I really enjoyed this book. It was real and honest. Not many books speak on what everyone is talking about and do it in a way that doesnt talk down to anyone. It was practical and gave great tips on hiking. Loved reading the different experiences from people. Definitely recommend this book.

Fat Girls Hiking: An Inclusive Guide to Getting Outdoors at Any Size or Ability by Summer Michaud-Skog is a true gem of a book. Its premise is to be a guide for inclusivity in hiking for bodies that don’t conform to the basic body standards; this includes people who aren’t in thin bodies, have chronic pain & disabilities, use mobility devices, and need access to gender neutral bathrooms. The author is so relatable because she went on this same journey herself with her body size not fitting society standards and dealing with chronic pain.

I really enjoyed reading this book as I can relate to disability and chronic pain that keeps me from doing certain things that I like to do such as hiking. It showed me that I am not alone and that I don’t have to miss out on the things I enjoy because there are ways to prepare both mentally and physically to better enjoy a hike in a different body that isn’t pushing myself. The book encourages the mindset of hiking as a form of relaxation, enjoyment, and community. You can do the activity by setting up accommodations to support yourself and the book gives you tips and tricks to do this.

The included personal stories from the people in the hiking group touched me at my core and were enlightening. They demonstrated that hiking is not just for those who are athletic, able bodied or white, cis-gendered. The stories encourage doing what feels best for you, such as hiking in a skirt, not worrying about buying or wearing the most expensive gear, and being free to document (photograph) yourself as you are in nature. They also share stories of plus sized rock climbing, van life, biking, and even activism!

The inclusivity shown throughout the book made my heart sing with joy! It was a delight to see so many pictures of women of different body types and skin colors out in the beauty of nature enjoying Mother Earth and the community of one another.

The book also has numerous reviews of trails from across the United States that have been reviewed by the people in the hiking group. They include helpful information such as distance, elevation gain, cell service, ADA accessibility, if a trail is dog friendly, bathroom availability, the park address, how to find the trailhead, what native land(s) the trail is on, and trail description.

I really like that this book exists as a resource for those that are marginalized. It’s great to have a guide like this written by an author who also understands the struggle because she lives it. I hope to see more editions to this. Bravo!

I'm so glad this book exists. I think more and more people have felt a pull to the outdoors in the past couple of years and I love that Fat Girls Hiking carries the message that enjoying nature is an activity that belongs to everyone. Full of helpful hiking information, inclusivity, and personal member stories to connect to, Fat Girls Hiking really spoke to me.

In addition to the valuable "Trails not Scales" message, this book also contained loads of practical information to prepare the reader for the realities of hiking. As a very anxious person who talks herself out of new things because of fear of the unknown, this aspect of the book was a godsend for me. I now feel much more mentally prepared to take on hiking as a hobby.

Thank you to Netgalley and Timber Press for the ARC!

While this writer may receive some shade for her terminology or broaching the subject, she acknowledges that people of all sizes enjoy hiking and the great outdoors and are entitled to do so. She is the founder of the Fat Girls Hiking community, an inclusive group that started in the northwest US. With great pictures and down to earth advice (think negotiating pooping in the woods, for example), she's published a practical how to guide that encourages people of all sizes and abilities to go and enjoy outdoor activities. Studies have shown the benefits of being outdoors, whether it's hiking or just sitting near the trees. Thank you for your open and brave writing. Regardless of your physical condition or age, I encourage you to read this book. "Trails, not scales!"

So the illustrated cover drew me into this book. This book is really what the title says a guide of women hiking. It goes through the benefits of hiking, several how tos (finding a trail, find a backpack, walking, poles, how to back, etc.). Overall, I think it's really useful if you are interested in hiking but nervous because you might have a larger body. I think the major take away is that you can hike just find the right group to do it because there so many benefits to this experience. The book has actual photos rather than illustrations so that's something to take into consideration. It also has reviews of trails which I think is the most helpful part of the book.

An honest memoir about a subject not many speak up about, but many speak 'of''. Everyone in this world should be treated equally, and that is what the introduction, and the last parts of this book, are about.
The middle contains useful tips on hiking and trail reviews.
The stories are honest and up-front. It is easy to put yourself in the writer's shoes or to relate if you have had similar experiences.

You will want to go straight out and hike right after reading.

This book is exactly as advertised - an inclusive guide to hiking for fuller-bodied women (or really anyone) that doubles as a pep talk to help you get past insecurities you might have about exercise as a fat person. As someone who is plus-sized myself, I found the author’s personal stories and reasons for writing the guide to be extremely relatable. I love the stories shared, the practical advice given, and the overall inclusivity which offers something for everyone who is looking to get past insecurities they may have about hiking. Also, I LOVE the cover - it perfectly captures the energy of the guide.

What a delightful book about the "non-outdoorsy stereotype" saying screw you to social norms and getting out to enjoy nature and each other. Started small, and then with a facebook group, and then with chapters all over the country, this book includes personal stories as well as trail hints.

I love the practical advice given that all hikers should know. And while my family isn't obese, we do have physical problems that could use hints about accessibility on trails. As a fellow Portland, OR resident, I appreciate this book and can't wait to share it with all of my friends!

Fat Girls Hiking made me want to put on a pair of boots and get outside. The way this book highlights that hiking and being outside is for everyone, of all abilities, is so important. This could help so many women who want to start hiking, but feel that they don't belong or don't know where to start.

My biggest problem with this book was that I felt there was a lack of personal anecdotes. There were certainly stories through the community spotlights, but it didn't feel like enough. I wanted to learn about individual hiking experiences, the good, the bad, etc. I guess I was just expecting more "memoir" type elements.

