Blue skies but chilly, warm misty rains, soaking downpours, light dusting of snow ... it can be a hard month to handle.

Nevertheless, it's my favorite month on the trail, despite (and sometimes due to) the weather uncertainty. Do you claim it as your favorite hiking month as well?

This newsletter's claim is to deliver some of the things I've promised: a full review of a heated fleece jacket and my July 2025 trip report from a rafting and hiking trip in the Northwest Territories.

It will also introduce you to some inspiring female hikers and share some hiking resources.

So what are we doing milling about in the intro? Let's get started!

INSPIRING FEMALE HIKERS

I find her positive attitude a breath of fresh air in a world that tells us we’re old at age 35.

Meet Betty Kellenberger

But there's some controversy surrounding her "thruhike" claim.

Was it a section hike, or a thruhike? Did she miss some miles of the trail? And does it really matter when you're an octogenarian?

Read about the kerfluffle here:

Thruhike or not?

The second woman I'd like you to meet is 82 year old Pam Johnston. She recently completed the "48 Over 80" hiking challenge.

If you're from the Eastern U.S. you probably already know that means she reached the top of all 48 4,000-foot peaks in New Hampshire.

And then she went further.

You can read about her accomplishments, but before you do, here's the kicker: She didn’t start hiking until she was 65.

Mull that over for a bit!

Pam Johnston

Now on to our third category of inspiring female hikers.

Did you know only five of more than 1,600 Adirondack mountains are named for women?

To honor the females behind these names, these 2 women combined 24 miles of trails and 161 miles of biking. Here's how they did it:

Forgotten Adirondack Women

GYROSCOPIC BACKPACK

It’s not ready for hiking yet, but maybe some day?

And I quote: “It contains spinning wheels that generate resistance to rotations of the wearer's torso, resulting in improved posture and balance.”


Backpack improves balance

HIKING RESOURCES

Let's start with a fleece jacket.

Of course you have (at least) one for hiking and other outdoor activities.

But a heated fleece jacket?

Read my review to understand why this can be a game changer if you’re a hiker who finds it hard to stay warm.

It might also appeal if you want to be as prepared as possible to survive a cold night outdoors.

Heated fleece jacket review

One more resource for you this month: I found a trip report from a women only backpacking trip in Yellow River State Forest in the Midwest.

I think it might be useful because it shares an honest look at group dynamics as well as the company Wander Women Midwest, from a newbie backpacker.

Women's backpacking trip report

HIKING FOR HER TRIP REPORT

It includes photos, my tips for prepping yourself for such a remote, long trip, and the gear I used to stay safe and comfortable.

The Far North is my favorite area to explore, and I hope you'll see why as you drink in the beauty and remoteness I enjoyed.

Northwest Territories backcountry trip report

Signing off for now

Planning their 2026 hikes, perhaps!

At least this hiker is.

As I plan, I update my webpages to share my current tips, gear reviews, recommendations and resources.

I invite you to use the Hiking For Her website as you plan (or daydream) your next hikes.

I just want to say that it is my honor to create and maintain this ad-free hiking information hub for you.

Did you know that every time you click through my website to find a hiking topic, it sends a signal to the keepers (overlords?) of web traffic?

It tells them that you consider my information valuable and relevant. I really appreciate that!

Thanks for being a hiker. Thanks for reading to the end :)

Diane a.k.a. a Happy to be Planning Hiker

diane@hiking-for-her.com

Did you receive this newsletter from a friend?

Stop by these HFH pages for a little hiking inspiration! Likes, comments and shares are always appreciated.

Hiking For Her

Some of the links in this newsletter and on the Hiking For Her website may be affiliate links.

What does this mean for you?

You create a small miracle when you buy hiking gear through those links, by allowing a tiny percentage of your purchase price to flow into the HFH coffers to keep things humming.

What's so miraculous about that?

You receive great gear that has been trail tested and approved by a seasoned hiker. You pay nothing extra. AND you help keep the free hiking tips flowing to your virtual trail buddies around the globe.

Wow!

A sincere Thank You for your vote of confidence in Hiking For Her. It means a lot!