Backpacker Magazine – November 2008

Women's Fall Gear 2008

Our female testers pick their favorite gear for fall hikes.

by: Kelly Bastone

Tags:
• Gear
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• Apparel
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• Base layers
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• Soft shells
|
• Backpacks
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• Sleeping bags
|

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Pack | Bra | Rain Shell | Sleeping Bag | Pants | Vest | Midlayer

Pack
Granite Gear Nimbus Meridian Ki
It's light, but it ain't dainty: This women's pack handled a 40-pound load in Colorado's Park Range, and its Cordura-and-nylon pack bag survived bushwhacks unscathed. The brawny, water-resistant zippers on the lid and front panel let you wrestle any load. And the women's fit fits: A curved backpanel nestles into the lumbar and transfers weight onto hips and legs; contoured shoulder straps allow plenty of space for the well-endowed; and the hipbelt cradles curvy hips. Features allow versatile packing: plentiful compression straps snug up smaller loads; the removable lid doubles as a fanny pack; and capacity extends for up to an ultralight week. $270; 3,800 cu. in.; 3 lbs. 12 oz. (reg), 2 sizes. granitegear.com. Reader service #117

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