What criteria should women consider when selecting a backpack?

Question

What features should be sought in order to accommodate the feminine form while looking for a backpack, particularly one made for women?

Answer 1

It is advisable that women consider getting backpacks made specifically for them. Such packs have modified strap locations, varying torso sizes, and hip belts that are designed to suit the shape of a woman’s torso. Women should also wear such packs to see if one of the models suits their back and provides the comfort required for hiking.

Comments

Yes, women backpacking gear reviews would be extremely appreciated. Thanks for clarifying types of backpack!

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Thanks for offering to do a review on women-specific ultralight gear! I think that women's needs are largely ignored in the conversation and design of ultralight gear. I invested in a Durston Kakwa and knew right away the hip belt was going to cause my hips a lot of pain because it wasn't designed for female hips. I've done a lot of modding on the pack to make it work like it should on the other 50% of the population.

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I love reading your content, because you provide your backpacking wisdom in a straightforward, succinct, and intelligent manner that inspires confidence in my own ability to get out there. Learning about women-specific gear would be icing on the cake! Thank you!

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I am a tall Woman - 6.1 - and I've searched for a long time. I wanted a light but framed Backpack, because I've issues with ma cervical spine. I found the Exped Lightning 60 and I'm very happy with it. Great bag. Happy trails from Germany ✨

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Very interested in women’s specific gear. Also, as a mom I’m frequently left carrying the bulk of the weight for the kiddo(s), making anything other than a traditional pack seem unreasonable. I’d love any recommendations that take backcountry kids into account.

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Would love content or two on women-specific gear!

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I would love content for women-specific gear! I've been wanting to get into backpacking, and a lot of your content give such a detailed and thorough test of gear and I love it!

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I'm interested in women specific gear! I do have a long torso though, I'm not sure if there's more to the difference in packs than that.

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Throwing it out there; I have a Bonfus pack, and I like it a lot! But for some added comfort that I can easily put on or remove, I grabbed a Ventapak attachment. It is this lightweight spacer that goes between the user's back and the bag; creating space or a gap for airflow - they are less than 1 lbs in weight, which I know is still a stretch for gram weenies, but I like that it can add variety in comfort for different bags that depending on the wearer may want more air flow on their back. If someone struggles with sweat on their backs after purchasing a pretty expensive bag, the Ventapak attachment may be worthwhile at not a terrible price or weight! Also after looking at some reviews for the Ventapak, they have had older issues with some of the clips not being up to snuff, BUT reviews have consistently stated that the company sent replacements as needed and have since updated the buckles in their newer Ventapak products to limit the weak buckles. So another good company to support <3