Women Move Mountains: Celebrating Female Trailblazers in the Outdoor Community

Inspired by the International Mountain Day theme, "Women Move Mountains," we proudly present the Darn Tough ‘Trailblazer’ sock. This design honors the incredible women who have played vital roles in the protection and stewardship of our mother earth.

These trailblazing women, both past and present, have ventured into the wilderness, inspiring and nurturing others with their passion and knowledge, making the outdoors a better place for everyone.

We see the fruits of that inspiration in the growing number of women actively stepping into the outdoors. According to a recent 2024 Outdoor Industry Association participation report, more than half of American women are now participating in outdoor recreation for the first time ever.

Remarkable Trailblazers from History

From scaling peaks to leading conservation efforts, women have continually demonstrated courage, resilience, and leadership in the great outdoors. They move mountains not only through physical feats, but also by fostering communities, advocating for environmental and social justice, and breaking barriers.

We are indebted to those who have gone before us – to name just two that have inspired our Product Team at Darn Tough over the years:

Emma "Grandma" Gatewood: Paving the Way on the Appalachian Trail

Emma Gatewood, affectionately known as "Grandma" Gatewood, left an indelible mark on the outdoor world by becoming the first woman to solo hike the Appalachian Trail end-to-end, not once, but twice. What makes her achievement even more remarkable is that she undertook her first journey at the age of 67.

A mother, grandmother, and survivor of domestic abuse, Emma Gatewood defied expectations and societal norms of her time in the 1950’s. Her courageous journey through the rugged terrain of the Appalachian Trail wasn't just a personal feat; it became a beacon of inspiration for countless women.

Emma's resilience and determination inspired a generation of women to embrace the outdoors, showing them that age and gender are no barriers to adventure. The sock named for her is one of our favorites.

Betty Reid Soskin: Championing Diversity in the National Parks

Betty Reid Soskin's impact on the National Park Service goes beyond her role as a ranger. She not only guided visitors through historic landscapes but also illuminated the often-overlooked African-American experience within these spaces. Her insights and advocacy were instrumental in reshaping the narrative of discrimination and resilience in American history. She didn't retire until the remarkable age of 100. 

By challenging the traditional focus of national parks on the experiences of white Americans, Betty Reid Soskin highlighted the diverse stories that enrich our national heritage. Betty Reid Soskin's legacy serves as a beacon of hope and understanding, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and honoring all voices in our shared cultural and natural landscapes.

Her dedication to inclusivity and representation reminds us that the outdoors are for everyone, regardless of background, age, race, or gender. The Heady Betty hiking sock and RTR work sock are named in her honor. 

Thank You

Thank you Grandma Gatewood, Betty Reid Soskin, and the many other resilient women who came before us. Our Trailblazer sock is a tribute to these remarkable women. Created by women for women, it embodies the spirit of adventure and the strength found in every woman who explores with courage.

Meet Some Darn Tough Trailblazers

Our Product Team is fueled by modern-day trailblazers who shape our socks and embody our spirit of empowerment.

Jenny - Product Design Manager

Designer of the Trailblazer sock, Jenny blazes trails not just in design but in our community. Her dedication to creating change and preventing gender-based violence in Vermont through awareness and legislative advocacy is commendable.

The rainbows Jenny created for our Trailblazer sock symbolize the beauty and hope that emerge after the storm, mirroring her commitment to social justice and community well-being.

Alex - Product Designer

Alex’s passion for hiking and relentless pursuit of personal bests, whether on the trail or in designing the next best-selling sock, is truly inspiring. She is working on completing a substantial roster of peaks of the forty-eight 4,000 footers in New Hampshire and completed the stunning 93-mile Wonderland Trail around Mount Rainer.

The mountains and trees featured on our Trailblazer sock embody the spirit of adventure Alex brings to Darn Tough.

Kate - Product Development Manager

Kate is our master puzzler, whether it’s a 1,000-piece puzzle or organizing an epic running retreat in the Swiss Alps. Her commitment to excellence and adventurous spirit shines through in every project she tackles.

Kate brings our artistic designs to life, transforming them into beautifully knit socks that stand the test of time. At the forefront of ensuring our products meet the highest standards of comfort, durability, and fit, Kate empowers you to blaze trails in our socks with confidence.

Crystal – Product Programmer

With over 30 years of expertise, Crystal is a trailblazer on our product team, renowned for her pioneering work in sock knitting technology. She is instrumental in the creation of our top-selling hiking socks, meticulously programming each of the 168 needles to guarantee our socks uphold a lifetime in quality and durability.

Spirit, Strength, & Resilience 

At Darn Tough, we believe in the power of women to move mountains. With Jenny’s social advocacy, Alex’s adventurous spirit, Kate’s dedication to excellence, and Crystal’s expertise, each Trailblazer inspires us to embrace limitless possibilities.

Our Trailblazer sock is more than just a product; it’s a celebration of the incredible spirit, strength, and resilience of women who adventure, lead, and inspire. Here's to the women trailblazers—past, present, and future. Together, we can move mountains.

Credit for Emma Gatewood photo: Stratness, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons