Our Favorite Gear by Women-Owned Brands 2024
March 8th, 2024
Women-owned outdoor brands make up a small fraction of companies in the outdoor industry, yet make some of our favorite gear. Treeline Review is a 100% women-owned, women-led outdoor media company and we're using our platform to highlight some of our favorite women-owned brands.
We write gear reviews for every body and every gender, but also know that women make 82 cents on the dollar to a man (and that number is lower for women of color). This reality means our gear reviews are steeped in a reverence for your money and your time.
By sharing our favorite items by women-owned and women-founded brands, we're supporting more dollars in the hands of women so they can be agents of change. For more women-owned brands and their backstory, see our article on Women-Owned and Women-Founded Brands.
Bonus! Read all about the history of Women-Led Wednesday with founder, Cassie Abel in our interview.
We create reader-supported, objective gear reviews independently selected by our editors. This story may contain affiliate links, which help fund our website. When you click on the links to purchase gear, we may get a commission, without costing you an extra cent. Thank you for supporting our work and mission of outdoor coverage for every body! Learn more.
Trust me when I say: This is some seriously legit backpacking food. Itacate Foods doesn’t skimp on flavor or quality when it comes to their Mexican-inspired backpacking meals. I’ve tasted over 50 types of backpacking foods in my day (and counting) and, by far, Itacate Food’s chilaquiles dish is the best of them all. The crunchy tortillas and spicy verde salsa have amazing flavor and texture – something that most backpacking food can’t attest to. Honestly, I even forget I’m eating in the backcountry when noshing on this meal. From their site, Itacate describes this dish as an authentic and classic Mexican meal. If you’ve never had it, chilaquiles verdes are a breakfast mash-up of tortilla chips smothered in a spicy tomatillo salsa with beans and topped with egg and panela cheese. Other backpacking foods are no match for this amazing explosion of flavors in your mouth.
What I also love about this women-owned brand is its founder: Martha. Born in central Mexico, she immigrated to the San Francisco Bay area with her family at age 10 and would camp around the state and national parks throughout the region. She’s an extremely caring, kind, and genuine human and I really value her drive and authenticity as a founder. A former participant in the REI Path Ahead Ventures program, she’s an example of what it means to follow your passions and spread joy for your true culture and roots. I can’t recommend her line-up of Mexican backpacking meals enough.
– Erica Zazo, Contributing Writer
As a kid, I dreamed of owning a pair of OshKosh B’gosh overalls in the classic train conductor stripe; as an adult, I’m living out that fantasy with Dovetail Workwear’s flattering and functional Freshley Overalls.
The Portland-based company originally launched as Moxie and Moss, an extension of co-founders Kate Day and Kyle Marie Begley’s landscaping company. Their concept was simple, but at the time, revolutionary: redesign workwear (think: Carhartt) to provide better options for women doing any number of jobs, hobbies, and pursuits that require thoughtful, tough-as-nails clothing that can hold tools, withstand rough conditions, and fit a variety of body types.
Apparel expert Sara DeLuca joined the team and in 2018, they re-branded as Dovetail, expanding their offerings to overalls, shorts, shirts, and a parade of stylish, but sturdy pants that are just as home in a welding shop as they are at a brewpub. My own Freshleys have held their own in the garden, while moving furniture, in the pottery studio, and out on the town. They’re stretchy, they have unlimited pockets, I receive compliments every single time I wear them (no joke), and they feel amazing on my body—now that’s the real dream.
– Shawnté Salabert, Contributing Writer
I love socks. I wrote the Best Hiking Socks story for Treeline and loved every testing minute of it. My running joke is that if I won the lottery, I would wear a new pair of socks every day. So I was thrilled when I heard about ToughCutie – a new sock to try – and that it was women-owned and made in the U.S.
When I first got the Eve socks, I was concerned that they looked narrow, especially in the toe box. I actually thought I got the wrong size. But as I wore them, they quickly rose to the top of my sock rotation. They fit just right – they stretch to fit my foot without being too tight or restrictive. The stretch means that they keep their shape all day and don't turn loose or sloppy.
In fact, the Eves are my favorite, most comfortable hiking socks that I own right now. They have the right amount of cushion, the right amount of stretch, and the right amount of merino wool. What makes them my favorite socks is the compression around the arch.
I've been testing the Eve crew socks for 7 months now, and they still look like new. I machine wash them but don't put them in the dryer. They still have that fluffy feeling underfoot that I love.
– Naomi Hudetz, Founder and Chief Operating Officer
Alpine Parrot Cypress Shorts
Interacting in society mostly requires humans to be wearing some kind of bottoms. As a fat woman, I’ve found finding bottoms can leave you with four versions of the same pair of pants or shorts, or making things work that haven’t been designed for the body you have. Finding bottoms that fit AND feel good is nothing short of a miracle.
When I’m sitting, moving, fishing, swimming, riding my bike, or having beverages with friends, Alpine Parrot’s Cypress Shorts have been there with me. When I first put them on I could have melted. FINALLY a pair of shorts made in extended sizes with quick dry that fit well regardless of the activity.
