The Best Outdoor and Active Gear for Women
A Sunset-picked roundup of some of the best outdoor and active gear for women.
There is no doubt that we are living in the most opportune time to be an outdoor gear enthusiast. From water-purifying straws to campers with electric fireplaces, being equipped for the outdoors has never been better. But in an industry long-dominated by men, has this advancement adequately accommodated women?
Earlier developments in women’s apparel oftentimes used the “pink and shrink it” method, taking men’s accessories, downsizing them, and converting them to a girly color. Prior to that, women were seldom even considered during the manufacturing process, with female options made available only once the sales of the men’s product proved successful.
Adding to this disparity is the science of it all. Simply put, women are built differently. Even “our center of gravity is different,” said Kelsey McGrew of Outside Public Relations. “Our center is in our hips, while men’s are in their shoulders, which is why in yoga women have an advantage for balancing and men have an advantage for shoulder stands.”
Now, however, that physical distinction has been adapted for female gear courtesy of the women spearheading the design and creative efforts. With that in mind, we are happy to bring you a list of Sunset’s favorite outdoor gear crafted specifically with women in mind.
Outdoor Voices – Rectrek Zip-Off Pant
If you’re looking for adaptability, these pants are it. Whether you want shorts, joggers, or capri, these pants will adapt to your environment.
Outdoor Voices – The Exercise Dress
This dress does it all. Sport it at a happy hour with friends or on the tennis court. Underneath is a built-in shorts liner with two pockets, so you can maintain a cute style while getting down and dirty in the outdoors.
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57 Hours – Women’s Adventure Camps
We know this isn’t necessarily gear-related, but we couldn’t help but highlight the 57 Hours All-Women Camps, events for novice adventurers in a group of 6-8 women that teach new skills in the outdoors. While much of the outdoor space has traditionally been dominated by men, 57 Hours wants to bring a sense of adventure to female beginners through these women-led programs.
Ibex – Balance Sport Bra
This sports bra was made to be covered in sweat. Designed with merino fiber, it does not sag like most other bras do, and stays odor-free for days on end. If you’re looking to wear a sports bra for the long haul, this one will feel and smell clean no matter how much work you put into it. Did we mention it’s thermoregulating? It’ll adapt to the temperature of your environment.
Nathan Sports – Women’s Pinnacle 12L Hydration Pack
Oftentimes, backpacks are not designed with the shape of a women’s body in mind, but this backpack comes with a slightly shorter torso and a curvature in the front straps that’s more accommodating of the female body.
Nathan Sports – Safer Run Alarm
Statistics say that seven out of eight women have been subject to harassment while running, an activity that should be anything but stressful. This is why Nathan Sports created the Safer Run Alarm. A one-handed quick-pull cord produces a 125-decibel siren and LED strobe light to alert others of an incident. It is as loud as an ambulance and can be heard from over 600 feet away.
Thousand – Bike Helmets
After losing a friend to a biking accident, founder Gloria Hwang launched Thousand in 2015 to design a helmet that added an element of style to being safer on the road. Each helmet from the only woman-led bike helmet company offers anti-concussion technology and a vintage aesthetic that will have you riding like it’s 1958.
Title Nine – Round Trip Sleeveless Jumpsuit
This jumpsuit is a one-piece that you can wear 40 different ways. Whether you prefer a V-neck or scoop-neck, this jumpsuit adapts with you. The pants of the suit have a hidden lock to transfer from wide pant leg to clinched down style, and did we mention it’s reversible?
Title Nine – Swift Snap
The Swift Snap is going to be your best kept secret. With a center front hem snap, this delivers instant covert coverage to turn all of your flowing bottoms into secure shorts.
Machines For Freedom Mountain Biking Apparel
Created out of frustration toward the cycling industry, Machines For Freedom was founded to bring inclusivity to women bikers everywhere. Their large selection of clothing sizes are accurately designed to fit every woman, which supports the organization’s aim to bring more women into a male-dominated cycling industry.
