I have gone on many hikes en femme. Here are some of my observations:
1. The make up is the hardest part, because it makes it difficult for your face to perspire. I learned to wear very little, just foundation and beard cover.
2. The bra and breast extenders aren't bad. Even better is there are some rather stiff padded bras that you can do without forms.
3. Wear a skirt? Why not! I frequently hike in a short cotton skirt. You don't want to fall or sit down where a lot of people can see, but other than that, it's very cool.
Enjoy!
Dressed for hiking
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Absaroka
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Susann_Gardener
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Was a fun hike, here are some details. Was not good weather, as visibility was about 100 yards, and the humidity about 110%. Touching a tree brought down a self made shower.
I left home about 5:30 AM and drove to an isolated area to change into bra, forms, and my form fitting hi-Tec shirt. Really makes my chest obvious to anyone except a blind person. Nothing interesting occurred on the drive to the trailhead.
Once there, I changed into hiking boots, put on the backpack and started up. As the weather was very foggy, there were no views, and I assumed there would be few other people on the trail.
Turns out I was correct, as I didn’t see another person until about 5 miles into the hike. At that time, I had taken a break and was standing at the side of the trail. A guy came down the trail, and did a triple take at me. I’m sure, as I stood in profile, he was surprised at the picture I presented. As he passed I tried to engage him in conversation, but he just kept walking and uttered a few words as he continued on.
Shortly thereafter, I was continuing to hike, and encountered 2 women. We exchanged greetings and simply continued on our ways.
At the summit, there were 3 guys, only one of which seemed to notice at all, but he moved further down off the summit to eat his lunch.
I found a comfortable rock and proceeded to eat lunch myself. A family with 2 teenage daughters came up the trail from below. The mother and I exchanged greetings and she clearly noticed. She then stood slightly above and behind me and directed her family away from my location. The father set up in a position where he could see me, between the family and me.
I soon gathered my stuff and started down, only encountering 2 guys coming up, who didn’t seem to notice.
My conclusion to this experience is that while wearing a backpack, my chest was not really noticeable, probably due to the broken body lines, and the affect of straps and belts pushing clothing around into bunches. Even though the straps seemed to me to emphasize my curves, it didn’t appear that way to others. It was only without the pack, that I was noteworthy.
Would I do it again – yes. There is no way I would try to pass, as it’s just too hot to think about a wig. I did notice my shorts were a little long, so I might look for something different, possibly girls jean shorts. The hi-Tec jersey (Under Armour) was great, and is highly recommended. Wore it throughout the hike and all the way home. Previously, I would have been swapping between 2 cotton t-shirts, and not being real happy with that.
I left home about 5:30 AM and drove to an isolated area to change into bra, forms, and my form fitting hi-Tec shirt. Really makes my chest obvious to anyone except a blind person. Nothing interesting occurred on the drive to the trailhead.
Once there, I changed into hiking boots, put on the backpack and started up. As the weather was very foggy, there were no views, and I assumed there would be few other people on the trail.
Turns out I was correct, as I didn’t see another person until about 5 miles into the hike. At that time, I had taken a break and was standing at the side of the trail. A guy came down the trail, and did a triple take at me. I’m sure, as I stood in profile, he was surprised at the picture I presented. As he passed I tried to engage him in conversation, but he just kept walking and uttered a few words as he continued on.
Shortly thereafter, I was continuing to hike, and encountered 2 women. We exchanged greetings and simply continued on our ways.
At the summit, there were 3 guys, only one of which seemed to notice at all, but he moved further down off the summit to eat his lunch.
I found a comfortable rock and proceeded to eat lunch myself. A family with 2 teenage daughters came up the trail from below. The mother and I exchanged greetings and she clearly noticed. She then stood slightly above and behind me and directed her family away from my location. The father set up in a position where he could see me, between the family and me.
I soon gathered my stuff and started down, only encountering 2 guys coming up, who didn’t seem to notice.
My conclusion to this experience is that while wearing a backpack, my chest was not really noticeable, probably due to the broken body lines, and the affect of straps and belts pushing clothing around into bunches. Even though the straps seemed to me to emphasize my curves, it didn’t appear that way to others. It was only without the pack, that I was noteworthy.
