I think it is safer to hike in a group than to hike alone.

Especially for a woman.

I -- a woman -- carry bear spray while hiking (with friends) in the Shenandoah Mountains not because I worry about a bear attacking. I carry bear spray in the mountains and Mace in the city because I'd like some measure of legal defense against human predators.

I'd rather my daughter hiked with a group. I'd worry if she hiked solo. I'd be less concerned about a son hiking solo but would also prefer that he hiked with a group.

There is safety in numbers.

Especially for women.