Have you heard of Women-Led Wednesday? Much like Small-Business Saturday, it’s an annual holiday that encourages people to shop from and support women-led brands. Check out their website for more information and a directory of some awesome women-led brands.
While the outdoor industry is slowly becoming more inclusive, there are still gaps that need filling. This is especially true for outdoor gear and opportunities for minority groups and women. Thankfully, many women-led brands are helping to fill those gaps and make the outdoors more inclusive for everyone.
The women-led brands on this list are making information more accessible and creating products that make it easier, more comfortable, and more nutritious to adventure outdoors. They’re providing better options for outdoor children's clothing and creating life-changing adventure opportunities for women. These amazing women are breaking down barriers and helping to make the outdoors accessible to all. Let’s celebrate these and other women-led businesses this Women-Led Wednesday, and every other day of the year.
Fridie Outdoors
Whether you’re an avid camper or a hopeful beginner, it’s always nice to have a “guide” to fall back on to make the experience easier and more enjoyable. Thankfully, there’s an app for that, and it can even be accessed in the most remote of locations with no service. The Fridie Outdoors App was created by Lestarya Molloy to keep camping tips and tricks accessible all in one spot. Articles include everything from packing essentials and how to build a fire to spicing up your camp kitchen. She includes tons of tips for families, pulling from her own experiences camping with her 4-year-old. The best part? The app is free to use and access! If you prefer to go offline, they offer the ability to download content in their “Trailblazer” subscription option for just $8.99 a year.
Wee Woollies
When you journey to New Zealand with a new baby in tow, you don’t expect to fall in love with the sheep, but that’s exactly what happened to the creators of Wee Woollies. These aren’t just any sheep though. These Merino sheep provide unbeatable wool in comfort (oh so soft!) and performance. Years later, this family of five continues to craft outdoor apparel that sparks adventure. They also have an unshakable commitment to sustainable and ethical production practices every step of the way: from sheep to product. With its temperature-regulating and moisture-wicking superpowers, these products are great in both hot and cold temps, keeping your kiddos comfortable no matter where their adventures take them.
ButtnSki
If you’ve ever been on a ski lift or ice-cold bleachers during a kid’s sports game, you know that even high-quality outdoor gear can fail at keeping your butt warm. Thankfully, the women behind ButtnSki have a solution: the body-flattering, stretchy, OG fleece shorts. They can be comfortably worn under ski pants, rain pants, waders, etc, and keep your buns toasty warm no matter where your chilly adventure takes you. Their products are free from PFAS and other harmful chemicals, and they are committed to sustainability (read more about that here).
Bug Bite Blaster
Bug Bite Blaster began as an idea and quickly grew into a vision. Michelle, the head of Bug Bite Blaster, wanted to create a product that was not only effective at easing the itch but also safe for little ones (including her own!). She set out to tackle bug bites without the use of chemicals, petroleum, and paraffin, working with scientists to find out how to harness the power of nature effectively. What came of it is a balm that works great on bug bites, but it doesn’t stop there. It’s also effective on plant rashes such as poison oak and ivy, minor burns, eczema, bee and wasp stings minor cuts, and is safe for pets too!
Wild Rye
Here is a company that is truly by women and for women. And when I say women, I mean ALL women including non-binary, femme, and all shapes and sizes. Their goal is to empower women to get out and enjoy the outdoors with beautiful and technical mountain apparel that fits right and looks great. In fact, the founder and CEO of Wild Rye, Cassie Abel, started Women-Led Wednesday back in 2018 to support women-led businesses and encourage conscious consumerism during the holiday season. Check out their holiday gift guides for hand-picked gift ideas for the women on your list this year.
Heather's Choice
Not all trail meals and snacks are created equal (and some are outright junk). The founder of Heather’s Choice, Heather Kelly, wanted to provide the same healthy food choices she made at home in a convenient package you can throw in your adventure pack. They use only wholesome, quality ingredients such as 100% grass-fed bison and organic fruits and vegetables. They also have various allergy-friendly options to satisfy those who are dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, or vegetarian. Trail tip: their Packaroons work well as a guilt-free bribe to get kiddos down the trail on those longer hikes.
Gnara
Women’s outdoor apparel is slowly evolving thanks to companies like Gnara (formerly known as SheFly) and their innovative Go Fly technology. Co-founder Georgia Grace Edwards came up with the idea for the discreet pee zipper while having to trek dangerous terrain and remove multiple layers of clothing to do her business as a glacier guide in Alaska. These pants allow women to discreetly take care of business as easily as their male counterparts, and they also happen to be durable, comfortable, and flattering.
First Peak
First Peak was founded by a mom who craved more durable, sustainable clothes for her adventurous kids. As parents, we know how quickly kids can go through clothing, from rips to stains to stink. All the First Peak products are purpose-built for adventures: they're stain- and odor-resistant, stretchy and comfy, provide full sun coverage, and dry fast. They also happen to be made locally in the Bay Area, in partnership with other women-owned manufacturers, which is a double win for choosing to support this company for Women-Led Wednesday.
Hike Like a Woman
If you’re looking for a life-changing outdoor adventure, check out the excursions from Hike Like a Woman. Led by one of the most inspiring women there is, Rebecca Walsh is a mother, an Army Veteran, a breast cancer survivor, a mountain climber, and an all-around outdoor enthusiast. She’s also one of the most down-to-earth people you will ever meet. She built Hike Like a Woman through various stages of her life, and she now offers excursions for women in places like Iceland, Costa Rica, Southern Utah, Patagonia, and even a trek up Kilimanjaro. If you can’t make it to an excursion, she also hosts virtual summits where you can gain inspiration and hear some incredible stories from women worldwide from the comfort of your own home.
Looking for more women-led brands to support? Check out our post from last year for some amazing mom-led brands we love. Also, check out the Women-Led Wednesday website for an extensive list of women-led brands helping to revolutionize the industry and make it easier for everyone to reap the benefits of time in nature.
