Adventures by Ali:Life as an Outdoorsy Woman

Now that spring is here, it’s time to dust off the hiking boots! (Unless you use yours all winter, in which case you’re awesome. I usually swap mine out for a pair of ski boots.) I haven’t hiked much so far this spring, so here are some general spring hiking insights.

Here in the Pacific Northwest, spring hiking means green hillsides, pleasant temperatures, pillowy moss, and carpets of wildflowers in every color. But spring also means mud and rain – plenty of them. This is especially true after a winter like this year’s, where it seems like we only saw the sun five times through all the rain and snow.

Dealing with the mud and rain

For some people (especially women) all this mud and rain can be a challenge. I’ve had friends in the past who didn’t want to go hiking because they didn’t want to get their white tennis shoes dirty. I’ve seen people complain that their hair was getting ruined by the rain. And I can speak from experience that slipping and falling on a muddy trail can be dirty and embarrassing.

But that’s one of the beautiful things about being outside – everyone has to walk through the mud, and everyone is getting dirty or looks like a wet dog. If you feel embarrassed or grossed out, know that other people around you probably feel the same, and they’re more concerned with their own muddy legs than yours.

Here’s the thing – getting dirty can be fun! I admit that sometimes I try and stay clean at the start of a hike, but once that first giant splat appears up the back of my leg, I realize that it doesn’t matter. That’s what the washing machine is for. Now it’s time to let go of keeping up appearances, and just have a good time. Laugh with your hiking partners and use some hand sanitizer or a wet wipe before lunch if muddy hands concern you. And bring a rain coat or poncho with a hood, and a rain cover or garbage bag for your backpack.

Society has taught both men and women that women need to be pretty at all times and always clean under their fingernails. But when we’re in nature and mostly outside the societal spotlight, there’s less to worry about – and letting go can be invigorating.

Wear the right shoes, and bring a spare pair

If you normally hike in tennis shoes, that’s fine. Maybe designate a pair of old sneakers as your hiking shoes, and give up on caring if they’re clean. Or go to a thrift store and pick up an old pair for cheap.

That said, I do recommend getting some hiking boots if you plan on going hiking regularly. They’re more supportive, have better traction on wet rocks and ground, and are already brown! Plus, they’re somewhat waterproof, and keep your feet clean and dry. And getting a pair of boots that go up over your ankles means that you’re less likely to step in a pile of mud (or a stream) and watch in dismay as the muck goes over the top of your shoe.

Definitely bring a spare pair of comfy shoes to leave in the car – nothing feels better than getting back after a long hike and taking your boots off. But on longer hikes I usually take a pair of packable, lightweight shoes as a backup. This is really helpful if you get a bad blister, step in a stream, or step in the mud. I’ve even lost a shoe while river rafting once. If I hadn’t had a spare pair of sandals on that trip, it could have turned out badly.

Wear clothes that are easy to clean, or ones you don’t care about getting dirty. Do you fall a lot (like I do)? Wear dark pants and tie a jacket or fleece around your waste to cover up if you take a spill. And take a change of clothes to leave in the car for after your hike in case you get dirty or soaking wet. This also a great thing to do on those hot days when you get back all sweaty and smelly.

It’s all worth it

Spring outside can be messy, but don’t let that deter you. Foggy mountains, budding trees, plenty of greenery, bigger waterfalls (unnamed spontaneous waterfalls, too), and plenty of flowers. It’s one of the most beautiful times of the year, and is worth every speck of mud and drop of rain.