There’s something about a backpacking experience that is, quite simply put, magical. Especially for outdoor-loving, nature-oriented families, it’s hard to match the kind of fun and wonder and memory-making that happens when you make your home out in the wilderness for a few days.
And it is also a lot of work.
Conventional wisdom from the pediatric medicine and physical therapy community says that kids should only carry 10%-20% of their body weight. This means that as grown-up caregivers we are the sacrificial pack mules if we want to make these kinds of adventures happen for our families.
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Lightweight, well-fitting, functional women’s backpacking gear can make all the difference for those of us mamas who want to prioritize getting our families out backpacking while kids are still small. Thankfully, the last few years have brought significant innovation and women’s-specific product design to the outdoor industry.
The options can be overwhelming, but never fear! We’re here to help you sort through the gear you need to make the family backpacking pack mule experience less of a sufferfest.
Backpacking vs. Car Camping
Don’t get me wrong, we love car camping. AND having access to amenities and vehicles and being able to bring along every possible creature comfort can sometimes still feel a bit close to everyday reality for our liking.
Backpacking as a family allows for a truly unique experience of immersion in nature, along with extended time in destinations that are only accessible on foot. It also provides a unique sense of accomplishment for everyone involved.
Our kids hold an incredibly special place in their memory banks for every single one of our backpacking trips, I believe because they recognize the need for experiences that are truly “unplugged” and off the beaten path. And no surprise, as parents and caregivers we really need that too!
For more inspiration on why backpacking with kids is worth the effort, check out Kristin’s post on Solo Backpacking with Kids! She regularly takes it to the next level and will empower you with all kinds of wisdom and real-life experience.
Backcountry Safety
Being a bit more off-the-grid can be nerve-wracking for parents, especially when it comes to safety and preparedness. So…how can we be prepared as possible for what may come our way while spending a few days in the wilderness?
One of the biggest concerns families often have with backpacking is bear and wildlife safety. Our resident expert Ginny has put together a fantastic post on How to Store Food in Bear Country that is packed with wisdom on how to mitigate the risk of a sketchy wildlife encounter.
Bottom line: keep food and anything smelly away from your tent and secured in a bear canister – hung off the ground if possible! Pro tip – if you don’t own a bear canister, you can likely rent one from your local REI for a really reasonable rate.
If being farther away from access to emergency medical services is your biggest worry, Ginny has some other fantastic posts on First Aid Hacks on the Trail and Wilderness First Aid for Outdoor Families. We also highly recommend sharing your destination with an emergency contact person and utilizing an emergency GPS/communication device like the Garmin InReach Mini for additional peace of mind.
Food & Water
Being off the beaten path inherently means an additional level of self-sufficiency, especially when it comes to basic necessities like food and water.
Any time you’re in the wilderness with kids, food is an essential consideration. For all our best tips on having the bases covered, check out Amanda’s post on Backpacking Food Ideas for Families.
Backpacking also often requires some additional motivation and energy from kids who aren’t used to carrying any of their own gear or supplies, so don’t forget to consider extra snacks and treats to get them through the hikes in and out of the campsite!
Water is another critical consideration. Along with making sure you’re carrying enough for the hike in, you’ll want to prepare for what you need for the remainder of your time in camp. This will often (hopefully!) include access to a backcountry fresh water source that requires a filtration device.
Our favorite backpacking filtration system is the Platypus GravityWorks. Just fill up the “dirty” reservoir, hang it in a tree above the “clean” reservoir, and go do your thing while it works! Super easy to use.
When filtering water, remember that moving water is always always the best choice. Stagnant water (like that found in lakes and tarns) contains more contaminants and will clog up filters more quickly, as well as having a “funky” taste for drinking. Creeks and rivers are your best option for obtaining clear drinking and cooking water to filter.
Gear Matters
As mentioned earlier, backpacking requires an extra level of attention when it comes to weight and quality of gear. After all you are, quite literally, carrying everything you need on your back! And especially when you’re carrying everything for yourself and your kid(s), you can’t mess around with extra bulk.
From your pack to your period products, we’re here to walk you through the best women’s backpacking gear out there.
Women’s Backpacking Gear: Packs
The best way to figure out how a specific pack works for you is to try it on. Newer packs typically have multiple adjustment points, so you will want to follow the manufacturers recommendations for fitting the pack and/or have a knowledgeable staff member at an outdoor shop walk you through the process.
Every body is different! The pack that works for you may not work at all for someone with a different body type and vice versa.
