Best Women’s Backpacking Gear of 2024

We’ve been hiking with the HMG Southwest 55 (and Southwest 40) since 2013, and we love their exceptional blend of low weight, high weather-resistance, and durability. The Southwest packs are some of the lightest framed backpacks on the market, so they’re perfect for hikers wanting to go lighter while maintaining a good level of support.

The DCH fabric of the Southwest is fully waterproof and all the seams are sealed to keep out water, so this pack is ready to hit the trail in any weather. Senior Gear Analyst, Casey Handley, used the Southwest for her very soggy thru-hike of Vermont’s Long Trail, and – despite getting rained on almost every day – everything inside the pack stayed perfectly dry. DCH also has one of the highest strength-to-weight ratios of any backpack, so the Southwest is exceptionally tough for how light it is.

The design of the Southwest is fairly simple, but we find the organization just right for keeping a load of lightweight and compact gear in check. The side water bottle pockets are large and easy to reach, the main opening is wide and makes it easy to pack, and – best of all – the front pocket on the Southwest is absolutely ginormous. The cavernous front pocket is made with a solid swath of DCH fabric instead of mesh like most other packs, so it’s not going to snag and rip as easily as others. It can also accommodate a surprising amount of gear. We use it to keep extra layers easily accessible, isolate wet gear from dry stuff inside the pack body, and store excess food after we’ve been overly ambitious during a resupply.

The Southwest comes in three sizes – 40 liters, 55 liters, and 70 liters – all of which we’ve tested. Most backpackers will likely prefer the Southwest 55 since it strikes a good balance between being large enough for extra bulk when the weather or terrain call for it but also small enough to remain light and stable when fully packed. Ultralight hikers who really have their gear dialed in will love the compact size and low weight of the Southwest 40. And backpackers heading out on winter excursions should look at the Southwest 70 since it has ample room for accommodating bulky clothing layers and a winter sleeping bag.

Full review: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest

The Osprey Atmos AG 65 (Men’s) / Aura AG 65 (Women’s) packs hold 35-50 pounds much more comfortably than any lightweight backpack, and they’re still lighter than many comparable traditional options.

Hikers who are just starting out or who prefer to carry a few extra luxuries will find that the Atmos and Aura have a generous amount of padding and plenty of pockets to organize gear. The inside of these backpacks can be accessed from the side, the bottom, or the top lid, so necessities are always close at hand.

These backpacking packs are also equipped with Osprey’s signature AntiGravity suspension system, which transfers weight to your hips incredibly well and takes the strain off your shoulders and back. If you prefer to prioritize comfort over saving weight, the Atmos and Aura are tough to beat. 

That said, if the ample cushioning and structured frame appeal to you, but you want an overall lighter pack – check out the Osprey Atmos LT and Aura LT. These packs omit some of the bells and whistles in favor of weight and monetary savings.

The REI Magma 15 has the most extensive size-run we’ve seen offered for sleeping bags, and we’re really excited about the move to provide inclusive sizing. This unisex bag is warmer than their predecessors and have a refined fit that is comfortable for a wide variety of body shapes.

The Magma 15 is comfort-rated to 21°F (as opposed to the 28°F comfort rating of the previous unisex version). A sleeping bag’s EN/ISO Comfort Rating is the temperature at which most cold sleepers will remain comfortable, so those who have a hard time staying warm should be cozy in this bag well below freezing. Warm sleepers can certainly take the Magma 15 into the teens (provided you’re using a well-insulated sleeping pad), so it’s a great winter bag for all.

Part of what makes the Magma bag so warm is its trimmed-down design. The true mummy shape is highly efficient because it eliminates the dead space your body would otherwise have to warm up. Though there’s still some room to move in the Magma, the leg girth is a bit narrower than many similar models. Some hikers may find the space a bit tight, but there are wide models available for each length option (short, medium, long) for those who need a little more wiggle room.

This backpacking sleeping bag is highly compressible for efficient packing. If you’re a cold sleeper or you’re looking for a sleeping bag that’ll excel on high alpine and winter adventures, the Magma 15 is an excellent choice.

REI Magma 15 Full Review

The Enlightened Equipment Revelation has been one of our go-to backpacking quilts for years due to its versatile design, excellent warmth-to-weight ratio, and great price for the quality.

The Revelation can be left open like a blanket on warm nights or cinched up tight when the temperature drops, so it’s a good pick for hikers looking for something they can use for all but the coldest of trips. We’ve found that the 20°F model keeps us warm to right around freezing or just a little below, but cold sleepers may prefer the 10°F model for the extra warmth. 

