Best Hiking Clothes for Women: What to Wear on the Trail in 2024

Reviewed by Mimi McFadden
Last updated:

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The best hiking clothes for women that will make you feel comfortable and stylish on the trail.

The right women’s hiking clothing can make a huge difference in an overall experience on the trail. 

It’s essential to choose fabrics and gear that move with you, keep you dry, and help you stay at the right temperature. 

The best hiking clothes for women should be comfortable, moisture-wicking, and even stylish (especially with the uptick of hiking dates since 2020!).  

In this article, I’ve tracked down the best hiking clothing for women that’s very functional, comfortable, and fashionable. 

From pants to shirts, sun hats, and hiking boots, these recommendations will help you tackle any hiking adventure head to toe.

Note: this post contains affiliate links, which help run this site at no extra cost to you so I can keep providing free travel advice and tips.

what to wear as women when hiking

Short on Time? Here’s a Quick Look at Our Recommendations

Table of Contents

Best Hiking Pants, Leggings, and Shorts for Women

Prana Halle Straight Pants

Prana Halle Straight Pants

These straight-legged stylish hiking pants from Prana have the look of cute slacks or cigarette-leg pants, making them great hiking pants for curvy or athletic figures. 

But don’t be fooled by how stylish they are. The Zion Stretch fabric, a combination of nylon and spandex, is scratch-resistant, water-repellent, and UV-protected. 

These rain pants also dry quickly, so they’re ready for any kind of weather on the trail. 

The Prana Halle Straight Pants come in six attractive, nature-inspired colors. I’m particularly fond of the Smoky Blue and Earthbound, a warm, brownish-orange.

REI Co-op Savannah Trails Pants

REI Co-op Savannah Trails Pants

Like the Prana pants, these REI Co-op Savannah Trails Pants use a nylon-and-spandex fabric with the same water and UV-repelling qualities. 

What sets these lightweight hiking pants for women apart are their super-deep cargo pockets (so hard to come by in women’s clothing!) and their double-layer knees. 

They come in four color options: black, army green, blaze brown (a mustard yellow), and steller grey.

Arc’teryx Sabria Pant

Arc’teryx Sabria Pant

The Sabria Pants from Arc’teryx are waterproof hiking pants with a sportier look than the first two pairs on this list, but with the same water-resistant, breathable durability. 

These winter hiking pants also feature two deep, mesh, zippered side pockets.

With a four-way stretch fabric and a pull-on waistband, these hiking pants with pockets allow unrestricted movement reminiscent of yoga pants but with a looser fit. 

Kuhl Freeflex Roll-Up Pants

Kuhl Freeflex Roll-Up Pants

The Kuhl Freeflex Roll-Up Pants fit almost like a pair of skinny jeans but way more comfortable. 

Made from a flexible, spandex-free polyester blend, these pants never sag or bunch. In addition to black, they also come in muted teal and muted burgundy.

Side and back pockets with snap flap closures provide many places to stash extra supplies. These pants also roll up into capris for hot hiking days.

Columbia Women’s Saturday Convertible Pants

Columbia Women's Saturday Convertible Pants

If you’re looking for women’s hiking shorts with pockets, you’re in luck. 

The Columbia Saturday Pants zip out from long pants to shorts via zip-off sections, making them some of the best women’s hiking pants for hot weather. 

They’re also some of the best women’s convertible hiking pants in general. 

The nylon and elastane fabric on these pants is soft, lightweight, durable, and protects from all weather conditions. 

They come in 13 different color options, but they all fall within the realm of black, gray, and khaki.

Best Hiking Shirts for Women

Patagonia Capilene

Patagonia Capilene

This long-sleeve Patagonia Capilene shirt is a midweight crew hiking shirt that uses moisture-wicking materials that are both warm and simultaneously lightweight for easy layering. 

An internal diamond-grid structure keeps body heat in. Not only that, but an antimicrobial treatment means that this shirt stays smelling fresh for longer. 

There are also many color options, including some unique patterns. I like the Smokey Violet, which features subtle markings reminiscent of bird flocks.

Columbia Silver Ridge

Columbia Silver Ridge

A long-sleeved button-down can be a fashionable and protective staple for hikers

The Columbia Silver Ridge Lite Long Sleeve Shirt uses a super lightweight, moisture-wicking, quick-dry fabric that provides UV protection. 

Button-fasteners on the sleeves convert them to three-quarter length in hotter weather.

