What to Wear Hiking: A Women’s Guide to Outdoor Apparel

One of the most common questions I get about spending time outside is what to wear hiking. What do you need to wear to stay comfortable, dry, and safe on the trail?

Technically, hiking doesn’t require any special clothing. If you are new to hiking and starting out on short, simple trails, I recommend just dressing in the clothes that you already have. The key is to dress in layers, though, so you can add or subtract clothing as your temperature changes.

Once you start to advance to more challenging conditions and terrain, however, your hiking outfit can be the difference between having fun and being uncomfortable (and possibly unsafe) – whether that be too hot, too cold, or too wet.

I have a lot of experience hiking and backpacking and in this post, I share tips on how to dress for hikes plus some of my favorite hiking clothes that I wear time and again.

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3 Quick Tips on What to Wear Hiking

1. Dress in layers

Dressing in layers is one of the best things you can do when gearing up for a hike. Layering your clothes makes it easy to add or shed pieces depending on temperature changes or how strenuous the hike is.

Layering your top half

Most of our heat is generated from our core, so it’s important to layer our top half based on the temperatures and conditions. Here is how I think about layering up when I head out for a hike. I’ll recommend my specific products

• Closest to my body: I wear a lightweight, moisture-wicking tee or long-sleeve shirt closest to my skin. I usually opt for long-sleeves to provide sun protection.
• Mid-layer: Next, I’ll add a heavier-weight, breathable layer that I can throw on if it gets chilly.
• Outer layer: Depending on the hiking environment, I’ll pack a weather-resistant layer in case the weather turns gnarly.

Layering your bottom half

Depending on how cold or rainy it is, you may or may not need to layer your bottom half. I like to hike in leggings, so those are typically my next-to-skin layer. If it’s rainy, I’ll wear some lightweight rain pants over them and if it’s cold, I’ll swap my leggings for some thermal tights.

If you’ll be hiking in winter, be sure to check out my tips on cold-weather layering basics.

2. Choose synthetic materials

Ideally, hiking clothes should be made of moisture-wicking materials that are quick-drying. Cotton is not a good choice for hiking because it doesn’t dry quickly and can leave you feeling chilled when wet.

Synthetic materials like nylon and polyester (ideally made from recycled materials) are better choices because they are breathable and effectively wick away moisture from your body.

3. Dress for different seasons

What you choose to wear hiking should change based on the season.

• For summer hiking, it’s really important to protect your skin from the hot sun.
• Hiking in the fall and spring may mean dressing for cooler and wet conditions.
• Winter hiking will require more warm layers and insulated gear.

Hiking Shirts & Tops

As I mentioned above, most of our heat is generated and regulated in our core, so it’s important to choose our hiking shirts and tops carefully.

When I’m shopping for new hiking tops I make sure that they are:

• Moisture-wicking
• Made from synthetic materials (no cotton)
• Lightweight and breathable

Moisture-Wicking Hiking Tee

For hiking, I like to have a few moisture-wicking, breathable short-sleeved tees and the Patagonia Cool Capilene T-Shirt is my favorite. The Patagonia Cool Capilene shirt is also available as a long-sleeved and hooded option, which is typically what I choose for summer hiking in order to protect my skin.

It’s made from a lightweight, moisture-wicking material, so it keeps me dry and cool no matter the day. I also love that it’s designed with a basic cut and doesn’t cling to my body.

I have these tees in several colors and pretty much live in them during summer. Also, since I travel in my camper, I look for hiking shirts that can be worn several times before they need to be washed, and these shirts meet the mark.

For more summer hiking shirt options, check out my post on my favorite UPF sun protection shirts.

Mid-Weight Long Sleeve Layer

As I talked about in the first section, layering clothes is important to stay warm in changing conditions. If the weather takes a turn for the worse or you’re out longer than you think you’ll be and the temperatures start to drop, you’ll be happy to have a midweight baselayer with you.

One of my go-to choices for a mid-weight hiking base layer is the Patagonia RI. Maybe you’re seeing a trend here, but I like Patagonia apparel because of their environmentally friendly practices.

This mid-layer jacket is warm, yet breathes well and because of how small it packs down, I almost always bring this hiking and backpacking. I also wear it to bed on camping trips.

Hiking Jackets

Whether you choose a heavier insulated jacket or a lighter-weight jacket for your hike depends on the season and the climate you are hiking in. It’s best to err on the side of caution if you are hiking in the mountains, as weather can change quickly.

