As my first posting, I would like to give a little insight into my own experiences as a female hiker and the issues I have faced that may be more gender-specific. I hope this will help other women who love to hit the trails too but may feel daunted by it.
1. People putting fear or doubt in your mind. Let's face it.... women have only recently had "freedom" to do as we wish. For millennia, women were largely used as breeders and slaves and were not allowed to have free will, property, or choice to do much of anything. Sadly, many people still think of women as helpless or inferior creatures. It took a long time to convince my husband I could keep up with him even on the most rigorous trails. He is also military and in exceptional shape, and a marathon runner. I am going to tell all you ladies this: start slow and easy, but you CAN work yourself up to a fitness level to do ANY trails, ANY mountains. Of course, if you are over 35 or have any health issues, talk to your doctor because this is considered an exercise regime. There are safety issues while on the trail like in any sport, but with care it is largely safe and enjoyable! (even addictive ) hehe. Tell your mom or friend or whoever it is that is discouraging you from hiking that you are capable of the trail you are going to tackle. Be prepared, be informed, be ready for anything and you can do any trail.
2. When you gotta go, you gotta go. It is harder for a woman to urinate or defecate out in the wilds than a man.... at least for me it is, even after years of non-privacy such as in a military field environment. A man can unzip while he walks, let loose, without breaking stride. A woman, well, we have to bend, squat, pull those shorts or pants down, then, we don't like to drip dry like the guys. Don't worry, there are solutions for these problems. Want to be as nonchalant as your male hiking partner about unzipping and relieving yourself? Just purchase a female urination funnel! I have never tried these, but the idea of it is intriguing. When it comes time to wipe and dry, you can consider biodegradable toilet paper which you can bury in a cathole. Or, bring some strong ziplock bags or trash bags to tote out the trash with you. I do not really recommend burning toilet paper but some do this.
3. Menstruation. It is inevitable that our monthly cycle will at some time interfere with our hiking plans. If you are planning an epic trip and have regular cycles, you may want to talk to your doctor about birth control that limits your menstrual cycle to a very limited number of times per year. This was also useful to me when in rough field environments while deployed. As with the toilet paper issue, you will need to pack it out, bury or burn your sanitary items. Also keep in mind you may have iron loss during a heavy period and related anemia. If this is a common issue with you, pack up your iron supplements or iron-rich foods and watch for anemia symptoms which can be serious.
4. Hygiene. Most women hate to be dirty. I always either pack a small resealable pack of moist baby wipes, or if it is a short hike, just a damp washrag in a ziplock bag. Long hair easily gets tangled in window mountain passes, so look into braids, ponytails or hair clips. Bangs can also be hot on the forehead after awhile. A combo of sporty ponytail worn with a shady baseball cap works well. Teeth and gums: don't forget your toothbrush and floss. There are nice disposable flossers and even mini preloaded toothbrushes and tongue scrubber you can pick up at any walmart or walgreens. Makeup just wont work on prolonged excursions. If you are used to wearing cosmetics, try to tone it down with just a sheer sunscreen tint base and some chapstick.
5. Feet / shoes / clothing. One of the most important things for any athlete or sportsman to remember, is take care of those feet! If you are used to being in heels, you might go into shock when you have to wear hiking boots or walking tennies all day. Be sure you break in your shoes before you hit a long trail or you will be suffering. I bought a cute pair of leather hiking boots and went on a 2 mile desert trail. I was suffering by the end of it. Most shoes are stiff and have a break-in period. After a few times of wearing my boots, they moulded to my feet and are now perfect. Socks should not be binding on the calf or ankle and padded socks can help with impact absorption. Be sure your socks are not so thick to make your shoes too tight. Getting the feet wet for extended periods of time should be avoided. Fungus issues in the outback is not a pretty thing. Take off your shoes when you rest or for the night and let them dry out. If you can, bring an extra pair of shoes and rotate them daily. Avoid shorts, especially if you will be in a brushy area. Shorts can feel comfortable, but the risk of getting eaten alive by mosquitoes, bushwhacked, and sunburned is not worth it. My favorite hiking outfit: cotton full-coverage panties, sports bra, thick calf-height socks, leather ankle boots, tshirt, jeans, layered shirt or sweater depending on the weather. Layers are always good :)
6. Backpacks and load bearing. Most women do not have the upper body strength that men do. Be sure your pack is not too heavy (do some test loads by marching around your backyard or near your house). Be sure any new pack you buy is suitable for your body frame. Some packs have load bearing straps which make a heavy pack feel much lighter by dispersing weight across your back or waist. Pack everything you need, but do not overpack.
7. Self defense. Consider taking a self defense class. This is useful for the everyday world as well as for your trail safety. Pack pepper spray/bear spray. Use a hefty walking stick. I always hike with a large pocket knife which is handy for making camp, cleaning fish and multiple uses as well as defense if needed.
8. Safety. ALWAYS tell someone where you are going and (though I often do it) you should never hike alone. Find a local hiking group or a friend who wants to go with you. Check in at the ranger station (if any). Let people know what trail you are going on and when you should be back. Be aware of any hazards in the area such as predatory animals, flooded rivers, landslides, disease. Wear sunscreen. Check weather forecasts and have appropriate clothing. Never leave food near your sleeping area.
9. Have fun! enjoy your special trip and all your careful planning. Be sure to take some photos to document your journey
