30 Comments

I love my camelback and if you like water to be cold, you can freeze it the night before and it keeps cool and keeps your back cool, too!!

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Oh that’s so good to hear! I get such an ick from warm water haha

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Really enjoyed reading about you falling in love with hiking. I grew up doing tons of sports, but lately have felt angry at my plus size body for getting in the way of the athletic things I love to do. This was the inspiration I needed to get out there more even though it’s harder than it used to be.

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This is amazing. I want to go to Canada for my honeymoon next year and don't want to feel held back by the shame I feel for my body. This has really inspired me to go for it!

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That would be incredible! Canada is a dream destination ☺️

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Loved reading this, never thought to hike as a plus size girly myself, but you have inspired me to give it a try.

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Love this! Hiking can be so intimidating and I always feel self conscious of being slow/out of breath, but really the only pressure is the pressure we put on ourselves, and the reality is you can go as slow as you want and stop as many times as you need and it truly doesn’t matter (nor does/should anyone care!)

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Exactly this!! 🤍🤍 The being out breath thing really used to make me feel embarrassed but when you’re actually in it you just get on with it, and as you said go at your pace, stop when you want!

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I love this, Callie! I feel so similar and am about to go on my first ever solo hiking trip - to Bryce Canyon and Zion for 3 days - wish me luck! I’m very nervous as I’m not a natural hiker but I wanted to push myself! If anyone has any tips, please share!

(it also involves rental car on my own and driving on the wrong side of the road…)

Can I ask about the sizing of the merrell boots, please?

And sorry but the link for the north face jacket isn’t working for me - what’s the name of it, please?

Diolch!

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That’s exciting Emily! What a place to do it to! I have never been so can’t offer tips but it’s certainly on our list so please share about it when you get back. The boots are widefit! I wear size uk 8! That’s strange regarding the north face link. Are you in a the group chat perhaps I can share in there

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Thank you!

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Also sorry if I’ve missed it but would you do a post on Costa Rica, please? Would love to hear about your trip, am thinking of going next year!

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I haven’t yet! This space is kinda new but it’s definitely on my list to share. You absolutely should go! It’s one of the most incredible places I’ve ever been in my life!

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Omggggg amazing!!!

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I love that you are in your hiking girl era. I always tell people that the outdoors are for everybody, no matter your background, age, or size. I usually hike in the parks and forests near my home, but Costa Rica sounds amazing 😌

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This was really inspiring to read, I often say no to hikes as a fellow plus size girly out of the same fear of being out of breath and holding everyone else up but this has really encouraged me to give it another go with the right gear this time! We shouldn’t have to miss out on these incredible experiences ❤️

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Loved reading this and so pleased for you Callie, congrats & well done on your recent trip 😍 I’m plus size and not fit, feel quite self conscious being slow and out of breath, but also adore being in nature and love the sense of achievement on a big walk. Would love to do it properly like this!

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hiking is such a great full body experience, all senses engaged, and is excellent for both cardio and muscle building. it was my first physical activity, one I enjoyed because I could be awful at it by myself for no one to see and because you almost always get that rush of having done something you didn't think was possible. not only that, but I find that having to be focused and immersed in nature is a meditative activity that quiets my mind, and I delight in learning about the all the plants and critters I meet along the way. absolutely love hiking and excited for you to experience that magic of seeing what your body can do when persevering is the only way through while we're still blessed to be in one that can take us on such adventures.

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Love this post. Incredible beauty and all your tips are great for beginners. So glad to follow along!

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What a brilliant post! Thank you for sharing your story. I love walking and would love to do a hike one day but wouldn't know where to start but this us super helpful!

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You totally can! Perhaps see if there are any local to you! ☺️

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I'm so moved by your post, Callie! I felt goosebumps when reading about your reaction to finally making to the waterfall ♥️ I've always loved walking but have been intimidated by hiking as someone living in a larger body - but your post has completely changed my mind. Thank you for sharing these incredible experiences with us.

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Oh wow, thank you so much, Kneale, that means so much to me! I hope you give it a try. It's addictive once you get started. thanks for being here! x

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I love this and I did my first hike this year! There’s so much I relate in your words and your practical tips are just great too. Thank you so much for sharing xxx

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Amazing! Where did you go for your hike? Thanks so much for reading! 📖

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The Brecon Beacons! I moved to Wales from just outside of London a few years ago and it had been on my list to hike! I actually did it as part of a charity hike, which was great as the whole route was mapped out already and I felted comforted knowing there were many people around! I’ve had a slight fear about getting lost up a mountain. Plus, we raised money for a charity close to my heart so that felt really good too x

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Ooh I’m Welsh! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 So glad to hear you enjoyed it 🤍🤍Brecon Beacons is on our list of UK Hikes. We’ve also been debating a move back to wales, how are you enjoying it?

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Aww I didn’t realise that! I love it and I’m so happy we moved. If you do move, we could meet up and go for hikes! Haha. Thanks again for sharing such a great post x

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Oh I bloody loved this Callie! So proud of you for breaking out of your comfort zone. I fear I am destined to be permanently out of breath and requiring a break, but the journey is as important as the destination!

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Thank you Michelle! 🥹 honestly being out breath is the right of passage I fear! Being out of breath in the rainforest and the alps isn’t too bad the air was so fresh! 😂

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