Ok the title is so misleading. It is not absolutely true that a girl without a hijab is not modest, and well, I have seen in some instances that a hijabi doing something… let’s say repulsive.
I write this primer for women who wants to preserve their modesty and femininity during a hiking trip. You can be Muslim, non- Muslim, hijabi, ninjabi or a bald punk all-ladies band front liner; but we can agree on one thing: sometimes it is tricky as a woman to traverse through the wilderness. More so in the dense jungle of tropical forests in South East Asia where the weather can change from scorching sun to thunderstorm in minutes.:
Preparation
Let’s talk about our cardinal sin as a lady: overpacking. Plus our typical response when our male hiking friend complains that our bag is heavy:
“Oh it is easy for you guys to say! We have telekung, extra pants, matching windbreaker, hijabs, inner hijabs to carry!!!” (sulk in the corner of 4WD truck)
Now, now, now…. Let’s make amend to each other OK. Both parties have a valid point. Let’s breakdown this overpacking issue:
1. Assumption: I need 1 set of outfit for each day of trekking.
Recommendation: Mix and match your outfit.For a multi-day trek I have learnt to bring no more than 3 sets of clothes plus essentials, depending if there is a porter or not. It will be:
- 2 sets of trekking outfit (dry-fit t-shirt+hiking pants+undergarment+hijab). For hijab, find a thick but breathable material so your hair and neck won’t show in the sunlight but at the same time it absorbs the sweat from your scalp. We are so blessed that these days we can get non-iron shawls and hijabs. Most of the inner hijabs in the market are made of cotton so they are not that feasible.
- 1 set of sleeping outfit (warm long jane + thicker pants + warm headgear). The headgear can be a beanie, Sherpa hat or those cute animal-shaped hats which can keep your head warm.
- In addition to standard poncho/rain-coat, a thin waterproof pants have been proven to be very handy when it rains. It is so thin and doesn’t take a space at all. I bought mine from Sports Direct.
So, try to coordinate your color scheme so you can mix and match your outfit. If it is an overnight trip, I usually take only 1 trekking outfit and 1 sleeping outfit. We air the trekking top and pants at night while keeping the sleeping outfit as dry as possible, in case if it rains the next day.
Source: cartoonstock.com
2. Assumption: We can’t share. To each of its own
Recommendation: What did you learn in the kindergarten? Sharing is caring.
You won’t finish that 100ml shower gel by your own, girlfriend. And how long till you had enough of 5 tubes of Choki Choki? For me, one of the enjoyable aspects of group travel and hiking is sharing food, necessities and stories. That is the reason you found a new family after a trip. You take care of each other.I would suggest, when preparing for the hike, to discuss and plan who will bring the following:
- Shower gel, toothpaste, Vaseline, sunscreen and shampoo
- Lipstick. I don’t wear makeup but I understand we have to look good in photos. Right, girlfriends? 😂 But only do this if you are comfortable sharing lipstick with another woman
- General, non-vital such as Muscle spray, insect repellent that don’t come in small bottle
- Snacks and ration
By sharing these resources, you can still maintain your hygiene standards and look pretty on the trail, without hurting your back.
Check out more travel packing hacks on this HuffPost article :
https://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/4760560
3. Assumption: Your hiking agent/organizer/gogo knows everything.Recommendation:Be assertive, ask and validate your assumptions with the agent.
Whether they are essential questions such as have you got the necessary hiking permits or do you have walkie-talkie, to are there toilets along the trail or where are the waterpoints. We are, still, in a male-dominated space and bless them, in spite of careful preparation, they might overlook things that matter to us, women. So it is our choice to inform them. If we have to stay overnight at a site, ask if they will put up a tent. You may want to sleep in a hammock but you need a tent for changing clothes or for someone who are lactating.
The epitome of responsible hiking 😄
Source: hotcampshowers.com
Ok. Next we will talk about some tips we can do during the trek or hike itself. In the meantime, I would be interested to see hacks or tips from you on the preparation phase. Comments welcome from both sides of the coin (ladies and gentlemen!)
Happy hikes y’alls!
Kembara Kebaya 