The Women’s Through-Hiking Essentials of 2015

Published: May 14, 2015

(Photo: Michael Karsh)

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Gear for the long haul.
—Whitney Spivey

Leatherman Signal multitool

Leatherman’s 7.5- ounce ($120) houses all the tools you’d expect—saw, pliers, bottle opener—plus a few you wouldn’t (emergency whistle!). The diamond-coated sharpener and fire-starting ferro rod might seem like overkill, but you never know.

Leatherman’s 7.5- ounce Signal ($120) houses all the tools you’d expect—saw, pliers, bottle opener—plus a few you wouldn’t (emergency whistle!). The diamond-coated sharpener and fire-starting ferro rod might seem like overkill, but you never know. leatherman.com — Leatherman’s 7.5- ounce ($120) houses all the tools you’d expect—saw, pliers, bottle opener—plus a few you wouldn’t (emergency whistle!). The diamond-coated sharpener and fire-starting ferro rod might seem like overkill, but you never know.
(Michael Karsh)

Wild

Cheryl Strayed’s bestselling memoir is out in ($16), and at 8.6 ounces it’s a completely justifiable backpacking accessory. Plus, Strayed’s solo adventure along the Pacific Crest Trail might inspire you to embark on your own journey.

Cheryl Strayed’s bestselling memoir is out in paperback ($16), and at 8.6 ounces it’s a completely justifiable backpacking accessory. Plus, Strayed’s solo adventure along the Pacific Crest Trail might inspire you to embark on your own journey. cherylstrayed.com — Cheryl Strayed’s bestselling memoir is out in ($16), and at 8.6 ounces it’s a completely justifiable backpacking accessory. Plus, Strayed’s solo adventure along the Pacific Crest Trail might inspire you to embark on your own journey.
(Michael Karsh)

Icebreaker Sphere SS Low Crew Stripe T-shirt

Eighty bucks might seem pricey for a tee, but the ($80) might be the only one you ever need. Constructed from blended merino wool and Tencel (made from sustainably harvested wood), it breathes incredibly well, dries fast, and won’t stink even after days of use.

Eighty bucks might seem pricey for a tee, but the Sphere ($80) might be the only one you ever need. Constructed from blended merino wool and Tencel (made from sustainably harvested wood), it breathes incredibly well, dries fast, and won’t stink even after days of use. icebreaker.com — Eighty bucks might seem pricey for a tee, but the ($80) might be the only one you ever need. Constructed from blended merino wool and Tencel (made from sustainably harvested wood), it breathes incredibly well, dries fast, and won’t stink even after days of use.
(Michael Karsh)

The North Face FuseForm Dot Matrix jacket

It’s hard to combine moisture resistance, breathability, and durability into an ultralight shell, but the ($199) does it thanks to new FuseForm technology, which weaves two waterproof fabrics together for protection from rubbing pack straps. Fewer taped seams means less clamminess.

It’s hard to combine moisture resistance, breathability, and durability into an ultralight shell, but the Matrix ($199) does it thanks to new FuseForm technology, which weaves two waterproof fabrics together for protection from rubbing pack straps. Fewer taped seams means less clamminess. thenorthface.com — It’s hard to combine moisture resistance, breathability, and durability into an ultralight shell, but the ($199) does it thanks to new FuseForm technology, which weaves two waterproof fabrics together for protection from rubbing pack straps. Fewer taped seams means less clamminess.
(Michael Karsh)

Osprey Aura AG 65 pack

At just over four pounds (admirably light for its 65-liter capacity), the ($260) is ideal for long hauls. Osprey’s seamless suspension hugs the body for a better fit. Testers loved the trekking-pole attachment and the mesh pockets along the straps—perfect for stashing snacks. ��

At just over four pounds (admirably light for its 65-liter capacity), the Aura ($260) is ideal for long hauls. Osprey’s seamless suspension hugs the body for a better fit. Testers loved the trekking-pole attachment and the mesh pockets along the straps—perfect for stashing snacks. ospreypacks.com — At just over four pounds (admirably light for its 65-liter capacity), the ($260) is ideal for long hauls. Osprey’s seamless suspension hugs the body for a better fit. Testers loved the trekking-pole attachment and the mesh pockets along the straps—perfect for stashing snacks.
(Michael Karsh)

Lorpen T3 Light Hiker socks

Polyester next to the body wicks moisture, while a middle layer of Tencel adds comfort and nylon fibers in hot-spot-prone areas prevent blisters. $18,

Patagonia Quandary shorts

With only two low-profile front drop pockets, these lightweight nylon-spandex ($59) don’t allow you to carry much, but that’s why you have a pack.

(Michael Karsh)

Aku Ultra Light 30 GTX boots

We love the vintage look of this ($200), but it’s the modern updates we appreciate most. The Gore-Tex liner, dual-density foam midsole, and Vibram outsole kept our feet comfortable through hundreds of tough miles.

We love the vintage look of this 15.5-ounce reissue ($200), but it’s the modern updates we appreciate most. The Gore-Tex liner, dual-density foam midsole, and Vibram outsole kept our feet comfortable through hundreds of tough miles. aku.it — We love the vintage look of this ($200), but it’s the modern updates we appreciate most. The Gore-Tex liner, dual-density foam midsole, and Vibram outsole kept our feet comfortable through hundreds of tough miles.
(Michael Karsh)

Mountainsmith Carbonlite Pro trekking poles

These ($75) telescope between 26.5 and 54 inches to adapt to most terrain. Cork grips and neoprene wrist straps are easy on hands, even after miles of use, and the durable carbide tips will last years.

These 20-ounce poles ($75) telescope between 26.5 and 54 inches to adapt to most terrain. Cork grips and neoprene wrist straps are easy on hands, even after miles of use, and the durable carbide tips will last years. mountainsmith.com — These ($75) telescope between 26.5 and 54 inches to adapt to most terrain. Cork grips and neoprene wrist straps are easy on hands, even after miles of use, and the durable carbide tips will last years.
(Michael Karsh)

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Lead Photo: Michael Karsh

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