Bricks and mortar stores have so many distractions - look at all the pretty colors of bandannas! the tempting displays of tiny little carabiners! the endless boots...
On line shopping for hiking gear is even worse - not only too much information, but no way to handle the gear or ask questions before investing your money.

That's why letting an experienced hiker review the gear for you BEFORE you lay out cash is a smart move.

And choosing experienced hikers (old trail dogs like me) is a smart move. Especially because every gear review features only the stuff that works, and is never paid for (i.e. bought) by the brand.

Speaking of
hard earned cash...

I'm sure it's on your mind when you read gear reviews. You want your money (along with your legs, but that's a different story) to go as far as possible, right?

I've certainly spent lots of my cash over the years to purchase gear and then put it to the test:

After all of that outdoor time, I think it's fair to say that I know how to size up a piece of hiking gear.

And it's my pleasure to share my findings with you, dear hiker.

Steer clear of hype

Hiking gear reviews for women hikers should be written by those who use the products, not those who design or market them.

At least that's my opinion!

So be leery when you're reading hiking gear reviews and lots of glowing descriptive language is thrown around:

"best"
"improved"
"tough"
"durable",
"award winning"
"brilliant"
"dependable"
"amazing"
"perfect"
"ultimate"

Note that Hiking For Her reviews only award accolades when they are well deserved, because I want you to have the very best outdoor gear and clothing available - not what's being pushed this season.

Qualified to write
hiking gear reviews?

I got started with hiking when I was just a wee young lassie: read my story here.

I've watched trends come and go,
witnessed the evolution of hunting gear and camping equipment into lightweight and ultralight gear,
rejoiced as women's hiking gear has gotten more tailored and serious,
noted significant design improvements...
as well as marketing hype that makes steam come out of my ears (see list of adjectives above if you missed them).

Also, the advent of fleece. Still brings tears to my eyes!

I love to eat, and am not shy about the fact that I relish second breakfast and frequent snacking on a hike.

Bonus round:

I'm a scientist by training and temperament, so when I get a new piece of gear (boots, poles, tent, jacket, what have you) I put it through its paces in a scientific manner, using those questions I noted above as a foundation for my judgement of gear worthiness.

On top of that analytic streak, I'm hard on my gear.

I know how to take good care of it, but I push it hard, too.

So I give each piece of gear a rigorous test before I make up my mind about its worthiness (or not) in my gear locker.

Here's the approach I use when sizing up gear reviews written by someone I don't know or hike with.

Let's stay in touch

Let's stay in touch about the merits and drawbacks of what you're considering for your trail time.

Drop me a line using this CONTACT link.

To see what's new and inspirational in the hiking community, drop by the Hiking For Her Facebook page or Pinterest page.

Talk to you soon!

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About the author

Diane is the founder of Hiking For Her.

She's been on a hiking trail somewhere in the world for 5+ decades & loves to share her best hiking tips right here.

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Photo credits: All photos on this website were taken by David Midkiff or Diane Spicer except where noted.

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