I feel a bit like Eugene Henderson’s character in the book Henderson the Rain King. It seems that every place I’ve hiked, the rain has followed.
Many of the creeks and streams are dry. And here I was, thinking that water would be plentiful because Minnesota is the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
Once I started the day with three liters of water. I didn’t make the usual brown sugar oatmeal that I so love. I opted for a protein bar and decided to push through the morning.
As the day deepened and the humidity increased, I desperately hiked not only in the pursuit of moving forward—but also to find water.
After many hours and several dry creeks, I did what any nearly dehydrated person would do. I found a spot in the shade and decided to get out of the sun.
After resting and waiting for the sun to chase the sky, I moved onward and finally reached a muddy pool.
I was ecstatic—I had access to water! Filthy, brackish, and unsafe, but water nonetheless.
It got me thinking about folks without access to clean water, those who can’t afford a filtration system.
Specifically, I thought of a significant environmental injustice right in the neighboring lake: the lead infiltration in the drinking water in Flint, Michigan—a predominately Black, poverty-stricken city.
Flint shows us how environmental injustice and racial injustice are deeply connected. I think if a Sawyer mini could purify my water in under 30 minutes, why can’t we encourage other companies to enact changes? The knowledge is there.
I sat quaffing muddy water, “Damnit, there should be more water on the trail. Minnesota, this ain’t nice!”
I will begin my Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) thru-hike in precisely seven days. As of June 1, the SHT Association recommends that SHT users #RecreateResponsibly.
This hike intends to raise money and awareness for PGM ONE, People of the Global Majority in the Outdoors, Nature, and Environment. I don’t work for PGM One.
By hiking the SHT, I am choosing to speak out against racial injustice in the United States—brought to light by the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Gear is necessary for a thru-hike (historically, my ancestors traveled the trails with less, but the gear is vital nowadays).
I want to use reliable, lightweight products from trusted brands for this hike. In the past, I purchased solely on reputation. I read hundreds of my fellow Trek bloggers’ posts, devoured review after review, and bought gear accordingly.
As I began hiking, I shared my likes and dislikes over time. It makes sense. When you spend a great deal of time backpacking, your knowledge about gear, quality, and product attributes becomes somewhat second nature.
Pack: Keeping it real, I didn’t know that L.L. Bean made hiking packs. I was a skeptic accepting this pack as there aren’t a lot of reviews. To my surprise, the AT 38, weighing 2 pounds, 12 ounces, is comfortable, providing excellent back support. I haven’t put many miles on this pack yet, but I’m looking forward to seeing how it holds up on the trail. I received this item for free.
Granite Gear donated their Crown2 60, which is extremely lightweight yet rugged. Unfortunately, I don’t need two packs for the hike. I received this item for free.
Shoes: Footwear is essential. The more trips I journey around the Sun, I increase the likelihood of an ankle sprain or twist on unsteady surfaces. Who am I kidding? On steady surfaces too!
For this hike, I wanted a shoe that provided the boots’ support with the comfort of sneakers. I chose L.L. Bean’s Alpine waterproof hiking boots (1.93 pounds). I’ve found these boots easy to break in—like most of my gear, these boots haven’t seen much use. I’ve got high hopes for these! I received this item for free.
Navigation: I am an advocate of maps. Please give me a paper map over a GPS any day. I’ll take the SHTA pocket map (the approximate map for each segment). I received these items for free.
For my safety and so that the people I love won’t worry, I’ll be carrying a SPOT Gen 3!
Headlamp: The Black Diamond ReVolt Headlamp.
Sun protection: On the PCT, I opted for bug spray over sunscreen. I was sunburned, leaving the trail. I will be using sunscreen, a bug net hat, and permethrin-treated clothing. I want to share–I hate ticks!
First aid: I had to get stitches around mile 66 of my PCT hike. I have since gone through WEMT school. I’m prepared and will be bringing a first aid kit (a modified version of items I wouldn’t be able to replicate using materials found in the natural world).
Knife: I spent the summer of 2019 traveling the Northwest. I became a fan of wilding. I’m bringing a whittling knife.
Fire: Bic lighter or I will start a fire using a rock and a stick. Knowledge is power!
Shelter: I have come to understand that a tent is like a home. I’ve gone through so much in my Marmot EOS 1P (39 ounces)—sections of the AT, PCT, CDT, Yellowstone, the Tetons, and various places in between.
I’d love a new tent, though.
In a sense, wanting to upgrade but being unable to do so is a daily reality for many people.
I am lucky that I can choose to be homeless (a hiker) for a while and return to my apartment’s comforts upon completion of this hike.
And yes, I would love a $600 tent; however, I’d also like to pay rent when this thru-hike is over.
My sleeping system: Big Agnes Sleeping Bag Hazel SL 15° 41 ounces Klymit Sleeping Pad 19.6 ounces
Food: On the PCT, I brought a variety of meals, all with varying weights. I’m packing the same meals each day for better weight distribution for this hike.
