Why Feeling Capable Outdoors Has Nothing to Do With Being “Outdoorsy”

Dearest gentle reader,

I’m worried you’re thinking about going hiking, but fear you’re just “not that outdoorsy.”

It’s something I hear often. Sometimes it’s whispered apologetically. Sometimes it’s said louder, almost like a flex, as if being a girl who is outdoorsy might somehow be embarrassing.

But here’s what I’ve noticed over the past decade guiding women outdoors: the women who say they’re “not outdoorsy” are often capable, intelligent, high-functioning women in every other area of their lives. They run businesses, lead teams, raise families, manage complex schedules, and solve problems daily. And yet, when it comes to hiking, paddling, or planning an overnight trip, something shifts. Suddenly, they feel unsure.

The word “outdoorsy” has become shorthand for something mythical. Someone who grew up camping. Someone who knows knots instinctively. Someone who doesn’t have a fear of snakes. But capability outdoors isn’t a personality trait. It’s a skill set. And skill sets can be learned.

Sunrise during some confidence-building camping in WA, 2025.

Confidence Doesn’t Come First

One of the biggest misconceptions I see is this: women think they need to feel confident before they start.

Did I feel confident hiking the Bibbulmun Track alone in the middle of winter? Absolutely not. Before that 54-day trip, the longest walk I had done was seven days, fully supported. Did I feel confident kayaking from Port Lincoln to Pondalowie Bay by sea kayak? No way.

But with every step and every paddle stroke, confidence grew.

Confidence doesn’t come before action. Confidence is the by-product of self-recognised competence.

It’s built through knowing how to interpret a weather forecast for how it will impact you. Understanding how to pace yourself on an uphill climb. Packing intentionally instead of reactively. Practising navigation rather than hoping you won’t get lost.

When you learn the craft of the outdoors in a structured, supportive environment, confidence follows naturally.

Many of the women I work with like to know the plan. They want to understand the route. They want to know where the water and toilet stops are. They want to know the exit points. They want to know what to do if something goes wrong.

This isn’t weakness. It’s discernment.

Being considered is a strength in the outdoors. Preparation is what allows you to relax once you’re out there. When your nervous system feels safe, your body can actually enjoy the experience. Without structure, the outdoors can feel overwhelming. With structure, it becomes expansive.

Community Changes Everything

Many women haven’t had outdoor experiences that felt truly supportive. They’ve kept up with partners. Stayed quiet on group hikes. Pretended they were fine when they weren’t. And when you don’t feel safe to ask questions, growth stalls.

Learning alongside other women changes the dynamic entirely. Questions become normal. Skill-building becomes collaborative. Progress becomes visible.

I never had the confidence to paddle my kayak further than 20m from shore by myself, but with the right community, skill building and action, I paddled with an amazing team from Port Lincoln to Pondalowie Bay over 3 days.

In an Unpredictable World, Capability Matters

We’re living in a time where the outdoors itself feels increasingly unpredictable. Fires. Floods. Algal blooms. Changing seasons.

Knowing how to prepare, adapt, and move through nature responsibly is no longer just recreational. It’s grounding. Arguably, it’s vital for our wellbeing and for sustainability.

Capability outdoors isn’t about conquering terrain. It’s about feeling steady, making informed decisions, and trusting yourself in changing conditions. And that steadiness carries into the rest of your life.

You Don’t Have to Become “Outdoorsy”

You don’t need a new personality. You don’t need to be fearless. You don’t need to have grown up camping.

You need the right environment to learn.

If you’ve been waiting to feel outdoorsy before you begin, this is your reminder: capability is built, confidence is practised, and belonging in the outdoors is not reserved for a certain type of woman.

It’s available to the woman willing to learn, and if you’re ready to start building that capability, I’d love to walk alongside you.

Learn more about KINDRED: Our guided day hike series for considered women.