And styling options are nearly endless: this shirt comes in 29 colors, from mint greens and turquoise blues to dark sage and berry red.

Under Armour Tech V-Neck

Under Armour Tech V-Neck

This short-sleeved t-shirt from Under Armour is a super-comfy solid basic. 

The UA tech fabric is moisture-wicking and quick drying with an ultra-soft floaty feel. It’s also loose-fitting and has a four-way stretch, so you’ll never feel constricted in this hiking shirt.

The shirt comes in a flattering v-neck, and – astoundingly – they offer over 80 different color options. You could buy this hiking shirt in every color and never wear another shirt again!  

Columbia Cades Cape Tank

Columbia Cades Cape Tank

If you’re looking for some summer hiking outfits for ladies, a breathable and lightweight tank top is always a good bet. 

The Columbia Cades Cape Tank is a light and floaty 100% cotton tank, which boasts “omni-wick” technology. 

This technology not only wicks moisture but spreads it out across the surface of the shirt so that it dries at lightning speed. 

Although its design is versatile and straightforward, a few unique details set this tank apart. 

It has wide straps, a scoop neck, and a softly curved hem, and there’s a center seam with a flattering slit that runs along the back. 

Icebreaker Tech Lite Crew

Icebreaker Tech Lite Crew

The Tech Lite Crew from Icebreaker is a short-sleeved t-shirt, available only in black. 

It’s as aesthetically simple as it gets, and upon first inspection, it might not seem worth the price tag.

But what may not be immediately apparent at first glance is that this hiking shirt is 100% merino wool jersey knit.

This eco-friendly fiber is naturally moisture-fighting and antimicrobial, which cuts down on sweaty odors. 

Not only that, but this shirt also offers sun protection, and it’s super cozy and comfortable. 

Best Midweight Layers for Women

Arc’teryx Atom LT Hoodie

Arc’teryx Atom LT Hoodie

The insulated Arc’teryx Atom LT Hoodie packs a lot of warmth into a thin, lightweight package. 

Its polyester and elastane outer is both abrasion and wind-resistant and can also repel light rain. 

This hiking hoodie is also breathable and temperature regulating, so you won’t end up overheating on the trail. 

This slim-fitting jacket is as fashionable as it is functional. And, if you’re a color addict like me, there’s good news: it comes in nine colors that range from bright and saturated to muted and neutral.

Fjallraven Fleece Hoodie

Fjallraven Fleece Hoodie

This Fjallraven Fleece Hoodie uses the temperature-regulating warmth of wool blended with the durability of polyester to deliver a cozy, lightweight layer that will keep you comfortable. 

A chin guard keeps icy winds from sneaking down your neck while the hood is up, and zippered pockets on the sides add no extra bulk. 

This fleece comes in three autumnal colors that will have you blending in with the landscape: Autumn Leaf, Deep Forest, and Dark Grey.

Black Diamond Alpenglow

Black Diamond Alpenglow

The Black Diamond Alpenglow Hoodie has got you covered for warmer climates and mild weather. 

This thin, long-sleeved pullover has complete UV protection and can block 71% of infrared rays. 

Advanced mineral-based technology in the fibers also helps regulate the wearer’s temperature. It’s available in either Wild Rose or Blue Ash. 

Best Hiking Jackets for Women

Marmot Gravity Glacier

Marmot Gravity Glacier

If you’re looking for a minimalist, lightweight hiking jacket for women, the Gravity Glacier from Marmot may be a perfect fit. 

This nylon and elastane softshell jacket is wind-proof and water-resistant without being stuffy. 

Zippered handwarmer pockets, as well as a lasered sleeve pocket, provide lots of places to stash your belongings without adding extra bulk. 

Patagonia Down Sweater

Patagonia Down Sweater

For a super warm outer layer, try this Patagonia Down Sweater

This lightweight, quilted down jacket has a recycled ripstop nylon outer that’s filled with ethically-sourced European goose down. 

This goose down makes for a plush and pillowy coat that easily compresses flat in luggage.

And style-wise, the flattering, contoured fit and wide selection of color options means you’ll be looking good as well as feeling good.

Outdoor Research Aspire Gore-Tex Jacket

Outdoor Research Aspire Gore-Tex Jacket

This fully waterproof Outdoor Research Aspire Gore-Tex Jacket has many unique features that distinguish it from other hiking jackets. 

