How Women Actually Pack for the Trail

How Women Actually Pack for the Trail

Hint: It’s not just about shaving ounces - it’s about knowing what matters.

We’ve all seen it: the spreadsheet with the base weight dialed to the decimal, the packing list that assumes you’re fine being cold if it saves weight, the idea that “ultralight” always means “ultra-minimal.” But most gear lists weren’t designed with us in mind.

At Symbiosis, we build gear for femme-bodied hikers, and that means we pay attention to how women actually pack. After thousands of miles, dozens of interviews, and our own lived experiences, here’s what we’ve learned:

1. Access Over Assumptions

When your pack doesn’t fit, even the best pockets are useless. We’ve been there - twisting and contorting just to reach a snack or sunscreen. Our Aspen shoulder pouch, stealth bottom pocket, and oversized side pockets were designed for real reachability on the move. You shouldn’t have to stop hiking to grab the basics.

2. Comfort > Gram Counting

Yes, we care about weight, but not at the cost of comfort, safety, or sanity. We know that being prepared is smarter than being miserably under-packed. We see sleeping quilts, real food, solid layering systems, and the occasional luxury item like a book or extra battery bank as important parts of your kit. Your pack should work for your version of a good time, not someone else’s spreadsheet.

3. Smart Organization Isn’t Always More Stuff

Most people don’t want a jumbled mess, but they also don’t want a dozen stuff sacks adding weight and friction. We recommend using simple systems: color-coded dry bags, zip pouches for essentials, and routines that make setup and takedown easy. The Aspen’s one main compartment offers flexibility without forcing a rigid system. Thoughtful packing doesn't require a bunch of gear to organize your gear.

4. One Pack. Many Bodies.

Most backpacks are still made for the “standard male torso,” and it shows. The Aspen has no internal frame, which means it molds to your back - short, long, curvy, or straight. Our S-curve straps are boob-friendly and designed for people who haven’t always felt seen by the outdoor gear world. It’s not one-size-fits-all. It’s we-fit-most-bodies-without-compromise.

5. Packing for Safety and Sanity

Femme hikers often carry more than gear…they carry caution. From safety tools to extra comms, what we pack reflects our realities. That’s why our design prioritizes balance and comfort. Because feeling safe is part of feeling strong. A pack shouldn’t just carry your gear. It should have your back.

So… How Do You Pack?

We’re gathering stories from femme adventurers all season long. Got a packing setup you swear by? A hack that changed your trail life? A “never leave without it” item? DM us on Instagram or apply to have your writing featured - we’d love to feature you.

Because there’s no one right way to pack.
Just the way you make it work.

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