What to Wear Hiking: A Women’s Guide to Outdoor Apparel
Wondering what to wear hiking? In this post, I share the best hiking clothes that I wear in some combination on every single hiking or backpacking trip I go on.
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.
This post may contain affiliate links.
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:
Carry your layers in a daypack
You’ll want a hiking daypack that has enough room to carry your extra layers. I usually opt for a daypack with a 20-30 liter capacity. See my favorite women’s daypacks in this post.
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.
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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 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 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 flattering 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 van, I look for clothing that can be worn several times before it really needs 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 shirt is made from 50-100% recycled content).
This mid-layer jacket is warm, yet breathes it 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:
Read next: Looking for more jacket recommendations? Check out my post on the Best Women’s Synthetic Jackets.
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.
Read next: Looking for more recommendations? Check out our Women’s Hiking Shorts Gear Guide.
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. Here are a couple pairs of pants I really like for summer hiking.
Read next: Still shopping around? Find more great bottoms over on my Best Women’s Hiking Pants and Leggings blog post.
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, then it’s always smart 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.
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.
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.
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.
I hope this guide gives you a good idea of what to wear hiking so you can be comfortable and safe on the trail.
More Hiking Apparel Tips
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Do you have any hiking gear or clothing favorites? Let us know in the comments below!
Nice list
Thank you!
Yesss, Darn Tough! So glad to see them getting a shout out…since I found them a few months ago, they’re the only sock I’ll wear running or hiking.
Same. I’m still wearing the two pairs that I took on the John Muir Trail a couple years ago and they are like new.
Thanks for the list! I love your site. I’m preparing for a JMT hike this summer in July and I’m trying to figure out which pants to bring: I have Marmot Lobo convertible hiking pants/shorts, leggings, and the same REI fleece pants you mention. The leggings are a little heavy, so I’m leaning towards leaving them behind, but it just feels strange to not bring leggings along. Thoughts?
Leggings are a must for me. I just got these Arcteryx leggings and I think they are going to be my new go to: http://bit.ly/22gDLDc I haven’t hiked in them yet, but I skied in them the other day and really liked them. I also like these tights by Mountain Hardwear: http://goo.gl/qTLBmx.
If you bring leggings then you can probably swap out the convertible hiking pants for a pair of shorts.
Hi Kristen! This post was super helpful! It looks like the Mountain Hardwear leggings are pretty much sold out everywhere now. Also, the link to the Arcteryx leggings doesn’t seem to go to a specific product. Do you have any recommendations for other leggings/tights? Thanks!!
Ah sorry about that and thanks for letting me know. I’ll update the post now with some new links.
Glad to see that my list matches your almost exactly! Different brands here and there but the same exact list. I’m a big fan of spandex shorts and pants specifically because my thighs touch and having anything baggy at all will leave me pretty chafed. Thanks for sharing!
These are great choices! My pack list is very similar, including the merino long sleeve and same Patagonia Nano Puff. The only thing I would add for those new to hiking/camping: Check out Uniqlo. The Heattech and Airism lines are a great and affordable option for base layers, underwear, etc. I also like their ultra light down vests for another packable layer.
When you did the JMT did you switch out of your boots and wear the Tevas for water crossings? Can’t really imagine hiking with wet shoes/socks! Thanks
It was a very Informative and helpful list but I understand it was mostly directed towards ladies. Leaving aside the socks, boots,rain jacket and down jackets, could you add something specifically for men. I mean with your experience you could easily gather what is popular among competitive male hikers.
This addition would make this a very comprehensive and wholesome piece.
In any case it was a very helpful article. Many thanks to you. And do keep writing your thoughtful and very practical article’s. I have found your blog the best among all others I have read till now.
Thanks and the very best.
i just bought myself the la sportiva nucleo gtx hiking boots and i absolutely love them! a sales person at rei recommended them, after i tried on about 3 pairs at the store. it felt so good after i put them on, they feel so light! i’ve hiked with them at yosemite and i love them!!
