Loved this one. Defiantly a must read if you enjoy the outdoors at any body size. A great perspective that others may never think about.

Loved this book! It had so much useful information and great tips for someone getting started on an outside adventure journey.

Fat Girls Hiking in an inclusive and encouraging guide to hiking that covers all of the basics, along with some positive anecdotes for inspiration.

What a fantastic, practical and inclusive resource for anyone who is new to hiking. Great, practical tips and a focus on what you can do instead of what you can't.

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Title: Empowering and Inspiring - "Fat Girls Hiking" by Summer Michaud-Skog

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)

"Fat Girls Hiking" by Summer Michaud-Skog is an absolute triumph, challenging societal norms and defying stereotypes with its powerful message of body positivity, inclusivity, and the joy of exploring the great outdoors. This book is more than just a hiking guide; it's a celebration of self-acceptance and an inspiration for anyone who has ever felt marginalized or excluded due to their size.

From the very beginning, Michaud-Skog's authentic voice shines through, sharing her own personal journey and struggles as a plus-size woman who found solace, confidence, and a supportive community through hiking. Her openness and vulnerability create an immediate connection with readers, making it feel like you're having a heart-to-heart conversation with a dear friend.

The book is well-structured, combining practical advice, breathtaking photographs of scenic trails, and moving anecdotes from various individuals who have embraced the Fat Girls Hiking movement. Michaud-Skog skillfully weaves together these elements, forming a compelling narrative that encourages readers to break free from society's beauty standards and embrace their bodies while embarking on outdoor adventures.

One of the most outstanding aspects of "Fat Girls Hiking" is its emphasis on making outdoor spaces accessible to everyone, regardless of their size, fitness level, or experience. The book thoughtfully addresses common concerns that plus-size hikers may have, from finding comfortable gear to dealing with judgment or negative comments. It provides valuable tips for staying safe and confident while exploring the trails, as well as advice for creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all hikers.

Beyond the practicalities, "Fat Girls Hiking" is a celebration of the transformative power of nature and the sense of empowerment that comes from connecting with the outdoors. Through personal stories and testimonials, readers are reminded that the journey of hiking is not just about reaching the summit but about the profound personal growth and self-discovery that occurs along the way.

Moreover, the book successfully highlights the importance of community and representation. It encourages readers to seek and build supportive communities where they can share their hiking experiences, celebrate their triumphs, and find encouragement when faced with challenges. The genuine sense of camaraderie and solidarity radiates from the pages, inspiring readers to be part of the movement and to uplift others around them.

In conclusion, "Fat Girls Hiking" is a trailblazing book that challenges the conventional narrative surrounding body image and outdoor activities. Summer Michaud-Skog's storytelling is both raw and inspiring, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment among plus-size individuals and beyond. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to break free from societal norms, embrace their true selves, and embark on the exhilarating journey of hiking and self-discovery. It's time to lace up those hiking boots and join the Fat Girls Hiking revolution!

This was an empowering read that helps break the stigma that fat people are simply lazy and don’t want to be active. Too often heavier people are afraid to go outside and be active. The apprehension a heavy person feels about getting body shamed so often gets in the way of enjoying the healthy activities that bring wellness and joy, and can trap people in a cycle of loneliness and depression. I love this books no nonsense, no shame approach to the topic.

It's an inspiring book that really makes us reflect about misogyny, fatphobia and all the stereotypes we have in our society, also an inspiring book about your dreams and passions and how to fulfill them, it was an enjoyable read.

While I was looking for more of a guide about how to hike while fat, I thought there was still valuable information in this book. It was interesting to learn about others who art a part of the Fat Girls Hiking community, which I had never heard of. I also enjoyed some of the trail reviews and advice sprinkled throughout. I felt at times though it was a little more like the author's diary talking about her van life (what does van life have to do with hiking? I picked up a book about hiking not fan life!).

