When and Why To Buy Women’s-Specific Gear.
Women’s outdoor gear has come a long way over time.
But what’s the deal with all this women’s gear?
If you’re a woman, does that mean you definitely need women’s skis rather than men’s skis?
If you’re taller than 5’6”, however, you may want a women’s long or a men’s bag.
Women’s packs tend to be slightly smaller in capacity, designed for shorter torso measurements, and have more narrowly spaced shoulder straps.
The most important thing is to get a ski that feels good and responsive under your feet, whether it’s a men’s ski or a women’s.
While you should ultimately go with the bike that feels good to you, a women-specific bike is well worth considering.
While a unisex or men’s harness may fit you just fine, a women’s harness could be more comfortable, especially if you expect to fall frequently or spend a long time hanging at belay stations.
Go with what feels comfortable and good to you!
Women’s outdoor gear has come a long way over time. Just a few decades ago, many retailers used a “shrink it and pink it” strategy to adapt men’s gear for women. Now, the market is full of apparel, sleeping bags, bicycles and more that are adapted specifically for women.
But what’s the deal with all this women’s gear? If you’re a woman, does that mean you definitely need women’s skis rather than men’s skis? There’s a lot to consider when picking the right gear. Here’s the skinny on when gender does and doesn’t matter in equipping yourself for the great outdoors:
Sleeping bag
In general, women tend to sleep colder than men, and women’s bags can make a real difference. They are shorter (generally built for someone 5’6” or smaller), which eliminates pockets of air that can keep you cold, and feature extra insulation in the torso and foot areas. If you’re taller than 5’6”, however, you may want a women’s long or a men’s bag.