Angie, I have a pair of the La Sportiva Nucleo’s as well! Great to hear they are working for you.
Hi ! I just discuvered your blog and I really love it ! I am from France and live in a city close to the montains (Grenoble) and a blog like yours is like my bible ! Keep writting posts with a lot of advises for beginiers and others !
(sorry for the mistakes, I am not used to write in English!)
Thank, Milla, for stopping by!
Thank you for the list!
Great guide dear. Very informative. I recently researched and wrote an article on best hiking shoes for women that are comfortable and stylish. It seems companies out their focus on comfort than how the gear looks. I guess for me as long as the boots are comfy, waterproof and kinda chic, I will be happy.
hello just wondering what month you went in and how cold was it?
Hi Maddy, we hike year-round. Is there a specific trail you are inquiring about?
Merci pour tous les bons conseils!
Reste une question… Je devrai marcher à peu près 25 km par jour pendant 6 semaines sur un terrain de difficulté moyenne à difficile avec des montées et des descentes, dans un climat chaud variant de 10 à 30 degrés.
Je me demande encore si je dois opter pour des souliers de marche avec ou sans GORE-TEX.
Le GORE-TEX me tiendra au sec de l’extérieur en cas de pluie mais rendra mes pieds humides à l’intérieur et donc risque d’ampoules.
Le GORE-TEX est parfait pour l’hiver mais pour l’été, je n’en suis pas si certaine. J’ai l’impression qu’ils seront trop chauds.
Que me conseilles-tu?
Hi Jocelyne, you are right that Gore-Tex might be a bit too hot in the summer. If you’re going to be hiking in a warm climate you might want to consider a more breathable option. Also don’t forget to pack extra socks and change socks frequently. When I hiked the Pacific Crest Trail (20+ miles a day) I often changed my socks at least 3 times a day; this helps keep your feet dry and protects you from blisters.
Hi there
i Work as a mountains guide in morocco atlas mountains i did a lot of treks with a lot of people its very usefull for me what you mentioned in your article thank you very much
In your picture where you are standing by the JM Wilderness Inyo sign – what is hanging off your pack waist belt (orange) and what do you use it for? Thx
Great list!
Totally team hiking leggings! Don’t go without anymore 😀
Nothing else to add besides: I also “wear” natural sunscreen on my skin and self-made lip balm on my lips 😉
You made such an interesting piece to read, giving every subject enlightenment for us to gain knowledge. Thanks for sharing the such information with us to read this…
Hi I also work with tourists, as a mountain guide, and what you write on your article is very useful for me, thank you
Glad you found this helpful 🙂
thank you for this article
Great
jennifer
The hiking Pants on this list are really impressive. I think good hiking apparel shouldn’t sacrifice comfort over functionality and brands like https://coalatree.com/products/trailhead-pants have mastered this and I really love how the quality of products they make because of this!
Hiking is one of the best adventurous sports and I have always wanted to try it with my friends. Thanks for sharing these wonderful insights on clothes required for hiking.
Hello Kristen,
Thank you for the wonderful tips. I have been getting into hiking for the last couple of months, as it is a great activity and I am able to spend more time outside. I still have not bought the whole equipment, as it is an investment and I do not want to spend that much money in one go… Something that I have to invest in, are the shoes… I have been using timberland shoes and impregnated the shoes, for them to be waterproof as I think it is very important, after reading the pros about waterproofing shoes here: https://nano-care.com/products/impregnation/
Do you think the shoes should be higher up in my must buy equipment, or do I get along fine with my Timberland shoes?
Thank you
It really depends on what kind of terrain you’re hiking in. If you’re hiking in wet conditions, a fully waterproof might be worthwhile. But if you’re hiking on mostly dry trails, your Timberlands should be fine. For more info on waterproof vs non-waterproof hiking boots, check out this blog post.
It’s very nice idea to write an article for this topic. I noticed that many people can’t understand about their trekking clothes so i will share this blog with them. I am sure this article will be very helpful to your readers. Keep sharing your ideas!
Great information! Thank you for sharing with us. Keep sharing…