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In the world of outdoor apparel, design has long been tailored around a “universal fit” that often neglects the specific needs of half the population. But in recent years, that dynamic has begun to shift, and one company at the forefront of that evolution is GNARA. With its GoThere Shorts and patented GoFly technology, GNARA is offering not just a new product—but a new standard for functional freedom on the trail
A Design Rooted in Real Needs
Outdoor women know the challenges. Whether deep in a backcountry trail or halfway through a multi-pitch climb, the simple act of relieving oneself can turn into a logistical challenge—one that often involves privacy concerns, discomfort, or exposure to the elements.
GNARA’s GoThere Shorts answer that call with a deceptively simple but ingenious design. The product integrates a GoFly zipper system—a discreet, double-layered zipper fly that extends from the front waistband, under the crotch, and toward the back. This allows women to relieve themselves without needing to remove layers or expose themselves unnecessarily.
The GoFly system is a patented innovation (U.S. Patent No. US11297878B2), and it’s the core of GNARA’s mission to put comfort, functionality, and dignity at the center of women’s outdoor apparel.
How It Works
Unlike traditional zipper placements in men’s hiking shorts, which are vertically aligned and function within the context of male anatomy, GNARA’s GoFly system repositions access points in a way that works with the body—not against it.
The two-way zipper is nested beneath a flexible panel of overlapping fabric that keeps the design weather-resistant and discreet. Importantly, the shorts are structured to maintain mobility and ventilation while preserving modesty. For climbers, trekkers, or backcountry skiers—where time, space, and privacy are limited—the design reduces risk, increases comfort, and cuts down on wasted time.
According to GNARA’s own consumer feedback data shared in early 2025, over 90% of users surveyed reported that the GoFly feature made their outdoor experience significantly more convenient, especially on trips lasting more than six hours. (Source: GNARA customer survey, Q1 2025.)
Journalistic Perspective: A Shift Toward Inclusion
From a journalistic standpoint, what makes GNARA’s approach notable isn’t just the technical execution—it’s the underlying message. The GoThere Shorts are part of a broader conversation around gender equity in gear design, a topic that’s gained traction in outdoor circles over the past decade.
Historically, female adventurers have had to adapt to gear designed for male bodies. That meant oversized packs, ill-fitting harnesses, and awkward layering systems that added unnecessary complications to already challenging environments. GNARA’s decision to start with a problem experienced almost exclusively by women—and solve it with both innovation and style—signals a shift in how the outdoor industry is listening to its consumers.
“It’s not just a product,” says Sarah T., a trail guide and environmental educator based in Arizona. “It’s a form of recognition. It tells women, ‘We see you. We’re designing with you in mind.’ That matters.”
Beyond the Product: A New Standard for Outdoor Apparel
While the GoThere Shorts are currently GNARA’s flagship product, their impact is reaching beyond a single item. The brand’s rise has sparked a wave of dialogue about what inclusive design really means in outdoor gear.
At recent outdoor expos, GNARA’s booth has seen long lines and lively conversations, not just about shorts, but about what else might come next: adaptive layering for different body types, gear that supports menstruation on long treks, or pack frames designed around different hip-to-torso ratios.
The success of GNARA proves that practical innovation is as much about asking the right questions as it is about engineering the right answers. And in the process, it’s expanding the definition of who gets to feel truly at home in the outdoors.
Final Thoughts
In the wilderness, every ounce matters. Every design feature has to justify its presence. By addressing a need long overlooked, GNARA’s GoThere Shorts demonstrate how the right idea—backed by thoughtful engineering and a clear purpose—can create not just a better product, but a more welcoming path forward.
As more brands consider how to make the outdoors more inclusive, GNARA is proving that progress doesn’t have to come at the cost of performance. Sometimes, it just takes a zipper in the right place.