Would I do it again – yes. There is no way I would try to pass, as it’s just too hot to think about a wig. I did notice my shorts were a little long, so I might look for something different, possibly girls jean shorts. The hi-Tec jersey (Under Armour) was great, and is highly recommended. Wore it throughout the hike and all the way home. Previously, I would have been swapping between 2 cotton t-shirts, and not being real happy with that.
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Virginia
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Susann,
Welcome back! Glad you had fun, and glad that you are safe and also very glad that you would do it again. When you mentioned the heat generated by a wig, I would agree, but I guess I think about GG's and the "body parts"that they have to deal with that we try and fake and it is a difference that we have to determine just how far we are willing to go.
Congratulations,
Virginia
Welcome back! Glad you had fun, and glad that you are safe and also very glad that you would do it again. When you mentioned the heat generated by a wig, I would agree, but I guess I think about GG's and the "body parts"that they have to deal with that we try and fake and it is a difference that we have to determine just how far we are willing to go.
Congratulations,
Virginia
First star to the right, then straight on 'till mornin!
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Absaroka
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Glad you enjoyed your hike and also thanks for reporting back on your experiment. A bit of a reality check in terms of how folks react.
One of the things I really enjoy on the trail is meeting new folks and chatting with them So I guess I will avoid hiking en femme since it would wind up decreasing the fun. But I am glad you enjoyed it. I willhav3e to keep the undre armor tee shirt in mind also.
Andrea
One of the things I really enjoy on the trail is meeting new folks and chatting with them So I guess I will avoid hiking en femme since it would wind up decreasing the fun. But I am glad you enjoyed it. I willhav3e to keep the undre armor tee shirt in mind also.
Andrea
everything under the sun is in tune
but the sun is eclipsed by the moon
but the sun is eclipsed by the moon
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Susann_Gardener
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Well, I went hiking again Friday, this time doing the Tripyramids (South, Middle, North). The hike was fairly uneventful, but the trip getting there was stressful.
I was about 10 miles from home (after changing) when I passed a serious car accident in the opposite lane. About 10 miles further up the road my cell phone goes off and wife calling to tell me I left my hiking boots home. I had to return home, so undressed and headed back down the highway, into the traffic jam. Forever later I was back going north, (dressed again) headed for my destination. It took 4.5 hours to make this 2 hour trip.
As I pulled into the parking lot, there was only one other person there, and I parked at the opposite end. While getting ready to hike, a car with 2 guys pulled in next to me. This flustered me, and in the process of leaving quickly, I dropped my wallet. I was about 100 yards up the path when I realized I had not put my wallet away. I returned to the lot and met one of the guys chasing after me with my wallet in hand. I quickly thanked him and returned to the hike.
I met a family of 3 (Farther mother, and teen daughter) on the south slide. The father seemed to want to talk, but being nervous, I made quick conversation and moved on. The daughter couldn’t take her eyes off my chest. A short time later I hiked off to the side of the slide and rested, taking my shirt off and enjoying the sum on my upper body. Didn’t stay long enough to tan.
Later, as I started down, I met a guy who was studying a topo map. I would normally have jumped at the opportunity to help, but I simply answered his question of where I was headed, and moved on.
That was about it for the hike. My observation is that I am not comfortable around people yet while wearing my forms. I wonder if you girls have any suggestions which may help with this issue. I really enjoy both dressing and hiking (I plan an AT through hike for 2007), but need to be more comfortable doing both. So, any suggestions?
Susann
I was about 10 miles from home (after changing) when I passed a serious car accident in the opposite lane. About 10 miles further up the road my cell phone goes off and wife calling to tell me I left my hiking boots home. I had to return home, so undressed and headed back down the highway, into the traffic jam. Forever later I was back going north, (dressed again) headed for my destination. It took 4.5 hours to make this 2 hour trip.
As I pulled into the parking lot, there was only one other person there, and I parked at the opposite end. While getting ready to hike, a car with 2 guys pulled in next to me. This flustered me, and in the process of leaving quickly, I dropped my wallet. I was about 100 yards up the path when I realized I had not put my wallet away. I returned to the lot and met one of the guys chasing after me with my wallet in hand. I quickly thanked him and returned to the hike.
