Backpacking clothing for females

[Windstorm]

I am asking this on the women's forums, because I would really would like female input (vs guys)

DH and I have been backpacking on 1-3 night trips for a couple of years primarily in the summer. I want to extend my hiking season into earlier spring and later fall and extended trips (no winter backpacking, although the fall/spring will get cold at times). I would love some feedback on my proposed clothing packing list. This would be for all seasons. Items with ?? means I don't have and would love ideas. I am trying keeping pack weight light (calculated about 13 pounds base weight for me.. DH is carrying a bit more), but not ultralight (I gotta have some comforts..) and lower cost. The more expensive items on my list were gotten on supersale.

My primary concerns are filling in the ?? and ideas on what I might be missing. Suggestions for lighterweight/more functional items to eventually replace the ones I have would also be appreciated.

Denotes only carried for:
*Cold weather/fall hiking
# Summer hiking

Torso:
#Silk short sleeve shirts (2) 4 oz
Marmot Ion Windshirt 3 oz
*Marmott Women's Kitzbuhel vest 8 oz
LL Bean Long Sleeve Hiking Shirt (no idea which one) 6 oz
*Patagonia Capilene 3 Long-Sleep Zip T 6.3
Bras (2)

Lower:
#LL Bean Hiking shorts
*EMS Nebula Pants 10 oz
*Patagonia Capilene 2 base layer 4.1
Convertible hiking pants (??)
Underpants (2)

Other:
#Gloves (??)
Buff - primarily worn as headband
3 pairs Smartwool Adrenaline Socks
*Keen Targhee II Shoes OR
#Keen Newport Sandals

[karoberts]

Rather than wearing hiking shorts, I wear running shorts. This eliminates the need for underwear as they have a liner. I find them more comfortable, easier to dry, and for the same weight, I can carry two pair.

I don't use convertible pants, which I find are too poofy. If the weather requires pants, I wear pants. If it is hot, I wear shorts. I have owned convertible pants and never really converted them anyway.

I have never used a buff, but I might get one. I have long hair and I hate it when it falls into my face.

I wear merino wool t-shirts because it cuts down on the stink and I don't wear deodorant.

[Windstorm]

Thanks. I love the idea of running type shorts, but have yet to find any with a 6-8 inch inseam. Most are 2-4 inches.

[JAK]

I just bought a pair of running shorts not so skimpy. Thought you should know.
Still 4-6 inch inseam maybe, but straight across without the cut up the side.
Good hunting.

p.s. I liked the * for cold weather and # for warm weather.

[Erin]

Hi Windstorm, all your stuff is good.
You said over 1=3 days so I am guessing five?
I do suggest that if you want to reduce weight, dump one bra. You will be grungy, one breathable bra is fine. One item it did not understand. Maybe it is long johns. You just need one long underwear bottom.
One long sleeve shirt, not two unless you are layering. I use one light for the day and add a heavier when it chilly and at night.
The extra shorts are my lux item too. If you are just out for shot bit, you can just use your zipoffs. Sping and fall, remember your rain gear. If fall, a fleece is warmer than a vest. Comfy camp shoes? Whatever your choice. I am no expert by any means. Enjoy your hike1

[Blissful]

Convertible hiking pants are great to have. I use Royal Robbins zip and go myself, but there are many good brands out there.

I use a Lands end fleece gloves which work fine for me.

Weight saving measures - Don't need 2 short sleeve shirts or 2 bras. One of each is enough in your pack. Don't need hiking shorts if you get the convertible pants
Keen sandals are heavy for camp, Recommend crocs or knock offs
Replace vest with a down or synthetic jacket for colder weather

[Terraducky]

* I always carry a little pair of stretchy knit gloves in my pack! Weigh very little. They cost about a buck so if they go missing it's no big deal.

*/# I like to have a fleecy pair of socks to put on with my Crocs at the end of the day.....along with one pair of capilene bottoms and top (for sleeping in or layering when it is cold).

#/* My latest purchase is a Titanium Columbia microfleece hoodie that is moisture/wind-proof. Great for layering, also extremely light.

# If I am out for more than 3 days I pack an extra tee and shorts in case my zip-offs get really grubby. I like my convertible pants! The pair I own is from LL Bean, many years old. I will eventually replace them with a pair of Campmor pants. I got a pair for my husband and he likes them. Made well and a good price.....Note: Sometimes when I get too hot hiking, but the terrain is brambly, I just open the zippers so I get extra ventilation!

*Oh, and another favorite thing I wear is a very light, long sleeve soft wool t-shirt. Perfect for slipping into after a sweaty day on the trail. It keeps me warm when the sun goes down....

[Pong]

For the summertime, I often hike in a skirt rather than shorts. I also have a hiking dress which I found in a travel clothing catalogue. It's just a shift, loose, no waistband, and very cool if you get the right fit and fabric. In addition to being much cooler, a skirt or dress makes peeing in the woods much easier. With practice you can learn to pee standing up without removing the pack if you want. It's also very easy to add long underwear bottoms if it gets cool, or wind pants, etc. My hiking skirts and dresses are all above the knee, short enough that they don't restrict clambering over rocks, but not too short as I usually don't use underpants. I have used skirts in all terrain (I'm from the Whites) with no problem. I still use an Athleta wrap around skirt which I modified by adding a small patch pocket to the front for map, bandana, etc. I also have an LL Bean travel skirt which is just some type of stretchy fabric with an elastic waist. No pocket but super cool and comfy. Nylon is quick drying and comfortable. A friend hikes in skirts with a pair of shorts built in as that prevents chafe for her, but too hot for me and chafe not usually a problem. I'm surprised more women aren't going with skirts for summer hiking. Anyway, just another idea. As you gain experience with longer hikes, you will find what works best for you. Good luck. Pong

[wakapak]

I'll put in a vote on the skirt thing also....I actually the men's kilt from mountain hardware. I found it lighter weight than alot of the womens hiking skirts on the market last year and i like the pockets on it too. Also, like Pong mentioned, it's very convenient for adding thermal pants under or rainpants without having to take the shorts on and off.
as far as bras and shirts, i only use one of each. One sportsbra, one short sleeve shirt or tank top in the real hot summer months. also carry a long sleeve thermal and a microfleece in the colder weather. usually always my rainjacket and rainpants. I usually top out at 3 pair of socks, and IF i carry camp shoes, it's lightweight croc type shoes or flip-flops. I dont always carry camp shoes though.
Good luck!!

[Windstorm]

Thanks for all the ideas. I like most of them. Not sure if I'm brave enough to switch to a hiking skirt yet, but hey it's always worth a try. :)

For clarification, I usually hike in Keen sandals during the summer and lightweight hiking shoes in the spring/fall/winter. I either take sandals/shoes for hiking, not both.

[Red Hat]

I have to second the Mountain Hardware kilt. I love it mainly because it is longer than most women's skirts allowing more modesty. I wear Smartwool boxers underneath, unless it's cold and then I wear longjohn bottoms. The pocket holds my supply of wetwipes. I have one bra, one short sleeve shirt, one long sleeve shirt, two pair of longjohns (one for sleeping, one for walking -probably overkill, but I don't want to sleep in what I hike in), my Montbell down jacket for camp, and my rain gear. I keep three pair of socks plus one pair of sealskins for especially wet weather (which I wear over one pair of smartwools). I carry Crocs and wear my New Balance 811s.