A few things to keep in mind when looking for a pack:
- Capacity – Typically measured in liters, this gives you a basic idea of how much a pack can hold. And keep in mind that if you have more space you are likely to fill it! Play around with how much bulk and weight your body can handle.
- Adjustability – A lot of higher end packs can be adjusted for various torso lengths as well as standard adjustment points like hip belts and chest straps. Some are much easier to adjust than others, so it’s worth experimenting with these while the pack is on your body.
- Padding – Most packs will have padding on the shoulder straps, hip belt, and back panel, but not all padding is created equal! Know what feels good to your particular curves and bone structure.
- Weight – The heavier the pack itself is, the less weight you can comfortably carry in it. That being said, durability and padding are also contributing factors that come into play and may be worth the weight to you. Find your sweet spot!
- Pockets and gear loops – Don’t underestimate how many things you will likely find yourself stashing in accessible pockets and/or strapping to the outside of your pack! Pay attention to how many loops the pack has included just in case you need them.
Best Women’s-Specific Packs for Backpacking
Osprey Ariel Plus 85
This is the minivan of women’s packs – comfortable, spacious, and perfect if you’re hauling gear for the whole family! With an 85-liter capacity it’s one of the larger women’s specific packs out there, and it’s thoughtfully designed to make carrying a heavier load as comfortable and stable as possible.
While we don’t love the straps on the removable daypack, it does provide a convenient way to store food items in one place if you have access to a bear locker.
Features
- Removable top lid converts to DayLid daypack
- Included raincover made with PFC-free DWR and bluesign®-approved materials
- Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment
- Floating top lid with lash points
- Integrated FlapJacket cover for lidless use
- Dual front panel zippered pockets for easy-access storage
- Large front panel zip access to main compartment
- Fabric reinforced front shove-it pocket
- Large dual-access stretch mesh side water bottle pockets
- Dual upper/lower side compression straps
- Dual front panel compression straps with StraightJacket compression
- Dual zippered hipbelt pockets
- Dual ice axe loops with bungee tie-offs
- Zippered sleeping bag compartment with removable divider
- Removable sleeping pad straps
- Internal hydration reservoir sleeve
“I love the quantity of pockets and pocket placement, really great and versatile water bottle pockets (bottles can be top or side access), and that Osprey always includes a nice rain cover that fits the pack great.”
TMM Team Member Kristin
Osprey Renn 65
If you’re going on a shorter trip or have multiple adults to help carry the bulk of the gear, you may prefer a slightly smaller pack like the Osprey Renn 65. The pack itself is super light and comfortable, and it still has a solid amount of capacity and incredibly useful pockets.
The lack of a floating top lid does make it a bit trickier to attach larger items like tents or sleeping pads that can monopolize internal pack space, but the pack itself is incredibly comfortable even when its load is maxed out.
And with an MSRP of $190, it’s one of the more budget-friendly quality packs out there in the women’s-specific market!
Features
- Women’s-specific sizing and fit
- Highly ventilated and comfortable AirSpeed backpanel with intuitive torso adjustment system
- Fixed top lid with zippered pocket
- Dual upper and lower side compression straps
- Zippered sleeping bag compartment with floating divider
- Removable sleeping pad straps
- Dual mesh side pockets
- Zippered hipbelt pockets
- Integrated removable raincover
- Internal hydration sleeve
- There are also loops to anchor an optional Osprey Daylite® daypack if you would like the convenience of a small satellite pack for short forays.
Osprey Aura AG 65
Want a floating top lid and a 65L pack with a bit more versatility? The Aura AG 65, while slightly heavier than the Renn 65, comes with additional storage pockets and multiple pack fit size options for a more dialed-in fit.
This pack is still super solid on the comfort scale, although we find it a bit bulkier and less streamlined than the Renn.
Features
- Included raincover made with PFC/PFAS-free DWR and bluesign® approved materials
- Curved zip access on each side panel
- Floating top lid with lash points
- Fabric reinforced front shove-it pocket
- Tall dual-access side water bottle pockets
- Dual upper/lower side compression straps
- Dual zippered hipbelt pockets
- Dual ice axe loops with upper compression strap capture
- Zippered sleeping bag compartment with removable divider
- Removable sleeping pad straps
- Internal hydration reservoir sleeve with center back exit port
- Stow-on-the Go trekking pole attachment system
- Two zippered front pockets provide additional organization options
Osprey Kyte 48
For the true minimalists out there, or the ones who are carrying less on their backs because they’ve got a baby on their chest, the Osprey Kyte 48 is a lower-capacity pack that still has plenty of practical features.
