What to Wear to Go Hiking: Tried and True Basics for Looking and Feeling Good.

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Whether you’re a novice hiker or simply getting started, the question of what to wear when hiking isn’t always the easiest to answer. The season, weather, terrain, and difficulty level can all impact the basics and layers you’ll need to stay comfortable (and look your best!) on the trail. This can seem daunting, especially if you’re just getting started, but we can assure you that dressing for the outdoors is much simpler when you know what’s available. 

That’s why we’re here! Like you, we love to get outside and move our bodies under the sun and want to feel like ourselves while doing it. We know what women need to feel their best when it comes to fit, function, and style, and we use that knowledge to curate the best options for you. Oh, and because we’re also fed up with recreation stereotypes—you know the ones: the ultra-rugged, competition-crazed, and granola-coded—we’ve intentionally chosen brands that design with women in mind. So you never have to worry about finding a ‘fit that’s true to you.

What to Wear Hiking: Tips for Finding Your ‘Fit

Know your climate and terrain.

Before you even think about getting dressed, you’ll need to know what type of climate and terrain you’ll be hiking in. An outfit recipe built for a hot and humid trek won’t work for a fall morning hike in the mountains—there are no if and or butts about it! So, in the name of comfort and function, first check the weather report for the day. Pay attention to what the temps will be when you start your hike and what they will be throughout your hike because they can sneak up on ya quickly, no matter where you’re hiking. Also, keep in mind that the temperature at the base can vary drastically from the temperature at the summit. To stay on top of the weather possibilities, we recommend using AllTrails+. Their weather report and community reviews will paint a picture of what the day may hold regarding terrain, varying temperatures, and some of the on-the-ground conditions (like snow or mud). 

Layer up!

Per our previous point, the weather while hiking can shift on a dime, so you’ll want to stay prepared by having various types of layers in your closet. Below, we’ll dive into the different types of layers and when you’ll need each.

Don’t be afraid of color

This might (literally) be the pot calling the kettle black, as gals who have a drawer filled with more pairs of black leggings than we care to count. However, you shouldn’t be afraid to incorporate colorful pieces into your hiking outfit! Take it from our founder, Madeleine (me)—the colorful pieces from my closet, like these Salomon trail running shoes, are always my favorite to wear on the trail.  

What to Wear Hiking: A Fool Proof Style Recipe

From the novice to the expert, these clothing items will easily take you from the starting point to the summit. We recommend keeping at least one of each on hand to be prepared for any condition. 

Hiking Base Layer Tops: Tank Tops, Dresses, and Long Sleeves

As the name suggests, the base layer is the layer closest to your skin. For your top, this could be a long sleeve, a tank top, or even an exercise dress, depending on the weather. When choosing your base layer, avoid anything that lists cotton as the primary fabric type—these fabrics are heavy and will trap sweat instead of wicking it away from your skin. Instead, look for something made from either polyester, spandex, or Merino wool to dry while you’re on the move. 

Hiking Bottoms: Shorts, Leggings, and Pants

For bottoms, leggings or biker shorts work fine for light day hikes; just keep in mind that because of their soft, stretchy nature, these fabric types are more susceptible to snags from sharp rocks or harsh brush. If you’re headed on a hike with largely unkempt terrain, you’ll want to reach for something with stronger abrasion resistance to avoid snags and tears. For this, we recommend getting hiking pants or shorts made from nylon. We love the Adams Nylon Short from Halfdays and the Trailmix Pant from SENIQ. 

Mid Layers: Fleeces and Jackets

This is your next layer, typically a warmer jacket, vest, or sweatshirt to, uh, top things off—literally. When hiking at higher elevations or in densely wooded areas, the climate can cool off dramatically, even if the temperature at the base of the mountain is hot. Always double-check the weather on the AllTrails+ app before going and err on the side of caution. If you’re unsure of how hot or cold you might be, it’s best to stash a fleece away in your backpack should you need it. 

