6 Gifts for Mountain Biking Women

November 24, 2015

by Lydia Tanner

Just because it’s getting chilly doesn’t mean you have to hang up the bike. Careful layering and the right gear will extend your season so you’ll be biking long after your friends have switched to skiing. Check out these offerings for the extreme (or extremely crazy) cyclist in your life.

Pearl Izumi MTB WRX Jacket

Pearl Izumi MTB WRX Jacket When conditions go south, you want and need the best protection available—but a good bike jacket can be tough to find. A normal rain jacket will ride up, flap in the wind and probably lack the ventilation you need. Enter the WRX Jacket from Pearl Izumi, which features their proprietary MTB fabric for unrivaled packability, abrasion resistance and defense from the elements. Clever add-ons like the extended back, visor-compatible hood and passive underarm ventilation mean this is one piece you’ll want to keep in your pack.

Best For: Staying cheerful in truly nasty conditions.

Icebreaker Quantum Glove Liners

Icebreaker Quantum Glove Starting at: $23.75

Made from nature’s wonder fiber, these merino gloves feature just a hint of lycra to keep ‘em from getting saggy after a couple wears. Wear them alone or under a bigger mitt; they’ll keep your hands warm even if they get wet. Merino is naturally stink-resistant, and rubber grips on the palm mean you’ll still be able to open the door to get outside, regardless of how chilly it gets.

Best For: Keeping your fingers warm even if things get sloppy.

Pearl Izumi Transfer Wool SS Base Layer

A good base layer helps regulate your temperature by wicking moisture directly away from the skin. This piece features high-ventilation polyester panels on the back and underarms, and soft, light merino wool everywhere else to ensure that you’re never too hot or too cold. Cut for riding with specially articulated shoulders and a longer torso, you’ll notice that the Transfer feels most natural when you’re in the saddle. Best of all, merino doesn’t hold odors, so you can wear it for a couple rides before washing.

Best For: Keeping your core warm when everything else gets cold.

Pearl Izumi Launch Thermal Jersey

Pearl Izumi Launch Thermal Jersey - Women's Some of the best rides are the ones that happen when everyone else is snuggled up by the fire— and thanks to this cozy thermal jersey, you’ll feel like you are, too. Soft fleece backer feels like a sweatshirt, and ventilated face fabric helps with moisture transfer. Don’t expect it to breathe like a jersey though— this piece is definitely intended for the coldest of cold days, when sweating is the least of your worries. A versatile, basic cut means you can take it on chilly days running, hiking and skiing as well.

Best For: Ladies who run cold.

Pearl Izumi Launch Capri

With articulated knees and water-beading DWR treatment, the Launch Capri is a perfect piece for those days when you want a little more coverage but don’t want to go full spandex. Pull them on over your favorite chamois and you’ll get protection from the elements in a flattering, trail-styled capri. A wide waistband flatters a wide range of body types and eliminates that dreaded gap-in-the-back. Stash your phone and some coffee cash in the convenient zippered leg pocket and get rolling!

Best For: Staying fresh, even when the track gets muddy.

CamelBak Women’s L.U.X.E. NV

CamelBak L.U.X.E. NV

If you’re still hauling around a sweat-drenched backpack with water bottles in the side pockets, consider upgrading to the thoughtfully designed L.U.X.E. NV, which is packed with features you didn’t know you needed. An external pocket has dividers for all your tools, and the internal one is large enough for a couple layers and a snack. You get a tiny pocket for your sunglasses, easy access to the bladder and a couple of hip pockets for easy access to your phone or keys. Add the magnetized bite valve, which won’t flap or leak, and you’ve got Active Junky’s favorite high-volume MTB hydration pack.

Best For: Peace of mind and comfort on the trail.