CleverHiker Founder, Dave Collins, swears by the Revelation and has taken it on many of his most epic backpacking trips. From the chilly peaks of Glacier National Park to the much warmer twists of Marble Canyon in Death Valley National Park, the Revelation’s flexible build readily adapts to the conditions.

You can choose to custom order a Revelation to your desired color, size, and temperature rating. We recommend bumping up a size in length and width for full coverage on chilly nights if you sleep cold, or you could consider the EE Enigma quilt. The Enigma has a footbox that’s sewn closed (like a sleeping bag footbox), so it retains a lot more warmth than the Revelation. CH Managing Editor, Ben Applebaum-Bauch, prefers the Enigma, and he’s trusted it for many big backpacking trips – including his CDT thru-hike. 

Quality like this will usually set you back a pretty penny, but the Revelation comes in at an amazing price when compared to similar quilts. We’ve been using ours for years, and it’s still one of the best investments we’ve made in our backpacking setup.

Full review: Enlightened Equipment Revelation

The Feathered Friends Swallow YF 20 and women’s Egret YF 20 are some of the highest quality down bags for backpacking on the market. CleverHiker Senior Gear Analyst, Casey Handley, has used the Egret YF in frigid conditions – including a string of 20-degree nights in Utah, a winter campout in Nevada’s Sheep Mountain Range, and a late-season hike on Broken Top Mountain in Oregon with snow on the ground. 

These models are very light, feel soft against the skin, and are filled with responsibly sourced 900+ fill-power goose down – which is about as nice as down comes. This is one of the few instances where we would actually trust a 20-degree bag to keep us warm when the temperature drops to 20 degrees (Feathered Friends doesn’t list EN temperature ratings, but we’ve found their ratings to be more conservative than most of the competition). 

One of the biggest features that makes them so warm is the very generous draft tube – a down-filled tube that blocks cool air from entering through the zipper. Many premium sleeping bags include a draft tube, but the one on the Swallow and Egret is more robust than others and really locks in the warmth. Other warmth-preserving features include a draft collar around the neck and hood and a fitted but comfortable cut that eliminates dead space inside the bags.

Certainly the high price is one of the first things you’ll notice about the Swallow YF and Egret YF, but we can assure you they’re worth every penny if you’ll use them often. Ounce-counting backpackers might even prefer the Swallow UL and Egret UL which cost a bit more but provide the same reliable warmth as their YF counterparts at an even lower weight.

Feathered Friends Swallow YF 20 Full Review

Therm-a-Rest’s NeoAir XLite NXT is easily one of the best 3-season sleeping pads on the market. Several members of the CleverHiker team have a total of over 1,000 miles of experience with this pad and you’ll often find it in our packs during spring, summer, and fall trips. The XLite has a rare combination of comfort, warmth, and weight that make it tough to beat for backpacking.

The newest NXT version of the XLite has a slightly higher R-value and is 3 inches thick, so it’s a bit warmer and cushier than before. We’ve found the insulation good enough to stay comfortable in temps all the way down into the low 20s when paired with a quality sleeping bag, which is really incredible for a pad this light. CleverHiker Editor-in-Chief, Dave Collins, recently took the XLite NXT on a snowy late-season trek through Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains and stayed perfectly warm and comfortable each night.

Keeping pack weight down on backcountry trips is critical, and the XLite NXT is among the absolute best this arena. At just 13 ounces, the XLite is one of the lightest insulated pads on the market. And you’d be hard-pressed to find another option that offers the same warmth or durability at this weight.

Ultralight gear tends to be on the delicate side, but that’s not the case with the XLite. With just a little care during campsite selection, this pad can last for thousands of miles. Senior Gear Analyst, Casey Handley, took the XLite NXT on a 300-mile section of the Arizona Trail – a notoriously prickly path – and it held up without incident despite some lazier evenings where campsite clearing fell off the priority list. Still, the XLite is an air pad and accidents can happen. The included repair kit makes field fixes easy, and the valve can even be replaced if it fails – a fairly unique feature for an air pad.

The main knock on previous XLite models was the crinkly sound they make when shifting around. We’re happy to report that the NXT is much quieter than previous versions. We’ve tested it many times with tentmates by our side and camp neighbors nearby with no complaints. Don’t expect complete silence though – we’d say the XLite NXT is now just about as quiet as most air pads – they all make a little noise.

