10 Signs You Are a Lady Dirtbag

Last Updated on December 6, 2019 by foxintheforest

You can’t say “no” to a good old-fashioned sufferfest. You live for a sunrise on top of a challenging peak. Perhaps you’ve traded in a good pair of heels for the perfect mountaineering boot. Either way, you’re out there. Dirty. Sweaty. And all smiles. In essence, you’d rather be dirty than done up. Perhaps you are that badass, pack hauling, lead climbing lady dirtbag. Or maybe you know someone who is. Either way, the lady dirtbag lifestyle commands respect and plenty of adventure.

As some of you may know, I’m writing an ebook with my good friend Sarah over at Miss Adventure Pants. She’s a badass, mountain-slaying, world-traveling lady dirtbag. However, neither one of us started out slaying the gnar. Heck, several years ago, I fretted over stemware for dinner parties (no joke). We decided the give you an in-depth look at the skills you need to be a badass outdoors. Thus, the Lady Dirtbag was born. This May, your guide to badassery will be available for your full reading pleasure.

how to be a dirtbag

Let’s face it, lady dirtbags have more fun!

You Can’t Say “No” to Type Two Fun

Does the plan involve long distances with steep elevation gains for a challenge of EPIC proportions? Yes. Then chances are you are game. Every lady dirtbag loves a good dose of type two fun. Whether that’s hauling a large pack up and over a couple of mountains, running through trails, or punching in some epic sends it’s all in the name of fun and a good challenge. Whatever your dream is, you aren’t afraid to chase it, even if it means bailing. At least you got out there and went for the slay.

Your Shoes Meant for Dirt Outnumber Your Footwear Meant for Marble

Approach shoes: check. Mountaineering boots: Check. Chacos: Check. Burly hikers: Check and double check! Your closet is chock full of all things outdoors. It’s a wonder your flats and heels have any room between the boots covered in desert dust and the freshly-laid toecaps of your climbing shoes. Here we were, thinking you were attending boring awards ceremonies every weekend. You spend your hard earned cash on gear and the gas to get to the next big epic.

type 2 fun

Some genuine type 2 funning right here!

You’d Rather Be Dirty Than Done Up

The perfect weekend for you is spent out in the wild with a few close girlfriends getting dirt under your fingernails. You want to see what hasn’t been seen, go where few people venture, and revel in getting dirty while doing it. It isn’t about posing for the perfect Insta-photo in a flowy dress, it’s about reaching new heights and seeing your strength. You don’t want people calling you delicate. You are strong. Powerful. And not afraid to get muddy.

Your Favorite Bar is Called the Campfire

You won’t find lady dirtbags crawling around nightclubs. If you want to meet a lady dirtbag, you’re going to have to get outside and find one. Happy hour is a simple recipe: flask full of booze or a can of something cheap, delicious snacks (the more unhealthy the better), and the crackle of a nice fire. Nothing puts a smile on your face quite like hanging out around the mesmerizing flames with a couple of besties.

Can you relate? Check out The Lady Dirtbag’s Guide to Freedom. Your complete guide to kicking ass in the outdoors. For womxen, by women.

Forget All-Night Ragers, You’d Rather Be on Dawn Patrol

Partying all night is a thing of the past. You revel in those alpine starts. A 3 am wake-up call? No problem. If there’s one thing you know is worth it, it’s a sexy sunrise out in nature. Bonus points if it includes a little alpenglow.

How to become a dirtbag

My favorite bar is called the campfire, and you can’t Google the address.

On the Weekends Your Healthy Eating Habits Go Out the Window

Your diet is simple: eat well during the week, all bets are off on the weekend. That’s because you’re out, burning countless calories all weekend long. Along the trail you nosh on all the fat, sugar and carbs this plentiful earth has to offer and you don’t feel an ounce of guilt. As your dusty feet carry you back to your adventure wagon, you’ve got one thing on your mind: food. Every lady dirtbag celebrates her adventure in a different manner. For me, it’s a heaping plate of nachos, no holds barred.

A Lady Dirtbag is a Connoisseur of Sleeping in Your Vehicle

Perhaps you’ve built out the back of a pickup, own a camper, or simply know how to make your sedan a palatial estate in a jiffy. Lady dirtbags have mastered the art of sleeping in their car on a moment’s notice. After work, you race to the trailhead, crash, and gear up for your alpine start. It’s ritual at this point and you’ve got your system down to a tee.

camper van life

You can’t beat a good adventure wagon setup. Nor can you beat the feeling of being able to change your bra for the first time in four days.

You Aren’t Afraid to Be a Newb

Lady Dirtbags understand that it’s okay to be afraid. When it comes to trying something new, fear is natural, and you revel in it. Want to learn to rock climb? Jump on the sharp end and get dirty. You live for a good challenge and new outdoor activities are all the rage. Sure you may suck, you fall, you may even hate it, but you can’t say no to a good adventure, so you go for the send anyway.

You Know How to Make Both Strength and Fear Sing

Let’s be clear: no one is invincible. We are all human and we all have fears and doubt. A lady dirtbag knows this. You understand how to grow strong by facing your fears. In fact, it’s your willingness to face those fears that make you a strong, badass lady dirtbag. Sometimes, fear gets the best of us, but you’re always willing to give it another try and you know just how to encourage other lady dirtbags to do the same.

You Do It Better Than the Boys

Men may be touted as having more physical strength, but that doesn’t mean you can’t hang. In fact, you know that the future is female and non-binary, and just because you don’t “bro out” doesn’t mean you can’t shred just as hard, hike as far, or flash that tough climb. Women and women are strong, and you embody that, never letting the patriarchy tell you what you can or can’t do.

Perhaps you aspire to be better, learn more and grow. The ultimate spirit of a lady dirtbag is a woman who isn’t afraid to be true to herself or their self, let societal expectations go, and push themselves in the outdoors.

Inspire women to get outside. Inspiring ways to be an adventurous woman. Be a fierce outdoor female. 10 things only outdoor women can relate to. #women #outdoors #camping #hiking
Meg Atteberry
Meg Atteberry

Meg is a long-time Colorado local and outdoor industry professional. She's spent the last 15 years hiking, climbing, mountaineering, and canyoneering all over Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and Nevada in search of the best views. She's written for Outside Magazine, REI, Backpacker Magazine, and appeared on the Weather Channel.

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Hi There!

Meg Atteberry standing on a mountain sticking her tongue out

Meg aka Fox is a 30-something who's born to explore. Toddler mom, queer, and neuro-spicy her favorite things to do are climb in the alpine and camp in the desert. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure.