There’s no force of nature quite like an adventurous woman…
This August, we’re celebrating Women’s Day, and the free-range ladies who bring a spirit of exploration to whatever they do.
We’re here to pay homage to the incredible women who conquer the great outdoors, challenging their norms and blazing their trails in the camping and outdoor world. This blog is all about recognising and honouring these inspiring women who show us that camping and outdoor adventure is for everyone – regardless of gender! So, let’s raise our camping mugs and toast to the women of adventure. Let’s get it, ladies!
Celebrating Women in the Outdoor Adventure World
As Women’s Day dawns upon us, it’s a prime moment to reflect on the indomitable spirit and accomplishments of women in outdoor adventures. For centuries, the great outdoors has been framed as a particularly masculine area of exploration.
However, it’s critical to recognise that women have been immersing themselves in nature the whole time, too! From scaling majestic mountains to traversing dense forests and challenging the unyielding seas, women have been redefining the limits of human endurance and resilience in outdoor adventures just as long as the guys have.
Our celebration of Women’s Day isn’t just about highlighting ladies’ achievements but also recognising the significance of this day in promoting gender equality. These fierce adventurers have smashed gender stereotypes, showing the world that the wild has never been a domain reserved solely for men. Their unwavering determination and unwavering passion for adventure have paved the way for future generations of women to explore the great outdoors fearlessly.
1. Rhiane Fatinikun: Conquering the Wilderness with Eco-Passion
Rhiane Fatinikun, the founder of the international organisation Black Girls Hike, enables her fellow women to experience the beauty of nature alongside her. She received the Geographical Award at the 2022 Royal Geographical Society for empowering black women and girls to enjoy the outdoors, despite facing threats and discrimination on social media.
The British countryside and outdoor organisations lack diversity, with a 2020 report showing 40% of POCs in the nation are living in green space-deprived areas. Black Girls Hike has provided opportunities for many black women to experience the outdoors, some for the first time, especially in urban areas where finding like-minded communities can be challenging.
2. Courtney Dauwalter: Racing to Glory with Endless Stamina
When it comes to ultra-endurance trail running, Courtney Dauwalter’s name is synonymous with greatness. This fearless American adventurer has tackled some of the most gruelling races, often outrunning male competitors and setting records in the process.
In 2017, she won the Moab 240 Mile Endurance Run outright by more than 10 hours. That’s 390 kilometres across the desert in 2 days, 9 hours, and 59 minutes. Her mental fortitude and unwavering determination make her a true icon for women in the outdoor adventure world.
3. Saray Khumalo: Reaching New Heights, Inspiring Millions
In 2019, Saray Khumalo achieved an extraordinary feat by becoming the first Black African woman to summit Mount Everest, showcasing her unwavering determination. Combining her mountaineering accomplishments with her skill in business management, Saray collaborates with transformative organisations, empowering individuals and teams to discover and maximise their potential in pursuit of personal and business objectives.
As the founder of “ ,” Saray has made a significant impact by raising funds and establishing physical and digital libraries in underprivileged African schools. She firmly believes in the transformative power of literacy and education, recognising their potential to reshape the future narrative for the upcoming generation. Here’s to a proudly South African outdoor hero!
4. Rebecca Lowe: Exploring the World, Preserving its Wonders
This UK-based journalist set out totally solo on a journey from the UK all the way to Tehran, with only her bicycle and what she could carry on it. Documenting her travel through Europe and to the Middle East to show a ‘non-tourist’ perspective on the region, her travels led her through tiny villages, grand mountain ranges and bustling cities alike.
Having never previously done more cycling than commuting to work, she embraced a whole new type of bravery by setting off on this journey. She wrote a book on her experiences called The Slow Road to Tehran, which we think is really worth the read!
5.Kira Salak: Daring to Venture into the Unknown
Meet Kira Salak, the fearless American travel writer and adventurer who has dared to venture into the most remote and challenging corners of the world. Her expeditions have taken her to the heart of Papua New Guinea, the Amazon rainforest, and the dangerous backwaters of Angola. She even kayaked 1000km to Timbuctoo, solo!
She has written two books of nonfiction and a book of fiction based on her travels and is a contributing editor at National Geographic magazine. Kira’s storytelling abilities have transported readers to the depths of her journeys, and her courage has inspired countless women to embrace the unknown and make their adventures come true. Kira’s path serves as a reminder that the wilderness holds boundless secrets waiting to be explored by those brave enough to venture forth.
How to get started with Outdoor Adventures
Now that we’ve stoked your fire for exploration with the incredible stories of these phenomenal women, you might be wondering how you can embark on your own outdoor adventure. Fear not! We’ve got you covered with some tips and tricks to get you started:
– Start small, dream big: Begin with local camping trips or easy hikes to get accustomed to the outdoors. As your confidence grows, you can aim for more challenging expeditions.
– Gear up: Invest in durable and reliable camping equipment Our high-quality yet affordable gear will make your outdoor experiences even more enjoyable.
– Join outdoor groups: Seek out local outdoor clubs or online communities to connect with like-minded adventurers. Sharing experiences and knowledge can enhance your outdoor journey. We love a group of gallivanting gals!
– Learn outdoor skills: Take courses on navigation, first aid, and outdoor survival to equip yourself with essential skills for any adventure. Especially if you’re travelling solo, your safety is in your hands, so you should ensure they’re capable.
– Embrace nature: Respect and cherish the environment. Leave no trace and be mindful of wildlife and ecosystems during your outdoor escapades. The better we preserve nature, the more we’ll have of her to explore in the future.
Women of the wilderness, unite!
As we wrap up our celebration of Women’s Day and women in outdoor pursuits, remember that the spirit of adventure knows no boundaries. The journeys Rhiane, Courtney, Saray, Rebecca, and Kira have undertaken have shown us that courage, passion, and perseverance can conquer any peak – both figuratively and literally.
So, whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or just starting your journey, let this be a reminder that camping and outdoor adventures are for everyone, regardless of the body you were born in. Let’s continue to uplift and support each other, ensuring that the great outdoors remains a space of inclusion, diversity, and empowerment.
As you set out on your own expeditions, carry the torch of these inspiring women with you. Then, head on down to a Game, Makro or Builders’ Warehouse near you to pick up all the gear you’ll need to make your dreams a reality.