Here are my top picks for hiking jackets:

• Arc’teryx Kyanite Fleece Hoodie: If I need a lighter jacket as a “just in case”, the Arc’teryx Kyanite Fleece Hoodie is my go-to. I took this jacket with me to Italy and was really impressed with how it performed on cooler hikes. I layered it on top of my Patagonia Capilene shirt (see above) and it was perfect for cooler temps. This jacket is a bit bulkier than other lightweight jackets, but it breathes well so if you have the right layers on underneath, you should be comfortable wearing it throughout your hike.
• Patagonia Nanopuff: If I’m hiking at altitude and need a warmer outer layer, I bring my Patagonia Nanopuff. It’s a lightweight yet warm jacket with synthetic insulation that is good at cutting wind. I opt for the hooded version so I can keep my head warm if the weather gets nasty. Read my Patagonia Nanopuff review for more thoughts on this jacket.
• Patagonia Houdini: If you just need a lightweight windbreaker, the Patagonia Houdini is hands down the best lightweight windbreaker I’ve tried. This jacket is made for warmer weather where you want some protection from wind or bugs (or even the sun). The Houdini only weighs 3.4 ounces, so it’s really a no-brainer to throw in your pack if you’re hiking in an exposed area.

Women’s Hiking Shorts

Any old shorts will do for hiking as long as they are comfortable. I personally like hiking in spandex/yoga shorts or loose shorts with an elastic waistband since these provide the most mobility. I much prefer shorts with pockets so I can keep my phone or other small essentials handy.

I also like all my hiking shorts to be a dark color since you often sit on rocks or the ground when you take breaks, and darker colors don’t get as dirty.

• Free Fly Pull-on Breeze Shorts: If you’re not a big fan of hiking in spandex or are looking for shorts that are more versatile, I love all of my Free Fly shorts. These have an elastic waistband for comfort, and the shorts are loose-fitting but not baggy or saggy. The material dries quickly, whether they are wet from a swim or stream crossing.
• REI Trailmade Shorts: These are budget-friendly hiking shorts. My favorite feature is the 6 spacious pockets! The elastic waistband doesn’t dig, and they are water resistant too.

Women’s Hiking Pants

Women’s Hiking Leggings

If I’m hiking up high in the mountains, even in summer, I’ll often wear pants instead of shorts. The temperatures can be way colder at the summit vs at the trailhead, and wearing pants ensures I don’t get chilly as I climb. Pants are also better if there are bugs or if the trail is overgrown. Here are a couple pairs of pants I really like for summer hiking.

• lululemon Wunder Train High Rise 25″ tights: These leggings are great for warmer days, as they are breathable, and I don’t get too hot wearing them. They come in lots of fun colors (I personally prefer darker colors since they don’t show dirt as easily), and they also have a pocket large enough to carry your phone. The ones in the photo below are the 25″ length, but they also come in a 28″ length if you’d prefer them to cover your entire ankle). These are high-waisted and hit me just above the belly button, and the waistband doesn’t roll over when you move (which is a huge pet peeve of mine with leggings).
• Mountain Hardwear Dynama Pants: These are stretchy, lightweight, and extremely comfy and can be worn on the trail or around town. I like the ankle version because they are a little cooler, but they also come in a full-length version. I love the elastic waistband which doesn’t dig at all as you hike, and the loose fit means the pants breathe quite well. They also have deep pockets that can easily fit your phone.

Hiking Rain Gear

Should you bring a rain jacket on every hike? It’s important to know that the weather in the mountains can be unpredictable and you need to be prepared. Getting wet can not only be uncomfortable, but it can also be dangerous.

However, this doesn’t mean I bring a rain jacket on 100% of my hikes. I look at the forecast for the area I’m hiking in. If there is 0% chance of rain and I’m going on a short hike, then I will likely leave my rain jacket at home.

Now if I’m hiking at elevation, planning to summit a peak, or the trail is exposed and above the treeline, then it’s always a good idea to pack a rain jacket just in case.

Here are the rain layers I pack when necessary. See my tips for hiking in the rain and my favorite women’s rain jackets for more recommendations.