I met a family of 3 (Farther mother, and teen daughter) on the south slide. The father seemed to want to talk, but being nervous, I made quick conversation and moved on. The daughter couldn’t take her eyes off my chest. A short time later I hiked off to the side of the slide and rested, taking my shirt off and enjoying the sum on my upper body. Didn’t stay long enough to tan.
Later, as I started down, I met a guy who was studying a topo map. I would normally have jumped at the opportunity to help, but I simply answered his question of where I was headed, and moved on.
That was about it for the hike. My observation is that I am not comfortable around people yet while wearing my forms. I wonder if you girls have any suggestions which may help with this issue. I really enjoy both dressing and hiking (I plan an AT through hike for 2007), but need to be more comfortable doing both. So, any suggestions?
Susann
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DonnaT
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Well, since you are out and about while wearing your forms, and thus coming into contact with others, the only thing I can suggest is you force yourself to not to run away (unless it's a bad situation). The more you interact with others the more comfortable you'll become. Besides, these folks don't know you from Eve, so it should be easier in that regard.
DonnaT
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Susann_Gardener
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Thanks DonnaT,
I will continue to try. Planning a hike for next weekend, and I'll let you all know how it turns out.
I did have an interesting discovery the other day. A workmate hiked the same mountain the same day as I did the first hike. We chose different trails, so did not meet, but were really close. Now that would be interesting. NOT!
Susann
I will continue to try. Planning a hike for next weekend, and I'll let you all know how it turns out.
I did have an interesting discovery the other day. A workmate hiked the same mountain the same day as I did the first hike. We chose different trails, so did not meet, but were really close. Now that would be interesting. NOT!
Susann
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Absaroka
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An impressive hike. I remember the peak next to them with the rather ominous name of Foolkiller.
The whole AT!!!!!!!!!!! Would it be all en femme or would you switch back and forth. Folks in other parts of the country might have different attitudes, no to mention parts of it are challenging enough already. Sounds like a dream come true though
Keep us informed
Andrea
The whole AT!!!!!!!!!!! Would it be all en femme or would you switch back and forth. Folks in other parts of the country might have different attitudes, no to mention parts of it are challenging enough already. Sounds like a dream come true though
Keep us informed
Andrea
everything under the sun is in tune
but the sun is eclipsed by the moon
but the sun is eclipsed by the moon
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Susann_Gardener
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The AT will be totally in drab. Too many folks to meet, and registers to log events. Carrying extra stuff is not really an option. Except for the fact that I will be totally involved and probably tired every day after hiking 7 - 20 miles, I probably would miss it.
The first time I did the Tri'Ps, from the Kank, we were careful not to get fooled by the foolkiller. It's quite easy to climb by mistake.
Another hike Friday.
Susann
The first time I did the Tri'Ps, from the Kank, we were careful not to get fooled by the foolkiller. It's quite easy to climb by mistake.
Another hike Friday.
Susann
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Susann_Gardener
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I hiked again last Friday, doing the Hancock Mts (in NH). To bring you up to date, I have been hiking with my 38D bra and forms. I have been very nervous whenever meeting other people, and am trying to overcome this, as I was making foolish mistakes due to the nervousness.
So I parked the car and proceeded to get ready. Another car with a single guy parks next to me, and we make light conversation, as well as me telling him a little about what the hike will be like. I start down the trail before him and keep a steady pace, in retrospect, to stay ahead of him. After an hour, I stop for water, and he passes me, again making small talk. In about another half hour I pass him, small talk again, no mention of appearance.
I start up the steep assent and soon come to a trail crew rebuilding the trail. The first member is a woman to whom I comment on the nice job. As I pass her backpack, I notice a package of tampax and my first thought was to ask if I could borrow one. That aside, I reached the second crew member who asked me to hold up while he moved a large stone. This left me waiting about 20 feet from him. Soon he let me pass, and only commented on my hiking boots (Limmers for those in the know).
I reached the top, and stopped for lunch and a rest, following which I set off for the other peaks. I met my (friend) again, and this time we stopped and chatted. He told me of views upcoming and I did the same. He never looked down at my chest. Maybe he just never does (no, that species died out years ago).
After reaching the last peak, I took a break, following which I ran into a father and son, both who looked at me with great suspicion, but said nothing. Later they would pass me and father said to son to hurry along. I passed a ranger going the other direction, and later he emerged from the woods from a direction that might indicate he wanted to encounter me again. I let him pass me and he took a quick glance and went on.
