This week, we explore the sexism that many women working in outdoor retail face every day. You’ll also get a sneak peek at the gear Outside editors are testing, plus two of our favorite, totally unexpected pieces of gear.
But before we dive in, we want to remind you that this is the final free week of Dawn Patrol. Moving forward, we’re asking readers to pay a $5 subscription fee to keep receiving special gear deals, free product giveaways, behind-the-scenes stories, and direct access to Outside editors. Sign up here:
You recommend
In last week’s issue, we got real about our beef with short shorts, then took to social media to get your takes. Here are a few holy grail shorts recommendations, according to our readers.
“I found hiking shorts with a five-inch inseam that feel longer. Kuhl Strattus (from $48). I like the length, and they move with me.” —Krista Gremos
“I would like to add the Salomon Agile skort ($42) to the ‘good list.’ It’s a shortish skirt on the outside, but the liner shorts are gold. They’re long enough to cover the inside thigh bump and stay down all day.” —Michelle Edmonson
“I love my Eddie Bauer hiking shorts (from $30), and my curvier friends do, too. They have the lengths I need (because, seriously, what is it with most shorts either being short shorts or Grandma shorts most of the time?), they stretch, have useful pockets, sit right, and have held up to so many miles. Plus, they are nice enough to wear casually, making them double good for travel.” —Lace Laya
“I used to exclusively have to wear men’s shorts to find longer lengths, but thankfully I finally found Columbia’s Women’s Anytime Outdoor long short ($45), and they are 13 inches in length. Now, if they would just add a version with cargo pockets.” —Lydia Marcus
Confessions from gear retail
This is what it’s like to work in outdoor retail as a woman
By Emily Reed, assistant gear editor
I recently joined the gear team here at Outside. Before writing for a living, I worked—and managed departments—in retail for nearly four years. Working in an outdoor specialty retail environment can be difficult as a woman. Over the years, I’ve heard more sexist comments than I can remember. Here are a few of my favorite things that customers—male and female—have said to me.
“Honey, I need someone who actually knows about backpacks. Have you even used one of these?”
“Can you radio one of your male co-workers to help me load up this roof-top box?”
“I need to talk to the manager. Can you radio him?”
Next, I polled our Facebook page to see if other women had had similar experiences. More than 70 women responded. Here are some of the standout comments our readers have heard in specialty retail shops.
Bike retailers
“At least there’s something pretty to look at in here.”
“A customer walked in and asked, ‘l need to go see the guys—you know, the mechanic.’ I said, ‘Well, since I’m the only one here, I guess you’ll have to see me, the mechanic.’”
“‘I’ve got questions for the bike mechanic,’ said a customer. Since I am a certified bicycle master technician, I asked him, ‘What kind of questions do you have?’ He replied very sarcastically, ‘Well I don’t want to talk about housework, sweetie.’”
Ski retailers
“I would be referred to as the manager’s wife or girlfriend frequently. Because a girl can’t work there unless she’s involved with the manager, right?”
“The ski shop I worked at had women working in soft goods (that is, clothing) and men in hard goods (skis, boots, and boards). Being that I could ski circles around the men and had previous experience in the industry, I quickly told my manager that their arrangement wasn’t going to work for me. Luckily, he agreed, and I got free range of the shop.”
General outfitters
“My first summer working at a gear shop, I had code words and phrases for my male co-workers to take over sales in which I was being harassed. Many male customers (often about 35 to 50 years old) would try to place their hands around my waist while asking for advice on clothing and what ‘the ladies would like best.’ Working the kayak dock, I routinely got offered help before even touching the kayaks, because they were shocked that an 18-year-old female was capable of lifting something ‘heavy.’”
“I’ve gone camping countless times and backpacking several times. I can’t remember how many times someone has asked me something, then asked if there’s anyone who knows what they’re talking about. Or they try to jokingly ask if I even do those activities. But the worst times are when they will go to a male co-worker instead, especially if it’s one who I know will just bullshit customers if they don’t know the answer just to try to sell more product. Unfortunately, they don’t get the correct info and buy items they don’t need just because they wanted advice from a guy who supposedly knows more. Sadly, when I work in clothing or footwear, no one questions my knowledge, probably because I am a woman.”
What we’re testing this week
We polled our staff on new gear they’re trying out right now. Have a question? Want to know more? Shoot us a note and we’ll respond personally to you.
Yellow Willow yoga mat ($98): I’m addicted to hot yoga classes, but slipping and sliding in sweat is not ideal when trying to find your Zen. This is hands down the best mat I’ve ever used. It’s equipped with something called X-Grip that keeps you from sliding, and the absorbent (and super soft!) top coating eliminates the need for a yoga towel. The cherry on top? It comes in a ton of fun patterns. —Abbey Gingras, social media editorial assistant
Osprey Tempest 20 ($110): I’ve had this bag for a couple weeks now, and it has quickly become my work, gym, grocery, and adventure bag. The external hydration sleeve is perfectly located on the back panel to not interfere with the pack’s contents. I’m looking forward to developing a very loving relationship with this bag for years to come. —Emily Reed, assistant gear editor
Corkcicle Auroro stemless cup ($25): I’m obsessed with my new Corkcicle Auroro stemless cup. It looks pretty on my desk and keeps my tea and coffee hot like it’s supposed to, and the feel of it in my hand is just perfect. It actually improves my morning coffee experience. —Svati Narula, assistant social media editor
Outdoor Research Helium II storm shell ($159): I immediately fell in love with this shell because it is petite-friendly. The women’s size small actually stops at my hips, rather than going down to the top of my thighs. I like a longer jacket for hiking or walking around town, but when running or climbing, any extra material tends to limit my mobility. Free the hips! —Ariella Gintzler, assistant gear editor
Adidas Pacyr sunglasses ($119): I took these shades on my long run last weekend. I was a little nervous, because three hours on the trail is a risky length of time to try something new, but they totally delivered. The small bands fit perfectly on my head, so they weren’t slipping around while I ran, and they’re so lightweight, I couldn’t feel them at all. —Abigail Wise, online managing editor
Cult finds
Surprising stuff we love
It’s not just classic outdoor companies like Patagonia and The North Face making great gear. Sometimes the best stuff comes from more unexpected places. Take these two finds from Santa Fe local and competitive horseback rider Sarah Rogala. These products were designed for the barn, but they work just as well on the trail.
Dubarry of Ireland winter boots ($449): Dubarry makes top-quality country boots that double as durable, waterproof hikers in the cold, sloppy months. Some even come with Gore-Tex uppers.
Tailored Sportsman sun shirts ($69): Made from a special fabric that cools down the more you sweat, these sun shirts are ideal for hiking, Sarah says. Bonus: They come in 14 color options.
Ladyshred deals
Our favorite gear at a great price
What she wore
Did you beat your PR, finally nail a 5.12, or recently log the most vertical miles ever in a season? Shoot us an email at dawnpatrol@outsidemag.com, naming your personal accomplishment and including a photo of the gear you used to get there for a chance to be featured in an issue of Dawn Patrol.
“This past weekend, I bagged the longest and most strenuous hike I have ever been on: 11 miles round-trip, up and over many boulders and crossing the stream multiple times to get to the Subway in Zion National Park. As someone who is new to hiking, this was a really big accomplishment for me. I couldn’t have done it without my trusty Danner Mountain Light Cascades ($360). They took a beating, kept my feet dry, and helped me confidently navigate the rough terrain.” —Elizabeth Slack