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There’s nothing quite like a hike. From the fresh air to the endless wonders of the wilderness, exploring your local trails can help improve your overall connection to nature and state of wellness.
If you’re a newbie, however, then it should go without saying that you shouldn’t set off on a hike without the right equipment. Hiking clothes for women not only offer optimal temperature regulation but can manage unavoidable things like rain and sweat–helping you stay focused and comfortable even on the longest of wilderness hikes!
Not sure which brands are really worth it? Below, we’ve curated a list of the leading hiking clothes 2024 has to offer!
The Leading Hiking Clothes for Women in 2024
BALEAF Women's Capri Pants — Editor’s Choice
When you're on a hike, pants are arguably the most important piece of clothing. A quality pair will provide comfort and deter the scratches and stains that come from hanging bushes and muddy trails you might encounter along the way.
These BALEAF Women's Capri Pants are perfect for hikes and trail runs! Available in a wide range of sizes and colors, they're crafted from a great blend of polyester and spandex–providing comfort and elasticity for the weather.
Ultra-breathable, water-resistant, and lightweight, these pants also offer SPF 50+ sun protection. With the featured four pockets, you’ll be able to keep your smaller goods accessible and not worry about searching for them in your backpack.
Pros
- Plenty of secure pocket space
- Great sun protection
Cons
- Sizes are a little bigger than standard
OTU Women's Waterproof Rain Jacket — Best Jacket
If you like to hike in the rain and wind, you'll need a tough jacket to keep you warm and dry. The OTU women's waterproof rain jacket is the ideal outerwear element for female outdoor adventurers. This hooded jacket is available in various sizes and colors, including bold pink, sky blue and camo print.
Made from polyester, its water-resistant shell fabric works to defend against the rain and breathable interior panels for your comfort and convenience. Featuring a drawstring hem and a removable hood, this jacket is adjustable and ready for anything from rainy hikes in the forest to long walks along the beach.
Pros
- Versatile, adjustable jacket
- Water and wind resistant
- Quality materials are used throughout
Cons
- It can prove big on short people
TBMPOY UPF Sun Protection Hoodie — Best Hoodie
Next up, we have the TBMPOY women’s UPF sun protection hoodie. This hoodie is a great choice to bring along on hikes, fishing trips, camping expeditions and other outdoor adventures. It's available in over 15 different colors, with various sizes to suit your body type, too!
Made from 100% polyester, this hoodie is lightweight and soft to the touch. Shielding your body with SPF 50+ protection, it's also super resistant to the sun's rays–so you won't need to worry about burns or skin damage when hiking in the summer.
With TBMPOY, you won't need to worry about burns or skin damage when hiking in the summer. It also has some other nifty little features, like flatlock seam lines to help prevent chafing and irritation as you walk.
Pros
- Great sun protection
- Carefully designed to minimize irritation
- Very lightweight and comfortable
Cons
- Gets very warm on sunny days
Merrell Performance Hiker Socks — Best Footwear
If you're a frequent hiker, you'll know that hiking can be hard on your feet. By the end of a long walk, your feet might be aching, sweaty and tired. With the right pair of hiking socks, you can keep your feet feeling fresh and fine for much longer.
Merrell Performance Hiker Socks feature a special blend of acrylic, wool, nylon and spandex. Resulting in amazing arch support and maximum comfort, the heel and toe sections are further reinforced–helping each sock last longer and withstand even the toughest and longest of hikes without wearing down or developing holes and tears.
Pros
- Super durable and long-lasting
- Keeps feet fresher and happier
- Great arch support
Cons
- Quite pricey per pair
Under Armour Women's V-Neck — Absorbs Sweat
When it comes to styling, a good T-shirt is sometimes all you need to take your enjoyment of hiking to the next level. Under Armour’s women's V-neck is specially designed to provide the utmost comfort. Leading with the brand's patented technology to promote softer skin and allow for air flow, its material works to wick sweat to keep you dry and stretchy in every direction–allowing you to move, bend, stretch and change position without any chafing or discomfort.
As another plus, it also has a deep V-neck collar and slim fit to conform to your body!
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Wicks sweat to keep you dry
- Feels comfortable and breathable
Cons
- Some colors are see-through
How to Buy Quality Hiking Clothes for Women: A Buyer’s Guide
While hiking clothes for women are in-trend, there are still some things to look at in terms of quality. Here are some things to keep in mind before you purchase:
The Purpose of Hiking Clothes
Hiking clothes for women are specially made for hikes and outdoor activities. They may feature certain materials that are super breathable and good at wicking sweat to keep you dry, as well as handy features like pockets, hoods, and adjustable straps.
Why Women Should Wear Hiking Clothes
Here are some key reasons why you should invest in authentic hiking attire.
Comfort
Hiking is a strenuous activity. When you first set off, you might feel fine, but by the end of the hike, you’re likely going to feel sweaty. For this reason, you want clothes that are comfortable and enjoyable to wear.
Hiking clothes are specifically made to be as comfortable as possible, keeping you dry and happy even on the longest and toughest of hikes.
Longevity
Another great thing about top quality hiking clothes for women is that they’re built to last. Regular everyday clothes can easily get worn down and develop tears and holes on hikes, especially if you’re hiking through forests with lots of sharp branches around or taking a hike in difficult weather conditions. Real hiking attire will last for hike after hike!
Designed for hiking
When we say hiking attire is made for hiking, we mean that your average jacket or long sleeve may not accommodate things like stretch and wicker-absorbing properties that work to combat sweat.
Aside from this, hiking clothes for women often feature helpful add-ons like security front and back pockets to keep your phone protected and in reaching distance.
Other Things to Look For
Here are some factors to keep in mind when shopping for hiking clothes for women:
Size
Naturally, size matters when shopping for clothing. And as you would suspect, this is true for hiking attire, too.
If the clothes are too small, you may experience chafing. Similarly, clothes that are lined with heavy materials may prove too hot halfway through your trip.
Material
Check the list of materials used in the creation of your hiking clothes. Good quality materials include rayon, spandex, polyester and acrylic. Ideally, you’ll want your hiking clothes to be comfortable and soft on your skin but breathable enough so you don’t get too hot.
To combat sweat, look for key features like wicking materials and mesh panels.
Design
The aesthetics of your hiking gear can be important to you, too. Even though hiking trails are a far cry from fashion catwalks, many people still like to look good when taking a hike, especially if you plan on pausing for some photos along the way or are hiking while on vacation.
For aesthetic purposes, be sure to pay attention to the designs and color options. Invest in brands that align with your fitness beliefs and clothes that make you feel like your best self!
