International Women’s Day, March 8th, is a global day that celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day is also a call to action for accelerating women’s equality. International Women’s Day has happened for well over a century with the first gathering being in 1911.

At Jack Wolfskin we are recognizing March as Women’s Month. Each week we are highlighting female leaders in the outdoor space to share their favorite tips on enjoying the outdoors.

First we have Andrea Cannon, a strong and fierce outdoor enthusiast. When she moved to Salt Lake City 6 years ago, she became an avid hiker. She is now someone that both men and women look to in the outdoor space.

“When you are new to the outdoor space, you do not need to summit Everest to be a hiker. You don’t need to do the whole Appalachian Trail. You can start in your backyard and become more familiar with what you already know. When you go on a hike, you are a hiker.“—Andrea Cannon

We asked Andrea who inspires her in the outdoor space. She told us about her friend Liz who was one of the first people Andrea met when she moved to Salt Lake City. Liz was already an avid outdoors person and upon meeting, they immediately planned a trip to Bryce Canyon to hike together. The two have done many trips and hikes together including Andrea’s first multi-overnight backpacking trip to Havasupai.

Below you will find Andrea’s tips for new hikers to help inspire you to get outside.

Tips for New Hikers

Start Small: When you are new to the outdoor space, you do not need to summit Everest to be a hiker. You don’t need to do a 10-mile hike right out of the gate. Instead, start in your backyard and become more familiar with what you already know.

Start Local: There is no problem at all with going on a 1-mile hike in a space where you are familiar or will have lots of people on it. This allows you to be comfortable in an unfamiliar environment.

Have Service: Being new and unfamiliar with terrain, making sure you have service will allow you to explore without fear. There are lots of small GPS devices, or simply make sure you have cell service.

Be comfortable: Dress for the weather! Layering is a perfect way to ensure you have options if you get too hot or too cold, moisture wicking fleece works especially well. Making sure your feet are comfortable is also imparative to a successful hike, check out some of our favorite hiking shoes.

Use the App All Trails: All Trails shows the trails that are close to you. It gives reviews from people that have hiked the trail so you know if it is right for you. It gives length of the trip, elevation on the hike, the weather for the day, and so much more. This is a great tool to use when you are getting into the outdoor world.

Get a Friend to Go with You: It is always fun to go on a hike with friends. You can start a new hobby together, get some exercise, or just walk along a trail to catch up.

Communicate: Let someone know where you are going, when you are going, and around when you will be back. This way, if you lose service or something happens, someone will know to look for you.

Be Prepared: Make sure you have the 12 Essentials for a day hike. It is much better to be over prepared, than underprepared.

Have Fun: The outdoor space is amazing and so much fun to be a part of! Enjoy it and everything it has to offer.