Idaho Matters

How body positive hikers are making the trails more inviting

If you’re asked to imagine a hiker, who comes to mind? Is it a tall, lean, bearded man? That’s a common idea of who a hiker is, but there are a lot of people pushing back on that exclusionary notion.

Broadcast on:: 20 Mar 2024

Group founder Kirsten Strough leads Big Gal Backpackers Boise back toward the trailhead. (Murphy Woodhouse / Mountain West News Bureau )

If you’re asked to imagine a hiker, who comes to mind? Is it a tall, lean, bearded man? Maybe white? That’s a common idea of who a hiker is, but there are a lot of people pushing back on that exclusionary notion. The Mountain West News Bureau’s Murphy Woodhouse went hiking with a group with that mission — and brings us this report.