5 Hiking Tips for Women

This article, 5 Hiking Tips for Women is sponsored by Poise.

In eight hours I will be loading into a car and driving in Glacier National Park to begin my backcountry hiking/camping adventure. In my backpack I have all the essentials: a sleeping bag, mattress pad, one-burner stove, rain gear and of course, food and water. I’ve also included a few items that some might consider non-essentials but I consider them very important for everyone’s enjoyment of this trip.

When you have to carry everything you need for comfort and survival on your back, you get real selective about the things you bring. As much as I want to take pictures, my heavy DSLR camera is not making the trip, neither is my 2 lb bag of peanut butter M&Ms (well, maybe this will make it). I’ve learned from my experienced hiking friends that sometimes you bring things for those “what if” moments.

5 Hiking Tips for Women

Comfortable Footwear

Like “what if” you’ve been wearing your hiking boots all day long and you have nasty blisters on your feet? When you set up camp, the first thing you’ll want to do is take off those boots and put on something comfortable. Personally I have never been a fan of Crocs because of their looks but when you’re looking for a lightweight shoe (remember, you’re carrying them on your back) that’s easy to slip on and off AND comfortable (they really are), look no further. Added bonus, no one will steal your shoes.

Reading and Writing Material

Once you get to camp, set up your tent, eat dinner and clean up, there isn’t much to do. Camping in the backcountry is not like the camping most of us grew up with. There is no running to the car to charge your phone and no cooler full of ice cold beverages. Instead, bring a book to pass the time because your cellular devices are not going to work. While you’re at it, bring a journal…the kind where you actually write using a pen, to jot down memories from your trip.

Tools

Guys always have tools on them. Women? Not so much. While tweezers are probably in every woman’s makeup bag, those alone are probably not going to cut in. Instead, invest in a Leatherman. With scissors, needle-nose pliers, phillips and flathead screwdrivers and more, you’ll be glad you have it should the need arise. Plus, when you do get back to your car and the cooler full of beverages awaits you, you can use the bottle opener to pop that lid off.

Duct Tape

Duct tape is truly amazing. It can be used to get rid of warts, make purses and save your butt when you’re hiking in the backcountry. Instead of taking a roll of duct tape, wrap some around your trekking pole. If you need it, it’s readily available AND you can cut it with your Leatherman tool! You can use it to fix a broken tent pole, close a nasty cut and keep a blister from getting worse. And if someone is whining, cover their mouth with it.

Protection

Now, before you start laughing hysterically, bear with me. I have stressed about this trip for the last 5 months because of having to use the bathroom in the great outdoors. In the past, I would have limited the amount of water I drank but as I’ve matured, I realize that’s just plain stupid. Being dehydrated while trying to be adventure girl isn’t going to get me far.

I also realize that sometimes you have to hold going to the bathroom longer than you want to and sometimes when you do that, light accidents happen. I’m not naming any names but I do have several friends who have a little problem with a weak bladder. One of the ways they deal with that is Poise Microliners. These liners are lightweight and absorb a ton. I figured if they work for everyday use, then they could also come in handy on the trail. I know women don’t always talk about light bladder leakage but it happens. And if it happens, I want to be prepared.

What to try Poise Microliners for yourself? Right now you can get a free sample kit!