Laney

Biologist
Marine biologist and zoologist by training

Car Camper
I camp mostly in my 2019 Subaru Crosstrek

Vegetarian
I have been vegetarian since 2002!

California Girl
Currently live in Southern California

I started this blog because I struggled to find advice and resources for camping while being fat and partially disabled. There was a lack of information on plus-sized camping/hiking clothes and gear. My goal is to create a starting point for others like me, offering recommendations on gear, locations, and clothing while sharing my outdoor adventures. The outdoors is for everyone, and I want to make it more accessible.

As a child, I loved camping with my parents and our dogs. However, as I got older, I lost some of that passion due to the lack of accessibility in the market and the absence of representation. Not seeing people who looked like me doing the things I wanted to do led me to become more of a homebody, spending time playing video games and hanging out with my cats. Despite this, my love for the outdoors never waned. As a biologist, I cherish nature, but being fat and disabled has made it challenging to pursue my outdoor passions.

Although my doctors and the medical community do not classify me as disabled, I live with chronic pain and limited mobility. Diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis at age 12, I underwent spinal fusion surgery from T4 to L4 by age 13, which significantly restricted my back movement. This has resulted in considerable lower back pain and arthritis in my lumbar spine. While I manage most activities despite the pain, walking and hiking often exacerbate my discomfort.

In addition to spinal issues, I have arthritis in my left knee, which makes climbing stairs or hills challenging and causes pain during extended walks. My knee problems are related to my spinal condition. The S-shaped curve and twisting of my spine have caused uneven muscle development in my lower back and glutes, leading to misalignment in my left leg. Over the past 30 years, my knee has struggled to adapt to this imbalance.

Despite these challenges, I find comfort in camping. I’m fortunate to have a supportive husband and wonderful friends who help with setting up camp, accompany me on easy hikes, and patiently wait as needed. Their support makes all the difference in enjoying the great outdoors.

Kristen