Thank you to NetGalley and Timber Press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a five-star read for me and exceeded my expectations. Firstly, I want to credit the author for her writing style. While reading it felt like a friend talking to you and at no point was I ever confused about the subject matter or topic being discussed. Everything was explained well and even someone with no hiking experience could pick up this book and be inspired to get outdoors. Throughout this book there are profiles of not only hiking trails but people who shared their story of how they found the outdoors. I found this enlightening as well as incredibly interesting because of how different every person was, whether it be their location, age, ability etc. I feel as though most people who read this book can identify with someone within these pages which is so important in the outdoor industry due to its complete lack of diversity in every possible aspect. This book is a breath of fresh air and really breaks through so much of the noise that the outdoor industry pushes.

Another aspect of the book that I really loved were the acknowledgments of First Nations and the importance of accessible trails. As someone who is able bodied, I personally had never thought about accessibility. This book makes me rethink trails and had me looking from a different point of view and I love that!

Finally, the resources at the back of the book are incredible. Book and movie recommendations for anti-racism and fatphobia, as well as suggested articles and places to find community are just the cherry on top. I didn’t expect that, and it was the perfect ending. I recommend this book to everyone who loves to hike, wants to hike or is curious enough to explore hiking from a different lens.

Thank you NetGalley for this arc !


I loved the title of this book ! That’s what I first noticed about this guide. Reading it helped and it really is useful. Thank you to the author and everyone else in it. I recommend everyone to read this !

PLEASE, I am so in love with each one of them!! I love what they do and I hope one day I can join them!

This was a great book which almost felt like a magazine or something else because it flew by so quickly and had so many great writings in it. I loved the body positivity and plan on following the group online. Overall, a quick, positive read for anyone looking to get out hiking.

It’s a quick, helpful read. It felt more like an article than a book.

I loved the profiles they did.

It’s very helpful and motivating for those wanting to get outside more.

It’s a very inclusive, and encouraging read. If you’re thinking about trying to hike more, I’d recommend this.

What an uplifting read! The entire book radiated body positivity and enjoying a healthy life outdoors. I enjoyed the resources and photographs accompanied with great detailed information.

'Fat Girls Hiking' is bound to inspire and motivate any person to get out and go, accomplish what you want to!

Thank you so much NetGalley and Timber Press for the opportunity to read 'Fat Girls Hiking' in return for an honest review.

This book is a love song to those of us who want to get out there and explore the trails, but feel discouraged by societal bias against our bodies. I love the tips for beginners, as well as the epic inspiration. I definitely feel more empowered to get out there!

This was a great, short read. I enjoyed all the hiking tips, even as an experienced hiker myself who doesn't self-identify as fat.

Fat Girls Hiking rekindled my desire to get out in the trees again. I have been a large person my whole life and have felt society exclusion from many activities available to straight size people. This book makes me feel seen and is wonderful encouragement for women of all sizes and abilities to get out and enjoy nature (or what ever it is they want to do).

Fat Girls Hiking offers readers a chance to see themselves in places that main stream media often excludes them from. Part outdoor guide (there are lots of tips, advice and even trail reviews), and part self help book and part biography. The author shares what she has learned about accessible hiking options and how she came to start the FGH group that now has chapters all over the country. There are also community profiles from other FGH members and their experiences. You are sure to see yourself reflected somewhere in this book and be sure the check out the Resources at the end to keep the good vibes and motivation going. Find your community.

wow. wow wow wow wow wow. what an incredible book. i first want to thank net galley and the author for the privilege of reading this. as a larger woman myself, and also an avid hiker, i have never felt so seen before in my entire life.

from a multitude of captivating and unique stories, to basics to think about when hiking/respecting our environment, to other nature related topics, this book was a gift from start to finish. not only did i learn more about hiking etiquette and things to keep in mind when hiking, but i felt a sense of community and camaraderie when reading the contributions made by the points of view in this book.

this movement is incredible, and the importance cannot be understated. everyone should feel included in thinking about hiking and nature, and this book helped me move towards that mentality. additionally, there needs to be improvements in accessibility so even more people can be included in these spaces. i think this is a great read not just for fat women, but for everyone, especially people who spend a lot of time outdoors.

there were also great recommendations for places to explore; i know i will be making trips to some of the places mentioned in the near future!

Thank you to Netgalley and Timber Press for an advanced pdf.

Summer has started a number of chapters of Fat Girls Hiking across the U.S. Members hike together while adhering to a few rules like listen to your body, don’t be afraid to stop and go back, and it’s never about dieting or getting into shape.

She currently lives in Oregon so talks a lot about the trails she’s discovered there.

What I loved about the book were how everyone loved being outside and all the positive things they experienced in the outdoors. This would apply to anyone fat or thin, female or male.

I also loved the extra-thorough trail reviews. Nothing left to the imagination in these three-page descriptors. From if there’s cell phone service, to being ADA accessible, to the elevation gain, and every detail in between, you totally know what you’re getting into before tackling that particular trail.

There were a couple of topics that I did not agree with. One was the constant slamming of outdoor retailers because they never had sizes big enough for the women profiled in the book. They need to look at this issue from the retailers’ perspective. Retailers are in business to make money. If they stocked a variety of styles in 3X to 7X, how many do you think they’d sell in a year. Not that many. Maybe one of you with savvy business smarts could start your own line of plus-size outdoor clothing and solve the problem.

My second problem with this book is the audience meant to read it hasn’t been defined. When the ladies talk about fat shaming, unwanted comments they hear on the trail and the trials they’ve been through, other fat women already know all about that. So, who is the audience for this book?

I also think that the members profiled in this book have heard these unwanted comments for so long now, they should have developed some delightful rejoinders that will leave the hecklers speechless.

I would like to see an entire book with only trail reviews. I also wanted at least a couple from Washington State.