Nicole Snell
Contributing Writer
The author testing a pair of boots. Photo by Gina Danza @wildginaa
I’m Nicole Snell — a hiker, speaker about hiking, and the owner of Girls Fight Back, a women’s self-defense company. I’m the creator of Outdoor Defense, an IGTV series about staying safe while enjoying the outdoors.
I’m also an outspoken advocate for hiking and protecting our natural lands. I am a hike leader for Black Girls Trekkin, which focuses on Diversity, Inclusion, Conservation, and Education. I taught a Runner’s World Online Virtual Workshop on self-defense for the Runner’s Alliance (Women’s Health Magazine and Runner’s World).
Since a young age, exploring and hiking have been my passion. I grew up outside Joshua Tree National Park and spent my childhood exploring the nearby desert and rocks.
As an adult, I have continued that passion. I have hiked all over the world, including Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Scotland, Wales, Andorra, and the infamous 4 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru.
I was an Outdoor Adventure Summit Speaker, a Summer Solstice Workshop Speaker with AdventureUs, and a Rise.Run.Retreat Women’s Running Retreat speaker. I also won a Webby Award for People’s Voice for Tastemade Travel’s Self Defense for Female Travelers. I’m part of the Difference Makers Collaborative Partnership and a Women’s Self Defense Summit speaker. I’ve presented a trilingual workshop on Hiking Emergency Preparedness at the Los Angeles Natural History Museum Camp Out and Outdoor Preparedness at the Stoneview Nature Center.
I’ve been a frequent podcast guest for talking about safety while hiking and have been featured on the: Nike Trained podcast, Tough Girl podcast, Jazzed About Nature podcast, The Mend podcast, Womxn of the Wild podcast, and the Almost There Adventure Podcast.
Over the years of exploring trails and mountains, I have owned many pairs of hiking footwear. Because of my experiences on numerous trails, I can appreciate and evaluate the various features that light hiking boots offer in the different brands and models.
Instagram: @adventuresofnik
Website: nicolesnell.com
