Ashley Moore and Backcountry Women

Present to Protect: Celebrating Ashley Moore and Backcountry Women

Photo by Liz Tran (IG: instagram.com/liz.tran) 

In the heart of Manitoba, where the prairies meet the boreal forest, Ashley Moore is building a community that empowers women to explore the outdoors with confidence, skill, and joy. As the founder of Backcountry Women, Ashley has created a space where women can connect, learn, and grow—both in nature and in life.

The Birth of Backcountry Women

Backcountry Women began in 2017 as an Instagram account, born out of Ashley’s desire to find like-minded women to share outdoor adventures with. “I saw other women sharing trips they were doing with their friends, and I didn’t have anyone like that,” Ashley recalls. “I usually just went out with my husband, which was great, but I wanted to build a community of women who loved the outdoors as much as I did.”

What started as a simple platform to share stories quickly grew into something much bigger. Ashley realized there was a gap in Manitoba’s outdoor community—a lack of spaces where women could come together to learn, explore, and support one another. “We’re so often taught to let someone else take the lead, whether it’s setting up a tent or building a fire,” she says. “But when women realize how capable they are, it’s incredibly empowering.”

In 2019, Backcountry Women officially launched as a membership-based organization, offering a variety of programs designed to help women build outdoor skills, connect with nature, and form lasting friendships.

Programs That Inspire

Backcountry Women offers a wide range of activities, from urban hikes to hardcore backcountry adventures. “We try to have options for everyone,” Ashley explains. “Whether you’re looking for a chill walk to observe nature or a fast-paced, sweat-inducing hike, there’s something for you.”

The organization’s programming changes with the seasons, ensuring there’s always something new to try. In the colder months, Backcountry Women hosts indoor climbing events called Sunday Send Sessions, providing a supportive environment for women to learn or practice climbing. As the weather warms up, the focus shifts to outdoor activities like hiking and paddling. 

For those looking to build their skills, Backcountry Women offers workshops and full-day courses, such as Hiking with Confidence and Backpacking with Confidence. These programs are designed to help women feel prepared and self-sufficient in the outdoors.

Breaking Down Barriers

One of the biggest challenges Ashley has faced is making outdoor activities accessible and affordable. “I’ve always priced things in a way that removes barriers,” she says. “But that can make it hard to sustain the organization as it grows.”

To address this, Backcountry Women has begun various fundraising initiatives and are seeking community support. Backcountry Women has also started a gear library, allowing members to borrow equipment like rain jackets and backpacks. “A lot of people don’t want to invest in gear before they’ve tried it,” Ashley notes. “This way, they can test things out and see what works for them.”

The organization also focuses on creating a judgment-free space where women can learn at their own pace. “It’s all about meeting people where they’re at,” Ashley says. “Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced adventurer, there’s no pressure to be anything other than yourself.”

Building a Community of Leaders

Backcountry Women isn’t just about getting outside—it’s about building confidence and leadership skills that extend far beyond the trail. “When you see yourself progress in an activity like rock climbing or backpacking, it changes how you see yourself in other areas of life,” Ashley explains. “You realize you’re capable of doing hard things, and that mindset carries over into everything you do.”

The organization also challenges the male-dominated culture of the outdoors by showcasing women as capable leaders and adventurers. “We’re showing that women can be self-sufficient, independent, and strong in the outdoors,” Ashley says. “And that representation matters.”

Photo by Liz Tran (IG: instagram.com/liz.tran) 

Looking Ahead

As Backcountry Women continues to grow, Ashley is focused on making the organization more sustainable. She’s planning a Spring Fundraising Challenge, where she’ll hike 175 km over seven days on the Trans Canada Trail in Manitoba’s Whiteshell area.

Want to join the virtual challenge? Participants can join solo or as a team to tackle the 175 km during the month of April and May to help raise awareness and support the cause. Not a hiker? That’s okay! Participants can complete the 175 km in a variety of select activities. More information on how to join the virtual challenge can be found at https://backcountrywomen.com/activity-challenges.

“This is a way for us to raise funds and keep offering these programs,” Ashley says. “It’s about using the power of community to ensure Backcountry Women can continue to thrive.”

How to Get Involved

Whether you’re in Winnipeg or elsewhere in Canada, there are plenty of ways to support Backcountry Women:

Ashley’s vision is clear: to create a world where every woman feels confident, capable, and connected to the outdoors with a like-minded community. Through Backcountry Women, she’s not just building a community—she’s blazing a trail.