The most compact and rugged pack in Osprey’s backpacking lineup, the Kyte 48 requires some packing efficiency skills (especially if you want to carry water in an internal reservoir). TMM Team Member Amanda loves this challenge and recommends this pack specifically because it prevents her from over packing!
Features
- Included raincover made with bluesign® approved fabrics and DWR treatments made without PFAS, stored in zippered pocket at base of pack
- Top lid with large, zippered pocket; top panel lash points and under lid zippered mesh pocket with key clip
- Internal reservoir sleeve with Hydraclip for easier reservoir hanging
- Front panel shove-it pocket with stretch mesh gussets
- Dual front panel daisy chains
- Dual quick release upper side compression straps with axe/trekking pole capture
- Dual lower side compression straps
- Zippered sleeping bag compartment with floating divider
- Removable sleeping pad straps
- Dual ice tool loops
- Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment
Deuter Aircontact Core 60+10 SL
For a pack that hits the sweet spot of versatility and comfort, the Deuter Aircontact Core 60 + 10 SL is tough to beat! We love that it can be maxed out to hold everything and the kitchen sink, but can also hold smaller loads without feeling like the pack itself is overkill.
We also love the ability to make microadjustments to the back panel rather than just having a few set torso lengths. This pack is super adjustable, although we would love to see Deuter start offering extended fit hip belts for folks in larger bodies!
The modular gear straps are a genius idea, and another feature we love is the front zipper access to the main compartment. This makes it so much easier to find what you need without emptying the entire pack!
Features
- Aircontact back system keeps pack weight against your body for effective load transfer
- Y-frame allows for more direct load transfer and load control
- VariSlide system lets you make quick, easy and infinite microadjustments of the back length for the perfect fit
- Pivoting ActiveFit shoulder harness is breathable and adjustable
- Pull-Forward construction makes the hipbelt easy to fasten and tighten, even with heavier loads
- VariFlex articulated hip fins pivot to respond flexibly to your movements
- Expandable collar on the main compartment provides 10 extra liters of storage capacity when you need it and tucks away when you don’t
- J-shaped front zipper opening gives you quick access to the contents of your pack
- Modular gear straps compress the load in the base of the pack or let you attach a sleeping pad or tent
- Elastic mesh side pockets, a large front stretch pocket and a zippered top pocket stash gear you need quick access to
- Hydration system–compatible design
- Separate bottom compartment with zippered divider is ideal for sleeping bag storage
- Internal valuables pocket; dual zippered pockets on hipbelt
- Glasses stow system on shoulder strap; detachable hiking pole attachment
Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60
For those looking to get into the ultralight game (or who want to exchange some pack weight for gear weight), the Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 weighs in at just two pounds. With plenty of stash pockets, a removable back pad that doubles as a seat, and a hipbelt that can be removed and swapped out for smaller or larger sized bodies, this pack does not compromise on quality or design.
Features
- Hipbelt with added stiffener and stay integration for superior load transfer and comfort
- Functional integrated hipbelt pockets
- Unisex ergonomic harness for both men and women
- Best with loads under 30lbs but will handle up to 35 just fine
- Removable SitLight pad and stay
- Medium belt installed but small and large belts are sold separately to allow customers to choose the size they need
- Rear mesh pocket that is great for drying gear and other gear storage
- Custom air mesh fabric on shoulder straps and hipbelt for less friction and more comfort
- Trekking pole hardware for storing them outside the pack
- Right-side bottle pockets are accessible without taking off the pack
- Internal hydration sleeve and drinking tube keeper loops on both shoulder straps
- Harness includes multiple attachment points for accessorizing
- Lashing loop doubles as ice axe holder
Gregory Deva 80 Pro
A serious workhorse, this pack is another excellent option for those who are not interested in keeping things minimalist or are packing gear for multiple kids. Maintaining as much comfort as possible with a significant load, the Gregory Deva 80 Pro is simple and functional with pockets galore and a design that is focused on load support.
TMM Team Member Anna loves the “super plush hip pads” on this pack and how much it holds. Her only complaint is having to carry something this big! We also wish it came in some more color options.
