Solo Hike for Female Adventurers
In the vast and serene landscapes of the White Mountains, Emily Davenport, a seasoned outdoor guide, is helping female hikers conquer their fears and embrace the wilderness. For many women, solo hiking presents unique mental challenges, stemming from societal expectations, safety concerns, and the challenge of confronting solitude.
Davenport, who has been guiding groups on outdoor adventures for the past five years, acknowledges these hurdles and offers strategies to overcome them. "Fear of safety and vulnerability, self-doubt, social stigma, and handling solitude are common mental challenges faced by female hikers," she explains.
One of Davenport's strategies is building confidence through preparation. She encourages taking small steps, such as staying at an overnight shelter with a caretaker and water, to build confidence. "Starting small, for instance, day hikes, is a great way for female hikers to build their confidence in the outdoors," she says.
Mental training is another essential tool Davenport recommends. Techniques such as meditation, box breathing, and positive self-talk can help manage anxiety and negative thought patterns that arise during challenging moments.
Safety planning is also crucial. Carrying self-defense tools, informing others of your itinerary, using location tracking apps, and knowing emergency procedures can reduce anxiety and increase preparedness.
Connecting with supportive communities is another key aspect. Davenport finds that her female participants tend to feel more comfortable trying new outdoor skills with other women. She advocates joining women's hiking groups or online forums to access advice, shared experiences, and encouragement from others who have faced similar challenges.
Reframing the narrative is also important. Recognizing that the risks of solo hiking for women are often overestimated and that many women safely enjoy solo wilderness adventures can diminish internalized fears.
Emily Davenport, who has faced scrutiny from others while traveling alone in the outdoors, hopes to inspire more female hikers to go outdoors on their own. She believes that the women's only programs create a more comfortable environment, reducing pressure and stress for participants.
Davenport's AMC colleagues, both male and female, have been instrumental in creating an empowering environment for female hikers at AMC in the North Country. Her AMC co-workers have been supportive and empowering, helping motivate each other and other hikers to get out of their comfort zones in the backcountry.
Davenport's commitment to empowering female hikers extends beyond the White Mountains. In 2019, she explored beaches, rainforests, and volcanos on her solo trip to Costa Rica.
By addressing these mental hurdles directly—through practical skills, mental training, and community support—female solo hikers can not only overcome challenges but also discover greater self-reliance, confidence, and joy in the wilderness.
Sports can be an excellent way for female hikers to build their confidence in the outdoors, as starting small with day hikes can help them gradually become more comfortable in nature. Mental training techniques such as meditation, box breathing, and positive self-talk can also be applied to sports activities to manage anxiety and improve performance.
