Is Women Only Gear Worth It?

That is a subject you see often on outdoor forums. Be it a man asking does he need to get his female partner a special backpack, or a woman asking can she use unisex gear...it is an open ended subject.  In the past 3 years or so, there has been a massive boom in women's only gear. The majority of the major players in the outdoor gear industry have at least made a token gesture in producing gear.  Now the whole pink color issue? Well, that one I'll never understand! Though it doesn't bother me to much. I can live with a pink sit pad, pillow and sleeping pad. On the other hand, I don't want a hot pink backpack anytime soon......

So is it worth it to buy women's only? It can be. Why?

• Better fit!
• Shoes have narrower heels, and are lighter overall.
• Pants are not dragging, and are cut more in fashion (meaning lower on the hips) and more flattering. More room in the rear and hips.
• Shirts are cut to fit curves, and not hang over the back of our hands.
• Pack straps are curved to go around our chests.
• Smaller straps overall.
• Some brands have better padded hipbelts, and are curved to fit hips.
• Sleeping pads are shorter. Why carry weight you don't need, if you are petite in height? Some brands add more insulation as well for the ladies.
• Sleeping bags are shorter and have unique insulation often, in areas where women get cold.
• Hats and gloves that fit smaller heads and hands.
• Cheery colors.
• Smaller torsos in backpacks. Some manufacturers go down to 12" now. Only a few years back, if you had a very short torso you had to use a kids pack, which often was badly built.

Cons?

• If you are tall, women's gear might not be the best choice.  The same if you have a long torso (over 17").
• if you like darker, more earth tone colors. Some womens clothing can also be cut way to tight, and be unflattering if you have any excess body fat. Or be see thru!
• If you have wide feet, men's shoes and socks can sometimes be more comfortable.

The best suggestion in gear is try it on before buying, obviously. Especially with backpacks. Know your torso size. Try on both women's versions and then a unisex version. Depending on how your body works, you might be surprised which works best.

~Sarah
And PS: Guys! Don't EVER buy a pack for your lady unless she has tried it on! When ever I see that comment on forums I want to smack their hands ;-)