As recent research suggests, and my personal experience bears out, that fear is the reason many women hesitate to adventure alone. It’s not the mountain we’re afraid of — it’s the possibility of crossing paths with someone, most often a man, who could be dangerous.

As I continue to meet more women who are interested in getting involved in outdoor sports, I find that there is a common sentiment of feeling some sort of imposter syndrome. I know I personally have struggled with the feeling, and so have many others. The feeling that you will only be worthy of experiencing the outdoors in this capacity if you are a professional or extreme.