Why is it when we learn of women in the outdoors alone, we assume they are at serious risk? Are they indeed at more risk than in their daily lives in any other part of the country?
The Backstory
Recently I was able to accompany my friend, Annie, for a couple of days on a 40-mile section hike of the Superior Hiking Trail. Afterward, I cycled with my gear back to the trailhead where my vehicle was parked. That wasn’t the end of the journey for Annie.
She would continue forward to attempt a halfway-thru-hike of the North Country Scenic Trail. Annie loves what I call “endurance hiking,” whereas my passion lies in endurance cycling and bikepacking. I’d never backpacked such a distance but looked forward to the challenge and opportunity to learn from an experienced hiker. We can learn so much from our fellow outdoor allies, even when it’s not our specific interest.
A Hiker’s Tale
Annie’s and my conversations varied at great length. However, our most ardent discussion circled our experiences as outdoors-women who do solo adventures and how common it is to be asked if we are doing our adventures “…alone?!” And we weren’t mistaken.
Only a short distance into our first day, we ran across a couple who asked the standard questions one might ask when seeing hikers with packs. I let Annie do the talking since this was her quest. After describing her mission, it was quickly met with the exclamation, “Alone?!”
Annie: “Yes.”
Hiker: “Don’t you have a job?”
Annie: “Well, I had a job, but I left it to pursue this hike.”
Hiker: “Does your mom know you are doing this?”
Annie: “Yes, she encouraged me to do it. My mom is very supportive.”
The woman, seeming a bit bewildered, let out a very unsure sounding, “Okay…” as we marched ahead. As soon as we were out of earshot, I laughed, “She asked our favorite question!” We quipped over how she asked if Annie’s mom knew. I joked, “Nope, I disappeared and told no one.” We had a good chuckle. Surely, she did not mean any harm with her questions, but concern.
A Bikepacker’s Narrative
I told Annie about a similar experience I had while biking from Seattle to Portland several years prior. Cycling in the winter months, it was quite wet, cold, and no other bikepackers were out. I was prepared with rain gloves but knew they would soak through. Finally, when they had, I wished I brought a pair of plastic medical gloves to keep me warmer.
Planning on picking some up when I arrived at my first destination, I continued pedaling. Lucky for me, I didn’t need to wait; there was a paramedic station a short distance from where it crossed my mind. I pulled up to their open garage door and was met by two friendly (cis-male appearing) paramedics. Again, they asked all the typical questions.
Finally, one asked, “Are you married or have a boyfriend?”
“No,” I replied.
“I thought so, or he probably wouldn’t let or want you to do this.”
I proclaimed, “What makes you think I’d marry or date someone that wouldn’t support me doing this? I’d marry the guy who says, “Let’s go!”
The Statistics
Why is it when we learn of women in the outdoors alone, we assume they are at serious risk? Are they indeed at more risk than in their daily lives in any other part of the country?
Statistics show, in the outdoors, you are safer. FBI Crime Statistics detail that in 2017, there were 1,247,321 crimes committed nationwide (including aggravated assault, robbery, murder, and rape). With a US population of 325,150,000 at that time, that results in a .38% chance of being the victim of violent crime. Compared to the National Park Service’s 2017 stats, there were 630 total crimes, 47% of which were crimes against another person. There were only 181 new cases in 2017. That is 181 cases, with a population of 325,150,000. Let’s just say that your chances of victimhood have dramatically decreased. You are much safer in the woods than anywhere else.
We know the Risks, that’s why we Use Common Sense
Annie and I (as well as most solo women adventurers) are well-aware of our risks in the outdoors. These include a lack of water or food, injury, a highly improbable negative encounter with wild animals, and not listening to your instincts and taking necessary precautions. For Annie’s hike, she uses a satellite device and has a well-established set of safety protocols. Annie never stood too close to ledges to prevent unnecessary risk, took a wilderness first aid course before her hikes, and carried a first aid kit.
On my adventures, I also carry a first aid kit and have safety protocols in place so that folks know of my whereabouts. As a cyclist, when I’m on or near a busy road, I break or stop riding at sunset while the sun is at horizon, which makes me less visible to drivers due to glare. While there are minimal risks to these wildlife trips, the benefits are immeasurable.
Annie and I surmised that no matter your pursuit, this is a frequent question that solo adventurers are asked – particularly when you are a woman. I wondered if cis-males experience the same questioning or surprised response when they are approached on a solo adventure. Although not scientific, my brief survey of a few cis-male friends informs me that they are sometimes asked, but not met with replies of disbelief.
Pondering these experiences, I’ve created a list of ways for how to be a positive ally to women solo adventurers.
How To Be An Ally
1. Don’t add Fuel to the Fire
First and foremost, if you are not a woman or woman-identifying person, recognize where our frustration lies. To do so means understanding the reality of our everyday lives. Throughout our lifetimes, we are continuously reminded of the dangers of our mere existence – and these aren’t unwarranted. According to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN), 1 in 6 American women are victims of attempted or completed rape.
Tips like, “don’t walk alone at night, lock the doors as soon as you enter your vehicle, put your keys in your hand to use as a weapon, always notify people of your whereabouts, don’t look lost,” are hardwired into our brains. Be this the case, we are already confronting our fears when realizing a solo adventure; darkness, noises, sleeping, running into crazy folks. Provided our life experiences and the ways we must safeguard our person on the daily, I promise we all have them. What we need most is validation and support, not more reminders that our existence is dangerous.
2. Provide her Positive Reinforcement
When encountering a solo woman adventurer, it’s okay to ask if they are alone. But please, try to respond in a non-shocked, “Oh my goodness, you are in so much danger!” – sort of way. A reply like, “Wow, that’s awesome!” or “Cool! What an adventure!” is encouraging. Positive affirmation makes us more willing to continue talking. Note: Sometimes, women will lie about this. (You won’t know the difference anyway.) Maybe she’ll choose not to respond and derail to a new topic or is unwilling to engage in conversation period. Respect this. Not sharing may be a woman’s form of protecting herself. Don’t continue to prod with questions about her route, etc.
3. Don’t Assume she’s Adventuring in Secret
Don’t assume she doesn’t have a partner, spouse, or has disappeared into the wilderness without telling anyone. It seems pretty obvious, but the above encounters indicate otherwise. I’d argue that most women outdoor enthusiasts have a solid support group who know their whereabouts and encourage them to achieve their goals. It doesn’t mean they aren’t concerned for their safety, but understand it is a calculated risk. Like Annie and myself, they presumptively have emergency and safety plans in action.
4. Offer your Support
We are happy for offers of support. When you have a conversation and discover a woman may be on her own, feel free to offer help. We appreciate it like any traveler. Volunteer to drop a water cache, your yard to tent for a night, couch to sleep, shower, or place to have a hot meal. Who doesn’t like an amenity here and there?! Are you familiar with the hiking or biking route? Know of road closures or obstacles? We love tips! Respect her response if she declines.
These are some fantastic ways to be an ally to solo women outdoor adventurers – some I’ve experienced firsthand. Follow these and you’ll probably receive a few less audible sighs and perhaps some more adventuring friends.
