By Jennifer Schultz.
Back in the day, outdoor companies didn’t make women’s specific gear. Whether you needed a new backpack or a pair of hiking pants, men’s equipment was your only option. Fast forward to the twenty-first century and you can now find pretty much any piece of equipment on your camping checklist in a so-called women’s model.
But, do you really need women’s-specific gear?
While buying some women’s-specific equipment, like jackets and gloves might make sense for people with smaller bodies and more shapely hips, is there a real benefit to that women’s sleeping pad?
It depends. While women’s-specific equipment can be nice in some situations, the important thing is that you get the gear that fits you best. Whether that equipment is marketed for people of your gender or not is less important than how it performs in the real world.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about women’s gear and whether it’s truly worth the investment. That way, you can get the gear you need for all your adventures.
When Does Women’s-Specific Gear Really Matter?
Buying hiking gear is both exciting and daunting. Comparing different models and searching for the right option for your needs can be challenging, especially if you also have to decide between buying men’s and women’s gear.
Up next, we’ll discuss differences between men’s, women’s, and unisex sizing in various types of outdoor gear to help you determine what’s best for you.
Clothing
Gendered clothing is a mainstay in many societies, so it might seem odd to question whether women’s specific hiking clothing is really worth it.
The reality is that there are some major differences between the clothing options that outdoor companies market toward men and women. For example, pants that are designed for women tend to be wider in the hips and more slender at the ankles.
However, these differences are often based more on preconceived notions of the differences between men’s and women’s bodies and less on what will fit you best. Therefore, opting for hiking clothing that feels comfortable to you is what’s important, even if it’s not marketed for people of your gender.
It’s also worth mentioning that many gear manufacturers still offer more extensive lines of technical men’s hiking clothing than technical women’s hiking clothing.
Although it’s just one example, a quick look through Patagonia’s 2021 line-up of snow and alpine pants shows that they have 15 models available for men and just 13 for women. They also have 23 models of men’s hardshell jackets and 18 models for women. This might not seem like a big difference, but companies often limit their most technical gear just their men’s lines.
So, sometimes finding the right hiking clothing is more about opting for gear that fits and meets your needs rather than focusing too much on how a company markets its products.
Hiking Boots
Boots and shoes are another one of those things that we take for granted as gendered pieces of clothing. Indeed, as with clothing, there are some differences in how manufacturers design footwear that’s marketed toward men and women.
Disregarding the differences in men’s and women’s sizing in the US, most shoes that are marketed toward men have wider toe boxes. Men often have longer toes, too, which affects the flex point and fit of a shoe.
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However, there are plenty of men with smaller, narrower feet and plenty of women with longer, wider feet. Due to the fact that women’s shoes generally come in a smaller range of lengths and widths than men’s shoes, buying hiking boots that don’t correspond with your gender identity is often a necessity if you can’t find shoes that fit.
Backpacks
Women’s-specific backpacks made waves in the outdoor industry when they first hit the market in the 1980s and 1990s. But, unlike with hiking boots and clothing, the need for women’s packs isn’t always as obvious.
That being said, there are some real differences between men’s and women’s packs beyond the ol’ “pink it and shrink it” adage. Women’s-specific packs are generally made with shorter torsos, extra padding around the hip belt, and curved shoulder straps to better fit around the breasts.
As you can imagine, taller women and people with less-defined hips often find that women’s packs just don’t cut it for them.
Since many packs now come in a wide range of torso sizes, there isn’t as much of a need to buy a women’s specific pack if your main concern is your shorter height. Plus, since some pack companies, like Osprey, now allow you to buy just a hip belt, you can always buy a men’s pack and a women’s hip belt to get the fit that works best for you.
Sleeping Bags & Sleeping Pads
Sleeping bags and sleeping pads might not seem like the type of gear that would benefit you if made in a gender-specific cut. Nevertheless, most manufacturers do make full line-ups of women’s-specific sleeping bags and pads for you to choose from.
