like you are committed else where, but I was still putting it out there. Hope your hike goes well.

Aug 03, 2017 - Jerome Rusher

I am a big fan of your website and would love some of your stickers or decals if you have any.

Thanks in advance.

Jerome Rusher
1717 S. Iris Lane #4B
Escondido, CA 92026

Aug 10, 2017 - Hiking Dude

@Jerome - see sticker page to order nearly free stickers. But I can't send them to you until September because I'm out hiking now.

Oct 25, 2017 - Monica Ramsey

Great to run into you two at Ross Lake. Hope the rest of your trip went well! Hike On!!

Oct 26, 2017 - Hiking Dude

@Monica - Our afternoon rest at Ross Lake Resort was a great break from the HOT hiking. From there on it was easy. (HA!) No, but it was a wonderful experience.

Dec 06, 2017 - Judd Wagstaff

This list is great, I got a few of these last year and my buddy loved them. However, you should add campcloud hammocks on here for sure. I found their site a few months ago after seeing they sponsored most outdoor trade shows. Their prices are half off other hammock companies and I think the designs are pretty awesome, but maybe that is just me! But quality is definitely amazing. It's www.campcloudcrew.com if you do another write-up!

Feb 07, 2018 - Gina Wildermuth

Hello. I am currently training for
a high elevation hike...fourteener.

My physical training/condtioning will be good (live
at sea level), but worried about lack of O2.

Can you recommend a supplemental oxygen company or ???
Thanks, Gina

Jun 19, 2018 - JuanBarreda

Nice, thanks for the followi on instagram

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