In all, I was pleased with the hike and my confidence. It’s improving. I started to think if I would find hiking as much fun not dressed, and will probably test this sometime later this summer on an overnight. That might prove more difficult, particularly if I were to camp at a shelter or other common site.
Hope you all enjoy my reviews.
Susann
So I parked the car and proceeded to get ready. Another car with a single guy parks next to me, and we make light conversation, as well as me telling him a little about what the hike will be like. I start down the trail before him and keep a steady pace, in retrospect, to stay ahead of him. After an hour, I stop for water, and he passes me, again making small talk. In about another half hour I pass him, small talk again, no mention of appearance.
I start up the steep assent and soon come to a trail crew rebuilding the trail. The first member is a woman to whom I comment on the nice job. As I pass her backpack, I notice a package of tampax and my first thought was to ask if I could borrow one. That aside, I reached the second crew member who asked me to hold up while he moved a large stone. This left me waiting about 20 feet from him. Soon he let me pass, and only commented on my hiking boots (Limmers for those in the know).
I reached the top, and stopped for lunch and a rest, following which I set off for the other peaks. I met my (friend) again, and this time we stopped and chatted. He told me of views upcoming and I did the same. He never looked down at my chest. Maybe he just never does (no, that species died out years ago).
After reaching the last peak, I took a break, following which I ran into a father and son, both who looked at me with great suspicion, but said nothing. Later they would pass me and father said to son to hurry along. I passed a ranger going the other direction, and later he emerged from the woods from a direction that might indicate he wanted to encounter me again. I let him pass me and he took a quick glance and went on.
In all, I was pleased with the hike and my confidence. It’s improving. I started to think if I would find hiking as much fun not dressed, and will probably test this sometime later this summer on an overnight. That might prove more difficult, particularly if I were to camp at a shelter or other common site.
Hope you all enjoy my reviews.
Susann
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Absaroka
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I haven't done the Hancocks yet. I was going to the last time I was there and then the day before I sprained my ankle at the bottom (descending) of Willey. Glad it didn't happen at the peak. A bit un nerving.
The Whites have all these designated camping areas but if you got out of the more popular areas maybe you can find a place with fewer people. Or be real daring and use a hut with the idea of safety in numbers. Of course you have to reserve those lifetimes in advance I am told. Never used them myself.
I would think waking up in my tent en femme would be terribly exciting. On the other hand envision some family who is not comfortable with this planning to use the shelter that night also and as much as I support us in our efforts for acceptance, confronting someone with ourselves when there is no escape (back down the trail at nightfall with kids because you think there is a wierdo in the shelter) I think is inconsiderate. It is a lot different than just meeting someone on the trail, especially with the weather the White Mtns usually seem to have. The sort of thing I never really thought about until I started taking my own kids on overnights.
Whatever you decide on let us know and keep up the hikeologue-I am loving it
Andrea
The Whites have all these designated camping areas but if you got out of the more popular areas maybe you can find a place with fewer people. Or be real daring and use a hut with the idea of safety in numbers. Of course you have to reserve those lifetimes in advance I am told. Never used them myself.
I would think waking up in my tent en femme would be terribly exciting. On the other hand envision some family who is not comfortable with this planning to use the shelter that night also and as much as I support us in our efforts for acceptance, confronting someone with ourselves when there is no escape (back down the trail at nightfall with kids because you think there is a wierdo in the shelter) I think is inconsiderate. It is a lot different than just meeting someone on the trail, especially with the weather the White Mtns usually seem to have. The sort of thing I never really thought about until I started taking my own kids on overnights.
Whatever you decide on let us know and keep up the hikeologue-I am loving it
Andrea
everything under the sun is in tune
but the sun is eclipsed by the moon
but the sun is eclipsed by the moon
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Susann_Gardener
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- Location: Boston area
One issue I had on my last hike was a slipping bra. The weight of my breasts would pull down the front of my bra, making it a little uncomfortable, but more noticeable, my breasts were noticeably drooping. I tightened the back strap, but this did not help.
