A hiker with an orange backpack navigates a narrow trail through a lush green meadow, dotted with yellow flowers and surrounded by trees and rocky terrain. Explore the womens gear guide to ensure youre equipped for any adventure.

The Pacific Crest Trail Women’s Gear Guide (2019 Survey)

Last year, I broke down the highest-rated and most-common gear for women on the Pacific Crest Trail as part of the Pacific Crest Trail Gear Guide, but this year I’ve decided to include this information in a separate post since the PCT gear guide is growing fairly long.

This year, I am breaking down the gear used by women on the Pacific Crest Trail. There’s a lot that all thru-hiker gear lists share, but there are also some noteworthy differences between women on the PCT and the overall hiking population.

I’ve structured the data here a bit differently than I have in the PCT Gear Guide; for each item, I’ve first listed the highest-rated and then immediately below listed the most common. If you have any feedback on the data or how it could be improved, I’m happy to hear your thoughts (and to add to this data should something be found to be missing).

In This Post

Notes on the data

  • We had 335 responses total from female hikers.
  • All of the gear included in the survey was used by at least ten hikers.
  • I refer to survey respondents collectively as this year’s “class“. Remember, this is a sample and does not include every hiker on the trail.
  • If two pieces of gear have the same rating, the higher ranking is given to the piece of gear that had a higher number of users.
  • If there are multiple sizes available for a given item, I use a size medium for the data presented.

Highest-Rated Gear: Women vs. Overall

Before getting into the specifics, I thought it would be interesting to look at how gear rated by women compared to the overall gear ratings from all Pacific Crest Trail hikers. Below, is a comparison of the most-common gear compared.

GEARFEMALE HIKERSALL HIKERS
BACKPACKSuperior Wilderness Designs DCF Long HaulULA Circuit
SLEEPING BAGWestern Mountaineering VersaliteWestern Mountaineering Versalite
SLEEPING PADTherm-a-Rest NeoAir XThermTherm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm
INSULATED JACKETPatagonia Down SweaterRab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket
SHELLMontbell VersaliteArc’teryx Beta SL Hybrid Jacket
SHOESHOKA ONE ONE SpeedgoatHOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat

Most-Common Gear: Women vs. Overall

Below is a look at the most commonly used gear for women compared with the most commonly used gear overall. In case you missed it, a comparison of the highest-rated gear is just above this.

GEARFEMALE HIKERSALL HIKERS
BACKPACKULA CircuitOsprey Exos
SLEEPING BAGWestern Mountaineering VersaliteEnlightened Equipment Revelation 20
SLEEPING PADTherm-a-Rest NeoAir XLiteTherm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite
INSULATED JACKETMountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer (Hooded)Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer (Hooded)
SHELLOutdoor Research Helium IIOutdoor Research Helium II
SHOESAltra Lone PeakAltra Lone Peak

Highest-Rated Backpacks

The Superior Wilderness Designs DCF Long Haul 50 was the highest-rated backpack among women on the Pacific Crest Trail last year. The pack has a 60-liter total carrying capacity and is designed for loads up to 35 lbs / 16 kg.

BACKPACKPRICERATINGWEIGHTLITERSMAX LOADACCESS
Superior Wilderness Designs DCF Long Haul 50$3354.73/523.5 oz / 666 g6035 lbs / 16 kgTop
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest$3454.67/532.11 oz / 910 g5540 lbs / 18 kgTop
ULA Circuit$2554.56/541 oz / 1.162 kg6835 lbs / 16 kgTop
Osprey Exos$2204.39/542 oz / 1.190 kg5840 lbs / 18 kgTop
Osprey Eja$2204.38/541 oz / 1.162 kg5840 lbs / 18 kgTop

Most-Common Backpacks

The ULA Circuit was the highest-rated backpack among women on the Pacific Crest Trail last year (it was the second-most-common overall). The pack has a 68-liter total carrying capacity and is designed for loads up to 35 lbs / 16 kg.