Features
- FreeFloat A3 suspension system with dynamic flex panels and auto rotating shoulder straps that move with the natural movements of your body
- AirCushion Foamless backpanel provides true breathability, eliminates pressure points and moisture-wicking cooling benefits
- 3D Shoulder Harness & Hipbelt Construction eliminates wrinkling and hot spots to provide hotspot free, body-hugging comfort
- All suspension components treated with Polygiene® Stays Fresh Technology (an odor control fabric treatment that inhibits the growth of odor causing bacteria)
- ComfortGrip lumbar pad helps prevent pack slip and keeps the pack positioned high on your hips without the need to over-tighten the hipbelt
- Perimeter alloy frame and fiberglass anti-barreling cross-stay for stable load management
- Front U-Zip access to main body of pack
- Dual front zippered pockets with floating divider wall
- Internal hydration sleeve with SpeedClip hydration hanger
- Floating top pocket with a large zippered compartment, small quick-access pocket and an underside zippered pocket, reflective attachment points, and key clip
- SideWinder bottle holster for one-handed on-the-go water bottle access
- Oversized zippered hipbelt pockets with enough space to fit cell phones and trail essentials
- Side stretch-mesh pocket with pass through for over-or-under compression
- Front oversized stretch-mesh pocket with secure buckle closure
- Zippered bottom sleeping bag compartment with removable divider
- Accessory attachment system located at easy-to-access hip location for bear spray holsters or accessory pouches
REI Co-Op Trail 40
For those with older kids who can carry more of their own gear, or who have extra adults along to split up overall gear weight, this pack is an excellent lightweight option that is also super budget-friendly.
The REI Co-Op Trail 40 gets high comfort ratings from TMM Team Member Kara, who also loves the number of useful pockets and zippers it contains for being such a relatively small option as backpacking packs go.
We also love how it comes in a wide range of sizes to fit most women comfortably.
Features
- Updated from previous versions, body and lining fabric are now made from recycled material
- Women-specific fit involves contoured foam in the harness and hipbelt
- Spring-steel perimeter frame provides load support while also allowing the back panel to conform to your torso
- U-shaped panel opening with 4 zipper sliders offers quick access to gear and total access when fully open
- Inside the main compartment is a mesh side pocket and a back pocket
- Recycled oxford nylon bottom is highly abrasion resistant
- Padded, mesh-covered straps, belt and back are cool and comfortable
- Forward-pull hipbelt design makes adjustments quick and easy
- Side mesh pocket with elastic closure; outer pocket for phone or sunglasses; sleeve for hydration reservoir
- Top has a zippered pocket on the underside for your keys and valuables; zippered hipbelt pockets let you access snacks and other essentials as you hike
- Special fasteners on the back hold trekking-pole tips down low and pole shafts up high
- Included raincover stows in its own zip pocket
Women’s Backpacking Gear: Sleep Systems
Sleep, as you know if you’ve existed as a human on this Earth, is so important. And while most of us expect that the minimalism of backpacking will involve sacrificing some comfort in this department, there is lots of fantastic gear out there that can help you get some solid zzz’s.
Are you a hot sleeper or a cold sleeper? Do you sleep on your side, back, or stomach? Do you move a lot in your sleep? Do you have nagging hip or back pain that needs some extra accommodation? All of these are things you want to think through as you decide what’s going to work best for you.
Along with those questions, here are some key factors to consider when choosing a sleep system:
- Insulation – For sleeping pads, this is measured in “R-Value” (which stands for how well the pad resists heat loss to the ground) – with higher numbers providing higher resistance and thus keeping you warmer. For sleeping bags, it’s typically designated by a temperature measurement that indicates the lowest ambient temperature at which the bag will provide adequate warmth.
- Cushioning – To a certain degree this can correlate to whether you prefer a mattress that is softer or firmer, but it also has to do with where you will likely be setting up camp. Some of the lighter pads on the market (like closed-cell foam pads) provide less comfort on rocky or uneven surfaces so you have to pick your battles!
- Type of Pad/Bag/Quilt – Material matters! For a pad, what is it made of and how does it inflate? For a sleeping bag or quilt, is it down or synthetic? There are both weight and personal preference considerations here, and again knowing what matters most to you is critical. Down will typically pack down smaller and keep you warmer, but it does not perform well when wet. Some pads include stuff sacks that double as inflation devices which can save you time and breath.
- Packable Size – Does the sleeping bag come with a compression sack? How tightly can you roll up the sleeping pad? Do you have straps on your pack that allow you to attach a closed-cell foam pad to the outside of your pack? Sleep systems can take up a significant amount of pack space, so you’ll want to pay attention to all of these factors to ensure you have room for other essentials.