Most notably, this waterproof shell jacket unzips along the sides to convert into a poncho for ventilation. Plus, its carabiner loops hook to backpacks and harnesses, which is a convenient feature. 

It comes in both solid black, solid purple, and three two-tone chevron color block styles. 

Arc’teryx Norvana LT Hoodie

Arc'teryx Norvana LT Hoodie

The Arc’Teryx Norvana LT Hoodie is another waterproof Gore-Tex jacket. 

Unlike competitors, this one also has a layer of Gore-Tex C-Knit, which bonds to the weather-proof outer but provides a Featherlite and super-soft feel against your skin. 

Adjustable elastic bands around the waist, hood, and wrist openings can tighten to lock out any drafty breeze or damp drizzle. 

Although it has a hefty price tag, Arc’Teryx is a dependable brand that makes durable and high-quality products, so you know this jacket will last for years.  

Best Hiking Underwear & Thermals for Women

Ex Officio Give-N-Go Bikini Brief

Ex Officio Give-N-Go Bikini Brief

When you’re hiking, breathable and moisture-wicking underwear is a must-have, and the Ex Officio Give-N-Go Bikini Brief delivers on all fronts. 

Constructed from nylon and lycra mesh that’s durable and lightweight, these hiking panties are odor-resistant and have excellent ventilation. 

They’re available in various colors, and you can buy them individually or as a two-pack.  

New Balance NB Power X Bra

New Balance NB Power X Bra

New Balance is a trusted brand for all things sports, so it’s no wonder that they make excellent sports bras. 

Available in four colors, this New Balance NB Power X Bra uses soft and breathable jersey knit with molded structured cups. 

Padded shoulder straps with an adjustable racerback ensure a perfect and supportive fit, making this a suitable bra for high-impact workouts.

Icebreaker Siren Hipkini Briefs

Icebreaker Siren Hipkini Briefs

The moisture-wicking, odor-reducing, and temperature-regulating qualities of merino wool are ideally suited for a pair of hiking underwear

The Icebreaker Siren Hipkini Briefs combine merino wool with the stretchy flexibility of nylon and spandex so that these briefs won’t pinch or constrict. 

Patagonia Barely Bra

Patagonia Barely Bra

This nylon and elastane blend Patagonia Barely Bra manages moisture and odor while staying super smooth and soft. 

This sports bra is also super cute with a racerback design and attractive color options such as the muted and minty Gypsum Green

Plus, a floral jacquard design is knitted right into the fabric for a subtly feminine edge.

Best Hiking Socks for Women

Darn Tough Bear Town Micro Crew Socks

Darn Tough Bear Town Micro Crew Socks

No list of the best hiking socks would be complete without Darn Tough

As the name suggests, this company makes extremely durable socks that come with a lifetime warranty. 

Light cushioning on the bottom and blister-preventing seamless construction make them just as comfortable as they are durable. 

They’re also odor-resistant, made with a blend of nylon, lycra, and merino wool. On top of all that, the adorable bear design will add some extra flair to your hiking outfit.

Carhartt Merino Wool-Blend Hiking Crew Socks

Carhartt Merino Wool-Blend Hiking Crew Socks

Merino wool hiking socks are simply always a good idea. 

These Carhartt Merino Wool Blend Socks merge merino wool’s antimicrobial and moisture-wicking properties with the structure and flexibility of acrylic, nylon, and polyester. 

These surprisingly affordable socks are nice and thick for hiking in cold weather, and they also offer arch support. 

Best Hiking Gloves for Women

Outdoor Research Flurry Sensor Gloves

Outdoor Research Flurry Sensor Gloves

These warm and snug Outdoor Research Flurry Sensor Gloves have a comfy fleece lining and a wool-blend outer that repels snow. 

Although they do a great job of protecting your hands from the elements, you’ll still be able to use your phone, thanks to touch screen sensors. 

Silicone fingerprints also mean your phone won’t slip out of your hand and down a ravine. 

As a bonus, these gloves also clip together to ensure you won’t lose one when you’re not wearing them.

Looking for more glove options? Read our complete guide to the best heated gloves.

Icebreaker 260 Tech Liner Gloves

Icebreaker 260 Tech Liner Gloves

A glove liner is essentially a thinner glove that you can wear alone or layer under a more heavy-duty glove.

These Icebreaker 260 Tech Liner Gloves are 95% merino wool, with just a touch of lycra to ensure they’ll fit snugly to your hands while remaining flexible. 

