Outdoor Gear for Women
Women’s Gear — You can have it all!
By Jennifer Donahue
Deuter Futura 24SL
Deuter’s packs have a reputation for comfort and breathability, and the Futura 24SL is no exception. Designed specifically to fit women, the top-loading pack has a 20-pound carrying capacity, side bellow and mesh pockets, compression straps, and an integrated rain cover. The juicy Mandarin Mango color will make you a standout on the trail. From $125. www.deuterusa.com
Mountain Hardwear Nitrous Vest
Stay warm this winter in this super cool midweight down vest from Mountain Hardwear. As stylish as it is functional, the Nitrous is made of a recycled polyester blend and comes in five colors. Decorative quilting keeps insulation in place. Weighs just 7 ounces and comes with a stuff sack. From $180. www.mountainhardwear.com
Therm-a-Rest Women’s ProLite™ Plus
A self-inflating air mattress made just for women! The ProLite Plus is a great lightweight (just 1.5 pounds) four-season mattress, newly redesigned to offer more heat retention. More insulation in the torso and foot areas insures you’ll have toasty tootsies no matter the weather. From $89.95. www.cascadedesigns.com
Outdoor Research Manifesto Jacket
Brand new for Fall 2009 and versatile enough to take you straight from town to the trails, this super-soft hoody is made from a blend of wool and fleece. The Manifesto features zippered pockets, a cozy hood, and stretch-fabric binding on cuffs, hem, and hood that will move when you do. From $140. www.outdoorresearch.com
Marin Terra Linda
Marin’s Terra Linda will take you from city streets to long-distance trails with ease. The aluminum frame’s geometry was designed with women in mind, resulting in an upright positioning for better hand, wrist, and shoulder comfort. Comes with Shimano components. From $750. www.marinbikes.com
Brooks Vapor Dry2 Pant
This cozy pant boasts warmer, fleecier fabric on its backside to keep your backside warmer in cold weather, so you’ll have no excuses for staying indoors. Made of 93 percent moisture-transfer polyester plus 7 percent spandex to keep you moving. Mesh behind the knees adds breathability. From $70. www.brooksrunning.com
Rudy Project Noyz
Rudy Project’s Noyz has everything you want in performance eyewear: comfortable, stylish frames; fog-free lenses; adjustable nose and temple pieces; plus serious durability. Best of all, these lightweight sunglasses feature Rudy Project’s Photochromic Clear ImpactX™ lenses. No wonder the Noyz is the model preferred by Team TIBCO, the most successful female pro cycling team in the U.S. From $174.99. www.rudyprojectusa.com
ISIS Peony Zip-Neck and Long Jane
Ideal for active winter sports like skiing and snowshoeing, the Peony Zip-Neck Turtle and Long Jane are made from a microweight nylon fabric with a wicking finish. The zippered turtleneck helps regulate core temperature, while the Long Jane’s spandex offers body-hugging support so your leg muscles stay warm and happy. Both styles are made with chafe-free seamless construction and are available in four beautiful colors. Zip-Neck from $65; Long Jane from $55. www.isis.com
Columbia Gaia XTM
Fast, light, and supportive, this trail shoe boasts Columbia’s Omni-Tech technology to keep your feet dry when you’re out on the trails. At the same time, they’re exceptionally breathable so moisture wicks away from your skin. A subtle floral pattern adds a feminine touch without being too girly. From $95. www.columbia.com
Astral Bella
Fit is never more important than in a PFD, both for safety and comfort. Astral’s Bella is serious on both fronts, with a women’s-specific design that combines foam flotation with an internal back band for mid-back comfort and an adjustable sports bra. The Bella features a shorter torso height and styling that is purely feminine. Made of ultra-durable nylon with soft fleece handwarmers. From $156.95. www.astralbuoyancy.com
Columbia G4I Parka
From Columbia’s popular Titanium collection, the G4I is top-of-the-line all the way. Waterproof but still breathable, with an attached and adjustable storm hood, chest venting system, draw-cord hem, adjustable snap back powder skirt with pant connect tab, interior security pocket, zip closed pockets, and a stretchy, smooth face fleece liner. What more do you need? From $290. www.columbia.com
