Recreation research consistently reports that only one-third of trampers are likely to be females. This thesis adopts a feminist analysis to explore the factors that might explain this under-representation. This study involves indepth interviews with 90 trampers in Christchurch. In addition to documenting personal experiences of and involvements in tramping, the analysis also includes a comprehensive overview of tramping clubs in Christchurch. Four aspects of women's participation in tramping are discussed. The stereotypical image of a tramper is identified and tramper's responses to this image are considered. The actual experiences of trampers are documented. Structures and practices of tramping clubs are analysed. Finally, barriers to women's participation in tramping are explicitly discussed. Material presented in this thesis enables a clearer means of understanding both the barriers to women's involvements in tramping and is a means of encouraging their participation. In the conclusion guidelines for positive planning in the future are presented.