Touch-screen compatible fingertips mean you won’t have to pull a glove off to send a text or check your GPS

Best Hiking Hats for Women

Prana La Viva Trucker Hat

Prana La Viva Trucker Hat

A trucker hat or baseball cap helps keep the sun out of your eyes and sensitive skin protected from the heat in warm weather. 

This casual PrAna La Viva Trucker Hat uses a combination of cotton and polyester, with a breathable mesh back. 

A dusty rose-colored brim paired with an understated print of a mountain range sets this hat firmly apart from the flashy trucker hats of the early ’00s, so you can still look chic. 

Tilley Wanderer Hat

Tilley Wanderer Hat

An essential part of any summer hiking clothes collection is a good sun hat, and Tilley hats are a crowd favorite amongst outdoorsy types

They are highly durable and high-quality hats, and the company offers a lifetime guarantee to feel extra confident about your purchase.  

The Tilley Wanderer Hat is headwear fit for a safari, with a wide, curved brim and grommets for ventilation on hot days. 

Wind cords mean it won’t blow off your head on windy days, and if you drop the hat in a lake or stream, don’t worry: it floats in water. It’s available in khaki, olive, or gold. 

Carhartt Beanie

Carhartt Beanie

On chilly, overcast days, when you’re less concerned with shading your face from the sun and more concerned with making sure your ears don’t freeze off, reach for a Carhartt Beanie

You can’t go wrong with the thick, stretchy, acrylic knit-rib fabric. 

Although it’s listed as a men’s beanie, these hats are unisex. And with a wide range of colors to choose from, you’ll be able to find lots of fun hues like Dusk Purple, Fresh Peach, and Pastel Lime.

Best Hiking Accessories for Women

BUFF Adult Midweight Merino Wool

Best Hiking Buff

BUFF Adult Midweight Merino Wool

A buff is a valuable garment for keeping your neck, lower face, and ears protected from the sun on hot days or warm on colder days.

This one uses 100% merino wool to ensure it’ll stay dry and temperature-regulated. It comes in five neutral, heathered colors.

Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles

Best Trekking Poles

Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles

Trekking poles keep you striding confidently down a trail or uneven terrain with a sure footing. 

These lightweight aluminum Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles are super durable with attractive cork grips to prevent sweaty hands and tungsten-carbide tips. 

The set also comes with a handy kit of extras that includes snow and sand baskets, rubber tips, clips, and a carry bag.

Maui Jim Starfish Polarized Sunglasses

Best Sunglasses

Maui Jim Starfish Polarized Sunglasses

Although they’re pricey, these top-rated Maui Jim Starfish Polarized Sunglasses might be the only pair of sunglasses you’ll ever need. 

The nylon frames are incredibly lightweight, and the super-thin glass lenses are polarized to reduce 99% of visible glare. 

And with either brown or rose-colored lenses, these sunglasses are as stylish as they are dependable. 

Arc’Teryx Conveyor Hiking Belt

Arc'Teryx Conveyor Hiking Belt

When you’re hiking, you don’t want to be distracted by having to hike up your pants constantly. 

Arc’Teryx is a go-to brand for high-quality goods made from synthetic materials, and their conveyor hiking belt is no exception.  

Their thick and durable Arc’Teryx Conveyor Hiking Belt has stretchy, textured webbing and comes in three colors: black, yellow, and pink.

Carhartt Adjustable Waist Pack

Carhartt Adjustable Waist Pack

A fanny pack keeps your hands free, your shoulders unencumbered, and your belongings easy to access on the trail. 

The Carhartt Adjustable Waist Pack has a heavy-duty polyester exterior that’s water-repelling and available in either brown, black, camo print, or grey. 

It has three compartments to keep you ultra-organized: a front pocket, the large main pocket, and a smaller mesh compartment for holding credit cards or cash. 

Plus, two gear loops on the outside provide extra space to clip things to. 

Nitecore NU25 360 Lumen Triple Output

Nitecore NU25 360 Lumen Triple Output

You may find yourself hiking after dusk, exploring a cave, or walking to the bathroom in the middle of the night during a camping trip. At times like these, a headlight comes in handy. 

The Nitecore Lumen Triple Output lights up to 88 yards while weighing less than an ounce, and it charges on the go with a USB charging cable. 

The elastic headband comes in either white, black, or gray and features a pattern reminiscent of a topographical map.