As a general rule, women’s sleeping bags are designed to be shorter than their men’s counterparts. They also have wider hips to accommodate curvier bodies.
But, the differences in gendered sleeping bags go beyond fit and aesthetic.
Sleeping bags marketed for women often have more insulation built-in at a given temperature rating than the equivalent men’s bag. For folks that sleep colder at night, this extra insulation can be helpful. Meanwhile, high-end women’s sleeping pads also feature smaller sizes and higher R-values to keep cold sleepers warm on chilly nights.
While smaller sizes and extra insulation is great for some campers, though, not everyone needs to buy a women’s sleeping bag or pad.
Some companies, like Mountain Hardwear, have decided to focus their production more on non-gendered sleeping bags. Why? The company argues that people who sleep colder can always just buy a sleeping bag that’s rated to a colder temperature. Plus, many sleeping bags now come in a range of heights to accommodate people of many different body sizes.
But, again, some campers will sleep better in a women’s-specific bag while others will find that it’s not quite worth the hassle. So the key is to find a sleeping pad and a sleeping bag that meet your needs rather than limiting your options to products marketed to a specific gender.
Men’s vs Women’s Gear: Is There A Difference?
Ultimately, yes, there is a difference between men’s and women’s hiking gear.
However, even though companies make different gear for people of different genders, there’s no requirement that you shop exclusively for certain products. While some people will find a benefit in purchasing women’s-specific gear, others find that men’s or unisex gear is the better fit.
Regardless of what gear you choose to use, we hope this article helped you determine if women’s-specific gear is right for you. Happy trails!
Jennifer Schultz
Jennifer Schultz is a Professional Outdoor Guide and a Contributor at Outforia. She received her life's calling at a very young age to become a naturalist. Since then, Jennifer acquired certification in Mountain Training and Rock Climbing that keep her close to nature. The fun-loving soul never takes a vacation from her occupation.
That’s a very helpful and informative post. I agree every female should wear their own gears while going hiking.
I’m glad you liked it. I couldn’t agree any more with you! 🙂
Thank you for this! I’d agree that women’s specific gear is important.
I’m glad you agreed to this! 🙂
Wonderful to know the details about women-specific hiking gear, am sure it suits our needs more precisely. It would be wonderful to have them for hiking. Thanks for the wonderful share!
Couldn’t agree more! I’m glad you found this helpful 🙂
Couldn’t agree more!!! I’m glad you found this helpful 🙂
I normally buy boots made for boys (due to my size) because boots for women are too narrow for my feet. Backpacks are whatever I can find to match the length because I am petite. As for clothes it’s either female or made for kids too. I kinda wish they made more products for smaller people so I didn’t have decide between childish prints/colors and proper size
I can totally understand you! I happen to know a few people who face the same issue 🙁
Hope your wish comes true soon! 😀
This is so interesting and it is something that I’ve never really thought of because I have a ton of camping gear here in the house. I never bothered to check if they were women-specific when I purchased them a few years ago.
I have to admit, I faced a similar kind of situation a couple of years back.
Glad you found this helpful! 🙂
I am planning to do outdoor camping after the pandemic and thank God I get across your article. At least I could make good preparation of my howqua tents. Please make more articles like this, I will follow your blogs.
Good luck with your preparation!
I have written some more similar articles which you might find helpful. You can check them out on this website- https://outforia.com
It’s so good to see specialized hiking gear for women. Or else these standard sizes certainly were awkward a lot of times for the female member. Interesting to see that the sleeping bags are also being made keeping the women in mind.
I couldn’t agree more with you. As more females are inclined towards hiking these days, various hiking gears are available considering safety and comfort of women 🙂
My wife and I hike a lot but she doesn’t own any women’s specific gear. Thank you so much for the info, it is great!
Well…now she can! 🙂
I’m glad this article was of use to you!
