Donna was a veteran and a mom of two who lived in the presence of the mountains in north Georgia. We spoke about her time in the military, her community, and tips for the trail as we walked. "You know, there are three uses for your trowel." She gestured to the aluminum sky-blue trowel dubbed the Deuce. "You can use it as a splint for if you injure or break your wrist-just wrap some KT Tape around it to add support. That's one." I nodded. "Number two, you obviously use it to dig and bury poop.

And number three, you can use it as a weapon." My eyes widened. Tell me more. "Just get some paracord or something strong, loop it through that little hole at the bottom of the trowel, and sleep with that on your wrist. If someone messes with you, you stab 'em!" I was in awe, desperate to learn more tips on how to fend for myself and be self-sufficient. I knew some female hikers went out on the trail knowing they could ask male hikers to help set up their gear for them, but being a damsel in distress was not what I wanted. I wanted to go out independently, trusting my gear and my own knowledge of how to utilize and repair it. I wanted any future success to be mine, and mine alone.