Platypus Hoser Hands-Free Hydration System

Platypus Hoser Hands-Free Hydration System

It’s imperative to stay hydrated, especially on a day hike. Hydration is crucial to both your physical health and your mental well-being. 

A hydration bladder keeps a large quantity of water ready, hands-free, and the soft sides cut down on extra weight. 

This Platypus Hoser Hands-Free Hydration System is BPA and phthalate-free and has a self-sealing bite valve. 

It comes in four different sizes ranging from one to three liters and is reasonably priced.

Grayl Ultralight Water Purifier Bottle

Grayl Ultralight Water Purifier Bottle

What distinguishes the Grayl Ultralight Water Purifier Bottle from an average water bottle is the built-in water purifier, which filters out contaminants, pathogens, and even viruses. 

It turns any lake or stream into a water source without the worry of getting sick or catching a parasite.

With this water bottle, you can venture further off the beaten path without having to worry about staying hydrated, as long as you know where the freshwater sources are along the trail.  

Osprey Daylite Plus Pack

Osprey Daylite Plus Pack

A good hiking pack ensures you’ll have everything you need without leaving you with sore shoulder muscles or a jumbled mess where it’s difficult to find things. 

The Osprey Daylite Plus Pack does just that. It features a superior-quality construction of recycled materials and a padded spacer mesh harness. 

It also has a 20 Liter capacity and a padded inner sleeve to stash a hydration bladder or a laptop or tablet. 

Deuter Aircontact Lite

Deuter Aircontact Lite

As a woman, you should choose a backpacking backpack specifically for women.

These high-capacity women’s packs use chest and hip straps to distribute weight away from your back and shoulders in a way that contours with the female body.

The Deuter Aircontact Lite understands this and uses an ergonomic design and aluminum internal structure to offset the weight of its 55-liter gear capacity.

Best Hiking Shoes for Women

Merrell Moab 2 Mid

Merrell Moab 2 Mid

The Merrell Moab 2 Mid Hiking Shoe is a sturdy piece of footwear for hiking with ample ankle and heel support. 

It’s made from genuine suede leather with mesh vents to keep your feet cool and sweat to a minimum. 

In addition, its Vibram sole has a ton of grip for rockier terrain, it’s waterproof, and it comes in a bunch of different two-tone color combinations to choose from.

Note: Our founder, Mimi, swears by these shoes and has taken them all over trails in the Bay Area as well as five days of hiking the Trans-Catalina Trail

Columbia Newton Ridge

Columbia Newton Ridge

The Newton Ridge Hiking Shoes from Columbia are sturdy, high-top hiking boots. 

The shoe’s exterior is made from waterproof leather and mesh with a seam-sealed membrane to make sure there will be no leaks as you stomp across streams and creeks. 

The cushioned midsole provides comfort and support, while the rubber sole offers excellent traction. 

This is a good alternative shoe to the Merrell Moab 2 Mid if you’re looking for something more budget-friendly. 

Keen Steen’s Vent Hiking Shoe

Keen Steen's Vent Hiking Shoe

Keen Steen’s Hiking Shoes are sturdy and dependable low-top hiking shoes with ample arch support. 

The rubber soles have excellent traction meant for all terrains, so they’re shoes that you can wear hiking, rock climbing, or running. 

They come in two colors: black with pink accents or brown with blue accents.

Allbirds Trail Runners

Allbirds Trail Runners

It’s no secret that Allbirds is a leading brand for sporty and comfortable wool shoes, and you can’t go wrong with a pair of Allbirds Trail Runners. 

These trail running shoes use 100% environmentally-friendly materials like merino wool, eucalyptus fiber, and sugarcane foam, and they’re naturally breathable and odor-reducing. 

Teva Hurricane XLT2 Sandals

Teva Hurricane XLT2 Sandals

Teva is a tried-and-true brand that makes comfortable, durable, and supportive sandals for hiking

And the Teva Hurricane XLT2 Sandals don’t disappoint with their supportive nature, comfort, and fast-drying capabilities. 

These Tevas are our number one pick for hiking sandals for women if you’re looking for something sturdy, lightweight, and stylish.

Types of Women’s Hiking Clothes

Types of Women's hiking clothes

The Essentials: Pants, shirts, and undergarments

You probably wear most of these garments daily. However, your everyday clothes might not have the same requirements that you’ll want your hiking and backpacking clothes to have. 

When you’re hiking, everything you wear against your skin should be breathable and have properties that wick away sweat to keep you cool and dry. 

