Move Over Guys—Outdoor Adventures Are for Women, Too
For too long, the great outdoors has been portrayed as a rugged playground reserved for men. From magazine covers to gear ads, the narrative has long centered on bearded explorers, mountain men, and extreme sports bros conquering wild terrain. But the truth is, women have always been out there—hiking, climbing, paddling, biking, and camping with grit, grace, and gusto.
It’s time to shift the spotlight.
At ZipHers, we believe outdoor adventure isn't a boys-only club. In fact, we're here to say loud and clear: move over, guys—women are claiming their space on the trails, in the mountains, and under the open sky. And we’re doing it in legwear designed for our bodies and our needs. Because guess what? We don’t want to freeze our butts off every time we need to pee behind a tree.
Redefining What an Outdoorsperson Looks Like
The image of the rugged male adventurer is outdated. Women are scaling the same peaks, trekking just as far (if not farther), and packing out the same heavy gear—all while redefining what outdoor strength looks like.
Today, women make up nearly 50% of all outdoor recreation participants in the U.S. That’s right—half the crowd hitting the trails, paddling rivers, and summiting peaks are women. And not just the young or ultra-fit. Women of all ages, sizes, backgrounds, and abilities are getting out there and making nature their space.
This shift matters. When we see more diverse women enjoying the outdoors, it challenges the old narrative and makes room for more people to feel like they belong in those spaces.
The Barriers Women Face Outdoors
Even though the stats show women are just as involved in outdoor adventures, the challenges we face can be very different. Here are just a few:
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Lack of gear designed for women: Too often, "shrink it and pink it" has been the lazy approach to women's outdoor gear. Ill-fitting pants, heavy backpacks, and minimal functional design can make any trip less enjoyable.
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Bathroom access: Let’s be real—peeing outdoors shouldn’t be a logistical nightmare. Men can just turn around. We often have to drop our pants, squat, and freeze (or worse).
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Safety concerns: Whether it’s hiking alone or camping overnight, many women weigh the risks of harassment or danger in a way men simply don’t.
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Representation: When marketing and media only showcase men or a narrow view of femininity in the outdoors, it sends a message about who "belongs" there.
That’s where brands like ZipHers step in. We design with real women in mind. Function, fit, and comfort all matter—but so does the ability to take a pee break on a remote trail without stripping down to your socks. It's not too much to ask.
Making Room for Women in the Wild
Outdoor culture is shifting—and women are leading the charge. We're founding hiking clubs, leading expeditions, mentoring young adventurers, and building inclusive communities that welcome everyone, not just the fastest or fittest.
Here are a few ways women are redefining the outdoor space:
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Social media and storytelling: Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are full of inspiring female hikers, climbers, and outdoor educators sharing their journeys. Representation matters, and these stories help normalize the presence of women in wild spaces.
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All-women adventure groups: From hiking clubs to wilderness retreats, more women are choosing to adventure together, free of judgment and intimidation.
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Gear innovation: Brands are finally catching up, offering women-specific packs, boots, base layers, and yes—pants designed to make peeing outside easier (hi, ZipHers!).
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Outdoor advocacy: Women are also becoming visible leaders in environmental stewardship, advocating for public lands, access, and sustainability.
Meet the New Outdoor Explorer
She might be a weekend warrior or a thru-hiker. A single mom with three kids or a solo traveler. She might be plus-sized, disabled, Black, Indigenous, queer, or just starting out with her first hike. She might carry snacks, a journal, trekking poles, and pepper spray—and she’s as worthy of trail space as anyone else.
The modern outdoorswoman isn’t defined by how fast she can summit or how expensive her gear is. She’s defined by her curiosity, courage, and desire to connect with the world around her.
Why ZipHers Legwear Is Part of the Movement
We created ZipHers because we got tired of choosing between comfort and dignity in the wild. Our patented pee-friendly zipper lets you go when nature calls—without dropping your pants. That means more freedom, more confidence, and fewer awkward moments in the woods.
Whether you're climbing, camping, or road-tripping, ZipHers legwear moves with you. It’s made for real women doing real things—not posing for catalog shoots, but blazing their own trails.
We don’t just sell pants. We sell possibilities. The possibility of staying out longer, pushing farther, and exploring without hesitation.
Let’s Take Up Space
The outdoors is not a man cave. It belongs to all of us. And when women take up space in wild places—not just physically, but socially and symbolically—we change the culture.
So go ahead. Plan that solo hike. Join the local trail cleanup. Start a women’s camping group. Invest in gear that respects your body. And when you get to the top of that mountain or the end of that trail, shout it loud:
"We’re here. We belong. And we’re not going anywhere."
Because outdoor adventure is for women, too.
And at ZipHers, we’re with you every step of the way.
Ready to explore? Get 25% off all legwear at ZipHers.com and take $10 off your order with code SPRING2025 at checkout. Let nothing hold you back—not even bathroom breaks.
