On Finding and Claiming Femininity in the Backcountry

Great article/essay Nikki. Thank you. More power to ya.

This is one of the most thought provoking articles I have ever read.  I have never been able to articulate my struggle with femininity as a female hiker.  I spent many years always wanting to prove that I am strong enough to do “male” things.  As I age and approach 50, women all around me are grasping frantically to stop the aging process.  Slowly,  I am learning it is the inner strength that makes us beautiful—and allows us to move into conquering “life” things.  What I happen to look like as I am doing these wondrous life challenges is inconsequential.  Yet, it is okay to blow dry my air and put on a skirt.  I’m not giving up my outdoor feminist card if I do want to feel pretty too.  Thank you again for your words.

One of the best things ever published on BPL. I am going to go back and read it again.
Thanks for your honesty and insight.

Great article.  Interesting perspective. I live in the House of Estrogen (wife, 3 daughters) where I have always been outnumbered. We started taking our daughters backpacking when they were about 6-7. They are now in their 30’s and two of them have even introduced backpacking to their significant others.

I really enjoyed this piece, many thanks to Nikki for writing it and to BPL for publishing it. Always interesting to reflect on the way time in nature and the outdoors community intersect with other aspects of our lives and identities.

“I spent many years always wanting to prove that I am strong enough to do “male” things.”

Don’t you be like me! Here’s Jack Nicholson discovering his inner femininity to his own benefit.

I’ve learned how to cook, sew, and keep house. I obsess over quilts. Always looking for the newest outfit. I’m losing my chauvinism.