You also want these garments to be lightweight, so they won’t drag you down, and it’s also good to look for UV sun protection whenever possible.  

Layers

If you’re hiking in cold weather or starting early, you’ll want to bundle up with hoodies and jackets that keep your body heat in without adding too much bulk. 

Once you heat up, you’ll likely strip these off (unless it’s freezing out), so make sure these are lightweight since you’ll need to carry them for the duration of the hike. 

Hats

In warm weather, you’ll want a hat with a brim to protect you from the sun’s damaging rays. 

In cold weather, a cozy knit cap helps to keep the rest of your body warmer. Whether going on a summer hike or venturing out in cool weather, a hat is an essential clothing item.

How to Layer Your Clothes on the Trail

How to Layer your clothes on the trail

When hiking in cold weather or chilly mornings or evenings, it’s best to layer up. 

Wearing a thin mid-layer like a fleece hoodie under a lightweight and warm insulating jacket is preferable to throwing on a heavy coat. 

When you’re moving at a brisk pace, you don’t want anything heavy on your body. And once you get moving, you may find yourself heating up and wanting to shed layers.

A thin pair of exercise tights underneath lightweight nylon hiking pants will keep you warm and toasty while giving you more flexibility of movement than wearing a pair of thick jeans.

The most important thing to keep in mind when you’re layering is to choose breathable pieces that are lightweight and packable when they’re not in use.  

What to Look for in Women’s Hiking Clothes

What to look for in hiking clothes for women

Temperatures can shift dramatically during a day hike in a variety of ways. 

Your body heat naturally rises as you exercise, or you may travel through a profound change in elevation if you’re hiking in the mountains. 

If you’re headed out on an all-day hike, you might start on a brisk, misty morning, but by noon the sun is beating down. 

That’s why the best hiking clothes for women use fabrics and materials that help you stay warm while regulating your temperature and helping sweat dissipate quickly. 

The best hiking clothes for hot weather are light, soft, and breathable, with cooling moisture-controlling properties and UV protection.

Merino wool is an excellent material that possesses a lot of these qualities naturally. There are also plenty of synthetic materials that regulate temperature and wick away moisture.

For your base layer, you’ll want to look for moisture-wicking fabrics that have some give or some stretch while remaining lightweight. 

For outer layers, look for waterproof materials such as Gore-Tex to keep you dry even if it starts to drizzle on your hike. 

Down jackets are also a great choice in cold weather climates because they’re lightweight but super comfy and warm.

What to Not Wear When Hiking

What to not wear hiking
This was a short trail around Bodega Head so jeans were okay, but I generally recommend not wearing jeans while hiking.

While some clothing items are obviously unsuitable for hiking, such as flouncy skirts and snaggable stockings, others may not be as obvious.

A good pair of comfy and warm jeans might seem like the right thing to wear when you’re heading to the wilderness. 

However, if those jeans are constrictive and limit the movement of your legs, they might not be the best choice for a hiking trip. 

And, just in general, jeans are probably the least breathable type of clothing you could wear, so not a good fit for the trail.  

If you’re heading out on a chilly morning, you might be tempted to pull on a thick, cable-knit sweater. 

But even if the outside temperature doesn’t climb much during the day, your own temperature will as you exercise. 

A thick sweater is going to get hot and uncomfortable reasonably quickly and they’re often bulky to carry. 

Lastly, always make sure you’re wearing good shoes with ankle support. A regular pair of sneakers might not cut it for long hikes or rugged terrain. 

Rocky trails can be uneven, and your feet are your most important allies on the trail. 

As someone with lifelong foot issues, I can tell you: the wrong pair of shoes will detract from your good time and may land you with ongoing pain after your hike ends.

Tips for Looking More Fashionable While Hiking

Tips for looking more fashionable while hiking

Just because you’re heading to the great outdoors doesn’t mean you can’t also look stylish. 

Even if your focus is on enjoying the beauty of the world around you, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to feel beautiful as well. 

Flattering and fashionable hiking clothes can help us feel good in our skin.

The first key to looking fashionable is finding cuts that flatter your body shape. The right fit makes all the difference. 

You might look and feel your best in garments fitted around the waist and hips. Or you might prefer things to be loose in the midsection. Go with your gut and what makes you feel the most comfortable. 

You’ll also want to look for lightweight, breathable fabrics that retain warmth without being too physically thick. 