 

Shell or Outerwear Layers

You should only need this layer if you’re hiking in the cold, snow, or rain. We hate to point out the obvious, but if it’s raining, bring a rain jacket, and if it’s snowing, bring a water-resistant snow jacket to round out your outfit. If you’re a fair-weather hiker, keep scrolling!

 

Shoes

Thanks to the cultural shift around outdoor recreation, hiking shoes are a whole heck of a lot cuter than they used to be. Unlike the other categories on this list, hiking shoes are fairly versatile, meaning you can wear most shoes in any climate (except sandals in the snow). We recommend finding something that feels comfortable on your foot—whether that’s a hiking boot (more ankle support), hiking sneakers (lighter weight), or hiking sandals (less coverage, more breathability). Some of our favorite brands to shop from are Hoka, Merrell, and Teva. 

 

Bag(s) 

The most essential factor in choosing a bag is ensuring it can fit some sort of water bottle or bladder to keep you hydrated—yes, even if it’s just for a short hike. For lighter or shorter hikes, you can get away with a fanny pack or crossbody bag that fits your phone, a small water bottle, snack, and keys. For more intense hikes, you’ll need a large backpack that can fit plenty of water and snacks. If you don’t like the idea of a fanny pack or backpack, a running vest is a great compromise, at least for shorter hikes. It’s light enough that you forget it’s there but spacious enough to fit the necessities. 

 

Sunglasses 

This one seems obvious, but they’re easy to forget, especially on a gloomy day. You don’t want to reach an incredible view only to be squinting through the sun's beaming rays to see it. Sports sunglasses are great because they are designed with activity in mind, but honestly, any pair with proper UV protection will do. 

 

Hats

A hat is optional depending on the weather but not optional if you want to be fully accessorized. For cooler temps, we recommend adding a Merino wool beanie and a nylon cap for warmer temperatures. Both will do a great job regulating the ol’noggin while working up a sweat.

From Trail to Town: 14 Cute Hiking Outfits for Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter

What to Wear Hiking in the Summer

SENIQ Oasis Tank and Trailmix Short Brighten your trail style up with this bold pink set from SENIQ.

Halfdays Marie Top and Adams Nylon Short Keep things cool, and comfortable, with this cool blue summer hiking set from Halfdays.

Hikerkind Short Sleeve Hiking Dress, Base Layer Short, and Base Layer Hiking Top Dress things up a bit with this short sleeve hiking dress and matching set from Hikerkind

Alala Barre Seamless Cami Bra and Short Get your best hiker's tan in this soft pink bike short and bra set from Alala

What to Wear to Go Hiking in the Fall

SENIQ Oasis Tank and Trail Mix Pant Stay grounded with the cabin colored hiking tank and pants from SENIQ

Halfdays Sophia Legging, Johnson Top, and Davis Jacket Layer up with the Halfdays convertible vest jacket—perfect for unpredictable fall temps.

SENIQ Field Crop Tank, Trailmix Pant, and Dirtpop Jacket Look chic and see new views in this sharp three-part hiking set from SENIQ.

Alala Seamless Barre Cami Bra and Legging Trek boldly with this merlot hued set from Alala.

 What to Wear to Go Hiking in the Spring

Halfdays Marie Top and Sophia Legging Get to glowing in this butter yellow set from Halfdays

SENIQ Trailmix Short, Oasis Tank, and Dirtpop Jacket Keep your layers light with this 3-piece short, top and jacket system from SENIQ.

Halfdays Marie Top, Pieper Fleece, and Adams Nylon Short Stay cozy in this teddy fleece and nylon shorts combo from Halfdays

SENIQ Field Crop Tank and Trailmix Pant Let your style breathe with this lightweight hike tank and pants set from SENIQ

What to Wear to Go Hiking in the Winter

Halfdays Sophia Legging, Johnson Top, and Nellie Packable Puffer Lock in warmth with the Halfdays base layers and medium weight puffy jacket.

Halfdays Sophia Legging, Johnson Top, and Pieper Fleece Look sharp and stay warm the best-selling fleece and base layers.