Water: I will use my Sawyer Mini and Katahdin purification tablets as a backup. Three 1-litter bladders, with one marked “dirty.”
Clothes: Diversity and visibility are essential. That also goes for the companies I will be representing on the trail: L.L. Bean, Patagonia, Arc’teryx, which donated gear to me.
Miscellaneous: L.L. Bean Hikelite 4 Season Carbon Hiking Poles 13.6 ounces. I received this item for free.
With recent protests denouncing police brutality against the Black community—and systemic racism in general— individuals, companies, and organizations across various industries have declared support of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement.
While social media posts and various hashtags are a fantastic opportunity to increase the visibility of Black Lives, I want to recognize the focused efforts of L.L. Bean, The Superior Hiking Trail Association, Patagonia, Arc’teryx, and Granite Gear. Through tangible support and donations, they contribute to diversity and inclusion in the outdoors.
Each has not only pledged to make the outdoors more inclusive for all but has actively taken steps toward making change.
Photos Cred Instagram dk09 except for the bug hat selfie 🙂
In 2016, planning for the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), my biggest pack weight dilemma was carrying my neurological recharge system. Fast forward to 2020, as I prepare for my Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) thru-hike, I’m facing yet another weight dilemma.
The reality of hiking in Northern Minnesota (in the US, for that matter) as a BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color). The additional “pack weight,” so to speak. In addition to traditional gear, I have to consider the weight of my skin.
As a Black woman solo hiking in Northern Minnesota, I can’t take for granted that Minnesotans will live up to the state motto: Minnesota Nice!
I’m not relying on it. I grappled with another weight-related decision. Do I alert local law enforcement of my presence on the trail or don’t? Sadly, we live in a time when an advance alert has to be issued.
Here is an excerpt of the email I shared with the sheriff chief of all four counties along the SHT:
“A section of the SHT is located in the county you’ve been sworn to protect. As a law-abiding visitor, I expect the same level of protection and respect that is afforded to your residents. I understand that there is a great deal of racial tension in the US. I am aware that as a Black solo hiker, I might face adversity and possible prejudice on the trail. However, I do not anticipate threats or violence, and I’d ask that, if needed, you’d intervene promptly. I have attached a photo of myself in hiking gear and ask that if I am seen on the trail that you DO NOT shoot me. Aside from backpacking gear, I will be carrying the following items: bear spray, a pocket knife, and hiking poles. None of these items are “weapons.”
I’m sharing this because it’s the reality of being a Black hiker.
PS Yes, I will post a gear list, trail information, and other “traditional” hiking-related things soon.
PSS. As of June 1, the SHTA recommends that hikers practice social distancing on the trail by limiting group sizes to 10 or less and that you stay home if you’re sick.
In 2016, I set out to thru-hike the Pacific Crest Trail. After 600 miles, I ended my hike due to complications with my implanted neuromodulation system. Upon return from life on the trails, I had surgery to replace the broken parts of my system.
Being inactive during the recovery period, mixed with feelings of failure for not completing the 2,660-mile trek, left me depressed. With that depression came a period of sadness, overeating, and excessive weight gain.
Eight months after my return from the trail, I’d gain nearly 40 pounds (equating to all the pounds I lost while hiking, putting me back at the same start weight).
In talking to a friend, I expressed discontent about not finishing the PCT and the lack of support from my peers. Many of them aren’t outdoorsy and couldn’t empathize or fully understand. My friend, a cisgender white woman, shared some information about a summit hosted by a collective known as PGM ONE (People of the Global Majority in the Outdoors, Nature, and Environment).
I was gifted a scholarship to attend and was amazed to connect with so many Black, Indigenous, and People of Color of the Global Majority who, like myself, believe in the power of nature and environmental justice.
I shared my PCT journey at the summit and was taught that the narrative was paramount. Meaning, I could share the story as a defeat because I did not complete the trail or as a triumph because I solo hiked 600 miles.
I also learned about adventure therapy and nature as a form of healing. I applied for and recently graduated from Prescott College with a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies in Adventure Therapy & Adventure Education.
For the record, graduating during a pandemic amid civil unrest, as police brutality upon Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) is becoming visible to the world, is disheartening. I’ve seen brutality against Black folks my entire life. But one thing I’m sure of is. Nature has never discriminated, nor is she hateful.
On Saturday, July 4, 2020, I will begin a 300+ mile thru-hike of the Superior Hiking Trail. For a few reasons:
I also want to shed light and understanding of the healing power of Nature.
*Due to the rapidly evolving outbreak of COVID–19 and safety restrictions, know that unforeseeable events might detour my journey.
Subscribe and stay tuned for updates. Know that as a responsible hiker and a protector of Mother Earth, I will adhere to all Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA) regulations and recommendations. As of June 1, hikers are asked to limit group size to 10 or fewer. As a solo hiker, this isn’t a problem.
The SHTA also recommends that you stay safe, sane, and sanitized—and do what you can to prevent the spread of the virus, and always adhere to Leave No Trace principles. And a Crystal Gail word of advice: practice common sense.
