Woman have always loved the great outdoors, but in years past we have often had to retrofit our gear or look for a narrower, shorter, perhaps stretchier version of men’s gear to find the right fit. Even some companies that claim to make women’s gear have oftentimes not really spent the time or research to make the product specifically for women with a woman’s needs and dimensions in mind.
Well the days of allowing companies to just “shrink it and pink it” as they say in the outdoor industry are no longer acceptable. We want more. We want better. And, we are finally seeing measurable results across the industry. On a recent visit to the OMA, the Outdoor Market Alliance, North Metro Woman met with several outdoor PR, brand, and retail folks who had alot to say about the current state of women’s outdoor gear.
Ingrid Malmberg with Momentum Media says, “If we’re going to be inclusive for women, especially with fit for apparel, you are seeing changes there. And it’s great when we talk about being inclusive, like all shapes and sizes. You’ll see some women’s lines going from double extra small all the way up to six XL, and that was needed for a very long time, and it’s really exciting to see. I think you are seeing more women in higher positions, like C suite, that might have more of a say in decisions that are made with women’s lines. So, yeah, let’s keep that going. It’s really exciting to see.”
The Osprey brand in particular took a hard look at their backpacks and knew early on that women needed a pack that was not just smaller, but a pack with completely different dimensions.
Leta Kelfas, a principle at Mountain Stuff and sales rep for Osprey says, “What Osprey understood is that women’s products have to fit the body and it’s not just because our torsos are smaller. It really has to do with the shapes of our bodies – that is typically characteristic of maybe smaller shoulders. And our hips… what is that distance between the top of your hip bone and the bottom of your rib? If you’re a man that space is wider and if you’re a woman that space is more narrow. So we need to accommodate and make those hip belts fit that person. The last thing you want is a huge belt on a woman’s body that then rubs her in the ribs and is very uncomfortable.”
In regard to the industry in general she goes on, “There are things that are innovative. There are things that are important to women’s fit, important to women’s hairstyles. Ponytail holders that are in hoodies (are important) so that you can actually put your hair up as a climber. You don’t want this ball here (gesturing to the top of her head) – you need an exit port for your ponytail, so your helmet’s going to fit. That’s important. And outdoor research figured that out. So there’s real progress in needs that are built into women’s products now.”
Brand, Sales and PR reps like Leta have been gathering at the OMA to discuss these topics, show off their latest products and collaborate with other leaders in the industry for the upcoming outdoor season. It’s an innovative new working concept from President of OMA, Steve Copeland, “I think the collaboration that we found, the synergy of having your competitors all in the same space doing what you do, I think that’s a great learned experience for a lot of us. I know for a fact that it’s benefited the retailers because it makes it easier for them to do business and ultimately we serve the retailer.”
This working collaboration has not only benefitted retailers and ultimately the end consumer, it has raised thousands of dollars for non-profits. In 2023, the OMA donated $20,000 to the Outdoor Lab Foundation, an outdoor educational non-profit benefitting students in the Jefferson County school district.
This year, the OMA is hoping to increase that number and continue growing the funds each year. There is clearly A LOT of positive energy flowing throughout the outdoor industry right now with businesses, like OMA, and all of their partners working together to benefit community.
If you are curious what outdoor products are out there designed specifically for women, the North Metro, in particular, isn’t short on choices. Please visit any of your local JAX, REI, Sierra and Dicks Sporting Goods. In Boulder, you will also find amazing products at Viori, Prana, Title Nine, and Billabong on Pearl St.
And if you know of an innovative women’s outdoor product that you love and think our readers should hear about, please write to us at editor@northmetrowoman.com. All submissions will automatically be put in a drawing for a FREE Trailheads ponytail reflective running hat.
Till next time…get outside and get fit!
