Beginner climbing gear for women: what to buy first
Climbing shoes, harnesses, a helmet and a chalk bag for new climbers: what to rent, what to buy first and the women's models worth comparing.
Practical guides, gear and stories for women outdoors
Gear we have actually used, routes we have actually walked, and the skills that make a day outside safer and more fun.
Best hiking daypacks for women (20–30 L), by trail and torso
Women's daypacks for short hikes, long days, hot weather and tight budgets, compared on torso range, weight, ventilation and hydration.
Best hiking pants and leggings for women
Stretchy trail pants, roll-ups or tough leggings? The women's hiking pants worth buying, with fabrics, inseam lengths, UPF and honest trade-offs.
Best rain jackets for women hikers, compared
Women's rain jackets for hiking compared on weight, layers, venting, hood and PFAS, from ultralight shells to budget picks, with honest trade-offs.
Best sports bras for hiking and trail running
Merino or synthetic, pullover or clasp, low or high impact: the sports bras that work under a backpack, on long trail days and on fast descents.
Best trail running shoes for women, by terrain and foot type
Rocky, muddy or smooth trails, wide or narrow feet: the women's trail running shoes that suit each one, with drop, lugs, weight and honest trade-offs.
Books by women adventurers worth reading
15 nonfiction adventure books written by women, from Isabella Bird and Dervla Murphy to Cheryl Strayed and Bonnie Tsui, grouped by mountain, trail and water.
Brigitte Muir: the first Australian woman on Everest
Born in Belgium in 1958, Brigitte Muir became the first Australian woman to climb Mount Everest in 1997 and completed the Seven Summits. Her story, sourced.
Day hike packing checklist: the Ten Essentials and more
A printable day hike packing list built on the Ten Essentials, with water guidance from the NPS, seasonal extras and the items women actually need.
Hiking on your period: a practical guide
Cups, discs, period underwear, tampons or pads on the trail: wear times from the makers and the FDA, what you pack out, and how to stay clean without a sink.
How to layer for hiking: a simple 3-layer system
Base, mid and outer layers explained for women hikers: which fabrics work, what to wear by temperature and how to adjust layers on the move.
Outdoor organizations and clubs for women: a 2026 directory
Active US women's outdoor groups in 2026: national networks, affinity groups, youth programs and climbing communities, with what each one offers.
Solo hiking safety for women: a practical guide
Plan, communicate and navigate with confidence on your own. Trip plans, satellite messengers vs PLBs, a gear checklist and what to do if things go wrong.
Trekking poles for shorter hikers: women's and petite picks
Many trekking poles don't adjust short enough for hikers under 5'4". Compare minimum lengths, grips and weights to find poles that fit you.
Women who shaped outdoor adventure: 13 pioneers
Sourced profiles of women who changed mountaineering, long-distance hiking, sea kayaking, sailing and polar travel, from Annie Smith Peck to Ann Bancroft.
Best hiking boots for women, by foot type
Wide, narrow, flat arches or heavy loads? The women's hiking boots that fit each foot type, with weights, waterproofing and honest trade-offs.
Female urination devices for hiking, compared
Rigid, flexible or disposable? We compare pStyle, Shewee, Tinkle Belle, GoGirl and silicone funnels on weight, length, packability and ease of cleaning.