• REI Co-op Women’s Rainier Rain Jacket: This is a lightweight (and budget-friendly) rain jacket that will keep you dry if you end up hiking in the rain.
• Arc’teryx Beta SL Rain Jacket: This rain jacket is designed for the heaviest of downpours. It might be overkill for a summer hike in a mild climate, but if you want to invest in a rain jacket that can perform in the worst conditions, this is what I use. It’s got a fully adjustable hood, huge arm pit vents, and packs down into its own pocket. See my full Arc’teryx Beta SL Rain Jacket review here.
• REI Co-op Rainier Rain Pants: I don’t typically pack rain pants on day hikes unless the forecast predicts a decent amount of rain. These budget-friendly rain pants are great because they are full zip, so you don’t have to take your boots off to get the pants on.

Hiking Undergarments

Choosing the right sports bra and underwear can make you a lot more comfortable. Here is what I typically wear on my hikes.

• Nike Swoosh Bra: Any sports bra that you can move comfortably and feel supported in will work well for hiking. I personally prefer ones that aren’t too strappy since they are easier to put on. I also avoid padding which makes me hot and underwire that digs. My favorite sports bra is the Nike Swoosh. I’m a 36D, and while it’s not supportive enough for running, it’s great for hiking. It’s got a simple design, wicks sweat, and can double as a bathing suit when you stumble on that perfect swimming hole.
• lululemon Invisiwear Midrise Boy Short: Quick-dry undies are essential for staying cool, dry, odor-free, and clean on the trail. After testing out dozens of different outdoor underwear, my favorites are these lululemon boy shorts. Being seamless, they don’t result in visible underwear lines, they breathe well, and generally stay put.

Hiking Footwear

Footwear is arguably one of – if not the most – important gear decisions for hiking. It’s essential to have a good pair of sturdy and comfortable hiking shoes with good traction, along with quality socks that can help prevent blisters.

Cotton socks aren’t great on the trail because they slide around and are infamous for causing blisters. Many hiking socks are made with wool which actually helps reduce sweating and keeps the sock snug against your foot to prevent unwanted rubbing.

Here is my go-to footwear for hiking in summer. For more recommendations see my post on the best women’s hiking boots.

• Oboz Katabatic LT Hiking Shoes: I’ve worn these Oboz Katabatic hiking shoes more than anything else while hiking lately. They are so much lighter than traditional hiking boots, while providing great traction and support. I mainly use the low ankle and non-waterproof version for warm summer hikes, but I also have the mid-ankle, waterproof version for burlier mountain hikes where I’m carrying a heavier load. For more thoughts, read my detailed Oboz Katabatic LT Review.
• Oboz Bridger Bdry Hiking Boots: If you like a more traditional hiking boot that’s more cushioned and designed for rugged terrain, the Oboz Bridger is my go-to. I usually reserve these for backpacking, but if you want a boot that will give you more confidence on steep, rocky trails, these are a great option.
• Darn Tough Hiking Socks: My preferred hiking socks are made by a company out of Vermont called Darn Tough. They are cushioned in all the right places and over 22 days with these on the John Muir Trail, I didn’t form a single blister.

Hiking Accessories

There’s a few accessories that I always wear on my hikes – mainly for sun protection. A hat and sunglasses are key for being comfortable when hiking on sunny days.

• Wallaroo Sedona Hat: I personally like wearing something that provides maximum sun coverage, and this my #1 favorite sunhat. It doesn’t obstruct my vision, it looks great with almost any outfit, and it has a string that you can tighten so it doesn’t fly off in windy conditions (Use the code BEARFOOT20 for 20% off).
• Cotopaxi Tech 5-Panel Hat: This hat is so light and cool, I hardly notice it on my head. It doesn’t provide as much protection as a full-brimmed hat, but it’s great to pair with a sun hoody. It comes in a bunch of fun colors too.
• Buff: Ever since I did my Everest Basecamp Trek, I love wearing a Buff when I hike. A Buff provides extra sun protection on your neck, and they can be used to cover your face in the wind.
• Roka Rory 2.0 Sunglasses: Any pair of sunglasses will do, but the pair I’ve been rocking for the last few years are the Roka Rory. They are lightweight and have no-snag nose pads, which means the nose pads don’t get stuck on your hair! Plus they block 100% of harmful UV rays and you can also get them with a prescription.

I hope this guide gives you a good idea of what to wear hiking so you can be comfortable and safe on the trail.

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Do you have any hiking gear or clothing favorites? Let us know in the comments below!