Cristina wrote:I'm having a lot of trouble finding women-specific gear in this sport. Do you all have ANY recommendations for the following items?
1. TOP and 2. PANTS: Coveralls are great if the cave is muddy and not too warm. They offer good protection and hold in heat well. You can order custom fitting coveralls from some manufacturers, so women can get a good fit that way.
3.BOOTS: rubber boots are nice because they don't dry out and get hard like leather does. Otherwise, deep, agressive tread is best. Cheap boots do a pretty good job. Unisex.
4. PACK: Swaygo, of course. Unisex.
5. HELMET: Get one approved for climbing. Try them on first. They all fit differently. Unisex.
6. HEAD LAMP: Very wide array of options from a few bucks to a few hundred bucks. Carry back-ups. Unisex.
7. KNEE PADS: A necessary evil. They all seem to be uncomfortable, but crawling on rocks without them is awful. Unisex.
8. GLOVES: Just about anything will work, if they fit well. Most gloves are available in sizes for men or women.
There is not much gender specific caving gear out there. Some seat harness, coveralls, and thermal layers are. Once everyone and everything is covered in mud, they all look the same anyway.
Trash bags are something every caver should have in their packs. And bring a complete change of clothes for after the trip.
Thanks for asking. Good luck!