Fat Girls Hiking: An Inclusive Guide to Getting Outdoors at Any Size or Ability

by Summer Michaud-Skog

Overview

“An invaluable guide…Kudos to the author for changing the narrative on inclusiveness, breaking down stereotypes, and building body positivity.” —Booklist

From the founder of the Fat Girls Hiking community comes an inclusive, inspiring call to the outdoors for people of all body types, sizes, and backgrounds. In a book brimming with heartfelt stories, practical advice, personal profiles of Fat Girls Hiking community members, and helpful trail reviews, Summer Michaud-Skog creates space for marginalized bodies with an insistent conviction that outdoor recreation should welcome everyone. Whether you’re an experienced or aspiring hiker, you’ll be empowered to hit the trails and find yourself in nature. Trails not scales!        

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781643260396
Publisher:	Timber Press, Incorporated
Publication date:	03/29/2022
Pages:	252
Sales rank:	269,516
Product dimensions:	6.50(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Summer Michaud-Skog is the founder of Fat Girls Hiking, a hiking community centered on a body positive mission to get folks of diverse backgrounds out on trails no matter their size, ability, or experience level. With more than 24,000 Instagram followers, and 29 (and counting) official chapters across the country, FGH continues to grow by the day. “Trails Not Scales” is their motto, and it’s all powered by Summer’s grassroots efforts, tireless work ethic, and gregarious, welcoming attitude. Not only is Summer a self-starting leader of a vital community, she also holds a degree in creative writing and is a photographer in her spare time.

Table of Contents

Introduction 9

How to Use this Book 12

Fat Girls Hiking: How it All Began 18

How to Hike 30

Finding Joyful Movement: Fitness Trauma, Team Sports, and Fat Athletes 62

Hugs and Humidity: Or Why I Didn't Start Hiking Sooner 80

Body Liberation and Nature: The Power of Words 100

Van Life on the Margins: Redefining Success 126

Fat Activism Online: Bigots, Bullshit, and Boundaries 152

When We Were Animals: That Essential Connection 184

Change Always Comes: The Restlessness Inside 206

Acknowledgements 227

Resources 233

Photo Credits 241

Index 242

Editorial Reviews

Shortlisted for the Pacific Northwest Book Award

"[This book is] marking the next chapter in her movement…her book helps empower people to find their own connections to the outdoors, making the community of hikers even bigger.” —Teen Vogue

“Summer Michaud-Skog introduced me to an entirely new way of thinking about outdoor recreational culture; she encouraged me to take up space and honor my needs in ways that I had never been exposed to before. She has created a revolutionary community in Fat Girls Hiking and I am so excited that you are holding this book, about to receive similar gifts.” —Layla Cameron, Director, Fat Hiking Club

“An invaluable guide…Well-chosen color photographs—featuring fat hikers—make this guidebook visually impactful and welcoming. Kudos to the author for changing the narrative on inclusiveness, breaking down stereotypes, and building body positivity with a clarion call to the outdoor industry: increase diverse representation and offer plus-sized apparel and gear.” —Booklist

“I’ve been waiting for a book like this! Summer Michaud-Skog… has blessed us with this invaluable volume full of trail reviews, advice, stories and profiles, alongside beautiful photographs.”—Ms. Magazine

"Filled with heartfelt stories, practical advice, helpful trail reviews, and personal profiles of members of Fat Girls Hiking.” —Sierra

“Accessibility is and can be centered in outdoor activities like hiking. With plenty of pictures and lots of practical advice, this is a great book with which to get started.” —Book Riot

From the Publisher