1. Specialized Myka 29er One of the first women’s specific 29ers to hit the market, the Myka takes some key gender differences into account. One of the misconceptions about 29ers is that shorter folks can’t ride larger bikes, but the smallest size Myka is small enough to accommodate a 5’ rider with a surprisingly low standover height and short reach from the seat to the handlebars. Even the fork is tuned for a female with size-specific spring rates. $1,250; specialized.com
2. Ibex Balance Sports Top A super soft blend of wool, nylon, and spandex, this form-fitting top provides light support and ultimate comfort for low-impact activities like hiking or yoga. $59; ibex.com
4. Gregory Jade 38 The woman-specific details of this pack go way beyond changing the color. Yes, the pack is smaller to accommodate a shorter torso, but both the back panels and the harness are tailored to fit the female form with pre-curved hip belts, narrower back panels and contoured shoulder harnesses. And the completely redesigned suspension system does a good job of keeping your back relatively dry on long day treks or short overnighters. $149.95; gregorypacks.com
5. Skirt Sports Gym Girl Speed Silk Built-in compression shorties mean long runs are comfy, and the over-skirt means you look cute before, during, and after the workout. Our tester also liked the two hidden pockets and music port. $65; skirtsports.com
7. SheBeest Bermuda Commuta SheBeest’s laser-cut chamois keeps you comfy on long, brutal bike rides while the relaxed fit and longer cut make this a go-to choice for those who don’t always like rocking the lycra in public. $80; shebeest.com
8. Altra Intuition
Altra is an all-purpose running shoe made from a different last than their men’s shoe. Instead of just shrinking the size, they’ve accounted for the differences in a woman’s foot, which is more V-shaped than a man’s with a narrower heel, longer arches, a higher instep and a wider forefoot. On the trail, our runner found the shoes nimble and lightweight—almost minimalist, with little cushioning or support. Yet the shoes were remarkably durable and handled rugged, muddy trails as well as most trail-specific shoes.
$99.99; Altrarunning.com