BACKPACKPRICERATINGWEIGHTLITERSMAX LOADACCESS
ULA Circuit$2554.56/541 oz / 1.162 kg6835 lbs / 16 kgTop
Osprey Eja$2204.38/541 oz / 1.162 kg5840 lbs / 18 kgTop
Gossamer Gear Mariposa$2254.04/530.5 oz / 865 g6035 lbs / 16 kgTop
Osprey Aura AG$2404.33/563 oz / 1.701 kg5040 lbs / 18 kgTop/Bottom
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest$3454.67/532.11 oz / 910 g5540 lbs / 18 kgTop

Highest-Rated Sleeping Bags

The Western Mountaineering Versalite was the highest-rated sleeping bag among women on the Pacific Crest Trail last year. It’s a 10°F / -12°C bag that weighs 32 oz / 907 g – 20 / 565 g of that weight is down fill.

SLEEPING BAGPRICERATINGWEIGHTTEMPERATUREFILLFILL WEIGHT
Western Mountaineering Versalite$6054.95/532 oz / 907 g10°F / -12°C850-fill goose down20 oz / 565 g
Western Mountaineering UltraLite$5254.60/530 oz / 850 g20°F / -6°C850-fill goose down16 oz / 453.6 g
Enlightened Equipment Revelation 10$3254.59/525.95 oz / 736 g10°F / -12°C850-fill duck down17.28 oz / 490 g
REI Co-op Magma 15$3704.37/528.2 oz / 800 g17°F / -8.3°C850-fill goose down 15.9 oz / 451 g
Enlightened Equipment Enigma 10$3354.36/524.42 oz / 692 g10°F / -12°C850-fill duck down16.58 oz / 470 g

Most-Common Sleeping Bags

The Western Mountaineering Versalite was the most-common sleeping bag among women on the Pacific Crest Trail last year. It’s a 10°F / -12°C bag that weighs 32 oz / 907 g – 20 / 565 g of that weight is down fill.

SLEEPING BAGPRICERATINGWEIGHTTEMPERATUREFILLFILL WEIGHT
Western Mountaineering Versalite$6054.95/532 oz / 907 g10°F / -12°C850-fill goose down20 oz / 565 g
Enlightened Equipment Revelation 10$3254.59/525.95 oz / 736 g10°F / -12°C850-fill duck down17.28 oz / 490 g
Enlightened Equipment Enigma 10$3354.36/524.42 oz / 692 g10°F / -12°C850-fill duck down16.58 oz / 470 g
REI Co-op Magma 15$3704.37/528.2 oz / 800 g17°F / -8.3°C850-fill goose down 15.9 oz / 451 g
Enlightened Equipment Revelation 20$3154.31/522.54 oz / 639 g20°F / -6°C850-fill duck down14.41 oz / 409 g

Highest-Rated Sleeping Pads

The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm was the highest-rated sleeping pad among women on the Pacific Crest Trail last year. It has a 6.9 R-value, weighs 15 oz / 425 g, and has a redesigned valve for 2020 (which I can confirm, is far superior to the old one).

SLEEPING PADPRICERATINGWEIGHTR-VALUETYPEPACKED SIZETHICKNESS
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm$2154.74/515 oz / 425 g6.9Air9 x 4 in / 23 x 10 cm2.5 in / 6.4 cm
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite$1854.49/512 oz / 340 g4.2Air9 x 4.1 in / 23 x 10 cm2.5 in / 6.4 cm
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite (Short)$1454.42/58 oz / 227 g4.2Air9 x 3.5 in / 23 x 9 cm2.5 in / 6.4 cm
Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol (Short)$354.35/510 oz / 284 g2.6Foam20 x 4 x 5.5 in / 51 x 10 x 14 cm0.75 in / 2 cm
Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol$454.15/514 oz / 397 g2.6Foam20 x 5 x 5.5 in / 51 x 13 x 14 cm0.75 in / 2 cm

Most-Common Sleeping Pads

The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite was the most-common sleeping pad among women on the Pacific Crest Trail last year. It has a 4.2 R-value, weighs 12 oz / 340 g, and has a redesigned valve for 2020 (which I can confirm, is far superior to the old one).