The shorts have two large pockets on either leg: one has a zipper to keep things from falling out and one does not for easy access. The flexible waistband allows for movement throughout my day without undoing the button when I drive. They are long enough that I have survived without chub rub on multi day hiking trips — the true test for an outdoor short.
If you are a person who wears extended or plus-size clothes and are looking for a pair of shorts you won’t ever want to change out of, look no further! You’ve found your next four pairs of shorts. Alpine Parrot has your ass covered. Literally.
- Serene Cusack, Contributing Writer
If you are looking for a great laugh, some dancing and a touch of weirdness, look no further than the Kula Cloth instagram page. It may seem like just a pee cloth company, but Anastasia Allison has created a full community surrounding her original Kula Cloth design. I got my first Kula Cloth in 2019 for my PCT Thru Hike and it has become a piece of gear that I use pretty much daily.
A Kula Cloth is a pee cloth. Designed for anyone who squats to pee, Kula Cloth eliminates the need to waste toilet paper or potentially litter the forest. With limited edition Artist series prints, you can feel good about your purchase knowing that not only are you supporting a woman-owned business, but you are also supporting artists, many of whom have small businesses themselves.
The community surrounding Kula Cloth goes beyond the internet. Whenever I am hiking on trail and have a Kula on my pack, it seems like I make friends with other Kula owners instantly. It is fun to talk about which design they bought and have a connection beyond whatever trail we are on.
The well-designed strap attaches to a backpack for easy access when you need it, and it is made from an antimicrobial and odor resistant fabric so it stays fresh between washings. I carry one for hiking, running, skiing and even on long road trips. Once you start carrying a Kula Cloth you will wonder how you ever got along without one.
You can read about Kula Cloth in our Eco-friendly Gear Swaps guide as well as our Gift Guides for Best Gifts for Hikers, Best Gifts for Skiers, Best Gifts for Campers, and Best Stocking Stuffers for Outdoors People.
– Sara Kruglinski, Operations Coordinator
Swift Industries Hold Fast Frame Bag and Swift Catalyst Handlebar bag
Swift Industries makes the best bike bags of any that I’ve used, and every person in a leadership position at Swift is a woman. Considering the fact that 99% of people in the bike industry are male (okay, that’s an exaggeration, but barely an exaggeration) and Swift makes the most functional, durable, and great-looking bike bags out there, the obvious conclusion is that we need more female leadership in the bike industry. Every bag I’ve used from Swift is close to perfect. They don’t do anything spectacular, but every bag from Swift I’ve tried is the most effective at carrying gear on your bike.
My favorite piece of gear from Swift is the Hold Fast Frame Bag. I put this simple half-frame bag on my everyday bike last spring, and it hasn’t come off since. It’s made of extremely durable and waterproof ECOPAK™ EPLX400 material, which, combined with the impeccable craftspersonship, makes the bag super durable. Even after months of use, always carrying a heavy bike lock, tools, and more, it still looks just as good as it did when I first installed it on my bike. It's the winner for best half-frame bag in our Best Frame Bags guide.
I also love the Swift Catalyst Handlebar bag. This is my go-to handlebar bag for longer day rides and gravel-oriented bikepacking. It’s big enough to carry everything I need, makes it super easy to access what’s in the bag, and has an awesome mounting system that’s simple and effective. The Catalyst is the smaller version of the Zeitgeist, which is an absolute favorite in the gravel bikepacking world and definitely the bag I’d recommend for anyone gearing up for a multi-month bikepacking trip. You can read more in our Best Handlebar Bags guide.
In short, I’m a total fangirl of this women-led brand.
-Sam Schild, Contributing writer
Icelantic Skis
Annelise Loevlie didn’t start Icelantic, but having been friends with the founder since childhood, she’s been with the Colorado-based ski company almost since its founding in 2005. When it was time to really take the company from a money-losing project and into profitability in 2014, she grabbed the poles, dropped in, and headed downslope. Since then Loevlie has navigated the moguls and tree wells of the ski industry, like Mikaela Shiffrin, and is CEO of one of the largest U.S.-made brands of skis in the country.
Not only does the company produce skis made in Colorado, they also produce them with some of the coolest graphics out there, like their National Parks Collection. The dreamy vistas of which you could almost be forgiven for staring at as you’re tripping to get off the lift. The skis also carry their bombproof 3-year warranty, so if you do mess them up on the lift—they’ll fix ‘em!
– Chris Meehan, Contributing writer
Blaze Physio Mobile Physical Therapy
Dr. Morgan Brosnihan of Blaze Physio is known for paralleling the Pacific Crest Trail in her van, helping to treat hikers’ pain points. This past fall, I was 7 days away from a 2-week, 425-mile section hike of the northern half of the Arizona Trail and I was having hip pain. It had been nagging me for 6 months and I’d been ignoring it, hoping it would go away. I was worried my hip would deteriorate on trail and I'd be stranded. But then I remembered Blaze Physio, and reached out through her website.
