For years, I was hiking with a standard unisex hiking bag. Then in December 2021 I received an Osprey Sirrus 36 women’s specific hiking bag.
It changed the game for me.
I immediately noticed I didn’t have the same hip aches and discomfort across the chest during and after hiking. I then did a little more research into the differences between men’s and women’s hiking packs and was convinced enough by my own experiences to buy another Osprey bag. I wanted a slightly smaller one for shorter hikes and scrambles (scrambles in particular as I don’t like to carry a large bag). So I bought myself an Osprey Sirrus 24.
I’m not saying it has to be Osprey, of course (despite the price, I’m a huge fan of their bags). But for female hikers, particularly those with more pronounced hips or breasts, the benefits of a women’s specific hiking bag are huge.
Here are the key differences:
1. Adjustable Chest Strap Height
Granted, lots of men’s backpacks have this too. But it’s so important for women. When I was wearing a unisex bag, I had the option of wearing the chest strap which pressed into my breasts uncomfortably, or not wearing it at all.
I found the chest strap so uncomfortable that most of the time I wouldn’t wear it. But that’s not ideal when carrying a heavy bag hiking and it left more strain on the shoulders.
2. Narrower Hip Belts
The Osprey packs in particular have narrower hip belts to shape better to bodies with more pronounced hips and also to prevent digging into thighs and bums!
This was such a positive change for me. Again, (not helped by being a particularly short woman, I’m sure), I used to find the hip straps on unisex bags would sit in all the wrong places and leave me uncomfortable enough that I would simply not wear them – again leaving more strain on the back and shoulders.
3. Shorter Length of the Bags
Women generally have shorter torsos than men. So many women’s hiking bags are shorter in length to allow for this. An overly long bag is ultimately going to sit too low and end up pressing against your bum or too high and prevent you moving your head back properly (or both).
4. Curved Straps and Harnesses
The best women’s hiking bags will typically have curved harnesses that shape better around women’s bodies.
Should you invest in a women’s specific hiking bag?
Yes. For sure, if you’re hiking regularly or for long periods of time. If you’re only using it for half hour here or there it may not be worth it. But if you are hiking frequently, particularly if you’re hiking for several hours or more at a time, it could really alleviate aches and pains you may not even realise are caused by the wrong fitting backpack. Here are a few options at various price points:
Decathlon also have female specific options.
