shewwimonster's review

Go to review page

hopeful inspiring reflective

3.75

There’s a lot about this book that I loved, but I wish there had been more guide to it. And the chapters got repetitive. 

libraryforspooky's review

Go to review page

5.0

Big thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book for an honest review! I wish this book came out a few years ago to help me on my journey in the world of hiking. This book is a guide for hiking - whether you're plus size, new to hiking or have a disability that may limit your hike.

Not only does this guide give you tips on the best way to start hiking, but it also emphasizes on not getting stuck on how far you can go. It's helpful that they included a section on what to wear. Picking out a backpack for a hike is scary and so are finding the right shoes that would be beneficial for you to your hike. It's not a one size fit all. The guide contained reviews and locations to hikes that might seem intimidating, but you hear about their personal experience. It helps that its personal, because you realize that you may have the same struggle, but it's worth it for the view at the end. Most of all, it's good to know you're not alone.

This guide isn't focused on the fitness or weight loss of hiking - or getting prepared by going to the gym every day like I did when I first started. This guide is about connecting with the outdoors. It also talked about the struggles of being overweight in a society that pushes diets.

As stated earlier, this guide couldn't come out soon enough. The pictures were amazing, it showed the trails, the end game and the inclusive reviewers. It was diverse and refreshing, not fat shaming or participating in diet culture. I think this guide will help a lot of people, it's informative to all sizes and abilities capable in the world of hiking.

Makes me want to go to trails they reviewed, but most importantly it makes me want to get outside with the right equipment and nutrition to see the beautiful ways that Nature presents itself.

shannon_bailey's review

Go to review page

informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.0

ell_jay_em7's review

Go to review page

5.0

I love this! It had some great tips and I also enjoyed the essays and profiles. This is probably one of the only outdoor guides that takes body size and disability into account. I'm so happy this exists! Grateful for the accessible advice.

courte_'s review against another edition

Go to review page

hopeful informative inspiring

3.75

quantumspook's review

Go to review page

5.0

An uplifting introduction to the outdoors for those of us the industry historically ignores. Support and love shines through on every page.

lsparrow's review

Go to review page

3.0

enjoyed this book about getting into hiking in a way that feels more accessable - practical tips and loved the reviews of trails and different view points.

abbyam's review

Go to review page

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring slow-paced

5.0

I love her writing style and the pictures are gorgeous! This will definitely become a hiking staple for me!

andeez's review

Go to review page

3.0

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC of this book.

What a delightful book about the "non-outdoorsy stereotype" saying screw you to social norms and getting out to enjoy nature and each other. Started small, and then with a facebook group, and then with chapters all over the country, this book includes personal stories as well as trail hints.

I love the practical advice given that all hikers should know. And while my family isn't obese, we do have physical problems that could use hints about accessibility on trails. As a fellow Portland, OR resident, I appreciate this book and can't wait to share it with all of my friends!

jennie_cole's review

Go to review page

4.0

Fat Girls Hiking is part inspirational book to get people of limited mobility or just increased size motivated to go out and try hiking. The book champions going at your own pace and wearing what is comfortable while not letting others intimidate you while you spend time with nature.
The book also has these little inserts about other hikers and their stories to help inspire. These women come from varying backgrounds and life experiences but they all found that hiking was something they could do. I love that there is a mix of ethnic backgrounds in the women that are highlighted showing that this is not just a white person experience. At the same time they do highlight the need to be and feel safe. There are places where a person of color or LGBTQ person might not feel or be welcome.
Finally there are trail reviews. Different people highlight trails that they enjoy and talk about the accessibility of the trail and what to expect. With everything that is going on getting outside and hiking has become more popular, this book is needed to let people know that experiencing nature is not owned by any one person or group and anyone can go for a hike, even if it is only really short and takes a long time. The self care you get from going out there will give you more than you thought possible.