SLEEPING PADPRICERATINGWEIGHTR-VALUETYPEPACKED SIZETHICKNESS
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite$1854.49/512 oz / 340 g4.2Air9 x 4.1 in / 23 x 10 cm2.5 in / 6.4 cm
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm$2154.74/515 oz / 425 g6.9Air9 x 4 in / 23 x 10 cm2.5 in / 6.4 cm
Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol$454.15/514 oz / 397 g2.6Foam20 x 5 x 5.5 in / 51 x 13 x 14 cm0.75 in / 2 cm
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite (Short)$1454.42/58 oz / 227 g4.2Air9 x 3.5 in / 23 x 9 cm2.5 in / 6.4 cm
Sea to Summit UltraLight Insulated$1304/516.9 oz / 479 g3.3Air9 x 4 in / 23 x 10 cm2 in / 5 cm

Highest-Rated Insulated Jackets

The Patagonia Down Sweater was the highest-rated insulated jacket (aka down jacket, aka puffy) among women on the Pacific Crest Trail last year. It’s a hoodless, 800-fill goose down jacket weighing 12.2 oz / 346 g with two zippered hand pockets and one zippered chest pocket.

INSULATED JACKETPRICERATINGWEIGHTINSULATIONHOODPOCKETS
Patagonia Down Sweater$2304.85/512.2 oz / 346 g800-fill goose downNo2 zippered hand / 1 zippered chest
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer$3004.64/57 oz / 198 g800-fill goose downNo2 zippered hand
Arc’teryx Cerium LT Hoody$3804.63/59.3 oz / 264 g850-fill goose downYes2 zippered hand / 1 zippered internal
Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody$3004.60/58 oz / 227 gSyntheticYes2 zippered hand / 2 internal drop
REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket 2.0$1004.56/510.8 oz / 306 g650-fill-power downNo2 zippered hand

Most-Common Insulated Jackets

The Hooded Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer was the most-common insulated jacket (aka down jacket, aka puffy) among women on the Pacific Crest Trail last year. It weighs 7.8 oz / 221 g, willed with 800-fill down, Nikwax Hydrophobic Down, and has two zippered hand pockets.

INSULATED JACKETPRICERATINGWEIGHTINSULATIONHOODPOCKETS
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer (Hooded)$3254.41/57.8 oz / 221 g800-fill goose downYes2 zippered hand
Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody$3004.60/58 oz / 227 gSyntheticYes2 zippered hand / 2 internal drop
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer$3004.64/57 oz / 198 g800-fill goose downNo2 zippered hand
Arc’teryx Cerium LT Hoody$3804.63/59.3 oz / 264 g850-fill goose downYes2 zippered hand / 1 zippered internal
Patagonia Down Sweater$2304.85/512.2 oz / 346 g800-fill goose downNo2 zippered hand / 1 zippered chest

Highest-Rated Shells

The Montbell Versalite was the highest-rated shell (aka rain jacket) among women on the Pacific Crest Trail last year. It’s a 5.8 oz / 165 g 2-layer GORE-TEX INFINIUM WINDSTOPPER / 10-denier Ballistic Airlight nylon ripstop jacket with pit zips and two zippered hand pockets.

SHELLPRICERATINGWEIGHTFABRICPIT ZIPSPOCKETS
Montbell Versalite$2004.07/55.8 oz / 165 g2-layer GORE-TEX INFINIUM WINDSTOPPER / 10-denier Ballistic Airlight nylon ripstopYes2 zippered hand
Marmot PreCip Eco Jacket$1004.00/58.7 oz / 247 gWaterproof/breathable, PFC-free Marmot NanoPro recycled nylonYes2 zippered hand
Patagonia Torrentshell$1303.88/510.6 oz / 301 g2.5-layer waterproof, breathable H2No Performance Standard recycled nylonYes2 zippered hand
Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite2 Rain Jacket$253.70/59 oz / 255 gThree-layer polypropyleneNoNone
Outdoor Research Helium II$1603.51/55.5 oz / 156 gPertex Shield+ 2.5-layer waterproof breathable laminateNo1 zippered chest

Most-Common Shells

The Outdoor Research Helium II was the most-common shell (aka rain jacket) among women on the Pacific Crest Trail last year. That said, it was also the lowest-rated of the five most-common jackets. It is 5.5 oz / 156 g, has one chest pocket, and a Pertex Shield+ 2.5-layer waterproof breathable laminate.

