Trekking and hiking have gained global popularity, attracting enthusiasts seeking both physical challenge and the tranquility of nature. This rising interest is evident in market projections.
GlobeNewswire reports that the global trekking and hiking market is expected to reach $182.9 million by 2028, with a 6% CAGR from 2023. Driving this growth are heightened health consciousness, fitness-focused lifestyles, and a growing preference for outdoor recreation.
As demand for trekking gear, clothing, and equipment expands, a standout trend is the growing presence of women in high-altitude trekking. Once a field dominated by men, today’s toughest mountain routes are being conquered by women who exemplify endurance and a fearless spirit.
This article explores the factors fueling this shift and the challenges women face on high-altitude expeditions. It also highlights the growing support that is empowering more women to reach the world’s highest peaks.
The Expanding Footprint of Female Trekkers
The global rise of women in trekking is transforming the landscape of high-altitude adventure. From the dramatic spires of Patagonia, to the legendary Himalayan routes of Nepal, female trekkers are pushing limits and reshaping expectations.
In the United States, the Sierra Nevada has emerged as a key hub for women adventurers. The challenging yet approachable terrain supports women-led expeditions, training programs, and mentorship along trails like the John Muir Trail and Mt. Whitney. In the Himalayas, all-female climbing teams are reaching new heights, both literally and symbolically, by organizing bold ascents and setting new records.
Carolyn Robinson perfectly exemplifies the expanding reach of women in high-altitude trekking. At 80 years old, she undertook a 17-day journey to Everest’s South Base Camp, as highlighted by ABC News. Hailing from Berry, NSW, Robinson set out to become the oldest woman to achieve this remarkable milestone, showcasing extraordinary resilience.
Her achievement powerfully demonstrates that age is no barrier, as women of all generations are courageously taking on high-altitude adventures.
How Women Are Redefining Trekking Through Gear, Grit, and Grace
Preparing for high-altitude treks calls for careful planning, strong resolve, and a collaborative spirit. Women excel in this demanding environment by building support networks through both formal training programs and vibrant online communities. These connections promote knowledge sharing and accountability, empowering first-timers and seasoned adventurers alike to tackle unfamiliar terrain.
Female adventurers also bring unique perspectives to gear and preparation. Their needs have inspired innovations in ergonomically designed backpacks, customized hydration systems, and nutrition plans tailored to women’s physiology. Social media platforms now amplify these contributions, with hashtags building global sisterhoods centered on safety and empowerment.
However, high-altitude environments also introduce medical challenges. According to the CDC, hazards such as cold, low humidity, intense ultraviolet radiation, and lower air pressure can all pose problems at high altitudes. However, the most significant concern is hypoxia, which is caused by reduced partial pressure of oxygen (PO2).
At 3,050m (10,000ft), available oxygen drops to 69% of sea level, lowering oxygen saturation to 88–91%. Risks vary with ascent speed, altitude, and individual genetics, increasing further during sleep.
Underscoring the importance of grit and preparedness, Tiffany Slaton’s survival story stands out. After becoming lost on a solo trek in California’s Sierra Nevada, she splinted her injured leg and foraged for food. She then weathered a snowstorm with limited supplies until she was finally rescued. Her resourcefulness is a testament to the resilience women bring to the mountains.
Health Challenges Unique to Women
Endurance trekking presents unique physiological challenges for women, particularly in high-altitude conditions. Menstrual health, contraception, and hormonal fluctuations require deliberate planning.
Women often turn to long-term contraceptive solutions like the Paragard IUD, valued for its hormone-free reliability. However, some report heavier bleeding and cramping, symptoms that may intensify during strenuous treks in remote areas. According to TorHoerman Law, the Paragard IUD has also been linked to complications like device breakage during removal.
The Paragard lawsuit against Teva Pharmaceuticals alleges that the manufacturer failed to adequately warn users about the risks associated with device breakage during removal. These health concerns highlight the importance of pre-trip medical consultations and ongoing advocacy for women-specific research in adventure medicine.
Enhanced gear, informed protocols, and legal accountability aim to make trekking safer and more inclusive for women.
What’s Next for Women in the Trekking World?
The future is bright for women in high-altitude trekking. Several trends are set to further accelerate this momentum:
- Growing adoption of eco-conscious and leave-no-trace ethics among women’s trekking collectives
- Rise of solo female trekking, supported by digital communities and enhanced safety resources
- Increasing representation in leadership roles within mountaineering clubs, guiding institutions, and national parks
- Calls for brands and outdoor organizations to develop more inclusive marketing, gear, and safety protocols tailored to women
While data on crimes against solo female hikers is scarce and often underreported, Backpacker magazine highlights that public lands are safer than other areas. The risk of violent crime in a national park is thousands of times lower than the national average, for both men and women.
This reassuring context, combined with ongoing advancements, underscores the imperative for industry leaders to invest in visibility for women on the trails. Equally important is building infrastructure that actively welcomes and protects female trekkers, ensuring their continued rise and empowerment in the trekking world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do women handle altitude better?
Research on how women handle altitude compared to men is mixed. Some studies suggest premenopausal women may experience milder vascular responses and lower hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR). However, individual variability is significant. Overall, there’s no clear consensus, highlighting the need for more sex-specific research in high-altitude physiology.
Does high altitude affect the menstrual cycle?
Yes, high altitude can affect the menstrual cycle. Reduced oxygen levels and physical stress may lead to hormonal changes, causing irregularities such as missed periods, shorter or longer cycles, and altered flow. These effects vary among individuals and often normalize after acclimatization or return to lower elevations.
How to wear your hair when hiking?
When hiking, keep your hair secure and off your face to stay comfortable and cool. Braids, low buns, or ponytails work well to prevent tangles and minimize sweat buildup. Use hair ties or headbands that won’t slip, and consider a hat or buff for sun protection and added control.
The growing presence of women in high-altitude trekking reflects a powerful blend of determination and solidarity. Their accomplishments on the world’s highest trails are reshaping the outdoor world and redefining traditional views on gender, risk, and adventure. As more women venture into remote ranges, they introduce fresh perspectives and leadership, proving that the mountains are a space for all.