This weekend I searched through my bras for a better solution. Even though I love the 38D underwire microfiber for the way it allows my breasts to jiggle, I do not want drooping. So I found a Playtex bra in a 36C with side shaping. True to Playtex design, this has 3 back hooks and a wider band. In addition, it is lavishly adorned with satin and lace! I’m hoping this bra is as comfortable hiking as it was wearing for a short time this weekend. I will find out next Friday on my next (11 mile) hike.
Susann
This weekend I searched through my bras for a better solution. Even though I love the 38D underwire microfiber for the way it allows my breasts to jiggle, I do not want drooping. So I found a Playtex bra in a 36C with side shaping. True to Playtex design, this has 3 back hooks and a wider band. In addition, it is lavishly adorned with satin and lace! I’m hoping this bra is as comfortable hiking as it was wearing for a short time this weekend. I will find out next Friday on my next (11 mile) hike.
Susann
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Beauty
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Hi Susann,
I noticed something in your post. You called the forms your breasts instead of your forms. Do you feel that they are your breasts now and not forms?
I'm not trying to be mean, I promise. I just noticed when you first started talking about this the forms were called your forms and so I was wondering if mentally something changed because you were calling your forms, your breasts.
Good luck next Friday!
Thanks!
Beauty
I noticed something in your post. You called the forms your breasts instead of your forms. Do you feel that they are your breasts now and not forms?
I'm not trying to be mean, I promise. I just noticed when you first started talking about this the forms were called your forms and so I was wondering if mentally something changed because you were calling your forms, your breasts.
Good luck next Friday!
Thanks!
Beauty
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CJ
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Hi all,
Susann,
I have to say (and this is just my own take) that it seems to me there wouldn't be any great advantage in adding the weight of breast forms to a hiking load. When space and weight are at a premium, what's the advantage of adding breast forms? Especially "generous" breasts?
For having often talked with GG friends about the backache that results from having large breasts, the bra straps digging in and chafing, the irritation due to sweaty skin (all under normal circumstances, mind you!), I find it hard to understand what the appeal could be of wanting to do this when you don't have to (or, even more, when it would be better that you not have to) deal with this.
I get the feeling from your posts that you have a slightly exhibitionistic streak. Don't get me wrong; there's nothing wrong with that whatsoever... many CD's, er, um, "exhibit" this trait. But while hiking? When every added ounce counts? I don't get it.
Personally, I would find the jiggle and bounce distracting during a hike (or during any vigorous sports activity, for that matter). Invariably, the "generously endowed" women I know who are very active in their leasure time more often than not wish they had less in the breast department, not more--mostly for comfort reasons but also for weight reasons.
To be brutally honest here, this looks to me like another situation where a CD does something he thinks is representative of what women do (in this case, hiking with big breasts and enjoying it) while knowing very little about how women truly feel about this. I don't mean to be cruel or judgmental, Susann. I'm just trying to understand.
Having said all this, I will say that I think it's awesome that you're active like this; one of the best defenses against poor health is an active lifestyle. Breasts or no.
Love,
CJ
Susann,
I have to say (and this is just my own take) that it seems to me there wouldn't be any great advantage in adding the weight of breast forms to a hiking load. When space and weight are at a premium, what's the advantage of adding breast forms? Especially "generous" breasts?
For having often talked with GG friends about the backache that results from having large breasts, the bra straps digging in and chafing, the irritation due to sweaty skin (all under normal circumstances, mind you!), I find it hard to understand what the appeal could be of wanting to do this when you don't have to (or, even more, when it would be better that you not have to) deal with this.
I get the feeling from your posts that you have a slightly exhibitionistic streak. Don't get me wrong; there's nothing wrong with that whatsoever... many CD's, er, um, "exhibit" this trait. But while hiking? When every added ounce counts? I don't get it.
Personally, I would find the jiggle and bounce distracting during a hike (or during any vigorous sports activity, for that matter). Invariably, the "generously endowed" women I know who are very active in their leasure time more often than not wish they had less in the breast department, not more--mostly for comfort reasons but also for weight reasons.
To be brutally honest here, this looks to me like another situation where a CD does something he thinks is representative of what women do (in this case, hiking with big breasts and enjoying it) while knowing very little about how women truly feel about this. I don't mean to be cruel or judgmental, Susann. I'm just trying to understand.
Having said all this, I will say that I think it's awesome that you're active like this; one of the best defenses against poor health is an active lifestyle. Breasts or no.
Love,
CJ
