Five Tips for Getting Your Wife out on the Trail

[colorado_rob]

Guys, please don't take offense where none was meant or given. I tried to be specific in wording the post and the article- this is to help those men who love the outdoors introduce their wives who may not yet share their passion to the outdoors. If you fall in to that category, this article was meant to help you out. If not, then obviously this article doesn't apply to you. Don't make something out of nothing.

I don't think any real offense was taken, certainly not be me. I just don't understand at all why you would put a gender on the words, vs. just saying "spouse" or "significant other". Why would you not say the same thing about husbands who don't hike with their wives? Is it not the identical situation? Again, no offense taken, by me at least. Please don't be offended that I spoke up on this.

[johnspenn]

I don't think any real offense was taken, certainly not be me. I just don't understand at all why you would put a gender on the words, vs. just saying "spouse" or "significant other". Why would you not say the same thing about husbands who don't hike with their wives? Is it not the identical situation? Again, no offense taken, by me at least. Please don't be offended that I spoke up on this.

The reason I didn't address husbands who don't hike with their wives is because I have never been in that situation, and so can't speak to it experientially. I would imagine that some of the same advice would work both ways, but some may not. IMO there is a distinct difference between how a husband encourages his wife to do something, and how a wife encourages a husband to do something. The two objectives are not necessarily achieved using the same methods.

Either way, thanks for taking time to read and comment on my article!

[burger]

You all have the wrong approach. I married someone who loves hiking and backpacking as much as I do. We did a 200 mile trip together within a year of starting dating and the CDT before we got married. I honestly couldn't imagine being with someone whom I had to cajole into going hiking.

[Hikingjim]

Exactly. I like his recommendation to go when it's warm with no bugs. Is that a fly I see 30 feet away on a tree leaf? Don't go. Did I get a chigger bite? Return home. Are these spider webs across the trail? Eeek, find shelter indoors. These nasty noseeums suck! Reserve motel room. ETc. Oh and btw, Bugs love warm weather. Oops.

I said warm, not hot. Oops? Have done multiple fabulous hikes with absolutely no bug issues in late august or sept. The simple point was to introduce people to the beauty of hiking in the most enjoyable time of year in an simple way... figured that was obvious. The swarm of black flies can wait for another trip!

[Hikingjim]

You all have the wrong approach. I married someone who loves hiking and backpacking as much as I do. We did a 200 mile trip together within a year of starting dating and the CDT before we got married. I honestly couldn't imagine being with someone whom I had to cajole into going hiking.

That's great if it works out that way. But people can pick up the habit quickly if the interest is there. My marriage proposal was validated when my fiance asked for base layers for Christmas.

[Water Rat]

Yeah, article seems bit sexist, but all points are good, whether applying to non hiking wives or husbands (or just SO's).

Not to brag on this part of the country, but I don't think you'd ever see such an article title or word content out here in Colorado. There are more women, for example, active in the Colorado mountain club than men, and out on the trails it really is pretty close to 50-50 in these parts. Having hiked the AT, no where close to 50-50.

I agree - The wordage would definitely be different in Colorado, as well as many places in the western US. I also agree that things are way different on the AT when it comes to percentage of female hikers. I say that after having lived in Colorado. Some amazing trails there!

[Water Rat]

Guys, please don't take offense where none was meant or given. I tried to be specific in wording the post and the article- this is to help those men who love the outdoors introduce their wives who may not yet share their passion to the outdoors. If you fall in to that category, this article was meant to help you out. If not, then obviously this article doesn't apply to you. Don't make something out of nothing.

Absolutely no offense was taken on my part. I was simply offering the female perspective (as well as a few tips) from one who has been backpacking most of her life. The tips offered in the article apply to some women & men, but (as with any article) should not be taken as "all females need you to do this." The advice I gave was meant more for those who do not yet understand that women can hold their own out on the trail.

It is food for thought for those who think women have to hike with someone and have to have someone carry all the heavy stuff. Different perspectives are a good thing.

[coach lou]

I introduced my fiance to backpacking about 4 years ago and I agree with much of this list. She had never gone, has poor balance, etc, so a bit of an experience.

My 10 ten key components, simplified, in no particular order:
1. Go when it's warm and no bugs (aug/sep in the NE is ideal)
2. Keep the mileage reasonable
3. Make a route that has resupply often so that you don't have to carry that much.
4. Give her a decent size pack so she's a legit backpacker, but offer to take if there's some "newbie fatigue". Giving bulky items that aren't heavy works well for this. I go heavy on the food/water in my pack
5. Fantastic scenery to start is a plus
6. Reschedule if it's all rain and it's a first trip
7. Mix in a hotel/hostel day and end with a more luxurious stay when you finish!
8. Go a bit overkill on warmth so it's not a frigid first experience
9. No rushing or "timetabling" unless 100% necessary.
10. Bring awesome food. Just because you like granola and stoveless, doesn't mean that's a good option for the two of you

^^^^^^ WHAT HE SAYS^^^^^^

[Dogwood]

An article for the men out there who would love for their wives to join them out on the trail but haven't figured out how to make that happen yet.

https://couch2trail.wordpress.com/20...-on-the-trail/

Very nice! Wow refreshing. I like the site headline couch 2 trail. About time. Well done.

[H I T C H]

Proper gear selection is crucial.

[JLorenzo77]

Good read, John. I've done day hikes with my wife but she loves to say, 'I'm from Brooklyn. I'm a city girl.' We also have two young kids and finding sitters overnight can be tough. Also, sometimes it's best for me to get out there on my own. But one day, maybe!

[Tipi Walter]

Proper gear selection is crucial.

It's good to see HITCH has been reeducated and has gotten with the program. Thru tough experience and after a harrowing series of trips he has finally figured out the way to success---proper gear selection is indeed crucial.

[johnspenn]

Very nice! Wow refreshing. I like the site headline couch 2 trail. About time. Well done.

Thanks Dogwood!

Good read, John. I've done day hikes with my wife but she loves to say, 'I'm from Brooklyn. I'm a city girl.' We also have two young kids and finding sitters overnight can be tough. Also, sometimes it's best for me to get out there on my own. But one day, maybe!

Do what you can when you can. Maybe as the children get older it can become a family thing and y'all can all get out there, no sitter needed!

[TSWisla]

Why would you want your wife on the trail, especially if she does not want to go in the first place? It is a recipe for disaster. Go on your hiking trip and then book a trip to an all inclusive resort and take her there. You will never convert someone not interested in the outdoors into an outdoors(wo)man.

[johnspenn]

Why would you want your wife on the trail, especially if she does not want to go in the first place? It is a recipe for disaster. Go on your hiking trip and then book a trip to an all inclusive resort and take her there. You will never convert someone not interested in the outdoors into an outdoors(wo)man.

Not true. My wife is empirical proof. She was never interested in camping out or backpacking before this last year, and she is now a solid convert. I do agree it isn't for everyone, but in our case she changed her mind and I'm sure we're not alone!

[Dogwood]

Why would you want your wife on the trail, especially if she does not want to go in the first place? It is a recipe for disaster. Go on your hiking trip and then book a trip to an all inclusive resort and take her there. You will never convert someone not interested in the outdoors into an outdoors(wo)man.

The picture says otherwise. That's joy and genuine love you see.

[jumbojimbo]

My wife's idea of camping is staying at a Holiday Inn,but I can go out backpacking anytime .

[johnspenn]

My wife's idea of camping is staying at a Holiday Inn,but I can go out backpacking anytime .

HYOH! Glad it works for y'all! =)