- Integration – This is definitely a personal preference rather than a necessity for most folks, but it’s worth thinking about how your sleep system works as a whole and not just individual parts. If you are using a quilt rather than a bag, you’ll want to consider how comfortable you feel sleeping directly on the pad material. If you move a lot, you may want to consider whether your bag or quilt can be attached to a pad so you’re not slipping and sliding all over the place.
Best Sleeping Pads for Backpacking
Nemo Tensor Ultralight Insulated
A favorite of multiple TMM Team Members, the Nemo Tensor Ultralight provides excellent, quiet comfort without loading down your pack. For only one extra ounce of weight, we recommend the insulated option which has an R-Value of 4.2 as opposed to 2.5 for the non-insulated pad.
While some users have reported that these pads can get holes easily, our team members haven’t experienced this and have been super impressed with the comfort of the pad compared to others they have tried.
Thermarest NeoAir XLite NXT
Another popular pad that packs down small and offers excellent comfort is the Thermarest NeoAir XLite NXT. A common complaint about this pad is that it can be quite noisy, especially before it is well broken-in. So if you’re a light sleeper (or sharing a tent with one!), that’s something to be aware of.
Thermarest ZLite Sol
An iconic lightweight minimalist pad, the Thermarest ZLite weighs in at less than a pound and requires zero inflation effort. For the most hardcore who can fall asleep on any surface, you may be able to get by with this as a standalone option.
The ZLite can also function as an additional source of insulation under an inflatable pad in colder temperatures or when the ground is especially rocky. It can also be used as a seat, and the closed-cell foam construction means no worrying about punctures or tears!
Best Sleeping Bags & Quilts for Backpacking
Mammut Perform Down Bag
Amelia’s husband and teen son used the men’s version of this bag on a 2 week backpacking trip this summer and declared it a forever favorite for backpacking. We love that it comes in a women’s version built for the unique bodies of women. It has a unique center zipper for ultimate climate control, is light and packs small, and even comes with a night face mask (fancy!!) that doesn’t add much weight. We also love that it is made of responsible down. Check out all of Mammut’s women’s specific bags here.
Sierra Designs Backcountry Bed
A popular choice for side sleepers, the Backcountry Bed is packed full of useful features and is a longtime favorite of Team Member Kristin. It has an integrated comforter, zipperless design, and foot vent that maximize your ability to regulate temperature and find your sweet spot of sleeping comfort.
The only downside to this bag is that it’s definitely not an ultralight option, weighing in at 2lb 7oz.
Feathered Friends Vireo UL
If ultralight is your priority, the Vireo UL weighs in at just under a pound and packs an incredible amount of warmth! Team Member Amanda pairs it with a down jacket in colder temps to compensate for the lack of shoulder and head coverage of this minimalist bag.
Since this bag is zipperless, it doesn’t provide great venting and is best suited for colder weather.
Thermarest Vesper Down Quilt
For a lighter weight option in warmer temperatures, the Vesper Quilt has both a foot pocket and an open side to allow for flexible comfort. It also packs down to slightly larger than a standard Nalgene water bottle, so if you’re looking to save space because you’re hauling extra kid gear this is a fantastic option!
If you don’t like the feeling of sleeping directly on your sleeping pad the quilt style may not work as well for you, but we’ve found that it is definitely worth adjusting to that for all the space and weight this quilt saves.
Enlightened Equipment Revelation Sleeping Quilt
The Revelation offers a dreamy (pun intended!) amount of versatility by functioning as a quilt or cinching together to form the coverage of a more standard sleeping bag. The lack of zipper and built-in hood keep weight relatively low, although it comes in slightly heavier than the Vesper or the Vireo.
Enlightened Equipment also offers customization at an additional cost. If you really want to treat yourself, you can choose the temperature rating, length, width, AND fabric colors that best suit your needs and style!
Women’s Backpacking Gear: Personal Care
One of the trickiest parts of backpacking can be lack of access to bathrooms. While some areas have access to a backcountry privy or pit toilet, others will require you to either pack out human waste or follow Leave No Trace guidelines for digging cat holes and burying your poop and menstrual fluid.
If you’re nervous about hiking or backpacking while on your period, we get it! It’s a lot to prepare for and think about. And we devoted a whole entire post to Hiking on Your Period Hacks, so give that a read for all the nitty gritty and our best recommendations!
A few essentials that we always carry and include in our personal care kit when backpacking:
- Kula Cloth – A washable, reuseable, antimicrobial pee cloth that conveniently snaps onto your pack.
