I just got back from Sedona, land of vortex hikes, and it may have messed with my wiring a bit.

This month's newsletter is full of good advice from and for female hikers, so let's get started!

INSPIRING HIKING WOMEN

Here's the wisdom two hikers offer you in response to these three questions:

1. How do you describe yourself as a hiker?

2. Where are you headed this year to spend time in the outdoors?

3. What is your number one tip for happy trails?

Megan from Maine

I don't get on dirt as much as I'd like, but I LOVE day hiking. I'm the type to stay super close to the trail head and hike first light to last light. Living in Maine that can be as long as 18 hours in the summer. Being a mom I have to make the most of the time I get on trail. 

2. Upcoming adventures: Maine and New Hampshire

I live in central Maine, so trail access isn't hard for me. I'll be completing the Maine 4000-foot mountains this summer (weather willing). There are 14. I have one left. After that, hopefully trying some options in the White Mountains.

3. Best Tip (if there is one): Confidence is key

Research where you're going, weather conditions, terrain, and be prepared. Refresh basic first aid skills, check batteries, food supplies, etc. When you know you're prepared anything is possible. Have confidence in your preparations and there is nothing that can stop you (aside from a thunderstorm or equally unpredictable circumstances).

Maggie Gigandet

2. Where headed: I'm visiting Isle Royale National Park this summer which is an island in Lake Superior near Canada. I'm looking forward to day hikes, possibly kayaking, and then relaxing in the evenings while watching the sun set over the lake. 

3. Best advice: Good hiking boots are essential; they should be comfortable and in good condition. You don't want painful feet distracting from the views, and slipping on the trail can be dangerous.

Your turn!

Want to be an inspiration in the June newsletter?

No pressure, just a heartfelt desire to share what we know with each other (the motto of Hiking For Her since 2008).

Hit reply to send your answers and I'll send a reply right back.

HIKING RESOURCES

I received three items of clothing from REI last month and have been busy testing them during trail time in vastly different climates: cool, moist Washington State versus arid, sunny Arizona.

Here’s what I have to share about this particular upper body layering system.

The Sahara Shade long-sleeve hoodie really came in handy in Sedona. It’s a loose fit, lots of room for a base layer. The hood added to versatility with face and neck sun protection. The lightweight fabric was breathable enough that I could wear it in the middle of the day and not feel oppressed.

The Sahara Shade long sleeve shirt has all the features you want in a simple but hard working base layer: wicking, quick drying, flat lock seams, a U-shaped neckline with good coverage under your backpack, and unobtrusive thumb loops that you can ignore until you need them. The Mineral Water (blue) color is lovely on the eyes, but you have several options.

For cool mornings (6A starts to beat heat or crowds), I wore the women’s PrimaLoft Microtrek insulated hoodie in the Blue Canyon color. This gossamer weight packable outer layer has earned a place in my year round clothing layer system, because it’s trim enough to fit under my rain jacket but can also be pulled over the Sahara Shade base layers. It’s got a generous hood to protect my neck (the first place I feel chilly morning breezes) and inner pockets to stash a snack.

You can take a closer look at all 3 pieces of hiking clothing here. And there's more good news: They are all on sale during the REI Anniversary Sale running through May 25, 2026.

REI Hoodie

REI base layer shirt

REI jacket

In terms of new gear, I have been using the REI women’s Traverse 35 backpack for 5 months of day hiking, and I honestly can say it’s a solid pack that has some “bigger backpack” features for a decent price.

I updated my review to reflect my months of testing, you can read it here. (Psst... it's on sale, too!)

35L Traverse backpack review

NATIONAL TRAILS DAY

All the details for finding a local event or planning one yourself:

National Trails Day 2026

INTERESTING ARTICLE

And it's what our inspiring hikers shared with us this month (see above).

This pdf article summarizes things nicely: Criticality of preparation and equipment in hiking and trekking activities: a systematic review.

It covers tips on better hiking strategies and outlines potential risks that can be handled (or prevented) with a bit of forethought.

Might be a good read before you head out for that next outdoor adventure!

Preparation As A Hiker

The End

The trail leads on and on... Stay tuned for where Hiking For Her will be exploring to gather more hiking strategies to share with you!

P.S. I sincerely enjoy the messages & photos you send, they keep me connected to the reasons I write this little newsletter. THANK YOU!!

Diane a.k.a. Possibly Vortex Impaired(?) Hiker

diane@hiking-for-her.com

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