I think this subject is huge.
Even if a separate thread was started for women GEAR and other one for the CONCERNS, each will be fairly big thread.

Anyway, regarding gear, I hope the ladies find this video useful.

http://www.youtube.com/user/watuwaitn4#p/u/34/qjdQmKJ-aRc

Re: concerns, I once heard or read that women in thier period time should be real careful in the wilderness as animals (bears) can detect the smell.

It is something I came across in the net. I don't know if it is true. Maybe the experts can address this thought ... although I immediately thought of many women living in the woods and this hasn't become an issue.