For sure, there is a difference between men’s and women’s hiking gear. A backpack that fits my body shape is a key piece of hiking gear for me. I always choose one dedicated to women because they are definitely more comfortable than universal backpacks. Pants don’t matter that much to me anymore. I am also paying attention to choosing the right women’s trekking underwear. I don’t see any difference in the sleeping bags. I have used the male one many times, and it was both warm and comfortable. The most important thing is that everyone should find something for themselves. It’s great that there is such a wide choice.
I’m glad you found all the hiking essentials according to your comfort 🙂
I loved this post coz it is very helpful. Hiking shoes and a sleeping bag are a must-have in every traveler’s closet, even she/he is not a regular hiker. I still need to buy a backpack for sure. But the mentioned hiking essentials are very important to have. Thanks for this useful post.
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I’m glad you found this article useful 🙂
Do check out my other articles. I’m sure you ‘d like them too!!! You can find them here – https://outforia.com
I think unisex hiking gears make it easier for everyone but at the same time, those for specific genders meet certain requirements for certain people. At the end of the day, it boils down to individual preferences.
I completely agree with you on this! Hiking gears for women are specifically made keeping the comfort level and preferences of females into consideration. At the end, comfort and satisfaction are all what matters!
Yes, I do agree that there should be specific hiking gear for women. It’s not really about gender but more on getting the advantages of using products that suit you, same with size/body type, height, and so on.
Yes, I couldn’t agree more with you!
I always feel like products marketed specifically towards women are more expensive, but sometimes worth it.
They are really worth it. I too agree with you on this! 🙂
I often feel like products marketed to women are more expensive, for example personal care or beauty products. And they seem to make everything gender specific these days. I’ve seen water bottles that are meant for women. However, I do see the reasoning behind some of them, like hiking shoes, for instance. I would definitely buy women shoes.
The hiking shoes are really worth buying. Don’t miss out on the other amazing products too!!!!
I’ve definitely found that womens backpacks work for my body much better!
I’m glad you found your backpack preference. These are really comfortable too!!! 🙂
I just think, if you want to go hiking and back come alive and well, then you got to dress appropriately.
Very true 😀
I too always dress appropriately depending upon the occasion!!
I value comfort and fitting so I think having gender-specific gear is a good idea. It’s interesting to know that woman backpack has shorter torsos and extra padding around the hip belt. It’s definitely useful for me since I’m quite short.
I am happy to know that you found a backpack you love! 🙂
We live in the mountains, and I concur that having the right outdoor gear is absolutely essential!
It is really essential indeed! Not just for comfort and preferences, but for safety reasons too!!!
I am glad that more companies are making hiking clothing for woman. And adding bigger sizes too! With wide feet, I often end up with men’s hiking boots. So happy to have a lot of choice there. And I would never expected to see men and womens sleeping bag options. I guess I haven’t spent enough time in hiking gear shops!
Yes indeed! Do check out the other amazing options too!
I was actually planning on going hiking with my family and this blog was super helpful and supplied me with even more knowledge than before. Thanks so much for sharing!
That’s really awesome. I’m glad you found this before your hiking trip.
Enjoy your hiking trip! 🙂
I always used what’s designed for women, for the obvious reason.
Yeah…me too actually! 😀
I do agree with having the right foot wear for hiking. It’s important to wear protection and comfort in all types of clothing.
I completely agree with you!!! 🙂
I believe in a gender-specific gear, beauty products, and everything that calls for comfort and health.
Amazing information in the post.
Yes me too….I can totally relate with you!
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This is such an informative post! To me quality of a product and fitting matter more than anything else ???? Thanks for sharing!
I am really glad you found this article helpful 🙂
Check out my other articles too. I’m sure you’ll love them! – https://outforia.com
I never knew there was gender specific sleeping bags! That sounds crazy. Although definitely would need the different style jackets etc. I have no problems wearing male footwear though, I find there’s more options.
There are really amazing options available these days in women’s hiking accessories!
Interesting! Of course, as you mentioned, clothes and shoes matter, but to me the other things don’t. I just buy a smaller backpack and use whatever sleeping bag. It’s interesting to ponder, though!
I’m glad you found your hiking essentials according to your preferences and comfort:)