Bad-Ass Women's Backpacking Gear
One of our best picks for performance, the MSR Reactor is a powerhouse of a stove boils a liter of water faster than you can get your instant coffee open. This efficient stove's built in strainer lid and pot handle will be your best friends when it comes to rehydrated meals and, at just under 15oz., the whole thing will pack up easy when you want to go ultra-light.
Sierra Designs Mojo
A favorite for its innovative technology that uses an external frame combined with hybrid single and double wall panels, the freestanding Sierra Designs Mojo is also amazingly fast to set up. Plenty of mesh panels mean you'll stay well ventilated, even in warm weather and more headroom means more comfortable snoozing. We recommend using it as a super-light, solo trekking palace.
Salomon Synapse
A reactive hiker with a natural gait, the Salomon Synapse uses a waterproof Climashield membrane to keep water out while still allowing for ventilation. A solid, grippy step, a spacious toebox and secure lacing system kept our tester grounded in even sloppy terrain. A perfectly priced hiker when big clunky boots would be over kill.
BioLite Campstove
Need hot coffee? A quick meal? A phone charge? Just scoop up some sticks and pine needles and the Biolite Campstove will do the rest. This little stove has a fan that's powered by the fire itself, turning heat into useable electricity for environmentally friendly backcountry energy.
Boreas Buttermilk 40
Though it is one of our favorites for style, the Boreas Buttermilk 40 is a Bad-Ass pick not just for how cool and minimalist it looks but for all its hidden features as well. Deep side and front pockets make quick changes a breeze and secret daisy chains and rope stashes keep you moving stealthily through minimalist backcountry treks.
MHM Fifty Two 80
Take it all with you and feel good doing it with this 80-liter beast. The sYnc A.C. suspension and VariCant dual-pivoting, fully adjustable hip belt take on even the heaviest loads with ease. Our testers loved all the features Mile High Mountaineering put into this pack including 12 pockets and a huge easy-access zipper opening to keep it all right where you left it.
Kuhl Kaya Convertible Pants
A ladies hiking pant that actually looks good. A rare find, to be sure, but Kuhl made it happen. Not only are the Kaya Convertible Pants flattering, but they offer great technical components like plenty of stretch and quick drying materials. The cargo pocket even hides a strap that allows them to cinch up the bottom into a Capri for total trail versatility.
HydroFlask Flip Cap Insulated Water Bottle
Caffeine, electrolytes, hydration- whatever your reason for needing a beverage on the trail the HydroFlask Flip Cap Insulated Water bottle promises to keep your drink piping hot or icy cold for hours. This wide mouth bottle has a Hydro Flip Cap lid to avoid any nasty burns or spills on the go and promises to be tough enough to take more than a few tumbles with you. One of our tester's favorites for performance, this durable bottle features double wall vacuum insulating, BPA free and is made from 100% recycled materials.
Sierra Designs Flash 3
This 3-person, 3-season tent needs only a few minutes to pitch thanks to its hybrid technology that combines external poles with an integrated rain fly. The Sierra Designs Flash 3 tent features adjustable mesh panels at both ends helped keep our testers well ventilated while two big doors and roomy vestibules made storage and moving about a breeze. Our testers also loved how well the Flash 3 preformed in wet weather and applauded the company's "great gear designs".
Mountain Hardwear Phantasia 15
The warmth and comfort of down without the risk of an unpleasantly damp bag in the morning? Sign us up. The Mountain Hardwear Phantasia 15 sleeping bag comes in at only 2lbs. and keeps out the morning dew with 800-fill Q.Shield Down, which resists moisture and helps maintain maximum loft. Perfect for alpine adventures, this bag also offers super warmth with a women-specific mummy cut fits close and features a slimmed down toe box that helps retain heat in cold environments.