As anyone who's spent 10 minutes swiping through mountaintop selfie profile pictures on Tinder knows, people love hiking, and they love looking cute while doing it.
And why not? Hiking offers amazing health benefits, including increased strength and endurance, exposure to nature and fresh air, and reduced anxiety. The best part of hiking is the victory selfie you get at the summit or at the scenic overlook. Capturing your Instagram-worthy victory without looking like a sweaty Sasquatch. The right hiking attire is key.
Dressing for Hiking: Some General Rules
The best hiking clothes are those that are safe, dry, and comfortable without restricting movement. But if they look cute, that’s a bonus. The right hiking gear will vary depending on the season, climate, and environmental conditions. We’ve included some basic tips.
1. Practice the art of layering
Layering is a clothing strategy that allows you to adjust your temperature and comfort by adding or removing layers depending on the weather and your level of activity. The basic formula for layering hiking clothes is:
- A base layer that wicks moisture away quickly (more on that later).
- Insulating intermediate layer.
- An outer layer that protects against wind and rain.
2. Choose fabrics that absorb moisture.
This is especially important for underwear or clothing that touches the skin.
Moisture wicking refers to the ability of a material to draw sweat from the body and move it to the outer surface of the fabric, speeding up the drying process. Avoid cotton and denim, which do not absorb moisture, and use moisture-wicking fabrics such as polyester, wool, and synthetic blends.
3. Buy good hiking boots
Ideally, you want hiking boots or trail shoes that have ankle support, cushioning, and durability. A good boot should fit snugly, but not too tight, and should have enough room for your toes to move.
4. Expect the unexpected
Remember, the weather can always be colder, wetter, snowier, or clearer than forecast. Plus, you may encounter unexpected obstacles like rocks, branches, and bushes. Always wear or pack extra clothing. It’s a good idea to pack one more layer than you think you’ll need. And prioritize clothing that allows you to move freely.
What is the best clothing for hiking? A seasonal guide
While the basic rules of hiking apply year-round, the best hiking attire varies depending on the season and climate. With that in mind, we’ve broken down some general tips for finding stylish and functional hiking attire for each season.
Note: Products reflect prices and availability at the time of publication..
summer hiking clothes
Summer hiking clothes help protect you from common summer problems like strong sunlight, moisture, ticks, scorpions, and mosquitoes.
In hot weather, it is especially important to wear moisture-wicking fabrics. Managing sweat is important to avoid bacterial growth and to stay comfortable, dry, and cool. Clothing with a high ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) is also important. This clothing protects against UV rays. Look for clothing with a UPF rating of 30 or higher. Also, choose loose-fitting, light-colored clothing over dark, tight-fitting styles. Finally, don’t forget accessories, such as sunglasses, a hat with a brim, and breathable socks.
Here are some stylish and great summer outdoor hiking outfits for men and women to get you ready for your next sunny hike.
Shop Summer Hiking Outfits for Women
- Lake Washed Bucket Hat: $38 from Free People
- Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Socks: $24 at L.L.Bean
- Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped Hiking Boots: $100 in Columbia
- Movement Lux High-Rise Capri Hiking Leggings: $59.99 at Eddie Bauer (regularly $75)
Shop Summer Hiking Clothing for Men
- REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hooded Sweatshirt: $49.95 at REI
- Delirium Bremer: $59 at Patagonia
- Under Armour Tech 2.0 Short Sleeve T-Shirt: $18.75 on Amazon (regularly $25)
Spring and Fall Hiking Clothing
The reason I've grouped spring and fall hiking gear together is because the weather is pretty unpredictable in both seasons. You can have rain and wind one day, and hot sun the next. That's why layering is even more important in these two seasons.
We recommend layering a long-sleeved shirt or fleece over a T-shirt and pants, and a windbreaker. Choose a backpack that is large enough to hold extra clothes when you take them off.
For inspiration on your next spring/fall hiking outfit, here are some recommendations:
Shop Spring and Fall Hiking Outfits for Women
- Under Armour Tech Twist Short Sleeve V-Neck T-Shirt: $17.97 – $19.98 at Bass Pro Shop (regularly $25)
- REI Co-op Sahara Convertible Pants: $39.83 at REI (regularly $79.95)
- BALEAF Hiking Pants: $37.99 on Amazon
- Sorel Lennox Hiker Waterproof Boots: $173.95 at Zappos (regularly $200)
- The North Face Women's Antora Jacket: $76.99 – $110 (regularly $110) at Dick's Sporting Goods
- LL Bean Sweater Fleece Pullover: $59.99 and up at LL Bean
Shop Spring and Fall Hiking Clothing for Men
- HOKA Trail Code GTX Hiking Boots: $184.99 at Dick's Sporting Goods
- Mountain Classic Fleece Jacket: at $54.99 at LL Bean
- Snack Pants: $90 in Cotopaxi
- Yeti Crossroad Backpack: $200 from Yeti
Winter Hiking Clothing
First and foremost, unless you live somewhere warm like Texas, Florida, or Southern California, winter hiking is best avoided. Snow, ice, and sub-zero temperatures are not fun and can be downright dangerous, especially for novice hikers.
That said, if you’re in a warm climate, you’ll still need to be mindful of your clothing. You’ll need heavy fleece pants, a form-fitting, moisture-wicking base layer, a removable, insulated mid layer, and a waterproof, weather-resistant, breathable outer layer. Finish with a warm beanie, neck gaiter, gloves or mittens, warm, moisture-wicking socks, and weather-resistant hiking boots.
Here are some ideas for winter hiking clothing for both men and women to help you stay warm and cozy while facing the winter weather.
Shop Winter Hiking Outfits for Women
- Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Bottom: at $60.50 from Backcountry
- Natural Reflections Chillproof Base Layer Long Sleeve Shirt: $29.99 at Cabela's
- Roxy Shelter Insulated Jacket: $134.83 at REI (regularly $269.95)
- Last track gloves: $20 from Columbia (regular price $40)
- Inlet Vest: $149 and Athleta
- Shark Head Beanie: $22 at Gym Shark
Shop Winter Hiking Clothing for Men
- Marmot Highlander Down Jacket: $224.95 from Backcountry
- Terrex Free Hiker 2.0 Shoe: $140 at Adidas (regularly $200)
- Fisherman's Roll Beanie: $39 at Patagonia
- Spruce Heavyweight Merino Baselayer Bottom – Men’s: $49.50 – $54.95 at Backcountry (regularly $99)
- Men's Base Layer Thermal Shirt – Carhartt Force®: $44.99 – $54.99 at Carhartt
- Omni Thermal Vest: $95 at Oakley
The post Cute Hiking Outfits for Every Season appeared first on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.