SHELLPRICERATINGWEIGHTFABRICPIT ZIPSPOCKETS
Outdoor Research Helium II$1603.51/55.5 oz / 156 gPertex Shield+ 2.5-layer waterproof breathable laminateNo1 zippered chest
Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite2 Rain Jacket$253.70/59 oz / 255 gThree-layer polypropyleneNoNone
Marmot PreCip Eco Jacket$1004.00/58.7 oz / 247 gWaterproof/breathable, PFC-free Marmot NanoPro recycled nylonYes2 zippered hand
Patagonia Torrentshell$1303.88/510.6 oz / 301 g2.5-layer waterproof, breathable H2No Performance Standard recycled nylonYes2 zippered hand
Montbell Versalite$2004.07/55.8 oz / 165 g2-layer GORE-TEX INFINIUM WINDSTOPPER / 10-denier Ballistic Airlight nylon ripstopYes2 zippered hand

Highest-Rated Shoes

The HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat was the highest-rated shoe among women on the Pacific Crest Trail last year. On average, hikers used 4.81 pairs of the Speedgoat which weigh 21.6 oz / 612 g a pair and have a 4 mm heel-toe drop.

SHOEPRICERATINGWEIGHTHEEL-TOE DROPWATERPROOFAVERAGE NUMBER USED
HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat$1455/521.6 oz / 612 g4 mmNo4.81
Brooks Cascadia$1304.56/521.4 oz / 607 g8 mmNo4.69
Altra Timp$1404.25/517 oz / 482 g0 mmNo5.08
Altra Lone Peak$1204.14/521 oz / 595 g0 mmNo4.65
Topo Athletic Terraventure$1204.00/516.04 oz / 455 g3 mmNo5.00

Most-Common Shoes

The Altra Lone Peak was the most-common shoe among women on the Pacific Crest Trail last year. On average, hikers used 4.65 pairs of the Lone Peak which weigh 21 oz / 595 g a pair and have a 0 mm heel-toe drop.

SHOEPRICERATINGWEIGHTHEEL-TOE DROPWATERPROOFAVERAGE NUMBER USED
Altra Lone Peak$1204.14/521 oz / 595 g0 mmNo4.65
Altra Timp$1404.25/517 oz / 482 g0 mmNo5.08
Brooks Cascadia$1304.56/521.4 oz / 607 g8 mmNo4.69
Topo Athletic Terraventure$1204.00/516.04 oz / 455 g3 mmNo5.00
HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat$1455/521.6 oz / 612 g4 mmNo4.81

Support the Survey

Every year, I get a lot of people asking how to support the surveys. Beyond sharing them with your close-knit bubble of weird hiker friends, the best way to support the survey is to contribute via Patreon. You’ll get access to exclusive posts, discount codes, live streams, and super, extra cool stickers so that everyone will know how cool you are.

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This is not expected. The data collected in the survey will always be free and accessible to everyone who wants/needs it. Your support is much appreciated and helps pay the website (and survey) bills.

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The Wrap Up

Overall, there’s a lot of overlap in the gear used by women and the gear used overall – particularly when looking at the most-common gear. Hopefully, this helps some of you decide what might be worth trying (or not trying out on the trail).

If you have any questions, suggestions, concerns, or awe-inspiring statements to make regarding the data here (or the data in the PCT Survey Gear Guide), then leave a comment below and let me know.

Affiliate Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive small commissions for purchases made via these links at no additional cost to you. This helps pay the bills and keep the site up and running. Thank you for your support!

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2 Comments

  1. Great info as always, thanks! I am wondering if the $450 costs of the ULA Circuit are incorrect on this page? It was $255 last year and a friend just bought one at the same price.

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