Safer Alone in the Backcountry: Sarah Grothjan

Sarah Grothjan believes solo hiking is one of the safest things she can do. Sarah explains why she feels safer alone in the backcountry than she does in her off-trail life.

We talk with Sarah about how a city can feel less safe than being by yourself in the woods, why she wants to change the pervasive narrative that says otherwise, and how the last five years of hiking and backpacking have helped her come out of her shell and step into herself.

Featured in this episode: Sarah Grothjan

Featured in the midroll ad: Emilee Struss

Hosted by Gale Straub

Sponsored by Merrell

Continue the conversation and join us in our She Explores Podcast Facebook Group!

In this episode, you'll hear:

• How Sarah got into hiking and backpacking solo
• Why she wants to break the pervasive narrative that women need a man to hike safely in the backcountry
• How a stalker changed her perspective on city life and words from thru-hiker Heather Anderson made her want to try backpacking
• The ways hiking and backpacking helped with Sarah's shyness
• That there are risks to spending time in the backcountry, but Sarah doesn't believe they are gender specific (for the most part)
• The mixed reactions Sarah gets from people about her solo outdoor experiences
• Why she wrote an essay for Outside Online and what the feedback was
• What outdoor trips Sarah is looking forward to this summer

Resources

• Sarah Grothjan: Instagram and Website
• Sarah's Outside Online Article: Backpacking is My Respite from Sexual Harassment

Sponsor Websites and Codes

• Merrell: Learn more by visiting Merrell.com

Enjoy this episode? Rate us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. It’ll help other people find us.

Music is by Lee Rosevere, Josh Woodward, and Kai Engel using a Creative Commons Attribution license.

She Explores airs weekly on Wednesdays - subscribe so you never miss an episode!