The other minor inconvenience with the XLite comes in the form of ease-of-use. The pump sack that’s included with the XLite is pretty basic, and isn’t as efficient as the top competitors. Additionally, the XLite doesn’t have a dump valve, so you’ll have to squeeze air out of the pad when it’s time to pack up camp in the morning. This will slow down the packing process a bit, but it’s not a dealbreaker.

All things considered, the NeoAir XLite is a truly exceptional sleeping pad that we’ve put through the wringer over thousands of trail miles. It’s an all-time great backpacking sleeping pad and is clearly one of the best on the market. 

More: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT Full Review

The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT is the warmer and more durable sibling of the XLite above. This pad is our top recommendation for cold sleepers and hikers heading out for adventures in the winter chill. We loved the previous XTherm, but the latest NXT model is even better – it’s warmer, thicker, and even a touch lighter than before. 

The R-value of a sleeping pad tells you how much insulation it provides – the higher the number, the warmer the pad. With an R-value of 7.3, the XTherm NXT is one of the warmest backpacking sleeping pads on the market. It’s also considerably lighter than most other highly insulated sleeping pads, so it’s a great buy for hikers looking for the best balance of warmth and weight.

The XTherm is the pad our team members opt for when we head out on winter backpacking adventures. In our testing, even in absolutely frigid temperatures and several inches of fresh powder, we’ve stayed warm and comfortable thanks to the XTherm.

This pad also has a durable layer of 70-denier fabric on the underside to combat wear and prevent punctures. Its level of durability is among the best we’ve ever tested for backpacking air pads. The XTherm does make a slight crinkle sound when you shift around on it, but its considerable strengths far outweigh this minor downside.

With a weight that’s lower than the typical 3-season pad but an R-value ready for serious winter adventures, it’s no wonder the NeoAir XTherm NXT has been a fan favorite for many years.

More: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT Full Review

The NEMO Tensor Insulated sleeping pad is thick, comfortable, and quieter than almost any air pad we’ve tested. So if you’re looking to avoid the crinkle sound some pads have, the Tensor is an excellent option.

Another thing that sets the Tensor apart is the wide variety of shape and size options, including mummy, rectangular, and the elusive regular/wide model. The rectangular models are popular, as they allow your feet to rest wider apart when back sleeping. This, along with 3 in. of thickness, makes the Tensor a real stand-out when it comes to comfort.

The Tensor also comes with one of the best pump sacks on the market, making inflation fast and easy. On top of that, the zero-profile valve allows for quick deflation and simple micro-adjustments.

We’ve been big fans of the NEMO Tensor since the first model hit the shelves, and we still rock it for trips where extra comfort is a top priority.

The Saucony Peregrine 14 is hands down our favorite summer trail running shoe. They have exceptional traction and barely tip the scale at a super low weight. Over treks through the Sierra and tricky scrambling around Lake Tahoe, the sticky outsoles of the Peregrines were up for any challenge.

The Peregrine 14s are lighter than ever and even grippier than before. The fit makes you feel like a trail champ. They hold the foot well, protect against rolling ankles, and are perfect for tricky trails and uneven ground. The 14 has an increased stack height with more underfoot cushioning for tough terrain. Plus, the Peregrine 14s are made with a highly breathable engineered mesh upper that dries quickly, so they’re perfect for hot, sweaty long hikes and runs.

The Peregrine 14 has an increased 5mm lug, so it has even better traction than previous models, improving its status as a standout trail shoe.

A shoe this light won’t hold up as well as more traditional models in the long run, and the thin mesh upper doesn’t offer much protection, but you’ll expend less energy with each step and experience fewer problems with sweaty feet (like blisters). The Saucony Peregrines are the shoes you’ll catch us rocking for most of our high-mileage backpacking trips (although we recommend sizing up as they run very true to size, if not a bit small). We can’t recommend them highly enough for those who prefer lightweight trail runners.

Saucony Peregrine 14 Full Review

Altra Lone Peaks have long been the flagship shoe of lightweight hikers due to their low weight, grippy outsole, and roomy fit. The 7th iteration of the LPs got another big makeover – the upper has been redesigned, the outsole has been overhauled, and the modern colorways make these shoes stand out from the crowd.

Some hikers struggled with the durability of the previous Lone Peak model, but we’re happy to report that the Lone Peak 7s feature more reinforced spots and will last far longer than the LP 6s. We put about 650 miles on a pair of Lone Peak 7s on the notoriously tough-on-shoes Arizona Trail before needing to buy a new pair. The signature Trail Claw lug pattern also got a makeover and is stickier than before, resulting in fewer slips on wet rock and other tricky terrain.