It was incredibly easy to make a virtual appointment, and her website was transparent about the cost. I had a video appointment with her the very next day, and she quickly had me complete tests on video to assess the injury. She diagnosed the issue and gave me two simple exercises to complete every day before and during my trip. She also reassured me that this issue needed loading to heal, so hiking big days wouldn’t cause more damage. Following her treatment plan, I had no hip pain during my hike and even pulled off my first 40+ mile day! I would highly recommend Blaze Physio to any hiker struggling with pain or discomfort.
– Aubri “Data” Drake, Contributing Writer
Oiselle Firecracker Knickers
Oiselle is a Seattle-based athletic apparel company founded in 2007 by Sally Bergesen. This by-women, for-woman company designs clothing with a mission to “make great product, improve the sport, and build the sisterhood.”
I’ve personally been running in Oiselle apparel for nearly a decade, and have seen favorite products come and go (or have seen the design develop over time). While some of my favorite products have transformed or been discontinued, a constant for the company is excellent reflective gear. My favorite Oiselle reflective clothing item is my Firecracker Long Shorts. While that appears to be discontinued, the Firecracker Knickers are a capri version of those shorts.
The Firecracker Knickers have a comfortable waistband with a 360-degree pocket, as well as a center back pocket with zipper. It’s high-waisted and offers a 17-inch inseam. Best of all, the reflective elements come in a cute bird design (Oiselle is French for “bird”) and is highly effective for running in the dark. While not specifically featured in our Reflective Gear for Running in the Dark guide, much of Oiselle’s reflective line is highlighted, and the Firecracker Knickers are a useful, versatile, stylish addition to that line.
In addition to selling stylish, thoughtfully-designed clothing, Oiselle is also committed to improving the access to sports for girls and women. They donate bras through the Bras for Girls campaign, which provides clothing and educational materials for girls and women about body development.
– Becca Downs, Contributing Writer and Editor
When the threadbare bra I'd been wearing hiking and backpacking for the last 5+ years finally progressed to having full-on holes in the back, I started panicking. I've had my eye out for my next hiking bra for years. Still, nothing ever seemed to check all of my boxes: supportive enough, acceptable as a bathing suit, minimal enough to dry quickly, no poorly placed hooks or snaps that dig under a pack strap, and no removable padding that just rolls up into little hotdogs after every wash.
I was so relieved to find the Branwyn Essential Bralette! Its seamless, single-layer fabric design is super comfortable but still supportive enough for low-impact activities (I'm a 34B). After two years of daily wear, I did finally retire my original 2 Branwyns and replaced them. It is now the only bra I wear for everything except high impact activities like running.
Branwyn also has an amazing "first pair guarantee." It allows you to try out sizes and styles on your first order with the ability to return after wearing.
—Kate Hoch, Contributing Writer
It was about six or seven years ago that I began seeing Arêt Basewear’s colorful, cult favorite sports bras popping up at the crag, on trail, and across Instagram. The Bishop, California-based company—now called Tera Kaia and helmed by Bridget “BK” Kilgallon—busted out of the outdoor apparel boys club to craft an all-in-one (but not one-size-fits-all) replacement for underwear, swimwear, and sportswear that would not only look great, but also hold up to the elements and the rigors of an adventurous lifestyle.
I didn’t truly understand the hype until I tried out the TOURA Basewear Top at their Bishop storefront. Soft, but secure; cute, but functional—a couple Jacksons later, I was out the door with one of my own. It’s comfortable under a pack, cozy enough to sleep in, supportive enough for a light jog, and the color hasn’t faded one bit in all these years thanks to a recycled polyester and elastane blend meant to hold up to sun, sweat, and swimming. Plus, mine has gone up to ten days between washes with nary a whiff of stank.
A TK faithful, I now own a second TOURA and have considered joining Tera Kaia’s membership program, an innovative model that helps fund production of existing and new products. You'll find the TOURA Basewear top in our Best Sports Bras guide.
– Shawnté Salabert, Contributing Writer
Liz has worn her Purple Rain Skirt on multiple Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim in a day hikes.
I've worn my Purple Rain Adventure Skirt on nearly every thru-hike since 2013. They're sewn in Oregon by Mandy "Purple Rain" Bland, a fellow thru-hiker who designed these skirts with air flow, function, and movement in mind.
What sold me on the skirts is the four pockets–big enough for any size phone, a Nat Geo map, or even a beer. Two of the pockets are secure, so I keep my wallet, sunscreen, lip balm, and lucky stuffed snail in there. I also like that the Purple Rain Adventure skirt has a yoga-pants stretchy waistband that stays up whether I've been undernourished from many weeks on trail or have gobbled a big meal in town.
Purple Rain Skirts are what I wear on trail, but they also look stylish enough that I've worn them to the opera. That's one reason Purple Rain Skirts are on my packing list for every travel event–be it an academic conference or a hiker trash get-together. Channeling my inner Steve Jobs, my Purple Rain Skirt has taken the guesswork out of what I'll wear to any given event. You'll find Purple Rain Skirts on my gear list for nearly every trail, from the John Muir Trail to Buckskin Gulch.
– Liz Thomas, Editor-in-Chief
