Women Who Redefined The Outdoors
Celebrating International Women's Day
International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on women's incredible contributions across all areas of life. From history-making leaders to everyday adventurers, women have continually pushed boundaries in the outdoor space – proving for centuries that the wild is as much their playground as anyone else’s. In honor of this day, we celebrate the women who defied expectations, led transformative outdoor events, and pioneered innovative companies.
Pioneers Who Paved The Way
The adventurous women below didn't ask for permission to challenge the status quo – they grabbed their gear, hit the road, and redefined what was possible, showing women for generations to come that the outdoors will always be a space for fearless adventurers.
Alice Ramsey: Paving the Way on the Open Road
In 1909, Alice Ramsey made history as the first woman to drive across the United States. At just 22 years old, she completed a 3,800-mile journey from New York to San Francisco in an era when cars were still relatively new and the roads were primitive. With little support or recognition, Alice’s journey defied social norms, showing the world that women could not only drive but could also take on challenges that were traditionally reserved for men. Read more of her story. Want to learn how to tackle a solo road trip yourself? Check out our recent blog on the topic, featuring Luno’s own Gabriella!
Lynn Hill: Redefining Rock Climbing
Lynn Hill changed the climbing world forever when, in 1993, she became the first person (man or woman) to free climb the Nose of El Capitan in Yosemite — a feat once thought impossible. Her strength, precision, and perseverance not only redefined the sport of rock climbing but also inspired countless women to pursue climbing, demonstrating that the limits of what women can achieve are endless. Read more of her story.
Lael Wilcox: Cycling Across Continents
Lael Wilcox is a powerhouse in the world of ultra-endurance cycling, known for shattering records and breaking barriers for women in the sport. From conquering the grueling Tour Divide—the world’s longest self-supported bike race — to tackling solo rides across the globe, Lael's fearless adventures have challenged the status quo and paved the way for more women to take on big challenges. Her advocacy for female athletes and dedication to equality in cycling continues to inspire women to chase ambitious goals — no matter how far they lead. Most recently, Lael set the record as the fastest woman to bike around the world, covering an astonishing 18,125 miles in just 108 days, 12 hours, and 12 minutes. Read more about her record-breaking moment.
Junko Tabei: Conquering the Seven Summits
Junko Tabei’s name is synonymous with mountaineering achievement. As the first woman to summit Mount Everest in 1975, she shattered glass ceilings for women in extreme sports. But Tabei didn’t stop there—she went on to complete the Seven Summits, climbing the highest peak on each continent. Her commitment to pushing the limits not only made her a legend in mountaineering but also highlighted the importance of environmental conservation—a cause she championed throughout her career. Read more of her story.
Women-Led Event Opportunities
Women-led organizations are creating spaces where women can connect, explore, and inspire each other to embrace their inner adventurers.
Women Who Explore: An inclusive outdoor community that connects women from all backgrounds who share a passion for outdoor adventures. Through local meetups, group trips, and online support, they offer a platform for women to come together, share their experiences, and encourage each other to embrace the outdoors with confidence.
Adventure Women: With 40+ years of leading guided outdoor trips, this company’s expert guides ensure that every adventure is tailored to women’s needs, creating memorable and transformative experiences that leave women feeling strong, capable, and inspired.
She Explores: A community that encourages women to explore their surroundings and embark on outdoor adventures, whether that’s through solo hikes or group events. They host women-specific adventure weekends with hiking trips, camping retreats, and wellness-focused outdoor activities designed to foster a sense of community and self-discovery.
Women-Owned Outdoor Brands Making An Impact
Beyond pushing the world of outdoor sports, women are also leading the way in creating gear, building communities, and making the outdoors a place where everyone belongs.
Wild Rye is a woman-owned outdoor apparel brand that designs functional, stylish clothing for women who are passionate about outdoor adventures. From hiking to skiing, Wild Rye’s gear is made with an emphasis on fit, performance, and sustainability. The company is committed to building a community that supports women in outdoor sports and encourages them to challenge stereotypes and embrace their strength in nature.
Founded by Rue Mapp, Outdoor Afro is a nonprofit organization that celebrates and inspires Black connections to nature. They provide outdoor activities, workshops, and resources to build a stronger, more inclusive outdoor community. Their work also includes advocating for environmental justice and increasing diversity in outdoor recreation.
She Jumps is a nonprofit organization dedicated to encouraging girls and women to explore outdoor sports and embrace their adventurous sides. With programs ranging from ski days to hiking events, She Jumps offers girls and women of all ages the tools and support they need to break barriers and conquer outdoor challenges with confidence.
