Gear for Grrrls: You’ve come a long way, baby

Even socks can be made for girls these days. Thorlo Public Relations Coordinator Megan Davis said, "Since women usually have a smaller heel, our women's Thorlos have a smaller heel pocket. We have extra elastic around the ankle and instep, and this helps keep the sock from slipping down around the boot. Women's designs are a priority for the company and we were definitely at the forefront of women's-specific outdoor socks."

Then there's the penultimate invention created just for us - Sani-Fem's Freshette. To wit, the "pee funnel." I don't know a single outdoorsy gal of the distaff side who hasn't longed to stand like a man and water the bushes. This tool rocks. It does take some getting used to - for one thing, there's a psychological inhibition to overcome. The first time I tried the little pink device, my body was not sure what I expected of it. After a brief bout of "performance anxiety," it worked like a charm. No more squatting with my pants around my legs. Ha!

I tested gear in three categories, running, hiking and backpacking, sampling gear advertised for women only. To put products through their paces, I loaded down every pack to the gills and took off into the wilderness.

Running

Ultimate's Strider is an entirely new concept. It's a hip belt with real women's hips in mind. Unlike mainstream fanny packs, the innovative hip belt rides lower and snugger - a much better compromise for the need to carry a few things while hitting the streets for a run.

I was able to squish my windbreaker in the tiny main compartment, a cell phone in the open pocket, and the proprietary waterbottle into its 'quick-draw' holster. A house key and lip balm slipped into the small zippered mesh pocket. Fully maxed-out, my next challenge was positioning the thing over my hip. It took a few tries to figure out the right way to sling the belt properly, but once it was on, it jogged along like a part of me. No bumping, no swinging around. Since the holster and loaded main compartment stick out a bit where a woman's arms swing at walking speeds, I found it wasn't so great for hiking, but for running it's a dream come true.

Bite's Extension running sandals work for chicks who dislike shoving their feet in hot, stinky shoes every time they want to go for a run. The front

Go To Page: 1 2 3 4