Just Girly Things

Fashion, nail polish, makeup, gossip, and boys. Most girls and women show at least mild interest in these topics. A lot of people seem to think that becoming an Appalachian Trail thru-hiker means giving up all semblance of femininity. It’s as if there are only 2 options: you are a girl, or you are a thru-hiker. 

A rare dressy occasion.

Girly is definitely not a word that has even been used to describe me. For me makeup is a chore, comfort is more important than fashion, and conversations with other people are only enjoyable if I am obtaining useful information. I wouldn’t describe myself as a tomboy either. I’ve worn dresses on occasion and can indulge in makeup and accessories when necessary, but as a general rule I don’t spend much time dwelling on my appearance. Getting ready for work in the morning consists of showering and running a brush through my hair. If I have a few extra minutes I’ll dab on some mascara for good measure. 

Despite that fact that I am going to be living in the woods, showering once a week and wearing the same outfit for my entire hike, I do not plan on abandoning my identity as a female. Although I am not excessively girly, I have a few guilty pleasures that I refuse to give up:

• The color pink. Why does all gear have to be black, brown or green? Just because I am going to be living in the woods doesn’t mean I want to become the woods. Whenever possible, I’ve chosen gear that comes in obnoxiously bright colors. Obviously function comes before fashion, so I haven’t picked items based solely of aesthetic appeal, but if I had a choice of black vs. pink, pink always wins! 
• Accessories. I’m not a huge fan of jewelry or other accessories, but I’ve always had my ears pierced and I like having a little bit of bling in my ears. Likewise I always wear a simple silver chain with a heart-shaped pendant around my neck. They serve no purpose or sentimental value, merely a habit that I see no reason for breaking.  
•  Long hair. For the majority of my life I have had long hair, and I don’t plan on changing that just because I’m going to be living on the trail. I love my hair. It is thin and straight, and it changes colors with the seasons, and I can’t imagine chopping it off for convenience. 
• Shaved armpits. I can tolerate hairy legs, but hairy armpits make me squirm. They are itchy, smelly, and generally unappealing. I’m willing to bear the extra weight of a small razor so that I can keep my pits nice and smooth.

There are few companies that cater to female hikers, but I’ve been able to find some gear that is both practical and fun to wear. Two of my favorites are Dirty Girl Gaiters and Sweaty Bands. 

The Dirty Girl Gaiters are ultralight, well-made, and come in a huge selection of colors and patterns. They attach to your shoes with just a little bit of Velcro that you glue to the back of your shoes (or you can purchase Altra shoes that come with a dedicated “gaiter trap” on the back of the shoes). I love that I can show some personality with my gaiters rather than blending in to the camouflaged crowd of hikers. 

Pink Sweaty Band headband, small earrings + heart pendant = happy me :)

Sweaty Bands aren’t really hiking gear, but these fabric headbands are great for keeping my unruly hair out of my face on windy days. Although there are many brands that make athletic headbands, Sweaty Bands is the only company I’ve been able to find that makes high-quality child-sized athletic headbands. When I first started working out and began looking for athletic headbands, I learned that I apparently have a tiny head. All products made for women were always way too big and ended up falling off my head when I worked out. The Sweaty Bands Bandits are child-sized headbands that are made to the same standards as their traditional headbands. The selection of styles is limited compared to the regular women’s headbands, but I’ve always been able to find something I like.  

I wish there were more products that were both functional and colorful. I find it hard to believe that I’m the only woman who is hiking the trail that still wants to feel like a woman. Some might call it vain and impractical, but I don’t think a little color ever hurt anyone. 

Nature: not just for boys.