In this month's newsletter, you'll see the good and the bad that hiking trails can bring, including better health and a hiking group with heart, versus fires and floods and hikers left behind.

Also, a new giveaway!

One more thing: If you have a hiking question or timely recommendation, please send it along via this Q&A archive page. There's a form for your convenience along with answers to hiking questions others have asked.

Hiking questions and archive

HIKING FOR HER MONTHLY TIP

Or it could be an up-and-coming company that caters to female hikers.

This month I'm highlighting Sojourn Trekkr, a Woman-of-Color-owned outdoor gear company creating ultralight hiking gear for the female form.

Translation: durable lightweight gear that fits real women.

Hiking For Her has no affiliation with Sojourn Trekkr, just admiration for getting stuff right for female hikers.

This company also shares helpful information so you can make good buying decisions.

ST's take on womens backpacks

GET YOUR BUDDIES TO HIKE

Here's a study that may help you tempt inactive friends or spouse (ages 55 - 75) off the couch.

Bottom line conclusion: "Group-based hiking for previously inactive older adults significantly improved physical health-related quality of life over an 8-week biweekly intervention."

The study: A Pre–Post Study Design Exploring the Potential Benefits of a Hiking Intervention for Active and Inactive Older Adults by authors Iris A. Lesser and Cynthia J. Thomson.

It's available here:

Benefits of hiking study

INSPIRING FEMALE HIKER

But this isn’t just any hiking group.

Sarah Desaulniers is director of prevention services for Reality Check, an organization that works to address substance use and support people in recovery.

She started these monthly hikes to make sure people in recovery had ways to get outside that felt safe and welcoming.

Maybe it will inspire you to do something similar in your area!

Navigating recovery with hiking

CANOE FERRY? YES, PLEASE

Greg Caruso, Appalachian Trail Club Ferry Operator and Maine Guide, will ferry you for free across the Kennebec River in his canoe so you can be on your way along the AT.

Best part? You get to meet his co-pilot Maggie, a dog who hates wet feet. (Same, Maggie.)

Canoe ferry for hikers

HIKERS AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Me? I had to cancel a backcountry trip due to nasty weather conditions.

But alas, I can't share a cup of tea and an hour of conversation with you in person, so I'm going to share this current information instead:

1. Links to news reports of scary situations faced by hikers in 2024

2. The first part of a PCT trip report collecting data we can all benefit from when planning hikes

Hit reply and send me your thoughts!

Fires and floods affect hikers in 2024

Now it has become absolutely vital.

Read the stories of these hikers who faced flood and fire, and have some good advice for the rest of us.

Hikers become firefighters

Grand Canyon rescue

I have these resources for hiking during wildfire season as well as how to do a safe water crossing when a canoe ferry isn't available ;)

Safe water crossing tips

Hiking during wildfire season

PCT changes due to wildfires and floods

Bing Lin has committed to a series of reports to explore the impacts of climate change plus the lessons outdoor recreation may hold for hikers as we watch our world warming up.

The first installment is from the Pacific Crest Trail in Northern California.

FYI: He is an Inside Climate News fellow. Not familiar with this organization? It's a 501c3 nonprofit organization which makes all information free and has an ad free website.

PCT report, Part 1

HALF DOME SAFETY IMPROVEMENT?

Her father is calling for the National Park Service to do something about the treacherous conditions on this iconic hike.

NOTE: This link provides a photo of what hikers face as they ascend the cable system at Half Dome. Eye opening, if you've never seen it before. And as someone who has never attempted it, frightening.

Half Dome safety

FILE THIS UNDER "THINGS NOT TO DO" AS A HIKER

If someone is slower, so be it.

If someone needs extra time over a particular section of trail, so be it.

If someone feels personally insulted at a pace that accommodates all of us, so be it.

In other words, we stay together every step of the way.

'Cuz here's what happens when you don't.

No hiker should be left behind

HIKING FOR HER GIVEAWAY

These things are indestructible, weigh nothing lashed to your backpack, are easy to get on and off, and double as camp shoes with socks at the end of the day.

Heck, I've even worn them on a grocery (or taco) run when I'm too lazy to change into "real" shoes after a hike.

And if you read my safe water crossings article (link above), you'll see I recommend them to keep your feet protected from river rocks and safe from stringy stream slime.

So here's your chance to own a pair!

Hiking For Her Giveaway Details

Hiking into the end of the year

Either way, let's set an intention to get out of doors every day, and hopefully on a hiking trail at least once a week.

Why? Because the changing season is full of gifts: wildlife preparing for the coming months, plants showing off new colors or textures, the sounds of water and wind, and so much more.

Savor it!

Until next month,

Happy Trails to you,

Diane a.k.a. Happy Hiker

diane@hiking-for-her.com

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