The Three F’s of Women’s Gear

“Shrink it and pink it”

History

When you look back on the gear of any sport, one common theme occurs, the lack of availability for women. Since the 1970s, companies in every sport and activity have made strides to bring women the proper gear, but many still need to catch up. A common phrase in the industry, "shrink it and pink it," was used when referencing gear that was designed for men by men and then shrunk down and changed to a pink hue to "satisfy" the need for women's options. When we look at hunting specifically, women were often left to wear men's clothing that was just too big, leaving blisters and issues when trying to get out and hunt.

Evolution

Fast forward to the last 5—10 years, and women's gear is more widely available in many sports and activities. While it isn't perfect, companies now recognize the need for inclusive gear to accommodate and encourage the growing number of women in sports, especially the outdoors. There is still a long way to go; while women's clothing and gear have come a long way since the 70s, the options for women that fit and function well are still limited. More brands recognize the need for women-specific products; however, they are still often built off the men's versions, at least at a cheaper and more affordable price point. Currently, brands are improving on the feedback provided by the public; however, there are still concerns about the fit and function of women's clothing and gear. Common issues you might notice when you're shopping are how tight women's clothing tends to be, the durability, and the function—how often have women brought up the lack of pockets or the size of pockets in pants? The silver lining is that at least improvements are being made, and more options are entering the market daily.

Where to go gender specific and when it doesn’t matter
When you're out looking for gear for your next hunt or outdoor adventure, you might wonder when you can use unisex or men's clothing and when you should opt for a women's specific fit. While, for the most part, clothing and gear can be used by either gender, there are a few particular areas where opting for a women's specific fit may improve your comfort and enjoyment when out.

Footwear

Knowing your feet and listening to them is the best thing to know about footwear. Generally, men's boots tend to have thicker ankles that fit higher up on the back of the leg, wider heels, and wider toe boxes. This may work for some women, but not all. Apart from being typically smaller, women's feet require different things when fitting a boot properly. Having the proper width for both your heel and toe box will not only help the boot to fit better and last longer, but it will also help reduce foot fatigue and blistering. If you have ever noticed blisters forming on the back of your heels or toes, the boot is either far too small, or there is too much room, causing your feet to slide around. Try on different widths and styles to get the right fit.

You may or may have yet to hear of the Q-angle (quadricepses angle) for women with wider hips. Elizabeth Quinn brough this topic to light in 2020 in the article “Q Angle Injuries and Pain in Women Athletes” in verywell fit. This angle is formed between the quad muscle and the tendon in your knee; the more comprehensive the angle, the wider your hips typically are. A lot of footwear companies are now taking this angle into consideration when building their boots. If you've ever noticed sore hips when active, look for a shoe that mentions the Q-angle or talk to a professional about inserts.

Backpacks

You might wonder, "How can a backpack be women's specific? Aren't they all the same?" The short answer is no. Anatomically speaking, women tend to have a few differences from men that a women's specific backpack takes into consideration.

1. The shoulders are narrower. Women tend to have narrower shoulders than men, and having a pack that is too wide can lead to the straps slipping off the body or putting pressure on your shoulders and back, leading to pressure points, rubbing and general discomfort.
2. The torso is shorter. The length from the shoulder to the hip on women tends to be shorter than for men; packs that consider this will allow you to adjust the weight and carry that weight in the proper spots. Many technical packs come with adjustable torso plates for a customizable fit.
3. Different hips. As mentioned with footwear, women have different hips. The hip belts on women's specific fits tend to be canted upwards to cradle the hip bones and displace the weight evenly.
4. Gravity. Women tend to have a lower center of gravity due to their anatomy. This means that if your pack weight is not distributed evenly, you might find yourself being pulled backwards and forcing yourself to compensate by leaning forwards more. Women's bags are designed with a lower center of gravity to help distribute the weight evenly, allowing for more comfort.

Clothing

While nothing is more annoying than saggy pants or an oversized coat getting in the way of drawing a bow, clothing is more of a personal choice. The proper fit can make all the difference when making the most out of the outdoors or function when hunting, but this is where you can play with gender specifics. Women's clothing still has a long way to go when compared to men's; the durability isn't the same, the number of pockets doesn't often compare, and the availability for sizing or activities still has a long way to go. If you can comfortably fit into men's clothing, go for it. If you can't, there are still options for women, and pieces can always be tailored to uniquely fit you. When it comes to clothing, it's important to make sure that the clothes fit you properly rather than forcing yourself to fit into them.

Things to keep in mind:

1. Everybody is shaped differently; these are more for guidelines and not hard and fast rules. Try things on and use what works for you; there is no real right or wrong answer regarding clothing or gear, only suggestions and experiences.
2. Technology and availability are always changing; keep an eye out for new products and designs that may fit you better.
3. Be vocal; if you see that a company needs to hit the mark when it comes to sizing and product availability, tell them. They will only know what to change or what's working if you tell them, and you're probably not the only one with the same thought.