View Full Version : Petite Female gear suggestions?
MadHatterHiker2010
02-10-2010, 17:48
Beginning to purchase equipment and gear for a thru-hike in 2011. Any thoughts on the best gear out there for a petite gal? I'm 5'1" and 110 lbs. Also... any suggestions on excellent outfitter websites or stores to search at? I need advice on everything. Thanks!
It's about the same as for anyone else. For clothing, check out:
www.prolitegear.com (http://www.prolitegear.com)
www.backpackinglight.com (http://www.backpackinglight.com)
You may want to get yourself a custom quilt made, especially since regular sleeping bags are way too big for you. Same thing with a shelter. Some sites are:
www.rayjardine.com (http://www.rayjardine.com)
www.alpinlite.com (http://www.alpinlite.com)
www.enlightenedequipment.com (http://www.enlightenedequipment.com)
www.mountainlaureldesigns.com (http://www.mountainlaureldesigns.com)
www.gossamergear.com (http://www.gossamergear.com)
...and quite a few others.
The nice thing about cottage gear companies is that it's just a person or three that are almost always willing to make gear suited to your size. That should allow you to carry a lot less weight than someone like me that weighs twice as much as you.
Hatfield
02-10-2010, 19:15
Hatfield's Girlfriend:
Most sleeping bag companies make a 'short' or 'women's' version. I am also smaller and have really liked my Granite Gear Meridian because of the adjustability. It's a great compromise between lightweight and comfortable. I have had no problem finding all of my petite gear on sale at several websites, haven't had to make anything.
Mrs Baggins
02-10-2010, 19:48
I'm 4' 10" and about 120 lbs. All of my pants and shirts came from REI - all in Petite. All of my gear came from there as well - womans small. My rain pants are Sierra Designs, also from REI.
skinewmexico
02-10-2010, 22:06
I think ULA and Gossamer Gear both make packs in small sizes. Or here - the GoLite Warehouse sale - http://www.golite.com/sale/warehouse_sale.aspx
Joe at www.zpacks.com (http://www.zpacks.com) is pretty much a custom outfitter for packs, so that's another option. His packs are very well priced as far as UL packs goes.
You bet. I am five feet tall and have short legs and arms.
Try the shorter bags and the 3/4 lenth sleeping pads.
Backpack with smaller frames and do not be afraid to try the ones sized for kids. My exterior frame is for a boy scout.
Try everything on. You can find it, you may just have to try a little harder.
You are small enough to get clothing in boy size which is cheaper and still very good. The tiny women sizes are usually what is left at the end of the season on sale. I have had to shoten sleeves and pants. You will have no trouble doing light weight since you are small.
Enjoy the hunt and good luck on your hike!