Hmmmm, I just browsed over to this forum for the first time. Perhaps this is the place to ask a question.
I enjoy the company of women (as has been pointed out, men and women have different perspectives on things, and sometimes that different perspective can be refreshing, especially when a lot of my male friends become too obsessed with scatalogical references). My problem is that all the women I know who say they like the mountains are not interested in backpacking trips. I tell them about trips I am planning, and they are interested until they realize that there will be no showers or flush toilets for a week. How can I address this to their satisfaction so that they can enjoy the backcountry the way I know they would? And sometimes I almost have someone committed to going, and then when they find out that they will probably be the only woman in the group, they lose interest. Again, any suggestions how I can address this concern?
And another interesting topic is the biomechanics issue. I have often wondered about the strength and endurance of women hikers vs men. Generally speaking, women have lower upper body strength, but that should not be a big issue with hiking. Since women generally have a higher percentage of their body weight in their legs (hence possibly better leg strength/endurance compared to total body weight) but also generally have lower lung capacity, I have often wondered how these two factors work out in actual practice. And then there is the issue of total pack weight vs body weight, since it is difficult to get base weights to lower percentage of total body weight when you are petite to begin with. I even see some of this myself - when I compare myself (5'7", 155 lb) to some of my hiking companions (6'2", 220 lb) they can carry more gear than me and still have less relative to total body weight. Anyone care to comment about this, or am I just barking up the wrong tree?
Why start with such a big hike? If your friend, female or male, is new to backpacking, ease them into it: short day hikes, then a few longer day hikes with a picnic -- have to carry a pack, right? Then an easy overnighter. Plan the hikes together, so it's not all geared to your preferences only, and your friend will be more involved, not just tagging along with you and your friends.
As far as the biomechanics, why overanalyze? Endurance and ability to carry weight will vary from one person to another, male or female. Be gallant; carry the tent.