With a focus on community and inclusivity, Coalition Snow is helping women to rewrite the story of winter sports. They’re committed to creating gear that reflects the strength and individuality of women, empowering riders to conquer the slopes and break barriers in an industry often dominated by men – companies that design skis and snowboards tailored to female riders. Their products are crafted to enhance performance while celebrating diversity in the winter sports community.
Kula Cloth is a women-owned company that has created a game-changing product for outdoor enthusiasts. Their reusable antimicrobial toilet paper alternative is designed for women who want to adventure outdoors while being eco-conscious. This functionality with sustainability offers a practical solution to an often-overlooked aspect of outdoor gear.
Gnara, a women-owned brand, is revolutionizing outdoor apparel with its game-changing patented pee zipper design. These innovative pants offer unmatched convenience and privacy when nature calls. Whether on the trail, in the woods, or anywhere adventure takes you, Gnara empowers women to explore the outdoors with confidence and comfort.
Meet The Inspiring Women of Luno
Sarah: As Luno’s Co-Founder & Chief Brand Officer, she didn’t just dream of making camping more accessible—she did it. One of her proudest moments along the way was winning the 2024 Great Companies International Women Entrepreneur Award. Sarah’s favorite Luno gear is the AIR+FOAM Pro Mattress because comfort should never be compromised while camping!
Ashley: Luno’s Chief of Finance and People grew up camping, fishing, and hiking in the Pacific Northwest, and now she’s passing that love of the outdoors to her kids. There’s a special joy in passing down this knowledge and watching her daughter discover nature, learn to care for the forests, and respect the wild places she explores. Ashley’s favorite Luno gear is the Seatback Organizer - perfect for snacks and coloring supplies for her kids on road trips (or just trips up the road). It’s a permanent staple in her car!
Karolina: A true force of nature, Karolina conquers everything from mountain biking and skiing to rock climbing with fearless energy. At Luno, she’s the driving force behind our social responsibility initiatives—and honestly, we couldn’t dream up a better leader for the job! Karolina’s favorite Luno gear is the Packable Camp Pillow – it’s so comfy that she sometimes sneaks it into her bed at home!
Lucy: Luno’s Customer Success Lead is a trail-running powerhouse who kicks off her day with fresh air and dirt underfoot before diving into the workday. Whether tackling switchbacks at sunrise or tackling customer questions, she’s always going the extra mile.
Megan: Our Industrial Design Intern brings a fresh perspective and creative spark to the team. Growing up in rural Alaska, she honed her outdoor skills from a young age—now she’s helping bring our next-gen camping gear to life, one sketch at a time.
Lillian: This Product Design and Development Associate doesn’t just design for the outdoors—she lives it. When she’s not crafting innovative gear in the office, she’s out chasing adventure on Oregon’s endless trails, making the most of every wild and rugged minute. Favorite Luno gear: Camping String Lights (they bring the vibes to every campout)
Liz: As our Gear and Camp Pro, Liz is the ultimate camping guru, bringing expert knowledge and next-level stoke to the customer success team—making sure every camper’s adventure starts off on the right foot.
Grace: The Shipping and Receiving Specialist keeps things running smoothly—not just at our Bend HQ, but also on the trails. In her free time, she’s a dedicated cross-country runner and a passionate coach, helping kids build confidence and a love for the sport in her local community.
Gabriella: Luno’s Social Media and Content Specialist is a road-tripping pro who turns every journey into a story. Whether she’s crafting epic content or chasing the next great adventure, you can bet there’s always a camera in hand—ready to capture the magic of life on the road. Gabriella’s favorite Luno gear is the new Fitted Comforter Sleeping Bag because it makes her feel warm and cozy as if she were at home while road-tripping for long periods of time.
Honoring Women’s Legacy and Future In The Outdoors
From the first woman to summit mountains to modern-day adventurers breaking trail, the impact of these fearless women is woven into every backroad, peak, and campsite, inspiring every woman who dares to step outside and challenge herself. Their influence stretches beyond the outdoor industry, as their courage and determination have irrevocably changed the world – whether through the bold actions of trailblazers or the powerful work of women-led organizations. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let’s honor these pioneers by sharing their stories, supporting their initiatives, and committing to making the outdoors a safe, welcoming, and empowering space for women of all backgrounds.
Here’s to the past, present, and future of the women in the wild!
