Hiking, or even talking a gentle walk, is a fabulous way to appreciate the Great Outdoors while getting your endorphins flowing and your heart pumping. When it comes to what you wear, it’s important to choose the right hiking outfits for women so that you are not only stylish, but also comfortable for the length of your walk – whether you’re out for a casual stroll, or hiking for miles.
I think choosing great walking clothes puts you in the right frame of mind for exercise even before you start.
what should you consider when choosing your hiking or walking outfits?
When choosing any outfit, there are a number of considerations to take into account; from your own personal style, to the occasion and the temperature. For hiking, there are even more factors to think about…
Freedom of movement
You can choose stretch clothes or loose clothes. Just make sure you have freedom of movement and your outfit doesn’t chafe.
Hiking clothing for your comfort
Choose materials which wick sweat away from your body. Otherwise, you’ll stay too warm or too cold.
Choose the right hiking clothes for the weather
An obvious one, I know, but if you get too cold or too hot, your walk will quickly become uncomfortable. Are you hiking in dry, sunny weather? Is it humid? Is it likely to rain? The climate will dictate what you wear to a large extent.
Dawn (above) opts for an outfit that would be perfect for a winter hike, with lug soled boots and a warm coat and hat.
Recreate her look with this similar jacket, leggings, boots and beanie.
Your hiking outfits for women may need pockets
If you’re going to be out for a while, you’ll have a backpack with you. But you may also want to think about pockets so you have handy access to your phone, sunscreen, bug spray and snacks.
The best walking and hiking gear to choose
Okay, now you’re thinking about the most comfortable hiking outfits for women for your walk, let’s take a look at some of the practical (and stylish) options you could choose.
Underwear to wear under your hiking clothes for women
Let’s start from the inside out. Have you ever been for a walk, a run, a bike ride – any form of exercise – and you find your underwear is digging in or slipping? Comfort starts from the inside out on a walk.
Opt for moisture-wicking fabrics rather than cotton, and make sure you choose a good, supportive sports bra (particularly if you have a larger bust). Also, it’s probably not a good idea to choose lace trims, which could rub against your skin if you’re walking for long periods of time.
Sandra (above) opts for a supportive sports bra and comfortable leggings in eye-catching hot pink.
Steal her look with this similar active set, sneakers and water bottle.
Zella racerback bra – Natori convertible sports bra – Fruit Of The Loom moisture wicking cool-blend panties – Zella body active 3-pack thongs
Women’s hiking outfits: Hiking tops
This is one of he most important layers you can choose. Whether you need a long-sleeved base layer for under your cold winter coat, or you are wearing a vest or t-shirt, make sure it is made from moisture-wicking material such as merino wool, bamboo, or one of the synthetic blends specially made for athletic wear.
Zella performance t-shirt – MISS FORTUNE active workout shirt – Icebreaker base layer top – Sweaty Betty sweatshirt
Jackets to wear over your hiking clothing for women
The type of jacket you choose will obviously depend on the weather conditions. If it’s really hot, you may not need one at all.
A good rule of thumb, however, is to be prepared for changeable weather if you are heading out on a longer hike, or you are walking uphill, meaning the temperature may dip as you get higher. Choose a jacket that is packable, waterproof and windproof and you should be prepared for any conditions.
Helen (above) chooses a warm coat with faux fur-trimmed hood for a snowy outing.
Check out this similar jacket, leggings, boots and beanie.
Patagonia power resistant hooded windbreaker jacket – The North Face packable 700-fill power down vest – Patagonia down jacket – Via Spiga water repellent packable hooded jacket
What to wear hiking: The best pants or bottoms
Depending on your plans, you may need a flattering pair of hiking shorts for warmer weather, or you may need to consider whether you’ll need to protect your lower legs; perhaps from insects, foliage or rocks.
Nic (above) chooses a pair of leggings which would be perfect for a walk, a run, or just running a few errands.
Recreate her look with this similar top, leggings, jacket, sneakers and sunglasses.
Zella high waist ankle leggings – adidas joggers – Unitop quick dry convertible cargo pants – Little Donkey hiking shorts
Socks are an important part of your hiking outfit
It’s not often that I give socks a category all of their own. But, they’re really important if you’re hiking or heading out on a longer walk.
Again, stay away from cotton as a material as this is designed to absorb sweat rather than wick it away, so you could end up with wet feet for the whole day, making your walk pretty miserable. You can’t enjoy yourself with sore feet!
Dickies Dritech advanced moisture Wicking crew socks – WILD STAG cushion outdoor socks – YUEDGE Womens athletic socks – Buttons & Pleats merino wool socks
Shoes or boots to go with your walking clothes
Your choice or shoes or boots will depend on the weather conditions as well as the terrain you are tackling. You could opt for a pair of walking sandals for warmer weather, or choose sturdier hiking boots for a more strenuous trek.
Hiking boots will give you more ankle support. However, you may prefer trail running sneakers if you want to pick up the pace on your outing.
Annette (above) opts for high-top walking sneakers with a grippy sole.
Check out this similar coat, pants, boots. scarf, beanie and gloves.
Timberland water resistant hiking boot – Brooks trail running shoe – Columbia waterproof amped hiking shoe – KEEN outdoor sandal
Hats are vital hiking attire
No matter where you are, whether it’s hot or cold, every hike deserves a great hat.
In winter, you’ll need to keep your head warm and stop heat escaping while in summer, you’ll want to protect yourself from the sun’s rays.
Karen (above) matches her cap to her outfit.
Check out this similar active set, sneakers and cap.
Roxy baseball cap – Jane Shine bucket hat – The North Face beanie – FURTALK knitted beanie
Walking gear: Backpacks and accessories
When it comes to accessories, you will want to be thinking about practicalities. A backpack will fit in your daily essentials, while you’ll also need water and you may want to think about sunscreen, lip balm and perhaps some warm gloves and a neck warmer.
Amanda (above) opts for a cozy hat and gloves – as well as the perfect walking companions.
Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack – Waterfly Hiking Chest Bag Daypack – Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25 Sunscreen – Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Water Resistant and Non-Greasy Sunscreen Lotion – Brita Stainless Steel Water Filter Bottle – TrailBuddy Trekking Poles – TrailHeads Power Stretch Convertible Mittens – Oakley Lugplate 139mm Mirrored Shield Sunglasses – Garmin Sports Watch – MOBUR Neck Gaiter – Hiking Logbook
Your hiking outfits together in one capsule
Below, you can see some of the clothes, accessories and shoes used above together in one capsule. You could easily mix and match the outfits depending on the weather conditions, and your mood.
Continue reading:
- The Best Workout Clothes For Women: How To Look Stylish While Getting Fit And Healthy In 2020
- Best Shoes With Arch Support – Comfortable Walking Shoes To Walk In All Day!
- The Best Sneakers For Plantar Fasciitis That Are Comfortable AND On-Trend
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Feature image by Annette
Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.
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