The gear truly does make a difference. Having hiking boots that don't hurt, a woman specific pack that fits, a comfortable sleeping bag that stays on the pad and the layers you'll need for all weather conditions make for a more pleasant experience in the woods. For all those years before they made women’s specific gear we were hacking it in boots that were too big, packs that rubbed and not to mention we felt ugly the whole time in our brown frumpy hiking pants. No wonder men tended to dominate in the woods. Now with all the cute and functional gear our time in the backcountry or off the beaten path will be all the more pleasant. 
NOLS needs to take note, apparently they do not have one women’s specific piece of gear. No women’s packs, sleeping bags, rain coats, hiking boots, climbing harnesses…..nothing. Yet more and more girls are taking part in their courses each year. So a shout out to all the ladies who still hack it with boys despite the discomfort and ill-fits. Lauren shares of her 3 week NOLS trip in the Absaroka-Beartooth Mountains north of Yellowstone. 
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