The Hiking Girl: "Outdoor Life Is Not Complicated At All"

Helena Rosquist, a 56-year-old from Sollentuna, Sweden, is dedicated to inspiring women to embrace the outdoors. Through her online presence as "vandringstjejen" (the hiking girl), she has cultivated a community of over 17,000 women on Facebook who share a passion for hiking and outdoor life.

Rosquist's own journey into the wilderness began in childhood with fishing trips and cabin stays, but it was as a mother of four that nature became a practical solution to balancing family life with a limited budget. She found that packing a lunch and heading into the woods was always an accessible option, leading her children to learn essential outdoor skills like setting up tents and cooking over a campfire.

A serious moped accident in 2012, which resulted in torn ligaments, could have sidelined her outdoor pursuits. However, Rosquist's determination saw her adapt, starting with accessible spots near parking lots even while on crutches. This resilience led to the concept of a monthly "outdoor night" and the subsequent launch of her blog and Facebook group.

She notes that many women in the group express concerns about safety and the perceived complexity of outdoor activities, often asking, "Where are all the other girls?" Rosquist herself remembers feeling this way when climbing Kebnekaise as the only woman. Her goal is to demystify outdoor living, proving that it is "not complicated at all," and to foster a supportive environment where women can confidently explore nature, having already logged 10,000 kilometers across sixteen countries.