Happy International Women's day!
Women do some amazing things in the outdoor industry in many ways. Everything from marketing, retail, athletes and manufacturing. In a field that is mainly dominated by the male population, women are becoming more and more prominent in all areas. Just in our shop alone on Queen street, we are owned and managed by women, and also are 80% staffed by women (sorry boys, majority rules! The seat stays down!)
In the last 20 or so years, women have really become more visible in the marketplace. Companies have surfaced to create women specific products and many previously existing companies have altered their products to better serve the chicks that can really rip it in the field.
For example, this year, Cascade Designs has released a 40th anniversary edition of their women's prolite & polite plus thermarest; and we have it in the shop!
Cascade Designs has been known for their involvement in women's issues and support in the outdoor retail business since around 1996, when Kelly Stone became one of the founding women of Outdoor Industries Women's Coalition. This organization is a not for profit group of people that promote "advocacy, education and resources for women in the outdoor, bike and snowsports industries". Hell yeah! At every level of the industry, this group is there to promote inclusion and gender equality in the workplace. Have a look at their website, it houses workshops, workplace surveys and more. If you are interested in pursuing a career in outdoor industry, this group is a good one to hook up with!
Outdoor brands have been making headway in creating functional, technical clothing for women, and here are a few of our favorites!
Moving Comfort
This company specializes in creating great fitting running wear, yoga clothing that actually flatters you, and the best damn sports bras on the market. We're talking made by women, for women. Ladies, you can actually filter them by impact AND actual bra size. Not to mention, they are really cute, so who cares if you can see it through your running shirt! Check out that cute bra,your girls will be pleased you did. Dudes, check out that woman in a bra!
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| Moving Comfort Charity Bra. So comfortable. Made for high impact. |
Most women who come into our shop looking for stylish. well fitting clothing, are looking for Lole. Again, designed by women and made specifically for a woman's figure. The only time they let us down, is when we don't get it in fast enough!! Lately, the brand is becoming more technical and are diving into more running pieces and aerobic wear, as well as windproof/rain resistant Spring jackets! We especially love their travel wear!
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| Lole "Ollie" Dress. Perfect for summer! |
In terms of equipment; there are tons of options for women's specific models. Like we mentioned before, the women's designed Thermarest (which is actually warmer than men's!), and also, women's specific backpacks. When fitting a backpack, it is important that the frame fits you and that the pack doesn't feel bulky on; which is why we love The North Face. They have worked on a women's specific design for many of their packs. Including a narrower torso, a slightly lighter load, and contoured straps around the chest area. If you are looking for a pack, you'd definitely feel the difference. Check out the women's TNF La Loba!
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| a women's specific 60L adventure hiking bag. Comfort & tech at it's finest! |
Now, we wouldn't have all of these ah-mazing products if it weren't for the female athletes that test them! This past year, women have been breaking records allll over the place! They are setting the bar for women & men all over the world, and are inspiring our young women to get out, push themselves and reach their goals! We've even met a few of these ass kicking ladies!
Catherine Pendral: World Champ MTB!
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| Mary enjoys the view of little Robyn catching a photo with MTB Champ Catherine, at one of our Radical Edge Night Rides! |
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| Kaylee getting to meet world class climber, Sasha Digiulian! (Clearly stoked!) |
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| Finishing off the hike of the Appalachian trail. Any challengers? |
So let's take the day to celebrate ALL women, because without them, we wouldn't be here! We appreciate all the work that women do in the outdoor industry, and all of the women who constantly inspire us to push our physical goals! Thank you!
Happy International Women's Day!
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