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Recommendations for Ladies' Backpacking Gear

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Recently my brother Jonathon and I hiked the Butterfield Trail in Devil's Den State Park. It's a 14.4 mile loop that traverses some spectacular woodlands, for the most part following alongside a shallow creek. I'm a seasoned hiker, having traveled many miles as an ex-Boy Scout. Jonathon is a budding outdoors enthusiast and it was good to get to spend some quality time with my younger brother, traveling through the beautiful creation that is nature.

After returning home I told my girlfriend all about the trip, about the spectacular views and walking through more spiderwebs than I can count, about the boar that visited our campsite in the middle of the night, and about what a wonderful feeling it is to wake up after a good night's sleep with aching legs. She isn't a huge camper; she couldn't remember the last time she slept in a tent. However, she expressed interest in backpacking and in possibly doing this sort of thing together in the future. The issue is this: as a male backpacker who has always traveled with other members of the male species, I don't know how to recommend backpacking gear to her. I'm talking about boots, packs, and hiking wear, gear that is very sensitive to the body of the individual user.
If anyone has suggestions for anything from backpacks to rain gear, I'm open to anything. Recommend your favorite brands and I'll be glad to take a look.
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npatel
0
Oct 3, 2018
Interested, need info about hiking groups, taking regular treks & hikes.
Minnehik
19
Oct 3, 2018
And, be aware that the midlayers and sleeping gear that keep you quite warm, may not be cozy enough for a female. It’s a general thing, not universal of course, but many women seem to feel the cold more. Translates to, eg, 20 degree quilt instead of 30, and so on.
JoMamma3
31
Sep 18, 2018
infinitymdm - After you get your girlfriend measured and fitted you can look on many used gear sites. There’s a great used gear site on FaceBook “USA - Backpacking Gear Flea Market for Women” give it a look. Also, I have to promote my Triple Crown thru hiker son’s website and videos. He provides great hiking information, loads of DIY gear options, gear reviews, trail videos of each hike, and so much more. He’s a wealth of information for any hiker. Post back and let us know how she does. I hope you will check him out. Google backcountrybanter.com and his videos youtubehttps://www.youtube.com/user/Biophthera
JoMamma3
31
Sep 18, 2018
infinitymdm - I am a female and I’d strongly suggest you take your girlfriend to any local gear shop and get her properly fitted for a backpack. I went to REI because it was convenient. They measured me and properly fitted me for a backpack. I was also able to try on many different types of packs. This is a tremendous help in making a good decision. I also recommend you have her fitted and try on many different types of hiking footwear, this can be done at an REI as well. It’s so importent to get the right shoe and the right fit for your hiking needs. I used to wear boots until my son convinced me to try a lite hiking shoe. I ended up going with the La Sportiva Mountain Running shoe. I’ve worn it in very cold and very hot temperatures, as well as wet conditions. I’m still loving them. Trying on before buying is the best way to go. Getting fitted somewhere doesn’t mean you have to purchase your gear there. Although I have invested quite a bit at REI.
Zexall
45
Sep 17, 2018
After getting geared up for long distance trails with my girlfriend, I quickly realized that the male/female labels don't really matter in the vast majority of instances - for things like packs, sleeping bags, pads go with whatever will fit her size based on height and measurements. Any decent brand will give measurements it's designed for, especially packs. My girlfriend is using a Gossamer Gear Mariposa at the moment while I'm using a Osprey Exos 48.
The exception is possibly cloths, but even then it's personal preference. My girlfriend and I use the same rain jacket because it fits us both (OR Helium 2), but we have different rain pants because my legs are longer. Focus on the measurements provided by the brand, and they'll do you right the majority of the time.
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