Gear for Grrrls: You’ve come a long way, baby
front "X" construction customized the straps to my feminine feet in a snug way, yet allowed for a certain amount of flex. I did need to wear socks to prevent rubbing between the stretchy spandex inner lining and tender skin. A lightweight women's running sock from Thorlo did the trick. Between the sandals and socks, my feet stayed cool and comfortable on a long sweaty trail run.
Hiking
Teva's women's Guide Wraptor aquatic sandals were comfortable for a quick hike to Grand Falls, and provided sure-footed traction when picking my way across wet travertine slabs atop the falls themselves. These heavy-duty sandals were even comfortable for hiking without socks, which is key for crossing streams and wet boulders.
The Diva, Ultimate's top-of-the-line women's hydration adventure pack, was a revelation, comfort-wise. The straps were both narrower, and more closely spaced for narrow shoulders. I never realized how irritating typical straps are when they rub against my armpits, until I wore a daypack that actually fit correctly. I liked the low-profile compartment that kept the weight off my shoulders and closer to my center of gravity. The hip belt was also very comfortable, since it was designed for curvier contours.
I liked Clif's Luna Bars the first time I tried them on the trail. Their single-minded marketing of these bars to women seems successful - for one thing, most flavors are loaded with chocolate, while being 200 calories less than the Clif Bars themselves. Grabbing a Cherry-Covered Chocolate Luna is like eating dessert, without the guilt. Heaven! The extra folic acid, antioxidants, soy protein and added calcium are better suited for a woman's needs, according to company literature. I just liked their yummy flavors and easy digestibility.
Backpacking
The Tanner Trail is billed as one of the worst descents into the Grand Canyon. It's a near-vertical mess of scree and debris through the Coconino and Redwall breaks. Figuring this was as good a test trail as any, I wore Teva's Wraptor 2 Hiking Sandals the whole way. Since I was loaded down with a backpack and full gear, I chose Thorlo's Women's Heavyweight Padding Backpacker Socks to wear inside the sandals.
I couldn't fault the sandals performance on this rugged and loose trail. The sole's grippy teeth clung to dirt and rock and even the snow patches I encountered. I took the sandals to their design limits when I took the sandals off-trail to scramble up Cardenas Butte
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