'Black Girls Hike Buffalo' Promotes Outdoor Fitness & Nature

'Black Girls Hike Buffalo' may seem to be an exclusive group, based on the name, but it is not. The group is open to and encourages women of all 'colors', so to speak, to be encouraged by and even join their group, a group whose membership has grown to a total of about 600 now.

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Join Black Girls Hike Buffalo Here

Here's what several women shared according to news reports:

LaTasha Bulluck said.

"African-American women are at a greater risk for cardiovascular diseases, and hiking has been proven to reduce the risk for cardiovascular diseases, stress, strokes,."

LaTasha Bulluck said.

"I need to lose some weight, and so for hiking and walking and getting my cardiovascular up, that is a great help for me."

Shannon Thomas added:

"I love the great outdoors. I love to be active, and I like the fact that it's social."

'Black Girls Hike' is a National Organization:

Black Girls Hike Website

Here are some Hiking Guidelines provided by the Black Girls Hike website:

PACK THE RIGHT THINGSThe 10 Essentials

The 10 essentials are the ten pieces of gear that every hiker should bring out when them on the trail, whether on a short hike or multi-month through hike.

Navigation
Always carry a map and compass. In addition to the map and compass, you can opt to take a GPS unit. A GPS (Global Positioning System) unit can give you information about where you are, where you’ve been and where you want to go. There are also apps you can download on your phone.
Tip: Plan your route before you leave.
Sun Protection
Don't forget sunscreen to prevent sunburns. Also, pack your sunglasses, hat, and light weight clothing for sun protection.
Tip: You can buy UV protective clothing, but a light weight long sleeve shirt and pants will do.
Insulation
Be prepared for unexpected changes in the weather. You should pack extra clothing for the coldest weather possible that you could possibly encounter. You never know when an extra pair of socks or rain coat could come in handy. Other items to consider are long underwear, gloves, a synthetic insulated jacket, etc. No matter what you bring, avoid cotton (it keeps moisture close to your skin which can cause you to be wet and cold).
Tip: Dress in thin layers. This will make it easy to shed clothing as needed and add as well.

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Repair Kit and Tools
Carry a basic repair kit with you to help repair equipment. A good knife or multitool can be used in many ways. Duct tape, safety pins, and a whistle are always good to have on hand.
Nutrition
Pack an extra day's supply of food, preferably no-cook items that have good nutritional value in order to keep your energy high. Salty and easy to digest snacks (e.g. trail mix, nuts, and granola bars) work well for outdoor activities.
Tip: Keep things simple by bringing items that are easy to carry.
Water
Bring enough water for an extra day (and a way to purify it). You should drink water often and before you feel thirsty. A hydration pack or a backpack with a hydration reservoir pocket, allows you to sip on a hose while you walk which is very convenient for day hiking.
Tip: Although it might vary, 1 Liter every two hours is a good estimate for a day hike.

Illumination
Flashlight, extra batteries, or headlamp. A headlamp is preferrable because you will be hands free.
First-Aid Supplies
Be prepared for emergencies by packing first-aid supplies with you. You can purchase a premade kit or create one yourself. A basic first-aid kit should include bandages, skin closures, gauze pads and dressings, roller bandage or wrap, tape, antiseptic, blister prevention and treatment supplies, nitrile gloves, tweezers, a needle, nonprescription painkillers and anti-inflammatory, antidiarrheal, and antihistamine tablets, a topical antibiotic, and any important personal prescriptions.
Emergency Shelter
Carry some sort of emergency shelter. A tent, tarp, bivy sack, or emergency space blanket are all light weight options for emergency shelter. Something as simple and light as an extra large garbage bag is better than nothing if you have to spend the night in the mountains.