I just returned from 18 consecutive days of backcountry hiking in the McKenzie Mountains, Northwest Territories of Canada. It was the longest trip I’ve ever done, and I learned several valuable lessons during that time.

I’ll share those in my trip report in the October edition of this newsletter.

I’ll also begin to share reviews of some new gear I used: a monocular (invaluable for spotting bears, caribou and sheep), a comparison of three different sun hoodies (REI, Kuhl and Outdoor Vitals), Arc’teryx approach boots, Kuhl hiking pants, an Outdoor Vitals down jacket, and an innovative dayhiking vest from Arc’ teryx that allows you to skip the backpack (how does that even work?!).

That’s a preview of upcoming newsletters, now let’s get into this month’s hiking news.

INSPIRING HIKING WOMEN

This interview with a determined hiker shares her wisdom about why she’s stronger now than at 60, how to handle weather, navigation and mental preparation, and what she gets out of the trail.

“I don’t count the years,” she said, “I count the miles.”

Sheeps Head Way hiker

Another source of inspiration, along the lines of making lemonade from very sour lemons.

Remember the devastating U.S. Palisade Fire? Meet this 92 year old hiker who is leading hikers back into the area.

Temescal Gateway Park hiking

HIKING RESOURCE: GEAR LIBRARIES

Or try out a new-to-you brand in your backyard or nearby park before your next backpacking trip.

All the details about how to find one and how to make the most of it:

Outdoor gear libraries

If you have questions about what you need to carry, wear and eat as a hiker, I've pulled together all of my resources for you on one page.

Dip into the Table of Contents to find trail tested recommendations on exactly what you're wondering about.

Hiking For Her beginner hiking tips

HIKING VOLUNTEER VACATIONS FOR FALL 2026

You can choose the level of work, the accommodations and the destination that work best for you:

Volunteer vacation trips

PUT YOUR TRAIL EXPERIENCE TO WORK

It may also open up a career path.

Meet 4 hikers who turned their trail experiences into thriving entrepreneurial businesses.

PCTA entrepreneurs

AN INSPIRING READ

And in my golden retriever fashion (one key difference: fixated on hiking news rather than squirrels), I am delivering something you don’t run into very often: an article on the early women pioneers of trail hiking.

There are names that may be new to you, and some fascinating accomplishments by women in the 1800s.

Be sure to see the book recommendation at the end of the article, “We Were There, Too” by Gwenyth Loose. It details pioneering Appalachian Trail female hikers.

Women pioneers of trail hiking

What are your hiking plans?

I'm casting about for a great hiking destination myself. Any recommendations for a fabulous place to explore on foot? Hit reply :)

Thanks for reading to the end. No reward, no squirrels, just a heartfelt wish for excellent September into October hiking.

Diane a.k.a. Happy Hiker

diane@hiking-for-her.com

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