- Trowel – Even if you’re backpacking in an area that doesn’t require you to pack out human waste, Leave No Trace guidelines still apply! All solids should be buried in a cat hole at least 6-8″ deep, and a simple trowel can make this much easier than trying to use a rock or a stick.
- Stand-to-pee device – There are a few different options out there, but our team members love the pStyle for how easy it is to use without removing clothes or even taking off your pack!
- Portable Toilet Kit – What you keep in this can vary based on your personal preference, but it’s super handy to have all your toileting essentials together in one place so you’re not digging into your pack to find what you need in the moment. If you want to take the guesswork out of it, the brilliant folks at Kula Cloth have curated a Wilderness Potty Kit that includes all our favorite essentials!
Best Personal Care Products for Backpacking
Kula Wilderness Potty Kit
As mentioned earlier, this kit has all the essentials neatly organized in an antimicrobial zipper pouch! Genius. Inside the pouch is a Kula Cloth, Kula leash, lightweight trowel, pStyle, tiny Nalgene bottle for wilderness soap or hand sanitizer, and even the world’s tiniest portable bidet!
Sea to Summit Wilderness Wipes
These versatile, biodegradable wipes are a team favorite alternative to standard toilet paper and can also be used to freshen up sweaty skin before crawling into your sleeping bag for the night. If you’re backpacking with kids, these are also helpful for sticky hands and faces!
Pact Outdoors Wipes and Tabs
If you’re in an area where burying waste is allowed, these wipes and tabs will allow you to minimize the impact of that process as much as possible. Just add a bit of water to the dehydrated wipes and – voila! – you have yourself an eco-friendly wet wipe. And 3 tabs in your cat hole before filling it in introduces noninvasive mycelium to help break down poop and kill harmful bacteria.
Women’s Backpacking Gear: Clothing
Kula Pyka Pants
Our friends at Kula are always looking for more ways to make our outdoor lives better, and the Pyka Pants are no exception! Designed to be worn either under hiking pants as comfy, breathable underwear or on their own as standalone shorts, they have all the lightweight versatility we crave when backpacking. They also come in sizes XS-5X, making them accessible for all kinds of bodies!
Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Rain Pants
Getting caught in wet weather while backpacking can make things pretty miserable, which is why we always carry along rain gear regardless of the forecast! These pants are incredibly lightweight and packable while still providing stellar waterproofing, which make them a perfect choice for stashing in your pack *just in case*.
Title Nine Recycled Clamber 2.0 10″ Shorts
These shorts have a dreamy balance of stretch and durability, and the waistband is one of the most comfortable ones out there in the world of hiking gear. Functional pockets, quick-drying fabric, and stellar breathability make these a go-to for all our backpacking adventures! If you prefer more or less leg coverage, the same line also comes in hiking pants, hiking capris, and 5″ inseam shorts.
Patagonia Quandary Pants
We can’t say it enough – versatility is critical when choosing clothes for backpacking! The less you have to carry, the more enjoyable your trip is going to be. These pants are a favorite of TMM Team Member Laura for being both quick-drying and water repellent AND having the ability to convert to capris.
Branwyn Merino Wool Bralette
Merino wool is famously stink-reducing, which is definitely a helpful feature when you’re likely wearing clothing items (and sweating in them) for multiple days in a row without the ability to truly wash them. This bralette dries incredibly quickly, and stays comfortable even when damp. While it is notably not lined and thus not the most discreet, its lightweight comfort makes it a winner for us.
Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie
If you’re looking for UV protection that doesn’t involve slathering yourself with sunscreen multiple times a day, this hoodie is super lightweight and breathable. We love that the hood also includes a pony tail slot and provides coverage for the neck as well as some shade for your face especially when paired with a hat!
Women’s Backpacking Gear: Bottom Line
Backpacking provides opportunities to explore some of the more pristine, breathtaking, unique natural areas. Yes, it takes some extra prep and gear…but the return on investment is off the charts!
With more women’s-specific products coming onto the scene, we’re hoping more folks find themselves feeling motivated to give it a try – with or without kids! Gear that works for your body can make all the difference in taking an activity from tolerable to top-notch. We hope these recommendations help you feel confident to get out and spread your wings – see you on the trail!
What must-have items did we miss? Let us know your favorite women’s backpacking gear in the comments!
Related Articles:
- Family Backpacking: The Gear you Need
- Backpacking for Beginners
- Backpacking in Hot Days and Cool Nights
- Best Freeze Dried Backpacking Meals for Kids
Women’s Backpacking Gear
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