We love the LP 7s and they’ve quickly become our favorite version we’ve ever tested of this long-trail stalwart. For hikers seeking a wider fit that allows for natural movement, the Lone Peak 7s should be at the top of your list.

The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L (men’s / women’s) has been at the top of our list for many years, and for good reason. It’s one of our go-to rain jackets and all-time favorites. From 150-day thru-hikes of the CDT including torrential downpours, high-alpine blizzards, and drizzly fall weather, to trips skiing, camping, and hiking the local trails, this jacket is a durable, affordable workhorse.

The Torrentshell features laminated triple-layer construction that makes it protective in sustained rain, but still feels impressively lightweight on your body. The hood is adjustable and features a large visor to keep the rain out of your eyes and off your face, but it also rolls away easily with a cord and hook when not in use.

For a rain jacket, the Torrentshell is cozy. A soft microfleece lining at the neck adds a soft-to-the-touch feel and wicks away moisture with ease. This jacket has two hand warmer pockets as well as storm flaps – overlapping material that covers the main zipper and pit zips to help you stay dry.

Even though it’s a bit bulky, the Torrentshell still packs down small into the left hand warmer pocket and comes with a convenient carabiner loop so you can keep it easily accessible when the skies open up.

The only major complaint we have about the Torrentshell is its weight. At 14.1 ounces for the men’s version and 12.4 ounces for the women’s, there are other jackets on this list that are better suited for long-distance trips where shaving pack weight is important. So if you’re considering the Torrentshell exclusively for backpacking, we’d recommend other options on this list.

Though it’s not as airy or compressible as some, we highly recommend it for adventures when stormy conditions are inevitable. The Torrentshell is a versatile, reasonably affordable, and very durable jacket that we recommend for all-around use.

Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Full Review

The Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer (men’s / women’s) has been a favorite of thru-hikers and ultralight aficionados for years. This jacket is everything you need and nothing you don’t for staying warm on fast and light adventures. 

We’re huge fans. Managing Editor, Ben Applebaum-Bauch, has hiked over 6,000 miles in the Ghost Whisperer, including thru-hikes of the CDT, PCT, and numerous shorter long trails. He loves the packability and wind resistance and cites it as one of his all-time favorite pieces of gear. It’s also a go-to for CleverHiker Founder, Dave Collins, who’s put several hundred miles on the Ghost Whisperer on trips through Yosemite, the Sawtooth Wilderness, and beyond.

We love this Mountain Hardwear model for its exceptional balance of warmth to weight. With most sizes hovering around eight ounces, this jacket is plenty warm for brisk mornings on high-altitude routes but still packs incredibly small into its own pocket and takes up minimal space – which is exactly what we want when it comes to a backpacking layer.

The Ghost Whisperer is also a sleek, athletic fit and layer-able design with basic features like high hand warmer pockets and hem adjustments. When supplemented with a lightweight fleece or a burly rain shell, you’re set in most wet and cold shoulder-season conditions. And, because this model is so lightweight, it dries quickly.

The Rab Mythic Alpine Light is the top ultralight jacket – it’s a hair lighter, less expensive, and a bit more durable, but the Ghost Whisperer is a very close contender. It’s a top-of-the-line down jacket that’s well worth the cost for anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors and wants to keep their base weight low.

If you’re willing to pay a bit more for even more warmth-to-weight efficiency, check out the Ghost Whisperer UL, which has upgraded 1000-fill-power down.

The REI 650 Down Jacket (men’s / women’s) is one of the best bangs for your buck on the market. It’s a no-frills, lightweight, compressible option for almost any situation where you need a simple, warm extra layer.

The 650 Down has all the features we want, and nothing more: a cinch cord at the hem, two hand warmer pockets, two internal drop pockets, and a burly zipper. The nylon is comfortable against the skin, and at just over 10 ounces, it’s awesomely lightweight compared to other options on this list. 

This jacket is one of the most bare bones options we tested, but that’s why it’s also one of the most versatile. The 650 Down doesn’t have a two-way zipper, chest pocket, or even a hood – but that’s precisely what we love about it. A down jacket like this is a key layering piece for daily wear.

The 650 Down is made with lower-fill-power down, so it’s not quite as heat-efficient as some of the more technical jackets on our list. That said, the 650 down isn’t meant to be a technical jacket, but a go-to option for day-to-day use. Our team rocks this jacket constantly as a lightweight, compressible layer. And, for the price, it performs extremely well.