Heather Balogh Rochfort - Women Who Hike: Walking with America’s Most Inspiring Adventurers

Heather Balogh Rochfort is a freelance writer and author of Backpacking 101. Her website, Just a Colorado Gal, has been voted one of the top five best hiking and outdoor travel blogs by USA Today. She is also a gear writer for Backpacker Magazine and regularly appears on-air to discuss outdoor topics for the Weather Channel. An enthusiastic hiker, backcountry skier, backpacker, and trail runner, she lives outside of Denver with her husband, baby girl, and lovable yet geriatric mutt.

There are so many people to thank for the creation of this project that I struggle to know where to begin! First, Id be remiss if I didnt express my utter gratitude and respect for the twenty women featured in these pages. Not only did they use their limited free time to speak with me and pull together photos, but these ladies have also spent a lifetime breaking down glass walls and showing the world what it looks like to be a strong female in the outdoor industry. Its not easy to forge your own trail but these women do it with style and class, regardless of whether they even realize it. I respect each and every one of the women highlighted in these pages and I sincerely enjoyed learning about their journeys.

Erica deserves a gigantic thank you for all of her dedication and help. Without her assistance, exquisite computer skills, and attention to detail, I suspect I would be in a lot of trouble.

Id also like to thank my husband for his eternal patience and support for all of my crazy ideas. I truly dont think I could do it without his unwavering commitment and Im so thankful to have him by my side for all of lifes adventures. You are my rock; you are my everything.

A special thanks goes to my parents and little sister for filling my formative years with exceptionally long nature walks that pulled double duty as hikes. While I (really) didnt appreciate those at the time, Im convinced those early days were the stepping stones that led me to grander adventures.

Finally, Id like to thank our baby girl Liliana, even though she cant read just yet. Her zest for life and infectious enthusiasm make every day better than the last. I thank my lucky stars every day that she chose me to be her mother, and I can only hope she grows up to be as strong, kind, and fierce as the women highlighted in these pages.

Weather is the great equalizer of hiking. It does not matter how fit you are or how much you enjoy the trail; poor weather can ruin a trip if you are unprepared. Plan ahead by doing your research from home. Watch the weather weeks in advance and as your trip draws closer, pay special attention to the weather patterns on your specific hike. Rainy weather is not always a reason to call off a trip, but communicate with others in your group. You may feel comfortable hiking through rain for three days but your partners may not. Additionally, consider your altitude and topographical location if you see nasty weather in the forecast. Rainstorms above tree line frequently bring lightning and thunder, both meteorological occurrences that can be deadly. Some hikes are prone to lightning strikes, so double-check the weekend forecast before hitting the dirt.

Trail seasonality is highly subjective. For example, the Shoup Bay Trail in Alaska is going to look much different than Georgias Chattooga River Trail when January rolls around. Typically, summer is the best season for hiking in the west and at higher altitudes whereas southerners prefer winter or spring to escape the fiery hot and muggy conditions.

If you plan on hiking a high-altitude trail, keep the cooler temperatures in mind. In Colorado, for example, it could be 85 degrees and sunny at the trailhead but 55 degrees and sleeting a few thousand feet up. Additionally, snow lasts much longer as you climb higher in the mountains, so plan on encountering a few snowfields if you hike above tree line in early spring.

If there is only one piece of advice I can give you before your hike, it is this: Be Prepared! This is the motto of the Boy Scouts of America, and for good reason. If you plan accordingly and pack everything you need, there are very few instances where you will be caught in a bind.

The Ten Essentials

First and foremost, always pack the Ten Essentials. The Ten Essentials were a concept originally designed in the 1930s by the Mountaineers, a Seattle-based group of climbers and outdoor enthusiasts. In this original list, they included the ten items they felt any hiker would need to handle an emergency situation and safely spend a night or two outside. Since then, the original ten items have morphed into a systems-based list, but the ideology is the same. Theoretically, you will carry these systems with you on every hike, regardless of whether it is a multiday backpacking trip or a daylong hike. They are as follows:

Navigation (map and compass): Be sure to always bring a topographic map with you on any trip, as well as a compass. Pro tip: While its great to have these items in your backpack, it is even more important that you know how to use them! Store the map in a ziplock bag or laminate it to ensure it doesnt get wet or destroyed. With modern technology, many hikers opt to carry GPS devices or even apps on their phone. While these are helpful and can be very useful, technology never replaces the tried-and-true map and compass. Gadgets break or quit or lose battery charge, but a map and compass will always work.

Sun Protection (sunglasses and sunscreen): A sunburn can ruin any trip, so always take the necessary precautions. Wear a hat to protect your face as well as sunglasses to cover your eyes. Never forget sunscreen and lip balm with SPF either.

Insulation (extra clothing): Be sure to always have an extra layer or two in case of emergency. Perhaps you take an accidental digger into a stream while hopping across some slippery rocks? Youll be psyched you brought extra clothing to keep you warm at camp.

Illumination (headlamp or flashlight): Its rare for a hiker or backpacker to bring a flashlight, but headlamps can be very useful. If your flashlight goes entirely sideways, it is always possible that you will conclude your hike in the dark. If this happens, a hands-free light will be absolutely critical. Also, cold weather can zap batteries, so make sure you bring an extra set with you on every trip.

First-Aid Supplies: Always, always bring medical supplies with you on every trip! And no, were not simply talking about a box of adhesive bandages. Injuries happen on the trail and if your partner sprains her ankle while you are trekking 7 miles from the trailhead, you will be very thankful for the splint.

Fire (matches or lighter): Not only will some sort of flame be helpful when it comes time to cook dinner, but these tools are useful if you need to start an emergency fire. These days, most hikers opt for lighters over matches. Whichever you prefer, bring a backup in case your Plan A doesnt work out. Additionally, consider bringing a fire starter with you on every trip. These can be made at home (dryer lint or cotton balls smeared with petroleum jelly are popular choices) and weigh next to nothing, so there is no reason not to carry a few.

Repair Kit and Tools: Your dog will pop your sleeping pad one time while winter camping and you will learn your lesson (could have happened to anyone...). Make sure you pack the basic repair tools on every trip so you can fix any gear emergencies that crop up.

Nutrition (extra food): Always pack extra food, regardless of how long you will be on the trail. If you are planning on a simple day hike, bring an extra days worth of calories. If you know youll be out there for a few nights, plan on more extra food. Regardless of what you choose, be sure the food keeps over time and doesnt require cooking. After all, your emergency situation may mean a stove isnt available.