On Finding and Claiming Femininity in the Backcountry

[Nikki Stavile]

Companion forum thread to: On Finding and Claiming Femininity in the Backcountry

“…they never felt more powerful, or more fit, or happier about themselves and their bodies, than when they were thru-hiking.” – Nikki Stavile on femininity in the backcountry.

[David Gardner]

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

[Steve Thompson]

A wonderful account of self-discovery.  Thanks Nikki, for sharing the hopeful truth that each of us can discover the beauty and love within us.

[Nikki Stavile]

Thanks for the kind words guys! It means a lot.

[JVD]

Great article, important topic. The last paragraph gave me goose-bumps — very moving. “I love you” is a powerful way to live.

[Robyn D]

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.

[Paul Wagner]

And it’s nice to have really good writing to read!

[Drew Smith]

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.

[Nikki Stavile]

Thanks for your continued praise everyone, it means a lot. Me and the BPL team worked hard to get this where it is.

[Jon Fong / Flat Cat Gear]

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.

[DAN-Y]

More by Nikki:

Losing the Great One
By Nikki Stavile

https://www.parksandpoints.com/losing-the-great-one

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[Mark Wetherington]

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.

[Lycopodium]

I just found this article, and loved it. Some parts resonate with my experience as a woman who hikes, also.  Nikki,  I really appreciate you writing about your transformative experience on the trail. Thank you for sharing it here.

[jscott]

“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.

[Nikki Stavile]

Really glad you enjoyed this piece, it means a lot. :)

[Terran Terran]

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.

[Author]

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