Women's caving kit

[thehungrytroglobite]

Was wondering if anyone knew of any places to get good caving kit made for female bodies. Trying to find a new oversuit, just tried on a Landjoff which fit well apart from the shoulders which were EXTREMELY big, loads of excess fabric and uncomfortable as they were clearly made for me. Moreover I'm a fairly average sized woman and this was their smallest size, so no idea what smaller women would do. Alp Design I tried on and again, for the size that fit my waist it was way too long - again, I am a completely average size and weight for my height so not sure why the expect me to be the same width but so much taller - that would be below average size. AV have always done me well so I'll stick to them for now.

Gloves are another challenge, it's almost impossible to find gloves that fit my hands. As most caving gloves are industry ones they are made for men, and there are only a very small number that go down to my size - my options are severely limited.

Just bought a children's helmet as well, though at least it fits!

We've come a long way in terms of clothing for women in caving as well as outdoor sports in general, but there is still a long way to go.

 

[Beardy]

I use some Showa gloves and have recommended them to friends before - some of these were ladies with small hands
(Showa 377 are my fave)
they come in a wide range of sizes
see https://www.showagroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Size-Guide.pdf

You can occasionally get a job lot on ebay at a sensible price

 

[davel]

... Gloves are another challenge, it's almost impossible to find gloves that fit my hands. As most caving gloves are industry ones they are made for men, and there are only a very small number that go down to my size - my options are severely limited.

I've got small hands for a man and I find the Showa 306 medium a good fit for me. They seem reasonably tough but very flexible so I don't need to take them off for rigging etc.

Dave

 

[pwhole]

Try the Contour Avenger gloves by Tornado - they're amazing, and go down to a size 6, so should even fit children at that size - I use a 10. They're quite a tight fit and feel thin, but are very tough, and perfect for fiddly stuff like doing up maillons on a big pitch - I never have to take them off. I usually get ten or more trips out of one pair, and I do a lot of gnarly stuff.

https://tornadogloves.com/gloves/contour-avenger

 

[Ian Ball]

Would a custom made suit by landjoff or other be out the question?

 

[thehungrytroglobite]

I am a size 6 glove size! I have found some Showa ones that go down to that - the ones I currently have are Showa and are amazing, on account of being the first ones I've ever had that don't have loads of space at the tips and get caught in SRT stuff etc. Unfortunately a lot of Showa stuff doesn't go down to Size 6, especially the warmer stuff, so I don't have much choice and can't have nice industrial fleece lined gloves like my partner can.

I'll enquire about custom suits.

 

[JoshW]

Would a custom made suit by landjoff or other be out the question?

Warmbac also do custom stuff I think (or at least have historically)

 

[Fjell]

My wife got a female AV suit which was the right shape. She then shortened the legs a bit. Got it from Starless River. It’s the only piece of kit which is normally an issue. She uses some neoprene diving gloves which fit fine, but are not exactly cheap to wear out regularly. But then arthritis is not to be recommended either.

 

[Babyhagrid]

Warmbac also do custom stuff I think (or at least have historically)

My warmbac was custom made last autumn. (Just the limb and torso length changing). Not sure if the shoulders and hips can be as easily changed.

 

[mikem]

AV have also done custom in the past. Very few people actually fit any of the standard sizes, as they have to be a "bit bigger" in all directions to fit maximum number of customers (unfortunately cavers are a tiny market)

 

[LadyMud]

At least with the AV suits, they make women's specific versions.
And even better, as well as the standard fit, there's a long torso version.

Unfortunately even the longer version doesn't quite fit me, but I know a simple trick to make the body longer (and the legs shorter).

 

[LadyMud]

Depending on the type of caving you do, the separate Taka jacket and Fornocal trousers might work better than a normal oversuit.

 

[thehungrytroglobite]

At least with the AV suits, they make women's specific versions.
And even better, as well as the standard fit, there's a long torso version.

Unfortunately even the longer version doesn't quite fit me, but I know a simple trick to make the body longer (and the legs shorter).

Agreed! The AV women's ones are the only ones I've found that remotely fit me 😂

 

[thehungrytroglobite]

Depending on the type of caving you do, the separate Taka jacket and Fornocal trousers might work better than a normal oversuit.

I do have the trousers, which I don't use that often but find great for protecting my wetsuit if I'm caving abroad or canyoning

 

[Fred]

Can't comment on them quality / robustness wise but Ejendals gloves all seem to be available in size 6 and they do quite a range including thermal ones. Viewable on Safety Gloves, where it's recommended to buy a size larger than normal as they are a snug fit!

 

[thehungrytroglobite]

Can't comment on them quality / robustness wise but Ejendals gloves all seem to be available in size 6 and they do quite a range including thermal ones. Viewable on Safety Gloves, where it's recommended to buy a size larger than normal as they are a snug fit!

thank you these look great!

 

[Vkocher]

Think we need someone to start making women's caving gear! I am small so yes things can be a challenge but we need gear for all shapes and sizes!