If they were to focus on straight functionality, compaines wouldn't make woman's gear because it would sit on the racks for 3 seasons. sorry to say when you walk into an outdoor retailer, yes the woman's section is just as big as the men's if not bigger, but it is full of casual clothing for travelers and casual use. Men care about durability and function, woman about where else can I wear it and how do I look.
I'm not saying that all women are like this, but i do work i an outdoor retail store, so talking to hundreds of people a day for years these are my personal observations.
and on down jackets to men and women. woman's are always less warm because women want them more fitted and to look less "puffy". believe me I know. its minus 40 up here and I have sold a few coats in my time.