I love that this book normalizes the experience of hiking while fat or plus sized. It’s funny but also provides good tips. Fat girls hike too.

It's completely out of my comfort zone but it's nice sometimes to read different books. This book was really nice with beautiful and very well written material inside. And cherry on top, this made me want to get out of my house which is totally unheard of! 4.5 stars for the positivity.

This book is not just a book about fat girls hiking. It is a story about people and some hikes to find. It's outdoors for people who don't think they fit there. It is a really good book to get you to learn how to be outdoors at any size and how what ever your life experiences are how to go about being outside safely.
The down side for me was age inclusiveness, it seemed more geared to the 20 something crowd but hiking is for all ages, all genders, all sizes and anyone who wants to explore.


Thanks to NetGalley for the review copy.

A great guide to existing in the outdoors as a fat person. A lot of personal tales of both negative and positive experiences from a number of people with varying identities that also make it hard to be in the outdoors. A little redundant at times but isn't meant to be read all in one sitting as I did.

Thank you for the ARC. Even though it's been archived for a while, I took it out of the library to review.

A few years ago I fell in love with hiking but didn't know where to start. I'm a size 14/16 so it isn't difficult for me to find the clothing I need to comfortable hike, I didn't know what other items I needed to maintain safety. It doesn't matter if you are a "fat girl" (or guy), this book is filled with information on supplies you'll need, accessible trails with complete guides, and, my favorite part, Community Profiles of FGH members talking about their experience with hiking, what they love, what made them nervous to begin hiking - and how all that was erased once they hooked up with a group of like minded individuals. The book does note that group hiking may not be for everyone and solo hikers are showcased throughout the book.

If you're someone of a different size and/or have chronic pain and/or a physical disability that may be preventing you from hiking, this book is absolutely for you. I wish this existed for me a few years back because it's a great motivator to get involved in anything you're interested in and could be passionate about.

A stellar collection of photography, essays, and hiking advice, written by the founder of Fat Girls Hiking. I was really delighted to see this collection. Its inclusion and sensitivity to Indigenous and Queer communities was especially well done. Hopefully, someone like me, who is also fat-bodied, will pick up this book and find it a source of inspiration, encouraged to get outdoors. Definitely a book I will recommend.

Excellent and inspiring. Full of great advice and stories of real people. People of all sizes can get inspiration from this book.

love love love!! the book is stubby and has such beautiful pictures!! love all the tips it has and LOVE the fat representation!! we definitely need more non fic books (that are not memoirs) with fat representation!

As someone who is plus size, I absolutely loved Fat Girls Hiking. Hiking has always intimidated me because it seemed exclusive to people who were thinner, but this book breaks down the stigma and stereotypes and introduces hiking as an activity that all can and do enjoy. It specifically answers questions about how to figure out what you want out of a hike and what to look for when researching different trails. It also discusses how to release some of the societal judgements and expectations stemming from fatphobia and give yourself permission to enjoy or try something you might love.

I enjoyed this book that aims to welcome people of all sizes to the outdoors. I especially appreciated the attention to budget gear and activities.

This book was so wonderful to read. I loved the description which is why I requested it. I am a plus size girl myself and had no idea that the Fat Girls Hiking community existed.

I enjoy walking but have never really thought about hiking because of my size. This book really did help me get the confidence to take a hike.

I would recommend this for anyone who might be afraid to get out of their comfort zone with hiking and needs some help.

This book is a great resource for women (& men) who feel like their opportunities to experience and appreciate nature are limited by their physical capabilities. I am an overweight woman myself who enjoys hiking and getting outdoors so this one really resonated with me. There are some great tips and tricks to make hiking an enjoyable experience for anyone.

That being said, it isn't a book that you want to just sit down and read cover to cover, and I ended up skimming some of the personal stories so I could get to more of the main content (I wish there was more of this). Overall I think the idea behind it is great and I'm all for encouraging people to get out in nature regardless of your shape or size.