I think folks have done a great job responding! As a woman, let me reiterate several key points:
* a warm enough sleeping bag (nothing ruins a trip faster than shivering all night long!) a blow-up pillow, and a warm hat/jacket for mornings/evenings
* baby-wipe/stream-side hobo baths at the end of the day
* we do a "cocktail hour" before dinner, with some booze and a special food treat. No matter how tough the day may have been, she's going to feel better after a drink and a nibble — I call it my "attitude adjustment"
* no iodine for the water, if she's at all finicky about tastes (I use a Steripen)
* teach her the backcountry skills that will make life easier
* a post-hike treat (whether a great restaurant meal, or a slightly-fancier-than-usual hotel) helps end the whole experience on a high note.
I'm sure you'll have a great time together in that stunning area of the Sierras!