This is partly for comfort and ease in movement, but you’re also going to look more put-together in layers of thin clothing instead of thick and bulky outfits.

Color is also a key ingredient. Many of the pieces I’ve recommended on this list come in a wide range of fun colors. 

Think about putting together a color palette that goes together and which contrasts against the natural setting you’ll be hiking in. 

You can wear full hiking gear that’s in shades of pastel or you can stick to rich and earthy tones. You can even go monochromatic in a sleek, all-black fit. 

Your style will determine your color choices, but it’s essential to consider colors as you put together your hiking outfit.

Best Time to Buy Women’s Hiking Gear

Best time to buy women's hiking gear

Hiking clothes for women are generally not cheap. Fabrics that are insulated and feather-light are usually higher quality, which means they come with a higher price tag. 

Luckily, sales happen year-round for hiking clothing, and it’s possible to find excellent hiking gear at a discount.

REI, for example, has several seasonal clearance sales. 

From mid-January until Early February, look for their winter clearance discounts. In late June, REI usually begin a 4th of July sale, and then in late August, they have an annual Labor Day sale. 

The wind-up to the holidays starts in Mid-November and reaches a crescendo just after Thanksgiving with their Cyber Monday sale (they don’t participate in Black Friday and instead have an #optoutside campaign). 

And they usually have a holiday clearance sale at the end of December post-Christmas as well.

In addition to these seasonal sales, REI also offers member coupon sales in late March, mid-May, and mid-November.

All of these sales offer plenty of opportunities throughout the year to snag some great hiking clothes for women at affordable prices.

What are the Best Hiking Brands for Women?

what are the best hiking brands for women

Getting familiar with brands you can trust helps take some of the worries out of making a big purchase. 

If you know you can look to a brand for quality and durability, you can feel more confident spending money on women’s hiking apparel. 

These are our favorite companies that make some of the best hiking clothes for women. 

Outdoor Research

You’ve probably noticed that Outdoor Research appears many times on the list, and that’s because they make a wide range of quality products, from gloves to outerwear.

Arc’Teryx

Arc’Teryx is a go-to brand when you’re looking for high-quality garments made from synthetic materials, such as waterproof jackets and super-stretchy base layers. They’re not cheap, but they have some of the highest quality product. 

Patagonia

Patagonia is a longstanding leading brand for all things hiking and the great outdoors. Their hiking clothes for women are both durable and fashionable.

Ice Breaker

Merino wool is an excellent material for hiking clothing, and Ice Breaker has you covered when it comes to hiking gear that uses this natural fiber.

REI

REI is a go-to brand for finding a variety of quality outdoor gear, including hiking clothes. They sell the top hiking brands (mentioned above) online at at their stores, and also have their own brand of REI Co-op gear that features some great budget alternatives. 

Where to Buy Women’s Hiking Gear

Where to buy women's hiking gear

If you’re looking for affordable women’s hiking apparel, it’s essential to know where to look. 

REI should be your go-to store when you’re in the market for hiking gear and hiking apparel for women. 

They have brick-and-mortar locations, so you can go try on things in person and feel the textures of the fabrics. 

Or, if you’re short on time and prefer to shop online, REI’s website is a treasure trove of products.

The REI outlet website also has some great options, although there’s less reliability about what will be in stock, as all of their inventory is end-of-season.

It can also be a great idea to go directly to the source. If there’s a brand that you know you like, you can buy it directly from the brand’s website. 

Some companies, like Allbirds, aren’t available via a third party, so you have to head to their site to purchase anything. 

And, of course, there’s always Amazon if all else fails, where you can find a lot of the top hiking brands as well. 


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Elina Ansary

Elina Ansary

Elina Ansary is a visual artist, writer, teacher, and avid traveler who grew up in San Francisco, CA. Elina’s offbeat, colorful sense of style has been a mode of self-expression for as long as she can remember. Shopping at thrift stores is a favorite pastime, and shopping online is her addiction. When she isn’t writing and editing for The Atlas Heart, Elina is pursuing a Master’s degree in Visual Art at Cornell University and splits her time between Ithaca and Brooklyn.


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Hi, I'm Mimi! I'm an outdoorsy Californian who has spent over 28 years immersed in the incredible natural beauty that California has to offer. My goal is to inspire others to get out and find their next adventure in California. Whether it’s escaping to an alpine lake in the Sierras, finding peace among the giant redwoods, or road tripping down the PCH, there’s always more to explore in this beautiful state.

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